Natasha smiled, finding herself genuinely amused by the sight of little Mara Jade waving her arms enthusiastically in the air, her face lit up with pure joy.
"Thank goodness you're not as chunky as Clint's newest little one," Natasha said teasingly, carefully setting the baby down and gently poking her tiny nose with her finger.
"It's a good thing she doesn't understand a word we're saying yet," Hope said with a warm smile, watching as the baby giggled at their attention.
Pietro, Scott, Sam, and Rhodey had just returned from grabbing dinner together, their conversation still echoing in the hallway as they entered. Across the room, Steve and Matt were deep in conversation, getting better acquainted with each other's methods and philosophies. Meanwhile, Peter was completely absorbed in exploring his suit's capabilities, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"There are so many damn programs and attachments built into this thing," Peter muttered, scrolling through yet another menu on his HUD. "I swear Mr. Stark went completely overboard this time."
Right beside Peter, Baby Yoda sat contentedly on a small web swing that Peter had crafted for him, his tiny hands gripping the webbing as he swayed back and forth with obvious delight.
"This is very interesting indeed," FRIDAY's voice came through Rhodes's suit speakers as she interfaced with the computer setup that Scott and Hope had assembled. "Everyone, I've discovered something. Something quite significant."
"What is it?" Steve asked, his natural leadership drawing the other Avengers' attention toward the holographic display FRIDAY was projecting.
"I've been monitoring Republic interstellar communications channels, and I've detected what appears to be a matching signal pattern."
"Matching?" Peter looked up from his suit diagnostics, his spider-sense tingling with curiosity. "What kind of signal are we talking about here?"
"Earth-based communication waves," FRIDAY explained, her revelation causing every Avenger in the room to focus intently on her words.
"Are you absolutely certain about this, FRIDAY?" Hope asked, her voice betraying her amazement at the astronomical odds of such a discovery.
"The signal originated from the same location that you and Natasha recently learned about regarding Senator Amidala's intelligence reports," FRIDAY stated with her characteristic precision.
"Geonosis?" Natasha's eyebrows raised.
"Affirmative."
"Geonosis," Steve repeated thoughtfully, the name carrying significant weight. "Anakin and Obi-Wan briefed me about that planet – it's where this entire war began. You two discussed with Senator Amidala about separatist droid factories being constructed there, correct?"
"That's right," Hope confirmed with a nod.
Natasha hummed thoughtfully, her tactical mind already working through possibilities as she gently freed her red hair from Mara's surprisingly strong grip. "So it's entirely possible that one of our missing teammates – or one of our enemies – is currently on Geonosis."
"Hold on," Hope interjected, her scientific background making her question the data. "How can we be certain this signal actually originated from our Earth? And more importantly, how recent is this transmission? For all we know, this could be weeks or even months old."
"This represents the most recent signal detection," FRIDAY clarified. "Based on my calculations of transmission time through the Republic's communication relay network, this signal was sent approximately one week ago."
"Well, that certainly narrows things down," Matt said, his enhanced senses picking up the tension in everyone's voices.
Peter let out a frustrated sigh. "Okay, let's think about this logically. Besides Rumlow, who was definitely in that weapon deal with us when we got transported here, the only other people who were present during the incident were the Wakandan and possibly another Hydra or Klaue force."
"Steve, what's your assessment?" Matt asked respectfully, turning toward where he could sense the super soldier's presence.
Steve looked at the lawyer with a slight smile of confusion before his expression grew contemplative and serious.
"I think we need to consult with the Jedi Council before making any definitive tactical decisions."
"Why's that?" Pietro asked, his impatience showing.
"We need to ensure we can actually reach Geonosis safely. Based on the intelligence Natasha and Hope gathered, that planet is back under Separatist control, which means we could be walking directly into an elaborate trap."
As if summoned by their conversation, the door to their quarters slid open with a soft hiss, and Ahsoka, Anakin, and Obi-Wan entered the room.
"Speak of the devil," Peter quipped, shooting a meaningful glance toward Matt, knowing the lawyer would detect his expression through his other heightened senses. Matt simply maintained his stoic expression in response.
"Anakin," Steve greeted warmly. "Obi-Wan, Ahsoka. What brings you here? Is everything alright?"
"We just wanted to check in on everyone," Ahsoka said with her characteristic cheerful demeanor, her eyes immediately drawn to Baby Yoda, who was still happily enjoying his web swing ride.
"That's thoughtful of you," Obi-Wan replied diplomatically, though his tone carried a more serious undertone. "However, I'm afraid we've come with a rather urgent request."
"What kind of request?" Rhodey asked.
"It concerns Geonosis."
The Avengers exchanged quick glances with each other, various expressions of surprise, concern, and recognition crossing their faces.
"Well... that's certainly convenient timing," Peter said, unconsciously rubbing the back of his neck – a nervous habit he'd developed.
Ahsoka's head tilted with curiosity, her montrals shifting slightly. "What do you mean by that?"
"Let's just say we recently discovered some information through our AI assistant FRIDAY that directly relates to your request about that particular planet," Matt explained carefully.
"The intelligence suggests it might involve one of our missing teammates," Hope added. "Though there's also a possibility it could be a hostile."
Now it was the Jedi who exchanged meaningful looks, their Force-enhanced intuition clearly picking up on the significance of this coincidence.
"Perhaps," Obi-Wan said thoughtfully, stroking his beard, "we should discuss this matter with the Council and coordinate our efforts."
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