As Ahsoka began reflecting on her actions in solitude, Steve Rogers was holding a private meeting with the Avengers in their quarters.
"How was your deployment to Felucia, Captain?" Hope asked.
Before Captain America could respond, Falcon spoke up first. "It was a complete mess. Casualties were heavy."
"Based on what we saw in that battle, the Republic is being outmatched," Steve said bluntly. "It looks like the Separatist battle droids have received significant upgrades."
"And we need to resupply our ammunition," War Machine added. "FRIDAY, what's the status on integrating Republic weapons technology into our equipment?"
"Integration is approximately fifty percent complete, Colonel Rhodes," the Avengers' AI assistant replied.
"Well, that's something at least," Falcon muttered.
Their conversation was interrupted by a soft groaning sound from across the room.
Hope immediately moved over to Scott, who was still bedridden after his battle with the Zilo Beast.
"How's Scott doing?" Steve asked with genuine concern.
"He's much better now, but still needs more recovery time," Hope said softly.
"It's been almost ten days," Sam said, clearly worried. "Why is it taking so long for him to recover?"
"He grew to nearly ten to fifteen times larger than when he first attempted GiAnt-Man mode with my father," Hope explained, gently checking Scott's vitals. "The physiological strain was enormous, so his recovery is taking much longer."
"So what's his current condition?" Rhodes asked quietly.
"He's stabilizing," Hope replied. "He had a high fever for several days, but he should be regaining consciousness soon."
"Good to hear," Falcon said with relief, a sentiment echoed by the other Avengers.
"I could use some recovery time myself," Pietro said, adjusting the bandages on his arm that had been injured on Felucia.
"You're supposed to be the fastest guy alive, but you're more banged up than the rest of us combined. How does that happen?" War Machine asked with dry amusement.
"If Wanda were here, she'd definitely call you reckless and stupid," Natasha observed with a pointed look at Pietro. "For what it's worth, we're thinking the same thing."
"Yeah, well, Wanda isn't here," Pietro said with a shrug, his shoulders sagging as his mood visibly darkened at the mention of his still-missing sister.
"Hey, Pietro," Rhodes said, noticing the change and giving him an encouraging nudge. "We're going to find Wanda. And Vision too."
"Speaking of missing people, we've got two more newcomers who arrived with Parker—Murdock and T'Challa," Steve added.
"One crisis after another," Sam said, sitting down and grabbing a water bottle. "I need a breather, especially after that disaster on Felucia."
"I still can't believe the Jedi would put a teenager in command of troops," Natasha said. "Why would they send children into battle at such a young age?"
When the Jedi Order was mentioned, Steve's demeanor shifted noticeably, becoming more serious and troubled. Pietro noticed the change immediately. "Cap, you alright?"
The others looked over with concern.
"It's nothing," he replied tersely.
"Come on, Steve. What's eating at you?" Natasha pressed.
He looked around at his team before crossing his arms and staring at the floor, thinking back to a recent conversation he'd had with Jedi Master Tera Sinube.
"There's something... something you all need to know," Steve said slowly. "Something I recently learned about the Jedi Order."
Cap then recounted everything Master Sinube had told him, leaving nothing out. From the hierarchical structure of the Order, to the "recruitment" of infants, to the restrictive and dogmatic rules of the Jedi Code. He made sure they understood the full scope of what he'd learned.
Their reactions were exactly what Steve had expected.
"So we've been working alongside what's essentially a religious cult? They're systematically indoctrinating children into emotionless soldiers?" Natasha asked, anger flashing in her eyes.
Of all people, Natasha had particular contempt for this kind of systematic conditioning, given her own traumatic experiences with the Red Room.
Noticing the dangerous look on Natasha's face, Sam spoke up carefully. "Should we be worried about you doing something... inadvisable?"
"No, Sam."
"I know you, Nat," Sam said. "But we can't go off half-cocked here."
"I know," Natasha said through gritted teeth.
"But this is absolutely insane," Pietro said bluntly. "No attachments? No emotions? What kind of organization is this? I thought these people were supposed to be the good guys."
"Starting to think there aren't any good guys in this war," Sam muttered.
"What do we do about this, Steve?" Hope asked. "Because honestly, I'm having serious reservations about this 'Jedi Order' now."
Steve sighed and shook his head. "We can't take a completely adversarial stance here. Whatever else they are, they've given us sanctuary. We need to handle this situation very carefully."
"But Steve!" Hope protested, knowing how Scott would react if he heard this. "This is systematic brainwashing. Are we really going to just ignore it?"
"I wish it were that simple," Steve admitted. "Master Sinube explained it better than I can."
"Master Sinube?" Rhodes repeated. "The elderly Jedi with the walking stick?"
"That's him," Steve confirmed. "He was the one who explained how the Jedi Order actually operates. More specifically, how it's been operating for the past thousand years. Even though the Jedi Code has existed for millennia, it apparently wasn't always as rigid as it is now. He said everything changed after something called the New Sith Wars, which led to a major reformation of the Order. But he made it clear that he doesn't agree with the current interpretation of the Code, and he doesn't strictly follow it."
"What?" several Avengers exclaimed in surprise.
"He told me he had a romantic relationship with another Jedi Master," Steve continued, still seeming incredulous. "A Jedi named Master Nema, who was one of Aayla Secura's teachers and helped train her. Master Sinube openly admitted that the current Jedi Order has become stagnant and desperately needs reform."
"So they're not all mindless drones of this organization?" Sam asked hopefully.
"No, not all of them," Steve confirmed.
KNOCK KNOCK
The Avengers stopped their conversation and exchanged glances.
"Are we expecting company?" Pietro asked with forced lightness.
"Steve?"
Obi-Wan's voice came from outside their door.
"May I speak with you?"
The Avengers looked uncertain, but Steve walked over and opened the door for the Jedi Master.
"Obi-Wan," Steve said, forcing a smile. "What can I do for you?"
"I need your help with something," Obi-Wan said, his expression unusually grave