Marvel x Star Wars: Avengers in the Clone Wars

Before departing from the Star Destroyer, Ahsoka approached Steve with the serious demeanor that comes with accepting significant responsibility. "Don't worry, Captain Rogers," she said solemnly. "I will ensure that nothing happens to Colonel Rhodes during this mission."

Steve smiled warmly and nodded his approval, clearly proud of how much the young Padawan had matured. James Rhodes was genuinely amused by the teenager's earnest expression and couldn't resist asking with good-natured teasing: "Are you absolutely sure you want to be the one protecting me instead of the other way around?"

Ahsoka rolled her eyes at War Machine's playful challenge and turned with theatrical arrogance to board the waiting LAAT/i gunship, though her confident stride couldn't entirely hide her nervousness about leading such an important mission.

The two were currently en route to rendezvous with the Republic frigate where Nute Gunray was being held under heavy guard, and their critical escort mission awaited them ahead.

"So besides the two of us, there are two additional Jedi Knights joining this escort operation?" Rhodes asked while reviewing the mission briefing on his HUD display.

Ahsoka nodded with professional seriousness: "That's correct. We absolutely cannot afford to take any chances with a prisoner this valuable."

"It certainly seems like this character must be extraordinarily important if the mission requires three Jedi Knights and an Avenger for what should be a straightforward prisoner transport," Rhodes observed with tactical interest.

Ahsoka nodded again, her expression growing more grave: "If our security measures are inadequate, we'll be completely vulnerable when we inevitably encounter unexpected complications. Nute Gunray is one of the core leaders of the Confederacy of Independent Systems and serves as a primary financial backer for their massive battle droid production programs."

Rhodes considered the strategic implications carefully: "So the Galactic Republic now possesses a CIS leader that the Separatists will definitely attempt to recover at any cost."

Ahsoka replied with evident concern: "Exactly. The CIS will never allow us to successfully transport Nute Gunray back to Coruscant for interrogation. They'll throw everything they have at us."

"Who are the other two Jedi Knights assigned to this escort mission?"

As if summoned by Rhodes' question, the gunship's boarding hatch opened with a mechanical hiss, revealing two women of distinctive alien appearance standing outside. They possessed yellow-green skin and intricate facial tattoos that Rhodes found both fascinating and completely incomprehensible.

The taller of the two women smiled graciously and said: "Hello, Ahsoka. If I remember correctly from our previous briefings, you must be Colonel James Rhodes."

Rhodes responded with military courtesy: "Yes, ma'am. I believe I've seen you in passing before, but I don't believe we've been formally introduced."

The Jedi Master's smile widened with genuine warmth as she replied: "I am Master Luminara Unduli, and this is my Padawan learner, Barriss Offee."

"It's a genuine pleasure to meet both of you, Colonel Rhodes, Ahsoka," Barriss said with a pleasant smile that conveyed both respect and curiosity about working with an Avenger.

At that moment, a clone commander approached their group with crisp military bearing: "General Unduli, the escort frigate has completed all preparations and is ready to depart on your command."

Luminara nodded with satisfied approval: "Excellent work, Commander Gree. Let's inspect our prisoner first, then proceed directly to Coruscant."

The group followed Luminara through the frigate's corridors toward the detention area, with the two Padawan learners walking slightly behind and engaging in quiet conversation about their shared experiences and training.

Meanwhile, Luminara, Commander Gree, and Rhodes found themselves discussing matters of leadership and command structure.

Gree spoke with respectful curiosity: "Colonel Rhodes, please forgive what might seem like an intrusive question, but I would appreciate some clarification on a matter that puzzles many of us."

"What's on your mind, Commander?"

"Is your Avengers team truly led by Captain Steve Rogers?" Gree asked with genuine interest.

Rhodes nodded without hesitation: "Absolutely."

"I mean no disrespect whatsoever, but many of us find ourselves confused about why a captain would command a colonel," Gree admitted with obvious puzzlement.

Luminara also expressed her curiosity: "I must admit, I find this command structure quite intriguing as well."

Rhodes paused to consider his response carefully, realizing he had never really analyzed this dynamic before. "It's actually a complex situation with a long history, but the essential answer is simple: Captain Rogers holds the leadership position because I, and everyone else on our team, believe he is unquestionably the best candidate for command. Theoretically, anyone could serve as team leader—my best friend Tony Stark could do it, even Thor has the capability—but throughout our entire team, every member would unanimously agree that Steve Rogers is the ideal choice for leadership. There's simply no question about it."

Commander Gree remained silent, processing these words and trying to fully understand their implications, while Luminara became increasingly intrigued by Rhodes' explanation and correspondingly more interested in Captain America himself. What kind of extraordinary personal qualities would inspire such unanimous respect and loyalty from such accomplished individuals?

"So it speaks volumes about his character that he successfully leads such an exceptional team," Luminara concluded with obvious admiration.

As they finally stood before the detention cell, Rhodes couldn't help but voice his immediate impression: "This is the prisoner we're supposed to escort back with maximum security? He looks like a strong breeze could knock him over backwards."

Commander Gree and several nearby clone troopers burst into spontaneous laughter at such a blunt and hilarious assessment of the infamous Nute Gunray.

Both Ahsoka and Barriss were momentarily stunned by Rhodes' irreverent commentary, while Luminara's lips curved into a slight smile as she found herself thinking that this particular Avenger was quite entertaining. Meanwhile, Nute Gunray felt deeply insulted by the dismissive description and glared venomously at Rhodes.

"Although he may not be the most physically imposing individual, Colonel, he is indeed a critically important figure within the Confederacy of Independent Systems," Luminara explained while struggling to maintain her composed demeanor. "His cooperation and testimony will play an absolutely crucial role in bringing this galactic war to a swifter conclusion."

"Then why don't we just interrogate him right here and now? Is there really any significant difference between getting his confession here versus transporting him all the way back to Coruscant?" Rhodes asked with practical logic.

"That's a reasonable question, but before he provides any meaningful testimony, we must first relocate him to a sufficiently secure facility. We're facing the constant threat of attack from Count Dooku's forces at any moment. Dooku will almost certainly dispatch substantial droid armies to attempt a rescue operation."

Rhodes was visibly irritated by the pathetic-looking prisoner and returned Nute Gunray's hostile glare with equal intensity, particularly annoyed that such a frail-appearing individual had the audacity to stare at him defiantly.

After processing Luminara's tactical explanation, Rhodes contemplated various scenarios and muttered to himself: "Or maybe Dooku will only send one person for the job."

Unfortunately, his voice was too quiet for Luminara and the others to hear his speculation clearly.

Naturally, Nute Gunray was in an exceptionally foul mood as he was escorted from his cell toward the frigate's command center, completely surrounded by clone troopers, with Rhodes following closely behind and the three Jedi leading the procession.

Rhodes continued observing the Neimoidian prisoner with intense curiosity, studying the alien villain carefully because he had noticed that Gunray seemed to be constantly searching for potential escape opportunities. Given their current circumstances, Rhodes could only think of one viable escape method available to the prisoner: bribery and corruption.

Nute Gunray had apparently identified his target for corruption and whispered urgently to Commander Gree beside him: "You are fully aware of my position and influence—I am the Viceroy of the Trade Federation. I am an extraordinarily wealthy individual, and I have always been extremely generous to those who prove themselves useful to my interests."

However, Gree did not provide Nute Gunray with the response he desperately hoped for, as the clone commander clearly demonstrated his complete disdain and disgust for all Separatist leadership.

Gree held up a pair of energy shackles and shook them mockingly while responding with obvious contempt: "That's certainly a very tempting offer, Viceroy. But unfortunately for you, it won't work with me or any of my men."

Meanwhile, Luminara had established communication with a nearby Venator-class Star Destroyer to coordinate additional escort support for their critical mission to transport Nute Gunray safely to Coruscant for intensive interrogation by Republic Intelligence.

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