It took Steve a solid hour to emerge from the medical bay and refreshers of the Republic station they'd stopped at on their way back to Coruscant.
The Sullust system was on the Outer Rim, not far from Hutt-controlled space, making it the perfect place to stop for proper medical treatment and some much-needed rest.
Scott's ribs were cracked from Gorog's glancing blow when he'd rescued Aayla. Not to mention Steve had been held captive for over a month, he needed a full medical workup.
Thankfully, between this galaxy's advanced medical technology and his enhanced physiology, he'd be back to fighting form in a few weeks.
After the medical droids finished their scans, Steve had practically barricaded himself in the refresher to get clean.
He was grimy, blood-caked, and hadn't shaved in so long that his usually neat beard had grown into an unruly mess.
"Forgotten how good a hot shower feels," Steve muttered to himself, finally feeling human again.
"About time you came up for air."
Cap turned to see Sam, Natasha, Scott, T'Challa, and Anakin filing into his quarters.
"Starting to think you'd moved in there permanently," Sam said with a grin.
"Honestly considered it," Steve admitted, limping over to embrace Sam, then Scott and Natasha in turn. He clasped T'Challa's hand firmly, then placed a grateful hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Thank you for coming for me. All of you."
"Team's not the same without you, Cap," Anakin said with that cocky smirk of his. "Couldn't stand watching the Avengers moping around like lost younglings."
"I wouldn't call it moping," Natasha said dryly.
"More like brooding dramatically?" Anakin continued.
"Says the guy who insisted we mount a rescue mission," Scott shot back.
"How are you feeling, Steve?" T'Challa asked, cutting through the banter with his usual directness.
"Still breathing," Steve replied with a weary smile. "That's more than I expected a few hours ago."
"And the leg?" Natasha asked, her sharp eyes noting his slight limp.
Steve glanced down at his bandaged limb. "Haven't broken a bone in years. This'll be an interesting experience."
He looked back at his friends, concern creeping into his voice. "Where are the others? Delta Squad? Voss? Aayla?"
"Getting some well-deserved rest," Sam answered. "Saw Delta Squad in the mess hall, chowing down on some questionable rations."
"Voss is in his room with Khaleen, she's pretty shaken up by that creature," Scott explained. "And Aayla's meditating in her quarters."
Steve nodded, relief washing over him. Everyone who'd risked their lives for him was safe.
"I have to ask, what did I miss while I was gone?"
"You mean this past month, or just while you were inside that thing?" Natasha asked.
Steve grimaced. "Both."
They gave him a condensed version of everything that had happened since Ultron's ambush.
It was about what he'd expected, and somehow worse.
The galaxy was gripped by fear. Both the Republic and Separatists were in chaos, with entire star systems switching allegiances or declaring neutrality as panic spread.
It was madness, pure and simple.
The Jedi had also received intelligence directly from the Hutt Cartel, apparently Ultron had paid them a visit earlier in the year, strong-arming them into silence while he operated in their territory.
This was massive news for both the Avengers and the Jedi Order. Multiple Republic fleets were already en route to Hutt space, trying to track down Ultron's location.
But the Avengers, who'd fought the AI before, suspected he'd already moved on. Ultron had told Steve he was changing tactics, they'd need to do the same.
Eventually his friends left him to rest, and Steve found himself walking the pristine corridors of the medical facility. His leg ached, but movement felt good after weeks of captivity.
He passed several clone troopers, all of whom snapped to attention and saluted. Steve responded with either a firm nod or a brotherly smile.
Strange how comfortable he'd become with the clones. They were soldiers, just like him, he understood them.
Steve paused outside the room where Voss and Khaleen were supposed to be recovering. Glancing through the partially open door, he saw Khaleen lying on the medical bed, bandaged but alert. Beside her sat Quinlan Voss, his own injuries minor enough that he didn't need to be bedridden.
The two were having an intimate conversation, smiling tenderly as they spoke in low voices.
"Wonder if they're...?" Steve thought to himself.
His question was answered when he saw Voss lift Khaleen's hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. She sighed contentedly and pulled him down for a soft kiss.
Not wanting to intrude on their private moment, Steve quietly moved on.
He walked past another room but stopped, turning back when he glimpsed a familiar figure inside.
A blue-skinned Twi'lek Jedi sat cross-legged on the edge of a medical bed, wrapped in bacta-soaked bandages, deep in meditation.
"Aayla," Steve said softly.
Her eyes opened, and she smiled when she saw him standing in her doorway.
"Steve," she said warmly. "Good to see you up and around."
"You too. How are you feeling?"
Aayla laughed, a musical sound. "Shouldn't I be asking you that? I was only fighting that monster for a day, you were its prisoner for over a month."
"I'm walking," Steve said simply, his smile taking the edge off his words. "That should tell you everything you need to know."
"Well, you should be resting," Aayla warned, though her tone was playful.
"It'd take an army to keep me down until I'm fully healed," Steve replied with a shrug.
"After what you've been through, they might actually assign one to make sure you follow medical orders," Aayla countered. "I wouldn't be surprised if Natasha convinced Peter to web you to your bed."
"That's exactly what she'd do," Steve said with genuine amusement.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment.
"Thank you," Steve said quietly. "For coming after me."
Aayla blinked, then offered him a bright, contented smile.
"I should be thanking you," she said softly. "Even though we came to rescue you, you still saved me out there. Just like you always do."
Steve shook his head. "You all came for me. That's what matters."
Despite her body's protests, Aayla managed to stand and walk over to him. She pulled him into a gentle embrace, which Steve returned gratefully.
"Anything for a friend," she whispered against his shoulder.