"My, myyyye, just whoooo do we have here?" Roswall asked as he, Emilia, Rem, Ram, and Welheim exited the large front door of the mansion, their faces showing surprise at the unexpected visitors and the strange craft. Roswall, in particular, seemed intrigued as he took in the diverse group before him. His tall, lithe form and hair glinted in the light, while his violet eyes sparkled with curiosity and amusement. He moved forward, his long, elegant fingers gesticulating as he spoke. Emilia stepped forward, her voice filled with a mix of concern and excitement. "Roswall, look! It's Bubba, and he's brought others with him!" Her emerald eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took in the motley crew, her blonde hair whipping gently in the alien breeze.

  Ram, hovered close to Emilia, her pink eyes wide. "Wow, who are all these people? Will this create more work for us maids' sisters?" She asked, her voice a mixture of annoyance and trepidation.

  Rem, her sister, responded in kind, "Sister, it appears as that we're going to have a lot of cleaning indeed. EspeciallyWith the Crusch camp here as well."

  “I can help!”, Bell appeared.

  Ram nodded approvingly, “Already better than Barasu.”

  Subaru joined them from the doorway, "Whoa! What the- Spaceships!?"

  Emilia perked up, "Subaru you know what these are too?" Subaru nodded, his eyes wide with amazement. "Yeah, I've seen enough sci-fi movies to recognize a spaceship when I see one. But I never thought I'd see one in real life, let alone in this crazy world." He turned to Bubba, a grin spreading across his face. "Looks like you've been busy, Bubba. Who are these new friends of yours?"

  Bubba grinned back, gesturing to the group. "Well, Subaru, meet Herra, Zeb, Sabine, and Chopper. They're the crew of the Ghost ship. These two are Ratchet and Clank." Bubba's grin widened as he introduced the group, his voice booming with pride and camaraderie. "We've got a plan, and we need all the help we can get."

  Herra stepped forward, her voice steady and confident. "We're here to help. Bubba filled us in on the situation, and we're ready to do our part. We've got the Ghost ship at our disposal, and we're not afraid to use it."

  Zeb, ever the eager one, cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Yeah, and I've got a few tricks up my sleeve too."

  "Bubba, do you plan to fill my home with strange beings and people?" Asked Roswall in a mixed tone.

  Bubba nodded, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Hey, Roswall, I get it. Bringing a bunch of new folks to your place might be a bit of an adjustment. But you gotta trust me on this one. The situation is worse than we thought. I'd be happy to explain."

  Roswall's face relaxed, and he gestured expansively. "Very well, Bubba. You have my attention. Please, enlighten us all on this dire situation." He turned to the group, his violet eyes scanning each face with curiosity. "And do make yourselves at home, my new guests. I'm sure we have much to discuss."

  The vast group went through the double doors into a vast foyer of marble and stone. Sabine whistled, “Reminds me of Mandalore House head homes.”

  Inside a large dining hall the group gathered around a familiar large table of polished wood. Bell and the maids running off to attend to their duties. Outside, Wilhelm was training Otto in the art of the sword.

  Bubba cleared his throat, preparing to explain the situation. "Alright, so here's the deal. We've discovered that a faction called the Banished are controlling 18 out of 24 spires across this world. We just shut down one, and I'm sure you can guess where this is going, we have to shut them all down to get the local monitor to send us home, or defeat the banished." As Bubba delivered this dire news, the group absorbed it in shocked silence.

  Emilia stepped forward, her brow furrowed with concern. "So we're at war with this Banished faction now? What are they like?"

  Bubba grimaced, rubbing the back of his neck. "They're alien. Really tough. We took down a lot of them using spirit arts and modern weapons, but I don't doubt they'll bring more forces soon. We've got to prepare for that."

  Herra's face hardened at the mention of battle. "We've seen them too, on our journey here. Nasty business."

  Ratchet nodded in agreement, his wrench at the ready. "Those guys are bad news."

  Garfeil hit his fists together, "They weren't so tuff." He scoffed

  Herra chuckled grimly, her gaze drifting over to where Julius, Garfeil, and Bubba were cleaning and organizing the equipment. "Those gauntlets of his did most of the work. But yeah, the Banished were formidable."

  Bubba, having finished his explanation, turned to the group with a determined expression. "So that's the situation in a nutshell. We've got a long road ahead of us, and I know it's not going to be easy. But I think if we gather enough allies we can do this. Herra, Ratchet, can your ships scan the planet and space for ships? We might be able to make some friends and see where the Banished are. Since I shut down the portals here, we should be safe for now."

  Emilia furrowed her brow, her gaze distant as she pondered Bubba's words. "You're right, Bubba. This is going to be a challenge unlike any we've faced before. But we can't let fear hold us back." Subaru stepped forward, "Emilia is right as always, we've got to work together on this." Roswall nodded solemnly, his violet eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "Indeed, we must face this threat head-on. Our world is at stake, and we cannot afford to underestimate the Banished. We must gather our strength and prepare for the battles ahead."

  Julius, ever the strategist, began to pace thoughtfully. "We need to assess our resources and capabilities."

  "We can do a scan, maybe there's more rebel ships?" said Herra.

  "We can try as well, I'll stay in the ship while Ratchet discusses with you all.", clank.

  Roswall's violet eyes darted between his guests, concern etched on his face. "We must be prepared for the Banished to strike at any moment. My home has ample space for us to train and prepare, but we need to establish a proper defense system."

  Bubba nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "You're right, Roswall. We need to fortify this place ASAP. Herra, can you and your crew help us set up some basic defense systems? Maybe some automated turrets or something?"

  Herra stroked her chin thoughtfully. "We can certainly help with that. "I'll have Zeb and Sabine set up a perimeter with some of our more advanced scanning equipment. That should give us an early warning system if anything hostile approaches."

  Ratchet stepped forward, his OmniWrench slung over his shoulder. "And I can rig up some basic defense turrets. Nothing too fancy, but it should help even the odds a bit."

  Julius clapped his hands together decisively. "Excellent. While they focus on defense, the rest of us should start training. Garfeil, Otto, training with the enemy weapons may be paramount."

  Garfeil grinned, already moving to the weapons cache. "Of course! I can't wait to try out some of those Banished weapons. They look powerful!" Emilia and Subaru exchanged worried glances at Garfeil's enthusiasm for combat, but Bubba just chuckled.

  "First we need to sleep and recover. I'll be heading in for the night." "Ah Emilia-tan! I'd be happy to escort you, maybe tuck you in?" Subaru offered.

  "Oh Subaru, I'm sure you need some rest too. So head to bed please my knight." Emilia

  Subaru sighed. Clank returned, "I'm afraid the scanning will take all night due to Banished interference."

  Herra sighed and shook her head, her gaze darting between Subaru and Emilia. "As much as I would love to join in the fun, I need to focus on the scan right now. But don't you worry about a thing, Emilia. Subaru will be a perfect gentleman and make sure you get to bed safe and sound. Won't you?"

  She smirked and nudged Subaru playfully, causing the knight to stumble slightly and blush. "H-hey, what kind of knight would I be if I didn't keep my lady safe? You have my word, Emilia." Subaru puffed out his chest proudly.

  Bubba- "Subaru we still need to chat... remember?"

  Subaru's eyes widened in panic as he remembered your private conversation earlier. "O-oh right, the anime tropes discussion. You're right, we should finish that up."

  Emilia noticed the change in Subaru's demeanor and stepped closer. "Anime? Are you sure this is appropriate right now, given the dire circumstances?" Emilia looked at Subaru, clearly wanting to hear an explanation, as did Roswall and Ram. You and Subaru exchanged glances, realizing you need to come up with a more plausible excuse.

  "We were just, ah, comparing survival techniques from different anime and isekai worlds!" Subaru quickly improvises.

  Bubba- "It's a cultural thing, from our homeland. Subaru hasn't seen someone from our home in over a year"

  Emilia's brow furrowed, but she softened at the thought of Subaru's homesickness. "I see... Well, I suppose it's important to keep in touch with one's roots, especially in times like these."

  Roswall stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Subaru's shoulder. "You have my deepest sympathies, Subaru. It's no easy feat, being so far from home for so long. Please, feel free to take all the time you need to reconnect with your roots."

  Ram crossed her arms, still looking skeptical but also touched by Subaru's plight. "Hmph. Fine."

  The Ghost crew slept in their ship. Ratchet used the opportunity to have a nice place to sleep in the mansion. Clank continued the scan with Herra.

  Subaru and Bubba began their talk in his room "Listen, Subaru. About our little talk earlier..." Bubba began, his words weighted with significance as he shut the door.

  Subaru shifted nervously, remembering their earlier conversation about your past.

  "You said you wanted to discuss some... anime tropes, right?" His face twisted, trying to process the complex topic.

  "I didn't expect that to come up now, in front of Emilia and the others. I'm sorry, I panicked."

  Bubba sighed, running a hand through his hair. "No, I understand. It was an... unexpected topic of conversation, given our situation." "So, re zero. First off I can explain some things about the Watergate city arc..."

  Subaru frowned, "Right, we've got something in Watergate city to face when we get home. Please Bubba, tell me all you can about my future in this... anime.”

  Bubba nodded solemnly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Alright, Subaru, let's dive into it. The Watergate City arc is rough, and it's crucial that you understand what's coming your way."

  Subaru leaned in, his eyes wide with anticipation. "I'm listening. What happens in Watergate City?" The two spent several hours discussing Subarus story and how he can make his life easier and avoid trouble. The two went to sleep around 2am.

  The next morning came quickly, Subaru and Bubba awoke to the sound of commotion outside. They quickly dressed and headed downstairs, where they found Emilia, Ram, Roswall, Julius, and the Ghost crew gathered around a large holographic display.

  "What's going on?" Subaru asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

  Emilia turned to face him, her expression grave. "The scan is complete. The Banished have a significant presence on this world, and they're moving to consolidate their power. We need to act fast if we're going to have any hope of stopping them."

  Roswall stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the display. "The situation is dire, Subaru. The Banished are systematically activating more spires, and their forces are growing by the day. We must gather our allies and prepare for a potential war." Subaru's eyes widened as he processed the information.

  "I understand. So, what's the plan then?" Julius interjected, gesturing to a map on the holographic display. "We've identified several key locations where we believe we can establish a foothold and mount a resistance. The first order of business is to secure those areas and establish a base of operations."

  Bubba asks, "Did the scan reveal any non banished ships?"

  Clank's eyes whirled rapidly as he accessed the data banks, his metallic frame vibrating slightly. "Affirmative. The scan did indeed reveal a number of other unidentified vessel signatures, as well as some Herra recognized."

  Herra, "There are 4 venator 2s in formation in an asteroid field. There's also a 2.5 kilometers long ship at one of the spires not controlled by the banished."

  Bubba, "We could contact the venators and maybe scout the other ship with stealth?"

  Sabine, "You don't think those Venators are from a different time do you? I can't think of another reason they would have 4 of them. Bubba said the portals affect time too right? If they are republic, they may be on our side if we can talk to them”

  We could scout the big ship with stealth." Ratchet said as Herra's face contorted with concern as she tapped her comm unit. "The Venators are definitely from a different time. Their signatures match Republic-era vessels. Let's hope they are friendly. I'll get in touch with the Venators and see if they're willing to join our cause. In the meantime, Ratchet and Clank, I need you to prepare a stealth mission to scout that 2.5 km ship. Be careful and report back any intel you can gather."

  As Ratchet and Clank nodded in agreement and began prepping their equipment, Bubba turned his attention back to the holographic display. "Emilia, I need you and Subaru to stay here and help coordinate the defenses with Julius and Roswall. Herra, keep an eye on those Banished movements and let us know if anything changes."

  Subaru stepped forward, a determined look on his face. "Understood, Bubba. We'll do whatever we can to help from here. Just be careful out there, okay?" His concern was evident, and he and Emilia shared a brief, worried look. The Banished were proving to be a formidable enemy, and the thought of losing their newfound allies weighed heavily on their minds.

  Bubba- "Herra let's try to contact them now with the ship, everyone stay safe. Clank should be able to inform us if anyone crosses the perimeter."

  Herra nodded, and they went to the ghost while the others made defenses, sabine went to duel garfeil which drew several spectators. The Ghost ship's advanced systems whirred to life as Herra activated the communication array. “What should we say?” asked herra

  Bubba leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed in thought as he considered the best approach. After a moment, a sly grin spread across his face. "I've got an idea," he declared, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "How about we send a transmission that's, let's say, a bit unconventional? We need to pique their interest and make them curious enough to want to talk to us."

  Herra cocked an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you have in mind, Bubba? I'm open to anything that might get a response out of them."

  Bubba chuckled, leaning forward and placing his elbows on his knees. "I'm going to send them an offer they can't refuse, go ahead and send them this message. "Republic ships. We know how to return home, and I know who the sith lord is, your looking for. We're gathering allies to take on the banished, the major force you can see all over the planet. It's the only way to return home. We won't win alone, I await your response."

  Herra's eyes widened as she processed Bubba's message. "That's... quite the offer, Bubba. But I think it just might work. The promise of a way home and the chance to take down a Sith Lord? That's bound to get their attention." She began typing the message into the communication array, her fingers flying across the holographic keyboard.

  As the transmission was sent, a tense silence filled the Ghost ship's bridge. Everyone held their breath, waiting for a response from the mysterious Republic ships. Minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Suddenly, a crackle of static filled the air, and a voice emerged from the speakers. "This is Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi master and republic general. We've been stranded here for a day now and have bad hostile contact with these Banished. We would be happy to have a meet and greet and discuss our potentials." The voice that crackled over the comms was unmistakably Kenobi's. A sense of relief washed over Bubba and Herra, followed closely by a newfound sense of purpose. They had found potential allies, and with their combined strength, the fight against the Banished seemed a little less daunting.

  "General Kenobi," Bubba replied, his voice steady and confident. "We're glad to have made contact with you and your forces. We've been dealing with the Banished for a while now, and we know firsthand the threat they pose. We believe that by working together, we can find a way to not only defeat them but also find a path home for everyone stranded here."

  "That would be our goal as well. Could you travel to our location?" Asked Kenobi, Herra glanced at Bubba, awaiting his response. The prospect of meeting with the Republic forces was both exciting and nerve-wracking. They had so much to discuss and plan, but first, they needed to ensure a safe meeting place.

  Bubba leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed in thought. "General Kenobi, we would be more than happy to meet with you and your forces. We can travel via our ship", He looked at herra who nodded.

  "Excellent," Kenobi's voice crackled over the comms. "We're currently in a secure location, but the Banished forces are growing more aggressive by the day. We'll need to move quickly to avoid detection and potential conflict."

  > You say "We're on our way. May the force be with you"

  The words hung in the air for a moment, and then Kenobi's voice came through, tinged with amusement. "And also with you, my friend. We'll be waiting at the coordinates I'm about to send. Be careful on your journey - the Banished have been increasing their patrols lately, and we've seen some concerning activity near our location."

  Herra quickly programmed the coordinates into the Ghost ship's navigation system as Bubba nodded, a determined look on his face. "We'll be there as soon as we can, General. And don't worry - we've got a few tricks up our sleeves." He turned to the others, who were already preparing for the journey

  Bubba- "Herra would you mind if I traveled with you to meet them?"

  Herra's face relaxed into a gentle smile as she turned to face you. "Of course not, Bubba. I'd be glad for the company - and the backup." She adjusted some controls on the Ghost ship's console. "Besides, having you along might help break the ice with the Republic forces. Your… unique perspective and knowledge could be invaluable in this meeting."

  The ship's engines hummed to life as Herra guided it through the air. Through the viewscreen, was the landscape of the shield world below, a patchwork of alien flora and fauna. After several hours, as they approached the coordinates Kenobi had provided, a massive structure came into view - a Republic-era vessel, its hull battered but still imposing. As the Ghost ship descended into the Republic vessel, you could see a flurry of activity in the hangar. Figures in white and blue armor moved with purpose, their movements crisp and disciplined. At the center of it all stood a tall, lean figure in a brown robe, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Beside him was Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka, and Captain Rex, people both Bubba and Herra recognized.

  Herra set the ship down with a gentle thud, and the ramp lowered with a hiss. Bubba and Herra stepped out onto the landing pad, their eyes adjusting to the harsh lighting of the hangar. The air was thick with the smell of fuel and sweat, a stark contrast to the pristine white of the Jedi robes. Kenobi approached, his hand outstretched in greeting. "Welcome, I am Obi-Wan Kenobi. This is my former padawan, Anakin Skywalker, Captain Rex, and Ahsoka Tano. We appreciate your willingness to meet with us."

  Herra and Bubba shook hands with the Jedi and Republic forces, the air charged with the unspoken tension of two worlds colliding. "Thank you for agreeing to this meeting, General," Herra said, her words carrying an edge of respect.

  "You said you know who the sith lord is." Asked Anakin with a hint of anger.

  "Now Anakin we have pressing matters as well." Obi-Wan Kenobi interjected, placing a calming hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Let us first address the immediate threat of the Banished. We can discuss the Sith Lord later." He turned his gaze back to Herra and Bubba. "I understand you have information that could aid us in our fight against these alien forces. Please, share what you know."

  Bubba- "The banished are sort of pirates led by a brute named Atriox. They are trying to take over this planet, which has portals to other places and times. We have to shut down 23 more spires before the local monitor of this world will be able to send us home"

  Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the information. "Pirates, you say? And they are led by this Atriox. That explains their ruthless tactics and disregard for life." He turned to Anakin, Ahsoka, and Captain Rex, who nodded in understanding. "We've encountered similar threats before, though none quite like this. The Banished control over the spires is a significant advantage for them, and we must act swiftly to turn the tide."

  Anakin's expression darkened, his grip tightening on the hilt of his lightsaber. "We can't let them gain any more power. If they control the portals, they could wreak havoc across the galaxy."

  "What are you suggesting we do?" asked Ahsoka.

  Herra stepped forward, her eyes alight with determination. "We believe that by combining our knowledge and resources, we can devise a plan to shut down the remaining spires and free this world from the Banished grasp."

  Obi-Wan nodded in agreement, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're right. Cooperation and strategic coordination will be essential for our success."

  Captain Rex interjected, his voice steady and calm. "Perhaps we could work on a rotating schedule, sending teams to tackle multiple spires simultaneously. By dividing our efforts, we might be able to outpace their ability to reinforce the remaining strongholds."

  Anakin frowned, his gaze distant as if pondering a troubling thought.

  Bubba- "I think a few teams could go from spire to spire, whichever ones are the least defended. Or we could find and kill Atriox."

  Obi-Wan's face was set in a solemn mask, his eyes narrowing with concern. "Your suggestion has merit, but it's not without risk." He turned to address the entire group, his hands gesturing expansively. "We must carefully consider the best approach. Simply attacking the weakest spires could be exactly what the Banished want us to do. It could be a trap, and we'd be playing right into their hands."

  Captain Rex stepped forward, his voice carrying authority as he spoke. "I agree. We need more intelligence before committing to any course of action. A direct assault on Atriox would be ill-advised unless we have concrete information about his location and vulnerabilities."

  Just then Zeb exited the ship, "Ratchet is calling, apparently their stealth didn't work. The big ship got word of you and would like to chat." Bubba and Herra exchanged glances, a mix of apprehension and anticipation in their eyes. They turned back to the assembled Jedi and Republic forces, who were already reaching for their weapons and comm units.

  Bubba- "We found a large ship and sent another team to see who they were, hoping to find more allies. I'll go speak with them now. Zeb, did they say anything else?"

  Zeb, "Yea, their captain is named Cutter and they are uns... some acronym I can't remember. They almost fired on Ratchet's ship, but once they heard you met with the monitor they wanted to talk."

  Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his lightsaber. "This is troubling. A new faction entering the equation could complicate matters significantly." He turned to address you directly, his words carrying a note of warning. "Be cautious, my friend. We know little about this Cutter or his crew. They could be as dangerous as the Banished, or perhaps even more so. The Banished at least have a predictable pattern of behavior. This new group is an unknown variable."

  Captain Rex stepped forward, his hand resting on his blaster. "I agree with Master Kenobi. We should send a small, heavily armed team to make contact."

  Bubba- "I think you could use your secure comms, I know about the unsc, I might be able to sway them. Herra, "You seem to know everyone Bubba." "It's the only use I have here. I can explain, but you won't like the answer. I'm going to use the comms now"

  Obi-Wan's gaze softened slightly as he regarded you, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Very well, Bubba. Use the comms to establish contact. We'll stand ready to support you in any way we can." He turned to the others, his voice low and commanding. "Prepare for any eventuality. We don't know what this Cutter and his crew are capable of, but we must be ready to defend ourselves and our allies."

  Anakin nodded, his expression grim. "I'll coordinate with the troops. We'll have snipers and heavy artillery ready just in case things go south." He turned to Ahsoka, who nodded in understanding, her hand resting on her lightsaber.

  Bubba- "We should make a home base somewhere on the planet. Yall work out the details if you can and I'll make contact."

  Bubba entered the Ghost and got on the coms to speak with Cutter. The Ghost's interior hummed with a low, steady drone, the air filled with the scent of history and the faint hum of advanced technology. Bubba settled into the pilot's seat, his fingers dancing over the controls as you activated the secure communication system. The holographic interface flickered to life, displaying a series of options and channels. He selected the one that would connect him to the mysterious ship and its captain, Cutter.

  A moment of static crackled through the comms, and then a voice, gruff and authoritative, came through the speakers. "This is Captain Cutter of the UNSC Spirit of Fire. We found a ship spying on us and are holding fire for now. They explained that someone contacted the monitor of this shield world."

  Bubba- "Yes that was me. Please don't shoot Ratchet's ship, they just were looking for allies. The monitor, 519, explained to me what we have to do to get home. I'd be happy to meet with you. My name is Bubba."

  The comm crackled with a static hiss, then Cutter's voice returned, a hint of suspicion in his tone. "Bubba, huh? Well, that's a new one. And I suppose this Ratchet and his little pal are with you, too?"

  Bubba chuckled, the sound rich and full of warmth despite the tense situation. "Yep, that's us alright. I promise we mean you no harm, Captain. We're just trying to get by on in this crazy world, same as you."

  Cutter's voice crackled over the comms, "Well, Bubba, I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm not in the habit of trusting just anyone who shows up on my doorstep. Especially not on a place like this." He paused, and you could almost hear the gears turning in his head. "Tell you what. I'll send a shuttle over to your position. You and your friends can come aboard the Spirit of Fire for a little chat. But I warn you, we'll be keeping a close eye on you. Any funny business, and you'll be eating lead before you can blink."

  Bubba- "Understood Captain, I'll await your transport"

  The comms crackled once more before falling silent, leaving you alone with the hum of the Ghost's systems. Bubba leaned back in the pilot's seat, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. The situation was delicate, but he was no stranger to high-stakes negotiations. He turned to Herra, who had been watching him intently. "Herra, we need to prepare for this meeting. I know what to expect from Cutter and his crew, but so we should be ready for anything."

  Herra nodded, her expression serious. "I'll alert the others and make sure everyone is on high alert. We'll need to be cautious, but also open to the possibility of an alliance."

  Bubba- "Ratchet is heading here with his ship and a transport to the ship. The spirit of fire. I'd love some company for the trip, I'm thinking of asking Anakin, Ahsoka, and Ratchet and Clank"

  Herra's face lit up with surprise at your suggestion. "Anakin and Ahsoka? That's quite the you just met them Bubba. Are you sure they'll be able to make it on such short notice?" She tapped a few keys on her console, bringing up a holographic display showing the current positions of the various ships and personnel.

  Bubba nodded confidently. "I'm sure they can make it work. They're both pretty resourceful, and I think having them along could be really helpful in this situation. "I'll go find them and ask for their help. This is what Jedi do after all"

  Bubba stepped out of the Ghost and into the hangar bay of the venator 2. The hangar bay of the Venator-class Republic cruiser was a sprawling expanse of metal and machinery, the air thick with the scent of oil and the hum of distant power. He moved with purpose, his boots echoing against the deck as he made his way towards the designated meeting area. He could feel the eyes of the crew on him as he passed, their gazes a mix of curiosity and wariness. He was a stranger in their midst, and they were still trying to make sense of your presence. He found Anakin speaking with Zeb and Chopper at the end of the hangar

  Bubba approached them, their voices echoing through the vast hangar bay of the Venator-class cruiser. Anakin looked up as he drew near, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Bubba’s appearance. Zeb, ever the jovial companion, flashed you a grin, while Chopper whirred and beeped what sounded like a greeting.

  Anakin stepped forward, his posture relaxed but alert. "Bubba," he acknowledged, his voice level. "Zeb and I were just discussing our next move. What brings you here?" His gaze flicked to the hangar entrance, where the Ghost was berthed, before returning to you with a questioning look.

  Bubba- "I'm going to meet Captain Cutter, I was wondering if you could provide an escort. Your ships are really the ones meeting these people, I'm just some guy at the end of the day."

  Anakin's expression shifted, a hint of understanding crossing his features. "Cutter, you say? The captain of the Spirit of Fire? That's a bold move, Bubba. I can see why you'd want some backup." He glanced at Zeb, who nodded in agreement.

  Zeb chuckled, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'd say it's a good idea to have some Jedi muscle along for the ride. Just in case things get a bit... heated." He turned to Chopper, who beeped and whirred in response, his mechanical eyes flickering with anticipation.

  Anakin nodded, his decision made. "We'll join you, Bubba."

  Bubba- "I was going to ask you, Anakin as well as Ahsoka and Ratchet and Clank to escort me and discuss with Cutter. I also wanted to tell you personally about the sith lord"

  Anakin's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the Sith Lord. "Just who is it? They have to be stopped."

  Bubba- "Let's talk alone Anakin, this is pretty serious"

  Anakin's face darkened, his features tightening with concern. "Of course, Bubba. Lead the way." He followed you to a secluded corner of the hangar bay, away from prying eyes and ears. The hum of the ship's engines and the distant sounds of the crew working filled the air, but here, it was relatively quiet.

  Once they were alone, Anakin's posture shifted, his body language indicating he was fully focused on what Bubba was about to say. "

  “Ok you'll have a hard time believing this so brace yourself. Someone has been manipulating both sides of the war, the public, the senate and you for years. Specifically they want you as their apprentice. They are the ones giving you nightmares about padme."

  Anakin's eyes widened, a flicker of shock and disbelief crossing his features. He took a step back, his hand instinctively reaching for his lightsaber. "What? Who? I... I don't understand. Who would want to manipulate me like that?" His voice was low, barely above a whisper, as if he were afraid of saying the words out loud.

  Bubba met his gaze, his expression serious and unflinching. "I know it's a lot to take in, Anakin. But his Sith Lord has been pulling strings for a long time. He wants you as his apprentice, to bring you over to the dark side. "He got close to you, he's been using the war to make the jedi look bad, both publicly and in your eyes to turn you. What would you do to protect padme? Anything right? That's their play."

  Anakin's face paled, his eyes widening in shock and horror as the implications of his words sank in. He took another step back, his hand trembling slightly as he gripped the hilt of his lightsaber. "No... no, that can't be right. The Jedi, the Council... they wouldn't..." His voice trailed off, uncertainty and doubt creeping into his tone. He shook his head, as if trying to clear the thoughts from his mind. "How do you know this?"

  Bubba- "You definitely wouldn't believe me if I told you. To make things simple let's say I travel the multiverse and know alot of people. Padme is in danger, but only from this man and him turning you to the darkside. Are you ready to hear who it is Anakin?"

  Anakin's grip tightened on his lightsaber, his knuckles turning white. He took a deep, shuddering breath, steeling himself for the revelation. "I... I'm ready, Bubba. Tell me who this Sith Lord is. I need to know the truth, no matter how painful it may be."

  Bubba met his gaze, his expression grave and unyielding. "The Sith Lord who has been manipulating you and the galaxy is... Darth Sidious. He is the Chancellor of the Republic, Palpatine."

  Anakin staggered back as if he had been physically struck, his face a mask of shock and betrayal. "Palpatine? The Chancellor? No, that's impossible!"

  "He's been using you since the first day y'all met. He wants your high force powers for himself. Think about it Anakin, why did Palpatine make a relationship with you in the first place?"

  Anakin's breath hitched, his mind racing as he struggled to reconcile the revelation with the reality he knew. "But... but he's been a mentor to me. He's been there for me when the Jedi Council wasn't. He's been a friend." His voice was barely a whisper, as if the words themselves were a betrayal.

  Bubba nodded solemnly, your voice steady and sure. "He's been manipulating you, Anakin. He's been using your emotions, your fears, your love for Padmé against you. He's been turning you against the Jedi, against the Republic, and against yourself."

  Anakin's face contorted with anguish, his eyes filling with unshed tears. "I don't... I can't... How could he do this to me? To us?" He raked a trembling hand through his hair, his gaze distant as the weight of your words sank in.

  Bubba- "He's crazy and evil, that's all there is to it. He doesn't believe in democracy. Anakin the Jedi counsel isn't perfect, but it's this sith lord who's pushed them to this place."

  Anakin's eyes narrowed, a spark of anger igniting within him. "The Jedi Council... they've been pushing me away, keeping secrets from me. But if what you're saying is true, then Palpatine has been orchestrating all of this from the shadows. He's been using the Council's mistakes to turn me against them." He paced back and forth, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. "I've seen the darkness in the galaxy, Bubba. I've seen the suffering, the pain, the injustice. I've tried to do what's right, to protect those I care about."

  Bubba- "And that was all part of his plan Anakin. When you get home, form a team and take him out. And be careful, he's extremely good at lightsaber combat and force lightning"

  Anakin's eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and determination. "I will take him down, Bubba. I will expose his treachery and bring an end to his reign of terror. No one will be safe from my wrath, not even the Jedi Council if they've been complicit in this deception." He gripped his lightsaber tightly, the hum of the energy blade filling the air. "I will protect Padmé at all costs. I will not let Sidious use her as a pawn in his twisted game. She is my everything, and I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe." Anakin's gaze hardened, a steely resolve settling over his features.

  Bubba- "I'm glad to hear it. You should try to reform the order or start your own. Emotion and attachment are necessary, one simply needs to learn to not fall to the darkness over loss. You have real friends Anakin, when in doubt just think, what would Padme do?"

  Anakin's expression softened slightly at the mention of Padmé, his resolve unwavering but his voice gentler. "You're right, Bubba. Padmé has always been my guiding light, my anchor in the storm. She would want me to do what's right, to protect the innocent and stand against tyranny. I will not let her down." He took a deep breath, his eyes reflecting a newfound clarity. "I will reform the Jedi Order, or start anew if necessary. I will teach the next generation of Jedi to embrace their emotions, to use them as a strength rather than a weakness. I will show them that attachment is not a path to the dark side, but a path to understanding and compassion."

  Bubba- "Well I hope everything works out man. I'll be waiting for the ship to arrive if you can get Ahsoka."

  Anakin nodded solemnly, his expression a mix of determination and sorrow. "I will find a way, Bubba. I will make this right, no matter the cost. Palpatine will pay for his betrayal, and the galaxy will be free." He paused, his gaze drifting to the distant horizon, as if he could see the battles yet to come. "I just pray that I can control my anger and fear. I... I don't know if I can withstand the temptation of the dark side, especially now that I know the truth about Palpatine's manipulations." He turned back to you, his eyes filled with a desperate plea.

  Bubba- "Just think about what your friends would do. That's why you respect them right? Would it be respectful to trample on their values?"

  Anakin's face contorted with anguish, his breathing ragged as he absorbed the weight of your words. "You're right, Bubba. I respect the Jedi because of the values they've taught me. Honesty, compassion, peace - these are the cornerstones of the Jedi Order. I cannot betray these principles, no matter how tempting the power of the dark side may be." He gripped his lightsaber tightly, its humming echoing his inner turmoil. "I will find a way to use my anger as a strength, to channel it into protecting those I care about, not as a tool of destruction and revenge."

  Bubba- "I'm sure you will. Speak with Obi-Wan and Ahsoka and Padme. Let them in. They will help you find an answer. I know you stayed with the jedi due to the war. Now that it's ending you can make your own way"

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  Anakin's eyes softened at the mention of his friends, a glimmer of hope rekindling in their depths. "Thank you, Bubba. You're right - I need to confide in Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and Padmé. Together, we can find a path forward, a way to restore balance to the Force and ensure a peaceful future for the galaxy." He sheathed his lightsaber, his shoulders slumping slightly as some of the tension eased from his frame. “You're absolutely right about the war. When this conflict finally ends, I'll be free to forge my own destiny, to build a life with Padmé and find my own place in the galaxy."

  Bubba offers him a handshake.

  Anakin clasped your hand firmly, his grip strong and steady. "Thank you, Bubba. Your words have given me strength at a time when I needed it most. I won't let you down. I'll do whatever it takes to bring an end to Palpatine's reign of terror and restore peace to the galaxy." As he released your hand, he stood taller, his posture straight and his gaze clear. "I'll speak with Obi-Wan and Ahsoka immediately. We need to act quickly to expose Palpatine's true nature before he can cause any more harm."

  Bubba- "May the force be with you"

  Anakin's lips quirked into a small, genuine smile at the familiar Jedi saying. "And also with you, Bubba. Your trust has been a light in the darkness, and I won't forget it." With that, he turned and strode purposefully towards the main building, where he knew he'd find Obi-Wan and Ahsoka waiting.

  He watched him go, feeling a mixture of pride and concern. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but he had no doubt that with the right allies, Anakin would succeed in his quest to save the galaxy and find his own peace. Hours passed before ratchet and Clank arrived, followed shortly by an unsc pelican. Both landing in the hangar bay A Pelican dropship from the UNSC Spirit of Fire descends into the hangar bay, its engines whining as it hovers in position.

  "They don't use repulsors?" asked Anakin.

  The pelican landed and several unsc marines poured out in armour and armed with rifles. A huge man in heavy green and red armour stepped out. Bubba walked to them with the jedi. Ratchet and Clank emerged and came to say hello to you and the Jedi. "Thanks for saving us Bubba. Those guns were bigger than my ship!" Said Ratchet. The Jedi greeted him and were perplexed by Clank.

  "Ah, a protocol droid, I presume?" Anakin said, examining Clank curiously. "I've never seen one quite like you before. You must be a recent model."

  Clank tilted his head, processing the unfamiliar language. "Negative, not a protocol droid. I'm not sure what that is, but I assure you, I'm quite unique."

  Ratchet chuckled. "He's not kidding. Clank here is a walking miracle. Saved my hide more times than I can count."

  The armoured man Bubba knew as Spartan Jerome-92 came over to you while the marines guarded their ship. "Bubba I presume?"

  Bubba- "That's right, and a few people here are my escort and speak for the ships in this fleet"

  As Jerome approached, the marines snapped to attention, their eyes darting to the Jedi in surprise. Anakin and Ahsoka stood with Ratchet and Clank. Zeb and Chopper hovered nearby, ready to leap into action at a moment's notice.

  "I'm Spartan Jerome-92, sir," the large man said, his voice slightly muffled by his helmet. "Captain Cutter sent me to escort your party to the Spirit of Fire."

  Bubba- "We're ready Spartan

  "What exactly is a Spartan?" Asked Anakin.

  "Classified. But I can tell you were the UNSCs best." Said Jerome.

  "Is that so? All that armour could slow someone down." Said Ahsoka with a smirk

  Jerome chuckled, a deep rumble emanating from his helmet. "I assure you, ma'am, the Spartan-IIs are quite... nimble, for lack of a better word." He turned his attention back to you. "If you're ready, sir, we should head out. The Captain is expecting us." Jerome gestured towards the Pelican, the engines still whirring as they cooled down from the landing.

  As you began to make your way towards the ship, Ratchet and Clank fell into step beside you. "I must say, Bubba, this has been one heck of a ride so far," Ratchet remarked, glancing back at the assembled Jedi and the intimidating Spartan.

  Bubba- "You sure you're OK with leaving your ship ratchet?

  "Oh yea, we've got an ai on board so it's fine." Said Ratchet.

  Ratchet, clank, Ahsoka, Anakin and Bubba enter the Pelican as the spartan and marines did the same. The Pelican's engines roared to life as the ramp sealed shut behind them. They felt the sudden lurch as the ship lifted off, the artificial gravity kicking in to keep them grounded as it ascended. Through the small viewports, you could see the hangar bay receding below, the Republic ships arrayed around it like a metal forest.

  "I must admit, I'm curious about this Captain Cutter and his ship," Anakin said, leaning back in his seat. "The Spirit of Fire, was it? I don't recall hearing a vessel with a name like that.” his brow furrowed in thought.

  "And what's this about the UNSC?"

  Bubba- "The UNSC is from another galaxy or reality Anakin. That's what these portals on this world do. And the banished are messing with them, trying to take control.”

  The Pelican's engines whined as it accelerated, the ship's hull creaking slightly under the strain. Through the viewport, Bubba could see the vast expanse of the Liminal Nexus stretching out before you, dotted with land and sea.. After several hours the Spirit of Fire loomed ahead, its massive frame casting a shadow that seemed to stretch endlessly across the void. The Pelican docked smoothly in the Spirit of Fire's hangar bay, its engines winding down with a soft whine. As the ramp lowered, you were greeted by the sight of Captain Cutter himself, standing at the bottom flanked by more Spartans. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with close-cropped gray hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to miss nothing. His uniform bore the insignia of a UNSC captain, and he carried himself with an air of command that was unmistakable.

  "Welcome aboard the Spirit of Fire," he said, his deep voice carrying easily across the hangar. "I'm Captain Cutter. I understand you have some interesting information about the Banished and these portals. I'm also curious about your origins, are you from unsc space?"

  Bubba- "Yes sir I do have some info. I'm not from the UNSC reality no, neither are my companions. The monitor showed me how to shut down spires that control the portals around the planet. There are 23 more to shut down and the Banished currently control 18. The sentinels and prometheans are fighting the Banished, but the prometheans are also hostile to humans"

  Captain Cutter's eyebrows raised slightly at your words, his gaze sharpening as he processed the information. "Twenty-three spires, you say? And the Banished control eighteen of them. That's a significant advantage they have." He paused, his eyes narrowing as he considered the implications. "And you've found a way to shut them down? That's valuable intelligence indeed. Furthermore, these people with you represent a fleet and another faction. The republic correct?" He asked Anakin

  "Yes Captain, we are from the Galactic Republic. These portals are a threat to the stability of the galaxy, and we cannot allow the Banished to exploit them any further." Anakin said firmly. "I must ask, what is your relationship with the Banished? And what exactly is the UNSC's interest in this conflict?"

  Captain Cutter's expression hardened slightly at the question. "The UNSC has its own history with the Banished, I'm afraid. They're a vicious bunch, led by a warlord named Atriox. We've clashed with them before, and I suspect we will again."

  Bubba- "Not if we take him out here captain. I've got some overpowered ground troops at a secure location. I think a hit team could take out Atriox and help with the spires. They're from another place, but they don't have spacer tech. I'm sure you won't believe this but they have... magic. Hell, anakin, could you show them the force? Like lift something?"

  Anakin stepped forward, his hand outstretched. He concentrated for a moment, and then a nearby toolbox began to rise off the ground, hovering in midair as if held by an invisible hand.

  Captain Cutter's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and awe on his face as he watched the floating toolbox. "Fascinating," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the hovering object. "I've heard of such things, but to see it in person is... remarkable." He turned back to you, a newfound intensity in his eyes. "If you truly have the means to shut down these spires and eliminate the Banished threat, then we need to work together. My ship has been fighting a long war, and this could be a turning point."

  Anakin lowered his hand, and the toolbox clanged back onto the floor. "The Force can be a powerful ally, Captain Cutter. But it must be used wisely, for good."

  Bubba- "Our current objectives are to get those spires offline and to find Atriox. Your scanners are probably the best here. Have y’all found anything?"

  Captain Cutter nodded, his expression turning grim. "We have indeed. Our long-range scans have picked up a significant Banished presence on the far side of the planet, near a region we've designated as the Crimson Scar. It's a harsh, volcanic area, but it seems to be the hub of their operations."

  He gestured to a nearby holographic display, which flickered to life, showing a detailed map of the planet's surface. A pulsing red marker indicated the Crimson Scar region. "Our analysis suggests that this is where Atriox is likely based.

  BUbba- "Hm, we could nuke them, but that would probably pass off the monitor..."

  Captain Cutter frowned at the mention of nuclear weapons. "I'm not sure that's a viable option, given the nature of this... monitor. Moreover they have anti-missile weapons, But I appreciate your directness." He turned back to the holographic map, his brow furrowed in thought. "If we're to take out Atriox and his forces, we'll need to be strategic. A direct assault could be costly."

  Anakin stepped closer to the display, his eyes scanning the terrain. "The Crimson Scar... harsh, volcanic, defensible. It would make for a formidable stronghold." He looked up at Cutter. "What kind of forces are we talking about here, Captain? How many Banished troops are we likely facing?"

  Captain Cutter tapped a series of commands into a nearby console, and the holographic display updated, showing what appeared to be reconnaissance footage of Banished soldiers marching in perfect formation. "Our estimates place their numbers somewhere in the hundreds of thousands strong," he said, his voice tight with concern. "And they're well-armed and equipped, with vehicles and heavy weaponry. Plus, we're dealing with unknown technology, this 'magic' you mentioned earlier." He gestured to where Bubba and the others were gathered. "That's where I believe your input and resources would be invaluable, Bubba."

  Bubba- "Me? Ok here's my first idea. The portals are active right? Let's try to get a message out to the republic or unsc or even the sanghleli if we have to."

  Captain Cutter nodded, appreciating your proactive approach. "That's a solid start. If we can coordinate our efforts with the Republic and the UNSC, we stand a better chance of catching the Banished off guard. Our communications array can handle that, but we'll need to be cautious. The Banished have shown they can intercept and jam signals."

  Anakin stepped forward, his voice steady and calm. "I can reach out to the Republic through the Force. It's a risk, but it might be our best bet for a secure line of communication. Ahsoka, can you assist with that?"

  Ahsoka nodded, her lekku swaying gently as she focused her concentration.

  Cutter, "A moment please, could you explain the Jedi to me?" Bubba and the others exchanged glances, sensing the weight of Cutter's question. Anakin stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "The Jedi, Captain Cutter, are guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy. We are trained in the ways of the Force, an energy field that binds all living things together. We use our abilities to maintain balance and to protect the innocent."

  Captain Cutter listened intently, his eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "The Force, you say. It sounds like something out of a myth or a legend. And yet, I've seen things out here that defy explanation. If this Force is real, and you can wield it, then perhaps it is the key to turning the tide against the Banished."

  He turned to Ahsoka, who had begun to meditate, her eyes closed and her breath steady. "And you, miss, what is your role among the Jedi?"

  Ahsoka opened her eyes, her gaze meeting Cutter's. "I am Ahsoka Tano, a former Padawan of the Jedi Order." Her lekku swayed gently as she spoke. "I have fought alongside the Republic for several years, and now I seek to bring balance to this conflict."

  Cutter's eyebrows raised slightly at her words. "A former Padawan, you say. That's an impressive title. I can see the discipline in your bearing, even without the Force to guide me. Tell me, Ahsoka, what do you see when you reach out to the Force in this place?"

  Ahsoka's face turned somber, her focus drifting to a distant point. "The Force here is... different. Distorted. There's darkness growing, Captain Cutter. A malevolent presence that seeks to unbalance everything."

  Clank spoke up, "our scans detected several other forerunner structures. Perhaps one can help with communication?”

  Captain Cutter stroked his chin, considering Clank's suggestion. "That's a possibility. If we can locate and activate one of these Forerunner structures, it might give us the edge we need to communicate securely. But we'll need to be careful—we don't want to alert the Banished to our presence any more than necessary."

  Bubba- "We could take a small team or form several and explore these other structures within just a day or two."

  Captain Cutter mulled over the suggestion, his gaze drifting to the holographic display before him. "It's a risk, but one we might have to take if we want to get a better lay of the land and find a way to contact our allies securely. I could spare a few teams, each with a mix of UNSC personnel and your group, to explore these structures. We'll need to move quickly and quietly, though. The Banished have eyes and ears everywhere, and we can't afford to tip them off to our plans."

  "The jedi and the Republic are certainly willing to help, just how do we activate the forerunner tech?" Asked Anakin.

  Captain Cutter turned to Anakin, his expression thoughtful. "That's a good question, Jedi. Our understanding of Forerunner technology is limited, but we have some experts who might be able to help. Let me call for Dr. Anderson, she's out resident expert." Captain Cutter activated his comm device. "Anderson, report to the conference room. We have a situation that requires your expertise." "Everyone, let's head to a room more fitting for conversation." The group followed Captain Cutter down a series of corridors, their footsteps echoing on the metallic floors. The UNSC Spirit of Fire was a hive of activity, with personnel bustling about their duties. Eventually, they arrived at a large, circular room dominated by a holographic display at its center. Comfortable chairs were arranged around the table, and a bank of computers lined the walls.

  As they settled into their seats, a woman with short, dark hair entered the room. She carried a data pad and had a look of intense focus on her face. "Captain Cutter," she acknowledged with a nod before turning her attention to the group. "I understand we have a situation that requires my expertise. Oh my, new aliens? A robot?" Dr. Anderson stepped closer, eyeing Ratchet and Clank with a mixture of fascination and caution.

  "These are Ratchet and Clank, visitors from another world," Anakin explained. "They possess technology unlike anything we've seen before, and I believe they can be of great help in this fight against the Banished."

  Dr. Anderson nodded, her professional curiosity piqued. "I see. And what exactly is it that you do, Ratchet?" she asked, directing her question to the Lombax.

  Ratchet grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, a little bit of everything, Doc! I'm an engineer, a mechanic, a fighter, galactic hero a few times over..."

  "In other words, a jack of all trades, master of none," Clank interjected dryly, causing the room to chuckle.

  Dr. Anderson's interest seemed to grow. "Fascinating. Your technology could be invaluable in understanding and potentially activating Forerunner structures. What kind of power sources do you use? Are they compatible with our systems, or do you have your own unique energy requirements?"

  "Dr." Said Cutter, "I've called you here to discuss how to activate forerunner structures." Dr. Anderson turned to face the group, her professional demeanor returning. "Well, activating Forerunner structures is no small task. They're incredibly complex and hard to translate."

  Captain Cutter continued, "Our best linguists and code breakers have been working on deciphering the ancient inscriptions and glyphs, but we're still far from a complete understanding. We could use your help, Doctor, in cracking this code. And Ratchet and Clank's technical expertise could prove invaluable in actually powering up these structures once we figure out how they work."

  Dr. Anderson nodded thoughtfully, tapping her data pad. "I can certainly put my team on this. We'll need to correlate any information you can provide with what we've already uncovered. Forerunner tech is notoriously unpredictable - it could just as easily try to vaporize us as help us. But if we play our cards right..."

  Bubba- "So next question. Which structure to explore first, and who to bring along"

  Captain Cutter leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table as he considered the question. "That's a critical decision. We need to balance the potential gains against the risks involved." He glanced around the room, his gaze settling on each person in turn. "I suggest we start with the closest structure that shows the most promise. Based on our preliminary scans, there's a Forerunner installation not far from here that could have some kind of communication array. Or it could just be decorative for all we know. "

  Dr. Anderson's eyes lit up at the mention of the installation. "I agree. The closest one would be ideal for a test run. We can gather data, study the architecture, and hopefully, activate a basic function without risking our entire operation." She turned to Ratchet and Clank. "Your input would be invaluable. You're clearly familiar with advanced technologies. Do you have any experience with Forerunner systems in particular?"

  Ratchet scratched his head, his metal ear twitching. "Well, I've never worked with Forerunner tech before, but I've seen some pretty wild stuff in my travels. Could be interesting."

  Clank interjected, his metallic voice tinged with enthusiasm, "I managed to decrypt some of their glyphs during our first spire visit. But It was Bubba who activated the console and spoke with the monitor."

  “Bubba?” asked Cutter.

  "Um yea, i know a thing or two…so me, Ratchet, Clank, the Dr. Who else should we send?"

  Captain Cutter stood up from the table, his armor creaking softly as he moved. "We may need answers as to your… knowledge eventually Bubba, for now, I can't emphasize enough how dangerous this mission will be. We need the right team for it - professionals who know their stuff and won't panic if things go south. My Spartans know the banished best."

  "We would be happy to help, we do stuff like this every week." smiled Anakin.

  Bubba- "We should consider that other hostile groups might portal their way here. We should bring someone from each faction. I could get wilhelm or Julius, Anakin Ahsoka and Rex would be amazing team. Ratchet and Clank, plus red team might be enough? Maybe some odst incase we encountered numbers?"

  Captain Cutter's face hardened at the mention of hostile groups. "You're right to be cautious. The Banished aren't the only threat out there. We've seen evidence of other factions using portals to move around, though we're not sure who or what they are." He turned to Dr. Anderson. "What do you think, Doctor? Can we handle this with just the team we have, or do we need to bring in more firepower?"

  Dr. Anderson tapped her data pad, considering the options. "The more people we bring, the more complications we risk. But if we're dealing with unknown threats, we should be prepared." She looked at Anakin and Ahsoka.

  "Your Jedi and my Spartans are formidable fighters, but they may not be enough if we encounter a large hostile force. I agree that bringing in the ODSTs could provide the firepower we need." Captain Cutter paused, then continued, "I think we should limit the team to the bare minimum necessary to complete the mission.:

  Bubba- "A pelican full then, that could be the magic number here"

  Captain Cutter nodded in agreement. "A Pelican full. That should give us the firepower and personnel we need to handle whatever we encounter." He turned to Dr. Anderson. "Doctor, can you assemble the necessary equipment and supplies for the mission? We'll need a variety of tools to study the Forerunner installation, as well as sufficient arms and armor for the team."

  Dr. Anderson tapped a few commands into her data pad, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I can have everything ready within the hour. We'll need to requisition some gear from the armory, but I should be able to cobble together what we need from our existing stores." She looked up from her pad, her eyes narrowing slightly.

  Bubba- "We’ll need to pick up one of.my magic friends, if we encounter their enemies even the spartans may be cooked. They break the rules of reality and it's not pretty"

  Captain Cutter raised an eyebrow, intrigued by your words. "Magic friends? The ones who possess abilities that defy our understanding of physics and technology." He leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady. "If they can provide an edge in combat, then by all means, bring them along. We can't afford to underestimate the threats we might face."

  Dr. Anderson looked up from her data pad, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. "I've seen some extraordinary things in my career, but magic? That's a new one. If they can help us, then we should definitely consider including them in the team."

  Bubba- "The portals lead to the multiverse captain. Expect the unexpected. We could find a hundred other spirit of fires for all we know. Or those magic users In the witch cult... we can pick up the magic user while y’all prepare here, we just need a pelican"

  Captain Cutter's expression darkened as he absorbed the implications of your words. "The multiverse, you say? That changes things. If we're dealing with portals that can lead to any number of realities, we need to be prepared for anything." He turned to Dr. Anderson. "Doctor, make sure our team is equipped with the most advanced scanning and diagnostic tools we have. We need to be ready to adapt to any situation."

  Dr. Anderson nodded, her fingers dancing over her data pad. "I'll make sure we have everything we need. Advanced sensors, diagnostic equipment, and a full complement of medical supplies. We'll be ready for whatever we encounter."

  Captain Cutter turned back to you, his voice firm. "You've convinced me, Bubba. We'll prepare for a Pelican run to your location. I need to know the exact coordinates where we can pick you up, and how long you'll need to gather your 'friends'. "And please, be clear about the risks. We don't know what kind of security we'll face there, or what might come through those portals with us. Are you absolutely sure you can find and convince your allies to join us in this short timeframe?"

  Bubba nods confidently. "I know where to go and who to get. Should only take an hour tops. "I've got someone that can change fate, but he may not leave his loves side. I've also got several advanced magic users, I'm absolutely sure I can convince atleast one to come along"

  Captain Cutter's eyebrows shot up at your description. "Someone who can change fate? That could be invaluable. And several advanced magic users." He drummed his fingers on his desk, weighing the possibilities. "If what you're saying is true, these individuals could turn the tide in our favor."

  Dr. Anderson looked up from her data pad, her interest clearly piqued. "Fate-changing magic, advanced magic users, and multiverse portals. This is starting to sound like the kind of science we only dreamed about." She turned to Captain Cutter. "Sir, if we're dealing with reality-warping abilities, we need to be prepared for the unexpected."

  Bubba- "Well, let's roll out? It was a real pleasure captain. I look forward to seeing you again after this op."

  Captain Cutter stood and extended his hand for a firm shake. "Likewise, Bubba. I'm counting on you and your team to deliver. The future of humanity in this universe could very well be at stake, and we don't have a moment to waste." His jaw clenched as he continued, his eyes revealing concern.

  "Remember, if anything goes wrong, our ships are waiting on the outskirts. Just hail us and we'll be right there. Stay safe, and good luck finding your allies."

  Dr. Anderson quickly packed up her equipment, and followed you and Cutter out of the room.

  They all exit the captain's quarters and walk down the corridors of the UNSC Spirit of Fire.

  Anakin, "so you've got people who can do things even the force cannot provide?" Anakin Skywalker's eyes widened with a mix of intrigue and skepticism as he processed your words. "Magic users who can do things beyond even the power of the Force? That's... that's quite a claim, Bubba." He paused, his brow furrowing as he considered the implications. "But if what you say is true, and they can help us in this fight against the Banished and the Sith, then we would be fools not to consider it."

  Ahsoka Tano, standing beside Anakin, leaned forward with a curious expression. "Bubba, you've been through a lot with these 'magic users' as you call them."

  Bubba- "I wouldn't say a lot. I just met them yesterday. But I gained their trust. It's a knack I have. Haha"

  Anakin chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "A knack for gaining trust in a single day? I'd say that's quite an accomplishment, Bubba. Especially with magic users." He glanced at Ahsoka, who nodded in agreement.

  Bubba- "I've made a decent impression on you two I hope. The most powerful force user, and the most beautiful one.” he said with a wink

  Ahsoka's face turned slightly red, but she couldn't help but laugh at your flirtatious comment. "Bubba, you're quite the charmer, aren't you?" She playfully punched your arm, her usual stern demeanor softening. Anakin, however, cleared his throat and gave you a stern look, though amusement flickered in his eyes.

  "Bubba, I appreciate the compliment, but let's focus on the task at hand, shall we? We have a lot to discuss about these magic users and what they might bring to our cause." He gestured for you to continue, his curiosity clearly piqued despite his attempt to maintain a professional demeanor.

  “And it's usually Ratchet trying to woo every female we come across." Said clank.

  "Hey! Not everyone..." said Ratchet.

  The team made their way to the pelican where Jerome and some odst were waiting. Ratchet and Clank took their own ship which had docked moments earlier and left to meet them later at the site.

  "We're ready to depart. Got told we're picking up magic users... I hope that's a joke." Said Jerome. Bubba, Anakin, and Ahsoka, board the Pelican dropship, with Jerome and the ODSTs accompanying them. As the ship lifts off from the hangar bay of the UNSC Spirit of Fire, Bubba can't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation about the mission ahead.

  "So, Bubba, tell us more about these magic users you're planning to recruit," Anakin says, leaning forward in his seat. "What kind of abilities are we talking about here?"

  Ahsoka chimes in, "I've seen some pretty crazy stuff in my travels, but magic that can change fate?"

  Bubba- "Well in my world we have a lot of fiction about magic and fantasy worlds. It's a lot like that, but y'all haven't read those. They can do things like a sword strike at any range, super strength, turning into a giant beast, spikes of ice and dark magic, giant spikes of this or that, boiling away your blood, magic healing, sword arts and spirit magic, manipulating the elements, the list goes on"

  Jerome whistles, genuinely impressed. "Well, that does sound impressive. Almost like science fiction."

  Anakin looks intrigued. "That sounds incredible, Bubba. Truly remarkable abilities." He exchanges a glance with Ahsoka, who nods thoughtfully.

  "It would certainly give us an edge against the Banished and Sith if these magic users could back up such claims," Anakin muses. "We'd have to be very careful, of course. But I'd love to see it firsthand." He looks out the window at the starry expanse of space as the Pelican moves through the vast universe. "A power like that, combined with our technology, could be formidable. But I have to wonder."

  Bubba- "I'm sure they could demonstrate for a moment before we depart. They may take a minute to decide who goes with us"

  "That sounds like a wise precaution, Bubba," Anakin agrees. "I'd like to see a demonstration myself before we proceed any further." He turns to Ahsoka, who nods in agreement. "It's always best to be certain of the abilities and intentions of potential allies.

  The Pelican continues its journey through the vast expanse of space, its engines humming steadily as it approaches the destination. The Pelican's engines hummed steadily as it approached the coordinates Bubba provided, the vast expanse of space stretching out endlessly around it. Inside the cramped quarters of the dropship, the conversation continued, with Anakin and Ahsoka expressing their intrigue at the concept of magic and its potential applications in their ongoing conflicts.

  "I have to admit, Bubba, your description of these magic users is fascinating," Anakin said, his brow furrowed in thought. "The idea of being able to strike with a sword at any range, or manipulate the elements themselves... it's almost unfathomable from a Jedi perspective."

  Ahsoka nodded, her expression pensive.

  Bubba- "Hell, Garfeil would be thrilled to spar with you guys"

  Anakin and Ahsoka's ears perk up at the mention of the magic users' abilities. "A magic user skilled at sparring would be invaluable for training purposes," Ahsoka comments, a hint of interest crossing her face.

  Anakin nods thoughtfully, clearly intrigued. "Indeed, Bubba. If these individuals can match a Jedi in hand-to-hand combat, that would certainly make them a strong asset."

  Jerome, the ODST leader, leans forward slightly, his combat experience piqued by this information. "Sparring sounds like a solid test of their abilities, especially for something as dynamic as magic," he says.

  Bubba says "Then it's settled, y’all can spar while the others decide who to send along. Y’all are in for a real treat"

  The Pelican dropship descends towards the designated landing zone, the hum of its engines echoing through the cabin. The landscape below is rolling grassy hills. The Roswall mansion rests in front of a cliff face. Pretty house they have there", said the pilot Anakin, Ahsoka, Jerome and the others gaze out the windows as the Pelican descends, the majestic Roswall mansion coming into view. The grand structure rests below a cliff overlooking lush green hills, its ornate architecture a testament to its occupants' wealth and status.

  Jerome silently looks over the structure. "Quite the estate," he remarks. "I bet this Roswall fellow has some pretty impressive training facilities too. Good place to prepare for an assault on Atriox and the Banished."

  Anakin nods, his gaze distant. "Indeed. With the combined might of the Republic, the Jedi Order, and potential allies like these magic users, we may stand a real chance against the Banished threat."

  Landing now", said the pilot" The Pelican sets down smoothly on the expansive grounds of the Roswall mansion, its rotors still spinning as the doors lower. Through the open hatch, the group can see the mansion in full view - a grand structure of white marble and intricate stonework, its towering spires stretching towards the cloudless sky. The well-manicured lawns surround it, dotted with ornate fountains and statues that depict scenes from fantasy literature. Several people exit the mansion to greet them.

  Subaru gets excited when he sees Bubba and rushes forward, his face lighting up with a wide grin. "Bubba! You made it back!" He grasps Bubba's shoulder, his enthusiasm palpable. "I was worried sick when the radio didn't work."

  Bubba- "Sorry, I bet our new friends could lend you guys one of their radios. These are the jedi and the unsc"

  Anakin, and Ahsoka disembark from the Pelican, followed by Jerome, the ODSTs. Roswall, rem, ram, Subaru and Garfeil are waiting and ready to see them.

  "More gueeeests, how delightfuuuulll. I'm Roswall Mathers. These are my maids ram and rem, our shield Garfiel and our knight Subaru. Roswall extends his hand in a regal greeting. "Welcome to Roswall Manor. I trust your journey was pleasant?"

  Anakin shakes Roswall's hand firmly, his gaze appraising. "It was. Thank you for your hospitality." He gestures to the others.

  "Allow me to introduce my padowan Ahsoka Tano. I'm Anakin Skywalker."

  Ahsoka gives a respectful nod, her hand moving to rest on her lightsaber hilt. "Pleasure to meet you, Lord Roswall. Your estate is quite… impressive."

  Jerome steps forward, his ODST armor catching the sunlight. "I'm Master Sergeant Jerome-092, UNSC Special Operations. These are ODST and will be filling out our numbers." He glances at the mansion, then back to Roswall. "Your estate would make a fine training facility, if you're amenable to the idea."

  Roswall's eyes sparkle with interest. "Indeed, Master Sergeant. We have ample space and resources for training." He turns to you, his gaze curious.

  Bubba- "Roswall we’re here for a magic user or two to go on a mission. I think rem, garfeil, Wilhelm, Julius, or Subaru would make good fits. I'd say Emilia but I don't know if she should go, it's up to you guys"

  "Me?" asks Subaru.

  Roswall raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Subaru, you seem eager. Are you volunteering for this mission?"

  "I don't know, I want to protect Emilia..." said Subaru. Emilia steps forward, her face set in a firm expression. "Subaru, I appreciate your concern, but I can take care of myself. If the mission requires my abilities, I should go." She turns to the new group, curiosity and resolve evident in her demeanor. "Bubba, what exactly is this mission about? And who are these new friends of yours?"

  Bubba- "We have to enter another forerunner structure elsewhere on the planet. The Banished might show up. We have to get a coms array online to call for help from the UNSC or Republic. Like those radios I showed you, but massive, longer range."

  "I see," Emilia says, nodding thoughtfully. "A mission to secure communication with our allies. It's a critical task." She glances at Subaru, her expression softening. "Subaru, I know you worry, but I'm capable of handling myself. And with the combined might of the Jedi, the UNSC, and our own party, I believe we can succeed."

  Subaru looks torn, his concern for Emilia warring with his desire to be part of the mission. After a moment, he takes a deep breath. "Alright. If Emilia is going, then so am I. I won't let her face this danger alone."

  Emilia smiles at him, gratitude shining in her eyes. “I'll bring my amazing self along as well, Roswall can defend everyone here by himself if he actually wanted to.", said Garfeil.

  Roswall chuckles softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement and pride. "Very well, it seems we have our volunteers. Emilia, Subaru, and Garfeil, you will accompany our new allies on this mission. I have faith in your abilities and know you will serve as valuable assets." Roswall turns to Anakin, Ahsoka, and Jerome, his expression serious. "I trust you will keep them safe and return them to us unharmed. Our resources are yours to command, and I expect nothing but success."

  Anakin nods solemnly, "We will do everything in our power to ensure their safety and the success of the mission." Jerome steps in, "Would you let mind a demonstration? Our people haven't encountered… magic."

  "I suppose that could be arranged, though I'm shocked your people dont have magic at all," Roswall muses, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps a small demonstration would suffice to show our new allies the extent of our capabilities." He turns to Emilia, Subaru, and Garfeil, his gaze intense. "Prepare yourselves. We will showcase our powers to these Jedi and UNSC personnel. Remember, restraint and precision are key."

  The three nod in understanding, their resolve evident. They move to the center of the courtyard, forming a loose triangle. Roswall steps back, watching with an appraising eye.

  "Go ahead, my dear Emilia," he says, gesturing for her to begin. "Show them the beauty and power of your magic."

  Emilia takes a deep breath, her eyes closing briefly as she centers herself. When she opens them several car sized spikes of ice penetrate a piece of the gardens The courtyard falls silent as the spikes of ice shimmer in the sunlight, casting prismatic reflections onto the surrounding walls and faces of the onlookers.

  Anakin's eyes widened slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Impressive," he murmurs, his gaze flicking to Ahsoka, who nods in agreement, her own eyes reflecting the icy display.

  "And this is just a fraction of Emilia's potential," Roswall says, his voice filled with pride and a hint of something darker, a glimmer of the power he wields over his subjects. "Her control and precision are unmatched."

  Jerome, "Well that could definitely come In handy, could take out a pelican..."

  "And now for my turn", said Garfeil. Using his foot he sent a wave of solid earth across the gardens, cutting through anything in its path.

  "Oh myyyyy, the gardens will need some remodeling noooowwww." Said Roswall somewhat annoyed.

  Anakin and Ahsoka exchange a meaningful look, clearly impressed by the display of magical abilities. "These powers could be very useful in our fight against the Banished," Anakin says, his hand absently moving to the hilt of his lightsaber. "Perhaps we could train together, learn to complement each other's skills."

  Ahsoka nods in agreement, her eyes fixed on the magical displays. "Indeed. Your abilities could give us a significant advantage, especially in close-quarters combat or when facing overwhelming odds."

  Roswall's lips curl into a satisfied smile, his eyes glinting with cunning. "Of course, Jedi. We would be more than happy to share our knowledge and skills with you."

  Bubba- "Well, I'd certainly enjoy watching that. Subaru, us novices could stick together"

  Subaru nods, stepping forward to stand beside Emilia and Garfeil. He looks at the Jedi and UNSC personnel, his expression determined. "I may not have magical abilities like Emilia and Garfeil, but I can hold my own in a fight. I've faced my share of dangers and come out alive. I'll do everything I can to support this mission and protect our team."

  Subaru turns to Emilia and Garfeil, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let's show them what we've got. Remember, we're not just here to impress; we're here to prove that we can be valuable assets in this fight."

  Emilia smiles back at Subaru, her eyes sparkling with determination.

  Jerome, "let's try to think of formations and how to fight the banished together, Garfeil, Bubba said you've already fought them"

  Garfeil nods solemnly, his gaze distant as he recalls the battle. "Indeed, My amazing self was key to our success. Their Banished soldiers are formidable, with heavy armor and weapons. They move in tight, coordinated formations, often using cover to their advantage. However, I found that magical abilities can disrupt their shields and create openings for attacks.”

  Jerome listens intently to Garfeil's account of the Banished soldiers, his brow furrowed in thought. "So, magic can potentially penetrate their defenses?" he asks, his eyes flicking to Emilia and Garfeil. "That's a valuable piece of information. We'll need to incorporate that into our strategies."

  Anakin and Ahsoka exchange a glance, their minds already churning with possibilities. "Perhaps we could create a formation where the magic users are flanked by our most skilled fighters," Anakin suggests, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group. "The Jedi and UNSC personnel could provide cover and support, while the magic users focus on weakening the Banished defenses."

  Bubba- "They could launch attacks behind a defensive line of Jerome and the jedi, with the ODST, me, and Subaru filling in the gaps"

  Anakin nods approvingly at your suggestion, his expression thoughtful. "An excellent plan. The combined might of our forces could indeed overwhelm even the most stubborn of defenses." He turns to Roswall, who has been watching the exchange with a calculating gaze. "Your magicians will have the protection and support they need. And in return, their unique skills will give us a significant tactical advantage."

  Roswall inclines his head in agreement, a sly smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "A mutually beneficial arrangement, Jedi. I trust that with your leadership and the might of the UNSC, we shall emerge victorious." As the discussions continue, Emilia takes a step forward, her gaze fixed on Subaru. "I'm glad you're willing to fight alongside us, Subaru," Emilia says, her voice soft but filled with gratitude. "Your bravery and determination have always inspired me."

  Subaru smiles warmly at Emilia, his eyes filled with affection. "I could never leave you to face this alone, Emilia-tan! We're in this together, no matter what happens."

  "Hmp, like always I will have to protect my contractor I suppose." Beatrice sighs as she reaches the group.

  Garfeil nods in agreement, his tone full of bravado, clapping Subaru on the shoulder. "Damn right we are! The three of us, unstoppable! We'll show those Banished scum what happens when they mess with Emilia Camp!"

  Emilia chuckles, shaking her head at Garfeil's enthusiasm. "I appreciate the confidence, Garfeil, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. We still have a lot to learn and prepare for."

  Jerome, "Sadly we don't have much time. We need to leave for the forerunner coms array asap."

  Anakin and Ahsoka exchange a solemn nod, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily upon them. "Indeed," Anakin intones, his voice low and serious. "Every moment we delay is another moment for the Banished to strengthen their hold on this world and beyond."

  Ahsoka steps forward, "We must move with haste and purpose. The lives of countless innocents across the galaxy hang in the balance."

  Roswall clears his throat, drawing the attention of the assembled group. "Then it is settled. Anakin, Ahsoka, and Jerome, you shall accompany Emilia, Subaru, Beatrice and Garfeil on this critical mission."

  Bubba- "Subaru, let's get you some gear from the ODST that are accompanying us. Your whip won't be very effective vs opponents with armour and rifles"

  Subaru nods solemnly, understanding the wisdom in his words. "You're right, Bubba. I can't afford to underestimate our enemies, especially if they're as formidable as you say." He turns to Jerome, his expression hopeful. "Master Sergeant, do you think you could outfit me with some more suitable gear for this mission?"

  Jerome gives a curt nod, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Absolutely. I have just the thing for you. If everyone is ready we should head back to the Pelican." He gestures for Subaru and the others to follow him.

  "Ah just let me say goodbye to Rem-change, she would never forgive me otherwise.", Subaru takes a moment to hug Rem, who had been silent with Ram during this time. She blushed heavily.

  As Subaru embraces Rem, her eyes sparkling with a mix of embarrassment and affection. "Be careful, Subaru," she whispers, her voice barely audible. "We'll be here waiting for your return."

  Ram, smirks, "Hopefully he'll learn some discipline from these people." A

  As Subaru pulls away from Rem, he offers her a reassuring smile. "I'll be back before you know it, Rem. I promise. I'm a lot tougher with Beatrice around!" He turns to Ram, his expression playful. "And don't worry, Ram. I'll make sure to pick up some tips from the Jedi and the UNSC. Maybe I'll even come back with a few new tricks up my sleeve."

  Ram raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Just don't get yourself killed out there, Subaru. We need you to peel potatoes tonight."

  Jerome leads ySubaru to the nearby Pelican, where he opens a storage compartment. Inside, they find a variety of ODST gear - tactical vests, helmets, and weapons. "Here, Subaru, Bubba. This armor should provide you with better protection than your current attire. And these weapons will give you more options in combat."

  Subaru examines the gear with growing excitement, his fingers tracing the sleek lines of the helmet. "Wow, this is amazing! I never thought I'd get to wear something like this." He quickly dons the armor, securing the various pieces with practiced efficiency. The tactical vest fits snugly, and the helmet feels surprisingly lightweight for its apparent durability. As everyone boards the pelican the ODST observes the newcomers. "So, just how old are you guys?" One asked Beatrice hufs, "Well over 400 years i suppose.

  Jerome turns to the ODST, his voice firm yet respectful. "These are our allies, and they'll be fighting alongside us. Show them the same respect you would any other soldier."

  The ODST nods, taking a step back. "Understood, Sergeant. Just trying to get a sense of who we're working with." He turns to Subaru, Emilia, and Garfeil, extending a hand. "Name's Corporal Harris. Welcome aboard. We'll do our best to keep you safe out there."

  Subaru shakes Harris's hand, a determined look in his eyes. "Thanks, Corporal. We appreciate it. But we're here to fight, not just to be protected." The pelican lifts off and begins its journey to the forerunner coms array, hoping to beat most of the banished forces to it. Anakin, Ahsoka, and Subaru sit at the front of the Pelican with the pilots while the rest are in the main cabin. Through the windshield, they can see the vast, alien landscape below - a mosaic of strange plant life and otherworldly formations. The journey seems endless, a reminder of just how far the team has to travel to reach the comms array.

  Jerome, standing by the main hatch, addresses everyone: "We're about an hour out folks. Use the time to review mission parameters and rest if you can." He turns to Anakin and Ahsoka, lowering his volume. "How are our new allies handling the flight?" Anakin glances back at the passengers, his blue eyes scanning their faces. "They seem to be adjusting well, all things considered. Though I can't help but notice your young friend there is a bit on edge." He nods towards Subaru, who is fidgeting with the new ODST gear.

  Ahsoka's looks back, noting Subaru's nervous energy. "He's just nervous, I think. This is a big step for someone so young." She turns back to Anakin, speaking softly. "We need to keep an eye on him. His inexperience could be dangerous for everyone if we're not careful."

  Jerome nods in agreement, "Bubba, just what was Subaru's special power?"

  "Ah, more stuff no one will believe. His power cannot be spoken aloud, lest we all perish"

  Anakin, Ahsoka, and Jerome exchange concerned looks at your cryptic response. "You can't even tell us what his power is?" Anakin asks, speaking in a hushed tone. "That's troubling."

  Ahsoka leans forward, "If we're going into battle with Subaru, we need to know what we're dealing with." Jerome nods.

  Bubba- "Just imagine me but with less rifle experience. His power is... only really useful if we're out of options"

  Anakin's brow furrows as he processes your words, while Ahsoka's expression turns thoughtful. "So, he's a wildcard," Ahsoka murmurs. "Someone whose abilities might turn the tide when all else fails."

  Jerome crosses his arms, his gaze steady. "That's a risky asset to have, but it could be a game-changer. We'll need to keep a close eye on him, to ensure he's ready when the time comes."

  The Pelican continues its journey, the hum of its engines a steady drone against the alien landscape. Subaru, still fidgeting with his new gear, looks out at the passing scenery, his mind a whirl of thoughts and emotions.

  Bubba- "How's it going Sub? I know I laid a lot on you yesterday, and today isn't any different I guess."

  Subaru looks over, his new ODST helmet clattering softly as he moves. "It's going okay, I think. The gear feels a bit... bulky, but I'll get used to it." He adjusts the straps on his tactical vest, his movements hesitant and uncertain. "I'm just a little worried, Bubba. What if I can't do what's needed when we reach the comms array?"

  Bubba’s face relaxes as he approaches him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Sub, listen to me. You've faced challenges before - this is no different. Remember what you learned back at Roswall Manor? Sometimes the most important thing isn't how you start, but how you finish."

  Subaru's shoulders relax slightly under his touch, some of the tension easing from his posture. "You're right, I know. It's just... this is all so new. The gear, the mission, the Banished - it's overwhelming." He looks out the Pelican's window again, watching the strange alien landscape blur past. "What if I freeze up when we need me most? What if I can't protect Emilia like I promised?"

  You squeeze his shoulder gently, your voice firm but understanding. "Hey, none of us are perfect, Sub. Even the Jedi mess up sometimes. The key is to stay focused, trust in your training, and don't lose sight of why you're here. "Besides, the Banished probably wouldn't keep you prisoner, so you know what would activate"

  "That's a grim thought, Bubba," Subaru says, shuddering at the idea. "I guess I'm just lucky to have friends like you and Emilia by my side. Oh and of course you Beako!" He looks over at you, his expression a mix of gratitude and apprehension. "I just wish I had more time to train, to be fully prepared for what's coming."

  Bubba nods in understanding. "I hear you, Sub. But sometimes life doesn't give us the luxury of being fully prepared. We have to make the best of what we have and trust in our abilities." You pause, considering your next words carefully. "And remember, you're not alone in this. "Just keep an eye on your ammunition. Maybe practice changing the mags?"

  Subaru nods, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "You're right, Bubba. I need to focus on the basics. I can do this." He begins to practice changing the magazine on his Battle rifle, his movements slow and deliberate at first, but gradually becoming more fluid and confident.

  Ahsoka, noticing the exchange, turns to face the two of you, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Subaru, I've seen your determination, and I believe in you. But remember, it's not just about physical prowess or tactical skill. It's about trusting in your instincts and the connections you have with those around you."

  Bubba- "Oh and if you find a blue grenade remember they are sticky... that goes for you jedi as well"

  Ahsoka's eyes widen slightly, surprise and amusement playing across her face. "Is that a tactical tip or are you suggesting something, Bubba?" She teases, but you can see she's filing the information away.

  Jerome chuckles at the exchange. "Not bad advice, soldier. The Banished have a nasty habit of using plasma grenades. Good to know they don't discriminate - even Jedi get stuck if they're not careful."

  Subaru's face contorts in concern at the new threat, but he nods in understanding. "I'll definitely keep an eye out for anything blue and suspicious."

  Bubba- "Luckily the jedi are used to deflecting plasma. Emilia? Your magic controls temperature too right? Could you try cooling down the enemy shots if we're in a good spot?"

  Emilia looks up from her preparations, her eyes meeting yours with a mix of determination and uncertainty. "I... I think so, Bubba. My ice magic can lower temperatures, so in theory, I should be able to cool down the plasma bolts. But I've never tried it before."

  “Tell me about yourself Emilia? You dress like a noble.", Ahsoka

  Emilia blushes slightly at the question, glancing down at her elegant gown and then back up at Ahsoka. "I suppose I do dress like a noble, don't I? Well, that's because I am one, in a way. I'm the half-elf candidate for the throne backed by Roswall, the lord of the manor."

  "Yall got elves over there?" One ODST asked with excitement.

  Bubba- "Yea, Subaru gets all the fun stuff, haha. But the demi humans aren't always treated properly over there. Especially elves and half elves."

  Emilia's face darkens slightly at your words, a shadow passing over her features. "You're right, Bubba. The treatment of demi-humans can be... challenging, to say the least. Even as a candidate for the throne, I've faced discrimination and prejudice." She straightens her posture, pride and resolve evident in her stance.

  Ahsoka listens intently, her head tilted slightly to one side. "That's... that's terrible. I can't imagine facing such discrimination, especially in a position of power." She pauses, then adds, "But it seems you've risen above it, Emilia. That takes incredible strength and character."

  "That's my Emilia! EMT!" Subaru exclaimed Emilia smiles softly at Subaru's words, a touch of warmth returning to her eyes. "Thank you, Subaru. Your support means more to me than you know." She turns back to Ahsoka, her expression growing more serious. "It hasn't been easy, but I've learned to use my experiences as fuel for my determination. I won't let prejudice hold me back from what I believe in, or from protecting those I care about."