C226 Outed

C226 Outed

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——————

Natasha’s sharp, low voice cut through the moment, her arms crossed as she stared pointedly at Peter. “Are you going to introduce us to her?” she asked, jerking her head toward Padmé.

Mikaela, standing slightly behind Natasha, wore a similarly displeased expression, her hands on her hips. “Yeah, mind explaining why she’s hanging off of you like that?”

Padmé, confused by the sudden tension, stepped slightly away from Peter but didn’t let go of his arm. “I’m Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo,” she said, her tone polite but firm. “Who are you, and why are you questioning Star-Lord like that?”

At the mention of the name Star-Lord, Tony’s head snapped up, his expression a mix of surprise and intrigue. “Wait—Star-Lord?” he said, recalling everything he’s heard from Anakin.

Natasha and Mikaela exchanged confused glances before turning back to Peter. “”You’re Star-Lord?”” They asked in unison.

Mikaela’s brow furrowed. “When exactly were you planning on telling us about this?”

Peter groaned inwardly. Of course, this would come up now. “It’s... complicated,” he said evasively, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Complicated?” Natasha repeated, her eyes narrowing. “You’ve been hiding another woman and a secret identity from us?”

Tony let out a low whistle, leaning against the wall with an amused grin. “This just keeps getting better.”

Rocket, as usual, couldn’t resist chiming in. “I knew this would happen sooner or later...” he muttered in amusement.

Tony smirked, leaning casually against the wall. “I’m giving him five minutes before someone pulls a blaster.”

“I am Groot...” Even Groot couldn’t stop himself from joining in.

Padmé frowned at Groot, Rocket, and Tony, clearly irritated by their commentary. She turned her attention back to Natasha and Mikaela, her voice sharp. “Who are you, and what’s your relationship with Star-Lord?”

Mikaela’s lips twitched into a dangerous smirk. “I’m Mikaela, his girlfriend.”

Padmé’s face scrunched, and she blinked rapidly, her mind reeling. “Girlfriend?” she echoed, not fully understanding the meaning behind the alien word.

Natasha stepped forward, her icy gaze fixed on Padmé. “She’s one of his lovers,” she clarified, her voice deliberate. “The other one being me.”

Peter sighed audibly, feeling everyone’s eyes on him. “Ladies, can we all just calm down...”

Padmé’s world tilted as Natasha’s words sunk in. She turned to Peter, her voice trembling with disbelief. “Is this true? You never told me you had... a relationship with anyone else, let alone two women!”

The room fell silent, save for Rocket and Tony’s continued snickering. “...”

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon exchanged uneasy glances, while Jar Jar looked on, wide-eyed, his head swiveling between everyone like he was watching a play unfold before him.

Peter hesitated, knowing there was no way out of this. “Yes,” he admitted finally, his tone quiet but firm. “It’s true. I’m in a relationship with both Mikaela and Natasha.”

Padmé’s eyes widened, her emotions bubbling to the surface—hurt, betrayal, and anger all at once. “You—” she started but stopped, shaking her head as if trying to clear it. “You didn’t think this was something I should know? You—”

Peter raised his hands in a calming gesture. “Padmé, I didn’t mean to hurt you, okay? I care about you, but this just sort of happened—” He gestured vaguely between the women. “This isn’t the time or place to talk about it. We need to focus on the Trade Federation first.”

Natasha narrowed her eyes but didn’t argue, though it was clear she wasn’t happy about the situation. Mikaela crossed her arms and let out a frustrated sigh. “Fine,” she muttered. “But we’re not done with this.”

Padmé swallowed hard, her lips pressed into a thin line. “You’re right. This isn’t the time. But don’t think for a second that I’m letting this go.” Her voice was sharp, but the hurt in her tone was unmistakable. Without another word, she turned away from Peter.

Peter nodded, trying to hide his frustration at how quickly the situation was spiraling. “Optimus,” he called out, turning to the towering Autobot. “Take Padmé and start sweeping the planet. I want the Trade Federation eradicated completely. No holdouts. No mercy.”

With Naboo liberated, the planetary communications blockade was finally lifted. Qui-Gon Jinn wasted no time in contacting the Jedi Temple to report the events that had unfolded.

Standing aboard his ship, which was parked in one of Atlas’s many hangars, he activated his communicator, and within moments, the holographic form of Grandmaster Yoda appeared before him, his small figure emanating an air of calm authority.

“Master Qui-Gon,” Yoda greeted, his tone tinged with relief. “Good to see you, it is. Worried, we were. Long, your silence has been.”

Qui-Gon inclined his head respectfully. “My apologies, Master Yoda. The Trade Federation’s occupation disrupted communications, but I have much to report.”

Yoda nodded, his ears twitching slightly. “Begin, you should.”

Qui-Gon recounted the events of the past few days, starting with their arrival on Naboo and the discovery of the Trade Federation’s full-scale occupation. He explained the Queen’s imprisonment, the resistance movement, and the unexpected intervention of the enigmatic Star-Lord.

When Qui-Gon mentioned Star-Lord’s pivotal role in defeating the Trade Federation and his overwhelming army of Cybertronians, Yoda’s expression darkened. “Troubling, this is. An army so powerful, trouble it could bring.”

Qui-Gon hesitated briefly before dropping the most shocking revelation. “Master Yoda, there is more. During an encounter with Viceroy Gunray, I witnessed Star-Lord use the Force. He... he used a Force choke to incapacitate the Viceroy.”

Yoda’s sharp intake of breath was audible even through the hologram. His expression turned grave, his ears lowering slightly. “A Force choke, you say? Concerning, this development is.”

After all, Force Choke is widely regarded as a technique rooted in the Dark Side.

Qui-Gon nodded. “Indeed. It was troubling to witness. However, his actions, while aggressive, seemed calculated rather than malicious. Still, I cannot ignore the implications.”

Yoda’s voice was heavy with concern. “Tell me everything, you must. Leave nothing out.”

Qui-Gon proceeded to provide a detailed account of Star-Lord, describing his appearance, his advanced warship, and the formidable droid army under his command.

When he began to describe Star-Lord’s crew, Yoda’s expression shifted subtly. The Grandmaster’s eyes narrowed as he listened, a flicker of recognition crossing his face.

Qui-Gon paused, noticing the change in Yoda’s demeanor. “Master, is something wrong?”

Yoda did not immediately respond, his gaze distant as if lost in thought. Finally, he spoke, his tone cautious. “Remain close to this Star-Lord, you must. Observe, you will. Report back to me, you shall, regularly.”

The unusual command gave Qui-Gon pause. “Master Yoda, may I ask why—”

“Questions, later,” Yoda interrupted, his voice firm. “For now, your mission clear it is. Stay vigilant, Qui-Gon.”

Reluctantly, Qui-Gon nodded. “Understood, Master.”

The hologram flickered and disappeared, leaving Qui-Gon alone in the quiet room. He exhaled deeply, his mind racing with questions he knew would remain unanswered for now.

————

Meanwhile, in his private quarters aboard Atlas, Peter sat in his chair, gazing out at the stars through the large viewport. The weight of the past few days hung heavily on him, and he found himself lost in thought, considering everything from the war on Naboo to the complicated relationships he now had to navigate.

‘It won’t be long before the Jedi figure out that I’m Star-Lord...’ Peter thought, fully aware that his crew would be recognized among Star-Lord’s forces. ‘But it doesn’t matter anymore. I’m strong enough to stand on my own now that the Cybertronians have joined me.’

Suddenly, the sound of the door swinging open snapped him out of his reverie. He turned his head, expecting one of his girlfriends—or perhaps even Tony with some snarky remark. Instead, standing in the doorway was a young boy with bright, eager eyes.

Peter blinked, surprised. “Anakin?”

The boy stepped into the room, his excitement barely contained. “Is it true?” he asked breathlessly.

Peter raised a brow, leaning back in his chair. “Is what true?”

Anakin’s eyes widened, his voice filled with awe as he asked, “Are you... Star-Lord?!”

A/N: 2177 words :)