As the sun began to dip below the horizon, you pulled your hood up and ventured out into the bustling streets of Coruscant, your eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of the elusive Doctor Strange. You knew he had provided you with a contact code scribbled on a slip of paper, but you were wary of making such a call openly within the Jedi Temple.

Seeking a more discreet location, you made your way to a secluded alcove hidden behind the grand edifice of the temple. Stepping into the shadows, you removed the scrap of paper from your robes and quickly punched in the code, your heart racing with anticipation.

Soon, the shimmering holographic form of Doctor Strange materialized before you, his arms crossed over his chest as he greeted you. "Ah, Chancellor, what can I do for you?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.

Taking a deep breath, you looked up at the sorcerer, your resolve unwavering. "Doctor Strange, I'd like to go back to Earth," you stated, your fingers unconsciously scratching at your cheek as you spoke.

The sorcerer's brow furrowed slightly, and you could sense a flicker of hesitation in his demeanor. "I see," he replied, his tone measured. "May I ask what has prompted this request?"

You hesitated, weighing your words carefully. "I... I've been forbidden to return by the Jedi Council," you admitted, a touch of frustration creeping into your voice. "But I can't ignore the pull I feel toward your world, and the people I've met there."

Doctor Strange nodded slowly, his expression pensive. "I can understand your desire to return, Chancellor. The Avengers have certainly made an impression on you." He paused, his gaze searching your face. "However, I must exercise caution in this matter. The Jedi Council's concerns are not unfounded, and I would not wish to act in a way that might jeopardize the delicate balance between our realms."

You felt your heart sink, but you refused to give up so easily. "Please, Doctor Strange," you pleaded, your eyes imploring. "I know the risks, but I can't shake the feeling that there's something important waiting for me on Earth. I have to at least try to convince the Council to let me return, with your help."

The sorcerer regarded you thoughtfully, his fingers stroking his chin. "I see," he murmured. "Well, I cannot simply disregard the wishes of the Jedi Council, as they are our allies in safeguarding the stability of the galaxy." He paused, his gaze softening slightly. "However, I am willing to assist you in presenting your case to them, if you believe it is truly necessary."

Hope flickered to life within your chest, and you felt a surge of gratitude toward the sorcerer. "Thank you, Doctor Strange," you said, your voice filled with relief. "I will do my utmost to convince the Council, but I may need your help again, if they remain unwilling to allow me to return."

Doctor Strange nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Very well, Chancellor. I shall be ready, should you have need of me." With that, his holographic form began to fade, leaving you alone in the alcove, your determination renewed.

You took a deep breath, straightening your shoulders as you prepared to face the Jedi Council once more. This time, you were determined to find a way to return to Earth, no matter the cost.

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With unwavering determination, you strode purposefully toward the imposing doors of the Council chamber, your mind focused on the task ahead. As you approached, the familiar figures of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Ahsoka Tano came into view, engaged in a spirited discussion. The air was filled with a blend of camaraderie and concern, a testament to their close bond.

Obi-Wan was the first to notice your presence, his astute gaze lifting from their conversation. Ahsoka followed suit, her curious eyes sparkling with intrigue, while Anakin turned, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Oh, Chancellor," they all said in unison, bowing respectfully, a gesture that spoke volumes of their regard for you.

Ahsoka's inquisitive nature shone through as she asked, "What are you doing here?" Her eyes, wide with curiosity, prompted a warm smile to spread across your face. In a spontaneous gesture of affection, you reached out and pinched her cheek playfully, eliciting a soft laugh from her. "Just here to talk to the Council and your Masters," you replied, your tone light yet purposeful.

Understanding your intent, Ahsoka took it as her cue to slip away, her presence a fleeting yet cherished moment. You then turned your attention to the two Jedi Masters, the gravity of your mission settling in your chest. "I'd like to present the case of going back to Earth to the Council," you stated firmly, your voice echoing with the weight of your resolve.

Anakin's eyes widened in alarm, disbelief etched across his youthful features. "Your Excellency... Lira, you—you can't. What about us?" There was a palpable tension in his voice, a mix of urgency and a hint of desperation.

Obi-Wan, ever the mediator, jabbed a gentle elbow into Anakin's ribs, causing the younger Jedi to grunt in surprise. "What my friend here means to say," Obi-Wan interjected smoothly, his tone a blend of concern and gentle reprimand, "is that you can't; they forbade you, remember?" His words hung in the air, a reminder of the restrictions that bound you, yet your determination only flickered brighter in response.

You took a deep, steadying breath, feeling the weight of the moment press down on you. "Look, Anakin, I know what you're thinking, but I'm meant to be there." Your voice was calm, though an underlying tension crept into your tone.

Before you could say more, Anakin's hands shot out, gripping your shoulders with a force that was almost painful. His fingers dug into your flesh, unyielding, as if he could hold you there by sheer will alone. His face was close, too close, and the intensity in his gaze was nearly suffocating. His eyes, normally a vibrant blue, seemed to darken, shadows swirling within them. "No," he ground out through gritted teeth. "You're not."

For a fleeting moment, you caught a glimpse of something in him that made your heart skip a beat—a darkness that went beyond mere frustration. The faint glimmer of the dark side. The idea flashed across your mind like a jolt, unsettling and cold. You blinked, dismissing the thought, pushing it down before it could take root.

With measured calm, you reached up and gently pried his hands away, feeling the resistance in his grip before he finally relented. Taking a steadying step back, you leveled a firm look at him. "Dear Anakin," you began, your tone steely, though softened by a trace of patience. "I'm a grown woman. I go where I choose, as I please. And I think you'd do well to remember who's the authority here."

Your words hung in the air, a quiet challenge. Anakin's gaze flickered, a battle of emotion raging behind his eyes.

Obi-Wan chuckled softly, though the sound held a strange edge, as if he were humoring you. Clearing his throat, he stepped between you and Anakin, nudging the younger Jedi to the side. Anakin's gaze shifted restlessly, eyes darting like a cornered animal, a flicker of unease sparking in their depths.

"Anakin's right," Obi-Wan said, taking your hand in his. His grip was firm, almost insistent, and as you looked up, his usually warm blue eyes held a chilling gleam. It was a glimpse of something foreign, a shadowed intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. "You aren't meant to be there, my dear. You're here with us... right?" His tone softened on the last word, a plea wrapped in the guise of a command, though something darker lingered beneath the surface.

You inhaled sharply, the weight of their insistence heavy and suffocating, pressing in on you from both sides. The council, their rules, even these Jedi—they were trying to tether you here, to bind you in a role that felt like a cage. You'd had enough.

With a hard sigh, you jerked your hands free from Obi-Wan's grasp, straightening your posture. "You know what?" you said, voice laced with defiance. "Forget this. I don't care about the council's opinion, or yours." You cast a final, piercing look at them both, feeling the authority of your station pulse within you, reminding you who you truly were. "I'm leaving."

Without another glance, you spun on your heel, robes swirling in a brilliant cascade of red and blue as you strode away. The sound of their voices, urgent and pleading, echoed faintly behind you, but you'd already made up your mind. Tonight, you would leave, and no matter what they thought was "best" for you, it was your decision. After all, you were more than just a Jedi. You were a Force user with power of your own—and you were the Chancellor.

A smirk tugged at your lips. Your regent could handle things in your absence. Let them fret over your departure. You were done being confined by their narrow vision. Tonight, you'd claim your freedom, and the galaxy would feel the weight of your choice.