The morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows in golden shafts, dust motes dancing in the beams like tiny stars. The light painted warm patterns across Lira's rumpled bedsheets, which were twisted around her legs from a night of restless turning. Despite the cheerful morning, an unsettling heaviness clung to her consciousness—phantom sensations from dreams that slipped away like smoke between fingers. The metallic taste of blood lingered on her tongue, and her nose still caught phantom whiffs of acrid smoke, as if she'd been standing in a burning building mere moments ago.

Her muscles protested as she shifted to look at the chronometer on her bedside table, its glowing blue numbers declaring it was well past the hour she should have risen. The device seemed to mock her with its "11:00" display, reminding her of obligations she was already failing to meet. The thought of facing the twelve stern faces of the Jedi Council, explaining her interdimensional absence, made her limbs feel as heavy as neutron star matter.

With another weary sigh that seemed to come from the depths of her soul, Lira pressed her palms against her eyes, trying to physically push away the lingering unease from her dreams. The delicate lace of her sleeping gown caught slightly on her skin as she finally managed to stand, the black fabric falling in whispers around her legs before she carefully removed it.

She selected her attire with practiced efficiency—a chancellor's robe in deep ruby red that spoke of authority without ostentation. The fabric was rich but not overly ornate, flowing around her figure like liquid garnets. Her only concession to her royal status was a single piece of jewelry: a delicate necklace that caught the light without drawing attention to itself. Unlike many rulers who preceded her, Lira had always found crowns to be unnecessary symbols of power—true authority, she believed, came from actions and wisdom, not golden circlets and precious stones. The absence of a crown made her no less a queen; if anything, it made her more of one.

A sudden knock had made her heart skip, her force signature flickering like a candle in the wind before settling. The sound of her soft "Come in" still hung in the air as Obi-Wan appeared, his usual composed demeanor crumbling instantly at the sight before him. His face flushed a deep crimson that disappeared beneath his beard, the tips of his ears turning pink as he caught sight of her in the flowing deep blue underdress that whispered against her skin. His swift turn was almost comical, his copper hair catching the sunlight as he moved.

His stammer, so unlike his usual eloquent speech, brought a gentle smile to Lira's face. The way he tripped over "Your Excellency" was endearing, his Coruscanti accent even more pronounced in his flustered state. Her laugh, when it came, was warm and melodious, filling the sun-drenched room with its lightness.

With a casual display of Force prowess, she summoned her outer robe with a snap of her fingers, the ruby fabric settling around her like a cascade of blood-red water. The movement was graceful, practiced—a perfect blend of her royal bearing and Jedi training. Her fingers, still warm from sleep, reached out to tap Obi-Wan's neck playfully, feeling his pulse jump slightly under her touch.

When he turned back around, his composure somewhat restored, his sea-colored eyes still held a trace of embarrassment. He took a steadying breath, his chest rising and falling beneath his traditional brown Jedi robes, before delivering his message about Masters Windu and Yoda. The morning light streaming through the windows caught the grey starting to pepper his copper hair at the temples, making it shine like precious metal.

A weary sigh escaped Lira's lips as she massaged her temples, her rings catching the morning light. The playful comment about Windu drew that endearingly flustered response from Obi-Wan, his proper Jedi demeanor warring with his protective instincts. His sputtering defense of her position as Chancellor made her laugh again, the sound echoing softly in her chambers.

She reached up—Obi-Wan being slightly taller than her—to ruffle his perfectly groomed hair, much to his barely concealed chagrin. "Oh, dear Obi-Wan, you are one strange little creature, aren't you?" The affection in her voice was unmistakable, making the teasing words land softly.

The walk to the council chamber was a study in contrasts—her ruby robes flowing beside Obi-Wan's traditional brown ones, while their guards created a protective perimeter. The Coruscant Guard in their distinctive red-marked armor stood at attention alongside the Chancellor's Royal Guards, their crimson robes and helmets cutting impressive figures in the Temple's hallways.

The council chamber, bathed in the late morning light streaming through its panoramic windows, fell silent as she entered. Master Windu rose first, his purple lightsaber catching the light where it hung at his belt, followed by the other council members in a wave of movement. The mutual respect was evident in their exchange of bows—hers a gentle inclination of her head, theirs deeper and more formal.

Windu's deep voice carried across the chamber, "Chancellor Zelaya, it's great to see you." His typically stern features had softened slightly, though his force signature remained as controlled as ever. Her response was diplomatic yet genuine, her voice carrying the perfect blend of authority and warmth: "And you, Master Windu, it's great to see the Jedi working diligently to end this terrible war." The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of ongoing conflict, yet tinged with hope.

Windu smiled. "Ah yes, the Clone War. We hoped you might tell us if you've had any visions these past days you've been gone."

Lira winced, trailing off with a sigh before folding her arms. "I had wanted to go to Earth for a while, you know."

Windu tilted his head, sharing a look with Yoda. "Earth, you say?" said the little green Jedi Master, his voice probing. "A mystery that planet is. Signs, there are?" he asked.

You shook your head. "Not a single one."

Windu's brow furrowed as he listened intently. "That is most curious. Earth is a planet that has long evaded the notice of the Jedi Order. Its people and history remain largely shrouded in mystery to us." He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Yoda hummed, his large eyes narrowing. "Troubling, this is. If no signs there are, then why the draw to that world? Delve deeper, we must."

You felt a sense of unease settle over the room as the two Jedi Masters contemplated the implications of your visit to Earth. Their concern was palpable, and you couldn't help but wonder what secrets that unassuming planet might be keeping.

Lira reached out, placing a hand on your arm. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stir up such worry. I simply felt... drawn to Earth, for reasons I can't fully explain." She shook her head, her brow creased with a hint of frustration.

Windu nodded slowly. "It is understandable. The Force works in mysterious ways, and sometimes it leads us to places we do not expect. We will investigate this further, but in the meantime, I must ask - did you sense anything unusual during your time on Earth?"

You smiled. "I met someone." That made Obi-Wan stiffen, and Plo Koon, another Jedi Master, tilted his head. "What someone?" he asked, his tone slightly sharp if you noticed correctly. "The Avengers," you sighed. "A great group of superheroes—strong, kind, and protectors of Earth."

The Jedi Masters exchanged a weighty glance, the tension in the room palpable. Plo Koon's brow furrowed as he regarded you intently. "Superheroes, you say? And these... Avengers, they protect your planet?"

Windu raised a hand, his expression grave. "This is most concerning. The Jedi have had little contact with Earth, and now you speak of its people wielding extraordinary abilities. We must tread carefully here."

Yoda hummed, his ears lowering slightly. "Powerful, these Avengers may be. But the ways of the Force, they do not understand. Wary, we must be."

You felt a twinge of unease at their reaction. "They are good people, Masters. They fight to protect the innocent and maintain peace on their world." You paused, then added cautiously, "They may be allies, if the Jedi were to make contact."

Obi-Wan stepped forward, his brow creased with worry. "You must understand, we cannot simply make contact with such individuals without great consideration. The potential for misunderstanding, or even conflict, is high. The Jedi must tread carefully in these matters."

The other Jedi Masters nodded in agreement, their expressions grave. It was clear they viewed the existence of these "Avengers" as a potential complication, if not an outright threat, to the Jedi's established order.

You bit your lip, sensing the hesitation and wariness in the room. The Jedi's reaction had been more severe than you'd anticipated, and you couldn't help but wonder what secrets or concerns they harbored about Earth and its people.

Your words hung in the air, the weight of their implication sinking in. The Jedi Masters exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions tense.

Obi-Wan stepped forward, taking your hand in his and making you meet his worried gaze. "You can't leave again, Lira. We were so worried." His voice was heavy with concern.

Windu raised a hand, his brow furrowed. "This is a most delicate situation. While we understand your curiosity about this 'Earth' and these Avengers, we cannot in good conscience allow you to return there without further investigation."

Yoda's ears drooped, his expression solemn. "Dangerous, this path may be. Careful, we must be. The will of the Force, we must discern."

You felt a tightness in your chest as the Jedi Masters debated your request. Their caution and hesitation was understandable, but you couldn't help but feel drawn to the Avengers and your desire to learn more about them.

Lira placed a hand on your arm, her eyes pleading. "Please, Lira. The Jedi are right - we don't know what dangers may lie on Earth. We cannot risk you venturing there again without proper preparation."

You looked around the room, seeing the unwavering resolve in the Jedi's faces. They were not going to budge on this, no matter how much you might argue. Sighing heavily, you nodded in resignation.

"I understand," you said, your voice tinged with disappointment. "I won't go back without your permission. But..." You paused, a glimmer of hope in your eyes. "Can I at least tell you more about what I experienced there? Maybe that will help you understand."

Windu considered your request, then inclined his head. "Very well. We will listen, and then determine the next course of action."