The circular conference chamber within Theed Palace had been transformed into an impromptu diplomatic meeting room, its elegant Naboo architecture providing a fitting backdrop for what would prove to be one of the most unusual debriefings in galactic history. Around the polished stone table sat an extraordinary assembly: Jedi Knights still bearing the dust of battle, clone commanders whose armor told stories of countless engagements, senators whose political acumen had guided worlds through crisis, and the Queen of Naboo herself.
All eyes in the room were focused on three figures whose very presence challenged everything they thought they knew about the galaxy.
"On behalf of the Galactic Republic, the Jedi Order, and the people of Naboo," Obi-Wan Kenobi began with characteristic diplomatic grace, "we extend our deepest gratitude to the three of you. Your intervention during the Separatist assault was nothing short of miraculous. Without your assistance, I fear the outcome would have been far different."
"I cannot adequately express what your actions mean to my people," Padmé added, her voice carrying the weight of genuine emotion. "You fought to protect strangers on a world you'd never seen before. That kind of selfless courage is truly remarkable."
Scott was about to respond with his typical self-deprecating humor when Sam's subtle elbow to his ribs caught his attention. A quick glance at Steve's expression told him that this formal gratitude was merely the prelude to more serious questions.
"That being said," Anakin continued, his directness cutting through the diplomatic pleasantries, "I think everyone here is wondering the same thing. Who exactly are you? Where did you come from? And how did you acquire such extraordinary abilities?"
Obi-Wan stroked his beard thoughtfully, his keen analytical mind already working through the implications. "While my young friend's approach lacks subtlety, his question is valid. Your fighting techniques, your equipment, your tactical coordination—none of it matches anything in our databases or experience."
Steve, Sam, and Scott exchanged meaningful glances, each weighing the risks and benefits of various levels of disclosure.
"Honestly," Steve said carefully, choosing his words with the precision of someone accustomed to classified briefings, "we're not entirely certain ourselves how we ended up here. What we do know is that we've become involved in a conflict we don't fully understand, on a world we'd never heard of before yesterday."
"Then why choose to fight?" Aayla Secura asked, her violet eyes reflecting genuine curiosity. "If this wasn't your war, if you had no stake in the outcome, why risk your lives for strangers?"
Steve's expression grew serious, his voice carrying the conviction of deeply held principles. "Because we couldn't stand by and watch innocent people suffer and die. It doesn't matter what planet we're on or what the political complexities might be—protecting civilian lives is the right thing to do."
The power and sincerity of his words seemed to resonate throughout the chamber. The Jedi Knights, clone officers, and political leaders all found themselves impressed by this simple yet profound moral stance from these mysterious strangers.
Obi-Wan's Force-enhanced perception picked up undercurrents of truth mixed with careful omission in Steve's statements. After a moment of contemplative silence, he leaned forward slightly. "Perhaps we can reach a mutually beneficial arrangement."
"What did you have in mind?" Steve asked.
"An exchange of information," Obi-Wan proposed. "We provide you with context about this galaxy, its political situation, the nature of this war, and the various factions involved. In return, you share more details about your origins and capabilities."
"We can give you a comprehensive briefing on both the Republic and the Separatist Alliance," Anakin added. "Their motivations, their leadership, their military capabilities—everything you'd need to understand what you've gotten involved in."
Queen Jamillia spoke up from her position at the head of the table. "And if there's any way Naboo can assist you—resources, transportation, diplomatic contacts—please don't hesitate to ask. You've earned the eternal gratitude of my people."
Steve studied the faces around the table, recognizing that they had reached a crucial decision point. These people had fought alongside them, had accepted them as allies despite their mysterious origins. Refusing to share any information would likely transform potential friends into suspicious adversaries.
Walking closer to the center of the room, Steve met the gazes of the three Jedi Knights directly. "What exactly do you want to know?"
Several hours later, Steve would have been lying if he said he had a clear understanding of where they were heading or what their ultimate plan should be.
Captain America, Falcon, and Ant-Man were currently aboard Anakin Skywalker's flagship, the Venator-class Star Destroyer Resolute. According to their Jedi hosts, they were traveling to a planet called Coruscant—described as the beating heart and capital of the Galactic Republic.
During their extended debriefing on Naboo, Steve had revealed that they originated from a world called Earth, making it clear to the assembled Jedi, clone officers, and senators that their people possessed no interstellar travel capabilities and had virtually no knowledge of galactic civilization or current political conflicts.
Following this revelation, Aayla Secura had suggested that accompanying the Republic forces to Coruscant would be their best option. As the capital world of the galaxy's largest government, it offered the most resources, the greatest security, and the highest likelihood of finding information that might help them understand how they had been transported across space.
The other Jedi and political leaders had unanimously supported this proposal, though Steve suspected their motivations weren't entirely altruistic. Leaving three individuals with their demonstrated capabilities unsupervised on Naboo would have created significant security concerns.
Now, sitting in guest quarters aboard one of the Republic's most advanced warships, the three Avengers found themselves grappling with the reality of their situation. They had traveled from an unfamiliar planet to a completely alien spacecraft, surrounded by beings whose technology, culture, and capabilities were beyond their previous experience. Under such circumstances, maintaining high alert seemed like the only sensible approach.
Scott's leg bounced nervously as he sat on the edge of his bunk, the constant subtle vibrations of the ship's engines doing nothing to calm his anxiety. Sam methodically checked and rechecked his equipment, ensuring that his wings, weapons, and communication systems would function properly if emergency action became necessary.
Steve, meanwhile, had taken out a small notebook and was sketching, using the familiar routine of documenting his observations to help process the overwhelming nature of their situation.
His concentration was interrupted by the soft hiss of the door opening. Ahsoka Tano stepped into the room, her distinctive head-tails and facial markings immediately identifying her as the young Togruta Padawan they had met during the battle.
All three men turned to look at her, their silent attention creating an intensity that made the young Jedi visibly uncomfortable.
"Um," she began, unconsciously wringing her hands, "we're about to drop out of hyperspace and arrive at Coruscant. Would you like to come to the bridge and see the approach?"
The three exchanged glances before Sam shrugged. "We're not doing anything else particularly useful right now. Might as well see what all the fuss is about."
As they followed Ahsoka through the corridors of the Resolute, they passed clone troopers performing various duties throughout the ship. Most of the soldiers simply nodded respectfully or offered brief salutes, but the off-duty personnel were less restrained in their curiosity.
"Are those the three from Naboo?" one clone whispered to his companion.
"Yeah, that's them," came the reply. "The ones who helped break the Separatist siege."
"I saw some of the battle recordings," another voice added. "Their combat capabilities are incredible."
"Sounds like you've already developed a reputation," Ahsoka observed with a slight smile.
Steve shook his head ruefully. "That's not exactly what we were aiming for."
Ahsoka's expression grew more serious, tinged with admiration. "You saved countless lives on Naboo. Senator Amidala and Senator Organa both told us that without your intervention, the civilian casualties would have been catastrophic."
"We couldn't have done anything else," Sam replied gently. "Everyone we met showed us nothing but kindness and cooperation from the moment we arrived. How could we not help when they needed it?"
"Wait," Scott interjected with mock indignation, "they were kind and cooperative with you from the beginning? Meanwhile, I got held at gunpoint the first time I showed up in the palace."
"That's not the first time someone's made that mistake about you," Sam laughed, and even Steve couldn't help but smile at the familiar banter.
Ahsoka glanced back at them curiously, intrigued by the easy camaraderie between these mysterious warriors, before leading them onto the ship's bridge.
The command center was a hub of controlled activity, with clone officers monitoring various stations while holographic displays showed tactical information and communication feeds. At the central holocommunication table stood her Master Anakin, along with Captain Rex, Obi-Wan, Commander Cody, Aayla Secura, Commander Bly, and Senators Amidala and Organa. Their conversation stopped when they noticed the arrival of the four newcomers.
Anakin acknowledged his Padawan with a nod before turning his attention to the three men behind her.
"Welcome to the bridge," Obi-Wan said cordially. "I trust you're finding your accommodations acceptable?"
"Very comfortable, thank you," Steve replied formally. "We appreciate your hospitality."
"Is this really your first time leaving your homeworld?" Aayla asked suddenly, her tone carrying a mixture of curiosity and amazement.
"Apart from Thor, no one else from Earth has ever traveled beyond our solar system," Steve explained.
"Our world has been aware of extraterrestrial life for some time," Sam added. "We've been preparing for eventual contact with alien civilizations, but we never expected it to happen like this, or to involve just a few of us."
Obi-Wan's analytical mind immediately focused on a key detail. "You mentioned that this Thor is the only person from your world capable of interstellar travel?"
"Not in the way you travel through space," Steve clarified, recognizing the direction of the question.
"What do you mean?" Ahsoka asked, her curiosity evident.
"It's difficult to explain," Sam admitted.
"Mainly because we don't fully understand Thor's method of travel ourselves," Steve added with characteristic honesty.
The straightforward admission created a moment of thoughtful silence, until Scott's voice broke the quiet with a question: "So, uh, what exactly is this Croissant place we're heading to?"
"Croissant?" Captain Rex repeated, exchanging a confused glance with Commander Cody. "What's a croissant?"
"Coruscant," Aayla corrected with barely concealed amusement, realizing that Scott had confused the pronunciation. "It's the center of both the Republic government and the Jedi Order. You could call it the heart of galactic civilization."
"What's it like there?" Sam asked.
Before anyone could respond, a clone officer's voice came through the bridge communicator: "General, we're approaching Coruscant. Preparing to exit hyperspace momentarily."
"If you want to understand what Coruscant represents," Ahsoka said with a playful grin, gently nudging Sam's arm, "you're about to see for yourself."