During this particular period, Scott Lang, Hope van Dyne, and James Rhodes had been dedicating considerable time and effort to researching how they might locate specific materials within this galaxy that could be used to repair and upgrade their team's various equipment and armor systems. Fortunately, after weeks of intensive study and investigation, they had finally begun to make some meaningful progress in this crucial endeavor.
"I have to admit, their periodic table of elements is absolutely bizarre compared to what we're familiar with," Hope commented as she studied a comprehensive list of chemical elements displayed on her workstation screen, many of which simply did not exist naturally on Earth.
"My friends, I am pleased to report that I have successfully managed to identify several substances that correspond closely to elements we know from Earth," announced the holographic figure of a Republic research droid that had been assisting them with their materials analysis. "Additionally, I have discovered several metallic compounds that may prove extremely useful when properly integrated into your existing technological devices."
"What exactly have you found?" Scott asked with obvious interest and anticipation.
"During your previous combat encounters with enemies such as General Grievous and the Dark Jedi assassin Asajj Ventress, their lightsaber weapons would have proven extremely lethal if they had managed to make direct contact with your current armor systems," the droid explained with clinical precision.
"Really? I'm shocked," James said with obvious sarcasm, having experienced firsthand just how devastating those energy weapons could be in battle.
"Fortunately, Captain Rogers' vibranium shield was able to successfully deflect and absorb their lightsaber strikes without sustaining any damage whatsoever," the droid continued.
"But not everyone on our team has access to vibranium," Hope pointed out with practical concern.
"Exactly, so unless we're planning to melt down Steve's shield and redistribute the vibranium to create armor for everyone—which I'm pretty sure he wouldn't appreciate—we need to find alternative materials that can provide similar protective properties," Scott added with obvious logic.
"So what specifically have you discovered that might work for our purposes?" Hope asked the research droid.
Several detailed holographic images appeared on the main display screen, and the droid began its presentation. "The first material is called Cortosis. From the extensive data I have been able to gather from Republic archives, this substance possesses unique properties that make it both fibrous in structure and highly conductive. This metal has the remarkable ability to temporarily disable a lightsaber upon direct contact, and when properly integrated into armor plating, it can also provide significant protection against standard blaster fire."
"That sounds absolutely incredible," Scott said with genuine excitement about the defensive possibilities.
"Indeed it is quite impressive. What is the next option?" James asked, leaning forward with obvious interest.
"The second material is a legendary metal called Beskar, also commonly known throughout the galaxy as Mandalorian Iron," the droid continued. "This substance can withstand direct blaster fire from even the most powerful weapons and demonstrates remarkable resilience against lightsaber strikes. It is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after materials in the entire galaxy."
"Where exactly can we locate and acquire these metals?" Hope asked with growing excitement about the upgrade possibilities.
The research droid activated a comprehensive galactic map, highlighting specific regions where Cortosis could be found.
"Cortosis ore can be located on dozens of different planets throughout the galaxy, and it is constantly being mined and collected to reinforce starships, ground vehicles, tanks, and other military equipment, especially during these wartime conditions. Acquisition should be relatively straightforward through legitimate commercial channels."
The display then zoomed in to highlight only two specific planetary systems in a different region of the galaxy.
"However, if you wish to obtain genuine Beskar from its primary sources, the task will prove significantly more challenging and potentially dangerous."
"Why is that?" Scott asked with growing concern.
"According to the information I have downloaded from the HoloNet, due to the ongoing civil war among the various Mandalorian factions, access to Beskar has been severely restricted by governmental decree issued by their current ruler, Duchess Satine Kryze. She believes that Beskar has been used to fuel warfare and violence throughout Mandalorian history and is partially responsible for their current conflicts. Therefore, she has mandated that its distribution must be carefully controlled. Currently, there are only two locations where Beskar can be legitimately obtained: their moon Concordia and the planet Mandalore itself."
"So how exactly are we supposed to acquire these materials?" James asked, crossing his arms thoughtfully as he considered their limited options. "That Beskar situation sounds particularly problematic."
"Well, we basically have three options," Scott said, counting on his fingers. "We either have to find it on the black market, go directly to the source and try to negotiate some kind of deal, or—if those approaches don't work—we could always just steal what we need." This last suggestion earned him several disapproving looks from his teammates.
"I believe that purchasing Cortosis through legitimate channels is entirely feasible," the research droid interjected helpfully.
Scott was certain he had misheard and asked with obvious confusion, "What? What exactly are we supposed to use to buy anything? We don't have any local currency."
"In recent weeks, through the introduction of Earth entertainment such as billiards,bowling and what you call 'Queen's music,' you have successfully accumulated a substantial amount of Republic credits that would be more than sufficient to purchase the necessary Cortosis ore," the droid explained.
"What do the preliminary simulation results show regarding compatibility?" Hope asked with scientific curiosity.
"The computational models indicate that Cortosis demonstrates excellent compatibility with your existing armor systems and should integrate smoothly with your current technology," the droid reported.
All three Avengers nodded with satisfaction, and Scott added, "Of course, computer simulations can only take us so far. What we really need to do next is determine the correct proportions and integration methods to ensure that our existing weapons and defensive systems continue to function properly with the new materials."
Meanwhile, in a completely different part of the Jedi Temple, Spider-Man had created an improvised hammock using his web-shooters between two massive stone pillars in the expansive Temple library. He was lying comfortably in his silk creation, absentmindedly reading a technical manual about starfighter piloting and repair procedures.
Peter carried a small notebook with him wherever he went, allowing him to jot down important information and keep detailed records of all the new knowledge he was constantly acquiring. With so many fascinating new technologies and concepts to learn about in this galaxy, he found himself always busy studying everything he could absorb about their advanced civilization.
He had become so completely absorbed in his reading that he didn't notice the sound of approaching footsteps that stopped directly beside his suspended reading spot.
"Ahem," came a polite but attention-getting cough from below.
Peter blinked and looked down to see Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee standing beneath his web hammock, with Ahsoka wearing an obviously amused smile on her face.
"You look remarkably... comfortable up there," Ahsoka observed with gentle teasing.
"Well, of course I am," Peter replied with lazy contentment, adjusting his position slightly in the webbing.
"That's quite an impressive construction," Barriss commented, examining the web structure with obvious curiosity.
"I could make web hammocks for both of you if you'd like," Peter suggested generously. "You two look like you could use some relaxation time."
"Won't the webbing stick to our clothes and robes?" Barriss asked with practical concern.
"I can actually control and adjust the adhesive properties of my webs," Peter explained. "I can make them completely non-stick if needed."
"How long will the webbing actually last?" Ahsoka asked, reaching out to tentatively test the strength of the silk strands. "I thought you mentioned that your webs naturally dissolve after about an hour, and I definitely don't want to be relaxing and suddenly find myself falling to the floor."
"I can modify the chemical composition to make them last as long as needed," Peter assured her as he prepared to jump down from his elevated position.
In his eagerness to join his friends, Peter forgot about the notebook that had been resting on his chest. As he leaped down, the book fell toward the floor, but Barriss reacted with impressive Jedi reflexes and caught it before it could hit the ground.
After handing the notebook back to Peter, Barriss studied his face intently for several long moments. "Is everything alright, Peter? You seem... different today."
"Different how?" Peter asked with growing uncertainty about where this conversation was heading.
"You appear to be keeping yourself exceptionally busy," Barriss observed as she had briefly glanced through his densely filled notebook. "But there's something else."
"Does it really matter?" Peter asked, though his tone suggested he was hoping to avoid a deeper discussion.
Barriss closed her eyes and reached out through the Force, focusing her abilities on reading Peter's emotional state. "You seem... troubled about something. No, more than troubled—you're genuinely worried. Peter, I can sense that something significant is weighing heavily on your mind. There's a deep feeling of guilt mixed with your other emotions."
Barriss opened her eyes and looked directly at Peter, who felt distinctly uncomfortable under her penetrating gaze. He had the unsettling sensation that the young Jedi was somehow seeing straight through to his innermost thoughts and feelings.
Ahsoka looked back and forth between Barriss and Peter, who appeared stunned by the accuracy of her Force-enhanced perception.
"What Barriss is trying to tell you," Ahsoka explained gently, "is that she can sense through the Force that something is genuinely bothering you. You've been here with us for several days now, and since we spend so much time together, she's already noticed the emotional disturbance."
"Yes, that's exactly right," Barriss confirmed with compassionate concern. "Peter, what's really troubling you? Does this have anything to do with us, or with the Temple, or with how you're being treated here?"
Peter waved his hands frantically to dispel that notion.
"No, no, it's nothing like that at all," he said earnestly. "I genuinely appreciate everything you've both done for me, and everyone here has been incredibly kind and welcoming."
"Then what is it?" Ahsoka asked gently, her voice filled with sincere curiosity and concern.
Peter hesitated for a long moment, clearly struggling with whether to share his deeper feelings. Finally, he said quietly, "I just... I really miss home. More importantly, I'm constantly worried about my Aunt May."
"Your aunt?" Barriss asked softly, sensing the deep emotional connection behind that simple word.
"Yeah," Peter said with obvious longing and pain in his voice. "She's basically everything to me. After my parents died when I was very young, she and my Uncle Ben raised me as if I were their own son. Uncle Ben died a few years ago, so now it's just May and me. We're all each other has left in the world." His voice grew quieter and more emotional. "But now, I don't even know how I ended up in this galaxy, and I have absolutely no way to contact her and let her know I'm safe. She must be incredibly worried right now, probably thinking something terrible has happened to me."
Both young Jedi exchanged meaningful glances, clearly moved by Peter's obvious pain and uncertainty about how they might help him with such a profound problem.