Rebel Defenders: Fighting the Framework (Book 4 MCU/Star Wars Crossover)

Stage 2

"Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. Governor Pryce has been sending subtle hints that she wants me to stop reporting on the destruction in Chinatown from that weird lightning storm. Your financial support and connections to DC Coruscant could go a long way to keeping my show on the air. To ensure the public can hear something that gives them hope." Trish said

"Ms. Walker it'd be my pleasure to support Trish Talk. I agree with you. In fact your passion and earnestness on the radio stands out in the Imperial media space. The way you coined the phrase Defenders in reference to the vigilantes that have helped people in the city over the past two years. Truly inspirational to hear you chronicle their noble work." Bakuto complimented

"Oh thank you. This means so much and the support you give to disadvantaged children is inspirational. I'm sorry the Empire disrupted your youth program a few months ago. Hopefully we can plan a series and have the chance for you to talk about getting financial support to build a new center for disadvantaged youth."

Before Bakuto could reply Jessica shouted, "Trish get away from him!"

Trish looked back at Jessica confused as to how she got to her private office. A short Asian woman she was with gasped in alarm, "Bakuto! How are you alive?"

"The same way Elektra Natchios is alive. The power of the Multiversal Core. It's the reason eternal life can be given and why I must destroy any obstacle that prevents me from giving eternal life."

Jessica rushed toward Bakuto to attack him but Bakuto grabbed Trish and held a sword to her throat. Trish's eyes widened in fear but she remained silent.

"Let her go." Jessica demanded

"How about a trade? Your sister for Colleen Wing my former student."

"I don't make deals with psychotic pricks."

"That's too bad because as I said before. All obstacles must be destroyed."

"No!" Jessica shouted

Luke burst through the wall behind Bakuto and Trish knocking Bakuto out before he could slice her throat. Bakuto lay on the ground unconcious and Luke walked a distraught Trish to Jessica where the two sisters hugged one another. Colleen gasped as LMD Fitz lifted the unconcious Bakuto with ease and and ran out of the hole Luke created.

"Sweet Christmas." Luke said shaking his head in disbelief at the unusual sight

****

Simmons found Fitz admist the sea of factory workers in orange hazmat suits. Ezra appeared right behind her in a hazmat suit and Simmons screeched in surprise.

"Shhh..." Ezra said

"What are you doing here I thought you were going to rescue Karen and Foggy?" Simmons asked

"I already did. Colleen escorted them back to the civilian officer precinct in Harlem. I interrogated the guy that attempted to kidnap them, Sowande. He runs the Hand's operations in Southern Africa/Eriadu and was taking orders from Aida. She's running things now that Alexandra is dead and Aida is using this factory to initiate Stage 2. She's set up the workers her to take the fall for her actions. These are my fellow Lothalites. They can't suffer for what she's done."

Simmons groaned,"Fine. But keep your eyes out for Fitz. He's been hiding amongst these workers ever since he contacted Fulcrum and Jessica Jones."

"Oh no Thrawn's already here I sense him. That flashing light means all workers need to line up for inspection." Ezra observed with alarm

"Let's move quickly into formation. Once the inspection is over we find Fitz and then we figure out how to thwart Stage 2." Simmons ordered

Ezra nodded in agreement.