Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
As the week drew to a close, Jake finalized the data retrieval from the Old Republic relic. The corrupted files had proved tricky, but they''d revealed just enough for him to piece together some remarkable concepts¡ªlike handheld energy shields, decoy projectors, and even armed speeder schematics. Although much of the information was fragmented and scrambled, his technical instincts helped him bridge the gaps with his own designs. But the real prize, tucked away in the encrypted sectors, was a reference to a cache hidden in the debris fields of Malachor V.
That night, with the crew gathered around the dim light of the workshop, Jake presented his findings. The tension in the room was palpable as he pulled up the holographic display, showing the fragmented map pointing toward Malachor V. He explained the corrupted files and the designs he''d pieced together but saved the bombshell for last.
"There''s a reference to a cache," Jake said, voice low. "It''s buried deep in Malachor V''s debris field. This could be something serious."
Davik gave a low whistle, while Mira''s eyes flickered with intrigue, though she kept her cool. Kado, however, shifted uncomfortably, his gaze moving to each crew member before he spoke.
"Gardulla''s going to expect a full report on whatever''s inside that relic," he said, voice heavy with caution. "But if we tell her about the cache, we''re handing her a treasure map that she''ll never let us profit from."
"Exactly," Jake nodded. "So I was thinking¡ we don''t tell her. We''ll delete the file on the cache''s location from the relic''s core data. I''ll make sure it''s untraceable. Then, we encrypt a copy of the data for ourselves. Later, when things cool off, we''ll look into it on our own terms."
Kado raised a hand, stopping Jake in his tracks. "What if instead of simply deleting the information, we put in a different location? Something unimportant, like a ruined outpost on Raxus Prime. If Gardulla''s people find it, they''ll think they''ve hit the jackpot, and it''ll buy us time."
Mira leaned back with a thoughtful look, nodding. "Smart. We need to play this carefully, or we''ll end up with nothing¡ªor worse. Gardulla''s no stranger to eliminating loose ends."
Davik crossed his arms, a faint smirk on his face. "So we''re in agreement? We replace the cache location with a false one and keep our own copy. We tell Gardulla''s people it was too corrupted to get anything more than the basic designs."
After a round of silent nods, Kado spoke up again. "Let''s make sure we''re ready for whatever might come after we hand this over. Gardulla''s not likely to just smile and send us on our way if she thinks there''s something more valuable in that relic."
Jake agreed, and with that, they set to work. The rest of the evening was spent preparing, backing up the cache information, and scrubbing the original files. Jake took his time, meticulously encoding the backup data with layers of encryption. They double-checked everything until they were satisfied that no trace of the cache remained on the original relic.
The next morning, as they prepared to meet Gardulla''s representatives, the crew shared a silent understanding: they were taking a calculated risk that could change everything¡ªif they played it right.
Back at Kado''s shop, the crew gathered around a makeshift map of the Malachor system, each of them aware of the enormity of the prize waiting out in the debris fields. The biggest hurdle, however, was clear: they didn''t have a ship. But with no one else aware of the cache''s location, they knew they had time to plan carefully.
Kado tapped the map thoughtfully, his expression measured. "If we''re going to pull this off, we need to do it right. We don''t have the luxury of a full crew, and more importantly, we don''t have a ship yet. Whatever we get will need the power to handle the debris fields around Malachor V¡ªanything less will fall apart."
Mira nodded, leaning against the workbench. "Finding a ship that meets those specs and is within reach isn''t going to be easy. And even if we manage to get one, it''ll have to be quiet. If word gets out that we''re sniffing around for a high-powered vessel, we''ll attract attention we don''t want."
"Exactly," Davik added. "We can take our time, but we should keep our ears open. This is a rare shot, and we can''t afford to miss it."
Jake, who''d been studying the map, finally spoke up. "I can keep working on gear in the meantime. Some of the designs from the relic data could come in handy, especially if we need extra firepower when we get there. Just say the word, and I''ll make sure we''re stocked with enough gadgets to give us an edge."
Kado gave an approving nod. "Good thinking. Gear is one thing we have control over, and if we need it, we''ll be glad to have it."
The rest of the crew agreed, exchanging glances. With a shared understanding, they knew there was no need to rush¡ªthey had a chance to be as thorough and prepared as possible before setting out for Malachor V.
"Alright," Kado said, setting a hand on the workbench, his voice steady. "Here''s the plan. Mira, you keep an ear out for any ships coming up for sale or any rumors in the area that could lead us to what we need. Davik, check with contacts who might lend us a vessel on the quiet. And Jake, work on refining those designs. We''ll meet back here in a week to see where we stand."
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Each crew member nodded, knowing that careful, steady progress would be their best chance. As they turned to their assigned tasks, they understood that every step mattered. If they played their cards right, this cache could be the find of a lifetime.
Three weeks had rolled by since the crew''s last big meeting about the hidden cache in the Malachor V debris fields. Life hadn''t slowed down, and the team had stayed busy with a few smaller salvaging outings. While the finds weren''t groundbreaking, they''d still added a nice boost to their stash of wupiupi, scrap parts, and some valuable equipment they could sell for credits. Each outing gave them a little more breathing room, slowly building their resources for the bigger haul on the horizon.
Mira had kept a sharp eye out for ships coming up for sale or potential leads on scrap vessels that only needed light repairs. Ship pickings were slim on Tatooine, especially for anything close to affordable. Davik had been working his contacts as well, carefully nudging a few bounty hunters he trusted for leads. But nothing concrete came through¡ªuntil the latest whisper from a seller finally looked like it could be their ticket off-world.
The ship in question wasn''t much to look at, and it wasn''t exactly whole. According to the seller, a captain had lost his ship''s cargo and half its droids after getting entangled in a nasty gambling debt. By the time he''d returned to his dock, his crew was gone, and scavengers had already stripped most of the valuable parts off the ship. The only upside was that he''d been able to scare off the worst of the looters, leaving the ship''s skeleton mostly intact. The owner was desperate to leave Tatooine and willing to sell it as-is for a reasonable price.
Around the workshop table, the crew sat in the familiar dim glow of Kado''s shop, poring over a basic hologram of the ship¡ªa light freighter, stripped down but structurally intact. The frame was still solid, and the hyperdrive, while old, was repairable with the right parts.
Mira leaned forward, studying the specs on the holo. "It''s definitely missing some key components, and we''d need to replace at least one thruster. But considering the price, this might be as close as we get."
Davik scratched his chin, looking thoughtful. "We''d need to pull together the missing parts. But given the funds we''ve got from those last few hauls, we''re in a position to make this work."
When Jake laid eyes on the hologram, his heart skipped a beat. It wasn''t just any light freighter¡ªthe stripped-down vessel was the same model as the Millennium Falcon, the iconic YT-1300. In his mind, he could already see all the potential modifications, upgrades, and unique tricks he could pack into a ship like this.
His silent giddiness quickly broke out into a series of demented chuckles as he stared, almost entranced, at the hologram. The rest of the crew exchanged uneasy glances, watching as Jake murmured things under his breath, oblivious to their stares.
"Yes¡ could reinforce the shields here¡ oh, and a retractable cannon right there¡ and maybe an overdrive thrust enhancer for quick escapes!" he mumbled, his eyes gleaming with something approaching madness.
Kado raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. "Uh, Jake? You alright?"
Jake didn''t respond, too wrapped up in his own world of possibilities. Another unsettling laugh bubbled out of him as he whispered to himself about adding hidden compartments, turreted blasters, and some cloaking features that would make the ship a perfect getaway vehicle. The others exchanged a glance, a mix of confusion and amusement written on their faces.
Finally, Jake snapped out of it and threw his head back, unleashing a full, villainous cackle that echoed around the workshop. "Yes! This ship is going to be unstoppable!"
The rest of the crew visibly recoiled, Kado''s eyes widening, while Mira raised her hands cautiously, as if she might need to duck out of the way. Davik, not one to show much fear, still edged back, eyebrow raised.
"Alright, evil genius," Mira said slowly, holding back a laugh. "As long as you keep your experiments on the ship and not on us."
Jake grinned, barely able to contain his excitement. With the ship in sight, the crew had no idea what kind of mad modifications Jake had planned. And while they were nervous, they were all secretly thrilled¡ªbecause they knew that with Jake''s designs, this YT-1300 might just become the legend it was meant to be.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
57 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn?
Chapter 12: The Mad Genius and His Machines
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The moment the crew reached a consensus, Kado wasted no time contacting the seller. A couple of tense hours and some skillful haggling later, they¡¯d struck a deal. Thanks to their recent salvage runs, they¡¯d scraped together enough credits to buy the YT-1300. The price left them with little to spare, but as Kado liked to say, it was money well spent.
After sealing the deal, Mira and Davik took to the local marketplaces, looking for some respectable ship weaponry. Their stockpile of parts wasn¡¯t enough to outfit the YT-1300 with anything serious, so they scouted for affordable cannons or blasters they could bolt onto the freighter once it was ready. Meanwhile, Jake¡¯s mind was racing with all the modifications he¡¯d planned. He couldn¡¯t wait to get his hands on the ship, and two days later, the YT-1300 arrived, docking neatly in Bay 7-10, which Kado had rented from a friend who ran a hangar in Mos Eisley.
As Jake approached the YT-1300 in Hangar Bay 7-10, he took in every dent, every scrap of exposed wiring, and every panel askew. He let out a series of wild chuckles as he circled the ship, inspecting it with near-maniacal glee. Hangar workers passing by shot him odd looks, and even Kado raised an eyebrow when Jake occasionally burst into full-blown cackling. But Jake paid no mind to the stares, lost in visions of the upgrades, modifications, and ingenious traps he could weave into the vessel¡¯s structure.
Running his hands over the ship¡¯s hull, Jake let his mind wander further. A thought struck him as he considered the extensive work ahead. What if he built bipedal droids to help him out? They could act as extra hands, gunners, or even crew. With a few well-designed droids, he could manage the YT-1300¡¯s upkeep and even get some added security.
¡°Imagine an HK-47,¡± he muttered to himself, eyes glinting. ¡°Or¡ a Sonny-type model from iRobot. Cold, precise, and fiercely loyal¡ just the thing to get the job done.¡± The idea filled him with excitement, and he sketched ideas in his mind for droid designs, envisioning their sleek frames, agility, and sharp reflexes.
It was only when he heard Mira¡¯s voice behind him that he snapped back to reality.
¡°So, evil genius,¡± Mira said with a smirk. ¡°Think you can stop giggling long enough to show us where to start?¡±
Jake grinned, more than ready to dive into the project. The dream of turning this stripped-down freighter into a tricked-out, armed-to-the-teeth vessel¡ªand maybe even staffing it with droids¡ªwas finally coming to life. And with the hidden cache on Malachor V in sight, they were about to embark on something unforgettable.
Jake stood before the crew, still buzzing with excitement after examining the YT-1300¡¯s condition in real-time. "Alright," he announced, rubbing his hands together. "Now that I¡¯ve seen everything up close, I¡¯ll put together a full set of plans for upgrades, repairs, and, of course, a few tricks. I¡¯ll start with building some ¡®combat worker droids¡¯ using those droid parts you gave me, Kado. They¡¯ll be useful for heavy lifting, repairs, and¡ªif things get messy¡ªa little security."
Kado, Davik, and Mira exchanged a look, knowing well enough that the journey ahead would demand more than just elbow grease and enthusiasm.
"This is going to be a long-term project, Jake," Kado said with a nod. "As it stands, our liquid funds are nearly dried up, especially with the cut we put into the ship."
Davik added, "We¡¯ll need consistent work, and probably more than the usual runs, if we want to fund this project without cutting into our shares."
A smirk spread across Mira¡¯s face. "Good thing I¡¯ve got a lead, then. I¡¯ve been keeping tabs on a salvage location a contact sold me intel on. It¡¯s a formerly buried crash site, recently uncovered by a Krayt dragon that wandered through. Davik and I can scout it out; if it¡¯s worth our while, we¡¯ll bring back what we can."
Davik grinned, already gearing up for the trip. "A site big enough to attract a Krayt dragon? Might be worth two days'' travel to and from if the finds are decent."
With their next steps clear, Mira and Davik quickly gathered their supplies and prepared to head out. They notified the rest of the crew about the distance and timeline, then loaded up a speeder and set off, prepared for the long haul.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Meanwhile, Kado returned to his shop, managing the business to keep income flowing while the others focused on their tasks. Back at the workshop, Jake moved to the garage-turned-storeroom where he¡¯d set up his workspace. Surrounded by piles of droid components and scattered blueprints, he was in his element. With a few deep breaths, he dove into designing the code and assembling the parts.
The goal was clear: build functional, adaptable droids that could handle labor, assist with repairs, and¡ªif things got dicey¡ªserve as extra protection. He¡¯d have to design them with limited resources, but that challenge only seemed to drive him further. He imagined giving them names, unique programming, and little tweaks that would make them reliable crew members, almost like his own mini army.
Hours passed as Jake worked tirelessly, his fingers flying over wiring, welding, and coding with a focus that kept him oblivious to the time. For now, the sound of tools and sparks filled the workshop. Soon, he¡¯d have a handful of droids at his command, and with Mira and Davik scouting for more salvage, the pieces of their larger plan were falling into place.
Jake hunched over his workbench, sketches and holograms spread out in front of him as he designed the new Combat Worker Droids¡ªor ¡°CWDs,¡± which he¡¯d taken to calling ¡°Quids¡± for short. The decision on how to design them wasn¡¯t simple; he kept weighing the pros and cons of making the droids either nimble or stocky.
If he went with a nimble build, they¡¯d be lightweight, allowing for flexibility and speed. He¡¯d need to focus on reinforcing the joints and motors, making them quick and versatile. Nimble Quids could be outfitted with hardpoints along their backs, forearms, and thighs, designed to carry various interchangeable tools and weapons. Scanners, shields, maybe even camouflage systems could be added to make them useful in any number of scenarios. On the other hand, if he went for the stocky model, they¡¯d be heavily armored with built-in weaponry¡ªperfect for brute force but limited in agility. Without access to premium alloys, he¡¯d have to make do with thick, robust plating. These units could carry repair tools, scanners, a blaster or two, and maybe even a backup power pack for extended operations.
After careful consideration, Jake made his decision: he¡¯d build two stocky Quids and three nimble ones. It was the best balance he could manage with his current resources, maximizing versatility while still giving them solid defensive capabilities. With a satisfied grin, he got to work. For the next forty-three days, the workshop buzzed with the hum of welding, the whirr of motors, and the occasional spark as Jake crafted his vision into reality.
His final touch was a companion droid¡ªsmall and packed with scanners, slicing programs, tasers, and a hidden compartment for storing small items. It was agile, nearly silent, and would make a fine little assistant. By the time he was done, Jake had developed a mad-scientist routine, punctuating his progress with bursts of manic laughter that earned him wary glances from everyone who passed by.
Meanwhile, Mira and Davik had kept up a steady pace of scavenging, braving several outings over the two months. They¡¯d managed to avoid major trouble most of the time, though twice they¡¯d run into rival scavenger groups. One run had even forced Davik to team up with a friendly rival group when a pack of Tusken Raiders ambushed them. The other two outings were quieter, and Kado had even tagged along on one, proving his own scavenging skills and lending an extra hand when they needed it most.
Kado made good use of their haul, selling the more intact equipment in small batches over the following weeks. With each sale, the group¡¯s funds crept back up, and by the end of the third month, they¡¯d not only recovered what they¡¯d spent on the ship but also had a tidy profit. Kado also held back a few select items: a scanner module, an armless medical droid, some body armor and blasters, a handful of ship-grade sensors, signal jammers, and a few repulsors¡ªall valuable additions for future projects.
The crew gathered in Kado¡¯s workshop for their monthly check-in. As they settled in, Kado looked around with a triumphant grin, barely able to contain his excitement.
¡°I¡¯ve got good news,¡± he announced, and they all leaned in. ¡°We¡¯ve finally made back what we spent on the ship¡ªand more.¡± He shared the final tally, which brought grins to everyone¡¯s faces. ¡°And I¡¯ve held back some gear that might be useful for the ship once we start those upgrades.¡±
Jake, unable to hold back his excitement, jumped in with his own report. ¡°The Quids are done! We¡¯ve got two stocky models and three nimble ones, plus my little companion droid, which should come in handy.¡± He grinned broadly, looking more than a little devious as he detailed the droids¡¯ features. ¡°Now that they¡¯re done, I can finally start on the ship¡¯s repairs and mods.¡±
Unbeknownst to him, his expression had twisted into a look of pure, maniacal delight, his eyes wide with enthusiasm and his fingers twitching in excitement. He let out a low, unsettling giggle as he laid out his plans, leaving the crew both amused and slightly wary.
Mira gave a mock salute, holding back a laugh. ¡°Well, our mad genius has spoken. Let¡¯s get this ship in the air.¡±
With resources in place and Jake¡¯s droids ready to assist, they were finally poised to turn the stripped-down freighter into the vessel of their dreams. And as they worked, the promise of Malachor V and whatever treasures it held waited in the distance, closer now than it had ever.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
57 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 13: The Call of the Stars
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake stood in front of the YT-1300, his gaze sweeping over the stripped-down freighter, assessing it with a mix of excitement and determination. Beside him, Kado, Davik, and Mira looked over the ship and the collection of parts they¡¯d amassed for the repairs and upgrades. The hulking frame of the YT-1300 seemed more like a skeleton than a ship, but in Jake¡¯s eyes, it held boundless potential.
Behind them stood the Quids, tools in hand, ready for action. The nimble droids shifted slightly, eager to get to work, while the two stockier models held welding torches, prepared for the heavy lifting. The droids added a sense of professionalism to the operation, as if they were a real crew on the verge of launching their own venture.
Kado cleared his throat, calling everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Alright, before we dive into repairs, let¡¯s talk about the plan for when this beauty is finished,¡± he said. ¡°This ship is our ticket to Malachor V, but that¡¯s a dangerous haul. We need to go in with a full plan and the right people.¡±
Davik crossed his arms and nodded. ¡°We¡¯re gonna need a pilot. Someone who can handle a freighter like this under pressure.¡±
Mira interjected, her tone skeptical. ¡°A pilot we can trust, Davik. We don¡¯t want someone who¡¯ll cut and run or sell us out the first chance they get. Good pilots who won¡¯t stab us in the back aren¡¯t exactly common.¡±
Kado chuckled. ¡°Jake was a rare find in that sense.¡± He shot Jake a look of genuine appreciation. ¡°We¡¯re lucky to have him on board.¡±
Jake felt a strange warmth rise to his face. The mix of appreciation and sudden self-consciousness left him wondering why he was even embarrassed. A fleeting question crossed his mind: Why am I blushing? He pushed the thought away, focusing on the YT-1300 instead.
Davik shrugged. ¡°I might know someone who¡¯d fit the bill,¡± he said, glancing at the others. ¡°Before I met Kado, I worked as hired security for a merchant. Turned out the merchant was a spice dealer¡ªa detail I wasn¡¯t aware of at the time. When I tried to back out, he¡well, he wasn¡¯t too happy about it. He feared I¡¯d report him to the Republic, so he decided I was better off dead.¡±
Mira gave a low whistle. ¡°Typical of spice dealers. How¡¯d you get out?¡±
¡°Lucky for me, I¡¯d befriended the pilot of our cargo hauler,¡± Davik said with a slight grin. ¡°I overheard the dealer¡¯s plan by chance, and the pilot and I managed to escape together. It wasn¡¯t easy¡ªa firefight broke out with the dealer¡¯s guards. The pilot took a hit to the leg, but we got to a dropship, which was more like a coffin with engines strapped on. We crash-landed on Tatooine. From there, we went our separate ways.¡±
Jake frowned, trying to make sense of the story. ¡°Why¡¯d you two split up?¡±
Davik raised an eyebrow, noticing Jake¡¯s confusion. ¡°He met someone here. Fell in love with a local and decided to settle down. Started a new life as a moisture farmer.¡±
Jake blinked. That¡¯s it? He hadn¡¯t expected such a simple explanation but kept his thoughts to himself, though Davik saw the puzzled look on his face and gave a small smirk.
¡°Yes, Jake,¡± Davik said dryly, ¡°he didn¡¯t leave because he got bored. He left because he found something worth staying for.¡±
Kado nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Think you can contact him, Davik? See if he¡¯s still got a pilot¡¯s license and an itch for adventure?¡±
¡°I¡¯ll try,¡± Davik replied. ¡°No promises, but he might be interested.¡±
Mira chimed in. ¡°I know someone who might be useful too¡ªgood at sneaking in and out of tricky situations. She¡¯s one of my longest-standing contacts. We¡¯ve worked together for years, and she¡¯s as dependable as they come. If we¡¯re going into Malachor, we¡¯ll need her skillset.¡±
Kado nodded, already making a mental list of the crew they¡¯d need. ¡°Alright, then. Let¡¯s get this ship spaceworthy, and when we¡¯re ready, we¡¯ll have the team to make Malachor work.¡± He clapped his hands, signaling the end of the meeting. ¡°Let¡¯s get to work, folks. Every bolt and wire gets us closer to Malachor.¡±
With renewed focus, the crew broke apart, each of them eager to see their plan take shape. For the first time in a long while, they had direction and purpose¡ªand the long, winding road to Malachor was starting to feel within reach.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
As Davik made his way across the arid Tatooine landscape, he rode his speeder toward a distant farmstead nestled in the dunes. The farmhouse, simple and well-kept, sat between two sturdy vaporators, their hum breaking the silence of the desert. Outside, a man waited with his wife by his side, both smiling as Davik approached and dismounted the speeder.
Davik grinned and walked up to greet the man. ¡°Kal, how¡¯ve you been, my friend?¡± he said, then turned to Kal''s wife with a respectful nod. ¡°And hello to you as well, Laena.¡±
Kal gave a chuckle and clapped Davik on the shoulder. ¡°Better than I¡¯ve ever been, Davik. But you¡ you¡¯re a trouble magnet. So, what are you wrapped up in this time?¡±
Davik chuckled, a bit sheepish. ¡°Well, I need a pilot.¡±
Kal let out a long, familiar sigh. ¡°Figures. But I¡¯m afraid my days of galactic adventure are behind me.¡± He glanced over at Laena, who gave him an encouraging smile. ¡°But I know someone who might want to take that job,¡± he continued.
Davik raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ¡°Oh? And who might that be?¡±
This time, Laena answered. ¡°My brother. Ever since he found out that Kal used to be a pilot, he¡¯s been insistent on learning. Kal¡¯s been teaching him everything he can.¡±
Davik crossed his arms, curious. ¡°So, how¡¯s he been training? You have a ship hidden away here or something?¡±
Kal laughed, shaking his head. ¡°Not exactly. Jawas sold me a holo-module¡ªno questions asked on where they got it. It¡¯s given him a lot of virtual practice, at least.¡±
Davik frowned slightly. ¡°Virtual practice isn¡¯t quite the same as being out there in space.¡±
Kal held up a hand. ¡°Trust me, Davik, he¡¯s got a good head on his shoulders. Quick to learn and meticulous, like a genius, even.¡± Kal grinned, but Davik couldn¡¯t help but think he might be a bit biased. After all, who could be a ¡°genius¡± at flying without actually flying?
¡°All right,¡± Davik said at last, willing to give it a shot. ¡°Where can I find your brother-in-law?¡±
Kal nodded toward the distant lights of a nearby cantina. ¡°He¡¯s probably there right now. He¡¯s been talking nonstop about wanting to see the galaxy, and this might be his best shot.¡±
Davik gave a nod, grateful. ¡°I¡¯ll give him a try, Kal. Thanks. If he¡¯s anything like you say, he might just be the right person for this.¡±
Davik parked his speeder outside the cantina, its rough exterior blending right in with the dusty streets and ramshackle buildings. He secured it and made his way inside, eyes quickly scanning the room. The cantina was two-thirds full, a typical scene of hired guns and dock workers nursing drinks or catching up after a long day. Despite the hum of conversation and clinking glasses, Davik quickly found Laena¡¯s brother¡ªa familiar family resemblance made him easy to pick out.
As Davik approached, he saw the young man was in a bad situation: two Rodians were looming over him, one holding him by the collar. Davik edged closer, his movements cautious yet purposeful, ready to intervene. Just as he drew near, he made his presence known.
One of the Rodians¡ªa lanky, green-skinned thug with a jagged scar down his cheek¡ªturned toward him with a sneer. ¡°Walk away, friend,¡± he hissed. ¡°This isn¡¯t your business.¡±
Davik¡¯s expression didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Actually, it is,¡± he replied smoothly.
The Rodian released his grip on Laena¡¯s brother and strode up to Davik, eyes narrowing. ¡°Your friend here¡¯s got a big mouth. We were just teaching him some manners.¡±
Before Davik could respond, Laena¡¯s brother cut in, ¡°They¡¯re lying! I was just asking them about life outside Tatooine.¡±
The second Rodian, still clutching the young man by the collar, snapped, ¡°Shut up! You¡¯re diggin¡¯ for info on us, aren¡¯t you? Probably a rival gang rat.¡±
Davik let out a slight chuckle, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Which is it, then? Mouthing off or spying for a rival gang?¡±
The scarred Rodian¡¯s eyes flared with anger. Without warning, he yanked a blaster from his holster, leveling it straight at Davik. But the distraction worked in their favor¡ªLaena¡¯s brother took the moment to shove the other Rodian backward and landed a punch square on his snout.
The blaster-wielding Rodian¡¯s attention wavered for just a split second, and it was all Davik needed. He grabbed the Rodian¡¯s arm, twisting it until the blaster clattered to the floor, then followed with a swift movement of his own, drawing his own blaster in a fluid motion. Before the two Rodians could react, Davik fired, taking them both down in quick succession.
Silence fell over the cantina, every eye on him. Davik glanced around, unperturbed, then tossed a handful of credits to the barman. ¡°Apologies for the mess,¡± he said casually, his voice carrying through the quiet. ¡°Drinks are on me.¡±
A murmur of approval rippled through the patrons as they settled back to their business, the tension diffusing as quickly as it had come. Davik turned back to Laena¡¯s brother, who was looking at him with a mix of awe and bewilderment.
¡°Come on, kid,¡± Davik said, nodding toward the exit. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here.¡±
Once they were outside, Davik shot him a sidelong glance. ¡°So, what¡¯s your name?¡±
Laena¡¯s brother looked him up and down, still processing everything. ¡°Name¡¯s Tarek. And who the heck are you?¡±
Davik smirked. ¡°Davik. I¡¯m an old friend of your sister and her husband.¡± He paused, letting his words sink in. ¡°They mentioned you¡¯re looking to get off this rock and see a bit of the galaxy.¡±
Tarek¡¯s expression brightened with interest. ¡°I¡ yeah. I mean, I¡¯ve been training, but I haven¡¯t exactly had a chance to try it out.¡±
Davik chuckled. ¡°Well, you¡¯re in luck. We need a pilot. Not just any pilot, mind you¡ªsomeone with guts, and someone willing to learn fast.¡±
Tarek looked thoughtful, glancing back at the cantina and then down at the dusty streets around them. ¡°I¡¯m in,¡± he said finally, the fire of excitement flickering in his eyes. ¡°When do we start?¡±
¡°Soon,¡± Davik replied. ¡°You¡¯ll get a chance to prove yourself soon enough. Let¡¯s get you up to speed on the plan.¡±
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
57 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 14: Wired for Trouble
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake stood in the dim engine bay of the YT-1300, sweat beading on his forehead as he tinkered with various components while holos floated around him, displaying ship schematics and step-by-step repair tutorials. His focus was razor-sharp, only broken when a voice interrupted him.
"Excuse me, sir, we may have encountered a problem," came a monotone but oddly polite voice from behind.
Jake turned to see NQ-03¡ªNick Three, as he called him, one of the nimble quids he''d designed¡ªstanding there with an arm conspicuously missing from the elbow down. Stifling an exasperated sigh, he gave Nick Three a scrutinizing look.
"Nick Three, where is your arm?" Jake asked, raising an eyebrow.
The droid gestured at the ground, an expressionless tilt to its head. "While attempting to lift ship components, sir, the arm disconnected," it replied in its flat voice.
Jake crouched down, examining the joint where the arm had come off. The casing was visibly deformed, dented around the connection point. He frowned, realizing he might have underestimated how thin the bodywork needed to be for the nimble quids.
He glanced over at the other nimble quids to check on their condition. NQ-01 seemed fine, but NQ-02 had similar deformations, though the arm was, fortunately, still intact. As Jake''s gaze drifted toward the heavy object the two nimble quids had apparently been trying to lift, his eyes widened¡ªa shield generator.
"Are you kidding me?" he muttered to himself, baffled at how two B1-droid-thin constructs had attempted to haul such a massive component. The realization hit him that it wasn''t just the droid casing that was flawed; their logic processors, or at least the decision-making subroutines he''d coded, might need an overhaul.
With a weary sigh, he decided it was best to check on the stockier quids¡ªthe "Skews" as he called them. Fortunately, both Skews seemed to be performing as expected, moving efficiently and without any damage. Still, Jake made a mental note to inspect their processors too, just in case.
Frustrated but determined, he knew this would set him back on the ship''s repairs. He''d have to tweak the logic processors to prevent any more¡ creative thinking when it came to weight-bearing tasks and then revisit the OS to ensure it was up to standard. Grumbling, he resigned himself to the extra work ahead.
"Alright, boys," he called to the quids. "Looks like we''re going back to the basics. No more fancy ideas until we can handle the fundamentals."
?
For three days, Mira had scoured the city, following a breadcrumb trail of faint clues left by her elusive contact. She knew well enough to expect this type of radio silence¡ªher contact had a notorious habit of going dark during jobs, especially high-stakes ones. But Mira was adept at reading the subtle signs her contact left in her wake, tiny hints that might look like nothing to anyone else but were unmistakable to her.
As she tracked her contact, Mira pieced together enough details to understand the situation: her contact was in the middle of a heist, targeting the savings of a smuggler who had apparently insulted her in some way. Mira wasn''t sure what offense had been committed, but she wasn''t about to interrupt the job. It was a principle of respect among professionals.
Finally, her pursuit led her to a narrow alley where she spotted a figure draped in desert attire, the garments dark and concealing every inch of skin. Mira watched from the shadows, allowing her contact to complete her task. She observed as the petite figure slipped out of a dimly lit building, moving with the silent precision of someone who had long since mastered her craft.
After nine minutes, by Mira''s careful count, her contact darted out of the building, leaving no trace behind, and crept along the alleyway, slipping seamlessly into the maze of streets. Mira anticipated her route perfectly and positioned herself so her contact would naturally encounter her at a safe distance from the heist site.
As the figure drew near, Mira stepped into her path. "Another burglary job, Rina?" she greeted, a wry smile in her voice. "I thought you''d retired from this and were only doing information trades now."
The contact started slightly, her surprise masked under her veil of desert wraps. "Mira?" She blinked, glancing around as if expecting to see others lurking. "This is a surprise. You don''t usually meet with your contacts in person. What''s changed?"
Mira held her gaze, letting a moment of suspense settle. "I have a job offer for you," she replied. "But we should find somewhere secure to talk first."
Rina''s eyes narrowed thoughtfully, then she nodded. "Lead the way."
Mira led Rina to a quiet, secluded corner in a nearby, run-down building, where they could talk without worrying about eavesdroppers. The dim, flickering light that filtered through the cracked windows cast long shadows on the walls, creating a perfect spot for a private conversation.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
"It''s been a hectic few months," Mira began, her voice low but steady as she sat down across from Rina on a stack of crates. "A lot''s happened since Jake came into the picture. He''s an odd one¡ªkind of strange, but damn smart. He doesn''t look like much, but when it comes to tech, the kid''s got a gift."
Rina raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A newbie, huh? And you''re trusting him already? He must be more than just some bright-eyed kid."
Mira nodded, leaning back slightly. "You could say that. He''s got his quirks, but when it comes down to it, Jake''s quick and he thinks on his feet. Not that I expected much when we first brought him along. But after our first scavenger hunt, Kado brought him to a meeting with some of Gardulla''s men who were looking for good slicers and mechanics. That''s when I started to really see what he could do."
Rina waited expectantly. "Go on. What happened?"
Mira smirked, recalling the moment. "We were sent to retrieve data from a relic owned by Gardulla. Gardulla through her men hired us to slice into it, figure out what it was, and see if it had any value. But it wasn''t just some old tech lying around¡ªit was a piece of Old Republic tech, and it was locked down tight."
Rina''s interest peaked. "And Jake... he figured it out?"
Mira nodded. "That''s just it¡ªhe didn''t just figure it out. The relic was in worse shape than we thought, missing parts, its systems all but fried. But Jake, he jury-rigged some tech right on the spot and got it functioning again. I''m talking about fixing stuff as we scavenged. You could barely tell we were dealing with a relic at all."
Rina''s grin widened. "That''s impressive. Sounds like your new recruit''s got a knack for the tech side of things."
"More than a knack," Mira replied. "Jake''s fast. And that''s what''s so damn surprising. He didn''t just get it working; he unlocked the data in less than half the time they gave him. Gardulla''s men gave him seven days to crack it, and Jake finished in two. The rest of the time, he was going over the data with a fine-tooth comb, making sure we didn''t miss anything important."
Rina raised an eyebrow. "Seven days and he did it in two? That''s gotta be some kind of record. What was on this relic? Some kind of treasure?"
Mira shook her head. "Not exactly. It was a key to something bigger¡ªa hidden cache, Gardulla''s stash. Credits, weapons, who knows what else. But it wasn''t just about the relic itself. It was about what it could unlock. And that''s where Jake really came through. He didn''t just hand over the data. He edited it, just enough to throw anyone who might trace it off track. He made sure there''d be no way for Gardulla''s people to follow us."
Rina''s lips curled into a grin. "Sounds like someone''s playing Gardulla at his own game. But you don''t think Gardulla''s men will catch on?"
Mira''s smile faltered, a touch of worry creeping into her voice. "That''s the problem. Jake didn''t just delete the data. He might''ve edited it, but he did erase the records of the changes. I''m not sure how long the cover will hold."
Rina frowned, her gaze sharp. "You''re right to worry. There''s slicers out there who can dig into corrupted data, no matter how well it''s hidden. They''ll trace it back if they have to."
Mira bit her lip, considering the possibility. "Jake''s good, but I don''t think he''s invincible. And Gardulla''s men won''t take too kindly to getting played."
Rina leaned back, mulling it over. "Not bad. Really not bad. If he was able to unlock something that secure, and that quickly, Gardulla''s men are going to be really disappointed when they figure out what he did."
Mira smiled, a mixture of amusement and apprehension. "Yeah. They''ll find out soon enough. I just hope it doesn''t blow up in our faces."
Rina''s grin widened into a full smile, mischief dancing in her eyes. "I''m starting to think I need to meet this Jake. If he''s that good, I''d like to see it for myself. Besides," she added with a playful wink, "I could always use a little challenge."
Mira raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"
Rina''s tone was teasing, but her eyes were sharp with interest. "Why not? You said he''s good with tech, right? Maybe I can learn a thing or two."
Mira gave her a knowing look. "Careful, Rina. You don''t want to get distracted by a rookie."
Rina chuckled softly. "Who, me? I''m just curious. I like a good puzzle, that''s all. And if Jake''s got the skills you say, I''m sure we could have a lot of fun with him."
Mira couldn''t help but laugh. "Just don''t make things too complicated. We''ve got enough going on without you adding to the drama."
Rina shrugged, grinning. "I make no promises."
Mira shook her head, though the smile didn''t leave her face. "We need someone with your skill set. I''ll need you on this job, Rina. Things are about to get messy, and we can''t afford to miss any details."
Rina''s grin grew wider. "Oh, I''m in. You know I''m always ready for a job. Just tell me when and where."
Mira leaned back, the weight of their situation settling in. "We''ll need to move quickly. Gardulla won''t wait long before trying to find out what happened to his relic. I''m counting on you to stay ahead of him."
Rina nodded, her expression turning serious. "You got it. I''ll keep my ears open, and if Gardulla''s men come sniffing around, I''ll make sure they don''t get too close."
Mira stood up, nodding in approval. "Good. Stay sharp, and we''ll get through this."
Rina followed suit, her grin still present but her eyes sharp with the thrill of the challenge. "Always do."
As they parted ways, Mira couldn''t shake the feeling that things were about to get even more complicated¡ªbut with Rina on board and Jake''s skills to back them up, she was confident they could handle whatever Gardulla threw their way.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
57 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 15: The Test of Trial and Tech
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The soft hum of machinery filled the rented hangar bay 7-10, and the metallic clanging of tools echoed as Jake worked on the ship repairs alongside the Quids. Days had passed since the logic processor mishap with the droids, and though Jake hadn¡¯t fully resolved every problem, he was finally getting a handle on the ship¡¯s core systems. Working steadily, he grumbled to himself about the painful lessons learned over the past week.
¡°I should¡¯ve just started with droid programming the right way,¡± he muttered under his breath, nudging one of the half-repaired droids out of the way. ¡°Instead of just winging it and relying on this tech-savant shortcut, I could¡¯ve saved myself a world of headaches.¡± In those first days after the malfunction, Jake had scoured the holonet for anything related to droid programming, sensors, scanners, and dataspikes. He felt a pang of embarrassment when he realized how many basic tools he¡¯d overlooked. ¡°Dataspikes¡ªshould have seen that one coming.¡±
His deep dive into the basics had quickly snowballed. He¡¯d gone from studying sensors to schematics for speeders, from hyperdrives to advanced starship modules. The sheer breadth of information available left him feeling both humbled and invigorated. He might not be able to call himself a master of this galaxy¡¯s tech, but he¡¯d at least learned enough to understand what he was working with instead of relying solely on his savant instincts.
Satisfied with the droids¡ªfor now, at least¡ªJake returned to the task he¡¯d set aside: the ship repairs. His gaze drifted briefly to his gauntlets lying nearby, but he shook off the temptation to tinker with them. ¡°Focus, Jake. This ship¡¯s been waiting long enough as it is,¡± he reminded himself, diving back into his work.
Another three days passed, and though Jake spent most of that time in the hangar, Kado made a couple of visits to check in on his progress. On his most recent visit, Kado lingered, giving Jake a hand with the repairs, whether by passing tools or lifting heavy parts.
¡°So, how¡¯s it coming along?¡± Kado asked, propping himself up on a crate nearby as Jake fastened a set of wiring near the hyperdrive.
¡°Slow but steady,¡± Jake replied, carefully securing a circuit and giving it a quick once-over. ¡°Droids gave me more trouble than I¡¯d like to admit. Had to go back to basics just to get a handle on things.¡±
Kado chuckled, clearly amused. ¡°You¡¯re not the first person to get in over their head with tech. Droid programming¡¯s a tricky beast.¡± He handed Jake a hydrospanner, nodding approvingly as Jake continued the repair. ¡°Gotta say, though, you¡¯re doing well for a newbie.¡±
They worked in silence for a few minutes, the rhythm of repairs settling into an easy pace. Then Kado broke the silence with a curious tone. ¡°Hopefully Davik manages to find us a good pilot. We¡¯ve been lucky so far, but a dedicated pilot would make things easier for all of us.¡±
Jake nodded in agreement, grateful to be able to focus on the ship while chatting with Kado. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯d be a relief to have someone who knows what they¡¯re doing behind the controls. Never thought I¡¯d end up in the middle of a crew, let alone one that relies on salvage and tech work.¡±
¡°Speaking of,¡± Jake continued, glancing over at Kado, ¡°how did you, Davik, and Mira end up as a salvager crew? You three seem like you¡¯ve been at this for a while.¡±
Kado leaned back, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he reminisced. ¡°That¡¯s a long story. We didn¡¯t exactly start out as a team. I met Davik years ago. He was already running small-time salvage ops¡ªtaking odd jobs, fixing up whatever he could get his hands on. I¡¯d just left the Syndicate I was working for, looking to lay low and find honest work for a change.¡± He chuckled. ¡°If you can call salvage ¡®honest work.¡¯¡±
Jake nodded, his curiosity piqued. ¡°And Mira?¡±
Kado¡¯s smile softened at the mention of her name. ¡°Mira came along a bit later. She was¡ well, let¡¯s just say she was more on the independent side of things when we first crossed paths. She¡¯d been doing a lot of intel work, had a solid network, but was missing the resources to make the big plays she had in mind. Davik and I were just the right fit.¡±
¡°So, it all came together,¡± Jake murmured, understanding the unspoken bonds of loyalty and trust that must have formed over time.
¡°Exactly. And with Davik¡¯s mechanical expertise, Mira¡¯s connections, and my background in¡ let¡¯s just call it ¡®strategic operations,¡¯ we¡¯ve managed to make a name for ourselves.¡± Kado shot Jake a sly grin. ¡°And now, we¡¯ve got you¡ªassuming this tech-savvy approach keeps working out for you.¡±
Jake chuckled, grateful for the compliment. ¡°Well, if I don¡¯t blow up another droid in the process, I¡¯d say I¡¯m on the right track.¡±
They exchanged a grin, and for a moment, Jake felt more at home than he¡¯d expected to feel in a galaxy so far removed from everything he once knew.
Two more days slipped by before Davik finally returned, a confident grin on his face as he strolled into the hangar with a young man trailing behind him. Jake, busy running diagnostics on the ship¡¯s engine panel, caught sight of them and straightened up, observing the newcomer with a quiet curiosity. Kado, who happened to be on-site that day, was already grinning, happy to see both Davik and his new recruit.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Davik waved them over, then gestured proudly to the man beside him. ¡°Everyone, meet Tarek Fynn Orain. Found him through some... unorthodox channels, but I¡¯d say he¡¯s exactly what we need.¡±
Tarek stepped forward, offering a nod and an enthusiastic handshake first to Kado, then to Jake. ¡°Pleasure to meet you both. And the ship¡¡± His eyes lit up as he caught sight of the YT-1300 behind them. ¡°Is that what I think it is? I¡¯ve been dying to see one up close!¡±
Kado chuckled, pleased with the young pilot¡¯s excitement but still curious. ¡°Well, Tarek, I¡¯ve gotta ask¡ªhow much experience do you actually have flying starships?¡±
Tarek hesitated, glancing briefly at Davik before answering. ¡°Uh¡ most of my experience has been through simulators,¡± he admitted, the enthusiasm in his voice faltering slightly.
¡°Not ¡®most,¡¯¡± Davik interjected with a smirk. ¡°All. Every flight hour he¡¯s clocked so far has been in simulators.¡±
Kado¡¯s smile vanished as he turned a wide-eyed look toward Davik. The silent question in his gaze was obvious. But Davik shrugged, looking unfazed. ¡°The original pilot I was after recommended Tarek¡ªKal and Laena both vouched for him. Turns out Kal even trained him personally.¡±
Kado let out a long breath, still unsure, but Jake had been mulling things over in his own head. After all, simulators were part of his own cramming over the past few days. ¡°There¡¯s a flight simulator I¡¯m planning to install as part of the ship upgrades,¡± he offered. ¡°With some tweaks, I can have it up and running in an hour. Might be a good way to see what Tarek¡¯s got.¡±
Kado and Davik exchanged a glance, each silently considering the plan, before nodding. Davik gave Tarek an encouraging pat on the shoulder. ¡°Well, there¡¯s your shot. Prove Kal and Laena right.¡±
Tarek swallowed, but his determination outweighed his nerves. ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡±
In a little less than an hour, Jake had the simulator set up in a clear corner of the hangar, the old unit now modified and calibrated for Tarek¡¯s use. Tarek climbed into the seat, his hands hovering over the controls with a mixture of familiarity and apprehension, while Jake ran through the final adjustments.
Kado and Davik joined Jake as he finished setting up, Kado leaning in to whisper, ¡°Set it up for a planetary escape to hyperspace, with pursuers. Let¡¯s see how he handles the pressure.¡±
Jake nodded, inputting the details into the scenario generator and locking it in. Tarek¡¯s screen flickered to life, displaying the cockpit view of a ship on a densely populated planet. He glanced over at Jake, who gave him an encouraging nod before pressing the start button.
The simulation began, a set of pursuit warnings flashing as the program threw a series of challenges at him: tight urban navigation, handling an overloaded ship, and dealing with a squadron of pursuers hot on his tail.
As the simulation whirred to life, Tarek¡¯s gaze locked onto the screen, his hands hovering over the controls as if the physical instinct alone could pull him through. The simulated cockpit hummed, replicating the feel of a real starship, the vibrating thrum of engines pushing to the edge, pulsing through his fingertips.
Ahead, a bustling cityscape stretched out in all directions, buildings rising like jagged teeth, narrow passages winding between them. Red lights flashed on his display: pursuers on his tail. He took a deep breath and gripped the controls.
¡°Alright, Tarek,¡± he muttered to himself, ¡°you¡¯ve got this.¡±
He launched forward, guiding the ship through a narrow alley between two skyscrapers, skimming so close to the building on the right that the alert chime of proximity warnings started blaring. His fingers tightened as he dipped lower, slipping into the shadows cast by the towering structures. He could almost feel the walls closing in, the simulation¡¯s realism adding weight to his nerves.
Behind him, the pursuers grew bolder, edging closer with each tight turn. A quick glance at his radar revealed four ships, all closing in fast.
They¡¯re too close.
With a sudden swerve, Tarek threw the ship into a sharp left turn, nearly scraping the hull along the wall of a towering apartment block. One of the pursuing ships tried to follow and clipped its wing against a protruding balcony, bursting into a flash of sparks before spiraling out of control. Tarek allowed himself a brief grin but didn¡¯t dare celebrate.
He banked the ship upward, aiming for open air above the city, but the pursuers adjusted, following his every move. The heads-up display pulsed, signaling incoming fire. Tarek¡¯s fingers flew across the controls, dodging the first round of laser blasts as he twisted the ship into a dizzying spiral.
¡°Come on, come on¡¡± he urged, as he threaded his way through the upper levels of the cityscape. Ahead, he spotted a shipping lane filled with freighters and transports lumbering toward the edge of the city, a perfect obstacle to shake his followers. With a sudden thrust, he plunged into the lane, darting between the hulking ships, dodging stray crates and containers with mere centimeters to spare.
The first two pursuers attempted to follow him into the lane but misjudged their entry, one crashing into the rear thrusters of a freighter while the other spiraled out of control and exploded in a flash of simulated debris.
Two down. Two to go.
But as he cleared the shipping lane, his radar blared a new warning: planetary defense forces had been alerted to his unauthorized entry. Three more blips lit up on the screen¡ªnew pursuers inbound, and fast.
Heart pounding, Tarek pushed the engines to maximum, rocketing toward the city¡¯s outer limits and the open sky beyond. His fingers danced over the controls, rerouting power to the shields as he felt the hull shudder under the strain. He checked the hyperspace console¡ªhe¡¯d need at least ten more seconds to safely clear the atmosphere before he could jump.
Suddenly, a laser blast hit his starboard wing, jolting him hard enough that he nearly lost control. Alarms blared, and he quickly ran damage control, rerouting power and stabilizing the ship just in time to weave between two more oncoming freighters. The defense ships were relentless, gaining on him with every second.
¡°Just a few more seconds!¡± he growled, watching the atmosphere clearance counter inch down.
At last, the clearance indicator flashed green. Hyperspace ready. With a final, desperate punch, Tarek activated the hyperdrive. The stars stretched into lines, and with a flash, he disappeared into the safe, cold quiet of hyperspace.
The simulation faded, and the hangar filled with silence as Tarek slumped in his seat, panting and sweating. The adrenaline still pounded in his veins, but a small, triumphant smile crept across his face.
Across the room, Kado gave a low whistle, while Jake exchanged a look of approval with Davik.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
57 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 16: Rise of the Rookie
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
As the simulation ended, Tarek slowly lifted his head, eyes shifting between the faces of the crew. He scanned for any hint of approval¡ªor disappointment. Inside, he was wracked with uncertainty. What if he hadn''t done well enough? Or worse, what if he¡¯d fallen short of the expectations of this tough, battle-worn group? His stomach churned, but he managed to keep his expression steady.
Kado had a look of intrigue and approval, his eyebrows slightly raised, and a nod in his stance that spoke volumes. Jake, however, seemed to be in his own world, his gaze unfocused as he mentally picked apart the simulator¡¯s current configurations and considered what he could tweak or improve. And then there was Davik, watching Tarek with a knowing, almost amused smile.
After a few agonizingly silent seconds, Kado finally broke the silence. "Not bad, Tarek. You¡¯re in." He paused, letting Tarek''s relief sink in before adding, "But you¡¯ll need to finish all of Jake''s simulations first. Every single one."
Jake¡¯s attention snapped to Kado, his train of thought interrupted. He looked at Tarek, then back to Kado, a slight grin forming on his lips before it turned into a mischievous, almost devilish smile that he aimed squarely at Tarek. The color drained from Tarek¡¯s face. Just seeing the inventive spark in Jake¡¯s eyes was enough to make him break into a nervous sweat. Beside him, Davik gave Tarek a simple nod, almost as if to say, Good luck.
Trying to recover his composure, Tarek gave a shaky nod and said, ¡°Alright¡ I¡¯m ready for whatever you throw at me.¡± But inside, he was already preparing himself for the worst that Jake¡¯s ingenuity could come up with.
As Jake began configuring the next batch of scenarios, Kado gestured for Davik to follow him out of earshot. Once they¡¯d found a quiet corner of the hangar, Kado cut to the chase.
"Anything we should be worried about with him?" he asked, crossing his arms.
Davik scratched the back of his neck. ¡°Not really, no. He¡¯s a bit green, sure, but he¡¯s got good instincts. Quick, too. Ran into some trouble back in town¡ªa couple of Rodians causing problems, trying to rough him up. Tarek held his own, but I stepped in before things could go too far.¡±
Kado raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ¡°They just picked him out of nowhere?¡±
¡°Not quite,¡± Davik replied. ¡°They thought he was digging for info, and when he asked a few questions, they didn¡¯t like it. Things escalated fast.¡±
Kado nodded thoughtfully, his gaze shifting back toward Tarek, who was now trying to decipher Jake¡¯s next challenge. ¡°Seems like he¡¯s got more guts than he lets on.¡±
Davik smirked. ¡°Exactly. He¡¯s got promise; we just need to knock off some of the rough edges.¡±
Kado¡¯s eyes softened slightly as he glanced over at the young pilot. ¡°Then let¡¯s see what Jake¡¯s simulations can teach him. If he can handle those... maybe he¡¯s ready for the real thing.¡±
Later that day, Mira returned to the hangar with a spring in her step, clearly satisfied with the outcome of her recent mission.
¡°I found her,¡± she announced to the group, a glint of accomplishment in her eye. ¡°My contact¡¯s agreed to join up, at least for a trial period.¡±
Kado raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ¡°What exactly can she do?¡±
Mira leaned against a nearby crate, arms crossed. ¡°Her specialty is intel gathering. She¡¯s got a knack for uncovering information that most people can¡¯t get near, and she¡¯s a skilled slicer. She can get into systems, decrypt files, disable alarms¡ªpretty much anything involving tech that needs... persuading.¡±
Jake¡¯s interest piqued, and he focused on the conversation, musing that this was shaping up to feel a lot like an anime he¡¯d watched in another life. ¡°Isn¡¯t this like assembling a crew in One Piece?¡± he thought, chuckling to himself. But inwardly, he cringed. Please don¡¯t let me be Usopp or Franky... I don¡¯t want that nose, and I¡¯d rather not become a cyborg, thanks.
Noticing Jake¡¯s attentiveness, Mira smirked and added, ¡°Just a heads up, Jake¡ªRina¡¯s got a bit of a quirky character. If she finds you interesting, she might, uh¡ keep things weird.¡±
Jake raised his eyebrows and gave a quick nod. ¡°Got it.¡± But inside, he was having a minor inner monologue meltdown. Oh no... just like in an anime! The quirky character taking an interest!
The days passed quickly after that. For the next two weeks, Kado, Davik, and Mira went on scavenging runs, this time equipped with the new Quid droids. Jake, eager to see how his creations performed in real-world scenarios, encouraged them to take the models out in the field and really put them through their paces.
They started by testing the Nick models. Each one¡¯s scanning and sensor range was measured, along with its speed at acquiring data on various objects and life forms. In situations where combat was unavoidable, the Nicks¡¯ combat programming was put to the test. Their aim, reaction time, and decision-making abilities were all impressive, hitting targets quickly and analyzing each situation with precision.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
Next, they tried out the Skew models. Unlike the Nick units, the Skews were bulkier and slower, but they made up for it with their ability to withstand damage and serve as moving cover. Their power was another standout feature, lifting heavier equipment and even reinforcing barricades when needed. They were invaluable in firefights, their sturdy frames shielding the crew as they moved forward.
Meanwhile, Jake poured himself into the YT-1300 repairs, working tirelessly on the ship. The armor plating was now securely in place, though he noted that it still needed a good upgrade before it was ready for more hostile territories. He had managed to install the main modules, though he was still tweaking their functions and wiring up modifications. And with each adjustment to the system panels, he coded the baseline settings for smooth operation, laying a foundation he could build on for future improvements.
¡°Thank the stars for the holonet,¡± he muttered to himself. The amount of information he¡¯d crammed into his head over the last few weeks had been overwhelming, but it had paid off. It had given him the edge he needed to finish the repairs faster than he¡¯d thought possible.
Satisfied with the progress, he gave the droids a series of commands to begin loading the custom modules and parts he¡¯d need to modify the ship further. As they went about the task, Jake took a step back, hands on his hips, and surveyed his work. It was coming together piece by piece, just like their team.
A fully repaired but yet-to-be-modified YT-1300 freighter sat in Hangar Bay 7-10, gleaming under the stark white lights, its armored panels and compact design exuding a sense of sturdy elegance. Jake and the crew stood in a loose circle around it, each quietly appreciating their work in seeing the ship brought back from its battered state. The low hum of hangar activity seemed distant as they admired the freighter.
Tarek was especially captivated, eyes glued to the ship with an almost childlike fascination. ¡°I cannot wait to pilot that for real,¡± he finally said, his grin broadening as he imagined himself in the cockpit.
At his words, everyone froze, heads turning in unison to look at him with varying expressions of amusement, surprise, and caution. Kado cleared his throat, crossing his arms with a raised brow. ¡°Test flight, kid, not joyride. That¡¯s why I asked Jake to upload the piloting subroutines into one of the Nick models,¡± he said, gesturing toward Nick-03, the droid standing a few feet away.
Mira let out a soft chuckle and leaned in, arms crossed. ¡°I might know the perfect place for this little ¡®test,¡¯¡± she offered, eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. ¡°There¡¯s a raider camp not far from here. There¡¯s been a bounty on them for a while¡ªabout twenty-one raiders in total. They¡¯re equipped with blasters, but they¡¯re unarmored. They¡¯ve also got five speeders and¡well, there¡¯s a rumor that they¡¯ve acquired explosives from Hutt channels. Seems like the Hutts wanted to offload some leftover stock.¡±
The crew exchanged glances, interest sparking as the idea took root. Kado tilted his head, considering the proposal, while Davik gave an approving nod. Jake¡¯s eyes darted between them, excitement building at the prospect of testing the ship¡¯s resilience¡ªand his own handiwork. The crew nodded in agreement, and without another word, they began preparing for the mission.
As they geared up, Jake caught sight of his gauntlets, still sitting on his workbench. He hesitated, his mind running through the long list of modifications he now wanted to make after diving deeper into Star Wars tech. Now that he actually understood the principles behind the galaxy¡¯s mechanics, he could see all the ways he¡¯d overlooked improvements in his tech-savant haze. But after a moment¡¯s hesitation, he grabbed them anyway. Better to have them on hand if things went south.
He returned to the others, who were busy securing their own gear. In his hands was a piece of new tech he¡¯d crafted from the relic they¡¯d salvaged: wrist-worn energy shields for each of them. ¡°Here, put these on,¡± he instructed, handing out the devices. ¡°They¡¯re built with scrap-grade materials and can¡¯t withstand sustained fire, but they¡¯ll give you a window to find cover if you¡¯re taking hits.¡±
They activated the shields, and each one flickered to life in a shimmering blue circle, large enough to protect an adult torso. Davik examined his with curiosity, tapping its edge with his knuckles. ¡°Is that because of the power supply or the materials you used?¡±
¡°A bit of both,¡± Jake admitted. ¡°If I had high-grade materials and a stronger power source, these things could run for hours instead of minutes.¡±
Satisfied with the shields, they finished their preparations and finally boarded the freighter. Tarek nearly bolted to the pilot¡¯s seat, his face lit up with barely contained enthusiasm. He settled into the chair, his fingers hovering over the controls as the rest of the crew found their places. Mira secured herself and glanced around, eyeing the ship¡¯s interior with an appraising look.
¡°By the way,¡± she asked, her voice carrying over the low hum of the ship¡¯s systems powering up, ¡°does this ship even have a name?¡±
All eyes turned to Jake, who¡¯d pulled up the ship¡¯s registration records earlier. ¡°The registry says it¡¯s the Stellar Envoy,¡± he replied thoughtfully. After a pause, he added, ¡°But if I had my way, I¡¯d call it the Millennium Falcon.¡±
Kado raised an eyebrow, folding his arms. ¡°Does that name mean something to you?¡±
Jake gave a casual shrug, hoping his answer sounded neutral. ¡°Not really,¡± he said, deflecting.
Davik gave a knowing smirk, sensing there was more to it but letting it slide. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s keep it the Stellar Envoy for now. It¡¯ll do for a test run,¡± he suggested, and the crew murmured their agreement.
Feeling emboldened by the crew¡¯s enthusiasm, Tarek gripped the control stick and received an approving nod from everyone. He took a deep breath, ready to lift off. With practiced movements, he engaged the engines, and the ship began to vibrate, thrumming with the power of its startup sequence. It felt as though the freighter itself was preparing to take flight with them¡ªuntil suddenly, everything fell silent. The engines died down, the lights dimmed, and all systems powered down into standby mode.
The crew looked at each other, bewildered, before turning their gazes to Tarek, who appeared equally confused and a little sheepish. A voice, calm and mechanical, broke the silence from the co-pilot seat where Nick-03 had stationed itself.
¡°Navicomputer not updated. Sync lock prevents liftoff until the system is calibrated.¡±
An awkward silence fell. Tarek let out an embarrassed chuckle, scratching the back of his head. ¡°I, uh¡knew that,¡± he mumbled, hurriedly typing to update the navicomputer¡¯s settings. A few tense seconds later, he flashed them a thumbs-up and reengaged the engines.
This time, the Stellar Envoy hummed to life, the engines revving up smoothly as the ship lifted off. The freighter rose, steady and graceful, filling the crew with a sense of weightlessness as they looked out the viewport. Smiles broke out around the cabin, and they gave Jake appreciative pats on the shoulder, impressed with his repairs.
Kado leaned forward, an approving grin on his face as he looked to Tarek. ¡°Alright, kid¡ªshow us what this ship can do.¡±
Tarek¡¯s eyes sparkled with determination, gripping the controls as he prepared to take the ship to its limits.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
58 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 17: Silent Approaches
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The Stellar Envoy landed a safe distance from the raider camp, hidden among the rocky outcroppings that blanketed the rugged terrain. Mira had chosen a spot that kept them well out of sight, ensuring that even the keenest of the raiders wouldn¡¯t catch a glimpse of their approach.
As the hatch opened, Kado quickly took charge, his voice low and steady. ¡°Alright, here¡¯s the plan. Tarek, you stay here with Nick-03 and keep the ship secure. We¡¯re not getting stranded in this dustbowl.¡±
Tarek gave a mock salute, trying to play off the nerves that lingered just under his skin. ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll be here holding down the fort. Just¡ you know, make sure you come back.¡±
Kado nodded, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before turning to Jake, who was already checking his gauntlets and securing his blaster. Jake had also programmed Skew-01, one of the stockier, tank-like Quids, to guard the ramp as an extra layer of defense. The droid¡¯s sturdy frame and heavy plating gave it the perfect presence as a guard.
Once outside, Jake turned his attention to the others as they armed themselves. Everyone did a quick check on their wrist energy shields, with blue sparks flashing briefly as each one powered up. Jake felt the familiar weight of his gauntlets, an added bit of insurance he appreciated having in a firefight.
Mira slung her sniper blaster rifle over her shoulder, adjusting the strap and securing the scope. ¡°Okay,¡± she said, a calm determination in her voice, ¡°I¡¯ll take the high ground and find a good vantage point. I¡¯ll have Skew-02 with me to cover my back.¡± The Skew unit whirred to life beside her, its stocky form ready to keep Mira protected.
Kado nodded in approval. ¡°Good. Mira, we¡¯re counting on you to keep an eye out for any surprises.¡±
She gave him a quick, confident nod, then glanced at Jake. ¡°Try not to get in too much trouble,¡± she said with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯d rather not have to pick off any raiders you ¡®accidentally¡¯ rile up.¡±
Jake grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll try my best not to be a distraction. But hey, maybe they¡¯ll just be scared off by my charm,¡± he quipped, tapping the side of his gauntlet for emphasis.
Davik rolled his eyes, chuckling as he secured his own blaster. ¡°If you mean your ¡®charm¡¯ of drawing blaster fire, you¡¯ve got that covered, Jake.¡±
The group laughed, and the bit of levity cut through the tension as they each readied themselves. Jake took a steadying breath, grateful for the banter. Missions like these could go sideways in an instant, and while they¡¯d all been through their share of close calls, it was these lighter moments that held them together.
Kado raised a hand, signaling the final plan. ¡°Alright, listen up. Mira, you¡¯ll take position with Skew-02. Jake, you¡¯re with me, Davik, Nick-01, and Nick-02. We¡¯ll head toward the camp on foot and stick to the rocks to stay out of sight. Remember, we want the leader alive if possible, but if they engage, we¡¯ll return fire.¡±
Mira gave one last glance toward the rocky slopes, already scanning for the best sniping spot. ¡°Got it. Just give me the signal when you¡¯re in position.¡±
With that, the two groups separated. Jake fell in line behind Kado and Davik, with the Nick droids trailing close, their servos humming softly. Mira and Skew-02 took a different path, slipping into the shadows as they began their careful climb to higher ground.
The walk was quiet but tense. Each footstep seemed to echo against the stone walls, and Jake felt his senses heighten with every step closer to the camp. He kept his hand hovering near his blaster, ready for anything, and occasionally glanced over to Kado, who was moving with a calm, almost effortless precision.
At one point, Jake broke the silence with a whisper. ¡°So, Kado, what¡¯s the plan if this goes south? I¡¯m asking for¡ totally hypothetical reasons.¡±
Kado gave him a sidelong look, lips curving in a barely-contained smile. ¡°The plan is for you to keep your head down and follow orders. Hypothetically, of course.¡±
Davik chuckled softly, chiming in, ¡°Jake, if things go south, just don¡¯t accidentally rile up a whole camp. That¡¯s all we¡¯re asking.¡±
Jake smirked. ¡°Rile up? Who, me? Never. I¡¯m just here for moral support and maybe a few clever one-liners if things get dicey.¡±
They pressed on, keeping low and moving carefully through the canyon, the camp now coming into view below them. From their position, they could see the raiders milling around, weapons slung over shoulders, talking and laughing, unaware of the approaching danger. It was a sprawling setup, with rough tents scattered among speeders and supplies, clearly cobbled together without much thought to defense.
As they neared their target, Kado stopped and raised a hand, signaling them to crouch low. He tapped his comm, speaking quietly. ¡°Mira, we¡¯re in position. Anything to report?¡±
Mira¡¯s voice crackled through the comm in response. ¡°All clear from up here. I¡¯ve got eyes on most of them. You¡¯ve got a path to the leader, but watch for the group near the south tent¡ªthey¡¯re pretty close.¡±
¡°Understood. Keep us covered,¡± Kado replied, glancing back at Jake and Davik with a nod. ¡°Let¡¯s move in.¡±
Jake took a breath, adrenaline simmering just beneath the surface as they started to descend toward the camp.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
Jake¡¯s pulse hammered in his ears as the group made their way toward the raider camp, trying to stay as quiet as possible on the rocky terrain. He kept his senses sharp, every crack of rock beneath his boots seeming like a loud announcement to anyone nearby. It was a simple approach, or at least it was supposed to be. But knowing his luck, Jake couldn¡¯t help but feel like something would go wrong. And sure enough, just as they were getting close to their target, a sharp whistle cut through the air.
¡°Crap,¡± Jake muttered under his breath, ducking behind a large boulder as a voice from the camp shouted, ¡°Hey! You hear that?¡±
Too late. The raiders had spotted them.
¡°Damn it!¡± Kado hissed, his hand shooting up to signal the team to split. ¡°We¡¯re going loud!¡±
Jake didn¡¯t need to be told twice. He pulled his blaster from its holster, cursing his bad luck as the familiar rush of adrenaline flooded his system. He had barely moved a step before the first round pinged off a nearby rock. They were in the firefight now, no turning back.
He darted behind cover, narrowly avoiding another blaster bolt, and fired back. The raiders had scattered, taking positions behind crates and tents, but the Nick models¡ªNick-01 and Nick-02¡ªmoved like a well-oiled machine. Jake had heard plenty about their efficiency in combat from Kado and Davik, but seeing them in action was something else. They were relentless, moving with precision, their blasters blazing as they cut down the raiders one by one.
The droids didn¡¯t flinch, didn¡¯t hesitate. One shot, one kill. Nick-01 took out two raiders taking cover behind a stack of barrels, while Nick-02, slower but no less deadly, wiped out another group trying to flank them. Jake couldn¡¯t help but be impressed. These droids were everything he had hoped for, and more. He¡¯d read the specs and seen the practice runs, but this was the real deal, and he couldn¡¯t deny how well they performed.
"Cover me!" Kado shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. He was moving ahead, trying to get closer to the center of the camp where the leader was.
Jake fired another shot, hitting a raider in the chest as they tried to duck behind a wrecked speeder. The shot hit hard, and the raider dropped like a stone. He didn¡¯t know if it was his accuracy or just blind luck, but either way, he wasn¡¯t going to dwell on it. He had more pressing issues.
Mira, who had positioned herself on a high ridge with Skew-02 for cover, fired off a well-placed shot, taking out a raider from afar. Jake saw the dust kick up around the target as the bolt hit home, sending the raider into a heap. Her sniper rifle was deadly accurate, just like Kado had promised.
Then, in the middle of the chaos, something unexpected happened. A speeder in the middle of the camp exploded with a deafening crash, sending debris flying in all directions. Smoke and fire erupted in a sudden wave of heat and force, momentarily throwing off their aim.
Jake looked around, eyes wide, trying to piece together what happened. He could¡¯ve sworn he saw someone on the far side of the camp near the wreckage, but he couldn¡¯t be sure. What was certain, though, was the explosion had taken down a raider and disoriented another. No one would ever find out if Jake had any involvement in that blast, and he intended to keep it that way.
While the raiders were scrambling to regain their composure, Davik spotted the leader near a speeder, preparing to make a break for it. ¡°Kado! I¡¯ve got eyes on the leader,¡± he called out, his voice steady as he aimed. ¡°Cover me!¡±
The leader made a dash for the vehicle, but before they could climb inside, Davik took the shot, hitting the raider square in the chest. The leader dropped to the ground, stunned but alive, just like the bounty stated. Eight other raiders in the camp were stunned as well, thanks to a well-placed shot from Kado, who had made his way to the far side to intercept.
In the midst of it all, Jake managed to find another opportunity. A raider had grabbed a rocket launcher, aiming it at the Nick models. But before he could fire, Jake¡¯s blaster shot hit him square in the chest, sending him toppling backward. The rocket launcher clattered to the ground, useless.
¡°Nice shot, Jake!¡± Davik called, ducking behind cover as he fired a few more rounds.
Jake didn¡¯t answer. He was too busy watching the droids clean up the rest. Nick-01 and Nick-02 had taken care of most of the remaining raiders, their blasters spitting bolts of energy with ruthless efficiency. Kado, meanwhile, had made short work of the last few, his blaster blazing as he ran forward to finish off the rest.
Jake¡¯s heart raced as the dust began to settle. The fight wasn¡¯t over yet, but it was close. The leader had been stunned and was now in custody, along with the eight other raiders who¡¯d been knocked out of the fight.
The rest of the raiders had been taken out either by Davik¡¯s sharpshooting, Mira¡¯s potshots, the Nick models¡¯ unrelenting fire, or Kado¡¯s precision. Surprisingly, Jake had scored a few kills of his own. One of his shots had hit something explosive near one of the speeders, and the resulting explosion had taken out one raider and disoriented another just enough for them to be stunned without trouble.
Jake would never, ever admit to being the cause of that explosion, though. He wasn¡¯t about to take credit for what he was sure was just another fluke in his series of unfortunate (but surprisingly lucky) shots.
¡°Looks like we¡¯ve got them all,¡± Kado said, breathing heavily but clearly satisfied as he approached the stunned leader. ¡°Tie them up, and let¡¯s get moving. We¡¯re not out of here yet.¡±
Jake and the others quickly set to work, securing the raiders and making sure they were well and truly tied up before starting the trek back to the ship. The atmosphere was a mix of satisfaction and relief as they gathered the bounties and began to move toward the Stellar Envoy.
As the crew approached the Stellar Envoy, Tarek stood up from the cockpit, his expression a mixture of excitement and curiosity. "So, how¡¯d it go? You guys get them all?" he asked, the tone of his voice eager but with a trace of uncertainty¡ªhe hadn¡¯t yet been involved in any actual fieldwork.
Kado gave him a quick nod. "We got them, all tied up and ready for the bounty hunters. Some went down hard, but we handled it."
Jake, still a little winded from the firefight, wiped his hands off on his pants and added with a half-grin, "We left a few scorched marks for you to enjoy. The Nick models really lived up to the hype."
Tarek''s eyes lit up at the mention of the Nick models, but he didn¡¯t seem entirely sure of how to respond to the mention of "scorched marks" and actual combat. He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "That¡¯s, uh... good to hear. Guess I¡¯ll take your word for it."
Jake looked at him, reading his hesitation. "You¡¯ll get your turn, don''t worry. Once we get the ship all set up, you¡¯ll see how all this works."
Tarek¡¯s shoulders relaxed slightly, his usual nervous energy making a return as he bounced lightly on his heels. "Yeah... yeah, I¡¯m looking forward to it." He tried to sound confident, but his words betrayed a certain uncertainty. The pilot still had a long way to go before he could start thinking of himself as one of the crew in terms of field operations.
As the group moved to unload the bounties and make sure everything was secure, Tarek watched them with a quiet intensity, hoping that with time, he¡¯d fit in as naturally as they had. For now, he was content to keep his focus on flying the ship¡ªand maybe leave the more dangerous parts of the operation to those who knew the ropes.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
58 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 18: Wheels in Motion
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The hum of the Stellar Envoy¡¯s engines was steady, rhythmic, almost soothing, as the crew settled into their seats on the way back to Hangar 7-10. Jake was leaning back, enjoying the rare moment of calm after the tension of the mission, when he heard Kado¡¯s voice echoing through the cockpit.
¡°Alright, everyone, listen up!¡± Kado called, his tone carrying that rare mix of firmness and warmth that had somehow become his signature. ¡°First of all, Tarek¡ªgood job on your first real flight out. You kept us steady, on course, and close enough to the action that we could move in fast without being spotted. That¡¯s what I like to see.¡±
Jake glanced over to Tarek, whose expression was a blend of surprise and pride. It was subtle, but Jake knew this nod from Kado meant a lot to the rookie pilot.
¡°And Jake,¡± Kado continued, turning to him with a small grin, ¡°we¡¯d still be working on patching up this hunk of metal if it wasn¡¯t for all the work you¡¯ve done. Making the Envoy spaceworthy was no easy feat¡ªespecially with everything you pulled out of those salvage piles.¡±
Jake nodded, returning the smile. ¡°Thanks, Kado. Just doing my job. Still got a few mods I want to get done, though¡ªcan¡¯t say I¡¯m satisfied until I get those heat sinks in.¡±
¡°Keep up the good work, and we¡¯ll have one of the best ships this side of the galaxy,¡± Kado replied, his praise underscored with genuine respect. ¡°And Davik, Mira,¡± he said, looking to them, ¡°thanks for pulling your weight on and off the ship. We couldn¡¯t have done this without you.¡±
Davik and Mira exchanged looks before Mira smirked and nudged Kado lightly. ¡°Don¡¯t forget yourself, Kado. You¡¯re the one who pulled us all together.¡±
Davik chimed in with a small nod. ¡°We¡¯d still be on some backwater rock if you hadn¡¯t gotten us on the right track.¡±
Kado chuckled, brushing it off with a wave. ¡°Alright, alright, we¡¯re all doing what we need to. Let¡¯s just keep at it, yeah?¡±
With that, the Stellar Envoy completed its journey back to Hangar 7-10. As they docked, the familiar clank and whir of the landing gear was music to Jake¡¯s ears. He was already thinking of the work he¡¯d be diving into the second they disembarked. He wanted to push the Envoy¡¯s sensor range, boost its power output, install heat sinks for stealth, and finish wiring up the EMP shielding. And there was that backup shield generator waiting to be hooked in¡ªsmall but better than nothing.
The days that followed were a blur of focused work and camaraderie. Over the next six days, Jake fine-tuned the ship¡¯s systems, diving into the guts of its wiring and circuitry. Tarek, who was around more than expected, had been eager to learn, so Jake used the opportunity to set up a mock scenario based on the old recorded hyperspace route to Malachor V. If Tarek could handle that tricky path in the simulator, he¡¯d gain valuable experience in long-haul nav plotting.
Meanwhile, Kado and Davik worked on offloading some of their more intact salvage pieces, bringing in solid credits that would help fund more upgrades and fuel. Mira, never one to leave loose ends, was busy checking in with her contacts to see if the Hutts had assigned anyone else to try slicing into the ancient Old Republic relic they had secured. Each of them kept to their own tasks, but it was all aimed toward the same goal: getting the Stellar Envoy¡ªand the team¡ªready for what lay ahead.
As Jake wiped his hands on an oil-stained rag and surveyed the almost-finished upgrades on the Envoy, he felt a deep, well-earned satisfaction. The ship was finally shaping up, a few more days away from being as good as he could make it. The galaxy was unpredictable, but one thing was certain: with the right crew and a solid ship, they¡¯d be ready for anything.
Mira kept her head low, eyes subtly scanning the cantina¡¯s dim, smoky interior. This was the third such establishment she¡¯d visited in as many days. With her background in scouting and recon, she was no stranger to the patient, drawn-out work of intelligence gathering, but the stakes had grown higher with every passing day. Gardulla the Hutt''s hold on information was notorious, and any hint of her team¡¯s involvement with that relic was as dangerous as a fire sparking on a fuel line.
From her corner, Mira could overhear scraps of conversation¡ªsmugglers laughing over tall tales, bounty hunters boasting of their latest captures, and traders haggling over cargo runs. These were the lifeblood of cantinas in Hutt space: rumor, deals, and bravado. Still, nothing substantial had turned up. She was about to head back and strategize when a discreet message pinged on her comm. It was from Rina, finally, after three days of scattered updates. The message was brief but clear: she¡¯d arrived, and she was ready to meet.
Relief swept through Mira, and her resolve sharpened. Rina, her longtime contact and trusted ally, had arrived. She was one of the few people Mira felt comfortable relying on when things were this precarious. Rina was shrewd, adaptable, and never careless. But now that she was here, Mira knew they had to meet carefully, even in a place like this where half the crowd wasn¡¯t paying attention and the other half was too busy looking out for their own tails.
Rina had suggested the very cantina Mira was currently in. It was a bold choice, but not without reason. Their back-to-back setup would keep things discreet, and the dim lighting and constant hum of chatter would cloak their voices in a way even a careful observer couldn¡¯t easily track. Mira took a slow breath, quietly adjusting her look¡ªrearranging her scarf, altering her stance, and brushing dust over the patches on her sleeves. It wasn¡¯t much, but in places like this, small details could make her look just unfamiliar enough.
When Rina finally arrived, her appearance was so understated that she could have passed for just another face in the crowd. Mira watched her settle down at the adjacent table, one seat removed, blending seamlessly into the cantina scene. She didn¡¯t turn around, didn¡¯t make eye contact¡ªthey knew how to keep things low-key. They sat back-to-back, blending into the hum of the room, exchanging details in the most subtle of voices.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
After the usual coded introductions, Rina leaned back just enough for her voice to reach Mira. ¡°Someone¡¯s been talking,¡± she said in a voice so quiet that Mira almost had to strain to hear. ¡°The relic Gardulla¡¯s been hoarding¡ªit¡¯s under scrutiny. I don¡¯t know all the details, but apparently, a slicer recently uncovered changes to the records that nearly went unnoticed. They¡¯re saying it¡¯s connected to something around Malachor V. And Gardulla¡¯s men are¡ less than pleased about the oversight.¡±
Mira absorbed this with a slight, barely perceptible nod. So, Jake¡¯s clever work hadn¡¯t gone unnoticed after all¡ªonly delayed. ¡°Eight months,¡± she muttered, more to herself than to Rina. It had taken Gardulla¡¯s slicers that long to pick up the sleight of hand Jake had woven into the data, but now that they¡¯d seen it, they wouldn¡¯t stop until they pieced together the trail. The Hutts were ruthless once they had a target, and Mira knew they wouldn¡¯t be satisfied until they tracked down every individual who might¡¯ve touched that relic.
¡°From what I heard,¡± Rina continued, ¡°they¡¯re putting out bounties, tracking down anyone remotely connected. They¡¯re sending out feelers, combing through data trails. It won¡¯t be long before they start compiling a list of suspects.¡±
A pang of worry coiled through Mira¡¯s stomach, but she stayed composed. The crew would be prime targets. Jake had done the slicing, Kado had organized much of the operation, and Davik, with his extensive connections, had likely left traces just by proximity. Fortunately, Tarek had only recently joined them, and Rina herself had only now arrived, meaning they would likely avoid the Hutts¡¯ radar for now.
¡°Gardulla¡¯s not about to take this lightly,¡± Mira murmured. ¡°She¡¯ll have bounty hunters circling anyone she suspects.¡±
Rina''s voice was calm, but Mira could tell that she shared her concern. ¡°There¡¯s a sliver of good news in all of this. They haven¡¯t nailed down the culprits, just the data. They¡¯re searching, Mira. It¡¯ll take them time to sort out who¡¯s responsible. If we move carefully, we can stay one step ahead.¡±
Mira nodded slowly, feeling the familiar surge of determination. It had been a gamble, leaving any traces of the relic¡¯s data intact, but the potential reward had outweighed the risks¡ªuntil now. Having Rina on board added a critical advantage; she was quick to adapt, resourceful, and capable of moving through Hutts¡¯ territories with an almost ghost-like precision. Mira felt her spirits lift slightly, knowing she had a trusted ally who was as invested in this operation¡¯s success as she was.
¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here,¡± Mira said quietly. ¡°And ready to step in. We¡¯ll need every advantage we can get.¡±
In a wordless agreement, both women rose from their tables, leaving a few credits for their drinks, each heading toward a different exit. It was a practiced, subtle departure, drawing no attention as they left through opposite doors. Minutes later, they met up in a quiet alley a block away from the cantina.
They exchanged quick glances, each scanning their surroundings to ensure they weren¡¯t being followed. Satisfied, Mira spoke up, her voice steady. ¡°We need to warn the others. Gardulla¡¯s reach is long, and if they¡¯re putting out feelers, it won¡¯t be long before bounties go up. She won¡¯t risk anything less than an iron fist.¡±
Rina¡¯s expression was calm but determined. ¡°Then let¡¯s get to them before anyone else does. Your crew deserves to know just how much heat is headed their way.¡±
With a mutual nod, they moved swiftly, shadows in the dusty streets, carrying news that would change the course of the team¡¯s plans. The game was about to get infinitely more dangerous, and every second would count.
Jake leaned over the control console of the Stellar Envoy, engrossed in fine-tuning the modifications he¡¯d just installed. The sensor range and heat sinks needed a few last adjustments, and he wanted everything humming at peak efficiency before their next job. He glanced over at Tarek, who was across the hangar, getting hands-on blaster training from Davik. Their makeshift shooting range was little more than a few targets lined up against a crate wall, but it did the trick. Tarek had shown promise, though he was still a bit jittery with the weapon.
Kado had left earlier, heading back to his shop for a meeting with a buyer, and he''d taken the droids Skew-01 and Skew-02 with him. When Kado mentioned ¡°intimidation factor¡± as his reason, Jake had rolled his eyes. He knew better¡ªit was more about having the droids haul heavy equipment than scaring off customers. Kado wasn¡¯t about to break a sweat if he could help it.
In the hangar, Jake watched Mira and Rina approach, noting the steady, determined stride Mira had, contrasted with Rina¡¯s easy confidence. He shot a glance over at Davik and Tarek, who were looking on in curiosity. Jake hadn¡¯t seen Rina before¡ªnone of them had¡ªso she must have been Mira¡¯s contact.
Mira stopped a few paces in, gesturing toward Rina. ¡°Everyone, this is Rina,¡± she said, looking at each of them in turn. ¡°She¡¯s been a trusted contact of mine for a while now.¡±
Rina gave a smirk, eyes glinting with mischief as she looked over the group. ¡°Nice setup you all have here,¡± she said casually. Her gaze landed on Jake, and she shot him an appraising look. ¡°So, you¡¯re the famous tinkerer I¡¯ve heard so much about. It¡¯s not every day I meet someone who looks ready to marry a ship.¡±
Jake felt his face flush, utterly caught off-guard. ¡°I¡ªuh¡ªwhat?¡± He stammered, a bit flustered by her unexpected tease.
Davik chuckled under his breath, while Tarek¡¯s eyes widened in surprise at Jake¡¯s rare moment of speechlessness. Rina¡¯s smirk widened, clearly enjoying the reaction, and Mira gave Jake a small, understanding smile, as if to say, Better get used to her style.
Recovering his composure, Jake cleared his throat, nodding to Mira. ¡°So, where¡¯s Kado? He¡¯ll want to meet her too, right?¡±
Mira glanced around, looking slightly impatient. ¡°Kado¡¯s back at his shop,¡± Davik explained. ¡°Said he had a buyer coming in. He took Skew-01 and Skew-02 for muscle, but we know it¡¯s mostly so he doesn¡¯t have to do the heavy lifting.¡±
Rina raised an eyebrow, but her expression turned serious. ¡°We¡¯ll fill him in later,¡± she said decisively. ¡°There¡¯s urgent news he can catch up on.¡±
Mira¡¯s expression shifted to a contemplative look, her eyes narrowing briefly. She nodded, though, signaling that she agreed. She took a breath before diving in, her tone serious as she brought everyone up to speed. She and Rina laid out the disturbing news that Gardulla¡¯s people had become aware of the tampering in the relic¡¯s data¡ªa discovery that could send them hunting anyone connected to the job.
As Mira spoke, Jake¡¯s mind raced, the implications hitting him hard. When she finished, he looked at her, his expression pale. ¡°Wait,¡± he said, forcing himself to keep calm. ¡°Was Kado hired directly by Gardulla¡¯s crew? Or was he just recommended?¡± His tone betrayed his worry.
Davik¡¯s eyes narrowed as he quickly understood what Jake was getting at. If Gardulla¡¯s men knew of Kado¡¯s direct involvement, he¡¯d be at the top of their list for a ¡°visit.¡±
¡°We can¡¯t take chances,¡± Davik said, glancing over at Jake and Tarek. ¡°Prep the Stellar Envoy. Mira, Rina, and I will head to Kado¡¯s shop.¡±
Jake nodded sharply, his focus snapping into place. He directed Nick-01 and Nick-02 to accompany Mira, Davik, and Rina, leaving Nick-03 in the co-pilot seat with him and Tarek. As he boarded, he felt a wave of nerves, almost as if this were their trial by fire.
He settled into the cockpit, glancing over at Tarek, who looked equally tense. Trying to lighten the mood, Jake reached over and put a reassuring hand on Tarek¡¯s shoulder, grinning as if to say, We¡¯ve got this. It worked¡ªTarek managed a half-smile, seeming a bit steadier.
With the ship powered up and everyone in position, Jake prepared himself. They had no time to waste. Kado¡¯s life might just depend on it.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
58 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 19: Shields Up
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The steady hum of the speeder bikes underscored the tense silence between Davik and the others. He gripped the handlebars firmly, flanked by Nick-01 and Nick-02, both droids sitting stiffly, their weapons secured but within reach. Behind him, Mira and Rina rode the second speeder. He could see them in his side mirror¡ªMira scanning their surroundings with practiced vigilance, while Rina leaned slightly back, her expression cool but alert.
The plan was straightforward enough: get to Kado¡¯s shop, assess the situation, and act accordingly. If the coast was clear, they¡¯d inform Kado of the looming threat, grab the Skew droids, and leave without incident. If trouble had already found him, they¡¯d split up¡ªDavik and the droids would handle the frontal assault, while Mira and Rina would find high ground to provide support.
Davik hoped it wouldn¡¯t come to that, but experience had taught him to expect the worst.
As they approached the shop, Davik¡¯s eyes darted to the surroundings. The streets seemed calm¡ªno obvious signs of trouble. When they reached the location, Mira brought her speeder to a stop a safe distance away. She and Rina quickly dismounted and began scanning for vantage points, Mira unslinging her rifle while Rina kept her pistol drawn but at her side. Davik gave them a sharp nod before guiding his speeder to the back of the store.
Nick-01 and Nick-02 dismounted with practiced precision, their servo motors whirring softly as they moved into position behind him. The small alley between the storefront and storage area provided enough cover to keep them out of sight. Davik glanced at the droids, checking their status. The energy shields they wore hummed faintly, fully charged.
Satisfied, Davik entered the shop through the rear. The bell above the door jingled as he stepped inside, his hand brushing the grip of his blaster just in case. Kado was near the counter, wrapping up a deal with a tall, insectoid customer, while the Skew droids stood near the entrance, motionless but menacing in their bulky frames.
Kado looked up and greeted him with a casual wave. ¡°Ah, Davik! What brings you here?¡±
Davik didn¡¯t waste time. ¡°Kado, we¡¯ve got a situation,¡± he said briskly, lowering his voice. He quickly explained the news they¡¯d learned from Mira and Rina¡ªthe discovery of the data tampering and the likelihood that Gardulla¡¯s men were hunting anyone connected to the relic.
Kado froze mid-motion, his expression shifting from curiosity to alarm. ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡± he asked, his voice low. Before Davik could respond, Nick-01¡¯s voice crackled to life.
¡°Alert: Multiple contacts approaching. Approximately four individuals, armed. Larger group detected holding position near the approach.¡±
Davik sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. ¡°Here we go. The intimidators are on their way, with the executioners waiting in the wings,¡± he muttered. Kado made an annoyed grunt, clearly displeased with the turn of events.
¡°Nick-01, Nick-02,¡± Davik said, his voice sharp. ¡°Position yourselves. Keep out of sight from the front.¡± The droids obeyed without hesitation, moving with surprising grace for their bulky frames. Davik double-checked the energy shields on his wrist, a soft blue glow indicating they were active.
Mira¡¯s voice came through the comm in his ear. ¡°Four individuals incoming. Two humans, one Rodian, and a Gamorrean. Armed. Front entrance.¡±
¡°Got it,¡± Davik replied. He shifted toward the front of the store, where he finally spotted the group. The Rodian was leading the way, his green skin glinting under the neon lights, while the two humans flanked him. The Gamorrean brought up the rear, lumbering with a brutish gait.
Kado, ever the salesman, plastered on a professional smile as they entered. ¡°Welcome!¡± he greeted, his tone cheerful but wary. Nick-02 stood nearby, looking idle but ready to move at the first sign of trouble.
The Rodian wasted no time. ¡°We¡¯ve got questions,¡± he said sharply, his voice nasal. ¡°And you¡¯re gonna give us answers, or things get messy.¡±
Kado¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver. ¡°I¡¯m always happy to help a customer, but I¡¯m not sure I understand¡ª¡±
¡°Don¡¯t play games with me!¡± the Rodian snapped. ¡°We know you handled the relic. Who hired you, huh? What did you do to it?¡±
Kado began to deflect, his voice calm but firm. ¡°I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s some misunderstanding. I handle a lot of contracts, but I can assure you¡ª¡±
The Rodian slammed a fist onto the counter, cutting him off. ¡°Enough! Talk, or we¡¯ll make you.¡±
Davik shifted slightly, his hand brushing his blaster. He caught Nick-02¡¯s subtle movement, the droid inching closer to the counter. The tension in the room was palpable.
Finally, one of the humans lost patience, pulling out his blaster. Before he could aim, Nick-02 surged forward, positioning itself between Kado and the threat. The human fired instinctively, but the shot ricocheted harmlessly off the droid¡¯s shield.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
¡°Wrong move,¡± Davik muttered, drawing his blaster.
The ensuing firefight was quick and brutal. Davik and Kado took cover, their shots precise and coordinated. The droids moved with calculated efficiency, their programming designed for combat scenarios. Nick-01 and Nick-02 quickly neutralized the Gamorrean and one of the humans, while Davik managed to take down the Rodian with a well-placed stun shot.
The remaining human panicked, attempting to flee, but Nick-01 caught him with a disabling shot to the leg. The fight was over as quickly as it had begun.
Kado let out a shaky breath, glaring at the unconscious thugs. ¡°Well, that escalated fast,¡± he muttered.
Davik holstered his blaster, his expression grim. ¡°This was just the first wave. We need to move. Now.¡±
The tension in the store was thick enough to cut with a vibroblade. Davik paced behind the counter, eyes darting between the droids and the door. Kado stood near the terminal, typing furiously to finish prepping the automated defenses. Outside, the muffled hum of speeders and the distant clatter of boots on duracrete signaled the approach of Gardulla''s thugs.
Mira¡¯s voice crackled over the comms. ¡°They¡¯re getting close. Three dozen, minimum, and they¡¯re loaded for bear. Heavy blasters, possibly more rockets. No visuals on anything heavier like walkers¡ªyet.¡±
¡°Thanks for the reassurance,¡± Davik muttered sarcastically, glancing at Kado. ¡°How¡¯s that turret coming?¡±
¡°It¡¯s online,¡± Kado replied, sweat beading on his forehead. ¡°But don¡¯t expect miracles¡ªit wasn¡¯t built for sustained combat. The barricades are in place, but they¡¯ll only hold so long.¡±
¡°Long enough,¡± Davik said firmly. ¡°Everyone knows their roles. Skew-01 and -02, you¡¯re our frontline. Nick-01 and Nick-02, focus on maximizing your fire coverage. Mira, keep those snipers in check. Rina, you¡¯re our insurance. If they breach, we fall back to your explosives.¡±
The comm crackled again as Rina chimed in. ¡°Explosives are set. I¡¯m ready back here if they try a flank.¡±
The sound of blaster fire shattered the uneasy silence, red bolts slamming into the barricades. The turret whirred to life, spitting precise bursts of return fire. Mira¡¯s rifle cracked in the distance, taking down a thug who had popped out of cover to fire a grenade launcher.
¡°Nice shot,¡± Davik muttered over the comms, firing his own blaster through a narrow gap in the barricades.
The Skew droids moved forward, their shields glowing bright as they absorbed the brunt of the attack. Skew-01 returned fire with its shoulder-mounted cannon, the recoil rocking its bulky frame. The first wave of attackers¡ªhalf a dozen thugs¡ªwas shredded in the initial exchange, but more were already moving to take their place.
Nick-01 and Nick-02 adjusted their positions, their targeting systems working overtime to identify new threats. Their blasters fired in synchronized bursts, cutting down attackers who tried to rush the store.
The attackers fanned out, firing in coordinated bursts to try and overwhelm the store¡¯s defenses. The turret took down two more thugs before a well-placed rocket tore through it, sending sparks and shrapnel flying.
¡°They¡¯ve got rockets!¡± Davik shouted, ducking behind cover as another blast rocked the storefront.
Skew-01 staggered forward, its shield absorbing the full force of the explosion. Its left arm hung limp, sparking and useless, but the droid kept firing.
¡°Shields holding,¡± Kado reported, though his voice wavered.
Mira¡¯s voice came over the comms, calm and steady. ¡°Rocket launcher is down. Repeat, launcher is down. Keep them busy¡ªI¡¯ll look for the next one.¡±
A second rocket slammed into the barricades, blowing a jagged hole through the front of the store. Blaster fire poured in through the breach, forcing Davik and Kado to retreat further into the shop.
¡°Nick droids, cover the breach!¡± Davik ordered.
Nick-02 moved into position, firing controlled bursts through the opening. Nick-01 joined in, cutting down several attackers as they tried to rush inside.
Skew-02 pushed forward to block the breach, its energy shield flaring as it absorbed a barrage of blaster fire. The droid returned fire with its cannon, the booming shots tearing through the advancing thugs.
¡°Skew-01, fall back!¡± Davik called, noticing the droid¡¯s sparking arm.
The droid complied, retreating just as another rocket streaked toward the store. The explosion knocked it off balance, tearing through its shield generator and leaving its left side a smoking ruin.
¡°Skew-01 is critical!¡± Kado shouted.
¡°Keep it fighting!¡± Davik snapped back.
The sheer volume of attackers began to overwhelm the droids¡¯ targeting systems. Nick-01 and Nick-02 struggled to lock onto targets as more thugs swarmed into the area. Their fire became less precise, forcing Davik and Kado to pick up the slack.
Mira, however, was a constant force of precision. From her rooftop perch, she eliminated threats with cold efficiency. One by one, thugs with heavy weapons dropped under her deadly aim.
¡°Another group moving in from the right,¡± Mira reported. ¡°Looks like they¡¯re trying to flank.¡±
¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± Rina replied. Seconds later, an explosion rocked the back alley, sending debris and bodies flying.
Despite the chaos, the crew began to gain the upper hand. With Mira suppressing the thugs from above and Rina¡¯s traps preventing flanking maneuvers, the attackers¡¯ advance slowed.
Davik and Kado picked their shots carefully, each bolt finding its mark. The Nick droids, though overwhelmed, continued to fire in controlled bursts, thinning the remaining numbers.
Skew-02, battered but unbroken, charged forward, forcing the attackers to retreat further into the open. Mira took advantage of the opening, dropping two more thugs with precise headshots.
The last of Gardulla¡¯s men broke and ran, their morale shattered. The street outside the store was littered with bodies and smoldering debris.
Inside, the team surveyed the damage. The barricades were completely destroyed, and the store was a smoking wreck. Skew-01 stood motionless, its left side mangled beyond repair. Skew-02 was scorched and dented, but operational.
Nick-01 and Nick-02 powered down momentarily, their systems resetting from the overload.
Davik exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow. ¡°Everyone still breathing?¡±
¡°Alive and kicking,¡± Mira replied over the comms.
¡°Barely,¡± Kado muttered, looking around at the ruined shop. ¡°You owe me a new store.¡±
¡°You owe us a clean getaway,¡± Davik shot back. ¡°Let¡¯s move before reinforcements show up.¡±
The team gathered their gear, loading up the damaged droids as best they could. The fight was over, but Davik knew Gardulla wouldn¡¯t stop. This was just the opening salvo.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
58 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 20: On the Edge of Ruin
Disclaimer: I am adding this here now too, best to be safe they said. Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The lingering smell of scorched metal and ozone clung to the air as Kado staggered out of his ruined shop, his legs shaky but his mind racing. The Skew droids trundled behind him, each moving with a mechanical limp, their battered frames testament to the chaos that had just unfolded. The Nick droids followed silently, though the faint whine of overloaded circuits from Nick-01 reminded him of their fried targeting systems.
Kado glanced back at the shop, or what was left of it. The barricades were gone, the turret a mangled heap of scrap, and scorch marks covered every surface. What used to be his livelihood was now a hollowed-out shell.
¡°Explosives set,¡± Rina called from the doorway, emerging with a remote detonator in her hand. Her expression was cool, but her eyes flicked around nervously. ¡°It¡¯ll blow the interior to hell but leave the structure intact. Should cover our tracks.¡±
¡°Good,¡± Davik said briskly, hoisting himself onto Speeder 01. ¡°No time to waste. Kado, you¡¯re with me. Mira, take Rina and the second speeder. Let¡¯s move.¡±
Kado hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on the store. It wasn¡¯t just a business¡ªit was a piece of him, a symbol of the years he¡¯d spent carving out a life for himself in this unforgiving sector. The thought of abandoning it, even temporarily, tightened his chest.
¡°Hey,¡± Davik called, snapping him out of it. ¡°I know it hurts, but we¡¯ve gotta go. Now.¡±
Reluctantly, Kado climbed into the speeder¡¯s passenger seat. Nick-01 settled into the rear, its servos whining as it adjusted its damaged arm. Skew-01 was hoisted into place, its mangled left side slumping awkwardly against the speeder¡¯s side rail.
On the second speeder, Mira slid into the driver¡¯s seat with her usual ease. Rina hopped in beside her, one hand gripping the detonator, the other resting near her blaster. Nick-02 and Skew-02 were secured in the back, the latter looking like it had gone toe-to-toe with a thermal detonator.
The speeders roared to life, engines sputtering briefly before stabilizing into a steady hum.
Kado couldn¡¯t help but look back one last time as they pulled away. The street was eerily silent now, the bodies of Gardulla¡¯s thugs still sprawled in the open. Windows and doors of nearby buildings remained tightly shut¡ªno one dared venture out.
His thumb idly brushed the edge of his wrist-mounted datapad. Inside were the last records he¡¯d managed to save before the firefight. It wasn¡¯t much¡ªinventory logs, client orders, and a few personal notes¡ªbut it was all he had left of his shop.
¡°You did everything you could,¡± Davik said, his voice unusually soft.
¡°Did I?¡± Kado muttered, his grip tightening on the edge of the seat. ¡°Doesn¡¯t feel like it.¡±
¡°Your shop¡¯s not gone,¡± Davik replied. ¡°Just... on hiatus. Let¡¯s get through this first. Then you can rebuild.¡±
Kado didn¡¯t respond, his jaw tightening as he turned his gaze forward.
The two speeders cruised through the dusty streets, keeping a low profile as they navigated the winding alleys away from the main thoroughfare. Mira¡¯s voice came over the commlink.
¡°Any sign of reinforcements?¡±
¡°Not yet,¡± Davik replied. ¡°But we can¡¯t count on that lasting.¡±
Kado stole a glance at the droids in the back. Nick-01 sat slumped, its targeting sensors dark. Beside it, Skew-01¡¯s remaining arm twitched faintly, its systems clearly struggling.
¡°We¡¯re running on borrowed time,¡± Kado muttered.
¡°You¡¯ve got some good hardware here,¡± Davik said. ¡°Jake¡¯ll get them patched up. We¡¯ve handled worse.¡±
Kado raised an eyebrow. ¡°Worse than losing half a droid and frying the brains of two others?¡±
Davik smirked faintly. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised.¡±
As they reached the edge of the district, Rina activated the detonator. A low rumble echoed behind them, followed by a muffled series of pops and cracks as the charges went off. Kado winced, imagining the interior of his shop being torn apart.
¡°Looks like it worked,¡± Mira reported, glancing in her rearview mirror. ¡°No fire, no collapsing walls. Just a wrecked interior.¡±
¡°Good,¡± Davik said. ¡°If they come looking, they¡¯ll find nothing but slagged circuits and scorch marks.¡±
¡°Still doesn¡¯t mean Gardulla¡¯s letting this go,¡± Kado said bitterly.
¡°She won¡¯t,¡± Davik agreed. ¡°But for now, we¡¯re out of her immediate reach. Let¡¯s focus on getting back to the hangar.¡±
The hum of the Stellar Envoy''s systems was the only sound in the cockpit as Jake leaned over the medical droid he had salvaged from a forgotten corner of the ship. It was a clunky, outdated model with an ungainly frame, but he had spent weeks tweaking its software and repairing its joints. It was now operational, though far from pristine.
The others didn¡¯t know he had it yet. It had been one of his quiet side projects, a way to feel useful beyond engineering and droid repairs. A capable medic droid could save lives¡ªand not just organic ones. With Skew and Nick droids in the crew, he knew it was only a matter of time before something catastrophic happened, and today might just be that time.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Satisfied with the droid¡¯s readiness, Jake activated its standby mode and secured it near the cargo bay, close enough to access in case it was needed but out of the way for now. He wiped his hands on a cloth and headed back to the cockpit, his thoughts racing.
Tarek sat in the pilot¡¯s seat, his posture rigid, his hands resting on the controls. The ship was powered up and prepped for a quick takeoff, engines warm and thrusters on standby. Nick-03 was in the co-pilot¡¯s chair, its sleek metallic frame perfectly still, save for the occasional flicker of its ocular sensors. The droid¡¯s calm presence did nothing to ease Jake¡¯s nerves.
Tarek stared at the silent commlink like it might spring to life at any moment. His jaw was tight, his usual cocky demeanor replaced by a grim focus that unnerved Jake even more.
Jake hovered near the console, his fingers itching to grab the commlink and call the others, to demand an update. He stopped himself, knowing it would only complicate things. The team was out there risking everything, and all he could do was wait.
Minutes crawled by, stretching into nearly an hour. The silence in the cockpit became unbearable, every faint noise in the ship¡¯s systems amplifying Jake¡¯s anxiety. His mind conjured worst-case scenarios: blasterfire ripping through their friends, Gardulla¡¯s thugs overwhelming them, or the team never coming back at all.
Finally, the commlink crackled.
¡°Stellar Envoy, open the hangar. We¡¯re coming in hot,¡± Mira¡¯s voice came through, firm but weary.
Jake bolted to the console and unlocked the hangar bay doors, his heart pounding as the sound of approaching speeders filled the space. The others rolled in, their vehicles kicking up dust as they screeched to a stop.
Jake¡¯s breath caught in his throat when he saw them.
Kado and Davik climbed out of the lead speeder, looking surprisingly unscathed. Their energy shields had done their job. Mira and Rina followed from the second speeder, equally unharmed but clearly exhausted.
Then Jake¡¯s eyes fell on the droids.
Nick-01¡¯s frame was intact but sluggish, its targeting sensors completely dark. Nick-02 limped slightly, scorch marks marring its surface. Skew-02 was dented and blackened from blaster fire, its shield generator visibly fried. Worst of all was Skew-01, whose entire left side was a twisted mess of shattered metal and exposed circuitry.
¡°Stars above¡¡± Jake muttered, rushing to inspect the damage. Relief and distress warred in his chest; the people were okay, but the droids¡ªhis droids¡ªhad taken a beating that made his heart ache.
The hangar doors slammed shut behind them as the group hurried to secure the space. Kado and Davik moved quickly, locking down all entrances while Mira checked their perimeter. Rina stood nearby, her eyes darting nervously as she clutched her blaster.
¡°What happened out there?¡± Jake finally asked, his voice tight.
¡°Gardulla¡¯s people didn¡¯t take no for an answer,¡± Davik replied, his tone grim. ¡°Four at the shop at first. We handled them, but then the rest showed up. Close to forty. Rockets, heavy firepower... They didn¡¯t hold back.¡±
¡°It was a slaughter,¡± Kado added, his voice carrying a mixture of bitterness and gratitude. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the droids¡ your droids, Jake¡ we wouldn¡¯t be standing here.¡±
Jake¡¯s chest swelled with pride despite the grim circumstances. He looked at Kado, then at Davik, giving them a firm nod and a determined smile. He didn¡¯t need to say anything¡ªthe look in his eyes said it all.
Whatever came next, Jake would make sure they were ready for it. No more last-minute patch jobs. No more near misses. Whether it was fixing up the droids or fortifying the ship, Jake silently vowed to do everything in his power to keep them alive.
As the others began to debrief, Jake turned back to the droids, already mentally cataloging the repairs they would need. He reached out and gently touched Skew-01¡¯s damaged frame, a quiet promise forming in his mind.
¡°I¡¯ll make this right,¡± he whispered.
Jake leaned against the cold durasteel wall of the Stellar Envoy¡¯s makeshift medbay, watching as the damaged droids trudged inside. The sight of Skew-01¡¯s battered frame made his chest tighten. He moved quickly, guiding the hulking unit onto the repair table.
"Easy, buddy," Jake murmured as Skew-01 lowered itself with a groan of stressed servos. Skew-02 followed, its movements jerky but stable enough to avoid collapsing. Nick-01 and Nick-02 moved in tandem, their systems sluggish but obedient. The targeting software in both was fried, rendering them combat-inept for now.
¡°MED-44,¡± Jake called, turning to the medical droid he had secretly refurbished. ¡°Diagnostics and stabilization. Prioritize critical systems.¡±
The droid came to life with a polite chirp. ¡°Acknowledged. Beginning assessment.¡± Its spindly arms extended, sensors flickering as it moved to inspect Skew-01. Jake exhaled and grabbed his tools, already working alongside it.
While the medbay hummed with quiet activity, the rest of the team scoured the perimeter. Through the ship''s comm system, Jake could hear fragments of their updates.
"Clear on the south side," Mira reported.
"No signs of movement from the east," Davik added.
"Same here," Rina chimed in, her voice steady but tinged with fatigue.
After several tense minutes, Mira¡¯s voice came through again. ¡°Perimeter secure. Let¡¯s head back.¡±
Jake glanced at the open ramp, tension easing slightly as he heard the others re-enter the ship. Soon after, the soft clang of the ramp sealing shut echoed through the hull.
In the common area, the crew gathered around the central holotable. The air was heavy with exhaustion and uncertainty, but no one was ready to rest just yet. Kado stood apart from the group, meticulously going through the crates he had salvaged from his shop, muttering to himself as he inventoried the contents.
¡°All right,¡± Davik started, his voice breaking the silence. ¡°We need a plan. Gardulla¡¯s not going to let this slide, and we¡¯re sitting in her backyard. We¡¯ve got to figure out our next move.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll start,¡± Mira said. ¡°We lay low. Stay on-world, keep our heads down. Gardulla¡¯s attention will eventually shift to other suspects. Meanwhile, we gather intel. We can¡¯t move blind. Running into space without knowing what¡¯s waiting for us is just asking for trouble.¡±
Davik nodded in agreement. ¡°Makes sense. We don¡¯t want to draw attention by taking off. Staying here means we can monitor the situation and act when the heat dies down.¡±
Rina crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. ¡°You¡¯re assuming Gardulla won¡¯t tighten her grip. What if she brings in reinforcements, locks down the starports? Staying here could trap us. I say we leave. Go to a neutral system, restock on supplies, and plan for the long haul. Malachor V¡¯s remote enough that we can regroup without worrying about Gardulla breathing down our necks.¡±
Kado paused his work to chime in. ¡°Rina¡¯s got a point. Staying here keeps us in the danger zone. If we¡¯re going to keep the Stellar Envoy safe, it might be better to cut our losses and move.¡±
The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of the decision pressing down on everyone. Finally, Tarek spoke up from where he leaned against the bulkhead.
¡°Is it possible to do both?¡± he asked. ¡°We could make it seem like we¡¯ve gone underground while actually preparing to leave. Let them think we¡¯re too scared to make a move, and when they relax, we slip away unnoticed.¡±
Jake, who had remained silent up until now, nodded thoughtfully. ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea. Gardulla¡¯s people are expecting us to act desperate. If we let them think we¡¯re cowed, they might lower their guard. Gives us time to get supplies and plot a course to Malachor V.¡±
¡°That would mean splitting the focus,¡± Mira said, frowning. ¡°Laying low while also prepping for departure. It¡¯s a risk.¡±
¡°But it¡¯s the smartest play,¡± Davik countered. ¡°It¡¯s not about staying or leaving¡ªit¡¯s about making sure we stay in control of the situation. Tarek¡¯s idea does that.¡±
After more back-and-forth, the group reluctantly reached a consensus. Davik and Mira agreed to the compromise, though Mira looked less than thrilled. Rina gave a firm nod, satisfied that her suggestion wasn¡¯t dismissed outright. Kado, still shaken but resolute, voiced his approval.
¡°All right,¡± Jake said, standing straighter. ¡°We¡¯ll lay low while we get the Envoy ready to leave. I¡¯ll keep working on the droids and check the ship systems. We¡¯ll need to be at peak efficiency if this is going to work.¡±
¡°Then it¡¯s settled,¡± Davik concluded. ¡°We stick to the plan, keep our heads down, and stay ready for anything.¡±
The meeting ended, but the tension lingered. Each member of the crew drifted off to their respective tasks, the weight of their predicament hanging heavy in the air. Jake lingered in the common area for a moment, staring at the holotable.
He had given them his nod and his smile earlier, a show of confidence. Now, he silently vowed to himself that he¡¯d make good on that promise. Whatever repairs, modifications, or miracles the Stellar Envoy and her crew needed, he¡¯d find a way to make it happen.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
59 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 21: Underworld Currents
Disclaimer: I am adding this here now too, best to be safe they said. Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The Stellar Envoy¡¯s medbay hummed with quiet activity. Jake hunched over Nick-01¡¯s chassis, his brow furrowed in concentration as he delicately soldered a circuit. Nearby, the modified medical droid¡ªMED-44¡ªfocused on patching up Skew-02¡¯s damaged plating. Sparks danced briefly as Jake worked, the sharp crackle punctuating the otherwise calm atmosphere.
¡°Processing cores are a mess,¡± Jake muttered under his breath. ¡°How you two managed to stay operational is beyond me.¡±
Nick-01, powered down for repairs, gave no reply. Jake sighed and reached for his datapad, pulling up the specifications he had been tweaking for the past few hours.
¡°I¡¯m going to boost your processing power and give you better target acquisition algorithms,¡± Jake said aloud, more to himself than the inert droid. ¡°Your pattern recognition routines need serious work, too. Can¡¯t have you freezing up like last time.¡±
MED-44 chirped in acknowledgment as it shifted its focus to Skew-02¡¯s shoulder joint. ¡°Structural integrity at 70%. I recommend reinforcement plating to compensate for stress fractures.¡±
Jake glanced at the med droid. ¡°Noted. Good work, MED-44.¡± He returned to Nick-01, mumbling as he worked. ¡°Gonna get you and Nick-02 back in top shape. Then it¡¯s Skew-01¡¯s turn. Big guy¡¯s been waiting long enough.¡±
As Jake worked, the day¡¯s events beyond the hangar bay played out.
Mira and Rina moved discreetly through the bustling streets of the city, blending into the crowd with practiced ease. Mira¡¯s current disguise¡ªa tan cloak and a wide-brimmed hat¡ªgave her the look of a traveling merchant, while Rina sported simple worker¡¯s garb and a tool belt.
Their split objectives had been decided before they left. Mira, as an associate of Kado, was adept at keeping her identity obscured with her ever-changing disguises, and Rina¡¯s status as the newest member of the group made her less recognizable to Gardulla¡¯s network.
Mira focused on essentials. She bartered for food packs, power cells, and medical kits, using fake credentials to set up deliveries to four separate locations. Each drop-off point was chosen for its low profile, ensuring that any curious eyes wouldn¡¯t trace the purchases back to hangar bay 7-10.
Rina, meanwhile, was gathering information. Her sharp ears picked up on hushed conversations in cantinas and marketplaces. The underworld was buzzing with news of Gardulla¡¯s betrayal.
Some groups who had slicers working on Gardulla¡¯s relic had banded together, suspecting treachery. Despite their efforts, most had been captured or killed. A few particularly savvy crews had completed the job quickly and fled the planet before Gardulla could make her move.
Rina absorbed every detail, her mind racing. This wasn¡¯t just about Kado¡¯s shop or the attack they¡¯d faced. Gardulla was systematically tying up loose ends, and it was only a matter of time before the noose tightened around their crew.
Back in hangar bay 7-10, the rest of the team stayed busy.
Tarek sat in the cockpit, the simulator system he had rigged up feeding combat scenarios directly into the Stellar Envoy¡¯s controls. The young pilot gripped the yoke tightly, his jaw set in determination as he navigated a simulated dogfight in planetary atmosphere. Bright streaks of simulated enemy fire lit up the holographic display, and Tarek banked hard to the right, narrowly avoiding destruction.
¡°Too close,¡± he muttered, resetting the simulation for another round.
In the cargo bay, Davik meticulously cataloged the crew¡¯s arsenal. Blasters of various makes and models were laid out in neat rows, along with stacks of power cells and a modest collection of explosives.
¡°Five thermal detonators,¡± he noted, marking it on his datapad. ¡°Plenty of power packs for now, but we¡¯ll need to keep an eye on these.¡± He glanced at Nick-03, who stood silently nearby, its optics glowing faintly as it assisted with organizing the equipment.
Kado, meanwhile, was working on familiarizing himself with the Stellar Envoy¡¯s layout. With Nick-03¡¯s help, he explored the ship¡¯s compartments, noting storage spaces, maintenance panels, and emergency protocols.
¡°Better to know now than when it¡¯s too late,¡± Kado muttered, hauling a salvaged crate onto a shelf in the cargo bay. The crate contained the last remnants of his shop¡ªtools, components, and a few personal effects.
Jake set his tools down and leaned back, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. He surveyed his progress on Nick-01 with a sense of satisfaction. The new processor core was in place, and the targeting system updates were nearly complete.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
¡°Just about there,¡± he said quietly. He glanced at MED-44, who was making steady progress on Skew-02. ¡°You¡¯re earning your keep, you know that?¡±
MED-44 beeped in affirmation. ¡°Primary and secondary systems stabilized. Recommend full diagnostic before field deployment.¡±
Jake chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯re not going anywhere until I say so.¡±
He glanced toward the cockpit, where Tarek¡¯s simulation efforts continued, and then to the cargo bay, where Davik and Kado were busy with their respective tasks. Despite the exhaustion and tension, the crew was holding together.
¡°Just a little longer,¡± Jake muttered to himself. ¡°We¡¯ll get through this.¡±
He returned to his work, the quiet determination in his movements a reflection of the hope he refused to let slip away.
The following morning, the group gathered in the Stellar Envoy¡¯s common area for another meeting. The droids, except for Nick-03, were powered down in the medbay for further repairs and diagnostics. The hum of the ship provided a steady backdrop as Kado spread out a makeshift ledger on the table, Mira and Rina leaning over to glance at it while Davik paced nearby. Tarek stood at the doorway, arms crossed, half-listening while keeping an eye on the ship¡¯s systems through his datapad.
¡°Food supplies should last us another week, maybe a bit more if we stretch it,¡± Kado said. ¡°Power cells are holding steady after the latest purchase. Ammunition is decent, but not great.¡±
¡°Medical supplies?¡± Davik asked.
¡°We¡¯ve got enough for basic injuries,¡± Kado replied. ¡°But if we face another fight like at the shop, we¡¯ll be in trouble.¡±
Rina took a sip from her cup. ¡°Information¡¯s still a mess. Gardulla¡¯s men are tearing through anyone connected to her little relic project. Groups banding together, others going dark or fleeing the planet. Everyone¡¯s paranoid.¡±
Mira nodded. ¡°I made sure the deliveries yesterday didn¡¯t leave a trace, but we shouldn¡¯t count on being unnoticed for long. We¡¯ll need to decide soon if we¡¯re sticking to the ¡®let them get complacent¡¯ plan or moving on.¡±
As the group deliberated, Jake finally spoke up. ¡°I¡¯d like to join Mira and Rina on their next run.¡±
The room went silent. Rina raised an eyebrow, and Mira crossed her arms skeptically.
¡°Absolutely not,¡± Mira said. ¡°It¡¯s dangerous enough out there with Gardulla¡¯s men hunting slicers and mechanics. You¡¯re the last person who should be walking into a potential trap.¡±
Jake held up his hands. ¡°I get that. But we¡¯ve got that old helmet and those armor pieces in the stash. I can throw something together. If I stay quiet, no one will know it¡¯s me.¡±
Mira hesitated, then nodded slowly. ¡°It could work as long as you don¡¯t say a word.¡±
Kado frowned, suspicion creeping into his voice. ¡°Why, Jake? Why risk getting identified when we can just wait it out?¡±
Jake looked down, his voice quieter than usual. ¡°Because I need to see it for myself. The damage. The deaths. All because I messed with Gardulla¡¯s records without thinking it through. I need to face what I¡¯ve done.¡±
The weight of his words settled over the group. Jake looked tired, his shoulders slumped, and there was a sadness in his eyes that hadn¡¯t been there before. Everyone realized he had been burying himself in fixing the droids as a distraction.
Davik broke the silence. ¡°Fine. But I¡¯m coming too. Same kind of disguise. No way you¡¯re going out there without backup.¡±
Jake blinked. ¡°Four people might stand out, don¡¯t you think?¡±
Rina shook her head. ¡°Not really. A group of four looks normal right now with all the bounty hunters and mercs wandering around because of Gardulla¡¯s hunts. It¡¯ll just make us look more legit.¡±
An hour later, the four of them stepped out of the hangar bay, each clad in mismatched armor and helmets, posing as a team of bounty hunters. Mira led the way with a confident stride, Rina flanking her while Jake and Davik took the rear. Their disguises blended well, and the atmosphere of paranoia and desperation in the city worked in their favor.
They spent hours moving between bars, listening to gossip and rumors. Jake heard the same things Rina had shared the day before¡ªgroups torn apart, lives lost, betrayals rampant. Each conversation made the weight of his guilt heavier.
He thought of the dead. Criminals, sure, but also people like Tarek, who wanted adventure, or like Kado and Davik, who held onto a moral compass even in a dirty trade. Mira and Rina thrived in this line of work, but that didn¡¯t make them bad people.
The faces he imagined blurred into a kaleidoscope of what-ifs. Jake felt a pang in his chest, his mind repeating a simple truth: Actions have consequences.
That truth burned in him, a lesson he would never forget. He vowed silently to focus not just on goals but also on how to achieve them without losing himself in the process. ¡°No regrets,¡± he whispered to himself.
The others noticed his introspection throughout the day. While they couldn¡¯t guess exactly what was going through his mind, they gave him space, exchanging brief glances of understanding.
As they left the last bar, Jake said quietly, ¡°I¡¯m okay now. Let¡¯s head back.¡±
Their return route took them through an underground market, where low light and damp air created a seedy, oppressive atmosphere. As they passed through a crowded corridor, Jake stopped abruptly.
Mira turned. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±
Jake didn¡¯t answer immediately, his helmeted head fixed on a group being herded like cattle. His heart sank as he realized they were slaves, likely destined for Gardulla¡¯s service.
The murmurs of the crowd confirmed his fears.
¡°...sold to Gardulla soon...¡±
Jake¡¯s eyes locked on a specific pair in the group¡ªa woman in her late twenties clutching a small boy who couldn¡¯t be older than three. He froze, wide-eyed beneath his helmet.
¡°I know them,¡± he whispered, his voice trembling. ¡°Crap, crap, CRAP!¡±
Mira and the others exchanged confused looks, concern creeping into their expressions. ¡°Jake,¡± Rina asked cautiously, ¡°what¡¯s going on?¡±
¡°Oh yeah,¡± Jake muttered, his voice barely audible now. ¡°There¡¯s that guy too...¡±
Mira tilted her head, frowning. ¡°What guy? Jake, you¡¯re acting like you¡¯ve lost it.¡±
Jake couldn¡¯t tear his eyes away from the pair, his thoughts racing. The crew stared at him, bewildered, as he stood paralyzed, gripped by a mixture of recognition and panic.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
60 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 22: Breaking Chains, Forging Bonds
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The dark, shadowy expanse of the underground market seemed to stretch endlessly, its narrow pathways teeming with traders, mercenaries, and beings of every kind. The air carried a mix of stale sweat, engine grease, and the faint scent of something burning. Jake''s helmet filtered most of it out, but it didn¡¯t stop the knot tightening in his chest as he stared at the huddled group of slaves.
The woman holding the boy¡ªher features, her posture¡ªit all triggered a sense of recognition so deep and visceral that it sent his mind spinning. That¡¯s Shmi Skywalker... and Anakin. He didn¡¯t know how he knew, but the realization hit him with undeniable certainty, like a thunderbolt cracking through the haze of the market.
¡°Jake!¡± Mira¡¯s voice cut through his spiraling thoughts. She had placed a firm hand on his shoulder. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Talk to us.¡±
He glanced at her, then back at the group. His voice was low and urgent. ¡°We need to get them. All of them.¡±
Davik¡¯s brows furrowed beneath his helmet. ¡°What? Jake, we don¡¯t have time to¡ª¡±
¡°Please,¡± Jake interrupted, his tone bordering on desperation. ¡°Just trust me on this. Help me figure out how to get those five slaves.¡±
Mira crossed her arms, her posture exuding skepticism. ¡°I¡¯m all for freeing slaves¡ªscum like these slavers deserve nothing but a blaster bolt¡ªbut why now? And why them?¡±
Jake hesitated. His mind raced for a plausible answer that wouldn¡¯t drag them into a tangled web of impossible truths. ¡°I... I can¡¯t explain it right now,¡± he said finally, his voice tight. ¡°It¡¯s just something I have to do.¡±
The trio exchanged glances. Rina was the first to relent, letting out a sigh. ¡°We¡¯re already in this line of work. Freeing a few slaves is hardly the worst risk we¡¯ve taken.¡±
Davik shrugged. ¡°Fine, but I still want to know why later.¡±
Mira shot Jake a sharp look. ¡°You better be ready to owe us for this. Let¡¯s move.¡±
They approached the slaver, a portly, sweat-drenched Devaronian who was in the middle of bragging to a potential buyer. His coarse laughter rang out as he gestured at the huddled slaves, flaunting them like trophies. His voice, loud and grating, carried across the bustling crowd.
¡°These here are the finest stock in the sector! Fit for work, entertainment¡ªwhatever you need,¡± he crowed, his jagged teeth gleaming in the dim light.
Jake¡¯s fists clenched under his gloves, but he forced himself to stay composed. This wasn¡¯t the time for emotion. Mira stepped forward, taking the lead as their negotiator. Her voice dripped with an air of professional disinterest, her helmet tilted slightly as if unimpressed.
¡°These are the finest?¡± she said, her tone skeptical. ¡°Looks like scraps to me.¡±
The slaver¡¯s smile faltered, and his eyes narrowed. ¡°Scraps? Lady, you clearly don¡¯t know quality when you see it. Each one of these is worth triple the usual rate.¡±
¡°Triple?¡± Mira scoffed. ¡°For that?¡± She gestured dismissively at the group. ¡°I¡¯ve seen stronger workers in the wastelands.¡±
The slaver bristled, puffing up his chest. ¡°You dare insult my merchandise? These are prime! Look at the woman¡ªstrong build, obedient demeanor. The kid¡ªperfect for small spaces, quick jobs. The others, they¡¯re¡ª¡±
¡°Forget the sales pitch,¡± Rina cut in, her voice cool. ¡°We¡¯re interested, but not at your bloated price.¡±
The slaver narrowed his eyes, his suspicion evident. ¡°And who are you, exactly? You don¡¯t look like locals.¡±
Jake¡¯s heart skipped a beat, but Mira didn¡¯t miss a beat. ¡°We¡¯re bounty hunters,¡± she said smoothly. ¡°Independent contractors. And if you don¡¯t want to lose a sale, you¡¯ll keep your questions to yourself.¡±
The slaver hesitated, clearly weighing his options. Finally, he spread his hands in a mock gesture of magnanimity. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s talk numbers.¡±
What followed was an exhausting back-and-forth of haggling and posturing. Mira leaned into her role, dismissing the slaver¡¯s attempts to upsell with brutal efficiency. ¡°You¡¯re overestimating their value,¡± she said at one point, her tone cutting. ¡°Do you think we¡¯re idiots? This isn¡¯t our first deal.¡±
Jake, meanwhile, stood silent, his mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. Is this the right thing to do? The memory of Gardulla¡¯s victims flashed in his mind. The bodies. The chaos. Am I already breaking my promise to think things through?
He tried to convince himself. This is different. No one¡¯s going to die because of this. Right?If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
And yet, another voice in his head whispered back: Are you sure?
His gaze flicked to the boy¡ªAnakin. A chill ran down his spine. Good thing there¡¯s no such thing as a canon event, right? RIGHT?
The internal conflict threatened to consume him, but before he could spiral further, Mira¡¯s voice cut through. ¡°Deal.¡±
The slaver beamed triumphantly, unaware of Mira¡¯s subtle victory in driving the price far lower than he¡¯d wanted. ¡°Excellent choice, my friends! A pleasure doing business with professionals.¡±
The transaction concluded, the five slaves¡ªincluding Shmi and Anakin¡ªwere handed over. Jake¡¯s stomach churned as he watched the woman clutch her son protectively, her wary eyes darting between the slaver and their new captors.
As they led the group away, Mira muttered, ¡°Well, that was unpleasant. Let¡¯s get them to the ship and figure out our next move.¡±
Jake stayed silent, his thoughts a chaotic jumble of relief, guilt, and uncertainty. What now? What happens to them? To us? He glanced back at Anakin, who stared at him with a mix of curiosity and fear. The boy had no idea who Jake was¡ªor who Jake thought he was.
One thing was clear: this was just the beginning of a much larger problem.
The group moved cautiously through the labyrinthine alleys of the black market, their disguises blending seamlessly with the ebb and flow of shady figures conducting equally dubious business. The newly freed slaves trailed behind them, casting nervous glances at every shadow and sound. Jake¡¯s grip on the controller for the slave chips was tight, his mind replaying the encounter with the slaver on a loop.
Mira led them with calculated precision, deliberately taking detours, doubling back, and leading the group through circuitous routes to avoid any pursuers. At one point, Davik stopped, motioning for silence as he scanned their surroundings. Only after several tense moments of listening did he nod, allowing them to move again.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they arrived at one of Mira¡¯s pre-arranged supply drop locations¡ªa nondescript building disguised as an abandoned home. Its exterior was worn and unremarkable, but once inside, it revealed a spacious warehouse stocked with crates of supplies. The walls were reinforced, and a sturdy metal door secured their entrance.
The group spread out inside, instinctively checking corners and securing windows. Davik and Rina worked on fortifying the door while Mira motioned for the former slaves to sit near a pile of cushions in one corner. The freed individuals were visibly tense¡ªeyes darting, hands trembling, and shoulders hunched.
Jake lingered near the center of the room, acutely aware of the weight of everyone¡¯s attention. Davik, Mira, and Rina stood a few feet away, their expressions calm but expectant. Jake could feel the unspoken question hanging in the air: What now, Jake?
He took a deep breath, his thoughts coalescing into something he could articulate. ¡°I know you¡¯re all wondering why I insisted on this,¡± he began, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of emotion. ¡°And to be honest, I didn¡¯t fully understand it myself until just now.¡±
The three exchanged glances but remained silent, letting Jake continue.
¡°When I saw them¡ªthe slaves¡ªI saw more than just people who needed help. I saw... myself.¡± He hesitated, the words thick in his throat. ¡°Not in the literal sense, but in what they represent. Trapped. Helpless. Waiting for someone to decide their fate.¡±
Jake paused, glancing at the freed individuals. The boy clung tightly to his mother, and the others watched him with cautious curiosity. Jake¡¯s gaze softened. ¡°I¡¯ve been reflecting on everything. The consequences of my actions¡ªthe good and the bad. And I realized something: It¡¯s not enough to just fix the mistakes I¡¯ve made. I need to make sure they don¡¯t happen again. And more than that¡ªI need to do something meaningful.¡±
He straightened, his voice gaining strength. ¡°I want to build something. A group, a mission¡ªwhatever you want to call it. A team that doesn¡¯t just survive in this galaxy but makes it better. A team that protects those who can¡¯t protect themselves. That hunts those who prey on the weak for their own selfish gain.¡±
He looked at each of his crewmates in turn. ¡°I want us to be a nova¡ªa light so bright it cuts through the darkest parts of this galaxy. I realized it when I saw those slaves. That¡¯s my purpose, and I need your help to make it real.¡±
Davik, Mira, and Rina exchanged another look, something unspoken passing between them. A smirk tugged at the corner of Mira¡¯s mouth. ¡°You¡¯ve got quite the flair for dramatics, Jake,¡± she said with a chuckle. ¡°But... I can get behind that.¡±
Davik folded his arms, his expression serious but his tone light. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re not bad at the whole inspirational speech thing. Could use some work, but it¡¯s a start.¡±
Rina grinned. ¡°We figured you were up to something like this when we saw the look on your face back there. You were like a kid seeing a Hutt eat vegetables¡ªcompletely bewildered.¡±
Jake couldn¡¯t help but smile faintly. ¡°Thanks for humoring me.¡±
¡°Humoring?¡± Mira said, arching a brow. ¡°We¡¯re not humoring you, Jake. We¡¯re agreeing with you. But you¡¯d better make this ¡®nova¡¯ idea worth the trouble.¡±
Jake nodded, his resolve solidifying. He turned to the freed slaves. ¡°We¡¯re going to disable those chips now. After that, we need to talk.¡±
The tension in the room shifted as Jake and Mira worked together to disable the slave chips, using the controller to neutralize each one. As the telltale blinking lights on their neck implants died, the former slaves visibly relaxed. Relief washed over them, and for the first time, a few even managed tentative smiles.
¡°Thank you,¡± one of the men said, his voice cracking. ¡°You¡¯ve given us more than we thought possible.¡±
Jake nodded. ¡°You¡¯re free now. But... do you have somewhere to go? A way to start fresh?¡±
Two of the men, both burly and in their late thirties, exchanged glances. ¡°We were bodyguards before we got caught,¡± one said. ¡°We might be able to reach out to old contacts¡ªrepay this kindness.¡±
Jake smiled faintly. ¡°Do what you need to do.¡±
The remaining three¡ªa woman, a man, and the child¡ªlooked hesitant. The man spoke first, his voice quiet. ¡°I don¡¯t have anywhere to go,¡± he admitted. The woman, Shmi, nodded, cradling the boy protectively. ¡°Neither do we.¡±
Jake hesitated, then took a step closer. ¡°If you¡¯re willing, I¡¯d like to offer you a place. With me. With us. I can¡¯t promise it¡¯ll be easy, but I can promise you won¡¯t have to go through it alone.¡±
The three exchanged glances, hope flickering in their eyes. Finally, Shmi spoke, her voice steady. ¡°We¡¯ve been alone for too long. If you¡¯ll have us... we¡¯ll follow.¡±
Jake¡¯s heart swelled with relief. ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. Welcome to the start of something new.¡±
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
61 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 23: Turning Point
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The hum of diagnostic equipment filled the cockpit of the Stellar Envoy as Kado stood behind Tarek, who was slouched comfortably in the pilot¡¯s seat. Nick-03 sat motionless in the co-pilot chair, its photoreceptors glowing faintly as it ran through systems checks. Despite the relative quiet of Hangar Bay 7-10, Kado¡¯s mind was anything but at ease. His eyes flicked to the navcharts displayed on the console, then back to Tarek.
¡°Malachor V,¡± Tarek said, his voice tinged with skepticism as he studied the potential routes Kado had projected onto the console. ¡°Why does it feel like every path there has ¡®bad idea¡¯ written all over it?¡±
Kado smirked faintly but didn¡¯t take his eyes off the charts. ¡°Because it does. Half of these hyperspace lanes are crawling with pirates, and the other half are so old they might not even connect the way we think they do. Plus, there¡¯s the wild space factor¡ªuncharted sectors and anomalies waiting to screw us over.¡±
Tarek leaned back, his hand brushing against the yoke. ¡°Sounds promising. Are we leaving as soon as Gardulla¡¯s goons cool down?¡±
¡°That¡¯s the idea,¡± Kado replied, crossing his arms. ¡°Once Jake and the others are back and Mira confirms we¡¯ve got enough supplies, we¡¯ll pack up and get out of here. But only if the coast is clear. No sense drawing more heat to ourselves than we already have.¡±
Tarek¡¯s brow furrowed, his tone turning speculative. ¡°Are we planning any detours? Or is the resupply stop the only interruption before Malachor?¡±
¡°Depends,¡± Kado admitted, tapping a finger against the back of Tarek¡¯s chair. ¡°Ideally, we make one stop for essentials¡ªfuel, food, and whatever repairs we can¡¯t delay¡ªand then it¡¯s straight to Malachor. But if anything goes wrong¡ªlike we attract attention or find a more urgent lead¡ªwe¡¯ll have to adjust. Maybe a longer route to throw off any tails or another supply stop if our resources get stretched thin.¡±
¡°Adjust, huh?¡± Tarek muttered, staring at the navcharts. ¡°You know I¡¯ve only flown on one real mission, right? The rest has been simulator stuff. I¡¯m not exactly ready to make split-second decisions in a firefight or evasive maneuvers while calculating hyperspace routes.¡±
¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯re planning now,¡± Kado said, his tone firm but reassuring. ¡°We¡¯ve got time to go over contingencies and rehearse scenarios. Nick-03 will assist, and Davik or I can take the co-pilot seat if things get dicey. You¡¯ll manage.¡±
Before Tarek could respond, the proximity alarm pinged softly, and Kado glanced at the monitor. A group was approaching the hangar entrance, moving cautiously. ¡°Looks like Jake and the others are back,¡± Kado said, his voice tinged with relief.
Tarek turned in his seat to get a better look as the cameras picked up the group entering the hangar. ¡°Wait... are those extra people with them?¡±
Kado frowned, his confusion growing as he counted the unfamiliar faces. ¡°Yeah... what the hell?¡±
The group moved swiftly but methodically, checking the perimeter before securing the hangar¡¯s entrance. Jake, Mira, Rina, and Davik appeared calm but focused, while three others¡ªtwo adults and a child¡ªhovered behind them, their postures guarded and uncertain.
Kado and Tarek exchanged a look before stepping out of the cockpit to meet them.
¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kado asked as the group approached, his tone wary but not accusatory.
Tarek tilted his head, his confusion evident. ¡°Did we... pick up refugees or something?¡±
Jake raised his hands slightly, a placating gesture. ¡°I¡¯ll explain everything, but first, let me get them settled.¡± His tone was measured, but there was a hint of weariness beneath it.
Kado¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll wait. But you are going to explain.¡±
Jake gave a small nod of thanks and motioned for the newcomers to follow him. Shmi and Anakin Skywalker, along with the third former slave¡ªa wiry man in his mid-thirties with dark, close-cropped hair named Arlos Kren¡ªwere ushered into a makeshift resting area. Jake assured them they were safe before joining the others in the common area for the inevitable discussion.
Once the group was gathered, Jake stood at the center, his shoulders slightly slumped but his gaze resolute. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking. ¡°Alright. Here¡¯s what happened.¡±
He recounted the events at the underground market¡ªthe haggling with the slaver, the decision to purchase the group of slaves, and the chaotic mix of emotions that had driven him. As he spoke, Kado¡¯s expression shifted from suspicion to understanding, though a trace of concern lingered.
¡°And after all that,¡± Jake said, his voice quieter now, ¡°I realized something. Seeing those people¡ªthe fear in their eyes, the hopelessness¡ªI couldn¡¯t just walk away. Not after everything I¡¯ve been thinking about lately.¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
He looked directly at Kado and Tarek, his gaze unwavering. ¡°I¡¯ve been wrestling with the consequences of my actions, the things I¡¯ve done without fully considering what might happen. But now I¡¯ve also started thinking about the causes. Why I made those choices. Why any of us make the choices we do.¡±
Jake took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. ¡°I¡¯ve decided that my purpose¡ªmy goal¡ªis to do more than survive or chase credits. I want to make a difference. I want to help people who can¡¯t help themselves, to stand against those who exploit and destroy for their own gain. That¡¯s why I did what I did today. And that¡¯s why I¡¯m asking for your support as we move forward.¡±
There was a long silence as Kado and Tarek absorbed his words.
Tarek was the first to speak, his tone cautious but sincere. ¡°That¡¯s... heavy. I mean, I get it¡ªwanting to do something meaningful. But you¡¯re talking about taking on slavers, criminals, and probably half the galaxy¡¯s worst scum. You sure about this?¡±
Jake nodded firmly. ¡°I am. But I¡¯m not asking you to follow me blindly. I¡¯ll explain everything, plan every step. And I¡¯ll always take your advice into account. I just... need to know if you¡¯re with me.¡±
Kado crossed his arms, his gaze steady. ¡°You¡¯ve got guts, Jake. And, honestly? I respect that. If this is the direction we¡¯re going, I¡¯m in. But we need to be smart about it¡ªbecause people like Gardulla don¡¯t forget, and they don¡¯t forgive.¡±
Jake allowed himself a small smile. ¡°Agreed.¡±
Tarek shrugged, a faint grin tugging at his lips. ¡°Guess I¡¯m in too. I mean, what else am I gonna do? Fly simulators all day?¡±
The tension in the room eased as the group¡¯s solidarity became clear. Jake felt a weight lift from his shoulders, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. This was just the beginning, but for the first time, he felt like he was moving in the right direction.
The group remained huddled in the common area of the Stellar Envoy, the air carrying a mix of quiet determination and lingering uncertainty. Kado leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed as he regarded Jake with a thoughtful expression.
¡°This whole plan of yours,¡± Kado began, his tone measured, ¡°does it change your original goal? Getting to the Core Worlds?¡±
Jake, who had been expecting the question, showed no outward surprise. He straightened up slightly before answering, his voice calm but resolute. ¡°No. It doesn¡¯t change anything. Getting to the Core is still part of the bigger picture. This... this just adds more meaning to the journey.¡±
Kado nodded slowly, apparently satisfied with the response.
Before anyone could add more, Rina broke the silence, her tone carrying a hint of excitement. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve got some good news. Gardulla¡¯s men think Kado and the crew died during the attack on his shop.¡±
A chorus of confused murmurs rippled through the group.
¡°What?¡± Tarek asked, leaning forward with a frown.
Rina smirked, enjoying the attention. ¡°Yep. Apparently, the explosions were enough to convince her. None of her men are brave¡ªor stupid¡ªenough to correct her, so most of their hunting frenzy is dying down.¡±
Jake raised an eyebrow. ¡°What about the relic and the data?¡±
Rina shrugged. ¡°From what I hear, they¡¯re focusing on the contents of the edited data. That¡¯s what has Gardulla so wound up now.¡±
Davik crossed his arms, giving Rina a skeptical look. ¡°And where, exactly, did you get this info?¡±
Rina¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°What, you think Mira¡¯s the only one with contacts? I¡¯ve got my own network, thank you very much.¡±
Davik let out a grudging grunt of acknowledgment, eliciting chuckles from the others.
Tarek leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the armrest. ¡°So... does that mean we¡¯re clear to leave? Should we head straight for Malachor V?¡±
Mira chimed in, her voice practical but thoughtful. ¡°Supplies aren¡¯t an issue, even with the new additions. Speaking of which, Jake, what¡¯s the plan for the former slaves? Are they staying aboard long-term?¡±
Jake paused for a moment, realizing all eyes were on him. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about that,¡± he started, his tone a bit hesitant. ¡°One of them could be the cook, and the other... well, we could train him as a gunner. And he could help out around the ship, maybe run small errands.¡±
The group collectively exchanged skeptical looks, their expressions practically screaming, You just made that up, didn¡¯t you?
Jake raised his hands defensively. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s a starting point! We¡¯ll work it out as we go.¡±
Kado, ever pragmatic, chimed in. ¡°Alright. How about this? We stick around for three more days. That gives us time to get them trained on basic ship operations and figure out how they¡¯ll fit in. Speaking of which, what about the kid?¡±
Jake blinked, caught off guard. ¡°I¡¯m not separating him from his mom.¡±
¡°Of course not,¡± Kado said with a slight roll of his eyes. ¡°I mean, who¡¯s going to watch the kid when his mom¡¯s busy doing her job?¡±
Jake froze for a moment, then brightened as if a light bulb had just gone off in his head. ¡°Oh! The companion droid! It¡¯s perfect¡ªmodeled after BD-1, agile, intuitive, great with kids.¡±
Rina raised an eyebrow, her skepticism palpable. ¡°That might work for a while, but it¡¯s not a long-term solution, Jake.¡±
Jake shrugged, trying to sound confident. ¡°We¡¯ll manage. I mean, what¡¯s the worst that could happen?¡±
The group fell silent, giving Jake a series of blank stares.
¡°Really?¡± Rina said dryly. ¡°You¡¯re going with that line?¡±
Jake rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. ¡°Okay, fine. I¡¯ll put more thought into it. But for now, the droid can handle it.¡±
Despite their doubts, the group nodded, the beginnings of a plan starting to take shape.
Meanwhile, later in the makeshift rest area...
Shmi sat quietly on the edge of a cot, her son Anakin curled up beside her, his small hand clutching hers. Across from her, Arlos Kren leaned against the wall, his gaze flicking between the two of them and the ship¡¯s interior. The tension in their postures hadn¡¯t fully dissipated, but there was a glimmer of hope in their eyes¡ªa fragile thing, but present nonetheless.
For the first time in years, they weren¡¯t bound by the cruel whims of slavers. Shmi brushed a hand over her son¡¯s hair, her lips pressing into a thin line. Whatever came next, she was determined to give her son a better future.
Back in the common area, Jake caught a glimpse of her resolve as he passed by the door, and his own resolve solidified. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he would see this through¡ªnot just for Shmi and Anakin, but for everyone on this ship and those they would encounter in the future.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
61 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 24: Lessons and Aspirations
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The next morning aboard the Stellar Envoy began with a sense of tentative hope. Jake gathered everyone in the ship''s common area to formally kick off the three-day training plan for their newest additions. Shmi, Anakin, and Arlos stood together, with Shmi¡¯s protective hand resting on her son¡¯s shoulder. Anakin¡¯s wide-eyed curiosity darted around the room, taking in the ship''s bustling activity and its crew.
Jake clapped his hands to draw everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Alright, everyone, let¡¯s get started. First, let¡¯s introduce our new shipmates properly. You¡¯ve all met them in passing, but I¡¯d like to go over their roles and how we¡¯ll train them.¡±
He gestured toward Shmi. ¡°This is Shmi Skywalker. She¡¯s already skilled in cooking, which is a big help for us, and she¡¯ll be learning some basics of ship gunnery and maintenance over the next few days. She¡¯s meticulous and resourceful, which will make her a great asset to the crew.¡±
Shmi offered a polite nod, her calm demeanor masking her underlying nerves.
Jake then motioned to Arlos. ¡°This is Arlos Kren. He¡¯s been doing manual labor most of his life, but we¡¯ll teach him how to assist with shipboard tasks, and he¡¯ll eventually take on the role of a gunner and general helper.¡±
Arlos shifted uncomfortably but managed a small nod.
¡°And lastly, this little guy is Anakin Skywalker,¡± Jake said with a warm smile, crouching slightly to meet the boy¡¯s gaze. Anakin smiled back shyly, his curiosity momentarily overtaking his apprehension. ¡°Anakin will mostly be hanging out with one of the ship¡¯s best companions during training sessions. Speaking of which...¡±
Jake tapped a control panel on the wall, and a sleek, compact droid rolled into view. The droid had a small, rounded head with glowing photoreceptors and a slim, agile frame built for navigating tight spaces. Jake grinned.
¡°Everyone, meet BD-0, or ¡®Zero¡¯ for short. Zero is a companion droid I designed to assist with exploration, minor repairs, and¡ªmost importantly¡ªkeeping Anakin company.¡±
The droid beeped enthusiastically and tilted its head toward Anakin, emitting a friendly chirp. Anakin¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement as he stepped closer to the droid.
¡°Can I... touch it?¡± Anakin asked tentatively.
¡°Of course,¡± Jake said with a chuckle. ¡°Zero¡¯s tougher than he looks.¡±
Anakin placed a small hand on Zero¡¯s head, and the droid whirred in response, playfully nudging Anakin¡¯s hand.
Shmi, however, looked hesitant. ¡°He¡¯ll be with Anakin during all of the training?¡±
Jake nodded reassuringly. ¡°Yes, and Anakin will stay in the same area for the non-sensitive training sessions. When we cover topics like electronics or weapon handling, he¡¯ll stay in your room with Zero. We¡¯re taking no chances.¡±
Shmi¡¯s posture relaxed slightly, her concern still visible but tempered by Jake¡¯s careful explanation.
Jake turned to the rest of the crew. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s introduce the rest of us. This is Tarek.¡± He pointed to the younger pilot, who waved awkwardly from the side. ¡°He¡¯s our pilot-in-training¡ªmostly simulator experience but eager to learn.¡±
Tarek nodded, a slight flush rising to his cheeks.
¡°Next, we have Kado,¡± Jake continued, pointing to the grizzled man with a steady presence. ¡°Our resident expert on salvaging and logistics. He¡¯s also one of the most level-headed here.¡±
Kado gave a small wave. ¡°Welcome aboard.¡±
¡°Davik,¡± Jake gestured toward the middle-aged man leaning casually against the wall, ¡°is our weapons specialist and combat planner.¡±
Davik smirked. ¡°You¡¯ll get used to the chaos soon enough.¡±
¡°Mira here is our resource manager and negotiator,¡± Jake said, pointing to the petite but sharp-eyed woman.
Mira nodded politely. ¡°If you¡¯re willing to learn, I¡¯m willing to teach.¡±
¡°And finally, Rina,¡± Jake concluded, gesturing to the blonde woman with a confident stance. ¡°She¡¯s our intel specialist and scout.¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Rina gave a sly smile. ¡°You¡¯re in good hands¡ªassuming you pay attention.¡±
With introductions complete, Jake led the group on a tour of the ship. He pointed out critical areas such as the cockpit, medbay, engine room, gunnery stations, and the common area, taking care to emphasize safety protocols and emergency procedures.
The group lingered in the cockpit, where Tarek and Kado were already seated. Nick-03 was stationed at the co-pilot¡¯s console, performing diagnostics.
¡°This is where most of the action happens,¡± Jake explained, gesturing to the controls. ¡°You¡¯ll get a chance to learn more as we go, but for now, just familiarize yourselves with the layout.¡±
Arlos looked overwhelmed but nodded earnestly, while Shmi absorbed every detail with quiet determination.
As the tour ended, Shmi hesitated before speaking. ¡°Who... who¡¯s the captain of this ship?¡±
The crew exchanged glances. It was a question they¡¯d been avoiding for some time.
Kado cleared his throat. ¡°We haven¡¯t decided yet. It¡¯s been more of a team effort so far, but eventually, we¡¯ll need to make it official.¡±
Jake nodded, his expression thoughtful. ¡°For now, let¡¯s focus on getting everyone up to speed. We¡¯ll figure out leadership when the time¡¯s right.¡±
The group dispersed, each member diving into their respective tasks. As the ship hummed with activity, Jake couldn¡¯t help but feel a growing sense of purpose. Their crew was an odd mix, but it was coming together¡ªslowly but surely.
On the first morning of training, as the crew gathered in the common area to review the schedule, Jake couldn''t help but smirk to himself. This is starting to feel like assembling the Straw Hat Pirates, salvager edition, he thought, referencing the ¡°One Piece¡± manga from his old world. The crew was eclectic, each with distinct personalities and talents, but somehow, they worked together.
Jake shook the thought from his mind and focused on the task at hand. The next three days were dedicated to integrating Shmi and Arlos into their routines, training them in shipboard roles, and ensuring they felt like part of the team.
The training started slowly, with basic introductions to equipment and ship operations. Arlos initially appeared overwhelmed, but as the sessions progressed, his natural talent for marksmanship became apparent. Davik, who oversaw gunnery training, was impressed by how quickly Arlos adapted to the ship¡¯s turret systems.
¡°Not bad,¡± Davik said with a grin, watching Arlos hit target after target in the simulated combat drills. ¡°You¡¯ve got steady hands. Could¡¯ve fooled me with that nervous look of yours.¡±
Arlos blushed under the praise but kept his focus.
Shmi, on the other hand, surprised everyone with her aptitude for electronics. While Jake had assumed her skills would revolve primarily around cooking and general maintenance, she showed an intuitive understanding of circuits and systems, quickly picking up on tasks like repairing consoles and diagnosing minor system errors.
¡°This wiring reminds me of the droid I worked on years ago,¡± Shmi mentioned to Jake during one repair session. ¡°I guess some things stick with you.¡±
Jake chuckled. ¡°Seems like you¡¯ve got a knack for it. We¡¯ll make sure to put those skills to good use.¡±
By the third day, the training had built a sense of camaraderie. The crew took turns mentoring the new additions, often interjecting their own humor or anecdotes.
On the evening of the third day, Jake called everyone together in the common area. With the training winding down, it felt like the right moment to share his vision with Shmi and Arlos¡ªthe same one he¡¯d told the crew before.
He stood before them, his tone steady but passionate. ¡°I know this started as a salvage run, but things have changed for me. I¡¯ve seen what happens when people like us have the power to make a difference but don¡¯t. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve decided to do more than just chase scrap or credits. I want to save people who can¡¯t save themselves and hunt down the predators who take advantage of the weak.¡±
Arlos and Shmi listened intently, their expressions thoughtful.
Jake continued, ¡°This crew has already agreed to this shift in direction. We¡¯ll still salvage, but now, we¡¯ll do it with a purpose¡ªone that makes a real difference. If you¡¯re with us, you¡¯ll be part of something bigger than just surviving.¡±
Arlos nodded slowly, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. Shmi, too, looked contemplative but smiled softly. ¡°That¡¯s a noble goal, Jake. And I think you¡¯re the kind of person who can see it through.¡±
Later that day, during a rest period, Shmi decided to get to know the crew better. She wandered around the hangar bay and inside the ship, finding the crew at their various tasks. Quietly and politely, she asked each of them a simple question: ¡°Do you share Jake¡¯s goal?¡±
The answers varied but were overwhelmingly positive.
Tarek, seated in the cockpit adjusting navigation charts, gave a lopsided grin. ¡°Saving slaves and taking down pirates? Sounds good to me. Who knows¡ªmaybe we¡¯ll end up saving royalty too. We¡¯d really have stories to tell then.¡±
Mira, organizing supplies in the storage bay, nodded thoughtfully. ¡°It¡¯s not so different from what we¡¯ve been doing, just... with a bit more heroism sprinkled in. I think it suits us.¡±
Rina, perched on a maintenance ladder while inspecting a sensor array, smirked. ¡°Heroic salvagers? Sure, why not. As long as we get to mess with scumbags, I¡¯m in.¡±
Kado, in the engine room, gave a more grounded response. ¡°Jake¡¯s goals don¡¯t contradict what we¡¯ve always done. They just give it more meaning. I¡¯m fine with that.¡±
Shmi even overheard Davik mutter to Jake during a break, ¡°Guess your crazy ideas are rubbing off on us. Don¡¯t make me regret it.¡±
Jake stayed nearby as Shmi made her rounds, listening in on some of the responses. Though he tried to keep his expression neutral, a deep sense of gratitude welled up inside him.
They¡¯re really on board with this, he thought. No matter how outlandish it sounds, they¡¯re willing to try. I won¡¯t let them down. I¡¯ll help us survive whatever dangers come our way.
That night, as the ship settled into the quiet hum of its systems, Jake stood alone in the cockpit, gazing out at the stars. The crew¡¯s words echoed in his mind, solidifying his resolve. Whatever lay ahead¡ªMalachor V, salvaging runs, or the dream of the Nova¡ªhe knew they¡¯d face it together.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
61 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 25: Breaking the Horizon
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The morning was tense as the crew finalized preparations for departure. The Stellar Envoy¡¯s systems hummed with readiness, and everyone moved with purpose, double-checking supplies, calibrating systems, and securing loose equipment. Arlos and Shmi, fresh from their training, stood by awkwardly but eager to assist. Anakin sat nearby, distracted by Jake¡¯s companion droid, who beeped encouragement every time the boy asked a question.
Tarek sat in the pilot¡¯s chair, his hands gripping the controls tightly as the engines roared to life. Nick-03 sat in the co-pilot¡¯s seat, running diagnostics and feeding navigation data to Tarek¡¯s display. Behind them, Jake and Kado stood silently, both trying to appear calm for Tarek¡¯s sake.
"All systems are green," Nick-03 reported. "The ship is ready for departure."
Tarek gave a shaky exhale, his eyes fixed on the hangar doors slowly opening to the dusty skies of Tatooine. He guided the Stellar Envoy forward, the ship lifting smoothly off the ground. "No turning back now," he muttered to himself.
The launch went off without a hitch, but the nerves in the cockpit didn¡¯t settle. As the ship climbed into the atmosphere, the comm system crackled with transmissions. Tarek glanced at the display, noting several ships stationed near the orbital exit.
¡°Gardulla¡¯s men,¡± Kado observed grimly.
Through the cockpit viewport, they saw a group of ships hovering near the planet''s edge, stopping outbound vessels. The slaver ships were distinct, bristling with weapons and looking intimidating.
¡°They¡¯re boarding anyone trying to leave,¡± Rina said, peering over Jake¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Looking for anyone or anything connected to the relic. Or maybe just flexing their power.¡±
The comm crackled again as the Stellar Envoy was hailed. Tarek instinctively turned to look at Jake, who gave a sharp shake of his head.
¡°Ignore it,¡± Jake ordered.
The hail repeated, more insistent this time. Tarek¡¯s hands tightened on the controls as he resisted the urge to answer. ¡°They¡¯re going to notice we¡¯re ignoring them,¡± he said, his voice tight.
¡°They¡¯ve probably already noticed,¡± Mira said, stepping into the cockpit. ¡°But we can¡¯t stop now. Focus on getting to the hyperspace lane.¡±
Tarek nodded, guiding the ship toward the indicated coordinates. The short distance to the hyperspace lane felt endless, the weight of their pursuers pressing against the ship.
¡°Davik, Mira,¡± Jake called through the comm, ¡°get to the turrets. Just in case.¡±
¡°Already there,¡± Davik responded. Mira chimed in a moment later with an affirmative.
Alarms blared as targeting alerts flooded the console. "We¡¯re being locked on,¡± Nick-03 announced.
¡°Gardulla¡¯s men,¡± Kado growled.
The first salvo came from the nearest slaver ship, energy bolts slicing through the void. Tarek¡¯s instincts kicked in, and he threw the Stellar Envoy into evasive maneuvers. The ship pitched and rolled, narrowly avoiding the opening shots.
¡°It¡¯s like the simulation!¡± Tarek shouted, a mix of fear and exhilaration in his voice. ¡°Exactly like the first one!¡±
¡°Then you know how it ends,¡± Kado said, gripping a support bar tightly.
Energy bolts streaked past the ship, some uncomfortably close. Mira and Davik returned fire, targeting the pursuing ships to buy time. The ship rocked with every maneuver, the crew holding on as Tarek worked the controls with growing confidence.
¡°Almost there!¡± Nick-03 called, calculating the final approach to the hyperspace lane.
Tarek clenched his jaw, executing one last barrel roll to dodge a volley of shots before leveling out. He reached for the hyperspace controls, his fingers moving faster than his thoughts.
¡°Coordinates locked,¡± Nick-03 confirmed.
¡°Punch it!¡± Jake yelled.
The stars stretched into brilliant streaks of light as the Stellar Envoy leapt into hyperspace, leaving the chaos of Gardulla¡¯s forces behind. The crew erupted into cheers and applause, shaking off the tension of the escape.
¡°Nice flying!¡± Mira called from her turret, her voice crackling through the comm.
¡°Tarek,¡± Jake said, clapping the pilot on the shoulder, ¡°that was incredible.¡±
Tarek let out a breathless laugh, slumping back in his seat. ¡°I can¡¯t believe we didn¡¯t get hit. That... that was terrifying.¡±
¡°And you nailed it,¡± Kado added. ¡°You¡¯re a natural.¡±
Tarek smiled, his nerves slowly settling. For the first time since joining the crew, he felt like he truly belonged.
As the stars outside the cockpit viewport streaked into their mesmerizing lines, signaling their plunge into hyperspace, Jake left the cockpit, patting Tarek on the shoulder as he passed. Kado remained seated in the support chair, quietly monitoring the readouts alongside Nick-03. Despite their escape, the tension hadn¡¯t fully dissipated, but the crew¡¯s trust in their young pilot¡¯s growing skill was clear.
Jake entered the common area, finding Rina seated at the corner table, her attention buried in a datapad. Her expression shifted between curiosity and concentration as she scrolled through the files.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
¡°Anything good?¡± Jake asked, grabbing a seat nearby.
¡°Depends on what you mean by ¡®good,¡¯¡± Rina replied without looking up. ¡°A mix of facts, rumors, and just outright tall tales about Malachor V. Seems like it¡¯s still living up to its cursed reputation.¡±
Davik and Mira entered moments later, their energy lively after dismounting the turrets. Davik slumped into a chair while Mira leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
¡°That was a close one,¡± Davik said, shaking his head. ¡°Any closer and Tarek would¡¯ve had to scrape us off the hull.¡±
¡°Close, but no hits,¡± Mira countered with a grin. ¡°He¡¯s got the makings of a damn fine pilot.¡±
Davik nodded, conceding the point. ¡°Still, we¡¯ll need all hands ready if Gardulla¡¯s people try to hit us again. Speaking of which... what¡¯s the droid situation, Jake? We¡¯ll need them sharp if we hit trouble.¡±
Jake stretched, looking relaxed despite the hours-long tension from their escape. ¡°Nick models are solid. I¡¯ve upgraded their targeting systems and sensor modules, so they¡¯ll be able to handle multiple targets at once without the lag we saw last time. Skew-02¡¯s all patched up, too, with added boosters and power packs to keep it running in tougher situations.¡±
¡°Skew-01?¡± Mira asked.
Jake winced slightly. ¡°Still needs some components. I¡¯m also thinking of adding a physical shield this time.¡±
Both Davik and Mira raised their eyebrows, exchanging a skeptical glance.
¡°A shield?¡± Davik asked. ¡°For a droid?¡±
¡°Yeah, a physical one,¡± Jake clarified. ¡°Something solid to block damage when it needs to hold the line. Just a theory right now, but...¡±
From the far side of the room, Shmi and Arlos exchanged uncertain looks. Anakin, sitting near his mother, tilted his head in curiosity, his young mind trying to parse what sounded like a conversation in another language.
¡°Wait,¡± Arlos finally said, ¡°are those... names?¡±
Jake noticed their confusion and chuckled. ¡°Yeah. They¡¯re droids, but they¡¯ve got personalities. I name them. Skew-02 and Skew-01 are in the medbay right now. That¡¯s where we patch them up when they¡¯re banged up.¡±
¡°Medbay? For droids?¡± Anakin blurted out, his wide-eyed curiosity drawing chuckles from the others.
Jake nodded. ¡°I modified our med droid to handle basic droid repairs. Kind of a dual-purpose assistant. Oh, and Shmi,¡± he added, turning to her, ¡°you¡¯re technically going to be working out of the medbay, too. It¡¯ll double as your electronics station.¡±
Shmi straightened at the mention of her role, nodding with a serious expression. Anakin, seeing his mother¡¯s resolute nod, mimicked her motion, his face equally serious despite having no idea what he was agreeing to.
The room erupted into laughter, the crew¡¯s collective mood lightening as the tension finally began to ease. Jake grinned, ruffling Anakin¡¯s hair as the boy looked around, confused but pleased to have made everyone laugh.
Before the moment could settle too much, Nick-03¡¯s voice came over the intercom. ¡°Update: we are approaching our first pit stop. Arrival imminent in ten minutes.¡±
Jake glanced at his wrist chrono, surprised at how quickly the hours had passed. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s go time,¡± he said, rising from his seat. ¡°Everyone, get to your stations and be ready. Let¡¯s keep this smooth.¡±
The crew dispersed, each heading to their assigned roles, but the atmosphere was markedly different. For all the stress and uncertainty, they carried a shared sense of camaraderie.
As Jake headed toward the cockpit, he thought about how far they¡¯d come¡ªand how far they still had to go. Despite their humble origins as salvagers, this group was shaping into something extraordinary. Whatever lay ahead, they¡¯d face it together.
The Stellar Envoy emerged from hyperspace, its sleek frame gliding into the void as the chaotic sprawl of Vannis Delta Space Station came into view. The station, a labyrinthine structure of mismatched modules, blinking lights, and faintly glowing force fields, was a hub for those who thrived in the underworld of salvaging and artifact trading. It spun slowly in space, its hull scarred with the remnants of countless skirmishes and accidents¡ªa fitting testament to its dubious reputation.
¡°Vannis Delta Space Station,¡± Tarek muttered from the cockpit, his tone a mix of awe and unease. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s barely holding itself together.¡±
Jake, standing behind Tarek¡¯s chair, crossed his arms. ¡°It¡¯s perfect. We¡¯ll probably find all sorts of dirt on Malachor V here. Places like this thrive on secrets.¡±
Kado leaned over the console, glancing at the incoming comms. ¡°Hailing the station now. Let¡¯s see if they¡¯re friendly enough to let us dock.¡±
Moments later, the comms crackled to life. A dispassionate voice responded, granting landing clearance and directing the ship toward a bay deep within the station¡¯s underbelly.
With practiced ease, Tarek guided the Stellar Envoy into the designated hangar bay. The station¡¯s force field shimmered briefly as they passed through, revealing a dimly lit interior. Machinery hummed and clanked around them, while various ships¡ªranging from sleek, modified freighters to hulking derelicts¡ªwere docked nearby, their crews bustling about or loitering ominously.
The crew gathered in the common area to finalize their plan. Jake stood at the center, addressing everyone.
¡°Alright, we¡¯re dividing into two teams,¡± Jake said. ¡°Tarek, you stay here and keep the ship ready. Kado, you¡¯re handling logistics with Arlos and Shmi. Make sure we¡¯re stocked up for a long haul. I don¡¯t want to hear about running low on anything halfway to Malachor V.¡±
¡°Got it,¡± Kado replied, already running calculations in his head.
Jake continued, ¡°Rina, Davik, Mira, and I are heading out for information gathering. Rina and I will be one team, supported by Nick-01 and Nick-02.¡±
At this, Mira smirked. ¡°You¡¯re taking both Nick droids? You¡¯re that bad at sensing danger?¡±
¡°I¡¯m cautious,¡± Jake grumbled, though his sheepish tone undermined his words.
¡°Sure, let¡¯s call it caution,¡± Davik teased. ¡°Just don¡¯t forget to let us know if you trip over your own boots.¡±
¡°I swear,¡± Jake muttered, ¡°one of these days, I¡¯m building a wearable droid just to shut you all up.¡±
This earned a chorus of laughter.
¡°Anyway,¡± Jake pressed on, rolling his eyes, ¡°Davik and Mira will form the second team with Skew-02 for support. Four hours is our time limit. Get what you can, but don¡¯t push your luck. Agreed?¡±
Everyone nodded. Decisions were made through mutual suggestions and volunteering, but Jake¡¯s ability to synthesize the input and assign tasks was beginning to show signs of natural leadership.
The teams suited up quickly. Jake donned his bounty hunter disguise¡ªweathered armor and a cloak that gave him a dangerous, unapproachable air. Rina adjusted her gear, blending her sleek scouting attire with a utility belt laden with slicing tools and other gadgets. Davik and Mira wore nondescript outfits typical of underworld operators, with Davik tucking a blaster at his side and Mira slinging a rifle across her back.
With a final round of checks, the away teams stepped off the ship. Jake glanced back at the remaining crew.
¡°Tarek, Kado, keep the comms open. If anything looks off, don¡¯t hesitate to call.¡±
¡°We¡¯ll be fine,¡± Kado replied, though his tone carried the same nervous edge that everyone felt in a place like this.
¡°Good luck,¡± Shmi added quietly, her gaze lingering on Jake. Anakin peeked around her, watching the departing group with wide eyes.
The two away teams exited the hangar bay and stepped into the chaos of Vannis Delta Space Station. The air was heavy with the smell of burning fuel, and the constant background noise of shouting, machinery, and low thuds created an overwhelming atmosphere.
Jake¡¯s team headed toward a sector reputed to house information brokers, with Rina already scanning the datapad for potential contacts. Davik and Mira moved in the opposite direction, searching for traders or smugglers who might know something about Malachor V.
Back on the ship, Kado coordinated the resupply while Tarek monitored station traffic, noting the frequent disputes and hasty departures of various vessels. Arlos and Shmi assisted wherever needed, slowly acclimating to their new roles. Anakin, meanwhile, followed Nick-03 around with unrelenting curiosity, occasionally touching the droid¡¯s panels to see what they did.
As the away teams disappeared into the bustling corridors of the station, a subtle tension hung in the air. The crew was beginning to find its rhythm, but in a place as unpredictable as Vannis Delta, every step was a gamble.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
61 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 26: Droids, Deals, and Danger
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The market corridors of Vannis Delta Space Station were a cacophony of noise, barter, and chaos. Traders shouted over one another to hawk their wares¡ªscrap parts, unrecognizable gadgets, relics from distant worlds¡ªand the air was thick with smoke and the scent of burning plasma. Jake and Rina navigated the tightly packed aisles, flanked by Nick-01 and Nick-02, whose glowing optics cast faint light on the dim surroundings.
Rina took the lead, her calm demeanor masking the sharp, calculating mind behind her eyes. Jake followed a few steps behind, his cloak shifting slightly as he moved, his hand never far from his holstered blaster. The two droids followed in perfect formation, their servos humming softly. They exuded menace¡ªan effect that Jake had programmed specifically for situations like this.
Rina approached a group of salvagers clustered around a ramshackle stall, where parts from an old fighter craft were being sold. She leaned against the counter, projecting nonchalance.
¡°Nice setup,¡± she said casually, glancing over the goods. ¡°Bet you¡¯ve got stories to go with them.¡±
The salvagers exchanged wary looks, their gazes flicking between Rina and the imposing figure of Jake standing behind her.
¡°Depends who¡¯s asking,¡± one of them said gruffly, crossing his arms.
Rina smiled faintly. ¡°Just someone who likes stories. Maybe about places like Malachor V.¡±
The name drew an immediate reaction¡ªa twitch in the salvager¡¯s expression, a flicker of unease. Before he could respond, however, his companion¡¯s eyes locked onto Nick-01, its frame glowing faintly as it scanned the area.
¡°Where¡¯d you get those droids?¡± the man asked, his voice dripping with curiosity.
Jake tilted his head, feigning boredom, but his arm brushed the device on his forearm. The droids immediately snapped to attention, their blasters deploying with an audible click. The movement was so fast it was almost a blur. The salvagers froze, their faces draining of color.
¡°Not for sale,¡± Jake said flatly.
The droids held their pose for a moment longer before retracting their weapons, resuming their passive stance. Rina shot Jake a subtle glance, her amusement clear despite the tension.
¡°Back to Malachor,¡± Rina pressed, her tone firm. ¡°Anything interesting about it?¡±
¡°Just stories,¡± the salvager muttered, his earlier bravado gone. ¡°Cursed place. Dangerous. Pirates and junkers who go there don¡¯t come back. If you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll steer clear.¡±
Rina nodded thoughtfully, then moved on. As they walked, her voice came through Jake¡¯s comm discreetly.
¡°Wasted intel,¡± she said. ¡°He didn¡¯t know anything useful.¡±
¡°Figures,¡± Jake replied, his voice low. ¡°But at least they¡¯ll think twice before trying anything.¡±
As they continued through the market, Jake¡¯s attention was drawn to a stall selling advanced circuitry and modified power cores. His gaze lingered on a shield generator that looked like it could fit neatly onto Skew-01.
Rina noticed and whispered, ¡°We¡¯re here for information, not shopping.¡±
Jake shrugged, muttering, ¡°Could be both.¡±
A sudden commotion erupted nearby¡ªtwo traders arguing over a piece of machinery. Their voices escalated quickly, and within moments, fists were flying. A small crowd gathered, watching with detached interest as the fight spilled into the aisle.
¡°Let¡¯s keep moving,¡± Rina said, steering them away.
Eventually, they found themselves at a quieter corner of the market. Rina approached a lone vendor with an array of artifacts spread across his table¡ªsome of which bore the telltale signs of being far older than they should have been.
¡°Looking for something specific?¡± the vendor asked, his voice smooth but guarded.
¡°Information,¡± Rina replied, keeping her tone casual. ¡°Relics. Ancient sites. Anything that might lead us to something valuable.¡±
The vendor¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Illegal, I take it?¡±
¡°Depends on who you ask,¡± Rina said with a sly smile.
The vendor leaned forward. ¡°Malachor V?¡±
Jake and Rina exchanged a glance.
¡°You know something about it?¡± Jake asked, stepping forward.
The vendor smirked. ¡°I might. But information like that doesn¡¯t come cheap.¡±
Rina tilted her head. ¡°We can pay.¡±
Jake nodded in agreement, his focus shifting to the vendor¡¯s wares. Among the scattered relics and artifacts, he spotted a fragment of what looked like an ancient droid component. His curiosity deepened, but he kept his attention on the conversation.
¡°Alright,¡± the vendor said, his voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°There¡¯s a trader deeper in the station. Deals in the kind of items the Hutts would kill to get their hands on. If anyone knows about Malachor V, it¡¯s him.¡±
Rina¡¯s lips curled into a smile. ¡°And his name?¡±
¡°Zarok,¡± the vendor replied. ¡°But watch yourself. He doesn¡¯t take kindly to strangers.¡±
Rina thanked him and motioned for Jake to follow. As they walked away, she whispered through the comms, ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve got our lead.¡±
Jake¡¯s response was brief but determined. ¡°Let¡¯s hope it pays off.¡±
The winding corridors of the Vannis Delta Space Station buzzed with activity as Rina and Jake, accompanied by Nick-01 and Nick-02, pressed onward through the bustling market. Traders of all kinds yelled over each other, advertising everything from starship components to ancient trinkets, creating a sea of sights and sounds that were almost overwhelming.
Jake paused at a stall displaying an impressive array of droid components, his attention caught by a sleek modular arm that could enhance one of the Nicks¡¯ functionalities.
¡°Jake,¡± Rina¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts, tinged with exasperation. She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Mission first, upgrades later.¡±
Jake sighed, reluctantly tearing his gaze away from the stall. ¡°You¡¯re no fun.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll take that as a compliment,¡± she said, smirking as they moved on.
As they navigated the labyrinthine aisles, Rina made good use of her sharp negotiation skills, engaging with traders who might have crossed paths with Zarok.
¡°Zarok?¡± a grizzled Rodian trader repeated, his antennae twitching. ¡°Yeah, I know him. Runs a spot deeper in the station, near the red sector. You¡¯ll know it when you see it¡ªshady as hell and full of relics that shouldn¡¯t be here.¡±Stolen story; please report.
Another trader, a gruff human with a mechanical arm, leaned in conspiratorially. ¡°Zarok¡¯s a slick one. Loves to size you up before he talks business. Watch your pockets, and don¡¯t let him see you flinch.¡±
The picture of Zarok grew clearer with each interaction. By the time they reached the red sector, Jake and Rina had a good idea of what to expect.
¡°Confident, but not condescending,¡± Rina said quietly as they approached a dimly lit stall surrounded by shadowy figures.
¡°Guarded but flexible,¡± Jake added, glancing at the Nicks.
¡°Exactly. Let me take the lead.¡±
At the center of the stall sat Zarok, a wiry Twi¡¯lek with mottled green skin and piercing yellow eyes. His lekku twitched occasionally, as if in tune with his sharp, calculating mind. He was surrounded by a bizarre collection of artifacts, some of which gave off faint glows or emitted strange hums.
Jake and Rina stepped forward. Zarok¡¯s gaze shifted to them, his expression unreadable.
¡°Zarok?¡± Rina asked, her tone casual but confident.
¡°That depends,¡± Zarok said, leaning back in his chair. His voice was smooth and slippery, like oil on water. ¡°Who¡¯s asking?¡±
Rina smiled faintly. ¡°Someone who heard you¡¯re the person to talk to about certain... rare opportunities.¡±
Zarok¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. ¡°You heard right. But rare opportunities don¡¯t come cheap. What exactly are you looking for?¡±
¡°Information,¡± Rina replied. ¡°We¡¯re heading to Malachor V. We hear it¡¯s a place of interest for people in your line of work.¡±
Zarok¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, and he tilted his head as if weighing their worth. ¡°Malachor V, huh? Dangerous place. Full of relics and wreckage from a time most folks would rather forget.¡±
¡°Which makes it valuable,¡± Jake interjected, his voice steady but firm.
Zarok¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°You¡¯re not wrong. But value comes at a price, my friend. And I don¡¯t mean credits.¡±
¡°What do you mean?¡± Rina asked, her tone carefully neutral.
Zarok leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°A trade. You want what I know about Malachor V? Then you¡¯ll give me something in return¡ªinformation, a favor, or perhaps... one of those impressive droids you¡¯ve got trailing you.¡±
Jake stiffened slightly, and Rina quickly spoke up. ¡°The droids aren¡¯t on the table. But we can talk about information.¡±
Zarok chuckled, his lekku twitching with amusement. ¡°Fair enough. But make it good, or we¡¯re done here.¡±
Rina glanced at Jake, her mind racing as she prepared to negotiate with the wily Twi¡¯lek. Jake¡¯s hand brushed his forearm device, silently instructing the Nick droids to stand at attention, their presence a subtle reminder that they weren¡¯t to be trifled with.
¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯re worth, then,¡± Zarok said, his yellow eyes gleaming.
The cantina¡¯s dimly lit interior was a chaotic fusion of flashing lights, loud music, and the heady mixture of alcohol and desperation. Salvagers, mercenaries, and bounty hunters lounged at scattered tables or leaned against the bar, their conversations blending into a constant murmur that filled the air. Mira and Davik entered cautiously, Skew-02 looming behind them like a silent sentinel.
They chose a table near the back, strategically positioned to observe the room without drawing too much attention. Skew-02 stood menacingly by their side, its glowing optics scanning the room. From time to time, drunk patrons stumbled into their space, drawn by curiosity about the intimidating droid, only to be firmly shooed away by Davik.
The first hour was mostly uneventful, with the pair nursing drinks and watching for anything useful. Mira¡¯s sharp eyes caught snatches of conversation at nearby tables¡ªmostly mundane gossip about salvage runs or exaggerated stories of battles fought in deep space. Davik was growing impatient when a nearby table caught their attention.
A group of gruff-looking individuals was deep in conversation, and the snippets Mira overheard made her sit up.
¡°...treasure buried on Malachor V...¡± one of them said, their voice hushed but just loud enough to carry.
¡°Pirates sweeping the routes... clearing competition,¡± another added.
Davik leaned in slightly, his focus narrowing on the mention of pirates. Mira gestured subtly, and the two decided to relocate closer to the group. Skew-02 followed, its presence earning a wide berth from the other patrons.
The new spot was better for eavesdropping. The group of salvagers spoke in low tones, but Mira¡¯s and Davik¡¯s keen senses picked up enough.
¡°They say it¡¯s a relic cache,¡± one voice whispered.
¡°Enough to make anyone rich, if you can survive the damn planet,¡± another countered.
¡°The pirates are making it harder, though,¡± a third chimed in. ¡°They¡¯ve been running patrols near the system for weeks now, locking it down.¡±
Davik focused on their talk of the pirates, noting down details about routes, crew sizes, and patterns. Meanwhile, Mira keyed in on their speculation about the treasures, her mind racing to connect dots between this rumor and the crew¡¯s mission.
After gathering enough, they exchanged subtle signals and moved away from the group to discuss in relative privacy.
¡°Doesn¡¯t this seem... planted?¡± Mira mused, leaning in toward Davik.
¡°Yeah,¡± Davik agreed. ¡°The timing is too perfect. Gardulla could be spreading this to bait people there¡ªor worse, she¡¯s already sent someone to Malachor V.¡±
Before they could dig deeper into their theories, a loud commotion broke out near Skew-02. A drunken patron stumbled into the droid, slurring insults and eventually trying to shove it.
¡°Please cease and desist,¡± Skew-02 droned in its mechanical monotone.
The drunk, undeterred, squared up to the droid, swinging a sloppy punch that barely reached its torso.
Mira and Davik approached to intervene, but the drunkard¡¯s companions¡ªa group of equally rowdy individuals¡ªclosed in, brandishing weapons.
Skew-02¡¯s optics flashed as it registered the threat level. ¡°Hostility detected. Activating defensive protocols.¡±
With a single, mechanical motion, the droid delivered a backhand swing to the nearest drunk, sending him sprawling across a table.
The situation escalated instantly. Weapons were drawn, and blaster fire erupted in the cantina. Other patrons, either caught in the crossfire or eager to join the chaos, added to the mayhem.
The cantina¡¯s dim lighting flickered intermittently, casting strange shadows over the chaos. Skew-02 stood in the middle of the ruckus, its unmoving frame a sharp contrast to the flurry of drunkards swinging wildly at each other or ducking for cover. A shattered glass somewhere nearby punctuated the rising tension, and the air quickly filled with the sharp scent of spilled drinks and ionized air.
Mira and Davik crouched behind an overturned table, Davik cursing under his breath as stray blaster bolts whizzed overhead.
¡°This,¡± Davik grumbled, checking his blaster¡¯s power pack, ¡°is exactly the kind of nonsense Jake always manages to drag us into.¡±
Mira smirked despite the situation, firing a warning shot toward the ceiling to make nearby aggressors think twice. ¡°You¡¯re not wrong, but we¡¯ve got bigger problems than assigning blame.¡±
¡°Like surviving long enough to blame him later?¡± Davik retorted, ducking as a bolt scorched the wall behind them.
Mira rolled her eyes, activating her comm. ¡°Jake, we¡¯ve got a situation here. Drunks, blasters, and bad decisions. Get your shiny butt over here with the Nicks before this spirals out of control!¡±
Jake¡¯s voice crackled through the comm. ¡°On our way. What happened?¡±
¡°Let¡¯s just say Skew-02¡¯s unflinching diplomacy didn¡¯t sit well with a drunk, and now we¡¯ve got a full-blown firefight.¡±
¡°Got it. Hold tight,¡± Jake replied before the comm went silent.
Meanwhile, Skew-02 had shifted from its passive stance to defensive mode. The droid¡¯s next move was precise: it deflected an incoming attack with a calculated sweep of its arm, sending another drunk stumbling into a nearby table.
¡°Please disperse. Violent actions are unnecessary,¡± it repeated mechanically.
The offenders, however, were not interested in diplomacy.
One particularly belligerent man aimed a blaster point-blank at Skew-02. Before he could pull the trigger, the droid raised its arm and struck with a decisive backhand, sending the attacker sprawling unconscious.
¡°I¡¯m starting to like this droid,¡± Davik muttered as he fired a shot to disarm another combatant.
¡°Don¡¯t get too attached,¡± Mira replied, her eyes scanning for an exit. ¡°We¡¯re going to need to retreat soon. Cover me!¡±
Davik shifted his fire, providing a distraction as Mira vaulted over a fallen patron and sprinted toward the bar¡¯s rear exit. She peeked around the corner, finding a narrow corridor that could lead them out.
¡°Exit secured!¡± Mira shouted back.
Before Davik could respond, another group of patrons, likely mercenaries judging by their coordination, joined the fray.
¡°Oh, great. Reinforcements,¡± Davik muttered sarcastically.
The two quickly regrouped, Skew-02 following after dispatching another would-be attacker with mechanical efficiency. Mira took the lead, signaling for them to move toward the exit.
The sound of boots clattering against the metal floor announced the arrival of Jake, Rina, and the Nick droids. The Nicks immediately assessed the situation, their targeting modules locking onto aggressors.
¡°Nick droids engaging,¡± Jake announced, his blaster already in hand. ¡°Rina, cover Davik and Mira!¡±
The Nicks moved like a well-oiled machine, firing precision shots that disarmed the remaining attackers without unnecessary casualties. Jake and Rina provided support, covering Mira and Davik as they made their way out.
Once outside the establishment, the group regrouped in the station¡¯s quieter corridors. Jake glanced at the others, catching Davik¡¯s glare.
¡°This is absolutely your fault,¡± Davik snapped.
Jake raised his hands defensively. ¡°Hey, I wasn¡¯t even there!¡±
¡°You built Skew-02!¡±
¡°And you brought Skew-02 to a cantina filled with idiots! Call it even?¡± Jake replied, his tone half-apologetic, half-amused.
Mira rolled her eyes, cutting in. ¡°Enough. We¡¯ve got intel to sort through and a lot more to worry about than whose fault this is.¡±
Jake nodded, his expression growing serious. ¡°Right. Let¡¯s get back to the Stellar Envoy. I don¡¯t think this station¡¯s going to be very welcoming for much longer.¡±
¡°Agreed,¡± Rina said. ¡°Let¡¯s move before someone else decides to test our patience.¡±
With that, the crew made their way back to the hangar, Skew-02 trailing behind, its servos whirring softly. The droid¡¯s mechanical voice broke the tense silence.
¡°Please note: cease and desist protocols are effective at a 92% success rate.¡±
Jake couldn¡¯t help but chuckle despite himself. ¡°Good job, buddy. Good job.¡±
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
61 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 27: Thugs, Treasure, and Trouble Ahead
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The corridor leading to the hangar was dimly lit, the flickering lights casting uneasy shadows as Jake, Rina, Davik, Mira, and the droids marched toward the Stellar Envoy. The station¡¯s hum echoed in the silence, the occasional hiss of steam from overhead pipes punctuating their steps. Despite the tension of the cantina brawl, the group remained focused on debriefing once they were safely aboard the ship.
Davik broke the silence, muttering, ¡°I swear, if this station survives another hour without imploding from its own chaos, it¡¯ll be a miracle.¡±
Before Mira could respond, a group of armed thugs rounded the corner ahead of them, blocking their path. The leader, a scarred man with a sneer that stretched too wide, raised his blaster and pointed it at the group.
¡°You lot,¡± the thug snarled, his voice echoing in the narrow corridor. ¡°I¡¯m here to collect on the debt you owe for beating up my crew.¡±
Davik took a step forward, holstering his blaster but resting his hand on it. ¡°Debt? Your drunk idiot tried to start a fistfight with a droid in a bar. What did you think was going to happen?¡±
The leader¡¯s sneer twisted into a glare. ¡°I¡¯m not talking about the cantina. My men in the market¡ªtwo of them were sent back bloody, saying you didn¡¯t just beat them, you humiliated them!¡±
Mira and Davik immediately turned to Jake and Rina, both of whom froze under the scrutiny. Rina¡¯s face shifted into an innocent look that didn¡¯t quite work, while Jake scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.
¡°Ah,¡± Jake said, avoiding Davik¡¯s piercing stare.
Davik crossed his arms. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me.¡±
Before anyone could say more, Skew-02 stepped forward, its monotone voice cutting through the rising tension. ¡°Should I enable the cease and desist protocol?¡±
Jake glanced at the towering droid, then at the armed thugs. After a beat of consideration, he nodded. ¡°Yeah, go for it.¡±
Skew-02 didn¡¯t hesitate. It shifted into an intimidating stance, its servos emitting a low whir.
¡°What the hell is that supposed to mean?¡± Davik hissed as the droid advanced.
Jake held up his hands defensively. ¡°Okay, okay. I might¡¯ve accidentally loaded policing droid protocols from the holonet when I was fixing Skew-02. I didn¡¯t realize they were so¡ aggressive.¡±
Mira, crouching slightly and ready to fire, glanced at the Nick droids. ¡°Is it the same for them?¡±
Jake shrugged. ¡°Maybe?¡±
Before anyone could argue further, Skew-02 began dismantling the thug''s confidence, one well-placed backhand and efficient takedown at a time. The droid moved with mechanical precision, and soon Davik and Mira joined the fray, blasters set to stun as they cleared out the group of attackers.
The thugs didn¡¯t stand a chance. In under a minute, they were lying groaning on the floor, battered but alive.
Davik holstered his weapon and shook his head. ¡°That was... effective.¡±
¡°Cease and desist protocol completed successfully,¡± Skew-02 intoned, standing at attention.
Jake gave the droid an approving pat on the arm. ¡°Nice work, buddy.¡±
As the group resumed their trek toward the Stellar Envoy, Mira spoke up. ¡°What¡¯s the story with those guys?¡±
Rina sighed, clearly reluctant to answer. ¡°One of the merchants we talked to offered us a deal. He¡¯d give us navigation data about Malachor V if we, uh¡ helped him collect some debts.¡±
Jake chimed in, ¡°We didn¡¯t know it was a gang of thugs when we agreed. But the data checked out¡ªeven had some details about the debris field surrounding Malachor V. That¡¯s valuable intel.¡±
Davik stopped walking and stared at the pair. ¡°So you started a fight with thugs to get navigation data?¡±
Jake raised a finger. ¡°Correction: the thugs started it. We just... ended it.¡±
Rina added, ¡°It was the only lead we had at the time.¡±
Davik sighed deeply, his hand covering his face. ¡°Unbelievable.¡±
Mira chuckled softly, giving a strained smile. ¡°Well, at least we¡¯re alive and have something to show for it.¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± Davik muttered as they approached the Stellar Envoy. ¡°Let¡¯s hope it was worth it.¡±
The group boarded the ship without further incident, ready to regroup and finally piece together their findings.
The interior of the Stellar Envoy felt like a haven compared to the chaotic station they had just left. As the ramp sealed with a hiss, Kado and Tarek greeted the returning crew near the central meeting area.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Kado leaned casually against the wall, a smug grin on his face. ¡°Welcome back. Looks like you all had... an eventful time.¡±
Tarek, seated in the support chair near the cockpit, nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Meanwhile, we got everything resupplied without a hitch. Kado even managed to haggle for some extras¡ªfuel reserves, emergency parts, even a crate of protein rations.¡±
Jake raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with skepticism. ¡°You¡¯re telling me, in this station, with all its lovely personalities, you managed to resupply the ship without any problems?¡±
The rest of the group exchanged equally curious looks.
Kado shrugged, his grin widening. ¡°Yup. No problems at all.¡±
Tarek chimed in, ¡°Smooth as can be. No one so much as glanced at us funny.¡±
In unison, Jake, Mira, Rina, and Davik said, ¡°It must be Tarek.¡±
Tarek blinked, confused. ¡°What does that mean?¡±
Rina smirked, leaning against the table. ¡°It means you have a weird aura of making things go your way. You¡¯re like... an anti-chaos charm.¡±
Davik added, still dusting off his jacket from the earlier scuffle, ¡°Either that, or the rest of us are magnets for trouble.¡±
Kado chuckled, but Tarek still looked unsure about whether to take that as a compliment. Jake waved off the topic and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s the rest of the crew?¡±
Tarek leaned back, counting on his fingers. ¡°Arlos is taking a well-earned nap after helping with the resupply. Shmi¡¯s double-checking the food stores¡ªyou know how she gets about quality control. And Anakin? Last I saw, he was peppering Nick-03 with questions. Probably about piloting or ship systems.¡±
Jake muttered, ¡°I¡¯ll check in on Anakin later. If he tries to rewire Nick-03, we might end up with another ¡®incident.¡¯¡±
Mira cleared her throat, signaling for everyone to focus. ¡°Let¡¯s get to the point. Here¡¯s what we learned.¡±
She recounted the overheard conversations at the cantina, emphasizing the smuggling and salvaging frenzy sparked by rumors of hidden treasures on Malachor V. ¡°It¡¯s a hotbed right now. Every scavenger and pirate worth their salt is trying to beat each other there. One group even mentioned a pirate fleet patrolling the surrounding systems, possibly to stake their claim or keep others out.¡±
Davik nodded, adding, ¡°From what I could piece together, the fleet¡¯s route is predictable, and they¡¯ve been active for days. If we plan this right, we can slip through without an encounter¡ªor ambush them if needed.¡±
Jake leaned forward, steepling his fingers. ¡°Good work. Now, here¡¯s what Rina and I got.¡±
Rina took over, laying out the navigation data they had obtained. ¡°The merchant claimed these charts were from crews who successfully navigated Malachor¡¯s debris field. We cross-referenced the data before we left. It¡¯s genuine, and it includes a safe approach vector to avoid the worst of the field¡¯s hazards.¡±
Jake added, ¡°There¡¯s more. The debris data also suggests the remnants of a large battle¡ªcapital ship wrecks, planetary fragments, maybe even artifacts. If the rumors are true, those artifacts might not just be treasure. They could be dangerous.¡±
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone absorbed the information.
Kado finally broke the quiet. ¡°So, we¡¯ve got a solid lead and a dangerous route. Sounds like a typical day for us.¡±
Rina sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. ¡°Typical or not, we need a solid plan before heading to Malachor. This isn¡¯t just another salvage run.¡±
Kado nodded, his tone carrying the weight of senior authority. ¡°Agreed. Let¡¯s focus on consolidating what we¡¯ve learned and make preparations. Everyone, get some rest and double-check your gear. We¡¯ll regroup in two hours to finalize the plan.¡±
The crew dispersed, each heading to their respective tasks, leaving the central area empty save for Skew-02, who intoned softly, ¡°Cease and desist protocol remains at full readiness.¡±
Jake patted the droid¡¯s arm. ¡°Let¡¯s hope we won¡¯t need it, buddy. But knowing us, we probably will.¡±
The next day, by the ship¡¯s internal chronometer, the Stellar Envoy slipped seamlessly into hyperspace, the familiar hum of its engines filling the air. Malachor V was their destination, and though the crew had a clear plan, the tension of the unknown hung over them like a storm cloud.
In the common area, most of the crew had gathered for a meeting. Tarek, at the helm, was absent, his voice occasionally crackling over the comms from the cockpit. Shmi was busy in the medbay, where Jake had tasked her with examining Skew-01, looking for anything unusual in its frame or systems. Anakin, too young to join the serious conversation, was happily entertaining himself in the storage bay, chasing a gleeful Zero with a remote-controlled speeder toy.
Mira leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table. ¡°We¡¯ve got the exit vector mapped out, but we¡¯ll be dropping into the middle of a hot zone. The intel suggests pirate activity, and given Gardulla¡¯s involvement, it¡¯s likely a trap for anyone sniffing around that relic.¡±
¡°Agreed,¡± Davik said, his arms crossed. ¡°The presence of pirates this close to Malachor isn¡¯t a coincidence. Gardulla¡¯s smart enough to dangle bait for the competition.¡±
Over the comms, Tarek¡¯s voice chimed in, clear despite the slight distortion. ¡°What if there¡¯s more than just pirates out there? Gardulla¡¯s not the only one who¡¯d be interested in keeping us away¡ªor taking the relic for themselves.¡±
Davik shrugged, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Even if someone else is out there, we¡¯ll have the advantage. We¡¯ve got the data and the trajectory. Nobody else would be crazy enough to try and cut us off before we arrive.¡±
Jake, tinkering with a small rebreather unit, glanced up. ¡°Speaking of advantages, I¡¯m going to use this downtime to prep our gear. Rebreathers, emergency power packs, portable shields¡ªeverything¡¯s getting fine-tuned. I don¡¯t want any nasty surprises when we¡¯re out there.¡±
Mira raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk on her lips. ¡°No plans to dive into Skew-02¡¯s overzealous policing protocols, then?¡±
Jake chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Not urgent. The droid¡¯s functional, and we¡¯ve got bigger priorities. That mess can wait.¡±
¡°Fair,¡± Mira replied with a laugh. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s almost endearing. Like having our own law enforcement mascot.¡±
The meeting wrapped up quickly as the crew went over their plans. The hyperspace jump to Malachor would take just over nine hours, giving them time to prepare, rest, or handle personal tasks.
Jake disappeared into his workshop area, tinkering with shields and recalibrating the gear. Mira headed for the storage bay to check on Anakin and Zero, finding them mid-race with the little speeder zipping between crates as Anakin whooped in triumph. Davik opted for a quiet corner of the common room, reviewing the intel and their navigation charts once more.
In the cockpit, Tarek monitored the ship¡¯s systems, still half-listening to the crew¡¯s chatter. Though hyperspace didn¡¯t require much active piloting, he kept an eye on the instruments, just in case.
Meanwhile, in the medbay, Shmi was deep in her task, carefully inspecting Skew-01. The droid sat motionless, its dull photoreceptors dim. Shmi¡¯s meticulous checks uncovered nothing out of the ordinary, but she made mental notes of wear on the servos and joints. ¡°Nothing too alarming,¡± she murmured, more to herself than to anyone else.
The ship¡¯s hum remained constant as the hours passed, the crew each immersed in their tasks. Despite the seeming calm, there was a quiet determination in the air. The Stellar Envoy was heading into dangerous territory, and every moment of preparation counted.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
61 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 28: Threading the Needle
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Half an hour passed as the Stellar Envoy navigated the dense debris field, searching for a suitable piece of wreckage large and stable enough to temporarily clamp the ship onto. The tension was still present, but the crew worked seamlessly, their focus unwavering. Tarek piloted with precision, his usual humor dialed back to match the gravity of their situation, though he occasionally made light remarks to ease the atmosphere.
¡°Still no luck?¡± Tarek¡¯s voice came through the comms. ¡°Not that I¡¯m doubting the plan, but I think the ship¡¯s starting to miss solid ground¡ªor a good docking port.¡±
Kado responded calmly, his voice steady. ¡°Keep at it, Tarek. Rina¡¯s working the scans with Shmi and Anakin in the holodeck. We¡¯ll find something.¡±
In the common area, Rina was intensely focused on a holographic projection of the debris field, her fingers manipulating the controls of the modified holodeck Jake had rigged to sync with the ship¡¯s sensors. Shmi observed quietly, ready to assist if needed, while Anakin sat nearby, watching the display with wide-eyed curiosity.
The holodeck projected an intricate map of the surrounding wreckage, marking hazardous zones and potential paths in real-time. As Rina narrowed down the options, Anakin¡¯s eyes flicked to a specific section of the hologram. His expression shifted from curiosity to certainty, and he raised a small hand to point.
¡°There,¡± Anakin said confidently, his voice cutting through the quiet concentration. ¡°That spot feels safe.¡±
Startled, Rina blinked and looked up from her work. ¡°What?¡± she asked, a beat passing before she followed his finger to the indicated location. With a frown of focus, she entered the coordinates into the console, initiating a detailed scan.
The ship¡¯s computer hummed as it analyzed the route Anakin had pointed out. Moments later, the display updated, highlighting a path with remarkably low risk¡ªso low that even an inexperienced pilot could navigate it safely.
¡°Wow,¡± Rina muttered, glancing at Anakin. ¡°Good eye, kid.¡± She activated the comms. ¡°Rina here. I think we¡¯ve got something. Anakin spotted a location that the computer confirms as safe. Sending the data to everyone now.¡±
Jake¡¯s voice came through almost immediately. ¡°Nick-03, confirm the calculations.¡±
The droid, seated at the co-pilot¡¯s console, replied in its clipped tone, ¡°Acknowledged, Captain Jake. Analyzing¡¡± A brief pause followed, then, ¡°Analysis complete. Probability of catastrophic failure in the designated route is approximately 0.01%. Minimal danger detected.¡±
¡°Excellent,¡± Kado said, his tone lightening with relief. ¡°Tarek, you¡¯re good to follow the path. Let¡¯s get this done.¡±
¡°Copy that, Captain Kado,¡± Tarek replied with a grin in his voice, then quickly added, ¡°Just a placeholder, by the way. Don¡¯t let it go to your head.¡±
Kado chuckled but didn¡¯t respond to the teasing. Instead, he focused on the task at hand.
Tarek¡¯s hands moved deftly over the controls, guiding the Stellar Envoy along the safe path highlighted on the nav display. The debris seemed to part like a natural corridor, the large chunks of wreckage moving sluggishly enough that the risk of collision was almost nonexistent.
In the holodeck, Rina leaned back slightly, exhaling in relief. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that kind of intuition from a kid,¡± she remarked, glancing at Anakin. ¡°You sure you¡¯ve never done this before?¡±
Anakin grinned. ¡°I just¡ felt it.¡±
Shmi placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, smiling softly. ¡°He¡¯s always had a knack for sensing things. It¡¯s one of his gifts.¡±
The ship glided smoothly toward a massive piece of debris¡ªa twisted remnant of a capital ship that had weathered untold years of drifting. It was large and stable, its surface barely marred by the slow collisions of smaller fragments around it.
Tarek¡¯s voice came through the comms again, cheerful yet professional. ¡°Approaching the target now. Looks solid enough to hold us, unless someone decides to play bumper cars with a moon.¡±
¡°Nice work, everyone,¡± Kado said, his tone calm but carrying the weight of seniority. ¡°Let¡¯s secure the ship and get those scans running. Stay sharp¡ªwe¡¯re not out of the woods yet.¡±
The crew acknowledged in unison, their focus shifting to their respective tasks. As the Stellar Envoy carefully clamped onto the wreckage, the crew moved with practiced efficiency, all too aware that their safety was only temporary in this unpredictable graveyard of ships.
With the Stellar Envoy securely clamped to the massive piece of debris, the ship was as stable as it could be in the chaotic expanse of the debris field. The crew, though relieved at the reduced risk of immediate danger, maintained their vigilance. Random debris still drifted unpredictably, and the ever-looming threat of pirates¡ªsuspected to be Gardulla¡¯s men¡ªkept everyone on edge.
Davik remained stationed at the topside turret, his keen eyes scanning the expanse around them. His vantage point gave him a clear view of the surrounding area, and he relayed observations to the others as needed.
¡°Still nothing moving out there,¡± Davik reported through the comms, his tone calm but alert. ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s clear, though. I don¡¯t trust this silence.¡±
Down below, Arlos had dismounted from the bottom turret for now and waited in the common area, ready to spring into action if needed. He sat with his back straight, his posture betraying the habits of someone still adjusting to life as a free man. ¡°Miss Rina,¡± he said over the comms, his tone polite and deferential, ¡°if there¡¯s anything I can assist with, just let me know.¡±
In the cockpit, Tarek and Nick-03 were focused on the ship¡¯s systems, ensuring the Envoy stayed secure and operational. Tarek tapped at the console, running diagnostics and keeping an eye on the stabilizers.
¡°Everything¡¯s holding steady on my end,¡± Tarek said, his usual humor muted but not gone. ¡°Nick, how¡¯s our clamp integrity looking?¡±
The droid responded in its precise manner, ¡°Clamp integrity at 98.4%. Minor fluctuations detected but within acceptable parameters. Shall I inform ¡®Captain¡¯ Tarek?¡±
Tarek smirked. ¡°That¡¯s the second time today. Starting to think you¡¯re doing this on purpose, Nick.¡±
¡°Observation noted,¡± Nick-03 replied, its tone betraying nothing.
In the common area, Rina, Mira, Shmi, and Jake were combing through the data they¡¯d managed to gather so far, working in tandem with the holodeck projection to pinpoint the location of the Old Republic-era Vault. Anakin was nearby, quietly observing as the adults worked, though his eyes often flicked to the shifting holograms.
¡°We¡¯re getting too many false positives,¡± Rina muttered, frustration creeping into her voice. ¡°The magnetic and gravitational interference from the debris field is throwing off the scans. It¡¯s like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the haystack is constantly moving.¡±
Jake frowned as he adjusted a setting on the console. ¡°The interference is consistent with residual energy from old battles. If we don¡¯t account for that, every reading we get could be a phantom.¡± He leaned closer to inspect the data. ¡°I¡¯ll tweak the filter parameters, but it¡¯s not going to be perfect.¡±
Mira sighed, crossing her arms as she studied the holographic map. ¡°This is what we signed up for, I guess. But we can¡¯t waste too much time here. The longer we stay in one spot, the higher the chance someone¡ªor something¡ªfinds us first.¡±
Shmi nodded, her expression thoughtful. ¡°If the Vault¡¯s location was easy to find, someone else would have discovered it by now. The interference might actually work in our favor¡ªit could keep others from finding it, too.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
As the adults debated and recalibrated, Anakin¡¯s gaze lingered on a faint cluster of readings that pulsed irregularly in the hologram. His brow furrowed as he tilted his head, his intuition tugging at him again.
¡°I think we should check this area,¡± Anakin said, pointing to the faint cluster.
Rina glanced at the spot and hesitated. ¡°That section¡¯s readings are weaker than the others. It¡¯s probably just noise.¡±
¡°But it feels right,¡± Anakin insisted.
Jake raised an eyebrow but humored the boy. ¡°Can¡¯t hurt to check,¡± he said, punching the coordinates into the scanner. The system began processing the data, its analysis slow due to the interference.
Nick-03¡¯s voice came through the comms. ¡°Preliminary scan of indicated area shows minimal activity consistent with interference. Further analysis required to determine significance. Captain Mira, shall I prioritize this sector?¡±
Mira exchanged a look with Jake, who shrugged. ¡°Might as well. We¡¯ve followed less solid leads before.¡±
Rina nodded reluctantly, setting the system to focus on the new area. As the scans continued, the crew braced themselves, knowing that in this graveyard of forgotten ships and shattered history, danger was always a heartbeat away.
As the scans continued to roll in, the Stellar Envoy¡¯s scanners pinpointed a remarkable consistency in Anakin¡¯s chosen coordinates. Out of 100 sweeps, nearly 40% indicated a specific area of interest¡ªa concentration of readings that seemed to defy the usual noise of the debris field. Jake, cross-referencing the data with the relic he''d decrypted earlier, nodded slowly, his expression a mix of excitement and apprehension.
¡°This is it,¡± Jake said, pointing at the overlay on the holographic map. ¡°It matches the description from the relic, with some minor differences. Given the centuries that have passed, it¡¯s to be expected, but... this has to be the place.¡±
The rest of the crew leaned in to study the projection. Rina¡¯s analytical eyes scanned the data while Mira frowned at the highlighted path leading to their destination.
¡°The problem isn¡¯t finding it,¡± Rina said, her voice steady but tense. ¡°It¡¯s getting there. Look at this.¡± She gestured to the chaotic clusters of small and medium-sized debris between the Stellar Envoy and the target area. Unlike the stable wreck they were clamped to, this debris moved erratically, bouncing off each other in unpredictable trajectories.
Jake added grimly, ¡°The movements are too irregular to chart a safe autopilot route. If we try to plow through without a fast ship or a pilot with lightning reflexes, we¡¯ll get crushed.¡±
Tarek, who had been following the discussion from the cockpit, gulped audibly. His usual playful demeanor faltered, replaced by a flicker of doubt. ¡°So, let me get this straight,¡± he said, leaning back in his seat and rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°You want me to thread the needle through that?¡±
Kado¡¯s voice came through the comms, calm but firm. ¡°It¡¯s not ideal, but we don¡¯t have another option. We¡¯ll take it slow, and everyone will play their part to keep us safe. We trust you, Tarek.¡±
Tarek let out a nervous laugh. ¡°Trust is great and all, Kado, but maybe I should¡¯ve spent more time in the actual cockpit instead of simulations.¡±
Nick-03, seated in the co-pilot''s chair, tilted its head slightly. ¡°Captain Tarek, simulation records indicate an 89.7% success rate in high-pressure navigational scenarios. Confidence is advised.¡±
Tarek snorted. ¡°Thanks for the vote of confidence, Nick. And stop calling me captain¡ªunless that comes with a pay raise.¡±
Jake¡¯s voice chimed in with practical advice. ¡°We¡¯ll prep the ship to help you out. We¡¯ll reroute extra power to the thrusters and adjust shield configurations to handle potential impacts. Davik and Arlos will remain on the turrets in case of unexpected... company.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll recalibrate the scanners for close-range sweeps,¡± Rina said. ¡°It¡¯ll give you a better read on what¡¯s coming, but you¡¯ll need to react fast.¡±
Anakin, who had been quietly observing from the common area, spoke up with surprising conviction. ¡°You can do it, Tarek. It¡¯s like a podrace. You just need to feel the rhythm of the debris and follow it.¡±
Tarek raised an eyebrow, half-smirking at the boy¡¯s confidence. ¡°Kid, I¡¯m not sure if that¡¯s reassuring or terrifying, but I¡¯ll take what I can get.¡±
Kado¡¯s voice, steady and authoritative, broke through the chatter. ¡°All right, everyone. You know your roles. Let¡¯s make sure we¡¯re ready before we even think about moving. Check your systems, prepare for the worst, and let¡¯s get this done.¡±
The crew sprang into action. Jake worked on rerouting power, sweat beading on his brow as he adjusted circuits and reinforced the ship¡¯s shielding. Mira and Rina double-checked their calculations, fine-tuning the scanner¡¯s parameters to reduce false positives. Davik and Arlos manned their turrets, scanning for any signs of incoming threats. Even Shmi joined in, monitoring life support and ensuring the medical supplies were ready in case of an emergency.
Tarek leaned forward in the pilot¡¯s seat, his fingers hovering over the controls. He closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath before glancing at Nick-03.
¡°Let¡¯s hope that 89.7% success rate is good enough,¡± he muttered, gripping the controls.
Nick-03 responded dryly, ¡°Shall I factor in your current elevated heart rate, Captain Tarek?¡±
Tarek laughed despite himself, shaking his head. ¡°Yeah, yeah. Let¡¯s just get through this in one piece.¡±
As the crew finalized their preparations, the Stellar Envoy hummed with energy, its systems primed for the treacherous path ahead.
Tarek¡¯s voice echoed through the ship¡¯s comm system, laced with a mix of determination and nerves. ¡°All right, everyone, strap in tight. Things are about to get bumpy.¡± He glanced at the holographic flight path now displayed on the console in front of him, its glowing lines weaving through the chaotic mess of debris and shipwrecks.
The rest of the crew hastily secured themselves in their seats. Jake gave a final nod to Kado from his position near the engine power relays. ¡°Engines are primed, shields are optimized for kinetic impacts. We¡¯ll hold as long as you keep us from taking too many direct hits.¡±
¡°Good to know,¡± Tarek replied, gripping the controls tightly. ¡°Because I don¡¯t plan on letting anything big hit us. Starting the maneuver... now.¡±
With a decisive flick of a switch, the clamps disengaged, releasing the Stellar Envoy from its temporary perch. The ship shuddered slightly as it floated free, engines humming to life. Tarek kept the thrusters steady, his eyes glued to the flight path projected in front of him, every sense attuned to the ship¡¯s movements.
From his turret above, Davik¡¯s voice crackled through the comms. ¡°Movement on the starboard side¡ªmedium-sized debris incoming. Tarek, you¡¯ve got about twenty seconds before it intersects.¡±
¡°Copy that,¡± Tarek muttered, tilting the yoke to adjust the ship¡¯s trajectory. The Stellar Envoy dipped and rolled with practiced precision, narrowly avoiding a tumbling chunk of a ship¡¯s hull that would have clipped the starboard stabilizer.
¡°Nice dodge!¡± Arlos called out from his position in the common area, the excitement in his voice cutting through the tension. ¡°Uh, sir¡ªI mean, Tarek, sir.¡±
¡°No need for the ¡®sir,¡¯ Arlos,¡± Tarek replied with a small grin. ¡°Just tell me if I¡¯m about to smash into something.¡±
Nick-03, seated in the co-pilot¡¯s chair, monitored the ship¡¯s systems with mechanical efficiency. ¡°Trajectory stable. Collision risk with nearest debris reduced to 12.4%. Recommendation: maintain current angle and increase thrust by 8% for optimal clearance.¡±
¡°Got it,¡± Tarek said, nudging the throttle forward. The ship surged ahead, skimming past a field of jagged metal fragments.
In the common area, Rina monitored the holographic projections synced with the cockpit, her fingers dancing over the console to feed Tarek real-time updates. ¡°Adjust 15 degrees to port in three seconds. The larger debris cluster ahead is breaking apart. You¡¯ll need to thread between the fragments.¡±
¡°Understood,¡± Tarek replied, his voice steadier now as he slipped into a rhythm.
The Stellar Envoy twisted and weaved through the chaos, its shields occasionally flaring as smaller pieces of debris glanced off its surface. Mira, strapped into her seat, watched the shimmering energy field around the ship with a tight-lipped expression. ¡°Shields are holding, but let¡¯s not push our luck.¡±
Jake¡¯s voice came through next. ¡°Keep an eye on the power draw, Tarek. We¡¯re fine for now, but if those shields take a major hit, it¡¯ll drain engine output.¡±
¡°Noted,¡± Tarek said, glancing briefly at the energy distribution readouts before returning his focus to the flight path.
Anakin, seated next to Rina, watched the holographic display with wide-eyed fascination. ¡°He¡¯s doing great! See how he¡¯s following the flow of the debris? It¡¯s like podracing but in space!¡±
Rina shot him a sideways glance, torn between amusement and exasperation. ¡°This isn¡¯t a game, Anakin. But... yeah, he¡¯s doing better than I expected.¡±
As the ship drew closer to the suspected vault site, the wreckage around them grew more densely packed, forcing Tarek to execute increasingly precise maneuvers. His grip on the yoke tightened, his knuckles whitening as he guided the Stellar Envoy through an especially tight cluster of spinning debris.
¡°Davik, any sign of trouble?¡± Kado asked from his seat, his tone calm but with an edge of tension.
¡°Nothing yet,¡± Davik replied. ¡°Just debris... and more debris. But if there are pirates lurking, this would be the perfect spot for an ambush.¡±
Kado nodded, his gaze fixed on the forward viewport. ¡°Stay sharp. Tarek, you¡¯re doing great. Keep it steady.¡±
Tarek managed a faint chuckle despite the strain. ¡°If I get us through this, I expect a lifetime supply of compliments.¡±
¡°Deal,¡± Kado replied with a rare smile.
The ship banked hard to avoid a tumbling engine block, the shields flaring brightly as a smaller fragment scraped past. Nick-03¡¯s monotone voice filled the cockpit. ¡°Proximity alert resolved. Next obstruction in 3.6 seconds.¡±
¡°Copy that,¡± Tarek said, his focus unwavering.
The crew held their breath as the Stellar Envoy approached the final stretch, the chaotic debris thinning slightly to reveal a faint glimmer of something ahead¡ªan angular structure partially buried within the drifting wreckage.
Jake leaned closer to the comm panel. ¡°Is that what I think it is?¡±
¡°It better be,¡± Tarek muttered, his eyes narrowing as he prepared for the final maneuver.
Rina¡¯s voice came through the comms, filled with both relief and anticipation. ¡°Confirmed. We¡¯re picking up faint energy readings. That¡¯s definitely it¡ªthe vault.¡±
Tarek exhaled slowly, his heart pounding as he guided the Stellar Envoy toward the clearing near the structure. ¡°Hold on, everyone. Almost there.¡±
The ship glided into position, the chaotic backdrop of debris momentarily giving way to an eerie stillness as the vault loomed before them.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
64 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 29: Shadows Among the Stars
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The Stellar Envoy glided carefully through the thinning debris field, its engines humming softly as Tarek guided it closer to their target. The adrenaline still coursed through his veins from the perilous flight, but he masked it with a casual smirk and a steady stream of jokes.
¡°See? Told you I could dodge a wrench¡ªor in this case, half a starship. No big deal,¡± Tarek quipped, glancing at Nick-03 in the co-pilot seat.
Nick-03 swiveled its mechanical head, the dim cockpit lights reflecting off its polished casing. ¡°Indeed, Captain Tarek. Your piloting was... sufficient. However, statistical probabilities suggest less boasting and more vigilance.¡±
Tarek chuckled nervously, gripping the controls a bit tighter. ¡°Thanks for the vote of confidence, Captain Nick.¡±
The tension in the cockpit lightened, but not entirely. The rest of the crew monitored their stations with quiet focus, the recent harrowing navigation still fresh in their minds. Davik remained at the topside laser turret, his sharp eyes scanning for any unexpected threats. Below, Arlos manned the underside turret, his voice coming through the comms as he announced, ¡°All clear on my side, sir.¡±
As they drew closer to their destination, the shape of a massive structure emerged from the haze of dust and debris. Kado, leaning over the holoprojector in the common area, furrowed his brow. ¡°Is that... a space station?¡±
The others crowded around to get a better view. Rina quickly tapped on the console, enhancing the holographic image. The derelict station was enormous, a sprawling relic of a bygone era, its skeletal frame illuminated faintly by the ambient light of the nearby system.
¡°Looks like it,¡± Jake muttered from his support console. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s the vault. Could just be a waypoint or... something worse.¡±
¡°I¡¯m just saying,¡± Kado replied, crossing his arms. ¡°If this is the vault, it¡¯s not exactly what I pictured.¡±
Anakin, standing next to Rina, is looking at the projection with wide eyes. While Rina asks, ¡°It looks like it¡¯s been here forever. How is it even still standing?¡±
¡°Better question,¡± Shmi added, her voice tinged with curiosity, ¡°how is it still showing power emissions?¡±
The question sent a ripple of silence through the room. Rina worked quickly to adjust the scanner sweeps, focusing them on the station. Moments later, the results displayed a faint but undeniable energy signature.
Jake leaned over her shoulder, reading the results. ¡°This thing¡¯s been floating out here since before the Ruusan Reformation, and it¡¯s still got power? That shouldn¡¯t be possible. Energy reserves degrade, systems fail...¡±
¡°Unless it¡¯s not running on conventional reserves,¡± Kado interjected.
¡°Or someone¡¯s been maintaining it,¡± Davik said grimly over the comms from his turret.
Tarek whistled, the sound cutting through the tension. ¡°Great. Just what we need¡ªspace ghosts. Maybe I should¡¯ve gone into farming instead.¡±
¡°Focus, Tarek,¡± Rina snapped, though there was a faint smile on her face.
¡°Right, right,¡± Tarek said, guiding the ship into a cautious approach. ¡°Just let me know where to park this beauty.¡±
Nick-03¡¯s voice buzzed through the cockpit. ¡°Scanners indicate an opening on the station¡¯s starboard side. Recommend docking procedures, Captain Tarek.¡±
¡°Captain Tarek,¡± Tarek repeated with a grin. ¡°I could really get used to that.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Jake said dryly over the comms. ¡°You¡¯ll just encourage it.¡±
Kado¡¯s voice came through next, steady and calm. ¡°Nick, confirm the location of the entrance and relay it to Tarek. Everyone else, keep your eyes peeled. We don¡¯t know what we¡¯re dealing with yet.¡±
Nick-03 processed the command quickly. ¡°Entrance located. Sending coordinates to your console, Captain Tarek.¡±
The Stellar Envoy adjusted its trajectory, moving slowly and deliberately toward a docking bay on the station¡¯s starboard side. It was one of the few areas clear of debris, the entrance large enough to accommodate the ship but surrounded by faint scorch marks and signs of damage.
Davik reported in from his perch. ¡°No movement detected. Area looks clear.¡±
¡°Bottom side is clear as well, sir,¡± Arlos added over the comms, his polite tone unwavering despite the tension.
Jake, still monitoring the technical systems, chimed in. ¡°Shields are steady. Minimal interference from the station¡¯s energy signature, but I¡¯d still keep them up until we¡¯re docked.¡±
¡°Copy that,¡± Tarek said, exhaling slowly. ¡°Here goes nothing.¡±
With careful adjustments, he maneuvered the Stellar Envoy closer to the docking bay. The ship¡¯s landing lights illuminated the worn metal of the station¡¯s exterior, revealing faint markings and insignias that had been almost entirely erased by time and decay.
¡°Easy does it,¡± Kado muttered, leaning forward in his seat.
The docking clamps engaged with a soft thud, and the ship settled into place. The crew let out a collective breath as the vibrations from the engines subsided.
¡°We¡¯re docked,¡± Tarek announced, his voice tinged with relief. ¡°Everyone still alive back there?¡±
¡°Barely,¡± Rina shot back with a teasing smirk.
¡°Good work,¡± Kado said. ¡°Now let¡¯s figure out what we¡¯ve just walked into.¡±
The crew began preparing for their next move, the eerie silence of the station pressing in as they powered down non-essential systems and geared up for exploration.
The crew of the Stellar Envoy moved swiftly but methodically, their movements deliberate as they prepared to explore the ancient space station. Jake sorted through equipment in the ship¡¯s supply locker, pulling out rebreathers, portable energy packs, and hand-held scanners.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
¡°Shmi, double-check these seals,¡± Jake said, handing her a rebreather. ¡°If there¡¯s still power in this station, there¡¯s a chance for life support, but I¡¯m not betting on it after all these centuries.¡±
Shmi nodded, efficiently inspecting each piece of equipment Jake handed her. ¡°Got it. Anakin, don¡¯t touch anything unless I say so.¡±
Anakin was crouched nearby, watching curiously as Zero, the small astromech, wheeled about, ensuring none of the equipment Anakin tried to peek at ended up in disarray. The boy huffed but obeyed, keeping close to his mother while Jake muttered to himself, assembling a compact toolkit.
Meanwhile, in the cockpit, the others gathered around the holo-interface. Rina worked the controls, refining their scan of the station''s interior. ¡°The layout is fragmented,¡± she said. ¡°There¡¯s enough interference to make pinpointing paths difficult, but this seems like a central hub. That¡¯s where we¡¯ll likely find something significant¡ªor dangerous.¡±
Kado studied the projections, his brows furrowed. ¡°Let¡¯s stick to the areas close to the docking bay first. We don¡¯t know what state this place is in. I don¡¯t want anyone wandering too far from an easy retreat.¡±
¡°Agreed,¡± Mira said, leaning against the bulkhead. ¡°I don¡¯t like how quiet this is. Low power or not, something about this station feels... off.¡±
¡°Probably haunted,¡± Tarek quipped from the pilot¡¯s seat. He glanced at Nick-03, who was prepping alongside the others. ¡°What do you think, Nick? Got your ghost detector calibrated?¡±
Nick-03 tilted its head in a way that almost seemed dismissive. ¡°Haunted is not a scientifically verifiable state, Captain Tarek. However, my sensors are fully operational.¡±
¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Tarek muttered, grinning nervously.
They all turned as Jake entered the cockpit with Shmi and Anakin trailing behind, carrying their gear. ¡°All set. If we run into anything... unexpected, we¡¯re prepared.¡±
The crew collectively agreed on their plan: Nick-01, Nick-02, and Skew-02 would lead the way, scanning for structural weaknesses, environmental hazards, or other threats. Skew-01, still limping along in its partially repaired state, was deemed unfit for exploration but would stay on standby for ship defense if needed.
Davik grunted as he adjusted his blaster harness. ¡°So it¡¯s me, Mira, Rina, Kado, and now Jake, huh? Fine, but we stick to areas the droids have cleared.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll keep my distance if I have to,¡± Jake said, checking his gear. ¡°But if there¡¯s tech in there, I need to see it up close.¡±
¡°Just don¡¯t touch anything that looks like it could explode,¡± Rina warned, a smirk tugging at her lips.
With that, the droids powered up and marched forward through the docking bay doors. Their scanners hummed as they moved cautiously into the first chamber beyond the airlock. The crew watched tensely from their positions, monitoring the droids¡¯ progress through live feeds displayed on the ship¡¯s central holotable.
Nick-02 transmitted a report first. ¡°Area clear. No signs of structural instability or immediate threats.¡±
Skew-02¡¯s voice followed, unusually precise. ¡°Atmospheric conditions are breathable, but minimal. Residual oxygen is insufficient for sustained human exposure. Proceed with rebreathers active.¡±
Mira glanced at Kado. ¡°So far, so good.¡±
Kado nodded and adjusted the strap on his rifle. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±
The crew donned their rebreathers and stepped cautiously into the derelict station. The air was thin and carried the faint metallic tang of centuries-old decay. They moved into the first chamber, a wide atrium-like area with faint traces of once-functioning machinery embedded into the walls.
Jake¡¯s gaze darted to every console and panel, his fingers itching to investigate further. ¡°This place is incredible. The tech... this has to be from the Old Republic.¡±
¡°Focus,¡± Davik said, his voice low. ¡°Let¡¯s not get too excited until we know it¡¯s safe.¡±
The group pressed on, following the droids¡¯ lead, every step revealing more of the station¡¯s mysterious interior. Though the space seemed stable, there was an unshakable sense of anticipation hanging in the air. Whatever this station held, it was clear that its secrets wouldn¡¯t be given up easily.
The crew continued their cautious exploration of the station, maintaining a steady rhythm of scouting and following. The droids led the way through dimly lit corridors and past eerily preserved rooms, transmitting reports back to the crew. Occasionally, their mechanical voices would break the quiet over the comms:
"Warning: detected atmospheric toxicity exceeding safety thresholds. Avoid area."
"Structural compromise in adjacent sections. Alternate routes recommended."
"Low oxygen levels recorded. Breathers required beyond this point."
The reports became so frequent that they began to feel routine. Most of the areas they encountered lacked sufficient oxygen, a stark reminder of the station''s incredible age. The fact that some rooms were still sealed enough to retain toxic atmospheres from a bygone era was a testament to the station¡¯s construction¡ªand a significant hazard.
The rooms they entered offered glimpses into the lives of its former occupants. Many appeared to be living quarters, sparsely furnished by the standards of their time. Beds, tables, and lockers stood frozen in time, coated in dust and sometimes warped by the ages. Other spaces were recreational in nature¡ªmess halls, gathering spaces, and even a small viewing deck with windows offering a hauntingly beautiful view of the debris field beyond.
"This place feels like a graveyard," Mira muttered as they passed through one such area. She ran a hand along a long-abandoned console, her fingers tracing grooves worn into its surface.
Kado nodded, keeping his weapon at the ready. "It¡¯s hard not to think about how many people must¡¯ve lived here. Worked here. Died here."
"Let¡¯s not get too sentimental," Davik grunted from his position at the rear. "Focus on the mission. We¡¯re not here to pay respects."
Jake, however, found it difficult to contain his excitement whenever they stumbled across technology-focused sections of the station. These areas were filled with consoles, terminals, and machinery that seemed leagues ahead of their time.
"This is incredible," Jake said, practically bouncing as he knelt beside a terminal. "This tech predates most of what we¡¯ve seen by centuries, and it¡¯s still partially functional. Rina, can you help me slice into this?"
Rina smirked as she joined him, pulling out her datapad and plugging it into the terminal¡¯s interface. "You know, if you were any more excited, you¡¯d be dancing. Let¡¯s see what we¡¯ve got."
With Rina¡¯s slicing skills supplementing Jake¡¯s innate tech-savviness, the two quickly made progress. They managed to access schematics of the surrounding areas, as well as fragments of logs that hinted at the station¡¯s history. Most of the data was corrupted, but the intact portions mentioned terms like ¡°containment protocols¡± and ¡°experimental artifacts,¡± which raised more questions than answers.
Not all areas were so welcoming. They encountered sections with automated defenses that activated unexpectedly, targeting the crew the moment they drew near. One such encounter began with the droids declaring an all-clear, only for hidden turrets to emerge and fire on the group as they entered.
"Down!" Kado barked, pulling Rina out of the line of fire as Davik and Mira returned shots from cover.
Jake scrambled back, narrowly avoiding a volley of plasma bolts. "What the hell? I thought the droids said it was safe!"
"They probably were," Rina shouted over the noise. "These defenses might be scanning for organics, not droids!"
After a tense firefight, they managed to disable the turrets, though it left them shaken and wary of further traps.
"Everyone stay sharp," Kado warned. "If this station has defenses still online, we¡¯ll need to assume it¡¯s protecting something important¡ªor dangerous."
Eventually, they reached a large set of reinforced doors that seemed to mark the entrance to a significant area. The droids paused before them, scanning thoroughly before transmitting their results.
"No immediate threats detected. Area secure," Nick-02 reported.
The group approached cautiously, their steps echoing in the wide corridor. The doors bore faded markings and designs that hinted at their importance, though the details were difficult to discern after so many centuries of wear.
"This might be it," Mira said, studying the heavy metal frame.
Jake frowned, rubbing his chin. "It¡¯s too easy. We¡¯ve made it this far without encountering any serious obstacles. Why would the control room¡ªor whatever this is¡ªbe so accessible?"
"Good point," Davik said, his grip tightening on his weapon. "Feels like a trap."
Kado sighed, glancing at the group. "Whether it¡¯s a trap or not, we¡¯re here. Let¡¯s figure out a way to get inside. Everyone, stay alert. The station¡¯s been surprising us so far¡ªI doubt it¡¯ll stop now."
With that, they began their preparations to breach the doors, a mixture of anticipation and unease settling over the group as they faced the unknown.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
64 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 30: Through the Dust and Silence
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The crew stood before the massive reinforced doors, their faded markings and ancient design a stark reminder of the station''s long-forgotten past. The air was heavy with anticipation, each member of the group tense as they assessed their surroundings. The area was dimly lit by emergency lighting still flickering in shades of red and amber, casting an ominous glow on the metallic walls.
The three droids¡ªNick-01, Nick-02, and Skew-02¡ªtook up defensive positions around the team. Their sensors scanned the corridor methodically, servos humming softly as they rotated and adjusted their stances. Skew-02, in particular, planted itself firmly in the center, its chassis tilted slightly forward in an imposing stance.
¡°Defensive protocol active,¡± Skew-02 intoned, its monotone voice reverberating in the corridor. ¡°Any detected hostilities will result in immediate countermeasures.¡±
"Let¡¯s hope it doesn¡¯t come to that," Kado muttered, keeping his weapon ready as he watched the door. His calm tone belied the tension he felt as he glanced between the droids and the rest of the crew.
Rina and Jake crouched by a dusty access panel adjacent to the door, their tools already spread out before them. Rina worked methodically, her datapad connected to the panel with a series of cables, while Jake hovered beside her, scanning with his own portable diagnostic device.
"Panel''s old," Rina said, her voice steady but cautious. "Definitely pre-Ruusan Reformation tech, but it¡¯s surprisingly intact. No corrosion on the connectors, and power''s still running to it. Either this station was built to last, or someone¡¯s been maintaining it."
Jake leaned closer, his eyes narrowing as he reviewed the scan results. "I¡¯m picking up something strange in the circuitry. It looks like there¡¯s a failsafe system tied to the door¡¯s mechanism. Could be a lockdown procedure, or worse¡ªan automated defense trigger."
"Great," Mira said dryly from her position behind them. "Because it¡¯s not like this place has already tried to kill us multiple times or anything."
Davik, standing nearby with his blaster trained on the door, smirked slightly. "At least this time, we know to expect trouble."
Rina tapped a command into her datapad, and a holographic projection of the panel''s internal structure appeared. "There¡¯s a workaround here, but it¡¯s delicate. If we trip the failsafe, it might activate the defenses¡ªor worse, lock the door permanently."
Jake nodded, his expression thoughtful. "If we split the load¡ªone of us handling the primary bypass while the other monitors the feedback¡ªwe might be able to avoid triggering the failsafe altogether."
"Fine by me," Rina replied. She handed Jake one of her slicing tools. "You take feedback. You¡¯ve got a better eye for it."
As the two worked in tandem, the rest of the crew maintained a vigilant watch. Kado¡¯s gaze swept the corridor for any signs of movement, his finger resting lightly on the trigger of his blaster rifle.
"Tarek," Kado said, his voice low, "how are the ship¡¯s systems holding up? We might need a quick exit if things go south."
Tarek¡¯s voice came through the comms, laced with his usual humor despite the tension. "Systems are solid, big guy. Engines are primed, shields are steady, and Nick-03¡¯s here keeping me company. Don¡¯t worry¡ªwe¡¯ll be ready to scoop you up if you trip an ancient alarm or something equally dramatic."
"You¡¯re too confident," Arlos said softly from his post at the rear, his tone polite as always. "It might not be so simple, sir."
"Thanks for the optimism, Arlos," Tarek replied, chuckling nervously. "Remind me to bring you on every morale-boosting mission."
The exchange earned a faint smile from Kado, but his attention snapped back to the door as Jake let out a triumphant exclamation.
"Got it!" Jake said, grinning as the panel¡¯s internal lights flickered green. "Failsafe is neutralized. Door¡¯s ready to open on your command."
"Good work," Kado said, stepping forward. He gestured for everyone to ready themselves. "Droids, stay sharp. If anything comes through that door, I want it neutralized before it becomes a threat."
"Affirmative," Nick-02 replied, its blasters swiveling into position.
Rina stepped back, her datapad still connected to the panel. "Whenever you¡¯re ready, I¡¯ll trigger the door."
The crew exchanged a final glance, each silently preparing for what lay beyond. Kado gave a single nod.
"Do it."
Rina tapped the command, and the ancient doors groaned as they began to slide apart, revealing a shadowed chamber beyond. The air that spilled out was stale and heavy, carrying with it the faint scent of decay and machinery.
The droids were the first to move, stepping cautiously into the chamber with their weapons raised. Their scanning beams cut through the darkness, illuminating fragments of the room¡¯s interior¡ªa central console surrounded by what appeared to be large, dormant machinery.
"Area clear," Nick-01 reported after a moment.
The crew advanced slowly, weapons drawn, as they stepped into the control room. Shadows danced across the walls as their lights swept the space, revealing consoles covered in layers of dust and cobwebs.
"Looks like we found it," Mira said, her voice hushed. "Whatever it is."
Jake moved toward the central console, his excitement tempered by caution. "Let¡¯s find out. Rina, help me access this thing. If this is the control center, it might tell us everything we need to know about the station¡ªand the vault."
As the two began their work, the others spread out, searching the room for anything unusual. The tension in the air was palpable as they braced themselves for the next twist in their journey.
Jake dove into the central console with a mix of excitement and focus, his hands moving swiftly over the ancient interface. The display flickered and hummed, a testament to its age, but the data streams were surprisingly intact. He initiated his search with the terms "vault" and "high security," narrowing the scope to prioritize any references to key locations or critical assets. The console responded sluggishly at first, its processors likely operating on residual power, but soon lines of text and diagrams began appearing on the screen.
Meanwhile, the droids spread out methodically. Nick-01 and Nick-02 took positions near the room¡¯s entrance, scanning the perimeter for potential threats. Skew-02 roamed the edges of the chamber, its sensors pinging periodically as it mapped the area.
Rina moved to a secondary console across the room. Unlike Jake, her focus wasn¡¯t on interpreting results but on extracting raw data. She had a slicer¡¯s toolkit connected to the console and was methodically bypassing the outdated encryption protocols to download anything Jake¡¯s search might miss. They had agreed beforehand that redundancy was critical.
¡°Found anything useful yet?¡± Mira asked, her voice tinged with skepticism as she ran her hand along a dusty control panel nearby.
Kado, standing by the chamber¡¯s far wall, glanced over his shoulder. ¡°If this is the vault, it¡¯s a bit underwhelming, isn¡¯t it?¡±
Jake didn¡¯t look up, too engrossed in the growing results on his console. ¡°This isn¡¯t the vault,¡± he said, his voice carrying a growing confidence. ¡°I¡¯m starting to piece it together. The vault itself is planetside, on Malachor V.¡±
Davik paused his careful examination of a nearby console. ¡°Hold on,¡± he said, his tone questioning. ¡°Didn¡¯t the data we pulled say the vault was in the debris field? That¡¯s what got us here in the first place.¡±
Jake leaned back slightly, pointing at the holographic display his search was generating. ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a misinterpretation,¡± he explained, his voice steady but tinged with enthusiasm. ¡°The thing we¡¯re looking for¡ªthe thing in this station¡ªisn¡¯t the vault itself. It¡¯s the key to the vault.¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
There was a brief silence as the realization settled over the group.
¡°That makes more sense,¡± Mira said finally, nodding in understanding. ¡°Why else would this station still be here, barely functional, but drawing just enough power to keep a few systems alive? It¡¯s safeguarding something.¡±
Kado crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. ¡°So, we¡¯re looking for a literal key? Or is it some kind of artifact, like the relic that led us here in the first place?¡±
Jake shrugged, his attention returning to the console. ¡°Could be anything, really. The Old Republic was known for hiding things in plain sight¡ªand for overengineering everything. If I can narrow down its location in this station, we¡¯ll know soon enough.¡±
Rina, still working at her console, chimed in. ¡°I¡¯m pulling data that might help. There¡¯s mention of a secured chamber deeper in the station. Doesn¡¯t say what¡¯s inside, but the schematics suggest it¡¯s heavily reinforced. If I had to guess, that¡¯s where the key is.¡±
Davik raised an eyebrow. ¡°Heavily reinforced? Great. Because everything about this station so far has been so welcoming.¡±
Kado smirked faintly at Davik¡¯s sarcasm but didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he turned his attention back to the room, his gaze scanning for anything that might serve as a clue or a trap.
Nick-03¡¯s voice came through the comms from its post back in the ship. ¡°Captain,¡± it said, the quirk in its programming randomly assigning leadership titles again, ¡°no unusual activity on external scans. Debris field remains stable, but you¡¯re at risk of long-term exposure to electromagnetic interference.¡±
¡°Noted,¡± Kado replied, choosing not to address the arbitrary rank.
¡°Focus up,¡± Jake said, his fingers flying across the console. ¡°If we find this key and get out of here quickly, we can minimize that risk. Rina, how¡¯s your end?¡±
¡°Got most of what I need,¡± she replied. ¡°The encryption¡¯s ancient, but still tricky in places. Whoever built this didn¡¯t want just anyone poking around.¡±
¡°That¡¯s the Old Republic for you,¡± Mira said, peering over Rina¡¯s shoulder briefly. ¡°Everything is a riddle wrapped in a puzzle.¡±
Jake chuckled despite himself. ¡°Well, this riddle is starting to make sense. Let¡¯s wrap this up and head for that secure chamber. I have a feeling that¡¯s where all our answers are waiting.¡±
With the droids standing guard and the team gradually piecing together the station¡¯s secrets, the path ahead began to feel clearer. But with every step forward, the question of what they might encounter next loomed larger in their minds.
As Jake and Rina continued working diligently at their respective consoles, the others in the control center fell into a speculative conversation. Mira was the first to voice her thoughts. "What if the vault is hiding forbidden weaponry? Something so dangerous it had to be locked away for millennia?"
Kado leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "And risk it getting lost in a debris field? Seems like a stretch. If it¡¯s a weapon, it¡¯s more likely something tied to the Jedi or Sith."
Davik raised an eyebrow. "What about war droids? Entire battalions of ancient droids that could turn the tide of any conflict. Imagine if someone like Gardulla got their hands on that."
Jake, not looking up from his work, interjected. "Possible, but unlikely. The Old Republic wouldn¡¯t just abandon something like that. They¡¯d dismantle it or destroy it outright."
Mira smirked. "So, Jedi artifacts, then? Holocrons, maybe. Something connected to their past."
Rina glanced up briefly. "Or Sith artifacts. This place is eerily isolated. If it¡¯s tied to Malachor, that screams Sith to me."
Kado chuckled. "You all are missing the obvious. What if the Vault isn¡¯t a vault at all? What if it¡¯s a prison? Something so dangerous they built this station to guard it?"
The group fell silent for a moment, the weight of Kado¡¯s suggestion lingering in the air.
Meanwhile, the perspective shifted to Skew-02, leading Nick-01 and Nick-02 down the dimly lit corridor extending from the control center. Skew-02¡¯s movements were deliberate and precise, scanning every corner and crevice for potential threats. Nick-01 followed closely, its optical sensors flickering as it monitored for any irregularities. Nick-02 trailed slightly behind, humming softly¡ªa quirk it had developed, almost as if it enjoyed the task.
¡°This corridor presents minimal immediate threat,¡± Skew-02 stated in its metallic monotone, turning to address the other two droids. ¡°Proceed to systematic sweep protocol. Nick-01, take the left junction. Nick-02, the right. Report anomalies within 0.2 standard minutes.¡±
Nick-01 gave a curt reply. ¡°Acknowledged, Captain Skew.¡±
Nick-02 tilted its head, its tone playful. ¡°But I thought Creator Jake was Captain today?¡±
¡°Designation irrelevant,¡± Skew-02 responded flatly. ¡°Focus on the task.¡±
The three droids parted at the junction. Nick-01 moved into a small chamber filled with decayed crates and skeletal remains of ancient machinery. It activated a scanner and transmitted findings back to Skew-02: low power signals emanating from a distant point ahead.
Nick-02 wandered into a slightly larger area that seemed to have once been a storage room. It emitted a cheerful chirp. ¡°I found nothing! Perfectly safe!¡±
Skew-02 replied, unimpressed. ¡°Refrain from celebratory tones until sweep completion.¡±
As Skew-02 reached the end of its assigned path, it halted in front of a reinforced blast door. Its sensors detected faint power readings emanating from beyond. ¡°Potentially significant structure identified,¡± it relayed to the others. ¡°Returning to regroup.¡±
The droids reconvened at the junction and compared findings. Skew-02 transmitted the data back to the control center. ¡°Preliminary sweep completed. Awaiting further directives.¡±
Back in the control center, the group reviewed the transmitted data. Jake leaned closer to the central console, scanning the readings from Skew-02¡¯s report. ¡°This reinforced door¡ could lead to something important. It¡¯s not on any of the maps we¡¯ve pulled so far.¡±
Mira frowned. ¡°Or it could be a decoy. If this is the Vault key¡¯s location, we need to tread carefully.¡±
Davik nodded. ¡°Agreed. Let¡¯s have the droids check it out first before we head down there ourselves.¡±
Kado tapped his chin thoughtfully. ¡°It¡¯s the first real lead we¡¯ve got. Let¡¯s not waste it.¡±
The group prepared to give further instructions to their mechanical scouts, the mystery of the Vault growing ever closer to revelation.
Jake worked swiftly to prepare the slicing equipment, his hands deftly adjusting the tools for deployment on Nick-01 and Nick-02. The droids stood motionless, waiting as he secured the compact yet powerful devices. "There we go," Jake said, tightening the final connection on Nick-01. "These tools are calibrated for Old Republic tech, but keep in mind: there''s no guarantee it''ll work flawlessly. So if you need me to jump in, say the word."
Kado, leaning against the console, crossed his arms. "You¡¯re sure about this? Last thing we need is an unexpected lockout¡ªor worse, tripping some kind of defense system."
Jake nodded, though his expression was serious. "That¡¯s why we¡¯re doing this remotely. If anything goes south, Rina or I can cut the connection instantly."
Mira gestured toward Nick-02, which was carrying the backup tools. "Let¡¯s hope it doesn¡¯t come to that. These systems are ancient and unpredictable. All the more reason to get it right the first time."
Rina smirked as she prepared to sync her slicing terminal with the deployed tools. "Confidence, Mira. You¡¯ll jinx me otherwise."
Nick-01 emitted a mechanical chirp as Jake gave it a light pat on the chassis. "All set. Let¡¯s get this show on the road," Jake said, stepping back as the droids turned to exit.
Jake watched as Nick-01 and Nick-02 returned to the reinforced blast door with their mounted slicing tools. There was an underlying tension in the air¡ªthis method of remotely slicing was more risky than they''d like to admit. Normally, Jake or Rina would be on-site, their expertise making the process smoother and faster, but the delay inherent in remote slicing meant they were depending heavily on the droids. If anything went wrong, they''d be one step too slow to react.
Nick-01, with its slicing tools mounted and deployed, gently connected to the access panel on the reinforced blast door. Nick-02, standing back and watching the surroundings, kept its sensors alert for any movement, ready to back up its fellow droid if necessary. The procedure was delicate, as a failed attempt could trigger alarms or worse¡ªlock them out of the critical area.
Rina was at the control station, her fingers poised over the console, ready to initiate the sequence. As the system slowly synced, she couldn¡¯t help but smirk and mutter, "Hope this door doesn¡¯t have a ¡®Do Not Open¡¯ sign. I¡¯m getting real tired of the surprises.¡±
Jake didn¡¯t respond immediately, his focus solely on the data coming in from the droids. "We¡¯re almost there," he said quietly, almost to himself. He could feel the weight of the situation. They were close to uncovering whatever secrets the station held¡ªand if the rumors were true, those secrets could change everything.
Rina finally heard the sync signal and took a deep breath before diving into the slicing. The tools she controlled on Nick-01¡¯s interface flashed as the system responded. "All right," she quipped, her fingers flying over the console, "Let¡¯s see if this door¡¯s as easy to open as it looks."
From the droids¡¯ side, Nick-01 gave a faint sound of acknowledgment. ¡°Copy, Captain Rina. We are opening the door as per Creator Jake¡¯s orders.¡±
Nick-02, still holding its position, added with a hint of humor, ¡°Not too fast, please. I wouldn¡¯t want to miss the grand opening.¡±
Jake, unable to suppress a chuckle, glanced at Mira. "The droids have a way of making things interesting, don¡¯t they?"
Mira shook her head but smiled faintly. "They definitely keep the mood light." She turned back to the monitors, watching for any signs of danger or surprise reactions from the blast door as it began to respond to Rina¡¯s slicing attempts.
The minutes ticked by, and the door¡¯s locking mechanism slowly began to disengage. The hissing of the door¡¯s seals releasing was audible over the comms as Rina continued to work. Her brow furrowed for a moment when the door seemed to fight back, requiring a deeper level of slicing.
¡°I¡¯m getting some resistance here,¡± Rina noted, her tone steady but focused. ¡°It¡¯s like this door was meant to be harder to access. Could be a higher-level security override.¡±
Nick-01, standing vigilantly next to the panel, chimed in. ¡°Captain Rina, if I may suggest, perhaps Creator Jake can assist by running diagnostic overrides from here?¡±
Jake leaned in and nodded. "I can try. Let¡¯s push through. We don¡¯t have much time."
He connected to the system remotely, augmenting Rina¡¯s slicing by running diagnostics and manipulating the security layers from his side. The combined effort was enough to get a deeper access point. As they pushed through, the door creaked and groaned, its final resistance crumbling under the combined effort of the droids, Jake, and Rina¡¯s expertise.
With a final hiss, the reinforced blast door slowly began to open, revealing what lay beyond. The group at the control center held their breath, watching the data feeds, while the droids stood ready to enter the unknown.
¡°After you, Skew-02,¡± Jake said, giving the signal to proceed with the droids.
Skew-02, ever calm and methodical, led the way. ¡°Proceeding, Captain.¡±
As the door slid open completely, the air shifted¡ªan eerie, cold stillness settling over the group. The droids moved forward, scanning the environment as they entered, the only sound their mechanical footsteps echoing in the dim light.
Rina, Jake, and the rest of the crew waited, watching the live feed, ready to follow. Whatever lay ahead, they were one step closer to uncovering the station¡¯s secrets and the Vault¡¯s true purpose.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
64 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 31: The Mystery Within
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The Stellar Envoy hummed faintly with the ambient noise of its systems as its crew settled into their respective roles during the station expedition. Tarek, sitting in the pilot¡¯s seat, studied the star charts and the debris field with sharp focus. Every potential escape route was logged meticulously, his hands tapping out commands on the console. He¡¯d been through his share of stressful maneuvers earlier and wasn¡¯t about to let the ship get caught flat-footed again.
Next to him, Nick-03¡¯s photoreceptors flickered rhythmically as it monitored the transmissions from the away team. Its voice broke the silence occasionally as it relayed updates from the station. ¡°Creator Jake has confirmed partial access to a reinforced area. Rina is currently engaging in slicing protocols. The reinforced door is... opening. Progress is steady.¡±
In the common area, Shmi sat quietly, her expression thoughtful as she absently traced patterns on the holodeck¡¯s surface. Despite the chaos of their recent days, she seemed at ease, perhaps soothed by the sound of Anakin¡¯s laughter. The boy was busy playing with Zero, weaving around the droid¡¯s legs and giggling as it spun in place, playfully keeping up with him.
Above them, in the topside turret, Arlos kept his eyes on the motionless stars and swirling debris field. His vigilance hadn¡¯t wavered, even as the calmness of their surroundings tempted him to relax. Finally, his curiosity got the better of him, and he keyed into the ship¡¯s comms to ask something that had been troubling him.
"Nick-03," he began, his voice polite but firm, "may I ask you a question?"
Nick-03¡¯s head tilted slightly, as if curious. ¡°Certainly, Sir Arlos. What is your inquiry?¡±
¡°Well,¡± Arlos continued, ¡°I¡¯ve been here for some time now, and while I¡¯m grateful to be part of the crew, I can¡¯t help but notice something... confusing. Who¡¯s the captain of this ship? I mean¡ªtruly? Everyone seems to take charge in their own way, but no one has outright claimed the title. Is it Jake? Kado? Someone else?¡±
Tarek snorted from the cockpit, half-listening as he reviewed a hyperspace exit path. ¡°Good luck getting a straight answer out of Nick-03 on that one.¡±
Nick-03¡¯s photoreceptors blinked as it processed the question, clearly taking the matter seriously. ¡°Ah, an excellent inquiry, Sir Arlos. The designation of ''captain'' is... fluid, depending on context. While I refer to various individuals as ''captain,'' this is largely a sign of respect or acknowledgment of situational authority rather than a formal rank.¡±
¡°So... no one¡¯s officially the captain?¡± Arlos pressed.
Nick-03 hesitated, its voice taking on a tone that was almost amused. ¡°Creator Jake holds a significant degree of influence in matters of technology and engineering. Kado¡¯s seniority often places him in a leadership role. Rina¡¯s slicing expertise commands respect during operations. And Tarek¡ª¡±
¡°Don¡¯t you dare,¡± Tarek interjected with mock exasperation. ¡°I¡¯m not getting dragged into this.¡±
¡°¡ªis invaluable in piloting, even if he prefers humor over command,¡± Nick-03 finished smoothly. ¡°In conclusion, the Stellar Envoy operates as a collective, with authority distributed based on the situation at hand. This approach has proven effective thus far.¡±
Arlos considered this, nodding slowly. ¡°I see... but who would you personally choose as captain, Nick-03?¡±
Tarek glanced over at the droid with a smirk. ¡°Careful, Nick-03. You¡¯re about to start a mutiny.¡±
Nick-03¡¯s response was immediate. ¡°I choose... everyone.¡±
Tarek burst out laughing. ¡°Nice dodge.¡±
In the common area, Shmi smiled at the exchange as she listened in. Anakin, oblivious to the conversation, continued his play with Zero, completely engrossed.
Arlos shook his head, chuckling softly. ¡°That¡¯s a diplomatic answer if I¡¯ve ever heard one.¡±
"Indeed," Nick-03 replied with what could almost be described as pride. "It is one of my finer skills."
As the humor faded, Tarek¡¯s voice took on a more serious edge. ¡°All jokes aside, everyone stay sharp. If the away team runs into trouble, we¡¯re their lifeline out of here. Let¡¯s not forget that.¡±
Arlos gave a crisp acknowledgment, his watchful eyes returning to the debris field. Below, Shmi glanced at the holodeck display, her thoughts briefly drifting to the group on the station.
Nick-03¡¯s voice filled the cockpit again. ¡°Creator Jake reports further progress. The blast door is now fully open.¡±
¡°Let¡¯s hope they¡¯re ready for whatever¡¯s behind it,¡± Tarek muttered, his hand resting on the ship¡¯s controls. The waiting game was far from over.
The reinforced blast doors groaned open, revealing a chamber untouched by time but heavy with the weight of its purpose. The droids moved in first, their photoreceptors glowing faintly as they scanned the dimly lit room. The air was stale but not toxic, and though there was no immediate danger, their sensors registered an eerie stillness that made even their mechanical minds cautious.
Nick-01¡¯s voice crackled over the comms. ¡°Area secured. No hostiles detected. However... there is a corpse in the far corner holding an unidentified box.¡±
At this report, Jake, Mira, Rina, Davik, and Kado left their posts in the control center and made their way to the newly accessible room. The path was straightforward, and though tension lingered in the air, the group moved with purpose. When they arrived, they paused for a moment, taking in the scene.
The chamber was stark and utilitarian, its walls lined with panels that flickered faintly with residual power. In the center lay a cylindrical object, its metallic surface reflecting the ambient light, its size almost as long as an adult human and wide enough to contain something significant. To the side, a motionless droid stood upright, clutching a blaster in a lifeless grip. Its design was foreign, its wear and tear hinting at long abandonment.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
In the far corner, the corpse sat slumped, its skeletal fingers clutching a small box, the fabric of its clothing long degraded but still hinting at some form of uniform. The room also held a computer terminal, its screen blank but humming faintly, waiting for activation.
The group instinctively divided, each drawn to one of the room''s mysteries. Jake, his curiosity piqued, made a beeline for the cylindrical object, beckoning Skew-02 to assist him. Rina headed straight for the computer terminal, tools already in hand, eager to slice into whatever secrets it held. Mira approached the unfamiliar droid, her eyes narrowing as she studied its design, while Kado and Davik moved cautiously toward the corpse.
Just as Davik reached for the box, Kado raised a hand, stopping him mid-motion. ¡°Wait,¡± Kado said, his tone firm but measured. ¡°Let¡¯s not rush this.¡±
Davik frowned but stepped back, deferring to Kado¡¯s judgment. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked.
Kado glanced at the corpse, then back at the box in its grasp. ¡°I¡¯ve seen traps like this before. Could be rigged. If it¡¯s survived this long, who knows what kind of fail-safes it might have?¡±
Davik nodded, his hand dropping to rest on the hilt of his blaster. ¡°So what do we do?¡±
Kado turned to the Nick droids, pointing to Nick-02. ¡°Nick-02. Approach the body. Carefully. Let¡¯s see if it¡¯s safe to move or touch anything.¡±
Nick-02¡¯s photoreceptors flickered in acknowledgment, and it stepped forward, its movements precise and deliberate. ¡°Acknowledged, Captain-For-Now Kado,¡± it quipped, earning a quiet chuckle from Rina across the room.
The droid began a systematic scan of the corpse and its surroundings, its sensors analyzing for any signs of traps, motion sensors, or residual energy signatures.
Meanwhile, Jake knelt by the cylinder, running his hands over its smooth surface, searching for any seams or interfaces. ¡°Skew-02, give me a readout. Any power sources or mechanisms still active?¡±
Skew-02 extended an appendage, its sensors whirring. ¡°Initial scan indicates faint internal energy signatures. Structure suggests it could be a containment device or storage unit. No immediate external access points detected.¡±
Jake¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°A vault within a vault,¡± he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
On the other side of the room, Rina had booted up the computer terminal, her fingers flying over the keyboard as lines of code scrolled across the screen. ¡°Terminal¡¯s intact,¡± she reported. ¡°Looks like there¡¯s a lot of encrypted data. Give me a few minutes to crack it.¡±
¡°Take your time,¡± Kado replied, his attention still on Nick-02 and the corpse.
Mira, meanwhile, circled the mysterious droid. ¡°This design... I¡¯ve never seen anything like it,¡± she muttered, reaching out to gently touch its arm. ¡°Definitely Old Republic-era, but... it¡¯s almost pristine compared to everything else in here. Why is it just standing there? Waiting for orders? Or broken?¡±
As the group worked, the air in the chamber grew thick with unspoken anticipation. Each mystery seemed interconnected, and the sense that they were on the brink of uncovering something monumental hung heavily over them.
Nick-02 paused in its examination of the corpse, turning back to the group. ¡°No traps detected on the body or the box. However, there are faint energy readings from within the box itself. Recommend caution in handling.¡±
Kado nodded, his expression grim. ¡°Noted. Let¡¯s move carefully. Whatever¡¯s in there... it was important enough for someone to die holding it.¡±
Everyone exchanged a glance, the weight of the moment settling in. They were deep in the unknown now, and whatever lay ahead would undoubtedly test them all.
Jake ran his fingers over the surface of the cylinder, searching for any imperfection or access point. When his hand brushed against a barely perceptible bump, his heart raced. "This might be it," he muttered under his breath. Hesitating for just a moment, he took a deep breath and pressed it.
The room filled with the sound of mechanical movement as the cylinder sprang to life. Panels slid apart, gears whirred, and various parts pushed out from the core in a synchronized display. Jake froze for a moment, utterly transfixed. The machine¡¯s intricate unfolding resembled the design and complexity of Tony Stark¡¯s forge machine from The MCU Franchise¡ªa bunch of movies he fondly remembered from Earth. The parallel was so uncanny that Jake couldn¡¯t help but think of it, but he quickly reminded himself this wasn¡¯t a Marvel film. This machine had its own purpose, one that he needed to uncover.
Mira, who had been scrutinizing the ancient droid, glanced back when she heard the noise. Seeing Jake¡¯s stunned expression, she abandoned her inspection and approached him. ¡°What did you find?¡± she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Jake didn¡¯t take his eyes off the unfolding device. ¡°It¡¯s not a container... it¡¯s a machine. Some kind of automated system, but what it does exactly? I have no clue. It¡¯s beautiful though. Look at the precision¡ªancient but way ahead of its time. It could be a forge, a tool, or even... I don¡¯t know. It reminds me of something I¡¯ve seen before, but I can¡¯t put my finger on it.¡± was Jake''s deflective answer.
Mira raised an eyebrow. ¡°Seen where?¡±
¡°Uh... long story. Not from around here,¡± Jake replied with a sheepish grin. ¡°But if this thing is active, it¡¯s definitely important.¡±
While Jake and Mira speculated about the machine, Kado and Davik stood over the corpse and its mysterious box. Nick-02 had stepped back after confirming the area was safe, its scanners still active and alert. Kado carefully lifted the box, his eyes scanning its surface. The object was heavier than it looked and surprisingly intricate. Small holes dotted the corners, but there were no visible hinges, clasps, or mechanisms to indicate how to open it.
¡°Looks like a puzzle,¡± Davik said, inspecting the box from over Kado¡¯s shoulder. ¡°But those holes¡ they could be vents, or they could be something else.¡±
¡°Let¡¯s not guess,¡± Kado replied, his tone cautious. ¡°Let¡¯s take it slow.¡±
Their examination was interrupted by Rina¡¯s triumphant shout from across the room. ¡°Got it!¡± she exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air. The others turned their heads as she pressed a button on the terminal, causing a panel to slide open nearby. From the opening, a square-shaped mount rose, its dimensions perfectly matching the box Kado was holding.
¡°Looks like we¡¯ve got a spot for your mystery box,¡± Rina said with a smirk, gesturing toward Kado with an expectant hand. ¡°Hand it over.¡±
Kado hesitated for a moment, then placed the box into her outstretched hand. Rina stepped to the mount, carefully setting the box into place. The group watched with bated breath as thin robotic arms emerged from the mount, each one ending in a delicate tool. The arms extended toward the box, their ends sliding precisely into the small holes on its surface.
The room was filled with the soft hum of servos as the tools rotated in various directions. Some turned clockwise, others counterclockwise, each movement deliberate and exact. As the arms worked, parts of the box began to shift and slide, altering its shape in ways that seemed both complex and purposeful. It wasn¡¯t until the process stopped that the group realized what was happening¡ªthe box wasn¡¯t transforming; it was unlocking.
With a final whir, the robotic arms retracted, pulling open the last segments of the box. Inside, resting on a padded compartment, was an object shaped like a key. Its design was strange, a metallic piece with a shaft that ended in a cross-like protrusion. It was both simple and enigmatic, its shape suggesting it fit into something highly specific.
¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Mira said softly, her voice tinged with awe. ¡°That¡¯s the Vault key.¡±
Jake stepped forward, his attention momentarily drawn away from the machine. ¡°It¡¯s not just a key,¡± he said, inspecting it from a distance. ¡°Look at the craftsmanship. It¡¯s more than just functional¡ªit¡¯s a work of art. Whatever this opens¡ it¡¯s not just a simple vault. It¡¯s something big.¡±
Kado crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. ¡°We¡¯ve got the key, but now what? Does the terminal say where it¡¯s used?¡±
Rina quickly turned back to the computer, her fingers flying over the interface. ¡°I¡¯ll check,¡± she replied. ¡°But if this thing was hidden like this¡ whatever it unlocks isn¡¯t going to be easy to find or access.¡±
As the group pondered their next steps, the air grew heavy with anticipation. The Vault key was in their possession, but its purpose and the secrets it guarded remained as elusive as ever.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
66 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 32: The Ashen Key
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The group¡¯s excitement had settled into focused curiosity as they absorbed the significance of the Vault Key. While Rina sifted through the terminal for additional information, Jake returned to the cylindrical device he had temporarily dubbed the "folding workshop." Mira trailed behind him, her curiosity about the ancient droid still piqued.
¡°So, about that droid,¡± she began, gesturing toward the ancient machine standing frozen in the corner. ¡°What¡¯s your take on it? Think it still works?¡±
Jake glanced at the droid briefly before turning back to the folding workshop. ¡°It¡¯s incredible craftsmanship, no doubt about it. Ancient for sure, but I¡¯d need more time to dig into it¡ªfigure out how it ticks, what it¡¯s made for. Right now, I want to figure out what this thing does,¡± he said, patting the sleek surface of the folding workshop.
As he tinkered further, Jake made a surprising discovery. A subtle hum activated when he adjusted one of the machine¡¯s panels, and a faint glow appeared near its base. Suddenly, the workshop floated a few centimeters off the ground, stabilizing on repulsorlifts. Jake stepped back in awe as the machine began to follow him slowly, as if tethered to his movements.
¡°Well, I¡¯ll be¡ª¡± Jake grinned. ¡°This thing¡¯s mobile. It¡¯s got a follow function!¡±
Mira¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Now that¡¯s handy. No need to lug it around like deadweight.¡±
Jake nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. ¡°It¡¯s not just a workshop. It¡¯s a mobile tool station¡ªor maybe even more. This thing was designed to assist, not just sit in one place. The more I see of it, the more impressed I get.¡±
Meanwhile, at the terminal, Rina¡¯s work had finally paid off. The screen displayed a progress bar that had been creeping along painfully slowly, but now it completed with a triumphant chime. Rina leaned closer, her eyes scanning the text that appeared. Kano and Davik crowded around her, their expressions tense with anticipation.
¡°What¡¯s it say?¡± Kano asked, unable to hide his impatience.
Rina read aloud, her voice steady but filled with intrigue. ¡°The key we have¡ it unlocks a vault beneath the Ashen Wastes.¡±
The words hung in the air, and everyone exchanged puzzled looks.
¡°The Ashen Wastes?¡± Davik echoed, raising an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s no place I¡¯d want to visit. Sounds like a death trap.¡±
Kano, ever the pragmatist, frowned. ¡°If it¡¯s buried under something called the Ashen Wastes, it¡¯s not exactly meant to be found easily.¡±
Davik, still staring at the screen, suddenly blurted out, ¡°Wait a minute. If this key goes to one vault, doesn¡¯t that mean¡ there are others? More keys? More vaults?¡±
His exclamation made Rina pause. She scrolled through the terminal, trying to corroborate his theory. The data she found suggested Davik might be right¡ªthis was only one piece of a larger puzzle.
¡°What else does it say?¡± Jake asked, walking over with Mira, his floating workshop gliding silently behind him.
Rina pointed to a line of text near the bottom of the display. ¡°Here. It says that each vault is sealed with a unique key. And this station¡ it¡¯s just a repository. A place to store and safeguard them. Meaning this Vault Key is just the beginning.¡±
Jake and Mira leaned in, their eyes darting over the screen. Mira¡¯s face darkened slightly. ¡°If this is just a repository, then what exactly are we dealing with planet-side? The Ashen Wastes don¡¯t sound like a vacation spot, and a vault there might be worse.¡±
Jake rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°If there¡¯s more than one vault, and they¡¯re this well hidden, there¡¯s no telling what¡¯s in them. Weapons, artifacts, records¡ or maybe something we can¡¯t even imagine. But whatever¡¯s in this one,¡± he said, pointing to the key in the box, ¡°we¡¯re the ones who are gonna find out.¡±
The group stood in silence for a moment, each lost in their thoughts. The stakes had suddenly become much higher. They weren¡¯t just dealing with a single treasure or discovery¡ªthey were standing on the precipice of uncovering a vast, interconnected mystery.
¡°All right,¡± Rina said finally, her tone resolute. ¡°We¡¯ve got a direction. Let¡¯s wrap things up here, grab what we can, and head planet-side. The Ashen Wastes won¡¯t wait forever.¡±
Jake smiled, the thrill of the unknown lighting up his face. ¡°Agreed. Let¡¯s see what secrets Malachor¡¯s hiding.¡±
The sound of alarms blared across the station as Rina pulled the key from its mount. Almost immediately, the terminal nearest to her lit up with a flashing red message, followed by a cold, automated voice:
"Vault Key removed. Authorization codes required to abort station self-destruct. Timer initiated: ten minutes."
Rina froze for a heartbeat, clutching the key tightly as the weight of the situation sunk in. Behind her, Davik swore under his breath, his voice laced with frustration.
¡°Move!¡± Kado barked, motioning to the group. ¡°We can¡¯t override it; we have to go!¡± He toggled his commlink. ¡°Tarek, the station¡¯s rigged to blow! Prep for immediate launch!¡±
Back on the Stellar Envoy, Arlos still manned the topside turret, scanning for any potential threats. The alert that had startled him earlier continued to pulse on his console, its source distant but approaching. He contacted Tarek in the cockpit.
¡°Tarek, I¡¯ve got nothing visual on the alert yet, but the sensors are picking something up¡ªfar, but heading this way.¡±
Tarek, his fingers flying over the control panels to ready the ship for an emergency takeoff, responded calmly, though his voice carried the tension of the moment. ¡°Understood, Arlos. Keep tracking it. I¡¯m calling the away team.¡±
Inside the station, Kado¡¯s comm crackled to life with Tarek¡¯s composed tone. ¡°I¡¯ve received your update, Kado. The ship¡¯s prepped for departure. Arlos is monitoring something on the scanners¡ªnothing confirmed yet, but you¡¯ll want to hustle.¡±
¡°We¡¯re already on it,¡± Kado replied as the group broke into a hurried march. ¡°Nick droids, take the lead! Rina, Jake, Mira¡ªstay in the rear with the key and the tools. Davik, you¡¯re with me up front.¡±
Rina tightened her grip on the key, her mind racing. ¡°Do you think it¡¯ll let us out without a fight?¡± she muttered, nodding toward the still-alerted station systems.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
¡°I¡¯d rather not find out,¡± Jake said, directing the mobile tool station to follow alongside them. Skew-02, at Mira¡¯s insistence, hoisted the ancient droid and kept pace.
The station¡¯s automated voice droned again as they moved through the corridors:
"Self-destruct sequence engaged. Eight minutes remaining."
Kado barked over his shoulder, ¡°No stopping! Just run!¡±
By the time the team reached the docking bay, the Stellar Envoy¡¯s engines were already humming with readiness. The group sprinted toward the loading ramp, the Nick droids first aboard, followed by Jake and Mira with their precious cargo, then Davik and Rina. Kado was last, scanning the bay one last time before slamming the ramp controls to close.
From the cockpit, Tarek¡¯s voice came over the intercom, firm and steady despite the tension. ¡°Hold on, everyone. We¡¯re launching now.¡±
The ship lifted off just as the countdown reached six minutes. Sensors pinged furiously as Tarek piloted the vessel out of the bay, narrowly avoiding debris dislodged by the station¡¯s increasing instability. The source of the distant alert still loomed on the ship¡¯s scanners, its origin a growing mystery.
The Stellar Envoy shuddered slightly as it broke free from the station¡¯s docking bay, navigating the debris field with practiced yet nerve-wracking precision. Tarek¡¯s hands moved deftly over the controls, his normally light demeanor masked by a calm, focused expression. ¡°Shields are holding,¡± he muttered to himself, though his voice carried over the cockpit comms, ¡°but that bump cost us a quarter. Adjusting the inertial compensators.¡±
Jake bolted toward the cargo bay, the mobile tool station humming along in follow mode. Its repulsors kept it steady despite the ship''s vibrations. Behind him, Skew-02 carefully carried the ancient droid, ensuring its joints were secure to prevent further damage. The droid¡¯s mechanical grip tightened slightly, a protective quirk Jake had noticed but never fully debugged. He glanced over his shoulder as they entered the bay. ¡°Easy, Skew-02. We¡¯re not in combat¡ªyet.¡±
Nick-01 and Nick-02, meanwhile, maneuvered with methodical precision through the narrow corridors toward the clamps Jake had installed near the medical bay. With a synchronized motion, they secured themselves, their servos locking into place. Nick-01 quipped to Nick-02 through their shared comms, ¡°Safety first, Captain Jake would say. Though with his luck, safety¡¯s just an afterthought.¡±
In the common area, Rina was already buckled into her seat next to Shmi and Anakin. Her satchel rested securely against her hip, the key hidden inside. She glanced down at it briefly, her mind racing. The sudden self-destruct sequence made it clear that whoever had left the station behind wanted the key guarded¡ªdesperately. She exhaled sharply, resolving to analyze the risks further once they were out of immediate danger.
Shmi tightened the straps on Anakin¡¯s seat, ensuring the boy was secure. Anakin, wide-eyed but unafraid, clutched Zero as the companion droid chirped reassuringly. Shmi offered a comforting smile. ¡°We¡¯ll be fine, Ani. This ship¡¯s crew knows what they¡¯re doing.¡±
Back in the cockpit, Mira slid into her station, immediately rerouting auxiliary power to compensate for the shield loss. Her fingers danced over the control panels. ¡°Shield status at seventy-five percent. I¡¯m pulling from non-critical systems to balance it out. Tarek, watch for debris clusters¡ªwe can¡¯t afford another hit like that.¡±
Kado, seated at the other support station, studied the scanner readings intently. ¡°That alert Arlos flagged earlier¡ªit¡¯s still out there, far but consistent. Could be a ship on a slow approach. If they¡¯re using passive systems, we might not get a full read until they¡¯re closer.¡±
Tarek nodded without turning. ¡°Keep monitoring please. If it gets within a threshold, I need to know.¡± He spared a glance at the viewport, navigating through the erratic debris. His voice was steady, though Mira caught the edge of adrenaline under his calm tone. ¡°Arlos, give me updates if you see something. Davik, you spot anything below, I''m all ears.¡±
¡°Copy that,¡± Arlos responded. The former slave¡¯s habit of polite formality persisted even under pressure. He scanned the field with sharp eyes, his turret sweeping methodically for anything unusual.
¡°Underside clear so far,¡± Davik¡¯s voice came through. Despite muttering under his breath, ¡°Let¡¯s hope this is just a sensor glitch,¡± his hands rested confidently on the turret controls, ready to respond to any threat.
In the cargo bay, Jake reached a secure corner and immediately began inspecting the mobile workshop. He ran his hand along its surface, checking for any damage. It floated obediently beside him, its repulsors emitting a soft hum. Skew-02 carefully placed the ancient droid in a designated area, its optics flashing as it performed a rudimentary diagnostic of its burden. ¡°Careful, Skew,¡± Jake said, half-focused on his work. ¡°Last thing we need is for that thing to fall apart before I even know what it is.¡±
The comms crackled to life. Tarek¡¯s voice carried the same calm professionalism that had begun to steady the rest of the crew. ¡°I¡¯ve got us in a safe corridor for now, but we¡¯re threading the needle. Keep ready for evasive maneuvers. Arlos, Davik¡ªstay sharp.¡±
¡°We¡¯re good topside,¡± Arlos replied.
Davik chimed in, ¡°Underside¡¯s quiet. For now.¡±
Mira turned from her console to glance at Kado. ¡°That alert... you think it¡¯s pirates? Or Gardulla¡¯s people?¡±
Kado shook his head, eyes never leaving his scanner. ¡°Too far out for a definite answer. Could be anything. But until we know, we treat it like trouble.¡±
Skew-02 locked itself onto a clamp in the cargo bay at Jake¡¯s command, its servos whirring as it ensured the ancient droid was securely positioned. Jake gave the droid an approving nod before making his way to the common area. The ship shuddered slightly as Tarek adjusted its trajectory, prompting Jake to pick up his pace.
Sliding into a seat across from Shmi and Rina, Jake secured himself with the harness and let out a breath. ¡°Alright,¡± he said casually, brushing a hand through his hair. ¡°What¡¯s the latest? And please, tell me it¡¯s not ¡®we¡¯re all going to die.¡¯¡±
Shmi offered him a reassuring smile, her voice calm as she answered. ¡°Tarek¡¯s holding steady. We¡¯ve been monitoring the scanners, but nothing definitive yet. Just...alerts.¡±
Rina chimed in, her tone more contemplative. ¡°The station''s setup, the vault, the key¡ªall of it reeks of old Republic military. Maybe something tied to the Jedi of that time too. They weren¡¯t exactly like today¡¯s Jedi, were they? I mean, not that I¡¯ve met one, but they sound different in the histories.¡±
Jake leaned back, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Different how?¡±
Rina shrugged, tapping a finger against the armrest. ¡°More militaristic. More involved in wars. Less about peacekeeping and philosophy. That key might not just be for some weapons vault¡ªit could be tied to something bigger.¡±
Jake absorbed her words, nodding slowly. ¡°Great. So either we¡¯ve stumbled on a treasure trove or a whole new level of trouble.¡±
Meanwhile, in the cockpit, Tarek¡¯s hands moved with precision over the controls as Mira and Kado scanned the area. Nick-03 stood by, its optics flickering as it assisted with navigation, calling out adjustments in its usual clipped tone. ¡°Angle correction: five degrees starboard. Obstacle clearance: optimal.¡±
Tarek¡¯s jaw tightened as he followed Nick-03¡¯s guidance. ¡°Thanks, buddy. Let¡¯s try to make it out of this field in one piece, shall we?¡±
Suddenly, a cascade of alerts lit up across the console. Nick-03¡¯s voice cut through the tension. ¡°Multiple contacts detected on the far edge of the scanners. Analyzing...scatter pattern suggests independent movements. Not one cohesive group.¡±
Mira leaned forward, her brow furrowing as she adjusted the scanner¡¯s filters. ¡°Scattered? Pirates? Or scavengers?¡±
Kado, seated beside her, narrowed his eyes at the readouts. ¡°Could be anything. Wait¡ªsome of the contacts just disappeared.¡±
Tarek¡¯s grip tightened on the controls. ¡°Destroyed?¡±
Mira¡¯s voice was sharp. ¡°Looks that way. Something out there is taking them out. Could be infighting. Or...¡±
¡°Or something bigger,¡± Kado finished grimly. He crossed his arms, glancing back at Tarek. ¡°We could use it. If it¡¯s chaos out there, it might give us the distraction we need to slip to Malachor.¡±
Tarek considered the suggestion, his expression thoughtful. ¡°Could work. But if whatever¡¯s taking out those ships notices us, we¡¯ll have more than debris to worry about.¡±
Kado nodded. ¡°Better risk that than sit here waiting for it to find us.¡±
Mira leaned back, her tone practical. ¡°Let¡¯s hope they¡¯re too busy with each other to notice us. But if they do...¡±
Tarek glanced over at her, a wry smile breaking through his calm. ¡°I know, I know¡ªdon¡¯t scratch the paint.¡±
In the common area, Jake turned to Shmi and Rina as the ship gave another subtle lurch. ¡°I¡¯m guessing that¡¯s not just turbulence.¡±
Rina glanced toward the cockpit. ¡°If I had to guess? Something¡¯s happening out there. Scanners must be lighting up.¡±
Shmi gently squeezed Anakin¡¯s hand, her voice steady. ¡°Whatever it is, we¡¯ll handle it.¡±
Jake gave her a small smile. ¡°Here¡¯s hoping. Guess I should¡¯ve brought snacks for this ride.¡±
The Stellar Envoy pressed onward, its crew preparing for whatever lay beyond the debris field.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
66 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 33: A Descent Through Fire and Wreckage
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The Stellar Envoy shuddered as it maneuvered through the chaos of the debris field, Tarek¡¯s steady hands guiding the ship through narrow gaps and erratic swirls of metal and stone. In the cockpit, Nick-03¡¯s optics pulsed brightly as it processed the latest readings, its synthetic voice cutting through the tense atmosphere.
¡°Alert: Significant energy build-up detected from the station. Explosion imminent within 48 seconds. Debris velocity will increase exponentially upon detonation. Recommend extreme evasive maneuvers.¡±
Tarek¡¯s calm demeanor wavered slightly, but his tone remained steady. ¡°Thanks for the heads-up, Nick-03. Let¡¯s keep us alive, shall we?¡± His fingers danced over the controls, tilting the ship¡¯s angle to avoid a spinning panel from a shattered bulkhead.
Nick-03 chimed again, almost as if it were anxious. ¡°Calculations indicate the explosion¡¯s shockwave will further destabilize nearby wreckage. Debris field will become significantly more hazardous.¡±
Kado, seated at the support console, slammed a fist on the comm panel. His voice boomed through the ship¡¯s internal speakers. ¡°Davik, Arlos! It¡¯s about to get bumpy. Strap in! You won¡¯t be able to shoot down debris fast enough to make a difference.¡±
Davik¡¯s reply was immediate, and though his voice was gruff, there was a note of reluctant acceptance. ¡°Understood. Weapons are offline. I¡¯m strapped in and ready for the rodeo.¡±
Arlos¡¯s voice came a second later, laced with an edge of nervous energy. ¡°Acknowledged, sir. Topside turret¡¯s locked. Let¡¯s hope sir Tarek knows what he¡¯s doing up there!¡±
Back in the common area, the rest of the crew sat with white knuckles gripping their harnesses. Anakin clung to his mother as Shmi whispered calming reassurances, though her face betrayed her own rising anxiety. Rina, seated next to them, was silent for once, her hand instinctively brushing over her satchel as though confirming the key¡¯s safety.
Jake, in his seat nearby, tried to project confidence despite the twisting knot in his stomach. ¡°No one panic,¡± he said, though his voice cracked just slightly. ¡°Tarek¡¯s got this. Probably.¡± He glanced at Rina. ¡°Right?¡±
Rina didn¡¯t answer, her eyes fixed ahead, but her grip on the armrest tightened.
Mira, now at the cockpit door, braced herself against the frame. ¡°Tarek, we¡¯re running out of time! Just get us clear!¡±
Tarek nodded sharply but didn¡¯t turn from the controls. ¡°That¡¯s the plan, Mira. Nick, plot me the clearest path out of here.¡±
¡°Path plotted,¡± Nick-03 replied efficiently. ¡°Adjust heading by twelve degrees. Maintain current velocity.¡±
Tarek followed the instructions, the ship banking hard to avoid another large fragment spinning dangerously close. Behind him, Mira and Kado exchanged tense glances.
The seconds ticked down.
Then came the explosion.
The distant station erupted in a fiery bloom of energy, the shockwave ripping through the field with catastrophic force. Debris already adrift in space accelerated into chaotic, deadly patterns. The Stellar Envoy was rocked violently, shields flaring as small fragments pinged off its hull. The crew¡¯s safety harnesses held firm as the ship swerved sharply to avoid a massive section of twisted metal hurtling toward them.
¡°Shields down to sixty percent!¡± Nick-03 reported, its tone unusually urgent. ¡°Recommend immediate avoidance of sector C-12. Collision probability ninety-four percent.¡±
Tarek didn¡¯t waste time responding. He pulled the ship into a sharp dive, the engines straining under the sudden maneuver. In the cargo bay, Skew-02 secured in its clamp, emitted a low, disapproving hum at the turbulence.
¡°Hang on!¡± Tarek called through the comms, his usually composed voice rising above the din.
In the common area, Rina gritted her teeth as the ship shook violently, glancing toward Jake. ¡°Still think Gardulla¡¯s little treasure hunt was a good idea?¡±
¡°Ask me again when we¡¯re not about to be crushed into space dust!¡± he answered, gripping his seat to avoid getting thrown about..
The Stellar Envoy pressed on, weaving through the chaos. Tarek¡¯s precise piloting and Nick-03¡¯s rapid calculations kept the ship just ahead of the deadly wave of debris. As the glow of the explosion began to fade behind them, the worst of the immediate danger seemed to pass.
¡°Status report!¡± Tarek barked, his focus still on the controls.
Nick-03¡¯s voice came quickly. ¡°Shields at forty-five percent. Hull integrity stable. Distance from debris field increasing. No immediate threats detected.¡±
A collective sigh of relief rippled through the crew, though no one dared to fully relax just yet. The Stellar Envoy had escaped the destruction, but their journey to Malachor V was far from over.
The Stellar Envoy emerged from the chaos of the debris field, only for the ship¡¯s scanners to confirm what Nick-03 had detected earlier: multiple ships engaged in a chaotic battle. The crew got their first glimpse through the cockpit viewport¡ªa scene of pandemonium. Smaller ships darted erratically, some clearly damaged, attempting to evade relentless turbo laser fire from an organized formation of larger vessels.
Kado leaned toward Tarek, his tone conversational despite the tension in the air. ¡°Think those are the pirates we heard about? Or maybe Gardulla¡¯s mercenaries? Could even be the same lot.¡±
Tarek gave a dry chuckle, keeping his focus on the controls. ¡°Let¡¯s hope they¡¯re too busy shooting each other to notice us.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Nick-03, ever vigilant, cut in. ¡°Observation: Several smaller vessels have broken from the conflict and are on collision courses with no regard for standard flight patterns. Probability of unintentional impact: high.¡±
Tarek sighed. ¡°So much for staying unnoticed.¡± He keyed the ship-wide comms. ¡°Attention, everyone: the ride isn¡¯t over. We¡¯ve got stray ships ahead, and they¡¯re moving like mynocks on spice. Strap in tighter if you value breathing.¡±
Before he could finish, the Stellar Envoy shuddered violently as Tarek pulled into a hard roll to avoid a spinning freighter missing a large chunk of its hull. A ripple of gasps and startled cries echoed through the ship, punctuated by the warning chirps of proximity alarms.
It got worse.
The organized ships shifted their fire, a deadly salvo of green turbo laser blasts suddenly streaking toward the Stellar Envoy.
¡°We¡¯ve been spotted!¡± Kado shouted into the comms.
Tarek muttered a curse under his breath and pushed the throttle to maximum. The ship¡¯s engines roared, straining as the Stellar Envoy surged forward. The chaos outside became a blur of streaking debris, darting ships, and incoming laser fire.
¡°This is fine,¡± Tarek said through gritted teeth. ¡°Just another relaxing day in the Outer Rim.¡±
Kado¡¯s voice crackled over the comms again, this time more urgent. ¡°Man the turrets! Someone, get on the¡ª¡±
¡°Already firing!¡± Davik interrupted, his voice calm but edged with focus as he fired back from the underside turret. ¡°And stop yelling, Kado. You¡¯re making me panic, and it¡¯s contagious.¡±
The uncharacteristic humor in his tone caught everyone by surprise, and despite the tension, a ripple of laughter escaped the crew. Even Tarek cracked a grin.
¡°Focus!¡± Mira snapped from her station. ¡°This is no time for banter.¡±
¡°Let them laugh,¡± Rina said from her seat in the common area, clutching her satchel protectively. ¡°If we¡¯re going down, at least we¡¯ll do it smiling.¡±
In the cockpit, Tarek wove through the madness with increasing precision, his hands a blur over the controls. Nick-03 provided rapid-fire updates.
¡°Warning: Incoming fire on port side. Evasive action required.¡±
¡°Noted!¡± Tarek barked, banking hard to the right as a blast grazed the shields, sending sparks flying across the controls.
¡°Shields down to thirty-eight percent,¡± Nick-03 reported.
¡°Yeah, I noticed!¡±
The ship twisted and rolled through the chaos, narrowly avoiding another near-collision as a damaged fighter exploded in their path. Tarek pulled them into a steep dive to avoid the fiery debris, the crew holding on tightly to their restraints.
Back in the cargo bay, Skew-02¡¯s clamp groaned under the strain as the droid emitted a long, low whistle of disapproval. Jake, gripping his harness, gave it a sideways glance. ¡°Don¡¯t blame me. Tarek''s the one doing the piloting!.¡±
Arlos¡¯s voice came over the comms from the topside turret. ¡°Sir, ma¡¯am¡ªanyone¡ªpermission to say these fighters are too close for comfort?¡±
¡°No argument here!¡± Tarek shot back. ¡°Keep them off us!¡±
Davik¡¯s turret erupted with suppressive fire, the precise bursts forcing a pair of small, erratic ships to veer off course. ¡°One of these jokers clips us, we¡¯re toast!¡± Davik warned.
The organized ships pressed their attack, the turbo lasers carving fiery paths through the chaos. Tarek grimaced as another volley rocked the Stellar Envoy. ¡°We need a plan. Fast.¡±
Kado¡¯s voice came in again. ¡°Forget the plan! We¡¯re heading for the planet, right? Let¡¯s use this chaos as cover and punch it planet-side!¡±
¡°Punching it sounds great!¡± Tarek snapped. ¡°Just let me avoid dying on the way first!¡±
The Stellar Envoy angled toward the planet below, its battered shields holding just enough to deflect incoming fire. The crew braced for the final push, the promise of safety¡ªor perhaps more danger¡ªawaiting them on the surface of Malachor V.
The Stellar Envoy continued its frantic descent, dodging erratically flying ships and turbo laser fire from the organized fleet above. Tarek¡¯s grip on the controls was firm, his focus absolute as he threaded the needle through what seemed like certain death.
¡°Captain,¡± Nick-03¡¯s calm yet insistent voice broke through the tension, ¡°scanners indicate an opportunity for planetary descent. Gap in turbo laser fire detected. Recommend immediate action.¡±
¡°Finally, some good news!¡± Tarek replied. He adjusted the ship¡¯s trajectory, pushing the throttle forward as the Envoy dove toward the planet''s atmosphere. ¡°Let¡¯s take it before they change their minds about missing us.¡±
Davik¡¯s voice came over the comms, his usual dry tone carrying a hint of unease. ¡°Heads up¡ªwe¡¯re not the only ones making this run. Looks like some of these wrecks are caught by the planet¡¯s gravity and heading planet-side with us.¡±
Jake, strapped in tightly in the common area, gave a wry laugh. ¡°Gravity or not, there¡¯s no way all of those are just debris. Some of those have to be ships trying the same trick we are.¡±
¡°That¡¯s exactly what worries me,¡± Mira added sharply from her station in the cockpit. ¡°If they¡¯re ships, they could be just as desperate¡ªand just as armed.¡±
Kado¡¯s voice cut across the comms, authoritative but edged with tension. ¡°Focus up, people. Once we hit atmosphere, we need a plan. Everyone on deck¡ªfind us a good hiding spot. We¡¯ll worry about the rest after we¡¯re out of this mess.¡±
Jake exchanged a look with Rina and Shmi, who nodded back. ¡°We¡¯re on it,¡± Jake said into the comms. The three began scanning for viable options using the ship¡¯s systems.
A moment later, Jake¡¯s voice came back. ¡°Got something¡ªa valley near some old wrecks. Looks like those have been here a long time. Pre-date whatever insanity is going on up there.¡±
Rina chimed in, adding to Jake¡¯s assessment. ¡°If we land there, we can blend in with the wreckage. Heat signatures won¡¯t stand out as much.¡±
Shmi gave a quiet nod of agreement, her calm demeanor steadying Anakin, who clung to her arm.
¡°Good enough for me,¡± Tarek called back. ¡°Sending coordinates to navigation. Everyone hold tight.¡±
The Stellar Envoy plunged through the planet¡¯s atmosphere, the ship vibrating with the intensity of reentry. The shields flared as they strained to handle the heat and stress, but Tarek¡¯s maneuvering kept them on course. Behind them, stray debris and ships entered the atmosphere as well, some breaking apart under the pressure while others descended in dangerous spirals.
Nick-03 provided updates in its usual measured tone. ¡°Atmospheric entry successful. Shields at twenty-five percent. Course locked for designated valley.¡±
Tarek¡¯s landing approach was careful but swift, his focus unyielding. The valley came into view, nestled amidst the husks of ancient wrecks. As they descended, the scale of the old battlefield became clear¡ªships scattered and rusting, many stripped bare by time and scavengers. These relics of a long-forgotten war made the ongoing battle in space feel eerily small in comparison.
With practiced precision, Tarek eased the Stellar Envoy into a concealed spot between two massive wrecks. The ship¡¯s landing struts extended, touching down with only a faint groan of stressed metal.
Kado immediately spoke up once the ship had settled. ¡°All non-essential systems off. I don¡¯t want even a whisper of heat giving us away.¡±
¡°Understood,¡± Tarek replied, quickly powering down auxiliary systems. The interior lights dimmed as the crew worked to minimize the ship¡¯s signature.
A tense silence settled over the ship as everyone waited, listening for any sign of approaching hostiles. Every minute felt like an eternity, but there was no sound save for the faint hum of the ship¡¯s systems.
Finally, when it seemed their hiding spot had worked, the crew collectively exhaled, a wave of relief washing over them.
¡°Well,¡± Jake said, breaking the silence, ¡°that was almost fun.¡±
Kado shot him a look but couldn¡¯t suppress a smirk. ¡°If that¡¯s your idea of fun, I don¡¯t want to know what you do for a good time.¡±
The moment of levity was brief. Mira leaned against a bulkhead, her gaze distant. ¡°We might be safe for now, but if there are other ships down here, we¡¯re not out of trouble yet.¡±
Rina, still clutching her satchel, nodded. ¡°The key¡¯s not going to unlock anything if we get found before we even start searching. We need to move carefully.¡±
Kado¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Agreed. Let¡¯s take stock of what we¡¯ve got and figure out our next steps.¡±
The crew began their preparations, the weight of their mission settling over them once more. The valley might have hidden them for now, but on Malachor V, danger was never far away.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
69 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 34: Between Ash and Ruin
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
The crew of the Stellar Envoy huddled in the common area, their expressions reflecting both exhaustion and relief after the tense escape from the chaos above Malachor V. The ship sat in the valley among ancient wrecks, its systems powered down to minimize detection. Despite the oppressive silence of their hiding place, the crew was focused on taking stock of their situation.
Jake leaned over the mobile tool station, running his hands over its surprisingly smooth surface as he took inventory of its functionality. "Well," he said, glancing at Mira, who stood nearby, "if this thing does half of what I think it can, it''ll save us a ton of time on repairs and maybe even let me tinker with some upgrades."
Mira nodded, her arms crossed. "Let''s hope it doesn''t need too much tinkering itself. We¡¯re in no position to deal with more surprises."
Across the room, Shmi inspected Anakin¡¯s scraped knee from where he had stumbled during the earlier turbulence. ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious,¡± she assured the boy, her voice calm and soothing. ¡°A bit of bacta gel, and you¡¯ll be running around again in no time.¡±
Rina reclined on a nearby seat, absently adjusting her satchel¡¯s strap. ¡°We¡¯ve got the key, the location of the vault, and a new toy for Jake to obsess over. Not bad for a death-defying adventure.¡±
Davik snorted from where he sat, checking a small bruise on his arm. ¡°Yeah, not bad¡ªif we don¡¯t count the fact we¡¯re hiding on a cursed planet while half the galaxy¡¯s shooting at each other above us.¡±
Kado ignored the banter, focused on the ancient droid resting on the floor. "Any idea what this thing is, Jake?" he asked, tapping the droid¡¯s inert form with his boot.
Jake straightened, wiping his hands on his trousers. ¡°Not yet. I¡¯d need some time to hook it up to a diagnostic tool. It¡¯s definitely Old Republic tech, though. Maybe even older.¡±
"Older?" Mira asked, raising an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"
Jake shrugged. "The design. It doesn¡¯t match any Old Republic-era blueprints I¡¯ve seen, not even prototypes. Could be from the Infinite Empire or some other forgotten civilization. Either way, it¡¯s worth figuring out. Who knows what it¡¯s capable of?"
¡°Let¡¯s just hope it doesn¡¯t decide to kill us in our sleep,¡± Davik muttered, earning a laugh from Rina.
Tarek, having finished a quick systems check with Nick-03¡¯s help, joined the group. ¡°Shields are at forty-five percent and rising, engines are holding up, and we didn¡¯t take any critical damage. I¡¯ll handle patching up some of the smaller systems once we¡¯re clear of danger.¡±
Shmi smiled at him. ¡°I¡¯ll help. I¡¯ve done my share of patchwork fixes before.¡±
¡°Appreciated,¡± Tarek said with a small nod. ¡°We¡¯ll need all hands if we¡¯re going to keep this ship running.¡±
Kado cleared his throat, drawing the group¡¯s attention. ¡°We¡¯re in decent shape for now, but let¡¯s not get comfortable. We have the location of the vault¡ªthe Ashen Wastes¡ªbut we don¡¯t know what¡¯s waiting for us there. Supplies look good, but I don¡¯t want us burning through them too quickly. And everyone needs to be ready in case we¡¯re discovered.¡±
The crew nodded in agreement. As the tension eased slightly, Jake cracked a grin. ¡°Hey, at least we¡¯re still alive. I¡¯d call that a win.¡±
¡°For now,¡± Mira added dryly, though her tone lacked its usual edge.
The crew settled in for the wait, each member silently preparing for what lay ahead.
The flashes of turbolaser fire in Malachor V¡¯s ominous sky gradually waned after another forty minutes of intermittent chaos. By the third day, only sporadic flashes lit the heavens, but the crew decided to err on the side of caution, refraining from venturing beyond their hidden valley. It wasn¡¯t until the fifth day that Kado greenlit a scouting mission, eager to ensure the way forward was clear.
During that downtime, the Stellar Envoy¡¯s crew busied themselves with preparations and upkeep. Jake threw himself into work, immersing himself in the intricacies of the mobile tool station. He quickly adapted to its advanced interface, discovering a range of capabilities that far exceeded his expectations. Within hours, the machine had become an indispensable part of his workflow. Its ability to fabricate precision parts on the spot proved invaluable as Jake began repairs on Skew-01, which had been waiting for new components since the mission¡¯s outset.
When not working on Skew-01, Jake focused on the ancient droid. Sitting cross-legged on the cargo bay floor, he dismantled and cataloged its internal systems, careful to avoid damaging its already fragile frame. ¡°This thing¡¯s a relic,¡± he muttered to himself, holding up a cracked component to the light. ¡°We¡¯re talking early Old Republic. Probably older than any archives Gardulla¡¯s goons even know about.¡± He paused to jot down notes.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Much of the droid¡¯s critical systems were missing outright, either scavenged long ago or deteriorated beyond use. Jake worked methodically, identifying replacement parts he could fabricate using the mobile tool station. Some components, however, required materials he didn¡¯t have on hand.
He leaned back with a sigh, addressing the inert droid. ¡°You¡¯re one temperamental piece of history, aren¡¯t you? I¡¯ll get you running, though. Just give me time.¡±
When Jake wasn¡¯t tinkering, Davik took charge of training sessions in the valley outside. Tarek, Shmi, and Arlos rotated through lessons in blaster handling, marksmanship, and basic maintenance.
¡°Steady hands, Tarek,¡± Davik said, standing behind the pilot as Tarek aimed at a makeshift target fashioned from scavenged wreckage. ¡°And remember: it¡¯s not just about pulling the trigger; it¡¯s about understanding the weapon.¡±
Tarek nodded, his expression focused. He squeezed off a shot, and the blaster bolt hit near the center of the target. ¡°Not bad,¡± Davik admitted. ¡°But not great either. Keep at it.¡±
Shmi proved to be a quick learner, her mechanical background translating surprisingly well to weapon maintenance. ¡°Blasters aren¡¯t so different from droids,¡± she said during one lesson, expertly disassembling and reassembling her assigned weapon. ¡°Just fewer moving parts.¡±
Arlos, ever the diligent soldier, absorbed every lesson with a seriousness that sometimes drew amused commentary from Davik including lessons from how soldiers act in holovids. ¡°You don¡¯t have to salute the target, Arlos,¡± he teased after Arlos took an almost military stance before firing.
While the training continued, Mira and Rina worked side-by-side in the common area, poring over data extracted from the station. The files were dense, containing fragments of star charts, outdated military protocols, and cryptic references to other vaults. Mira cross-referenced everything they found, while Rina organized the information into usable formats.
¡°Looks like this whole network of vaults was part of a coordinated Old Republic operation,¡± Rina said, scrolling through a screen of text. ¡°But the records are incomplete. Either they were deleted, or they¡¯re stored somewhere we don¡¯t have access to.¡±
¡°Could be both,¡± Mira replied. ¡°The more I read, the more it feels like this was a black ops project. Makes sense, considering how hard it was to find the station.¡±
The droids¡ªNick-01, Nick-02, Nick-03, and Skew-02¡ªcycled through Jake¡¯s maintenance schedule. Each received updates, recalibrations, and minor improvements using parts crafted by the mobile tool station. Nick-03, in particular, gained additional software upgrades to streamline its navigational and sensor analysis.
By the time the fifth day arrived, the crew had fallen into a rhythm of preparation and collaboration. The looming threat of discovery hung over them, but the downtime proved invaluable. They were stronger, better equipped, and more informed than they had been since arriving on Malachor V.
Now, they just needed to survive the next step.
The Stellar Envoy hummed with quiet activity as the crew prepared for the next phase of their journey¡ªfinding the elusive vault hidden somewhere in the ashen wastes. The oppressive gray landscape stretched endlessly on their monitors, making the task seem as daunting as ever.
Jake, perched on a stool in the common area with a cluster of monitors spread before him, gave the first scout droid a final systems check. ¡°You¡¯re good to go, buddy,¡± he muttered, patting the small, crab-like machine affectionately. Its circular central body emitted a chirp as its legs flexed experimentally.
Rina leaned on the edge of the console, arms crossed, her gaze sharp. ¡°Are you sure these things won¡¯t fall apart halfway out there? You¡¯ve called them ¡®crudely built¡¯ at least twice.¡±
Jake smirked, his tone playful. ¡°Hey, they were crudely built back on Tatooine. Now they¡¯re upgraded. They¡¯ve got better legs, better eyes, and better brains¡ªcourtesy of our shiny new tool station. They¡¯re practically droid royalty now.¡±
Mira, seated beside Rina, quirked an eyebrow. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope they¡¯re royal enough to survive out there. We can¡¯t afford any of them getting stuck or fried.¡±
Jake waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Relax, Mira. They¡¯ve got the range and durability now. They¡¯ll handle the heat¡ªor, uh, ash, I guess.¡±
As Jake set the second and third droids onto the floor, they activated in sequence, their movements smooth and synchronized. He opened a comm channel to everyone on the ship. ¡°Okay, droids are ready. Sending them out now. Spacing them about two klicks apart to maximize coverage. Keep an eye on your displays, folks.¡±
The droids scuttled toward the valley¡¯s edge and into the endless expanse of the ashen wastes. Mira and Rina settled into their seats, pulling up the feed from the droids¡¯ sensors on their consoles. Rina¡¯s fingers danced over the keys as she set up the scan parameters. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m tagging geothermal activity, metallic signatures, and anything that looks like Old Republic architecture.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t forget potential traps or obstructions,¡± Mira added, zooming in on one of the feeds.
¡°Got it,¡± Rina replied. ¡°Jake, did you calibrate for environmental interference?¡±
Jake scoffed, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Please. I¡¯m a professional. Environmental interference is calibrated, dampened, and sent packing. Just sit back and let the little guys do their thing.¡±
Meanwhile, in the cockpit, Tarek ran a final systems check on the Stellar Envoy. His voice came through the comms, calm and steady. ¡°All systems nominal. Shields charged, engines primed. Ready for immediate takeoff if we need it.¡±
¡°Good,¡± Kado replied from the cargo bay. ¡°Let¡¯s not get caught with our pants down if someone decides to come knocking. Arlos, how¡¯s the perimeter look?¡±
Arlos¡¯s reply was crisp, tinged with his usual formality. ¡°Perimeter remains secure, sir. Passive sensors are active, and I¡¯ve conducted a visual sweep. No signs of movement beyond the scout droids.¡±
Davik joined in, his tone more relaxed. ¡°If something does show up, I¡¯ll make sure they regret it. The turrets are fully prepped.¡±
Back at the monitors, Rina let out a thoughtful hum. ¡°Okay, first droid¡¯s reaching the outer edge of the target zone. It¡¯s picking up traces of metal in the ground¡ªnot natural deposits.¡±
¡°Old Republic tech?¡± Mira asked, leaning in closer.
¡°Could be. Or it could be a whole lot of nothing,¡± Rina replied. ¡°Let¡¯s wait for more data before we get too excited.¡±
Jake glanced at the monitors, a grin tugging at his lips. ¡°You¡¯re saying we shouldn¡¯t pop the Twi''lek champagne just yet?¡±
Rina shot him a look. ¡°Twi''lek champagne? Really?¡±
Jake chuckled. ¡°What? It¡¯s classy. And no, we¡¯re not popping anything until we¡¯re sure we¡¯ve found something worth celebrating.¡±
The crew settled into their respective tasks, a mix of tension and anticipation filling the air as the scout droids pushed further into the wastes. For now, they could only watch, wait, and hope that their search would lead them to the vault¡ªand not to more trouble.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
69 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 35: Through Ash and Ruin
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
The hum of the Stellar Envoy''s engines was steady, blending with the sound of my breath as I adjusted the straps on the armor I¡¯d first worn back on Tatooine. It wasn¡¯t much to look at¡ªcobbled together and mismatched¡ªbut it had served us well enough to keep a low profile before. Now, as I tightened a glove and glanced at the others doing the same, I couldn¡¯t help but think about how I could improve it.
"Next project for sure," I muttered under my breath, picturing a sleeker, more unified design. Something practical but intimidating. Built-in personal shields, wrist-mounted blasters, emergency supplies in the utility belt... maybe even rebreathers and comms integrated into the helmets. The works.
"You say something, Jake?" Davik asked, giving his shoulder plate a final pat to ensure it was secure.
I grinned, shaking my head. "Just thinking out loud. These suits are overdue for an upgrade. They deserve a glow-up."
Rina smirked, adjusting a piece of gear on her chest plate. "If you''re volunteering to make me something stylish and functional, I won''t argue."
Kado chimed in, his tone dry. "As long as it doesn¡¯t get us spotted by every scanner within five klicks, Jake. Function first, style second."
"Trust me," I said, fastening my helmet¡¯s strap. "When I¡¯m done, these will be the envy of every merc and bounty hunter in the Outer Rim."
Mira snorted, hefting a pack of supplies onto her back. "Let¡¯s survive this first, yeah? Then we can worry about your fashion projects."
The comm crackled, Tarek¡¯s voice cutting in with his wannabe calm professionalism. "We¡¯re approaching the coordinates. Going in low, as instructed. Nick-03¡¯s assisting with the descent. Captain out."
"Did he just call himself captain again?" Davik asked, shaking his head.
"Let him have his moment," I said with a chuckle.
As the ship started its descent, the vibrations underfoot increased slightly, a reminder of how rough this planet''s terrain could be. The ash clouds thickened on the external monitors, and visibility became limited.
Shmi and Anakin joined us in the cargo bay, their expressions a mix of worry and resolve. Shmi held Anakin¡¯s hand firmly, but he looked more curious than frightened.
Kado stepped forward, his armor making a faint clink as he moved. "Alright, listen up. We¡¯ve got one shot to do this right. Stick together unless separation¡¯s unavoidable. Monitor comms at all times, and remember¡ªwe¡¯re not just here for the vault. Watch for traps, rivals, or any other surprises. This planet has been a graveyard long before today, so let¡¯s not add our names to the list."
He turned to Shmi. "You¡¯re our eyes and ears while we¡¯re out there. Anything seems off, you let Tarek know immediately. Keep an eye on the scanners and feed us updates if something new pops up."
Shmi gave a firm nod. "Understood. Stay safe out there."
Anakin, for his part, looked up at me. "Are you going to find treasure?"
"Something like that," I said, ruffling his hair lightly before securing my helmet. "We¡¯ll bring back a good story for you, okay?"
The ramp began to lower, a gust of cold, ash-laden air rushing in as the outside world came into view. The valley below was barren and quiet, scattered with jagged rocks and the remains of ancient wrecks¡ªreminders of the violence that had long scarred this planet.
I took a deep breath, the filter in my helmet kicking in as I exhaled. "Alright, folks. Let¡¯s see what the wastes have in store for us."
We disembarked, our boots crunching against the ashen ground. The droids followed closely, their weapons and equipment gleaming faintly under the muted light. Behind us, the ramp began to close, the Stellar Envoy blending into the surroundings as Tarek worked on camouflaging it.
Ahead, partially obscured by the haze, was what we suspected to be the entrance to the vault¡ªa structure jutting out from the ground, jagged and foreboding.
"Let¡¯s move," Kado said, his voice steady.
With every step, the weight of the unknown pressed down on us. Whatever lay ahead, it was bound to change our lives¡ªone way or another.
Mira''s P.O.V. :
The ashen wastes stretched out before us, bleak and unwelcoming. The air was heavy with particles of dust and ash, even with the filters in our helmets working overtime. The towering wreckage of Mandalorian and Republic warships created a jagged, oppressive skyline, as if the very land wanted to remind us of the violence that had taken place here.
Jake had handed me command of the scout droids for this run, a decision that surprised no one. My time as a salvage scout on Tatooine had left me well-versed in navigating hostile environments, spotting hidden dangers, and keeping a group moving even when every instinct screamed to turn back.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
The three scout droids hovered ahead in a loose formation, their upgraded systems scanning the terrain for threats and mapping a viable path. The faint hum of their repulsorlifts was oddly comforting¡ªa reminder that we weren¡¯t relying on instinct alone out here.
¡°Stay sharp,¡± I said, my voice carrying over the group comms. ¡°This terrain¡¯s going to fight us every step of the way.¡±
The team murmured their acknowledgments, their focus as sharp as I¡¯d hoped.
The first challenge came quickly: a maze of debris fields littered with jagged remains of warships. Rusted durasteel and shattered transparisteel jutted out at dangerous angles, some pieces suspended precariously as if waiting for the slightest vibration to come crashing down.
"Watch your step," I called, waving the group forward. "This isn¡¯t just scrap¡ªsome of it might still be live."
¡°Live?¡± Jake asked, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and caution.
¡°Unexploded ordnance,¡± I replied. ¡°Mines, charges, or anything that didn¡¯t get a chance to do its job. Look for unusual shapes, markings, or things that just feel wrong.¡±
¡°Got it,¡± he said, his tone a little more serious now.
Rina, walking beside me, kept her hand on her satchel, as if the key might jump out and escape. ¡°You¡¯ve done this kind of thing before?¡±
¡°Not exactly,¡± I said, stepping over a broken bulkhead. ¡°But when you¡¯ve spent enough time picking through the skeletons of starships, you learn what to avoid.¡±
Ahead, one of the scout droids let out a series of beeps, drawing my attention. It hovered near a cluster of debris that was shifting ever so slightly, the unstable ground beneath it threatening to collapse.
¡°We¡¯ll detour left,¡± I said, marking the path on our shared display. ¡°That whole section looks ready to cave in.¡±
Kado grunted in acknowledgment. ¡°Good catch.¡±
As we moved, the air grew colder, the ground beneath our boots becoming more treacherous. Every so often, a distant screech or growl echoed through the wastes, a reminder that we weren¡¯t alone.
¡°Wildlife¡¯s active,¡± Davik said, his blaster held at the ready. ¡°Any idea what¡¯s out here?¡±
¡°Nothing friendly,¡± I said flatly.
Jake chimed in with a half-joking tone. ¡°You think the scout droids are up for spotting anything with too many teeth?¡±
¡°They¡¯ll do their job,¡± I said, though I wasn¡¯t as confident as I sounded.
The next obstacle came in the form of an environmental hazard: a sudden shift in the wind stirred up a storm of ash, reducing visibility to near zero.
¡°Everyone, masks tight and filters on full,¡± I instructed. ¡°We¡¯ll wait for it to pass before moving again.¡±
As we hunkered down, I could feel the weight of the place pressing on us. The silence between gusts of wind felt unnatural, almost malevolent. I caught myself glancing over my shoulder more than once, as if something unseen was watching us.
¡°Feel that?¡± Rina asked quietly, her voice barely audible over the storm.
¡°Yeah,¡± I admitted, my hand instinctively tightening on my blaster. ¡°This place isn¡¯t just dangerous¡ªit¡¯s wrong.¡±
Kado¡¯s voice cut in, steady but low. ¡°Rumors about Malachor¡¯s dark side influence weren¡¯t just stories, then.¡±
I didn¡¯t respond. The droids chirped again, signaling a clearing ahead, and I seized the moment to push the group forward.
When we finally emerged from the storm, the terrain had shifted again. Ahead, the suspected entrance to the vault loomed, partially buried in ash and debris. Its jagged, unnatural architecture stood out against the wreckage around it, and even from this distance, it radiated a sense of foreboding.
¡°Eyes up,¡± I said, signaling the group to spread out slightly. ¡°We¡¯re here, but this is where things get tricky.¡±
The droids scouted ahead, their lights casting eerie shadows on the vault¡¯s exterior. Whatever lay inside, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that we¡¯d just stepped into something far bigger¡ªand far darker¡ªthan we¡¯d prepared for.
Davik''s P.O.V. :
The air in the wastes was heavy, thick with a stillness that gnawed at the edges of my nerves. my blaster rested against my forearm, ready to snap up at the first sign of trouble. The crew had gathered near the vault entrance, a strange, dark structure carved from what looked like ancient stone fused with metal. Its design was as alien as it was unnerving.
Rina pulled the vault key from her satchel, her movements deliberate and cautious. The key, a piece of craftsmanship from an age long past, glinted faintly under the muted light filtering through the ash-filled sky.
Jake¡¯s voice broke the silence, calm but firm. ¡°Let Skew-01 handle it. It¡¯s the most armored and shielded. No sense taking unnecessary risks.¡±
Rina hesitated only for a moment before nodding, carefully handing the key to Skew-01¡¯s manipulators. The custom-built droid, its frame repaired and upgraded to be as durable as anything they had, accepted the key with a mechanical grip. Its servos whirred softly as it moved toward the vault¡¯s keyhole.
I didn¡¯t waste any time. ¡°Alright, everyone,¡± I said, my tone firm and commanding, ¡°combat-ready positions. Find cover, watch each other¡¯s backs. No telling what might happen when that door opens.¡±
The crew scattered, taking up positions behind chunks of debris and natural formations near the entrance. Jake crouched behind a jagged metal plate, tweaking the settings on his gauntlet. Mira ducked low behind a shattered bulkhead, her datapad out, ready to monitor the scout droid¡¯s feed. Rina, for her part, stayed close to cover, her blaster in hand but her eyes fixed on Skew-01.
Some might¡¯ve called it overkill, but I knew better. ¡°Cautious is how we stay alive,¡± I muttered to myself, scanning the area for potential ambush points.
Skew-01 reached the keyhole and inserted the vault key with a precise motion. For a moment, nothing happened, and then a low rumble vibrated through the ground. The massive ¡°door¡± began to shift, sliding open with a deep, resonant groan that echoed into the wasteland.
I tensed, my grip tightening on my blaster. My eyes darted around the perimeter, searching for any sign of automated defenses, traps, or worse. But nothing came.
¡°Looks clear,¡± Jake said cautiously, though he didn¡¯t lower his guard.
I wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°Mira, send in the scout droids. Let¡¯s not take chances.¡±
Mira nodded, her fingers flying across her datapad. The scout droids moved forward, their sensors scanning the darkened interior of the vault. They reported back quickly, their readings showing no immediate threats in the entryway.
¡°Nick droids next,¡± I ordered, glancing at Jake. ¡°Then the Skew units. We¡¯ll move in after the area¡¯s been swept.¡±
Jake gave a quick nod, issuing commands to the droids. The Nick units advanced in a tight formation, their weapons active and ready. Skew-02 and Skew-01 followed, their heavier frames and upgraded armaments a reassuring presence as they scanned the newly revealed space.
Mira¡¯s datapad pinged softly as the droids¡¯ reports came in. She looked up, meeting Davik¡¯s gaze. ¡°Entrance is clear,¡± she said, her tone even but cautious. ¡°No hostiles, no active defenses¡ªso far.¡±
I allowed myself a slight exhale of relief. ¡°Alright,¡± he said, addressing the rest of the crew. ¡°Let¡¯s move in, but keep your guard up. Anything could change once we¡¯re inside.¡±
The crew regrouped, falling into a loose but organized formation. As they crossed the threshold of the vault, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were stepping into a trap. My instincts, honed from years of surviving the worst the galaxy had to offer, screamed at me to stay sharp.
Still, as the darkness of the vault closed in around them, there was no turning back. Whatever lay within these ancient halls was their next challenge¡ªand I was determined to ensure they¡¯d come out of it alive.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
69 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 36: Threads of Dread
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Kado P.O.V. :
I adjusted my grip on my blaster as the group stood just inside the threshold of the vault. The atmosphere was heavy¡ªmore than just stale air. It was as if the place itself was watching them, waiting for something. I tapped the comm on my wrist, contacting Tarek and Shmi back at the ship.
¡°We¡¯re in,¡± I said, my voice measured. ¡°It¡¯s a hallway for now, with doors branching off. Looks quiet, but we¡¯re sticking to protocol. Droids are leading the way. No signs of trouble yet, but I¡¯ll keep you updated.¡±
¡°Copy that,¡± Tarek replied immediately. ¡°We¡¯re monitoring from here. Let us know if you need a fast pickup.¡±
Shmi¡¯s voice came next, warm but concerned. ¡°Stay safe. And make sure Jake doesn¡¯t start taking things apart unless it¡¯s necessary.¡±
I smirked, though I kept my eyes forward. ¡°He¡¯s busy gawking at the walls for now. We¡¯ll keep him in check.¡±
Ahead of me, Jake had indeed paused, his datapad in hand, studying the carvings etched into the walls. His voice echoed softly in the dim space as he mumbled about Old Republic design aesthetics.
¡°Jake,¡± I called out, my tone a mix of amusement and authority. ¡°Save the history lesson for later. Right now, we¡¯re making sure this place doesn¡¯t have any nasty surprises waiting for us.¡±
Jake gave a quick nod, his face slightly sheepish, and fell back in line.
The scout droids rolled ahead, scanning every inch of the hallway for traps or active defenses. The Nick droids followed, their blasters swiveling in sync, while the heavier Skew droids brought up the rear, their reinforced frames carrying supplies.
I watched the formation closely, my wrist comm displaying the droids¡¯ scan results in real time. No heat signatures, no motion, no active systems¡ªbut that didn¡¯t mean we were in the clear. These old vaults had a way of hiding their teeth until you were too close to react.
The hallway stretched endlessly, the faint light from ancient sconces flickering unevenly. Each door they passed was marked with faded symbols¡ªsome familiar, some entirely alien.
¡°This writing,¡± Rina murmured, tracing a hand over one of the markings. ¡°It looks like Old Republic standard. Maybe military? Or Jedi?¡±
¡°Could be anything,¡± Mira added, her eyes glued to her datapad. ¡°Vaults like this usually aren¡¯t straightforward. Whatever¡¯s behind these doors might not even be what we¡¯re looking for¡ªor worse, it might not want to be found.¡±
¡°Let¡¯s not find out the hard way,¡± I said, my tone firm. ¡°We stick to the main path unless we absolutely have to check a side door. No splitting up, no experimenting.¡±
Rina gave a half-nod but kept studying the symbols as they moved. I felt a small twinge of unease as we pressed further into the vault. The faint hum that seemed to resonate through the air wasn¡¯t coming from any one source¡ªit was all around them, like the vault itself was alive.
When the scout droids reached the first major intersection, they paused, their scans reporting no immediate threats. I signaled for the Nick droids to fan out and secure the area before turning to the crew.
¡°All clear so far,¡± I said, lowering my voice as we regrouped. ¡°But we keep our guard up. These places are built to make you feel safe right before they try to kill you.¡±
¡°Always the optimist,¡± Jake quipped from behind, though the tension in his voice betrayed his nerves.
¡°It¡¯s not pessimism,¡± I replied, scanning the dim corridors ahead. ¡°It¡¯s survival. A little caution never killed anyone, but too little has killed plenty.¡±
The group shared a small chuckle, easing some of the tension, but my focus never wavered. My instincts hummed with the same energy as the vault.
¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± I said, motioning toward the path ahead. ¡°Droids first, then us. And remember¡ªif something feels wrong, it probably is. Speak up before it¡¯s too late.¡±
As we followed the droids into the next stretch of the hallway, the air grew colder, and the faint hum deepened, almost imperceptibly. I tightened my grip on my blaster and glanced at the crew.
¡°Whatever this place is hiding,¡± I muttered under his breath, ¡°we¡¯re going to find it¡ªand we¡¯re going to live to tell about it.¡±
Arlos P.O.V. :
I hugged my arms tightly as the group moved deeper into the vault¡¯s entrance hall, my steps slow and cautious. The air felt thick¡ªheavy with something more than just dust and time. It was oppressive, like a slimy shadow pressing against his mind. I wanted to stop, to sit down, maybe even cry. But I kept walking. I had to.
The others looked so composed, so steady. Sir Kado led with confidence, his sharp eyes scanning every corner for danger. Lady Mira was engrossed in her datapad, tracking the droids¡¯ movements ahead. Even Sir Jake, who often seemed distracted by the details of everything they encountered, moved with a purpose that I envied.
They had all saved me. They had freed me. I couldn¡¯t let them see how scared I was.
Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.
No, scared wasn¡¯t enough to describe it. I was terrified. The planet had been gnawing at my nerves since we landed. This wasn¡¯t the normal fear of getting hurt or making a mistake. It felt wrong. Like something alive, dark, and hungry was wrapping itself around me.
My attention snapped back to the present when I heard Sir Kado¡¯s voice echo softly in the vault.
¡°We stick together. No splitting up, no poking around unless necessary. This place is already bad news without us making dumb decisions.¡±
Sir Kado¡¯s calm, commanding tone steadied him, but only a little. Then I caught a phrase that sent a chill down my spine.
¡°Dark side influence,¡± Sir Kado had said.
The words hung in my mind, heavy and cold. Dark side. I didn¡¯t know what it meant exactly, but it sounded like it fit. It sounded like the name for what I was feeling.
I wanted to blurt out the question right then, but I bit my tongue. Sir Kado was busy making sure everyone was safe. I wouldn¡¯t interrupt. I''d wait for the right moment.
That moment came soon enough. As the others started spreading out in the entrance area, cautiously examining the space and listening to reports from the droids, I saw my chance. I hesitated for a second, then stepped closer to Sir Kado.
¡°Sir Kado?¡± I said, my voice trembling but determined.
Sir Kado turned to me, his blaster resting loosely at his side. His expression softened when he saw me. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind, kid?¡±
I took a deep breath. ¡°What¡ what did you mean by ¡®dark side influence¡¯? What is it?¡±
The others, hearing the question, turned their attention to Kado as well. Even Lady Mira lowered her datapad slightly, curious about his answer.
Kado scratched the back of his neck and gave a small chuckle. ¡°You¡¯re really asking me? I¡¯m no Jedi or historian. Most of what I know is secondhand.¡± He sighed and leaned against a nearby wall. ¡°Alright, here¡¯s what I¡¯ve picked up over the years¡ªfrom customers, cantina gossip, and the like.¡±
He cleared his throat. ¡°The ¡®dark side¡¯ is¡ well, it¡¯s part of the Force, apparently. The bad part. Greedy, angry, hateful stuff. People say it can mess with your head¡ªmake you feel things you wouldn¡¯t normally feel. Fear, rage, despair. Some places, especially ones tied to battles or tragedy, get soaked in it. Like the darkness sticks to the ground, the walls, the air. I¡¯ve heard of folks going mad in places like that, or worse.¡±
I shivered at the description. ¡°So¡ it¡¯s real?¡±
Sir Kado nodded solemnly. ¡°Seems like it. Not that I¡¯ve ever seen it up close, but this planet¡ªMalachor¡ªit¡¯s supposed to be one of those places. A battlefield from way back, full of death and pain. It wouldn¡¯t surprise me if this is what you¡¯re feeling.¡±
I hesitated, then spoke again. ¡°Since we landed, I¡¯ve felt¡ something. Like I¡¯m being smothered. It¡¯s dark and slimy and heavy, and I can¡¯t stop feeling afraid.¡±
The others exchanged uneasy glances.
¡°I feel it too,¡± Lady Rina admitted, her voice quiet. ¡°A sort of¡ dread. Like something¡¯s watching us.¡±
Lady Mira nodded. ¡°Same here. I¡¯ve been trying to ignore it, but it¡¯s there.¡±
Even Sir Jake spoke up. ¡°It¡¯s faint for me, but yeah. Like the air¡¯s whispering things I don¡¯t want to hear.¡±
Sir Kado crossed his arms, his face serious. ¡°It¡¯s the planet,¡± he said firmly. ¡°And if it¡¯s the dark side, it¡¯s doing exactly what it¡¯s meant to do¡ªmake us afraid, make us doubt. But we¡¯ve made it this far because we don¡¯t give in. Stick close. Watch each other¡¯s backs. We¡¯ll get through this.¡±
His words were steady and calm, but the tension in the group lingered. I felt a little better knowing I wasn¡¯t alone in what I felt, but the fear didn¡¯t go away. I looked at the others, drawing strength from their bravery, and silently promised myself that I wouldn¡¯t let them down.
Even if the darkness was real, we would face it together.
Shmi P.O.V. :
I sat in the common area of the Stellar Envoy, my hands resting uneasily in my lap as the minutes stretched on. The crew¡¯s comm chatter crackled faintly in the background, giving me a thread of connection to the team out at the vault site. I tried to focus on that, my mind replaying Jake¡¯s instructions before they left.
¡°Keep an eye on things. You¡¯re our anchor back here,¡± he¡¯d said with a reassuring smile.
I sighed, glancing across the seat where Anakin sat. He had been fidgety all day, more than usual, his tiny frame shifting and wriggling as though he couldn¡¯t find a comfortable position. Now, though, he sat very still¡ªtoo still. His small hands were clenched in his lap, his face pale and tense.
¡°Anakin?¡± I called softly, my voice filled with motherly concern.
He didn¡¯t answer right away. His bright blue eyes darted nervously around the room, and then he began to shake.
My heart dropped. I crossed the small space and crouched down in front of him, placing my hands gently on his shoulders. ¡°Ani, what¡¯s wrong?¡±
He finally turned his gaze to me, his lip quivering. ¡°I¡¯m scared, Mom,¡± he whispered. ¡°There¡¯s¡ something scary.¡±
I frowned and pulled him into a hug, trying to soothe him. ¡°It¡¯s alright, my love. You¡¯re safe here with me. What¡¯s scary? Can you tell me?¡±
Anakin hesitated, clinging tightly to me. Then he raised a trembling hand and pointed toward the viewport behind the hologram.
¡°There,¡± he said, his voice shaking.
I turned to look, expecting nothing more than the eerie landscape we¡¯d seen since landing. But as my eyes followed the line of his finger, a cold dread sank into my chest.
My gaze landed on the direction of the vault¡ªthe same place the others had entered. Suddenly, the air in the room felt thinner, my skin prickling with an unnatural chill.
A shiver ran down my spine, and my blood seemed to freeze. An overwhelming sense of wrongness settled over me like a heavy, suffocating blanket.
¡°Anakin¡¡± I whispered, barely able to speak.
He buried his face in her shoulder, his small voice muffled. ¡°It feels bad, Mom. Really, really bad.¡±
I swallowed hard, my mind racing. I knew children often picked up on things that adults missed¡ªan instinctive, unfiltered sense of the world. But this? This was something more.
I shot to my feet, pulling Anakin close to my side. My voice was panicked as I called out, ¡°Tarek!¡±
The sound of my shout startled the young pilot, who was seated at the cockpit monitoring the group¡¯s progress. ¡°Shmi? What¡¯s going on?¡±
I struggled to calm my breathing enough to answer. ¡°I need you to contact the others. Tell them to come back now! Something¡¯s wrong!¡±
Tarek frowned, swiveling his chair to look at me, clearly startled by my tone. ¡°Why? What happened?¡±
I glanced at Anakin, who was now trembling even more, clutching my hand tightly. I didn¡¯t want to scare Tarek unnecessarily, but I couldn¡¯t hide the urgency in my voice. ¡°I have a bad feeling,¡± I said. ¡°And so does Anakin.¡±
Tarek hesitated, his brow furrowed. ¡°Shmi, no offense, but it¡¯s not unusual for a three-year-old to be scared. I mean, look at this place¡ªit¡¯s enough to give me goosebumps.¡±
¡°Please, Tarek,¡± I interrupted, my voice sharper than I intended. ¡°I¡¯m not imagining this. Neither is Ani. Just try.¡±
Tarek studied me for a moment, then nodded reluctantly. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll reach out to them.¡±
He turned back to the controls and began working to hail the crew. I watched him, my heart pounding, silently praying that he would get through.
But after a few minutes, he shook his head. ¡°No luck,¡± he said grimly. ¡°The vault or whatever they¡¯re inside must be blocking the signal.¡±
I felt her knees weaken, and I sat back down, pulling Anakin into my lap. My hand shook as I smoothed his hair, murmuring soothing words more for myself than for him.
Tarek stood from his seat and walked over to me. ¡°Hey,¡± he said softly, his usual politeness laced with concern. ¡°They¡¯re tough, Shmi. They know what they¡¯re doing.¡±
I nodded mechanically, but the icy feeling in my chest wouldn¡¯t fade.
Deep down, I knew. Something was terribly, horribly wrong.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
72 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 37: Into the Vault: Nerding Out Among the Stars
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
As the vault door creaked open and revealed its first storage chamber, a single thought blazed through my mind like a supernova: Jackpot.
I stepped in, my boots echoing faintly against the smooth metallic floor. The chamber was enormous, with rows upon rows of neatly organized shelves and racks, all brimming with technology. I couldn¡¯t stop the grin from spreading across my face. It was a treasure trove¡ªa nerd''s dream come true.
My eyes darted from one incredible find to another. Blasters of all shapes and sizes lined one wall, their sleek designs ranging from standard issue to experimental prototypes. Another section was dedicated to vehicle spare parts¡ªsome civilian, others clearly military-grade. Nearby, a row of dormant droids stood silent and still: astromech droids, protocol droids, medics, and workers.
I couldn¡¯t stop myself from taking a step closer to inspect a starship engine module. It looked pristine, as if it had just rolled off the assembly line. My gaze wandered to the corner where schematic storage units gleamed under the dim light. The schematics! Oh, the potential in those compact little vaults of data.
I might have said something out loud¡ªhonestly, I wasn¡¯t paying attention to my own voice. I was in my element, utterly absorbed, like a kid let loose in a candy store.
¡°Uh¡ is Jake okay?¡± I heard Arlos ask cautiously from somewhere behind me.
¡°He¡¯s fine,¡± Kado replied with a bemused chuckle. ¡°This is him nerding out. Just give him a minute.¡±
I turned and saw the entire team watching me with varying degrees of amusement. Rina looked like she was stifling a laugh, while Davik was shaking his head, muttering something like, ¡°Of course this is his reaction.¡±
Kado called my attention with a short whistle. ¡°Hey, Jake. Focus. Is there anything specific here we should prioritize?¡±
I blinked, forcing myself to snap out of my technological reverie. I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly, realizing I¡¯d probably been staring a little too long at everything.
¡°Well,¡± I started, clearing my throat. ¡°If I had my way, we¡¯d grab the schematics first. That¡¯s where the real gold is¡ªblueprints for whatever tech they were developing or storing here. As for everything else¡¡± I gestured vaguely at the droids and modules. ¡°They¡¯re not to die for, but the ship modules might come close.¡±
Davik snorted. ¡°Not to die for, he says, while practically drooling over this stuff.¡±
I shot him a mock glare but didn¡¯t bother denying it. He wasn¡¯t wrong.
Kado nodded thoughtfully, already organizing the team. ¡°Alright, schematics first. Mira, you and Rina start pulling what we can from the storage units. Arlos, keep scanning the area for anything unusual¡ªdoors, traps, or hidden compartments. Jake, you figure out which of these modules are worth hauling back. And everyone,¡± his voice grew more serious, ¡°stay sharp. We don¡¯t know how long we have before someone¡ªor something¡ªshows up.¡±
The mood shifted slightly at his reminder, and I felt the weight of it settle in. Even surrounded by all this incredible tech, we couldn¡¯t forget where we were¡ªor what dangers might be lurking.
Still, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a spark of excitement. This wasn¡¯t just survival or exploration anymore. It was discovery¡ªsomething I¡¯d dreamed about long before ending up in this galaxy.
Time to get to work.
Continuation - Jake''s P.O.V. :
While Mira and Rina worked together to extract what they could from the storage units holding schematics, I updated the droid command hierarchy temporarily to include Arlos. He had been standing nearby, looking a little unsure of what to do. With the droids assisting him in scanning the area, he seemed more at ease, his usual polite demeanor returning as he directed the machines with quiet "Yes, sir," or "Thank you, sir," as needed.
I was already neck-deep in excitement as I sorted through the vault¡¯s contents. My mind raced with possibilities while I marked items for hauling back to the ship. Many of the prototypes were either the ancestors of technology we used today or entirely new concepts that might just inspire future projects. Some were rough¡ªclearly stepping stones to better designs¡ªbut others showed innovative directions that could be modernized with the right tools.
Then there were the ones that were simply jaw-dropping. Like this ship camouflage tech I¡¯d stumbled across¡ªit wasn¡¯t just passive; it actively worked while making the ship invisible to all kinds of scanners. That one made me freeze, the implications already running wild in my mind. If I could get this up and running, it¡¯d be a game-changer for us.
Another piece caught my eye¡ªa partially assembled droid. I tilted my head, squinting a bit. Its structure vaguely reminded me of something from the second Avengers movie I saw back on Earth¡ªan Ultron sentry drone, maybe? But that was wishful thinking. This was far more detailed and technical, with none of the sleek menace of a Marvel villain. Still, its design was unique, and my brain itched to figure out how it worked.
¡°Jake, you doing okay over there?¡± Kado called out, snapping me out of my reverie.
¡°Yeah, yeah, fine!¡± I replied quickly, realizing I¡¯d been standing there staring at the droid like it was going to tell me its secrets.
¡°He¡¯s fine,¡± Kado said, though I heard the smirk in his voice. ¡°Kid¡¯s just lost in tech-land again. Focus, Jake¡ªanything we really need to prioritize?¡±
I gave it a second of thought, snapping out of my tech-trance. ¡°Schematics are the big win here,¡± I said, still grinning. ¡°The rest is good, but it¡¯s not life-changing. Well¡ maybe the ship modules are close.¡±
¡°Got it, focus on those then,¡± Kado said with a chuckle, his tone just a little amused but supportive.
Mira and Rina, already engrossed in their work, nodded without looking up. Arlos gave a polite ¡°Understood, sir,¡± as he continued scanning nearby.
I got back to it, this time resisting the urge to geek out too much. But I made a mental note¡ªonce this vault was cleared, I was going to have a lot of fun figuring this stuff out.
Kado''s P.O.V. :
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
While the others were busy cataloging and deciding which treasures to prioritize for the ship, I decided it was time to keep the momentum going. We couldn¡¯t afford to linger in just one room. Turning to Jake and Davik, I motioned for them to join me.
¡°Jake, can we borrow one or two droids for scouting the next room?¡± I asked.
Jake, still distracted by whatever high-tech marvel he was studying, nodded. ¡°Nick-02 and one of the scout droids should work,¡± he said, issuing the command with a wave of his hand. The droids immediately perked up, following us as Davik and I got into position.
Davik, ever cautious, adjusted his weapon and nodded at me. ¡°Ready when you are.¡±
The walk to the next room was uneventful but tense. We didn¡¯t know what might be waiting for us behind each sealed door, and I could see Davik scanning every shadow as if expecting trouble. The droids moved efficiently, the scout taking point while Nick-02 followed, its sensor module blinking steadily.
When the door hissed open, the scout droid rolled in first, its scanners humming softly. Nick-02 followed, then Davik and I stepped in, weapons raised, just in case.
The room was vast and orderly, illuminated by faint, long-lasting light fixtures embedded in the walls. Nick-02 was already moving along the rows of neatly stacked crates and containers, scanning their contents. The scout droid zipped along the opposite side, doing the same.
Satisfied that there were no immediate threats, I lowered my blaster and pulled out my datapad to start scanning. Davik didn¡¯t relax, though. He moved slowly through the room, his rifle at the ready, checking for anything suspicious.
As I began reading through the preliminary scan results, my pulse quickened. This wasn¡¯t just another storage room. It was filled with raw materials¡ªsome in their natural state, others already refined and ready for use. I scrolled further, and my breath caught.
Phrik.
My grin spread before I could stop it. Phrik was one of the rarest and most valuable metals in the galaxy, renowned for its durability and near-immunity to blaster fire and lightsabers. To find it here, among so many other treasures, was nothing short of a miracle.
¡°Hey, Davik,¡± I called out, barely able to keep my excitement contained.
He turned, his rifle lowering slightly as he caught my expression. ¡°What¡¯s with the grin, Kado? Did you find something good?¡±
¡°Good?¡± I echoed, shaking my head and laughing. ¡°This room is a treasure trove. Refined metals, raw materials, and¡ªget this¡ªphrik. Enough phrik to make anyone giddy.¡±
Davik raised an eyebrow, his stance finally relaxing a bit. ¡°Phrik, huh? Guess that explains why you¡¯re grinning like a kid at Life Day.¡±
¡°Damn right,¡± I said, still laughing softly as I continued scanning. This find wasn¡¯t just useful¡ªit was extraordinary. With phrik, we could enhance our equipment in ways I hadn¡¯t even dared to dream.
Davik nodded, his gaze sweeping the room. ¡°Let¡¯s make sure it¡¯s safe first, though. No sense getting excited if there¡¯s something nasty hidden in here.¡±
¡°Agreed,¡± I said, sobering slightly. But deep down, I couldn¡¯t shake the excitement. This was a find that could change everything for us.
Continuation - Kado''s P.O.V. :
I tapped my commlink with a smile, eager to share the discovery of the phrik and other materials. ¡°Hey, everyone, we just hit the jackpot in here,¡± I began, but instead of hearing their voices, static hissed in response.
I frowned and turned to Davik. ¡°You try. My comm¡¯s acting up.¡±
Davik adjusted his own commlink and attempted to hail the others. His expression darkened as he shook his head. ¡°Same here. Just static.¡±
That didn¡¯t make sense. The data from the scout droids and Nick-02 was still coming through to our datapads without any issues. Why would the comms fail while data transfer remained operational?
¡°Strange,¡± I muttered, trying to think it through.
Davik tapped his chin before suggesting, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s interference on the standard channels. Let¡¯s try shortwave frequency. It¡¯s an older method, but it might cut through whatever¡¯s causing this.¡±
Walking back wasn¡¯t exactly appealing, so I nodded. ¡°Do it.¡±
Davik adjusted his commlink, and after a moment, the static cleared, replaced by the faint hum of a successful connection.
I quickly hailed the others. ¡°We¡¯ve got some good news,¡± I said, relieved. ¡°The second storage room is full of raw and refined materials¡ªlots of high-value metals, including phrik. But there¡¯s a weird issue: standard comms aren¡¯t working, only shortwave is getting through. Be ready for that in case we lose contact again.¡±
Mira¡¯s voice came through first. ¡°Noted, Kado. I¡¯ll let the others know. Phrik, huh? That¡¯s... something else.¡±
Jake¡¯s excited voice piped up in the background, almost drowned out by Mira¡¯s calm acknowledgment. I could imagine him already planning a dozen upgrades for the ship and our equipment with what we¡¯d found.
With that settled, Davik and I double-checked the room to ensure there were no overlooked threats, then made our way back to the others. As we approached the first storage room, I spotted Mira standing just outside. Beside her were a couple of repulsorlift cargo sleds, loaded with what looked like some of the best finds from the room.
¡°Efficient as ever,¡± I said with a grin as I approached.
Mira glanced over at us. ¡°You find any threats in the second room?¡±
¡°Nope,¡± I said. ¡°Just treasure. Where¡¯s Jake and Rina?¡±
¡°Jake¡¯s still doing his thing,¡± Mira replied with a smirk. ¡°You know, geeking out over every little gadget in there. Rina¡¯s just about finished with the data transfers¡ªshe¡¯s at the far end of the collection.¡±
Davik nodded, staying by Mira to monitor the area while I headed inside.
The first thing I heard was Jake¡¯s familiar mumbling as I entered. He was crouched beside an inactive droid, gesturing animatedly at its components as if the machine might respond. Nearby, Rina was working diligently, her focus unbroken as she accessed the final terminals in the row.
I shook my head with a small chuckle. This crew, for all our quirks, was damn good at making the most out of every opportunity.
Jake¡¯s P.O.V. :
The sound of Kado clearing his throat pulled me out of my hyperfocus on the droid in front of me. I turned to find him standing there, arms crossed, a look of amused patience on his face.
¡°You about done?¡± he asked with a raised brow. ¡°Mira¡¯s already filled the repulsorlift sleds, and there are only three of those things here.¡±
I straightened up, brushing off some nonexistent dust from my gloves. ¡°Honestly, I was expecting to grab things the Skew droids could carry.¡± I gestured vaguely at the sleds. ¡°Turns out I was thinking way too small.¡±
Kado chuckled. ¡°Lesson learned, huh?¡±
He paused before adding, ¡°Speaking of lessons, what¡¯s your take on the materials we found in the second storage room? Particularly the phrik?¡±
I grinned at that. ¡°Definitely don¡¯t sell the phrik.¡±
Kado laughed, shaking his head. ¡°Yeah, figured as much.¡±
With growing enthusiasm, I continued, ¡°I could finally upgrade all of our gear¡ªthe droids, maybe build some more droids, and even add upgrades for the Stellar Envoy. With phrik, the possibilities are insane.¡±
Kado nodded approvingly before giving me a pointed look. ¡°Good. But for now, I think we should head back to the ship and secure what we¡¯ve found so far. There¡¯s no sense getting greedy or careless.¡±
I hesitated, glancing toward Rina at the far end of the room, still finishing her data transfers. ¡°You guys go ahead. Rina¡¯s not done yet, and we¡¯ve got the Skew droids for backup and the scout droids for early warnings. We¡¯ll be fine.¡±
Kado frowned but relented. ¡°Fine. But don¡¯t go exploring the rest of the storage rooms without us. That¡¯s an order, kid.¡±
¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± I replied with a casual wave.
Satisfied, Kado turned and started organizing the retreat. Mira, Davik, Arlos, and the two Nick droids¡ªacting as bodyguards¡ªbegan escorting the repulsorlift sleds toward the exit. I made sure Mira kept control of one scout droid so their journey back to the ship would have some extra safety.
Once they left, it was just Rina, the Skew droids, and me in the first storage room. I returned to my technological treasure hunt, taking mental notes as ideas popped into my head. Every time I glanced at the Skew droids standing guard, I couldn¡¯t help but imagine how I could upgrade them now that we had phrik to work with. Reinforced plating, better energy shields, integrated weapons... the possibilities swirled in my mind.
¡°Jake.¡±
Rina¡¯s voice broke through my thoughts, and I nearly jumped. Okay, fine, I might have let out a tiny squeal.
Rina smirked. ¡°Did you just squeal?¡±
¡°No,¡± I said firmly, pretending her words didn¡¯t faze me. ¡°What do you need?¡±
She motioned to the terminal she¡¯d been working on. ¡°I¡¯m done with the transfers. Are you ready to go, or do you want to keep hugging droids all day?¡±
I narrowed my eyes at her. ¡°First off, I¡¯m not hugging the droids. Second, I promised Kado we wouldn¡¯t explore without the rest of the group.¡±
Rina sighed, rolling her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s been safe so far. What could possibly go wrong? And we have the Skew droids with us. We¡¯ll be fine.¡±
Her insistence made me hesitate, but she wasn¡¯t wrong about things being uneventful so far. Plus, the Skew droids were solid backup. Still, I had a bad feeling about this.
¡°Fine,¡± I said reluctantly. ¡°But just a quick peek.¡±
Rina grinned, clearly pleased with herself. ¡°Let¡¯s go, then.¡±
I shook my head, muttering under my breath as we set off deeper into the vault. This better not bite us in the ass.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
72 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 38: A Door to Dread
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Multi POV Chapter
Jake''s P.O.V. :
Rina was taking the lead again, her steps confident as she strode ahead. I kept my pace a bit behind her, with the Skew and scout droids following close behind. The faint hum of the droids¡¯ servos echoed in the quiet hallway, giving the illusion of safety, but I wasn¡¯t entirely comfortable.
¡°Rina,¡± I called out, my voice tinged with annoyance. ¡°Can you please let the droids take the lead? At least the scout droids. That¡¯s what they¡¯re for.¡±
Rina turned her head slightly, not even breaking stride. ¡°It¡¯s been safe so far, Jake. Don¡¯t worry so much.¡±
I frowned, muttering under my breath. That¡¯s exactly the attitude that gets people killed in holo-dramas. Still, I didn¡¯t push it further, though the Skew droids remained on high alert behind me.
As we passed the second storage room, I spared a glance inside, catching sight of the stacks of phrik and refined metals. The sight gave me a momentary burst of excitement, but Rina¡¯s determined pace kept me moving. She had her sights set on the third storage room up ahead, and I wasn¡¯t about to let her go in there alone.
When we reached the door to the next storage room, Rina wasted no time. Her fingers flew across the control panel, and the door hissed open.
I stepped up beside her, my usual quips ready to fire, but the sight inside stopped me in my tracks.
The room wasn¡¯t what I expected¡ªnot even close.
Instead of racks of schematics, raw materials, or advanced tech, the third storage room was filled with... statues? And... furniture? Ornate, elaborate furniture carved from dark wood and metals, some inlaid with what looked like gemstones. The statues were equally strange¡ªfigures cloaked in flowing robes, their expressions either serene or menacing, depending on the angle.
I blinked, my brain struggling to process the sheer mundanity of it. ¡°What the hell is this?¡± I blurted out, throwing up my hands. ¡°Statues? Furniture? This is pointless! What are we supposed to do with this?¡±
Rina crossed her arms and leaned against the doorway, a slight smirk on her face. ¡°Well, maybe these are culturally significant? You know, like artifacts or something.¡±
I turned to her and gave her the blankest stare I could muster.
Her smirk faltered, and she quickly backpedaled. ¡°Okay, fine. Maybe Kado will know why this stuff is here. He¡¯s the one who knows about history and cultural relics, right?¡±
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, my earlier excitement completely deflated. ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s just chalk this up to Kado might know and move on. At least this room¡¯s harmless.¡±
Lowering my guard, I stepped further inside, looking over the statues and ornate furniture. It was all well-crafted, sure, but compared to the treasures in the other rooms, this was... underwhelming. Still, something about the statues made the back of my neck itch. I couldn¡¯t put my finger on it, but they gave off a vibe I didn¡¯t like.
¡°Let¡¯s finish scanning this room and move on,¡± I muttered, gesturing for the scout droids to get to work.
Rina nodded, stepping in beside me. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Jake. Maybe the next room will have more of your precious tech.¡±
¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± I grumbled, my eyes narrowing at a particularly sinister-looking statue. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope it doesn¡¯t involve more furniture.¡±
Jake¡¯s P.O.V. :
The walk to the fourth and final storage room felt like it stretched on forever, but that was probably just my mood talking. The third room had sapped my excitement, and it didn¡¯t look like Rina was doing much better¡ªthough she hid it behind her usual bravado.
She kept trying to lead the group, but with our slower pace, the scout droids and Skew droids naturally moved ahead of us, finally following my earlier orders to take point. I stayed quiet, content to let them do their thing.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
When we finally arrived at the fourth storage room, I paused. The door looked just like the others¡ªnothing special about it¡ªbut something about it felt... wrong. I couldn¡¯t explain it, but there was this faint pressure in the air, like standing too close to a power generator.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Rina hesitate. Her hand hovered over the control panel, her confident demeanor slipping for a split second before she caught herself.
¡°You okay?¡± I asked, keeping my tone neutral.
¡°Yeah,¡± she replied quickly, though her voice didn¡¯t carry the usual edge.
I stepped closer, giving the door a wary look. ¡°This is the part where I regret saying, what could go wrong.¡±
Rina snorted but didn¡¯t reply. With a steadying breath, she keyed the door open.
The room beyond was... off.
Even with the overhead lighting flickering on, the space felt dim, the shadows clinging to the walls as if reluctant to let go. The air was heavy, like the atmosphere itself was pressing down on us.
In the center of the room stood a pedestal. It wasn¡¯t particularly ornate, just a solid block of stone with faint carvings along its edges. The carvings glowed faintly, pulsating in a rhythm that seemed to sync with my heartbeat the longer I looked at it.
¡°What the hell is that?¡± I muttered, my voice unnaturally loud in the oppressive silence.
Rina stepped in beside me, her hand instinctively brushing the blaster at her hip. ¡°No idea, but it¡¯s giving me bad vibes.¡±
¡°Yeah, no kidding.¡± I took a step back, the instinct to put distance between me and the pedestal growing stronger. ¡°We should call the others before we do anything. This... whatever this is, feels way above our pay grade.¡±
To my surprise, Rina didn¡¯t argue. She nodded, her usual confidence replaced with a seriousness I rarely saw from her.
¡°Agreed,¡± she said, her voice low.
I reached for my commlink, glancing at the Skew droids for reassurance. They stood silent and motionless, their sensors scanning the room as if it were just another storage area. I wasn¡¯t sure if that made me feel better or worse.
¡°This is Jake,¡± I said into the comm, forcing my voice to stay steady. ¡°We¡¯ve reached the fourth storage room. Found... something. You¡¯re going to want to see this before we touch anything.¡±
Static answered me, and I felt my stomach drop.
¡°Jake to Kado, Mira, anyone. Come in.¡±
Still nothing.
I exchanged a glance with Rina, whose hand had tightened on her blaster. ¡°Let¡¯s give it a minute,¡± I said, though the unease curling in my chest told me it wouldn¡¯t help.
This wasn¡¯t normal. None of this was normal.
Kado''s P.O.V. :
After traversing about a third of the way back to the ship by my estimate, Tarek¡¯s voice crackled over the comms. His tone was urgent and panicked, calling us repeatedly until I quickly answered.
¡°Tarek, what¡¯s going on?¡± I asked, my grip tightening on the repulsorlift cargo sled I was pushing.
Tarek¡¯s words came in a rush. ¡°Kado you answered, finally! It¡¯s Shmi and Anakin. They¡¯re having¡ a bad feeling. At first, I thought it was just this place messing with us¡ªI mean, who wouldn¡¯t feel on edge here? But their reactions¡ Shmi looked pale as a sheet, and Anakin was shaking. It¡¯s scaring me.¡±
I let out a slow breath. ¡°This is Malachor V, Tarek. The echoes of its past make it a place soaked in dread. What they¡¯re feeling isn¡¯t surprising, given what this planet¡¯s been through. But I understand your concern. We¡¯ll get this haul dropped off and head back to the vault immediately and finish up.¡±
Hearing his relieved sigh eased some of the tension in my chest. ¡°Thank you, be careful Kado,¡± Tarek replied.
After ending the call, I turned to the others. ¡°That was Tarek. Shmi and Anakin are deeply unsettled¡ªTarek said they¡¯re scared out of their minds. Given where we are, it¡¯s not surprising, but we should pick up the pace. They¡¯re counting on us to move fast.¡±
Davik gave a curt nod, Mira frowned in worry, and Arlos¡ªalways polite¡ªadded, ¡°Yes, sir. Let¡¯s not waste a moment.¡±
With that, we doubled our pace. By the time we arrived at the ship¡¯s landing site, we were moving so efficiently it felt like a military operation. The spoils were loaded into the cargo bay with precision and no wasted motion. Then, as quickly as we¡¯d arrived, we set out on the return trek to the vault, the unsettling weight of Malachor¡¯s atmosphere pushing us forward.
When we entered the vault, I immediately spotted Jake and Rina in the first storage area. The skew droids stood on guard near them, while the scout droids hovered nearby. The two were deep in conversation, their expressions far from casual. Jake¡¯s face bore a grimace, and Rina looked like she was half-defensive, half-embarrassed.
¡°Jake,¡± I called out sharply, my voice carrying across the room as Davik, Mira, and Arlos filed in behind me. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±
Jake turned to me, looking like a kid caught sneaking sweets before dinner. ¡°We, uh¡ we checked out the rest of the vault.¡±
¡°You what?¡± My voice dropped into a dangerously calm tone. ¡°Even after I specifically asked you to wait for us to return?¡±
Rina jumped in to defend their actions, her voice tinged with irritation. ¡°It¡¯s been safe so far! We had the skew droids and the scouts with us.¡±
I crossed my arms, letting the full weight of my disapproval settle over them. ¡°You don¡¯t get it, do you? Something terrible could have happened, something the droids wouldn¡¯t be able to handle. That promise to wait wasn¡¯t just about keeping you safe¡ªit was about ensuring we could back each other up if anything went wrong. You got lucky nothing actually happened.¡±
Both Jake and Rina lowered their heads, their previous defiance evaporating. Jake mumbled something that sounded like ¡°Sorry,¡± and Rina crossed her arms but didn¡¯t meet my gaze.
Mira, ever the peacemaker, spoke up. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on what matters now. What did you find?¡±
Jake perked up slightly at the shift in topic, and Rina followed suit. Together, they detailed what they¡¯d discovered, from the mundane to the unsettling.
As they spoke, I listened intently, keeping my worry and irritation at bay. Malachor wasn¡¯t a place to take lightly. Whatever they¡¯d uncovered, it had better have been worth the risk.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
74 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 39: When Curiosity Bites
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Multi POV Chapter
(other chapter''s will have this warning from now on)
Davik''s P.O.V. :
As we headed to the fourth storage room, the atmosphere was noticeably tense. Jake and Rina were still quiet from Kado¡¯s earlier reprimand, which was probably for the best. I wasn¡¯t about to let it slide without a little teasing, though. As we approached the closed door, I smirked and threw a casual jab.
¡°Well, aren¡¯t you two just the model citizens? Remembering to shut the door behind you.¡±
I expected a sarcastic retort from Jake or at least a defensive quip from Rina, but neither came. Instead, Jake spoke up in a subdued, serious tone.
¡°It wasn¡¯t just being polite. That¡ feeling Arlos described earlier? The one that rattled him? We think it¡¯s coming from this room.¡±
His words immediately made me more cautious. The humor drained from the moment as I tightened my grip on my blaster, my instincts putting me on edge. I didn¡¯t doubt Jake¡ªif he was spooked enough to mention it, there was something worth worrying about.
When we reached the door, Kado didn¡¯t hesitate. He opened it immediately, and the heavy sensation that greeted us was almost physical.
Stepping into the room, I scanned my surroundings. The space was dimly lit despite the functioning lights, as if the air itself was darker. It was eerily empty save for the pedestal at its center, just like Jake and Rina had described.
That¡¯s when the feeling hit me. A slow, creeping dread started to settle in my chest, radiating out like cold tendrils. It wasn¡¯t the sudden jolt of fear from a firefight or the adrenaline spike when something goes wrong. This was different. It was the kind of dread you feel when you¡¯re riding a landspeeder that¡¯s completely out of control. You know what the problem is, and you might even know how to fix it¡ªexcept there¡¯s nothing you can do because it¡¯s already too late.
I forced myself to keep moving, my gaze flicking between the pedestal and the rest of the room. The unease was palpable, and I could see it reflected in the others¡¯ faces. Even Kado, who was usually unshakable, had his hand hovering near his weapon.
¡°Anyone else feel like we¡¯re walking into a trap?¡± I muttered, trying to mask my tension with sarcasm.
Jake gave a nervous chuckle, but it was clear he wasn¡¯t at ease. ¡°Yeah, well, if it is, at least we¡¯ve got the droids this time.¡±
I glanced at the skew and scout droids, which had already started to fan out, scanning the room. Their presence was reassuring, but only just. Whatever was causing this oppressive atmosphere wasn¡¯t something a droid could neutralize with a blaster or a scanner.
Kado gestured for us to approach the pedestal. ¡°Let¡¯s take a closer look. Stay alert.¡±
With that, we moved deeper into the room, each step heavier than the last. The pedestal loomed ahead, an unassuming structure in any other context, but here it felt like the centerpiece of something far more sinister.
Still Davik''s P.O.V. :
Walking around the fourth storage room, the contents became clear: statues, relics, and other ornate but gloomy objects reminiscent of the previous room, but these seemed steeped in a darker, more sinister aesthetic. If the third storage room had been disappointing, this one was downright unsettling. The oppressive atmosphere wasn¡¯t helping either, making even harmless artifacts seem like they were watching us.
The pedestal in the center was the undeniable focal point, though. Kado, as calm as ever, was studying it with a perplexed expression. His curiosity was contagious, but none of us were eager to approach too quickly. Kado, however, gestured to Jake.
¡°Jake, have the droids sweep the room. One of the Skew droids should stand guard at the pedestal while we look around.¡±
Jake nodded and relayed the orders. The droids moved efficiently, spreading out with their scanners humming softly. One of the Skew droids took position near the pedestal, its blasters at the ready, as if the inanimate object posed an immediate threat. Not that I was complaining¡ªthis place felt strange enough to warrant overkill.
Despite our initial wariness, it wasn¡¯t long before we started gravitating toward the pedestal. Even I found my feet pulling me closer, despite the instinct screaming in the back of my mind to stay clear. Kado was the first to step closer, his brow furrowed in concentration, clearly trying to make sense of what he was seeing.
Jake and Rina, unsurprisingly, followed not long after. It didn¡¯t surprise me that they lacked the self-preservation instincts to hold back. Rina, the self-proclaimed information broker, was always chasing after things most people would steer clear of. I¡¯ve learned that most brokers tend to be half-mad, crazy enough to risk their necks for something everyone else would leave well enough alone. Rina fit the mold perfectly.
Jake, though? I¡¯ve seen enough to know better. He might have a knack for machines and some real technical smarts, but survival sense? Practically non-existent. I¡¯ve never forgotten that first salvage run where he decided the middle of a firefight with Tusken Raiders was the perfect time to gawk at their gear instead of shooting back. That memory would be hilarious if it weren¡¯t so frustrating. And now here he was again, drawn to something that practically screamed bad idea.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
¡°Careful,¡± I warned, my voice sharper than intended. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to let curiosity get you killed.¡±
Jake glanced back at me, giving a sheepish grin. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The droids have our backs.¡±
¡°Sure, because that¡¯s so reassuring,¡± I muttered, keeping my blaster at the ready. Rina just rolled her eyes and muttered something about everyone being too paranoid.
Kado finally broke the silence, pointing to an inscription etched into the side of the pedestal. ¡°There¡¯s something written here. Looks ancient.¡±
The unease in the room thickened. Whatever this pedestal was, it felt like more than just a centerpiece. It had a presence, almost as if it were aware of us standing around it.
Mira''s P.O.V. :
While the others were gathered around the ominous pedestal, I stayed back, glued to my datapad as I reviewed the scans coming in from the scout droids. The information didn¡¯t make sense, and my brow furrowed deeper with every passing moment. I didn¡¯t realize how much my confusion was showing until Arlos, ever polite, interrupted my thoughts.
¡°Lady Mira,¡± he said, his tone tinged with concern, ¡°have you discovered something troubling?¡±
His question snapped me out of my concentration, but it also caused the others to pause. I glanced up to find them all looking my way. Jake and Kado, who were standing closest to the pedestal, exchanged glances before turning to me, and even Davik, who had been circling the room, stopped mid-step.
¡°What is it?¡± Kado asked, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. ¡°What did Arlos see?¡±
Realizing I had no choice but to explain, I took a deep breath. ¡°The scout droids picked up something... odd. There¡¯s an open space below the vault. It¡¯s sizable, too. But...¡± I trailed off, glancing back at my datapad as if the answers would suddenly become clear.
¡°But?¡± Davik prompted, his tone sharper than Kado¡¯s.
¡°It doesn¡¯t connect to the vault,¡± I finished, holding up the datapad so they could see the scans. ¡°At least, not in any way that¡¯s obvious. There¡¯s no direct passage or structural link. It¡¯s just... there.¡±
The room grew quiet as everyone absorbed the information. Jake was the first to speak.
¡°An open space?¡± he asked, stepping away from the pedestal. ¡°What kind of open space? Like a cavern? A chamber?¡±
¡°The scans aren¡¯t detailed enough to say,¡± I admitted. ¡°The scout droids can¡¯t get below the vault itself, so all I¡¯m getting is a faint outline. But it¡¯s definitely there.¡±
Rina leaned closer, peering at the datapad. ¡°Could it be a natural formation? Something left behind when the vault was built?¡±
¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± I conceded, ¡°but unlikely. The outline is too clean. This looks intentional.¡±
Kado crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. ¡°If it¡¯s intentional, then there has to be a way to access it.¡±
¡°Maybe,¡± I replied, glancing back at the pedestal. ¡°But we haven¡¯t seen anything in the vault that suggests how to get down there. Not yet.¡±
Jake rubbed the back of his neck, his earlier enthusiasm dimmed by this new mystery. ¡°So... what do we do? We can¡¯t exactly start tearing up the floor.¡±
¡°We don¡¯t need to do anything rash just yet,¡± Kado said firmly. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on understanding what we¡¯ve already uncovered. If this open space is important, we¡¯ll find a way to access it¡ªcarefully.¡±
Davik gave a low whistle. ¡°And here I thought the weird statues were the end of the surprises. Guess I was wrong.¡±
Arlos, standing beside me, nodded respectfully. ¡°What do you think this means, Lady Mira?¡±
I shrugged, feeling the weight of their expectations. ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet. But one thing¡¯s certain¡ªit complicates things. And we¡¯re going to need to tread carefully moving forward.¡±
The unease in the room seemed to grow heavier. Whatever secrets this vault held, they were far from fully uncovered.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
This is turning into one of those moments that scream bad idea, but we all keep going anyway. The whole setup reminds me of Earth movies¡ªIndiana Jones, Tomb Raider, or maybe even Uncharted. There¡¯s the weird pedestal, the cryptic clues, and now some talk of hidden mechanisms. All I need is a fedora and a sarcastic sidekick to complete the vibe. Except, you know, I¡¯m stuck here with the actual threat of death looming over us. Fun.
I glance at the pedestal again. Third room had figurines and furniture, and now this? A whole lot of nothing with a pedestal in the middle. Kado seems convinced it has some purpose, but it¡¯s just not clicking for me. Rina, though? She¡¯s all in. Her eyes light up as she crouches beside the pedestal, running her fingers along the edge.
¡°Hey!¡± she exclaims. ¡°There¡¯s a hole here¡ªjust big enough for a hand.¡±
Oh, great. A hand-sized hole. That always ends well in stories. The rest of us exchange glances, and I can tell nobody¡¯s particularly thrilled with her excitement. I¡¯m mostly relieved because if this goes south, I¡¯m not the one who touched it this time.
¡°Probably some sort of mechanism inside,¡± Rina theorizes, her voice buzzing with excitement.
¡°Or a trap,¡± Kado counters, folding his arms.
Mira pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs, already looking done with all of this. ¡°If you¡¯re going to mess with it, at least let the droids scan it for traps first.¡±
Rina hesitates, then nods sheepishly. ¡°Fine, fine.¡±
Kado directs Nick-01 to check the pedestal, and the droid dutifully scans the area with its manipulators. ¡°No blades, no projectiles, no immediate danger,¡± it chirps in its monotone voice.
Before anyone can say anything, Rina plunges her hand into the hole, twisting something inside. The rest of us collectively shout, ¡°Rina!¡± but it¡¯s already too late.
The floor rumbles beneath us, the sound deep and foreboding, and the door to the room slams shut with a metallic clang. I freeze, my heart skipping a beat, and then everyone¡¯s attention whips to Rina, who has the audacity to give us an embarrassed chuckle.
¡°Oops?¡± she says, offering a sheepish smile.
¡°Oops?!¡± Davik barks, his voice tinged with frustration. ¡°The last time someone said oops in a situation like this, it involved Tusken Raiders and blaster fire!¡±
¡°Hey!¡± I interject. ¡°That was¡ª¡± I stop myself, realizing I probably don¡¯t have much of a leg to stand on here. ¡°Okay, yeah, fine. But this isn¡¯t my fault this time!¡±
¡°No one cares, Jake!¡± Kado snaps, already moving to inspect the now-sealed door. ¡°We¡¯re trapped. Rina, what in the stars were you thinking?¡±
Rina fidgets under the weight of everyone¡¯s glares. ¡°I¡ªI thought maybe it¡¯d unlock something cool! It felt like it was turning...¡±
Mira groans, leaning against the wall. ¡°And now we¡¯re stuck in a room that¡¯s shaking like it¡¯s about to collapse.¡±
¡°I... I didn¡¯t think¡ª¡±
¡°No kidding,¡± Davik mutters, cutting her off.
I glance at the pedestal. It¡¯s now glowing faintly, an ominous red hue spreading from the center outward, like veins of lava crawling through stone. ¡°Well,¡± I mutter, ¡°this definitely feels like the start of something awful.¡±
¡°Everyone stay calm,¡± Kado says firmly. ¡°Let¡¯s figure this out before the shaking gets worse.¡±
¡°Any ideas?¡± I ask, my voice tinged with nervous sarcasm. ¡°Because I¡¯m fresh out of ancient-vault crisis plans.¡±
Rina¡¯s hand goes up, but Kado shoots her a glare so sharp she slowly lowers it without a word.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
74 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 40: Into the Depths
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
The rumbling beneath us continued, a deep, ominous vibration that seemed to reverberate through my chest. My pulse quickened, and I couldn¡¯t help but dread what kind of trap might have been triggered.
What now? Collapsing ceiling? Poison darts? A rancor pit? I tightened my grip on Skew-01, bracing for the worst.
But the deadly trap I was expecting didn¡¯t come. Instead, the floor beneath us began to shift, lowering slowly and steadily. My first thought was Oh, great. The whole room is a lift. It was a small relief that we weren¡¯t about to be crushed or skewered, but the dread lingered. If this was the prelude, what lay below?
As the lift descended deeper into the unknown, I glanced around at the others. Skew-01 let out a warbled beep, clearly displeased with the instability. I clung to the droid for support, my knees bending slightly to try and keep my balance on the moving floor.
Rina wasn¡¯t doing much better. She was hugging the pedestal where she activated the mechanism, her face a mix of panic and determination, as if it were the only stable thing in the room.
Kado, on the other hand, had given up entirely. He was sprawled out flat on the floor, muttering something I couldn¡¯t make out. Probably cursing the architects who designed this deathtrap, I thought wryly.
Davik and Mira, unsurprisingly, were handling it better than the rest of us. Mira¡¯s stance was steady, one hand gripping a support beam while the other hovered near her blaster, her eyes scanning for any threats. Davik just had this look of focused calm, his boots firmly planted on the uneven surface as if this was just another day for him.
Arlos, though¡ Arlos was not doing great. He had apparently decided that Kado¡¯s ¡°just lay flat¡± strategy was the best course of action and mimicked him, splayed out on the floor with an expression somewhere between resignation and annoyance.
The lift kept descending, and with every second, the tension in the room seemed to grow thicker. My mind raced with possibilities of what might be waiting for us below.
Is this a vault entrance? A prison? Or something worse?
Skew-01 beeped again, this time more insistently, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked down at the droid, giving it a reassuring pat on the dome. ¡°I know, buddy,¡± I muttered under my breath. ¡°I don¡¯t like this either.¡±
We all held our collective breaths as the rumbling slowed, the lift finally nearing its destination. Whatever was waiting for us below, I had a feeling we weren¡¯t going to like it.
The lift finally stopped with a jarring lurch, leaving my knees feeling like jelly from the descent. The grinding sound of the mechanism ceased, replaced by an unsettling silence. I stepped cautiously off the lift platform, taking in the surroundings.
This better be the bottom, I thought, glancing around the dimly lit cavern. Or at least, I hope it is. I don¡¯t want to find out this thing has another level.
Mira wasted no time, proving once again that she was the definition of composed and efficient. She immediately directed her scout droids¡ªthose sleek, fast little machines¡ªto do their thing. They buzzed off into the darkness, their faint lights illuminating small patches of the cavern as they zipped around, gathering data.
Not to be outdone, I ordered Nick-01 and Nick-02 to assist with scans. Their upgraded optics made them excellent for jobs like this. The droids clicked affirmatively, their lenses glowing faintly as they began surveying the area.
Meanwhile, Davik took the lead, as he always did when danger loomed. He moved with purpose, eyes sharp as he assessed the terrain. I¡¯d noticed this pattern before¡ªwhen there was a chance of a firefight, Davik was the one to step forward, taking charge of our tactical positioning. Conversely, Kado would hang back, usually near me, waiting for my input when things fell into my area of expertise¡ªmechanical and electrical systems.
Davik¡¯s focus was intense as he scanned for potential threats. He identified places where we could take cover, pointing out natural formations in the cavern that could serve as makeshift barricades. Just as quickly, he flagged spots where ambushes might occur, positioning us in a way that minimized our vulnerability. By the time he was done, we were spread out in a strategic formation that gave us decent cover while keeping us within shouting¡ªor shooting¡ªdistance of one another.
The results of the scans came in moments later. Nick-01 and Nick-02 beeped to signal their findings as I glanced at the holographic display Skew-01 projected. Mira¡¯s scout droids confirmed what we were now piecing together¡ªthe lift had brought us to the edge of the massive cavern her initial scans had detected.
No wonder we couldn¡¯t figure out how this place was connected to the vault, I thought, marveling at the cleverness of its design. The lift¡¯s placement at the edge of the cavern completely hid it from any standard scans.
With the immediate area secured and no sign of hostile activity, Davik finally relaxed¡ªthough not entirely. His hand remained near his blaster as his eyes continued to sweep the cavern, his posture a mix of calm and vigilance.
¡°Alright,¡± Davik said, his tone serious. ¡°We¡¯ve got a decision to make. Do we keep exploring, or do we head back now while we still can?¡±
The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. It wasn¡¯t just about curiosity¡ªit was about weighing the risks against the potential rewards.
We huddled up, forming a loose circle. ¡°Let¡¯s vote,¡± Mira said, her tone brisk but fair. ¡°One by one. Stay or go?¡±
I glanced around at the others, my heart racing slightly. This could be it, I thought. The moment we find something big¡ªor get ourselves into something we can¡¯t handle.
I just hoped we¡¯d make the right call.
Stolen story; please report.
The vote to decide our next move was quick but carried an air of tension. Surprisingly¡ªor maybe not, given our track record¡ªalmost everyone voted to go forward. The real shocker was Davik being the one to vote against.
¡°Look,¡± Davik said, his voice steady and his tone professional, ¡°I get it. We¡¯re here for the vault, and we¡¯ve come this far. But sending the droids to scout ahead while we stay back isn¡¯t cowardice¡ªit¡¯s just common sense. If this place is booby-trapped or something worse, they¡¯ll trip it before we do.¡±
His reasoning was sound, and for a moment, I wavered. But Rina countered almost immediately. ¡°Droids are great for recon, sure, but they lack spontaneity and flexible thinking. If we run into something unexpected, we can adapt in ways they just can¡¯t. It¡¯s risky, yeah, but calculated risk is part of this job.¡±
The others murmured their agreement. Davik frowned but didn¡¯t push back further. ¡°Fine,¡± he said. ¡°But we¡¯re not going in blind. Five minutes'' distance between us and the scout droids, and I want formation discipline. No wandering off, no distractions.¡±
We nodded, and the plan was set. Mira directed the scout droids ahead, their small frames disappearing into the dimly lit cavern. I gave Nick-01 and Nick-02 their orders to form a perimeter with the Skew droids around us. They responded with their usual efficiency, moving into position with a precision I couldn¡¯t help but be proud of.
Davik took point, his blaster drawn and his movements sharp and deliberate. Rina walked just behind him, her sharp eyes scanning for anything he might miss.
Mira and I held the center of the group. She monitored the live feed from the scout droids, while I kept an eye on the readings from the Nick and Skew units. Despite the tension, I found myself quietly marveling at the tech I¡¯d modified and how well it was working under these conditions.
Kado and Arlos brought up the rear. Kado, true to form, was slightly hunched, his weapon clutched tightly as he muttered about how this place gave him ¡°bad vibes.¡± Arlos, on the other hand, seemed more concerned with keeping an eye on our flanks, his movements precise but uneasy.
As we moved deeper into the cavern, the silence pressed in around us, broken only by the occasional beep from the droids or the crunch of our boots on the rocky floor. The dim glow from our lights cast eerie shadows on the walls, making it hard not to feel like something¡ªor someone¡ªwas watching.
Five minutes ahead, I thought, glancing at the timer I¡¯d set. That¡¯s not a lot of warning if something goes wrong.
Still, we were committed now, and I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that whatever lay ahead was going to change everything. I just hoped we were ready for it.
As we moved deeper into the cavern, the tension in the air began to shift. The oppressive dread that had gripped me earlier was still there, lingering in the back of my mind, but it wasn¡¯t at the forefront anymore. Maybe it was the others¡¯ reactions that helped ground me. Everyone seemed to be engaging with the environment in their own way, making the situation feel more real and less like a scene from a nightmare.
Davik, of course, was focused on the tactical side of things. His sharp gaze darted between potential ambush spots and makeshift covers, as though he was mentally mapping out the cavern as a battlefield. Rina, on the other hand, was in full ¡°information gathering¡± mode. She kept up a steady stream of observations¡ªsometimes genuinely enthusiastic, sometimes with a tone that made me wonder if she was masking her nerves with cheerfulness.
Kado, ever the practical thinker, seemed absorbed in his own thoughts. From the occasional muttered comments, I guessed he was puzzling over the logistics of the place. ¡°Who built this? How long did it take? How did they get all this material down here?¡± he murmured under his breath, sounding more like an architect than a mercenary.
Mira was still glued to her scanner feed, occasionally glancing up to take in the surroundings. She didn¡¯t say much, but I could tell from her furrowed brow that she was cataloging every detail for later.
And then there was Arlos. He wasn¡¯t doing much more than looking around, his expression a mix of awe and unease. I couldn¡¯t tell if he was trying to take everything in or just waiting for something to jump out at us.
I took the opportunity to throw a question into the mix, partly out of curiosity and partly to break the silence. ¡°Hey, so¡ what do you guys think? Could this cavern be part of the vault?¡± My voice echoed faintly in the vast space, making me feel a little self-conscious.
Rina didn¡¯t miss a beat. She shot down my idea with a wave of her hand, her tone somewhere between amused and serious. ¡°Not likely,¡± she said. ¡°If anything, the cavern is the vault, and those rooms we saw upstairs were just storage areas. Probably meant to throw people off or hold less important stuff.¡±
I blinked, considering her theory. It made sense, especially given how well-hidden the lift had been. ¡°Huh,¡± I said, scratching the back of my head. ¡°I guess that tracks. Still, this place feels¡ different. Like there¡¯s something more to it.¡±
Rina smirked. ¡°There¡¯s always something more, Jake. That¡¯s why we¡¯re here, isn¡¯t it?¡±
I couldn¡¯t argue with that. The faint hum of the droids working ahead reached my ears, a reminder that we were still walking into the unknown. Here¡¯s hoping whatever ¡®more¡¯ we find doesn¡¯t try to kill us, I thought grimly.
The sheer size of the cavern was staggering. Even with the illumination from our lights and the droids¡¯ optics, the darkness seemed endless, making the space feel even more massive. The thought running through my head wasn¡¯t about danger or treasure, though¡ªit was about engineering.
Should I redesign the Skew droids? Maybe I could combine the Nick and Skew models into something new. A hybrid design sounds more efficient.
I was lost in my daydream, already picturing blueprints in my head, when Mira¡¯s sharp gasp snapped me out of it.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked, immediately on edge.
She didn¡¯t answer right away, her eyes glued to her scanner. Finally, she looked up, her face pale. ¡°One of the scout droids just went offline.¡±
The tension in the group spiked instantly. Davik¡¯s voice was calm but firm. ¡°What¡¯s the most recent reading?¡±
Mira quickly sent the data to all our devices. I pulled it up, scanning the last moments of the downed droid. As I did, another thought crossed my mind. We¡¯re still using shortwave frequency? Why haven¡¯t we switched to something more robust?
I tried testing other methods of communication but got nothing but static in return. Great. Guess it¡¯s shortwave or nothing down here.
After a quick analysis of the scout droid¡¯s final recording and determining there wasn¡¯t an immediate threat, we decided to move quickly to its last known location. The air felt heavier with every step, and I couldn¡¯t help but notice how quiet everyone had become.
When we arrived, I immediately ordered the droids to sweep the perimeter. Nick-01 and Nick-02 took point, their sensors scanning for any movement. Meanwhile, I crouched down by the fallen scout droid, examining its exterior while Rina knelt beside me to assist. Mira stood nearby, her weapon at the ready, her sharp gaze darting between the darkness and the glowing screen of her scanner.
Davik, Kado, and Arlos spread out to help the droids secure the area. They moved with precision, their weapons drawn and their eyes scanning every shadow.
The scout droid¡¯s casing was intact, but when I pried open its access panel, the circuitry told a different story. Something had shorted out the systems, and I was still trying to figure out how when Rina¡¯s voice cut through my focus.
¡°Jake, look at this.¡±
I turned to where she was pointing. A scorch mark marred the side of the droid¡¯s casing, dark and unmistakable.
¡°Blaster fire,¡± she said, her voice grim.
The implications hit me like a ton of bricks. ¡°Blaster fire?¡± I echoed, as if saying it out loud would make it less real.
She nodded, her expression serious. ¡°No doubt about it. Someone¡ªor something¡ªtook this droid down.¡±
We shared this discovery with the others, and the unease in the group became palpable. If someone else was down here, that changed everything.
Before we could decide on our next move, Mira¡¯s device let out a sharp alert. ¡°Another scout droid just went offline,¡± she said, her voice tight.
We all froze for a moment, exchanging tense looks, before moving swiftly into action. Davik barked out quick instructions, and we shifted into a defensive formation.
Our group positioned itself to avoid likely ambush points while keeping to cover as much as possible. Weapons were drawn, and even the droids adjusted their routines, their movements more deliberate and focused.
The cavern that had seemed vast and empty moments ago now felt suffocatingly close, every shadow a potential threat. Whatever had taken out the droids wasn¡¯t far, and we knew we had to be ready for whatever came next.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
75 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 41: Shadows in the Depths
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
MULTI POV CHAPTER
Jake''s P.O.V. :
The tension was suffocating, and it wasn¡¯t just me feeling it¡ªeveryone was on edge. The sudden destruction of two scout droids had been a stark reminder of how complacent we¡¯d become. Sure, I¡¯d been saying all along that we were vigilant, but the truth was that the almost non-existent danger since landing on the planet had lulled us into a false sense of security.
Now, the stakes felt very real.
We scanned the area continuously, weapons ready. Despite having chosen positions with minimal risk of ambush, I couldn¡¯t ignore the number of passages leading in and out of this spot. The wreckage of the scout droid wasn¡¯t just a location; it was a nexus, a place where too many unknowns intersected.
Davik, the team¡¯s resident expert on battlefield tactics¡ªand yes, I was now considering this cavern a battlefield¡ªwas already working on a solution. His sharp eyes scanned the environment with practiced precision, and I could almost see the gears turning in his head as he planned our next move.
"This isn''t defensible enough," Davik muttered, breaking the silence. "We need a better position, somewhere we can control the flow of any potential engagement."
No one argued.
He gave quick, precise instructions, and we started moving. Speed was a priority, but so was keeping alert. Every sound seemed amplified, every shadow a potential threat.
As we moved, I kept my attention split between following Davik¡¯s lead and issuing orders to the remaining scout droid. I confirmed with Mira to have it rendezvous with us at the new location Davik had in mind. ¡°Mira, have it adjust its route to avoid the area where the others were hit,¡± I added, my voice low but firm.
¡°Already done,¡± she replied, her focus as sharp as ever.
I felt a bit of relief at that. At least the droid was still functional for now.
Kado stayed close to the rear, his eyes darting back to the destroyed scout droid we were leaving behind. ¡°This doesn¡¯t feel random,¡± he said quietly, his voice just loud enough for me to hear.
¡°No,¡± I replied, keeping my voice steady. ¡°It doesn¡¯t. And that¡¯s what worries me.¡±
The cavern loomed around us as we moved, its massive walls and ceilings more oppressive than awe-inspiring now. The vastness that had felt almost magical earlier now felt like a labyrinth designed to trap us.
I tightened my grip on Skew-01, the droid moving slightly ahead of me. ¡°Keep your optics sharp,¡± I murmured, not sure if I was talking to the droid, myself, or the group.
Whatever¡ªor whoever¡ªwas down here with us, I had a sinking feeling we weren¡¯t going to like what we found next.
Jake''s P.O.V. continued:
The quiet, almost suffocating tension we carried during the trek to the rendezvous point was shattered in an instant. The warning from Nick-02 about incoming fire was sharp, and just as the words processed in my brain, the hiss of blaster fire screamed through the air. Before I could fully react, Skew-01 moved into position ahead of me with its energy shield flaring to life. The distinct hum of its personal shielding absorbing the hit was oddly reassuring but also a stark reminder: we were under attack.
The first shot seemed to be a lucky or deliberate attempt on me, but whether I was the target or merely an unlucky bystander didn¡¯t matter. My brain was already racing through possibilities as Davik¡¯s voice barked out a sharp command.
¡°Move! We¡¯re sitting ducks here!¡± he yelled, his tone sharp with urgency.
The sound of blaster fire began to multiply, sizzling past in streaks of bright energy. From my peripheral vision, I could see the others diving for better positions or scrambling to follow Davik¡¯s lead.
Skew-01 and Nick-02 were returning fire with a controlled efficiency that made me grateful for my obsessive tinkering back in my workshop. The sight of Skew-01¡¯s bulk shielding me and firing back with precision while Nick-02 flanked to cover our retreat was the closest thing to having my FPS fantasies turned real¡ªminus the actual danger of death part, which I was very keenly aware of now.
I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as we moved, each blaster bolt hitting too close for comfort.
¡°Shields won¡¯t last forever!¡± Mira shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos as she darted toward cover.
¡°Noted!¡± I called back, hurrying after her while trying to maintain some composure. My hands itched to grab something to repair or modify, but there was no time to think about that.
Rina and Arlos were close by, keeping low and moving in short bursts toward the rendezvous point Davik had chosen. Meanwhile, Kado was following Skew-02, providing what little cover fire he could. Davik, as expected, was already ahead, securing the route with calculated precision.
I couldn¡¯t help but think of how much worse this could be if we didn¡¯t have the droids and our upgraded shields. Every hiss and crack of blaster fire was a reminder of just how fragile our advantage might be.
We reached the edge of the rendezvous point¡ªa rocky alcove with natural cover that Davik must¡¯ve eyed for its defensive potential. Mira was already scanning the surroundings as we poured into the space.
¡°Droids, perimeter!¡± Davik barked.
Nick-01 and Skew-02 quickly moved to cover our rear while Nick-02 and Skew-01 took up positions at the front. The droids were invaluable, their shields absorbing fire as they laid down suppressive bursts to keep our attackers at bay.
¡°Jake! What do you see on their scans?¡± Davik snapped, his voice cutting through my racing thoughts.
I pulled up the data from the droids, my fingers trembling slightly as I navigated the interface on my wrist device. ¡°Not much,¡± I admitted. ¡°They¡¯re staying just out of the scanner range¡ªdeliberately, I¡¯d bet.¡±
¡°Of course, they are,¡± he muttered, his tone grim.
A stray blaster bolt ricocheted off the edge of the alcove, making me flinch and instinctively duck lower. My mind raced as I tried to think of a way to turn the tables.
¡°We¡¯ve got to flush them out or figure out what they¡¯re after,¡± Mira said, her eyes locked on her scanner.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
¡°They¡¯re after us, clearly,¡± Rina muttered, her usually cheery tone edged with frustration.
¡°Not necessarily,¡± I countered. ¡°We don¡¯t know who they are or what they want. For all we know, we stumbled into someone else¡¯s secret.¡±
¡°Not the time for theories!¡± Davik growled, already moving to reposition and check the perimeter.
As much as I hated being told to shut up, he had a point. Survival first. Speculation later.
Jake''s P.O.V. continued:
The cacophony of blaster fire was relentless, everyone directing their shots toward the origin of the bolts coming our way. I raised my arm, activating the gauntlet-mounted blaster I had meticulously upgraded back on the Stellar Envoy. The familiar hum of energy coursing through the mechanism was almost comforting as I joined the fray. My shots added to the chaos, precise and steady, but something caught my eye.
One of our retaliatory bolts glanced off the darkness, leaving a faint ripple in the air¡ªa distortion like heatwaves. My breath caught.
¡°What the¡ª?¡± I muttered, squinting to make sense of it.
Another blaster bolt from Rina¡¯s direction struck the same area, confirming my suspicion. The shimmering distortion was real, and it was moving.
Active camouflage.
My mind raced as I pieced together the implications. Active camouflage was bleeding-edge tech, something that theoretically existed in highly classified military research but was far from being portable, let alone available in the open market. My thoughts spiraled toward one unsettling conclusion.
Unless it¡¯s a droid.
That realization made my eyes widen. My pulse quickened as the pieces clicked into place. The precision of the attacks, the lack of visible enemies, the shimmering distortions¡ªall of it lined up. I wasn¡¯t just facing any droids. These were designed for security, stealth, and lethality.
¡°Droids!¡± I shouted over the din, my voice cutting through the chaos. ¡°It¡¯s droids with active camouflage!¡±
That got everyone¡¯s attention.
¡°What kind of droids?¡± Davik demanded, still returning fire with unyielding focus.
¡°Security droids, probably assassin-class,¡± I called back, ducking as a blaster bolt zipped past. ¡°The active camo tech¡ªit¡¯s the only explanation! They¡¯re designed to be invisible until they strike!¡±
Rina cursed under her breath. ¡°Invisible killer droids? Fantastic.¡±
¡°Any ideas on how to fight them?¡± Mira asked sharply, her scanner working overtime.
My brain kicked into overdrive. The tech needed to make something like this work would rely heavily on optics and energy efficiency, meaning there had to be limits.
¡°Cloaking tech isn¡¯t perfect,¡± I said quickly. ¡°They¡¯ll have to drop the camo when attacking or taking significant damage. Focus your fire on where the bolts are coming from or where you see distortions!¡±
¡°And if we can¡¯t see either?¡± Kado asked, his tone grim but calm.
¡°Then we keep moving,¡± Davik cut in. ¡°Staying still is death.¡±
He wasn¡¯t wrong.
Another hiss of blaster fire streaked toward us, and Skew-01 shifted to intercept. Its energy shield flared as it absorbed the impact, but I could see the strain on the shield generator.
¡°Shields are gonna fail if this keeps up,¡± Mira warned.
¡°Then we don¡¯t let it keep up,¡± Davik said. ¡°Jake, can your droids track them?¡±
I grimaced. ¡°Not directly. If they¡¯ve got cloaking tech this advanced, it¡¯ll fool most standard sensors.¡±
¡°But not all,¡± Rina chimed in, a gleam of determination in her eyes. ¡°Your droids can track energy signatures, right?¡±
I blinked, then nodded. ¡°Yeah, they can pick up power surges. If these droids are using cloaking tech, they¡¯re outputting energy spikes. It¡¯s subtle, but it¡¯s there.¡±
¡°Then do it!¡± Davik ordered.
¡°Nick-01, Nick-02, skew units!¡± I barked, accessing their command interface. ¡°Engage energy signature tracking. Prioritize disruptions and surges!¡±
The droids complied immediately, their optics flickering as they switched modes. Within seconds, Nick-02 let out a series of rapid beeps, indicating a lock on a target.
¡°There!¡± I shouted, pointing to the shimmering distortion now visible on the droid¡¯s sensors.
The team unleashed a barrage of blaster fire at the spot. The distortion flickered violently before revealing a humanoid-shaped droid, its sleek frame bearing an unsettling resemblance to an upgraded IG assassin droid. The thing was heavily armed, its weapons glowing as it prepared to fire.
¡°Confirmed: security droids!¡± Mira yelled.
The realization sent another spike of adrenaline through me. These droids weren¡¯t just here by chance. Whoever¡ªor whatever¡ªhad designed this vault wanted to keep people out, and these sentries were the first line of defense.
One down, but how many more?
I didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it. More blaster fire erupted, and another distortion appeared.
¡°Stay focused!¡± Davik shouted, leading the charge.
My hands flew over my gauntlet¡¯s controls, redirecting the droids and reinforcing their shield algorithms. ¡°We need to break through their numbers and get out of here!¡± I called out.
¡°Then stop gawking and start shooting!¡± Rina retorted, a mix of urgency and forced humor in her voice.
I smirked despite myself. Adrenaline had a funny way of sharpening your focus.
One thing was clear: we were in for a fight.
Davik''s P.O.V. :
The moment the first droid fell, a technical victory by our standards but cold efficiency by theirs, the tide of blaster fire tripled. It was as though we¡¯d kicked a nest of viper-wasps, and the swarm was now out for blood.
My blaster tracked the incoming fire, snapping off reactive shots more to suppress than to kill. It wasn¡¯t enough. Jake¡¯s droids were doing the heavy lifting, their energy shields absorbing the brunt of the assault, but even I could tell they wouldn¡¯t last long under this level of concentrated fire.
¡°Jake!¡± I barked, dodging behind a jagged rock formation for cover. ¡°How much longer can your droids hold out?¡±
¡°Not long!¡± he called back, his voice strained. ¡°Focused fire drains the shields fast, and explosives will wipe them out completely!¡±
I clenched my jaw, suppressing a curse. Explosives. It wouldn¡¯t surprise me if these damn droids had some tucked away.
A blaster bolt ricocheted off my shielding, sending a sharp, jarring pulse through my arm. Without the personal shield Jake had rigged up, I¡¯d be a corpse by now. That thought did little to comfort me, knowing the others were in the same precarious situation.
¡°Mira!¡± I shouted, keeping low as I fired blindly in the direction of the enemy. ¡°We need a fallback point¡ªfast!¡±
She didn¡¯t answer immediately, but I could hear her cursing under her breath as she scanned her device.
¡°Got one!¡± she finally yelled, her voice cutting through the chaos. ¡°There¡¯s a defensible position near the center of the cavern, but¡ª¡±
¡°But what?¡± I demanded.
¡°It¡¯s going to be a deadly run,¡± she said grimly.
I glanced at the others. Jake was frantically managing his droids, his gauntlet-mounted blaster firing in quick bursts. Rina was gritting her teeth, alternating between shooting and shouting taunts into the void¡ªwhether to throw off the enemy or keep herself focused, I couldn¡¯t tell. Kado looked winded but determined, firing in measured bursts, while Arlos was barely keeping pace, panic flashing in his eyes as he glanced around for any sign of our attackers.
¡°Deadly or not, we don¡¯t have a choice!¡± I shouted back.
I leaned out just enough to fire a few more shots, watching as one hit another shimmer in the air. A second enemy droid flickered into view, its sleek form glinting in the dim light as it crumpled under our combined fire.
¡°We move now!¡± I bellowed, turning to the group. ¡°Run and gun! Droids, surround us and tank as much as you can!¡±
Jake gave a quick nod, and I could see him issuing commands through his gauntlet. The remaining Skew and Nick droids shifted positions, tightening their formation around us.
¡°Let¡¯s move!¡±
I broke from cover, my legs pumping as I charged toward the center of the cavern. The others followed, their blasters firing wildly in every direction.
The sound of blaster fire was deafening, a constant barrage that seemed to come from every angle. I felt another shot glance off my shielding, the impact making my shoulder throb. Behind me, I heard Jake muttering something about the droids¡¯ shields nearing critical levels.
We were halfway to the center when an explosion rocked the cavern, throwing up a plume of dust and debris.
¡°Explosives!¡± Mira shouted, confirming my earlier fear.
¡°Keep moving!¡± I roared, gritting my teeth as I fired blindly at the origin of the blast.
The center of the cavern loomed closer, a raised platform surrounded by jagged stalagmites. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but it was better than being out in the open.
¡°Almost there!¡± I yelled, hoping to keep the group focused.
One of the Skew droids took a direct hit, its shield flaring brightly before collapsing. The droid staggered but kept moving, its chassis sparking from the impact.
¡°Skew-02¡¯s shield is down!¡± Jake warned, panic creeping into his voice.
¡°Forget it! Just get to the platform!¡±
As we reached the edge of the defensible position, I turned and fired another burst, catching a faint shimmer as a third droid revealed itself. The thing crumpled under the concentrated fire of the team, but I knew there were more out there.
¡°Into position!¡± I ordered as we reached the platform.
Jake and Mira scrambled to the center, already setting up scanners and issuing commands to the droids. Rina and Kado took opposite flanks, their blasters trained on the cavern¡¯s entrances. Arlos stuck close to the group, his hands shaking but steady enough to keep firing.
The droids formed a loose perimeter around us, their shields absorbing as much of the incoming fire as they could.
¡°This isn¡¯t over,¡± I muttered, gripping my blaster tightly.
The enemy wasn¡¯t going to let us off easy. But for now, we had a chance to regroup. A chance to survive.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
75 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 42: Skewed Odds
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
Skew-02¡¯s shields were down, the unmistakable sparks and whines of overloading energy shields still echoing in my ears as we scrambled toward the center. Mira led the charge, her eyes darting between the scans and the terrain ahead, making sure we didn¡¯t run blindly into another ambush.
I had no doubt we¡¯d reached the center of the cavern the moment we saw it. The space opened up into a wide, elevated area surrounded by jagged rocks and boulders that provided natural cover. But the true centerpiece was what could only be described as a structure¡ªor maybe a room, though it wasn¡¯t enclosed.
It was something else entirely.
It had an open layout, almost like a wide pavilion, and in its center¡ªof course¡ªwas yet another pedestal. My internal groan was instant. Seriously, what is it with ancient structures and pedestals?
While I was busy taking it all in, Davik had already snapped into action, directing us into defensible positions like we were a squad of commandos. He barked orders with an air of authority, and, to my surprise, no one questioned him¡ªnot even Rina, who usually had some comment at the ready.
¡°Rina, Kado¡ªflank left! Jake, Mira¡ªcover the center! Arlos, you¡¯re with me on the right!¡± Davik¡¯s voice cut through the chaos like a vibroblade.
¡°Got it!¡± I shouted, dragging Skew-01 into position near a makeshift barricade of rocks. Its shielding flickered slightly, still holding strong despite the punishment it had taken earlier.
Mira, ever practical, recalled the last scout droid to our position. Good call. With those invisible droids still lurking, it was better to have our last eye in the sky close by instead of wandering into another deathtrap.
Meanwhile, Rina was already poking around near a panel she¡¯d spotted on one of the structure¡¯s outer walls. Her quick, nimble fingers danced over the console, but Kado, ever the cautious one, sidled up to her.
¡°What are you doing?¡± Kado asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and wariness.
¡°Looking for answers,¡± Rina replied without looking up. ¡°If there¡¯s anything in here¡ªlogs, schematics, even a hint of what this place was used for¡ªit could help.¡±
As much as I wanted to hover over her shoulder and see what she found, I had my hands full¡ªliterally.
¡°Kado,¡± I called out, half-joking but mostly serious, ¡°remember when I said my Skew droids were glorified pack mules?¡±
He raised an eyebrow. ¡°I remember you complaining about it, yeah.¡±
¡°Well, lucky for us, I¡¯m a brilliant complainer. I built hardpoints on their backs for carrying supplies,¡± I said, tapping Skew-01¡¯s chassis. ¡°Right now, they¡¯re hauling a treasure trove of mechanical parts I can use.¡±
¡°Not decorations or figurines this time?¡± Kado teased, but there was a glint of relief in his eyes.
¡°Don¡¯t tempt me,¡± I muttered, already opening one of the containers mounted on Skew-01¡¯s back. I pulled out a handful of tools and spare components, my mind racing through the possibilities. If I can rig up something to counter those cloaking droids, we might stand a chance.
While I worked, Mira updated us on the scout droid¡¯s findings. The scans painted a grim picture: multiple heat signatures moving in unpredictable patterns, likely more of those assassin droids. Her calm tone belied the urgency of the situation, but the information was invaluable.
Arlos, to his credit, stuck close to Davik, his blaster gripped tightly in trembling hands. His face was pale, his eyes darting nervously, but he stood his ground. Fear didn¡¯t stop him from doing his part, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of admiration for him.
¡°Stay sharp!¡± Davik barked, his gaze scanning the edges of the platform. ¡°If they hit us here, we¡¯ll be ready!¡±
As I tinkered, I stole a glance at the pedestal. What secrets was it hiding this time? Ancient tech, hidden traps, or maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªsomething that could turn the tide in our favor?
But first, we had to survive long enough to find out.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
The sound of Mira¡¯s warning echoed in my ears as I crouched behind cover, Skew-01 positioned beside me like an ever-watchful sentinel. The air grew heavy with the tension of incoming blaster fire, each shot a reminder that we were being hunted. It didn¡¯t help that Skew-02 was now operating without its energy shield, effectively turning it into a walking target.
Despite the chaos around me, my mind was laser-focused on the task at hand. I held up a small panel of components for the others to see, shouting above the blaster fire, ¡°Alright, here¡¯s the plan! I¡¯m building an EMP device that can temporarily disable electronics within a 100-meter radius. It¡¯ll disrupt their cloaking and hopefully give us a chance to retaliate!¡±
The group¡¯s attention flicked toward me, their expressions a mixture of hope and apprehension. I continued, my words quick and clipped, ¡°But there¡¯s a catch! EMP shielding on the open market is strong enough to withstand something like this unless it¡¯s in direct contact. Our gear and droids are shielded, but not perfectly. The energy shields you¡¯re all using will tank most of the pulse, but it¡¯ll drain them and leave you vulnerable¡ªat least temporarily I hope.¡±
Rina, who was peeking out from behind cover while firing a few shots, turned her head just enough to yell back, ¡°So, it¡¯s a trade-off? We¡¯re banking on knocking them out before we get overwhelmed?¡±
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
¡°Exactly,¡± I confirmed. ¡°The EMP device will fire in short bursts, maxing out its range at 100 meters. I can get four uses out of it before the whole thing burns out. After that, it¡¯s toast.¡±
¡°That¡¯s not much to work with!¡± Davik growled, popping off a precise shot that grazed one of the shimmering forms. ¡°You got a backup plan?¡±
¡°I¡¯ll also rig up some EMP grenades¡ªlow-powered but effective in a smaller radius,¡± I said, fiddling with a capacitor. ¡°And¡¡± I hesitated for half a second before adding, ¡°...a low-powered EMP gun. Not as strong as the main device, but it¡¯ll target a single enemy at close range.¡±
I barely got the words out before Davik¡¯s head snapped toward me, his wide grin visible even through the chaotic dimness of the firefight. ¡°I¡¯ll take that gun,¡± he said, his voice practically dripping with excitement.
¡°Called it,¡± I muttered under my breath, already knowing that arguing would be pointless. Davik and his relentless enthusiasm for specialized weapons could be as unstoppable as a stampeding bantha.
Before anyone else could comment, Mira¡¯s voice cut through the noise again, sharp and panicked. ¡°Incoming droids! They¡¯re here!¡±
Blaster bolts started flying in earnest, forcing all of us to duck behind whatever cover we could find. The unmistakable shimmer of cloaked droids moving among the shadows sent a shiver down my spine.
¡°I hope your plan¡¯s as good as you think it is, Jake!¡± Kado shouted, his blaster firing in controlled bursts. ¡°Because we don¡¯t have much choice right now!¡±
Arlos, his voice shaky but resolute, added, ¡°If this EMP affects our shields, what about Skew-02? It doesn¡¯t even have shields anymore!¡±
¡°Hopefully, the EMP will only disable it temporarily,¡± I said, crouching lower as another blaster bolt whizzed past. ¡°Worst case? It burns out a few circuits¡ªreplaceable ones, if we¡¯re lucky.¡±
¡°If we¡¯re lucky?¡± Arlos muttered, but his attention quickly returned to the fight as another barrage of fire forced him to duck.
I worked as quickly as I could, the tools in my hands practically a blur. The main EMP device was coming together, but I knew the real challenge would be balancing its power. Too weak, and it wouldn¡¯t penetrate the cloaking fields. Too strong, and it might fry our own systems beyond repair.
Skew-01 stood guard as I assembled the final components, its energy shield flickering but holding steady for now. Meanwhile, the others kept the enemy at bay, firing in coordinated bursts while Mira fed us updates on enemy positions.
¡°Almost there!¡± I shouted, sweat dripping down my face as I tightened the last connector. The EMP device was rough and utilitarian, nothing like the polished tech I¡¯d designed back on Tatooine. But it would do the job¡ªat least, I hoped it would.
¡°Here!¡± I called out, tossing the completed device to Kado, who caught it with surprising ease. ¡°Place it in the middle of our formation! I¡¯ll trigger it remotely when we¡¯re ready!¡±
¡°On it!¡± Kado replied, moving quickly despite the blaster fire streaking around him.
As I turned my attention back to my makeshift workstation, I began assembling the EMP grenades. They were simpler in design, each one a single-use pulse meant for close-range encounters. I handed the first completed grenade to Rina, who gave me a quick nod of thanks before returning to her position.
¡°Here¡¯s the EMP gun!¡± I called out a minute later, holding up the final piece of equipment. Davik was by my side in an instant, his grin back in full force as he took the weapon from my hands.
¡°Nice work, kid,¡± he said, testing the weight of the gun before taking aim at one of the shimmering forms. With a pull of the trigger, the gun emitted a low hum, followed by a concentrated pulse of energy. The shimmer faded instantly, revealing one of the assassin droids in full detail before it collapsed to the ground, its systems fried.
¡°Got one!¡± Davik yelled, his voice filled with exhilaration.
¡°Great!¡± I shouted back. ¡°Now let¡¯s see if this plan actually works!¡±
With the EMP device in position and my makeshift arsenal distributed among the crew, we braced ourselves for the next wave. The droids were relentless, their cloaking fields making them nearly impossible to track. But now, we had a chance¡ªa small, fleeting chance¡ªto turn the tide.
I activated the EMP device for the first time, its pulse spreading out in a visible ripple. The lights on the droids around us flickered and dimmed, their cloaking fields dropping momentarily.
¡°Now! Hit them while they¡¯re exposed!¡± I shouted, adrenaline surging as we launched our counterattack.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
The EMP worked¡ªkind of. Seeing the enemy droids as IG assassin droids initially threw me off. They were infamous for their ruthlessness, adaptability, and precision as assassins, not security enforcers. I couldn¡¯t wrap my head around why someone would waste an IG droid¡¯s capabilities on guarding a vault. But as I watched them move in perfect synchronization, I realized just how perfect they were for this role. Cloaking technology on a combat-ready platform? Yeah, that¡¯s exactly the kind of nightmare we¡¯d stumbled into.
The EMP burst disrupted them, but not as much as I¡¯d hoped. Some droids froze entirely, jerking erratically like they were trying to regain control. Others had their stealth systems knocked offline but continued to function as terrifyingly efficient threats. A few were rendered useless, sparking violently, moving in random directions, or shooting blindly.
We¡¯d managed to briefly turn the tide, but the moment didn¡¯t last long. Several droids re-engaged their cloaking systems after just a minute. The cloaking wasn¡¯t as seamless now¡ªI could catch flickers of movement, subtle distortions in the air. But it was enough to make targeting them difficult again.
And then there was the aftermath of the EMP on our gear. Our blasters fired erratically for the first few seconds after the burst. Mira had wisely powered down some essential systems beforehand, but there wasn¡¯t much else we could spare. Turning off the personal shields wasn¡¯t an option either, not with how fast these droids moved. Those shields were the only thing standing between us and vaporization, and even with the EMP protection they offered, their functionality had been compromised. If we were hit with another EMP, they¡¯d fail entirely.
I glanced at Skew-02 and winced. The sturdy droid had taken the brunt of the assault and was in a pitiful state. Its left arm was gone, obliterated in a small explosion. Sparks flew from the mangled stump of its left leg, which had completely ceased to function. The only thing keeping it upright was the fact that it had wedged its back against a wall. It was a wreck¡ªbut still standing, still trying to protect us.
I could feel the seconds crawling by as the EMP machine cooled down, mocking me with its agonizing three-minute reset time. Three minutes felt like an eternity when we were pinned down by relentless IG droids.
Davik shouted something, and I realized he was using the EMP gun to good effect. Every shot from it disrupted a droid¡¯s cloaking for several seconds, allowing us to focus fire. But the energy reserves on that thing wouldn¡¯t last forever, and we couldn¡¯t just rely on Davik.
¡°This isn¡¯t sustainable!¡± Mira yelled from her position, ducking as a bolt scorched the cover near her head.
She was right. We couldn¡¯t stay here, not with the enemy droids reengaging their stealth systems and our shields on the verge of collapse.
Rina called out from the panel she¡¯d been slicing. ¡°I¡¯ve almost got something¡ªmaybe access to their systems or shutdown codes, hopefully! But I need more time!¡±
Time. The one thing we didn¡¯t have. My mind raced as I considered our options. If we could just buy Rina a few more minutes, maybe we¡¯d stand a chance. But the droids weren¡¯t going to let up, and my EMP machine wouldn¡¯t be ready for another two minutes.
I did wonder how the panel was unaffected by the EMP burst, but my thoughts were interrupted by a stray bolt, but priorities right now include surviving - be a tech nerd later.
I fired another burst from my gauntlet blaster, hitting one of the flickering droids square in the torso. It staggered, sparks flying, and I yelled to Davik, ¡°We have to hold this position! Buy Rina the time she needs!¡±
Davik gave a sharp nod, barking orders to the others to tighten their formation. Kado and Arlos fell back to protect Rina while Mira and I kept firing at anything that moved¡ªor shimmered.
I just hoped the droids¡¯ programming didn¡¯t adapt faster than we could survive.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
75 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 43: Shield-less, Scrappy, and Stubborn
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
The realization hit me like a gut punch as I ducked behind cover, sweat dripping down my face. The reason we had been able to one-shot most of the IG assassin droids earlier wasn¡¯t just luck or precision¡ªit was the mods I¡¯d done to our weapons. That thought simmered as I tried to focus on the present. My tinkering had turned standard blasters into something capable of punching through high-end armor. And now? My EMP machine had wrecked that very advantage.
Talk about shooting myself in the foot.
I peeked over the edge of cover, letting off a few quick bursts from my gauntlet blaster. The IG droids were still advancing, their deadly precision forcing us to move constantly. We couldn¡¯t seem to take them down as efficiently anymore. My upgrades, my proud handiwork, were malfunctioning. And worse, with the state of our gear, I dreaded the idea of firing off another EMP burst. If it came to that, our already fragile equipment would probably end up as junk.
A gasp of pain tore through the noise of blaster fire, and I turned to see Mira leaning against the cavern wall. Smoke rose from her left arm, and I spotted her personal shield emitter lying at her feet, sparking and useless.
¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± she barked, waving me off as I started toward her. Her voice was strained, but she kept her focus. ¡°Shield emitter¡¯s toast, but I¡¯m still standing.¡±
She was trying to downplay it, but losing her shield in the middle of this mess was a big deal. I clenched my teeth, forcing myself to focus.
Then came the sound I¡¯d been waiting for¡ªthe beeping from the EMP machine signaling it was ready to fire again. Without hesitation, I slammed the activation switch, sending out another burst.
This time, the results were better. Much better. Sparks erupted from several of the droids, and a few even exploded outright. Their faulty cloaking tech flickered out completely, leaving their forms exposed. The tide of the fight shifted.
But I¡¯d made a critical error¡ªI hadn¡¯t warned the others. I¡¯d hoped the beeping would clue them in, but with the chaos of battle, the sound had been drowned out by the relentless blaster fire.
The EMP wave did its job on the droids, but it also did its job on us. Our personal shields overloaded, each one sparking and sizzling before shutting down completely. That final EMP burst fried them for good. And the upgraded combat mods I¡¯d painstakingly installed? Scrap metal now. The only surprise was that our blasters weren¡¯t entirely ruined, just weakened. Either their output was lower, or their accuracy was shot.
Still, we seized the opportunity. The IG droids, now fully visible and staggering under the effects of the EMP, became easy targets. We poured what was left of our firepower into them, taking them down one by one.
When the last of them hit the ground, silence fell over the cavern. The absence of blaster fire was deafening.
Arlos slumped to the ground, his breathing ragged. He looked exhausted but relieved. ¡°No more... right?¡± he murmured, as though speaking the words aloud might summon reinforcements.
I didn¡¯t answer. I didn¡¯t want to answer. Instead, I cast a glance around the group.
Kado was crouched next to Mira, inspecting her arm where the shield emitter had been. She waved him off, clearly trying to downplay her injury, but I could see the fatigue etched on her face.
Rina was still hunched over the panel, slicing into the system with singular focus. She¡¯d discarded her now-useless electronic gear and was relying solely on her non-digital tools. Her determination to dig into the secrets of this place was impressive, even as the rest of us tried to catch our breath.
Davik was still standing, tense, his blaster at the ready. His eyes darted around the cavern as though expecting another wave of droids. I couldn¡¯t blame him for being paranoid. We¡¯d barely survived this ambush. If there were more droids, we¡¯d be toast.
I leaned against a piece of cover, letting out a heavy sigh. The adrenaline was wearing off, leaving me with a gnawing sense of regret. Our victory had come at a steep cost. Skew-02 was a wreck, our shields were gone, and the gear I¡¯d spent months perfecting was now just scrap.
¡°If those droids¡¯ weapons had a shorter cooldown...¡± I muttered to myself, shuddering at the thought. The IG assassin droids had been relentless, but their long shot intervals had been the only thing keeping us alive. If not for that design flaw, we¡¯d have been dead the moment they ambushed us.
I glanced at the EMP machine. It had done its job, but I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that I¡¯d failed. If I¡¯d invested more time in reinforcing the EMP shielding...
¡°Jake,¡± Davik¡¯s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. ¡°You okay?¡±
I nodded absently. ¡°Yeah... just thinking about how close we cut it.¡±
¡°Close is better than the alternative,¡± he said with a grim smile.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
He wasn¡¯t wrong. But as I looked at the damage around us, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder how much longer we could hold out if this place threw more surprises our way.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
Skew-02 was almost a total wreck. And when I say ¡°almost,¡± it¡¯s because, somehow, I could still see him functioning. Barely. His right arm twitched as if trying to lift a nonexistent weapon, and sparks sputtered from the remains of his left leg, which hung uselessly. His left arm? Gone¡ªcompletely obliterated in the chaos. His central chassis, however, was holding together, and his optics flickered, scanning his surroundings despite the damage.
That durability was both impressive and a testament to the upgrades I¡¯d added to his chassis before this mission to the Vault. The reinforced plating, the reinforced servos¡ªall the little tweaks I¡¯d made¡ªit was paying off now.
¡°Still kicking, huh, buddy?¡± I murmured as I knelt beside him.
He let out a low, garbled warble¡ªhis vocal systems were clearly shot too.
Meanwhile, I ordered Skew-01 to guard Rina. She was still working on slicing into the panel, her brow furrowed in concentration as though nothing else existed around her. The Nick droids I sent out to patrol, a precaution just in case Davik¡¯s paranoia turned out to be well-founded. Normally, I¡¯d laugh off his tension, but right now? I couldn¡¯t afford to.
Focusing on Skew-02, I quickly assessed the damage. His internal systems were a mess, circuits burned out, actuators fried. It was more extensive than anything Skew-01 had suffered before. Yet...he was still functional. Maybe it was because of the upgrades, or maybe this droid just refused to quit. Either way, I felt a flicker of pride¡ªand frustration.
With a sigh, I straightened up. After a while of poking through my repair kit and available materials, I came to a grim conclusion: I wasn¡¯t going to get Skew-02 back to functional status with what I had on hand. At best, I could stabilize him and maybe jury-rig something to keep him powered. But fully repairing him? That would have to wait until we were out of this nightmare.
The other droids hadn¡¯t fared much better. Sure, their personal energy shields had kept them from being completely obliterated, but those shields were now useless, burnt out like ours. And the materials I¡¯d brought with me weren¡¯t enough to rig new ones¡ªnot for us, and certainly not for them.
What I could do, however, was focus on our gear. The EMP bursts had fried a lot of our systems, and while our weapons were still operational, their performance had taken a noticeable hit. The power output was lower, and accuracy had suffered.
I hunkered down and got to work. Piece by piece, I dismantled, repaired, and reassembled our blasters. The damage was reversible, but only to a degree. I managed to restore their power output and recalibrate the targeting systems, but the upgrades I¡¯d painstakingly added? They were gone, stripped away by the EMP like they were never there.
¡°Guess we¡¯re back to basics,¡± I muttered bitterly as I snapped the casing back onto my blaster.
At least organics didn¡¯t take a hit from EMP bursts. That was the one silver lining in this whole mess. We didn¡¯t have to worry about our nerves getting fried or losing motor functions. Unfortunately, the droids didn¡¯t have that luxury, and Skew-02 was the perfect example of how close we¡¯d cut it.
I glanced around the cavern. Rina was still at it with the panel, oblivious to the world. Kado was keeping a close eye on Mira, though she looked annoyed at his concern, insisting she was fine. Davik, blaster at the ready, was scanning every shadow like the walls might come alive and attack us.
And me? I was here, patching together the scraps of what was left of my tech, hoping it would be enough to keep us alive.
Rina''s P.O.V. :
The gibberish that greeted me the first time I sliced into this panel was finally starting to make sense. The effort required to break through was no different from other systems I¡¯d tackled before, but the complexity of the encryption was irritating enough to make me mutter a few choice words under my breath. By the time I heard Jake activate his EMP machine, I was already done with my electronics gear¡ªthankfully, because he still owes me for frying it.
The data I pulled wasn¡¯t straightforward. It was both a report log and a journal combined, written in a cipher that made my head ache. From what I could piece together so far, the pedestal room¡ªthe fourth storage room¡ªwas apparently the original entrance to this place. And the cavern we were in right now? That was the Vault.
The Old Republic Jedi, with support from the Senate of the time, had the extra storage rooms built to disguise the actual entrance. The logic was obvious¡ªthrow scavengers and lucky raiders off the trail with decoy rooms filled with relics and traps. Clever enough, though clearly not clever enough to stop someone like me.
I smirked to myself at that thought. Finding the entrance might have taken some effort, but slicing through layers of misdirection and obstacles was my specialty.
Then my smirk faded as I glanced at the pedestal in the room with us. This one was different. It had risen from the ground not too far from where I was working, and I¡¯d intended to examine it after finishing the decryption. Unfortunately, I hadn¡¯t yet finished reading the data when the pedestal decided to rise on its own.
My head snapped up, and my focus immediately shifted to the pedestal, ignoring the half-decrypted logs on my screen.
The pedestal wasn¡¯t like the one we¡¯d seen before. Instead of a simple platform, this one resembled a sliding lockbox. Panels shifted mechanically, and a compartment slowly revealed itself, dark and unassuming.
¡°Oh,¡± I said flatly, deadpan. The pedestal hadn¡¯t risen on its own after all. Of course not. Jake had been fiddling with it.
Was no one watching to stop Jake?
My irritation flared. It wasn¡¯t the first time Jake¡¯s curiosity had led us to some new complication¡ªor discovery, depending on your perspective. It was a miracle we¡¯d survived half the messes his tinkering had caused, but then again, it was also the reason we¡¯d found this Vault in the first place. Still, a little caution wouldn¡¯t kill him.
I walked over to inspect the now-revealed lockbox, careful not to touch anything yet. It looked like it needed a passcode to open, which made me glance back at my screen. If this place followed the same patterns as the rest of the Vault, the passcode would be buried somewhere in the data I was decrypting.
Great. Now I had to deal with a puzzle while my attention was divided. Jake¡¯s EMP escapades had left us vulnerable, Davik was still tense like we were seconds away from another attack, and I was just trying to do my job.
Still, as much as I wanted to glare at Jake, I couldn¡¯t entirely fault him. If the pedestal¡¯s lockbox contained something important, it could make all of this worth it. I just hoped we wouldn¡¯t find out the hard way what the price of poking at everything might be.
I sighed and returned to my work, focusing on the data while keeping the pedestal in my peripheral vision. The answers were there. It was just a matter of finding them before the next crisis hit.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
75 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 44: Unlocking Trouble
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
MULTI POV CHAPTER
Rina''s P.O.V. :
I continued reading the decrypted data logs, occasionally sparing a glare at Jake. I couldn''t help it. The nerve of him fiddling with the pedestal like that! Although, in hindsight, I had done the exact same thing with the first pedestal. Hypocritical? Absolutely. But back then, we didn¡¯t have cloaked assassin droids trying to kill us.
Who am I kidding? I¡¯m not mad because of the danger¡ªit¡¯s because Jake beat me to it. That realization soured my mood even further, but I shoved it aside and focused on the logs.
The entries revealed more than I¡¯d hoped to find, piecing together the story behind this Vault. And what a story it was.
This wasn¡¯t the ¡°treasure-kind¡± of vault. Despite the shiny trinkets we hauled out of the upper levels, those were just distractions. A decoy. The real purpose of this place was far more ominous.
It was a prison.
The pedestal in front of us wasn¡¯t some grand control panel or repository for secrets. No, it was a door knob¡ªliterally the key to opening the prison. The IG droids we¡¯d fought weren¡¯t just here to protect valuable artifacts; they were prison guards, tasked with ensuring that whatever was locked away stayed locked away.
I felt my breath catch as I absorbed this revelation, my mind racing through the implications. The Jedi and the Senate of the Old Republic had gone to extraordinary lengths to secure this place. That begged the question: What was so dangerous that it required an entire facility to contain it?
By the time I realized I was holding my breath, I was lightheaded. I exhaled sharply, shaking myself out of my trance, and turned toward the pedestal.
"Jake, don''t touch anything¡ª"
The words died in my throat.
Jake wasn¡¯t alone. Kado, Mira, and Davik were standing by the pedestal as well, all of them looking at it with various degrees of curiosity. Gears were moving, and the faint sound of mechanisms unlocking filled the room.
"No, no, no, no!" I muttered under my breath, panic rising.
It was too late.
Belatedly, I noticed Arlos standing beside me, a quiet sentinel. I hadn¡¯t even registered his presence until now. He was positioned like a bodyguard, keeping an eye on me while the others unwittingly unleashed whatever nightmare the Vault was built to contain.
I glanced back at the pedestal. The metaphorical lock had been turned, and the process of opening¡ªwhatever it was¡ªhad begun.
"Do you have any idea what you¡¯ve just done?" I snapped, my voice breaking the tense silence.
Jake turned to me, his face a mix of guilt and defensiveness. ¡°I thought¡ª¡±
¡°That¡¯s the problem! You thought!¡±
The sound of gears grinding grew louder, accompanied by a deep, echoing thud from somewhere beneath our feet. The pedestal¡¯s lockbox began to retract, its panels sliding back to reveal something hidden inside.
I clenched my fists, dread pooling in my stomach. Whatever was in that Vault wasn¡¯t meant to see the light of day¡ªand now it was waking up.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
Rina¡¯s glare is something else. Seriously, it¡¯s like a vibroblade to the chest¡ªsharp, precise, and utterly unforgiving. I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ll find a scar from that look later.
Thankfully, she seemed to be done trying to kill me with her eyes and had gone back to reading whatever was on that viewing monitor by the data panel. I took that as a cue to turn my attention elsewhere.
When I saw Kado, Mira, and Davik approaching, I waved them over with the kind of excitement I probably shouldn¡¯t have considering our situation. ¡°Hey, check this out!¡± I said, gesturing at the pedestal.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Kado leaned in first, squinting at the mechanism. ¡°Another lift? You think it goes even deeper?¡±
Davik murmured from behind him, ¡°If it does, I bet there¡¯s more of those invisible droids waiting. Probably not just IG models, either.¡± His tone was grim, and I could tell the idea of anything deadlier than what we¡¯d already fought wasn¡¯t sitting well with him. Honestly, same.
Mira tilted her head, studying the pedestal. ¡°So, what do we know about this one?¡±
¡°Not much,¡± I admitted, shrugging. ¡°Could be a lift, like Kado said. Or maybe something else entirely. I mean, the one upstairs revealed the key, so who knows what this one does? Guess we¡¯ll find out soon.¡±
Kado nodded thoughtfully and then glanced over at Rina. ¡°Looks like she¡¯s done slicing into it, though. Probably decrypting whatever info she pulled. So...¡± He turned to me, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Go ahead. Let¡¯s see what happens.¡±
And that was all the permission I needed.
I pressed the activation panel on the pedestal, a bit of a grin tugging at the corner of my lips. Mechanisms inside whirred to life, gears grinding as the pedestal began its process. It was fascinating to watch, the way the parts moved with such precision and purpose.
Then it happened.
¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?!¡±
The yell startled all of us so much that we practically jumped out of our skins.
We turned in unison to see Rina standing by the data panel, her face red with fury. She was livid, and her sharp voice echoed in the cavern, cutting through the sound of the pedestal¡¯s gears like a thermal detonator in a quiet room.
¡°Oh, great,¡± I muttered under my breath, already bracing myself. This was going to hurt more than her glare, wasn¡¯t it?
Jake''s P.O.V. :
¡°Rina, I get that you can get mad, but did it not occur to you that I wouldn¡¯t have done this without the others giving me the go-ahead?¡± I waved a hand toward the others, my voice dripping with a mix of frustration and defensiveness. ¡°We all agreed it¡¯s the same system as the one upstairs. All I did was push the button! And besides, you were busy with your reading¡ªhow was I supposed to know this would set you off?¡±
The pedestal shook violently, just like the lift mechanism we¡¯d seen earlier, backing up my argument. I gestured at it, as if saying, See? It¡¯s exactly what we expected.
Rina took a deep breath, clearly reigning in her temper. Then, to my surprise, she apologized. A sincere apology, no less.
¡°Sorry,¡± she said, her tone more composed now. ¡°I got agitated because this isn¡¯t just some random storage vault, Jake. This place is a prison.¡±
¡°A prison?¡± I repeated, the word tasting bitter in my mouth.
¡°Yes, and those IG assassin droids we fought? They were the guards¡ªguards, Jake!¡± She emphasized the word as if it would help it sink into my thick skull.
That got my attention. Guards, not scavenged relics or some overzealous security detail. Actual prison guards. My mind raced, trying to piece together the implications.
¡°The Old Republic Senate and Jedi ordered something locked in here,¡± she continued. ¡°This was pre-Ruusan Reformation, so we¡¯re talking about the kind of stuff they didn¡¯t want anyone to find. And since the guards were still active...whatever¡¯s in here probably is too.¡±
Chills ran down my spine. ¡°Wait, wait, wait,¡± I stammered. ¡°You¡¯re telling me there¡¯s something in here so dangerous the Old Republic and the Jedi locked it up with assassin droids? And you couldn¡¯t have told me this before I hit the button?¡±
¡°Jake, I was reading! You saw me!¡± Rina snapped back.
¡°Well, you should¡¯ve tackled me or something!¡± I shot back.
Our escalating argument was cut short by Kado¡¯s firm voice. ¡°Enough, both of you,¡± he said, stepping between us. ¡°Jake, don¡¯t blame yourself. This was a majority vote. We all agreed to activate the pedestal.¡±
I grumbled under my breath but let it go. Rina gave me a look, and I could tell she wanted to say more, but then the shaking stopped.
The sound that followed was hauntingly familiar. It was the same low grinding noise we¡¯d heard when the lift upstairs activated. My stomach dropped.
¡°Something¡¯s coming,¡± I muttered.
Davik was already in motion, his instincts kicking in before the rest of us could process what was happening. He barked orders with the precision of someone who¡¯d survived too many ambushes.
¡°Take cover! Surround the exit!¡± he commanded, pointing to the pedestal area where the sound was loudest.
We divided into three groups. Kado brought Mira to a position east of the pedestal with the most cover, likely setting up to act as our snipers. Davik took Nick-01 and Nick-02 with him, forming another group to the west, flanking the suspected exit. That left Rina and me awkwardly stuck together.
As we crouched behind a jagged outcropping of rock, I tried to apologize for earlier, but the words caught in my throat. At the same time, Rina tried to apologize as well, and we both ended up stammering over each other like a couple of idiots.
This was embarrassing. The kind of awkward that makes you want to dig a hole and bury yourself in it.
Rina smirked, breaking the tension, and extended her fist toward me. A fist bump. I hesitated for a split second before bumping it, relieved to feel the tension dissolve.
¡°So,¡± I asked, trying to move past the awkwardness, ¡°does that file you decrypted say anything about what¡¯s locked up in here?¡±
Rina nodded grimly. ¡°An experimental droid,¡± she said. ¡°Its core is powered by a kyber crystal, and its chassis is made of blaster-resistant metal. It¡¯s heavily armed but slow, and its weapons can¡¯t fire continuously.¡±
A lump formed in my throat. ¡°You¡¯re kidding me,¡± I said weakly.
¡°Nope,¡± she replied, her voice clipped.
The grinding sound grew louder, followed by a metallic clang as the pedestal area shifted. Something massive was coming up¡ªor something even worse was about to be let out.
My heart pounded in my chest. Every instinct screamed at me to run, but as I glanced around at the others, I realized something. None of them were moving.
Kado, Mira, Davik, even Rina¡ªthey were staying put.
We weren¡¯t just salvagers anymore, chasing scraps for profit or the next score. We¡¯d already decided, as a crew, to use what we earned to free slaves and hunt down the scum who profit from misery: pirates, slavers, the worst of the galaxy.
This wasn¡¯t about profit anymore. It was about doing what was right.
None of us were the kind of people who ran from our mistakes.
Even if it killed us. But honestly it''s more preferable we don''t die.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
76 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 45: The Armor That Won鈥檛 Break
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
The lift had finally arrived, and with it came its cargo: droids. And not just any droids¡ªthese were massive, towering machines that easily stood taller than my Skew droids. Their dark, blaster-resistant plating gleamed menacingly under the faint light filtering through the cavern.
Just as Rina had described, they looked like walking fortresses, slow but formidable.
As I watched, still trying to wrap my head around the situation, I heard Kado swearing up a storm from the east. I winced at the string of colorful language, realizing Rina must¡¯ve filled him in while I was preoccupied eyeing the droids.
I glanced toward Kado and Mira¡¯s position, tucked behind some solid cover. Kado looked ready to throw a thermal detonator at the lift just out of sheer frustration, while Mira¡¯s expression was grim but focused, her rifle at the ready. Then I turned my attention to Davik. He was crouched with Nick-01 and Nick-02, both droids aiming their weapons at the lift. His expression was calm, determined, like this was just another battlefield for him.
That¡¯s when I noticed something¡ªor rather, someone¡ªwas missing.
¡°Hey, Rina,¡± I whispered urgently. ¡°Where¡¯s Arlos?¡±
Without missing a beat, she replied, ¡°I sent him on an errand after I finished decrypting the data.¡±
¡°An errand?!¡± I hissed. ¡°We¡¯re about to fight experimental droids in a Jedi prison, and you sent him on an errand?¡±
She rolled her eyes. ¡°Relax. He¡¯s fine. It¡¯s something important.¡±
I wanted to argue, but the sound of mechanical movement snapped my attention back to the lift.
One of the droids stepped forward, its movements slow and deliberate. It was massive, easily twice the width of a standard IG assassin droid. Its glowing red photoreceptors scanned the area like it already knew we were here.
¡°Only one¡¯s moving,¡± I murmured, mostly to myself.
¡°Lucky us,¡± Rina muttered sarcastically.
I couldn¡¯t argue with her. Six of these things were more than we could handle, especially with our shields already fried from the earlier EMP bursts. But if only one was moving, it gave us a chance to test its limits¡ªand maybe figure out how to take them down before the others joined the party.
¡°Everyone, hold fire,¡± Davik¡¯s voice crackled softly over the comms. ¡°Let¡¯s see what it does first.¡±
The droid took a few more steps forward, its heavy footfalls echoing ominously through the cavern. It raised one arm, and a small panel slid open, revealing a built-in blaster cannon.
¡°Test its limits?¡± I whispered to Rina. ¡°How about we start with: Don¡¯t get vaporized?¡±
¡°Good plan,¡± she shot back.
The droid paused, its cannon glowing faintly as it powered up. I could feel the tension in the air, every muscle in my body coiled and ready to spring into action.
This wasn¡¯t going to be an easy fight.
But we were salvagers¡ªsurvivors¡ªand we¡¯d already made it this far. One way or another, we¡¯d figure out a way to beat these droids.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
The droid fired.
The shot screamed through the cavern and hit our cover dead-on. The explosion wasn¡¯t just loud; it was deafening. I felt the heat and force before I even registered being thrown backward, landing hard on the rocky ground a few feet away.
My ears rang, and my whole body ached. The impact left me dizzy, but adrenaline was a powerful motivator. I scrambled behind the nearest chunk of debris that could pass for cover, ignoring the sharp pain in my side where I¡¯d slammed into the ground.
Rina was beside me, shaken but unhurt. Without wasting a second, we both popped up and opened fire on the droid.
Frustration clawed at me as I watched my blaster bolts hit the thing¡¯s armored shell without leaving so much as a scorch mark. ¡°Blaster resistant¡± was a gross understatement. This thing shrugged off shots like they were mosquito bites.
I wasn¡¯t the only one struggling. Davik and the Nick droids were firing from their position, their bolts glancing harmlessly off its reinforced plating. Even Mira, aiming for the joints with her sniper rifle, was having no luck.
¡°Shoot the joints!¡± Kado bellowed over the comms, swearing like a sailor while letting off his own volley of shots. ¡°They¡¯re its weak points¡ªif it even has any!¡±
The droid was relentless, methodically turning its attention from us to Kado and Mira¡¯s position. I peeked out from behind cover just in time to see it begin charging another shot.
My gut twisted as I realized where it was aiming.
¡°Mira! Kado! Move!¡± I yelled, even though I knew they were already ahead of me.
The droid fired, and another deafening explosion rocked the cavern. Their cover shattered into a cloud of rock and debris.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
Unlike us, Mira and Kado didn¡¯t hunker down. They bolted, barely dodging the blast in time. But the force of the explosion still knocked them off their feet, scattering them in opposite directions.
Mira ended up closer to Rina and me, coughing and grimacing but alive. Kado landed closer to Davik¡¯s position, still swearing up a storm as he dragged himself behind a new piece of cover.
The droid paused briefly after firing, its cannon cooling down.
¡°Okay,¡± I muttered, breathing hard, ¡°I am very glad it can¡¯t fire continuously. Because we¡¯d all be toast by now.¡±
Rina gave me a look that screamed no kidding, but she was too focused on assessing the droid¡¯s movements to say anything.
The lull in its attack was our one saving grace, but I knew it wouldn¡¯t last. We needed a new plan¡ªfast.
¡°Jake,¡± Rina hissed, pulling me back from my thoughts. ¡°If the blasters aren¡¯t working, we need to think outside the box. Got anything left in that genius brain of yours?¡±
I glanced at the droid as it began repositioning, its movements slow but precise. It was like a predator sizing up its next kill.
¡°Maybe,¡± I said, an idea forming. ¡°But it¡¯s going to take some time.¡±
¡°Then make it quick,¡± she snapped, her gaze locked on the hulking machine. ¡°Because this thing doesn¡¯t look like it¡¯s running out of ammo anytime soon.¡±
Jake''s P.O.V. :
The droid shifted its focus to Davik¡¯s group and began walking.
Its pace was unnervingly slow¡ªmore like a casual stroll than a battle march¡ªand somehow, that made it even more terrifying. It wasn¡¯t in a rush because it didn¡¯t need to be. It was like it knew it had the upper hand.
Davik, Kado, and the Nick droids were hammering it with nonstop fire, bolts bouncing uselessly off its armored frame. Rina and I added our own shots, hoping that sheer volume might crack something.
No luck.
¡°Scatter and keep firing!¡± Davik barked over the comms. ¡°Look for a weak spot!¡±
The group obeyed, spreading out as they continued to unleash blaster fire. Then the droid fired its third shot.
The cannon blast tore through the cavern, obliterating a chunk of wall directly in Davik¡¯s path. He ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding the debris, but it left him out in the open with nowhere to hide.
¡°Damn it!¡± he growled, firing blindly at the approaching machine as he scrambled for new cover.
Rina¡¯s voice snapped me out of my panic. ¡°Jake, come on! Think of something!¡±
I forced myself to focus. My first thought was to repeat what we¡¯d used on the IG assassin droids¡ªthe EMP machine.
I glanced toward the spot where we¡¯d set it up earlier, but my heart sank. The area was now buried under a pile of debris from one of the droid¡¯s earlier explosions.
It might still be intact, but getting to it wouldn¡¯t be easy.
Grinding my teeth, I yanked the EMP grenades from my belt and thrust them into Rina¡¯s hands. ¡°Here. You¡¯ve got a better arm and aim than I do.¡±
She blinked, startled. ¡°You¡¯re not wrong, but what about you?¡±
¡°I¡¯m going to check the EMP machine,¡± I said, already moving. ¡°It¡¯s our best shot, but if it¡¯s fried, those grenades are Plan B. Just¡ªdon¡¯t miss.¡±
Her face hardened with determination as she nodded. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±
Behind me, the droid¡¯s heavy footsteps reverberated through the cavern, each one closer than the last. I didn¡¯t have much time.
Scrambling over broken rocks and dodging falling debris, I made my way toward the buried EMP machine, praying to any higher power that it was still operational.
Davik''s P.O.V. :
Well, this is a fine mess I¡¯ve gotten myself into.
That droid is an absolute nightmare, and I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s gunning for me specifically. My blaster fire wasn¡¯t doing much more than annoying it¡ªif that¡ªand I could feel the others¡¯ shots pelting its frame too. No effect.
I had to keep moving, slowly working toward some kind of cover while still laying down fire. The others were doing their best, but the droid¡¯s focus stayed locked on me. Smart bastard. It wasn¡¯t giving me a chance to regroup.
Now I know how those thugs felt when we sicced Skew-02 on them, except this¡ this was a whole new level of bad. Skew-02 could be overwhelmed with enough firepower. This thing? It was built to shrug off anything short of a direct miracle.
Finally, I found a chunk of debris big enough to use as cover and dove behind it, putting some precious distance between me and the death machine. Thank the stars it was a slow walker. That gave me just enough breathing room to check over my gear.
The EMP burst from earlier had fried most of it, but when my hand brushed against the EMP gun Jake gave me, I almost smiled. Almost.
Quick inspection: the gun still worked¡ªbarely. But it looked damaged, sparking slightly at the seams. Great. The thing might fry itself or worse, blow up in my hands if I wasn¡¯t careful. But it was something, and something was better than nothing.
I peeked around the corner of my cover to see the droid¡¯s weapon arm swiveling in my direction. The glowing energy build-up in its barrel told me all I needed to know.
It was powering up another shot, and I had seconds to act.
So I did the only thing that came to mind.
I aimed the EMP gun and fired at its weapon arm.
The shot hit dead-on, a small burst of electrical energy rippling across the droid¡¯s arm. The glow of its cannon dissipated, and the arm jerked slightly to the side as if swatting at a fly.
It worked!
¡Sort of.
The cannon didn¡¯t fire, but it also wasn¡¯t damaged enough to take it out of commission. The droid recalibrated its aim with a slow precision that made my stomach drop.
¡°Well,¡± I muttered to myself, ¡°guess that¡¯s one way to get its attention.¡±
And oh, did I have its attention now.
Davik''s P.O.V. :
The droid¡¯s weapon arm re-engaged, and the ominous glow began to build again. Just as I braced myself for another shot, something dropped beside the droid¡ªa small metallic object. Before I could fully process what it was, the explosion came, not fiery but electrical, the same kind of sphere-like shockwave as when Jake¡¯s EMP machine activated.
The droid was the epicenter of the light show, its joints jerking violently as arcs of electricity danced across its frame. It looked like it was being electrocuted, and for the first time, it seemed vulnerable.
¡°Move while it¡¯s down!¡± Rina¡¯s voice cut through the chaos.
I didn¡¯t need to be told twice. I sprinted toward Rina and Mira¡¯s position, keeping an eye on the droid to make sure it stayed incapacitated. As I got closer, something caught my eye¡ªa small, recessed panel on the back of the droid, partially exposed by its convulsions.
I reached Rina¡¯s position and ducked behind cover. My breath was ragged, but at least I was still in one piece. Mira was nearby, scanning the surroundings, while Rina was already back to fiddling with her equipment.
¡°Where¡¯s Jake?¡± I asked between breaths.
¡°Trying to dig the EMP machine out of the debris,¡± Rina replied without looking up. ¡°We just need to buy him time.¡±
Great. That wasn¡¯t exactly encouraging.
¡°How many grenades do you have left?¡± I asked.
¡°Two.¡±
That wasn¡¯t what I wanted to hear. ¡°Two?¡± I muttered. ¡°That¡¯s¡ depressing.¡±
¡°We¡¯ll make do,¡± Rina said, her tone leaving no room for debate.
I motioned to Mira and called her over. ¡°What¡¯s the situation with the droids?¡±
¡°The nick droids regrouped with Kado,¡± Mira answered.
¡°And Skew-02?¡±
Rina glanced up. ¡°With Arlos.¡±
"And where is Arlos?" I asked.
Rina answered. "On an errand."
¡°On what kind of errand?¡± I asked skeptically.
¡°The ¡®turn the tables¡¯ kind.¡±
She didn¡¯t elaborate, and I decided not to push. If she had a plan, we didn¡¯t have time to waste questioning it.
I switched to the shortwave comm and called Kado. ¡°Kado, you there?¡±
After a tense moment, his voice crackled back. ¡°Yeah, still kicking. What¡¯s the situation?¡±
¡°I¡¯ve got a plan,¡± I said. ¡°We¡¯re going to need the nick droids.¡±
¡°What for?¡±
¡°There¡¯s a control panel on the back of that thing. Rina¡¯s EMP grenades can temporarily disable it, but we¡¯ll need the nick droids to help us get to the panel and buy Jake enough time to get the machine working again.¡±
Kado didn¡¯t respond right away, but I could hear him muttering to himself before he finally said, ¡°All right. Give me a minute to coordinate.¡±
¡°Make it quick,¡± I urged. ¡°That thing won¡¯t stay down forever.¡±
I turned back to Rina and Mira. ¡°Let¡¯s hope Jake hurries. We¡¯re going to need every advantage we can get.¡±
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
77 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 46: Smoke and Sparks
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
MULTI CHAPTER POV
Rina''s P.O.V. :
I scrambled off the giant droid, the sparks from the exposed system flaring uncomfortably close to my face. That, and the realization that this thing could still blow sky-high, was all the motivation I needed. Mostly, though, I was just...tired. My arms ached, my legs felt like durasteel weights, and my hands trembled from the sustained blaster fire.
Even as I dropped to the ground, panting, I couldn¡¯t help but cast a glance back at the opened panel. The only thing smoking was the exposed system inside, the rest of its armor looking as pristine as the moment it stepped out of that cursed lift.
¡°Unbelievable,¡± I muttered, shaking my head. ¡°That armor is something else.¡±
Still, it was smoking, which had to count for something, right? I dared to hope¡ªmaybe we¡¯ve finally beaten this thing. The others crept out from their respective covers, their faces equally drained but cautiously optimistic. Jake was still absent with the EMP machine, but a small, involuntary giggle escaped me at the thought. Guess we didn¡¯t need him to save the day after all.
And then, as if to challenge my fleeting moment of smugness, Arlos arrived. He came strolling into view with Skew-01 beside him, the battered remains of two IG assassin droids dangling from each hand like trophies. His ever-polite voice cut through the smoky air.
¡°Miss Rina,¡± he began, his tone even but ever-so-slightly tinged with amusement, ¡°I see you¡¯ve been keeping yourselves occupied.¡±
I straightened up as best I could, brushing off some debris and plastering a grin on my face. ¡°Well, Arlos, I did save the day,¡± I said, throwing my arms wide for emphasis. ¡°No need to thank me, but¡ª¡±
The collective groan¡ªor maybe they were exasperated eye-rolls¡ªwas immediate. Mira muttered something under her breath, and Davik outright snorted as he leaned on a piece of cover, reloading his blaster. Kado just gave me one of those looks.
Arlos, ever the gentleman, tilted his head politely. ¡°Of course, Miss Rina. I shall be sure to make note of your heroic efforts.¡±
Before I could respond, I caught the smallest twitch of movement from Arlos. He raised a hand, gesturing past me, his expression remaining composed but unmistakably pointed.
¡°Miss Rina,¡± he said, ¡°if I may¡ªbehind you.¡±
Dread pooled in my stomach, but I forced myself to turn.
My heart sank.
The giant droid¡ªthe same one I had just risked life and limb to disable¡ªwas moving.
The faint wisps of smoke from its exposed panel hadn¡¯t signaled defeat. No, they had been the death throes of my fleeting optimism. The droid¡¯s hulking form was sluggish, jerking as though struggling against itself, but it was unmistakably powering back up.
¡°Oh, come on!¡± I shouted, throwing my hands up in disbelief. ¡°How is this thing still standing?!¡±
The others sprang into action immediately. Mira was already scanning the droid for weaknesses, Davik cursed loudly as he checked his remaining equipment, and Kado¡ªKado didn¡¯t even bother with words, just opened fire with everything he had left.
Skew-01 shifted beside Arlos, its head tilting slightly as though assessing the situation.
¡°Well,¡± Arlos said, turning to me with his usual calm, ¡°it appears your earlier declaration may have been¡premature.¡±
I shot him a glare, though it lacked real heat. ¡°Yeah, yeah, I get it,¡± I grumbled. ¡°Guess we¡¯re not done saving the day yet.¡±
Without missing a beat, Arlos inclined his head. ¡°Very good, Miss Rina. Might I suggest we proceed with urgency?¡±
¡°Oh, we¡¯ll proceed,¡± I said, already reaching for my blaster. ¡°Let¡¯s see if this droid likes being peppered with more firepower than it knows what to do with.¡±
The others were already shouting commands and falling into position. Jake¡¯s EMP machine might still be buried, and Nick-02 might be gone, but we weren¡¯t out of the fight yet. This thing might be nearly indestructible, but so was our resolve.
And besides, I wasn¡¯t about to let some overgrown metal bully ruin my moment of triumph. Not yet.
The giant droid¡¯s arm cannon began to charge again, the glow from its weapon unmistakable. Then, with a sharp burst of sparks and a high-pitched whine, the weapon sputtered out. For a brief moment, there was only silence, and then I couldn¡¯t help myself¡ªI let out a triumphant shout.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
¡°See? Destroying that panel did do something!¡±
My voice carried across the battlefield, loud enough for everyone to hear. Even Davik cracked a smile despite the tension. I turned back just in time to see Skew-01 step forward, its gait steady and determined. It was heading straight for the giant droid, ready to engage in melee combat.
For a moment, I felt a glimmer of hope. Skew-01 was built for situations like this¡ªtough, reliable, and capable of taking a beating. The two droids clashed with a metallic cacophony that echoed through the space, Skew-01¡¯s reinforced arms meeting the giant droid¡¯s bulk.
Initially, they seemed evenly matched. Skew-01 was quick and precise, darting in to strike at vulnerable joints or shove the larger droid off-balance. But it didn¡¯t take long to see the difference in their capabilities. The giant droid hit harder, its blows reverberating through the air. Its longer reach forced Skew-01 to overextend just to land a hit, and its armor was leagues beyond anything Jake could have welded together in the time we had.
Each exchange tilted further in the giant droid¡¯s favor. Skew-01 was holding its ground, but barely.
That¡¯s when I heard a rush of footsteps behind me. Whipping around, I saw Jake emerging from a pile of rubble, dragging the EMP machine behind him. The machine looked battered and worse for wear, but Jake was moving like a man with a mission.
He looked...well, like he¡¯d been rolling around in the aftermath of a mining collapse. Dust clung to his clothes, his face streaked with dirt and grime. His hair was a mess, and his usual half-smile was replaced with an expression of sheer determination.
But I couldn¡¯t help it. ¡°Jake,¡± I called, smirking despite myself, ¡°you look like you¡¯ve been auditioning for a holo about asteroid miners.¡±
He gave me a look, somewhere between exasperation and amusement. ¡°You¡¯re welcome, Rina,¡± he shot back, hauling the EMP machine closer. ¡°I take it you¡¯re not just standing there for fun?¡±
I didn¡¯t have time to answer. Jake arrived just in time to witness Skew-01 struggling against the giant droid. The blows it was landing weren¡¯t enough to make a dent in the heavily armored frame, and every hit it took in return left visible damage. I bit my lip, watching as Skew-01 was forced to backpedal under the onslaught.
¡°Jake,¡± I said, my voice sharp, ¡°help me with those IG assassin droids Arlos brought back.¡±
He blinked at me, clearly confused but already moving to where the mangled droids lay. ¡°What for?¡±
The others were just as curious. Mira paused mid-shot, glancing over. ¡°Rina, what are you planning?¡±
I grinned, though the expression felt tight. ¡°Prison guards usually carry tools or systems to keep prisoners in line. And IG droids are built for efficiency¡ªthey¡¯ll have something we can use for a quick takedown or immobilization. We just need to find it.¡±
Kado snorted from his position. ¡°You¡¯re betting on scavenging tricks from broken droids while we¡¯ve got a giant death machine bearing down on us?¡±
¡°Got a better idea?¡± I shot back.
He muttered something under his breath but didn¡¯t argue further. Jake and I crouched over the assassin droids, prying open panels and sifting through their innards with hurried precision. Skew-01 continued its duel, buying us precious seconds, though it was clear the fight couldn¡¯t last much longer.
¡°Come on,¡± I muttered, yanking out wires and small components, ¡°these things are bound to have something. A shock module, restraining bolts, anything!¡±
Beside me, Jake frowned as he tinkered with a severed limb. ¡°If they¡¯ve got an EMP disruptor or immobilizer, we might just stand a chance.¡±
The battle raged on around us, but for the first time, I felt a flicker of hope. If we could find the right tool, maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªwe could finish this.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
We were each tearing into a downed IG droid, working fast under the weight of every second Skew-01 had to hold its own against the giant death machine. Rina¡¯s logic about prison guards made sense¡ªthey would¡¯ve been equipped with tools tailored to restrain prisoners or contain a breakout. My bet was on finding something compact but devastatingly effective.
¡°There!¡± I muttered, spotting a small, cylindrical device tucked into the IG droid¡¯s chassis. It looked deployable¡ªsome sort of gadget designed to be used in the field. Excitement flared, but when I tried to fiddle with it, the thing refused to cooperate.
Frustration bubbled up. ¡°Rina!¡± I called, waving her down. ¡°Does the one you¡¯re tearing into have anything like this?¡±
Before I even finished, she was already digging into a similar compartment on her IG droid. Typical Rina¡ªalready ahead of the curve.
¡°Yeah, I think it does!¡± she shouted back, examining a matching device.
¡°Great!¡± I grinned, diving back into mine.
The device in my hands gave me trouble until, finally, I must¡¯ve pressed the right sequence or trigger. A low hum emanated from it, followed by a sudden burst of energy. I dropped it instinctively, and the little gadget activated as soon as it hit the ground.
A bubble-like field expanded outward, encapsulating the IG droid I¡¯d been working on. The droid¡¯s body began to rise, its limbs going slack as it floated in the air like a marionette. I took a step back, not wanting to get caught in whatever force was holding it up.
¡°Hey, Rina!¡± I called, pointing to the floating IG droid with a triumphant grin.
She looked up from her work, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the levitating droid. ¡°Well, that¡¯s something,¡± she said with a smirk.
Before I could reply, something rolled out from the IG droid as it was suspended in the field. It didn¡¯t float like the droid itself but instead tumbled across the ground until it came to a stop.
Curiosity piqued, I crouched down to examine it. It looked like...a grenade? Not the high-tech variety you¡¯d expect in this kind of setting, though¡ªit was primitive by comparison. Foam-based, if I had to guess.
¡°Seriously?¡± I muttered, turning it over in my hands. ¡°A foam grenade? Bit low-tech for what we¡¯re dealing with here.¡±
Still, it didn¡¯t take long for the pieces to click together in my head. The IG droids must¡¯ve been using these tools in tandem. The grav machine¡ªyeah, that¡¯s what I¡¯ll call it, makes me sound professional¡ªwould immobilize their targets by suspending them in the air. Then, they¡¯d deploy the foam grenades to restrain and incapacitate whatever they were dealing with.
And considering the cloaking tech those IG droids had, it all made perfect sense. The giant droids would have trouble locking onto them. The IG units could deploy the grav machine to lock the giant droid in place and then use the foam grenade to lock them down physically. A clever, efficient system for reining in rogue prisoners¡ªor escaped war machines.
I stood up, holding the foam grenade and looking at the floating IG droid. ¡°Rina,¡± I said, my grin widening, ¡°looks like we¡¯re borrowing the IG droids¡¯ playbook. Grav machine plus foam grenade equals one big, immobile target.¡±
She looked at the tools in her hands, then at the battlefield, where Skew-01 was still trading blows with the giant droid, and nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s make it happen, Jake. But we¡¯re going to need timing¡ªand some serious luck.¡±
Luck, huh? With the way things had been going today, I figured we were due for a little.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
77 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 47: Weightless Resolve
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Apologies for the short chapter, I promise to have my story-telling skills back up to par
MULTI POV CHAPTER
A reader pointed out discrepancies on how the story flowed, upon reviewing his points and back-reading, I''ve determined that some changes to chapters are needed and this will not affect the latter existing chapter, only fix the stories flow - however this needs five of the chapters to be re-written. I cannot do that in one go so please bear with me if you find that a chapter doesn''t make sense compared to a previous one - It more likely is a candidate for a re-write.
Shout out to "Webzayne" for noticing and pointing out where things could be improved.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
While Skew-01 was losing a slugfest with the giant droid, Rina and I huddled with the rest of the crew to explain my idea: follow the IG droids'' supposed playbook for handling the giant droid. Rina laid it out, and I filled in the gaps, complete with hand gestures to emphasize the crucial timing. The idea was met with savage grins from everyone¡ªexcept Arlos, whose wary glance darted between the grins and back to me. He looked genuinely concerned for our mental health.
¡°So, what happens after we immobilize it with the foam grenades?¡± Arlos asked, arms crossed. ¡°Do we just throw it back on the pile and hope it doesn¡¯t wake up again?¡±
He had a point, but now wasn¡¯t the time for overthinking. ¡°One problem at a time,¡± I replied, focusing on the task at hand. It also struck me that the other giant droids in the pile hadn¡¯t activated, but I shelved the thought for later.
The plan was simple: Rina and Arlos would search for more foam grenades or grav machines. I handed the two grav machines we had to Davik and Kado, walking them through a quick tutorial on deploying them effectively. Mira and I kept the foam grenades, ready to use when Davik or Kado gave the signal. Glancing back at the slugfest, I winced at the sight of Skew-01 taking another hit. Its frame was scorched and dented, and I had just finished repairing it too.
We moved into position, and after contacting Rina and Arlos to hurry, we gave each other nods. Fingers crossed, we started the plan.
Davik''s P.O.V. :
Kado and I split up, flanking the giant droid on either side of its brutal clash with Skew-01. We had agreed I¡¯d deploy my grav machine first, and if it failed, Kado would follow up with his. Less risk of overlapping fields, more chances to pin this monstrosity down.
The moment came when the giant droid backhanded Skew-01, sending the battered droid stumbling. I seized the opportunity, activating the grav machine and sliding it toward the droid¡¯s legs. The machine hummed to life, and I felt a flicker of triumph as its right leg lifted off the ground.
¡°It¡¯s working!¡± Mira cheered. But our groans quickly followed when the droid adjusted its balance, taking a stabilizing step back. Before I could curse, Kado activated his grav machine and slid it into place. The combined anti-gravity fields worked wonders, lifting the entire giant droid off the ground. Helpless, it flailed its arms wildly, nearly striking one of the machines.
¡°Foam it now!¡± I roared to Mira and Jake. They hurled their grenades in tandem, the sticky foam exploding around the droid¡¯s joints. Its thrashing slowed but didn¡¯t stop entirely, the metallic creaking audible even over the chaos.
¡°Rina, hurry up!¡± I bellowed. To my relief, she appeared moments later, sprinting and throwing three foam grenades. The explosions smothered the droid¡¯s optics and further locked its joints, finally immobilizing it. Arlos followed, lugging two more grav machines. He handed one to Jake and, at my signal, activated the last machine to bolster the field.
¡°Foam won¡¯t hold forever,¡± I reminded the group. ¡°Maybe a couple of hours if we¡¯re lucky. Worst case? An hour. We need a solution.¡±
Arlos hesitated. ¡°Are we¡ putting it back in the pile?¡±
¡°No,¡± I growled. ¡°That doesn¡¯t solve anything. Ideas?¡±
Jake perked up, turning to Rina. ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention something about the droid earlier?¡±
Rina nodded, her expression turning serious. ¡°These giant droids are blaster-resistant, equipped with slow but powerful arm cannons, and¡ they¡¯re resistant to the Force.¡± She hesitated. ¡°Because they¡¯re powered by Kyber crystals.¡±
Jake¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°If we remove the Kyber crystal, it should shut down.¡±
I rolled my eyes. ¡°As if it¡¯s that simple.¡±
Rina¡¯s P.O.V. :
I cleared my throat. ¡°Since Jake doesn¡¯t have an actual plan,¡± I started, ¡°let¡¯s try mine.¡±
That got their attention. I explained my theory: the circuit panel on the droid¡¯s back could be accessed and removed, giving us deeper access to its inner workings.
Jake looked at me with an expression that could only be described as awe. Or maybe he just had a weird face. Either way, it was flattering.
With a plan in mind, we moved quickly. Jake and I would handle the circuit panel¡ªmy idea, his mechanical skills. Kado assigned Arlos to assist Mira in case her injuries flared up, much to her irritation. Davik, ever the pragmatist, went off to hunt for more foam grenades with Kado trailing behind.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Jake and I readied our tools. He strapped his EMP machine to his back, and I raised an eyebrow.
¡°Just in case,¡± he said. ¡°Better to have it and not need it than the other way around.¡±
I couldn¡¯t argue with that.
Taking deep breaths, I sprinted toward the immobilized droid and jumped into the anti-gravity field, grabbing onto a patch of foam to steady myself. Sticking the landing, I allowed myself a small cheer. When I turned to check on Jake, I nearly facepalmed. He launched himself right after me but managed to land face-first before his feet followed. Good thing we were in zero-gravity, or he might¡¯ve broken his nose.
¡°Nice landing, ace,¡± I quipped, pulling him upright.
¡°Not a word,¡± he muttered, dusting himself off.
We got to work, prying open the circuit panel and examining the complex network inside. The wiring was dense, a labyrinth of circuits and conduits that screamed Old Republic design. It wasn¡¯t going to be simple.
¡°This isn¡¯t just standard programming,¡± Jake muttered, pointing at an intricately engraved component. ¡°These runes¡ they¡¯re linked to the Kyber crystal. Probably safeguards.¡±
¡°Can you bypass it?¡± I asked, already reaching for a precision tool.
¡°I can try,¡± he said, his voice steady but his brow furrowed. ¡°Keep an eye on the foam and the anti-grav machines. If they fail, we¡¯re toast.¡±
The others checked in periodically. Mira confirmed she was fine, Arlos kept a watchful eye on our position, and Davik returned with a small stash of additional grenades. Kado stood guard, scanning the room for any more surprises. The tension in the air was palpable, but we kept working. Every second counted.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
I¡¯m going to die.
That thought¡¯s been stuck on repeat in my head, like some broken holo-reel, ever since that kriffing pulse hit us. I was so out of it I didn¡¯t even notice Rina had kicked me off the floating droid until I was already tumbling back down. She followed a second later, landing hard and scrambling to her feet, but it took me longer to stop shaking¡ªnot that the trembling ever really went away. But kark, Rina had it worse. Her eyes were bloodshot, her nose bleeding like someone had taken a vibroblade to it. She looked like she¡¯d just gone ten rounds with a rancor and lost.
I forced myself upright, legs like jelly, and caught a glimpse of the others. They didn¡¯t fare much better. Mira was pale, Arlos looked like he¡¯d aged a decade in the last five minutes, and even Davik¡ªcool, unshakable Davik¡ªhad his hand clamped on a crate to steady himself. None of us escaped unscathed from that blast of dread, but Arlos¡ he seemed worse than Rina and me. And we were at the kriffing epicenter.
We were barely getting our bearings when the droid started moving. The foam it was trapped in¡ªthe same foam that had held it like durasteel bonds just minutes ago¡ªwas cracking. It wasn¡¯t free yet, but its massive frame was shifting, and every movement made my stomach drop. How in the nine Corellian hells did it get space to move? Was it that kriffing pulse from the crystal? The¡ red crystal?
Wait. Red.
Doesn¡¯t red mean Sith?
Why didn¡¯t I notice that before? Why didn¡¯t it click the second I saw it? But then again, would knowing earlier have changed anything? Probably not. Kark it, Jake, focus.
I swore under my breath¡ªloudly, repeatedly, every curse I could think of¡ªtrying to trick my brain into calming down. It wasn¡¯t working. The whole ¡°not being Force-sensitive¡± thing gave me this false sense of security when it came to the dark side. I thought I was immune to its influence, that I¡¯d just stroll through this planet and deal with whatever came at me without a second thought. But this planet? It¡¯s steeped in the dark side, thick as a spice addict¡¯s haze. And the dark side? It does exactly this. It makes you complacent. Overconfident. Stupid.
The droid jerked again, more foam cracking, and that pulse hit us a second time. That same karking heart-stopping dread slammed into me like a landspeeder crash, and for a moment, I couldn¡¯t breathe. It was like the fear itself was alive, clawing at my chest, freezing me in place. I saw it in the others too¡ªthe same wide-eyed terror, the same paralyzing grip. It wasn¡¯t just fear; it was something worse. Something primal. Something that crawled into your mind and told you, without words, that there was no hope. That running wouldn¡¯t save you. That fighting was pointless.
I realized I wasn¡¯t breathing. None of us were. The dread was so overwhelming that I hadn¡¯t even noticed my lungs burning until Rina stumbled into me, shaking me back to reality.
¡°Get it together, genius,¡± she rasped, her voice hoarse, and I nodded, even though I didn¡¯t trust myself to speak.
The droid roared, a deep, mechanical sound that reverberated through the chamber. It wasn¡¯t words, but it didn¡¯t need to be. That sound carried intent¡ªpure, unbridled malice¡ªand it felt like a slap to the face.
¡°Jake, the crystal!¡± Rina shouted, snapping me out of it.
Right. The kriffing crystal. The red, Sith-tied, probably-evil-as-kark crystal. We¡¯d barely gotten a look at it before, but now¡ I¡¯d seen enough. The droid wasn¡¯t just powered by it; it was controlled by it. And if we didn¡¯t destroy that thing soon, we were all bantha fodder.
I grabbed my toolkit, fumbling with trembling hands, and turned to Rina. ¡°We¡ we need a plan,¡± I stammered. ¡°And fast.¡±
Arlos P.O.V. :
The giant droid loomed over us, motionless but menacing. Its sheer presence felt like a physical weight pressing down on me. I knew its weapons were disabled, and the foam grenades had it pinned, yet every instinct screamed that this thing¡ªthis amalgamation of durasteel and malice¡ªwas going to be the end of us all.
I didn''t realize I was trembling until I felt a steadying hand on my shoulder. Turning my head, I saw Miss Mira crouched beside me, her gaze steady despite the chaos. "Come on, Arlos," she said, her voice firm but not unkind. "Help me move Kado. We need to get him farther from that thing."
Her words cut through the haze of fear gripping me. A task. Something tangible to hold onto. Focus on the goal, not the dread. I latched onto that lifeline with both hands, nodding sharply. "Yes, ma''am," I murmured, though my voice sounded hollow even to me.
Sir Davik was already half-carrying Sir Kado, his expression grim but resolute. "Arlos, take him to the lift entrance," he said, his voice rough but commanding. "Get him as far from that karking monster as possible."
I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat refusing to budge, and nodded again. Words failed me, but my body moved on autopilot as I took hold of Sir Kado''s other side. He groaned faintly, his head lolling as we maneuvered him across the room. My grip tightened instinctively, as though holding onto him could anchor me to reality and keep the encroaching panic at bay.
Every step felt like wading through tar, the oppressive energy radiating from the giant droid threatening to drag me down. I couldn''t let it. Kado needed me. The crew needed me. Letting go, breaking down¡ªit wasn''t an option.
We reached the relative safety of the lift entrance, and I eased Kado down onto the floor, leaning him against the wall. My breath came in shallow gasps, but I forced myself to focus on him, checking for injuries and ensuring he was stable. Anything to keep my mind from circling back to the fear clawing at the edges of my consciousness.
Miss Mira knelt beside me, her brow furrowed as she handed me a canteen. "He''ll be okay," she said quietly, her words directed at both Kado and me. I nodded, though I wasn¡¯t entirely convinced.
The room was far from safe, the droid still struggling against its restraints and emitting pulses of dread that threatened to crush what little composure I had left. But as long as I had a task¡ªsomething to do¡ªI could keep going.
I glanced back toward the others. Sir Jake and Miss Rina were still near the droid, their expressions grim as they worked to assess the situation. Sir Davik stood watch, his blaster at the ready.
The sight of them, battered but determined, lit a small spark of courage within me. I wasn¡¯t alone in this fight. We weren¡¯t alone. And as long as we kept moving, kept fighting, we had a chance.
I turned my attention back to Sir Kado, my hands steady as I adjusted his position for comfort. "You''re going to be fine, sir," I murmured, more to myself than him. "We''ve got this."
The words weren¡¯t much, but they were enough to keep me going. For now, that would have to be enough.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
77 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 48: Machines of War
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
THIS CHAPTER HAS UNDERGONE A RE-WRITE
Jake¡¯s P.O.V. :
We could all book it back to the lift entrance if we wanted to. Slam the doors, head topside, and leave this whole mess behind. But that wouldn¡¯t solve anything. Leaving this dark side relic to stew here would only let it fester, growing more dangerous until it bit us¡ªand probably the rest of the galaxy¡ªin the shebs. Not an option.
I scanned the room, my mind racing for solutions. Rina and Davik were nearby, Mira and Arlos were dragging Kado toward safety. My earlier assumption about Arlos taking the worst of the pulse was wrong; he looked shaken, but at least he was functional.
The giant droid was still thrashing against its restraints, foam hardening around it like a vice while the grav machines strained to hold it in place. We had time to plan, but not much. The dread emanating from the crystal at its core made my skin crawl, my mind whispering in panic that every second spent thinking was a second closer to death.
An idea hit me like a stun bolt, and my eyes snapped to Rina and Davik. ¡°What if that pulse it sent out was a signal to activate the other droids?¡± I blurted out.
Their faces paled faster than a Twi¡¯lek in an ice storm. Davik cursed under his breath, his usual cocky confidence buried under genuine fear. ¡°I¡¯ll check on them,¡± he said quickly, already moving toward the inactive droids piled near the far wall.
Rina and I exchanged a look. ¡°If that thing¡¯s crystal is broadcasting, we can¡¯t afford to sit around,¡± she said.
¡°Agreed. Either we rip it out, or we destroy it outright,¡± I replied. Both options sounded equally awful.
¡°If we go for removal, we can¡¯t touch the crystal directly,¡± she warned, her voice shaking slightly. ¡°We don¡¯t know what it¡¯ll do if we make contact. That dread it¡¯s projecting¡¡±
I nodded, swallowing hard. ¡°Yeah, I feel it too. It¡¯s trying to get in my head, make me lose focus.¡± I swore, hoping the act would jar me into composure. ¡°This karking planet is steeped in the dark side, and I¡¯ve been treating it like any other rock. Stupid. Complacent. That¡¯s how the dark side wins.¡±
Rina¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°And if we destroy it?¡±
¡°We might set it off,¡± I admitted, running a hand through my hair. ¡°Worst-case scenario: it explodes. Best case? We shut it down.¡±
We didn¡¯t get far into debating the finer points because Davik returned, sprinting back with a mix of relief and dread written across his face. ¡°The other droids are no threat,¡± he announced, slightly out of breath. ¡°They¡¯ve got holes in them¡ªlike something exploded inside.¡±
That stopped me cold. ¡°Holes? Where?¡±
¡°Same spot where the crystal is in that one,¡± he said, jerking a thumb at the active droid.
Rina and I shared a glance. ¡°Not bombs, then,¡± she murmured.
¡°No,¡± I agreed. ¡°Incorrect attempts to remove the crystal must¡¯ve triggered the explosions. Someone tried¡ªand failed¡ªto disarm them.¡±
¡°But why leave one operational?¡± Rina asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°Did the Jedi of old kark this up by working here of all places?¡±
I didn¡¯t answer. The thought of Jedi or Republic agents making such a boneheaded decision¡ªon Malachor, of all worlds¡ªwas too much. Only arrogance or desperation could explain it.
¡°Jake!¡± Rina¡¯s voice snapped me out of my reverie. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡±
¡°Same thing they did,¡± I said after a beat.
¡°What?¡± she yelped, her face twisting in shock. ¡°You want it to explode?¡±
¡°Not exactly,¡± I countered, raising my hands defensively. ¡°We interrupt the crystal¡¯s energy loop with an overloaded EMP device. If it works, the crystal destabilizes without a full detonation. Hopefully.¡±
She didn¡¯t look convinced, but it was the best we had. While I calibrated my EMP machine to overload, I asked Rina and Davik to scrounge up foam grenades, just in case.
Things went south fast. The grav machines sputtered and died, their energy drained, and the giant droid collapsed with a thunderous crash. The hardened foam encasing it shattered, and it rose to its feet, the sheer size and weight of it making the ground tremble.
My EMP machine wasn¡¯t ready, but the droid didn¡¯t care. It lumbered forward, its remaining arm raising to strike. I froze, staring up at the monstrosity like a womp rat caught in the headlights of a speeder.
Something blurred past my peripheral vision¡ªa grenade, I realized too late¡ªslamming into the droid¡¯s shoulder and detonating. The explosion staggered it, blasting its arm apart before it could crush me.
The EMP machine activated with a deafening hum, sending out a pulse of energy that rippled through the air. The giant droid shuddered violently, sparks erupting from its joints as it seized up.
I barely had time to process what was happening when Rina shouted, ¡°The crystal! It¡¯s cracking!¡±
Good news¡ªor so I thought until she grabbed my arm and yanked me toward the lift. ¡°We have to move! It¡¯s unstable!¡±
We sprinted away, stumbling as another pulse¡ªstronger than the last¡ªerupted from the crystal. The wave hit us like a landspeeder crash, throwing us off our feet.
My head spun as I hit the ground, but I couldn¡¯t help a grim smile. ¡°Well,¡± I muttered, ¡°at least it didn¡¯t explode.¡±
Jake¡¯s P.O.V. :
After a couple of hours, I think two....
Rina is atop the defeated Force Null Sentinel droid to finish her data-mining. From below, we could hear the faint hum of her slicer rig and occasional frustrated mutters. When she finally stretched her arms, we all winced at the sound of her joints popping. With a sigh of relief, she packed up her tools, hopped off the droid with practiced ease, and made her way toward us.
Stolen novel; please report.
I¡¯d taken the opportunity to plop down on the dusty floor, tinkering with one of the grav machines that Kado and Davik had brought back earlier, I''m surprised that it was intact. The thing was a marvel of engineering¡ªOld Republic tech with a heavy dose of ingenuity. While I poked and prodded at its internal components, the others settled into various spots nearby. Davik leaned against a wall, arms crossed, keeping a wary eye on the dormant droids, while Mira sat cross-legged, tending to her gear. Arlos, as usual, looked like he was trying to figure out if he¡¯d made a terrible mistake joining us.
By the time Rina reached us, I had a decent grasp of the grav machine¡¯s inner workings. It wasn¡¯t as complicated as I thought, though its energy modulation system was a bit archaic. I could probably improve it if we had the parts.
Rina dusted herself off, her slicer rig slung over her shoulder. ¡°Alright, folks,¡± she said, her voice cutting through the stillness, ¡°I¡¯ve got some news for you guys. Let¡¯s talk.¡±
That got everyone¡¯s attention. Even Davik pushed off the wall and stepped closer, his curiosity piqued.
Rina didn¡¯t waste time. ¡°So, first things first,¡± she began, holding up a small holoprojector. ¡°The name of our big friend here¡ªor rather, its model designation¡ªis the Force Null Sentinel Droid.¡±
¡°Force Null?¡± Mira echoed, her brows furrowing.
¡°Yeah,¡± Rina confirmed. ¡°Makes sense when you hear what it¡¯s built for. This bad boy was designed specifically to fight and hunt Sith Force-wielders. Its armor? Made of phrik, which, as you all probably know, is lightsaber-resistant. Combine that with the kyber crystal core, and you¡¯ve got a machine that¡¯s not just resistant to blaster fire¡ªit¡¯s practically immune to direct Force manipulation.¡±
I let out a low whistle. ¡°That¡¯s... terrifying.¡±
¡°Right?¡± Rina said, her tone dry. ¡°And that¡¯s just the beginning. Its primary weapon is an overpowered blaster cannon that¡¯s basically a miniaturized ship-grade turbolaser. And if that¡¯s not enough, its energy capacity¡ªthanks to the kyber crystal¡ªcan support additional weapon systems. The Republic designed these things to be walking nightmares.¡±
My mind started racing with possibilities. If we could reverse-engineer some of this tech... The thought must¡¯ve been obvious because the others were suddenly staring at me, incredulous. I realized I¡¯d been muttering under my breath and laughing in that way that probably made me sound like a holo-villain.
¡°Uh, carry on,¡± I said, clearing my throat and avoiding their judgmental looks.
Rina smirked but didn¡¯t comment. Instead, she dropped the next bombshell. ¡°There¡¯s more of these droids. From what I pulled out of the memory banks, this vault isn¡¯t unique. There are other storage sites¡ªother vaults¡ªspread across the galaxy. How many? No clue. But if we¡¯ve got six here, there could be dozens out there.¡±
Davik let out a low growl. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of trouble just waiting to wake up.¡±
¡°Exactly,¡± Rina said. ¡°But here¡¯s the kicker¡ªwhy were they locked up in the first place?¡±
¡°That¡¯s the real question,¡± I said, leaning back and gesturing for her to continue. ¡°What¡¯d you find?¡±
Rina hesitated, as if deciding how best to deliver the bad news. Before she could answer, I jumped in with a theory. ¡°Maybe the Republic locked them up after the war with the Sith Empire ended. They didn¡¯t need them anymore.¡±
Arlos frowned. ¡°That doesn¡¯t fit the timeline, though. The historical records we¡¯ve come across show the Republic¡¯s war efforts being pretty stretched. Why waste resources locking up perfectly good weapons?¡±
Mira chimed in with her own idea. ¡°What if these were defective units? Maybe they malfunctioned and got stored here while the Republic figured out what went wrong.¡±
¡°Or,¡± Davik countered, ¡°maybe it wasn¡¯t the Republic at all. What if the Sith Empire captured these droids and sealed them away, knowing how dangerous they were?¡±
We all turned back to Rina, who held up a hand to quiet us. ¡°Good guesses, but the truth is worse,¡± she said. ¡°The droids¡¯ programming was faulty. Their primary directive was to hunt Sith Force-wielders, but somewhere along the line, the programming got... warped. They started targeting Jedi too. And not just Force-wielders¡ªeventually, they deemed everyone a threat. It¡¯s why they were locked away. They went rampant.¡±
Silence fell over the group as we absorbed the implications. One of these things had nearly taken us out, and that was with half of its systems disabled. A fully operational group? It was a wonder anyone had survived long enough to lock them away.
Rina wasn¡¯t done. ¡°Oh, and just to make it worse? These droids weren¡¯t deployed solo. They worked in groups¡ªlike the six here. Sometimes more, sometimes less. But always enough to wipe out anything in their path.¡±
¡°Well,¡± Davik said, breaking the tension with a dark chuckle, ¡°guess we¡¯re lucky they aren''t capable of waking up at once.¡±
¡°No kidding,¡± I muttered.
As the conversation died down, I glanced at the kyber crystal in my hand. We¡¯d stopped one Force Null Sentinel, but the galaxy might still be sitting on a ticking time bomb.
Jake¡¯s P.O.V. :
After our impromptu meeting wrapped up, Kado turned his attention to Mira - I''m surprised he''s already up and about, who was nursing a minor injury. Mira, for her part, didn¡¯t appreciate the extra attention.
¡°Seriously, Kado, I said I¡¯m fine,¡± she grumbled, pulling her arm away from his hands. ¡°You¡¯ve already patched me up. Twice.¡±
Kado, unbothered, kept working with the precision of a Coruscanti med droid. ¡°You¡¯re fine because I made you fine,¡± he shot back, calmly inspecting her arm. ¡°Now quit squirming. I¡¯m just making sure you¡¯re not hiding a cracked bone.¡±
I think Kado really wants to be busy right now.
Mira rolled her eyes and muttered something about ¡°neighborhood grandma¡± under her breath, but she let him finish. It was hard to argue with Kado when he got like this¡ªcalm, persistent, and always annoyingly right.
Meanwhile, I figured it was time to tackle another problem. Our droids¡ªthe Nicks and the Skews¡ªhad taken a beating during the fight. While they weren¡¯t as advanced as the Force Null Sentinels, they were still solid pieces of work. It¡¯d be a waste to leave them in their current state, and we¡¯d need their help if we were going to move the Sentinel droids back to the Stellar Envoy.
¡°All right,¡± I said, clapping my hands to get the others¡¯ attention. ¡°I need some muscle. Let¡¯s drag our droids over here so I can patch them up. Not a full repair job, but enough to get them operational.¡±
Arlos groaned. ¡°You mean the droids that weigh as much as a bantha?¡±
I shrugged. ¡°You¡¯re the one always calling me ¡®sir.¡¯ Consider this an order.¡±
That got a smirk from Rina, who was already heading toward one of the Nick droids. ¡°Come on, Arlos,¡± she called. ¡°Let¡¯s show these relics what teamwork looks like.¡±
Arlos muttered something under his breath but followed her. Davik, not waiting for instructions, grabbed the other Nick droid by its battered torso and started hauling it toward me. Watching him manhandle the thing like it was a sack of grain, I wondered¡ªnot for the first time¡ªwhat kind of physical training he¡¯d had before joining the crew.
While they worked on dragging the Nicks, I made my way over to Skew-01, who was slumped against a wall nearby. One word came to mind when I looked at the droid: undying.
Skew-01 was a mess. Its once-sleek frame was covered in dents and scorch marks, and its manipulator arms barely resembled the clean, precise tools I¡¯d originally designed. The armor plating looked like it had been chewed on by a rancor, and yet, the droid was still powered on, its photoreceptors faintly glowing.
¡°Damn, you¡¯ve been through the wringer,¡± I muttered, crouching down to inspect it.
Despite its sorry appearance, most of the damage was superficial. The internals were mostly intact, though I¡¯d need to replace the arms and realign some components. I couldn¡¯t help but grin. Skew-01 might look like a walking junk heap, but it was still kicking. I patted its chassis affectionately. ¡°You¡¯re a tough one. Let¡¯s get you patched up.¡±
From the corner of my eye, I caught movement. Turning, I saw Rina and Arlos awkwardly dragging one of the Nick droids toward me, grunting with effort.
¡°You sure know how to build them heavy,¡± Arlos panted, wiping sweat from his brow.
Rina shot him a look. ¡°Would you rather they fall apart after one fight? Thought so.¡±
A few steps behind them, Davik arrived with the other Nick, dragging it single-handedly. He dropped it unceremoniously in front of me, dusting off his hands. ¡°There. Now get to work, genius.¡±
I cracked my neck and rolled up my sleeves. ¡°Time to earn my keep,¡± I said, grinning.
Everyone settled into their roles. While Kado finished fussing over Mira, Arlos and Rina leaned against a nearby wall, taking a breather, and Davik kept watch for any signs of trouble. I got to work on the droids, starting with Skew-01.
Piece by piece, I began replacing damaged components and realigning circuits. The work was methodical, almost meditative. As I tinkered, my thoughts wandered back to the Force Null Sentinels. Their design was a masterstroke of engineering¡ªfar beyond anything we could build now. If I could reverse-engineer even a fraction of their systems, the possibilities were endless.
Of course, there was also the ethical question of whether I should do that, but I pushed the thought aside for now. First things first: get our droids operational. The rest could wait.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
The rating on this fic is quite harsh though
78 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 49: Weight of the Wastes
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake¡¯s P.O.V. :
With the emergency repairs on our Nick and Skew droids done, I had them run through a quick series of tests to check their mobility and range of movement. For machines that had been chewed up and spit out by battle, they were holding together surprisingly well. Sure, there were a few creaks and hesitations in their joints, but nothing critical. They could handle carrying our haul back to the Stellar Envoy without any issues.
¡°Good news, everyone,¡± I announced, dusting off my hands. ¡°The droids are ready to go. Between them and our scout droid¡ªwhich, by some miracle, made it through that scrap with only a couple of scratches¡ªwe¡¯ll have an easier time hauling everything out of here.¡±
Davik smirked. ¡°And here I thought you were gonna ask us to lug that gear back ourselves.¡±
¡°Nah,¡± I said with a grin. ¡°I¡¯d never make you do manual labor when I¡¯ve got perfectly good droids for that. What kind of genius would I be?¡±
That got a few chuckles from the crew, though Mira¡¯s was more of a tired snort. We were all running on fumes, the adrenaline from the fight wearing off and leaving behind a bone-deep exhaustion. Still, the thought of heading back to the ship¡ªour safe haven¡ªput a little extra spring in our steps.
We¡¯d decided to bring back the least damaged of the Force Null Sentinel droids and as many of the IG droids as we could reasonably carry. The Sentinel was the real prize¡ªa relic from the Old Republic that practically hummed with potential. If I could reverse-engineer even a fraction of its systems, it would be a game-changer. As for the IG droids, they were less exciting but still valuable. I was confident I could repair and reprogram them, and having more droid support would always come in handy.
Rina had also picked through the wreckage and found some gear she thought might be useful¡ªmostly weapon mods and some strange tools that looked ancient but well-maintained. She was already speculating about their origins, rattling off theories about Jedi craftsmanship and Sith relics. I only caught half of what she said, but the excitement in her voice was contagious.
With everything sorted and loaded up, we made our way back to the lift. The droids carried the bulk of the load, their servos whining softly as they maneuvered through the ruins. I kept a close eye on them, ready to jump in if anything went wrong, but they performed flawlessly. Even Skew-01, who looked like it had been through a Sarlacc¡¯s digestive system, was moving steadily.
As we rode the lift back up from the underground Vault, a strange mix of relief and exhaustion settled over the group. It felt like we¡¯d been down there for weeks, not just the better part of a day. The air was fresher up here¡ªwell, as fresh as air could get on Malachor V¡ªand the oppressive weight of the Vault¡¯s secrets seemed to lift slightly.
The trek back to the Stellar Envoy was uneventful, which was a blessing. The Ashen Wastes stretched out before us, a bleak expanse of gray and black that made our ship stand out like a beacon of hope.
As we approached, the sight of our freighter brought a wave of comfort. The Stellar Envoy might not be the flashiest ship in the galaxy, but it was ours. It was home.
Once we reached the ship, everyone fell into their roles without needing to be told. Rina and Arlos directed the droids, ensuring the cargo was loaded securely. Kado and Mira disappeared into the medbay, Mira grumbling the whole way about Kado fussing too much. Davik went to check the perimeter, his blaster drawn, always the cautious one.
I lingered outside for a moment, watching the last of the droids march up the ramp. This haul was a big one¡ªmaybe the biggest we¡¯d ever scored. But it wasn¡¯t just about the tech or the gear. It was about what it represented. A piece of history, a chance to learn and grow, and maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªa step closer to making our mark on the galaxy.
As I stepped inside and the ramp closed behind me, I felt a rare sense of satisfaction. For now, at least, we¡¯d earned some well-deserved downtime. And Maker knew we needed it.
Now, I know what you¡¯re thinking: Jake, why would you leave behind all those droids? Isn¡¯t that wasteful? The thing is, I didn¡¯t. Not entirely, anyway.
Remember when I mentioned ¡°gear¡± being part of what the droids were hauling back? That included the good stuff¡ªthe armor plating, built-in weapon systems, and anything else worth salvaging. The rest? Well, let¡¯s just say those giant droids are more trouble than they¡¯re worth.
For starters, they¡¯re huge¡ªlike, an adult and a half in height. They¡¯re crammed with components that, to me, seem designed more to make them unnecessarily heavy than anything else. Between their sheer size and their excessive weight, there¡¯s no way we could haul all of them back to the Stellar Envoy. Not without some heavy-duty equipment we don¡¯t have. And honestly, the only things truly unique to them were their armor, weapons, and cores. We¡¯ve already secured those. With what I¡¯ve learned from these relics, I¡¯m confident I can update the designs for my Skew and Nick droids, making them stronger and more efficient.
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
That brings me to the stuff we left behind in the underground caverns. See, I¡¯ve learned my lesson about loose ends¡ªthis time, I made sure there were none. While tinkering with the grav machine Davik and Kado brought back, I figured out what made it tick. Turns out, it uses repulsor technology in a way I¡¯ve never seen before. Normally, repulsors create anti-gravity fields for vehicles and such, but this setup could manipulate gravity in other ways. It¡¯s a rare glimpse into the Old Republic¡¯s ingenuity¡ªspecifically, the Republic from before the Ruusan Reformation, when the galaxy¡¯s tech and knowledge were at their peak.
With that knowledge in hand, I got creative. I reversed the grav machine¡¯s usual output, so instead of an anti-gravity field, it would multiply gravity in an area. Then I removed the limiters to let it overload, which would amplify the effect even more. Finally, I set a timer to activate it a quarter-hour after we left the caverns, ensuring we¡¯d be long gone before it kicked in. By the time anyone else stumbles on that place, everything we left behind¡ªSentinels, IG droids, and all¡ªwill be nothing more than flattened scrap. A neat little trick to erase our trail.
See? I can be thorough. I can learn.
As we loaded up the Stellar Envoy, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of pride. Sure, leaving behind some of the droids felt like a waste, but in the grand scheme, we got what mattered. Between the Sentinel¡¯s armor and weapons, the IG droids I plan to repair and reprogram, and the newfound knowledge of the grav machine¡¯s technology, this was a haul for the holocrons.
And the icing on the cake? Knowing that no one else is getting their hands on the leftovers. I may not be a Jedi or some galactic historian, but I¡¯m starting to appreciate just how much power lies in what you leave behind¡ªor, in this case, destroy before anyone else can get to it.
For now, though, we¡¯re grounded. No taking off just yet. We¡¯re all dead on our feet, and we need time to regroup, plan, and figure out our next move. The galaxy isn¡¯t going anywhere, but with what we¡¯ve learned today, we just might leave a dent in it someday.
As we approached the Stellar Envoy, we were greeted by an excited Tarek and a visibly relieved Shmi. The tension in her posture melted away as soon as she saw us, her lips curving into a soft, motherly smile. But one thing was missing.
"Where¡¯s Anakin?" I asked, glancing around for the little guy.
Shmi answered with a slight chuckle. "He got tired, so I sent him to rest. He didn¡¯t want to at first, but he finally nodded off."
Before I could reply, Tarek burst into an enthusiastic recount of how glad he was that we were alive and kicking. ¡°I mean, when the scanners picked up faint energy spikes from deep underground, I got a bit worried, but I figured if anyone could handle it¡ª¡±
Davik, raising an eyebrow, interrupted him with mock anger. ¡°So, what? You were hoping we wouldn¡¯t make it back?¡±
Tarek froze, his mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air, completely flustered as he stammered out a denial. ¡°N-No! That¡¯s not¡ª I didn¡¯t¡ª What I meant was¡ª¡±
It wasn¡¯t until the rest of us broke out laughing that Tarek realized Davik had been pulling his leg. His face turned an amusing shade of pink as he finally groaned, ¡°You guys are the worst.¡±
Meanwhile, Shmi made her way to Mira, gently guiding her toward the medbay after greeting the rest of us. Her eyes lingered on Mira¡¯s injuries, her concern evident. Mira, predictably, protested, insisting she was fine, but Shmi¡¯s quiet determination won out.
As Tarek pestered Davik and Kado for every little detail about what had gone on inside the vault, Rina slipped away to the common area. She sat down at the data console, her expression already deep in focus as she began sorting through the files and fragments she¡¯d recovered from the Sentinel droid.
I turned my attention to the Skew and Nick droids, ordering them to haul our salvage to the storage area. ¡°Once everything¡¯s unloaded, head to the medbay¡ªwell, medbay-slash-engineering room¡ªfor docking. Let the modified medic droid patch you up until I can do some real repairs and upgrades.¡±
Satisfied that the droids would handle it, I moved to my mobile tool station. I deposited all our broken gadgets into the sorter, watching as the machine¡¯s mechanisms whirred to life. It methodically analyzed each item, separating components into piles of reusable parts, recyclables, and raw materials.
I manually double-checked the piles, carefully setting aside anything that could still be of use. Every scrap had potential if you had the right know-how, and this mobile tool station¡ªan incredible find from a previous salvage run¡ªmade it so much easier to maximize every haul.
For the first time in what felt like ages, I worked without interruptions. Hours passed in a blur as I tinkered, sorted, and planned. It wasn¡¯t until Shmi called out to me that I realized how much time had flown by.
¡°You need to eat,¡± she said gently but firmly. ¡°The others are sound asleep¡ªexcept for Tarek, who¡¯s still bouncing off the walls with excitement from all the stories he¡¯s gotten out of Davik and Kado. But you need to rest too.¡±
I glanced at her, noticing the exhaustion in her eyes despite the warm smile on her face. ¡°What about you? Why aren¡¯t you resting?¡± I asked.
¡°I¡¯ll rest once I know you¡¯ve eaten,¡± she replied, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Relenting, I sat down at the table, where Shmi had already set out a simple meal. It wasn¡¯t fancy, but it hit the spot. By the time I finished, the weight of the day was finally catching up with me. I could feel the exhaustion in every muscle, every joint.
Shmi smiled when she saw me stifle a yawn. ¡°Go on. Rest. You¡¯ve earned it.¡±
I nodded, deciding she was right. As much as part of me wanted to dive back into work, the pull of sleep was stronger. I made my way to my bunk, collapsing onto it with a sigh.
For once, I didn¡¯t lie awake thinking about what needed fixing or what I could improve. The last thing I remember before sleep claimed me was a fleeting sense of gratitude¡ªthat we¡¯d made it back in one piece, that the haul was worth it, and that, for now, we could finally catch our breath.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
79 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 50: The Shadows We Leave Behind
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however
Jake''s P.O.V. :
We were gathered in the common area of the Stellar Envoy, cramped but familiar. Kado, as usual, took charge to start the meeting. His calm and measured voice cut through the general chatter as he kicked things off.
¡°We need to debrief about our latest... expedition,¡± he began, his gaze sweeping across the group. ¡°Both the initial space station and what we found in the Ashen Wastes. Let¡¯s make sure we¡¯re all on the same page about what went down and what we¡¯ve brought back.¡±
I smirked as Kado tactfully avoided calling our adventure what it really was: tomb raiding. The others noticed too, judging by the subtle coughs and grins. Tarek, of course, didn¡¯t even bother to hide his amusement. ¡°You mean the part where we robbed a crypt full of killer droids?¡±
Kado shot him a look but didn¡¯t rise to the bait, and we all chuckled before settling in for the serious discussion.
We went over the highlights¡ªthe Sentinel droids, the IG models, and the grav machine I¡¯d rigged to flatten anything we left behind. Rina gave a concise report about the data she¡¯d extracted, while I filled in details about the Sentinel droids'' components and how they could inspire upgrades for our own tech. It was a strange mix of pride and exhaustion, recounting what we¡¯d accomplished and what we¡¯d survived.
The conversation naturally shifted toward what came next. That was my cue.
¡°I have a proposal,¡± I said, sitting forward. All eyes turned to me, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a little nervous¡ªnot that I¡¯d ever admit it. ¡°I say we lay low for a while, but not by sitting idle. Let¡¯s actively hunt pirates and slavers.¡±
A ripple of interest spread through the group, though Kado¡¯s expression stayed carefully neutral. I pushed on.
¡°Think about it. It gives us a chance to test the upgrades I plan to make¡ªon the droids, the ship, and the crew¡¯s combat gear. And,¡± I added with a sly grin, ¡°it¡¯d give us a chance to deal with certain... unresolved issues.¡±
¡°Gardulla,¡± Davik said flatly, crossing his arms.
¡°Gardulla,¡± I confirmed.
The room buzzed with murmurs. It wasn¡¯t hard to see that the others were warming up to the idea, even if the revenge part wasn¡¯t their main motivation.
Tarek raised his hand like we were in school. ¡°Do I get combat armor?¡±
I rolled my eyes. ¡°Everyone gets armor.¡±
¡°Sweet!¡± Tarek grinned, clearly satisfied.
The conversation gained momentum after that, moving fluidly between my pitch and the other suggestions. Davik laid out a detailed report about our current gear and tactics, emphasizing where we needed to shore up. Mira chimed in with ideas for other ways to lay low, like taking on less risky salvage jobs or working as freelance couriers.
Then Rina, never one to shy away from bold ideas, dropped her suggestion like a thermal detonator. ¡°We need a bigger ship.¡±
Tarek practically jumped out of his seat. ¡°What? No! I love this ship!¡±
¡°I¡¯m just saying,¡± Rina said, shrugging, ¡°we¡¯re pushing the limits of what the Stellar Envoy can handle. It¡¯s not about replacing it¡ªit¡¯s about expanding our options.¡±
¡°I¡¯m with Tarek,¡± I cut in. ¡°This ship is iconic. And I still haven¡¯t renamed it the Millennium Falcon yet.¡±
My inner monologue kicked in as everyone groaned or rolled their eyes. Yeah, yeah, I know it¡¯s a weird obsession. Bite me.
Kado steered us back on track with a raised hand. ¡°Let¡¯s table the ship discussion for now. Right now, we need to focus on logistics and supplies. We¡¯re burning through resources faster than we¡¯re replenishing them.¡±
And just like that, the meeting shifted gears again. It wasn¡¯t as exciting as battle plans or revenge schemes, but it was the kind of practical talk that kept us alive. Rina opened up the ship¡¯s inventory logs, Kado talked numbers, and the rest of us chimed in with suggestions about restocking, repairs, and potential trade routes.
The meeting stretched into hours, but nobody complained. We were all invested in keeping this ragtag operation afloat¡ªand, more importantly, in figuring out how to turn everything we¡¯d gained into something even better.
The meeting dragged on until what I figured was midday¡ªhard to tell on this Force-forsaken planet with its eternally gray skies. As soon as we wrapped up, I excused myself, heading off to the mobile tool station. There was work to do.
I programmed the station to fabricate some of the parts I¡¯d need for my next round of gadgets and upgrades. With that out of the way, I made a beeline for the Engineering-slash-Medical room to check on the droids.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
Meanwhile, the rest of the crew was busy running scans of the surrounding area and orbit, just in case someone decided to sneak up on us. A solid plan, really. The last thing we needed was to get caught with our pants down. Unless, of course, it was by Mira or Rina¡ª By the stars, Jake, what in blazes is wrong with you? My cheeks burned, and I slapped them lightly in a frantic attempt to shove the thought out of my brain.
Once I got my focus back, I gave the droids a thorough inspection. The Nick and Skew units were functionally back to one hundred percent. Visually? Not so much. Dents, scrapes, and some battle scars still marked their chassis. But I wasn¡¯t worried. That would all be covered up soon enough with the phrik armor I had planned. I could already see the terror on the faces of any pirates or slavers foolish enough to cross us.
That thought made me laugh¡ªa deep, triumphant bwahaha that grew louder and more dramatic with each passing second. I was so caught up in my villainous daydream that I didn¡¯t even notice Anakin enter the room until he was standing there, arms crossed, giving me a look like a kid fed up with his older brother¡¯s antics.
I froze mid-laugh, cleared my throat, and awkwardly greeted him. ¡°Uh, hey, kiddo. What¡¯s up?¡±
¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay,¡± he said simply, though his little face still carried traces of worry.
His words hit me harder than I expected, and I knelt down halfway so we could see eye to eye. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Anakin. See?¡± I gestured to myself dramatically. ¡°Not a scratch on me. And don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ve got plot armor.¡±
The joke sailed right over his head. ¡°Why would you wear flat armor instead of regular armor?¡± he asked, genuinely puzzled.
That sent me into another round of laughter, this time more genuine and less evil mastermind. Anakin watched me for a moment, confused, before deciding to laugh along¡ªeven if he didn¡¯t quite get what was so funny.
After our little skit, I reached out and ruffled his hair. ¡°Don¡¯t worry so much, all right? We¡¯ll be careful. Promise.¡±
He nodded, his worry easing a bit. Then I got an idea. ¡°Hey, wanna help me out with the droids?¡±
His face lit up like a freshly tuned lightsaber. ¡°Can I? Really?¡±
¡°Of course,¡± I said, standing up. ¡°C¡¯mon, kid. Let me show you how to make these clankers even better.¡±
Together, we dove into the repairs, his excitement infectious as I guided him through the basics. Moments like this? They made all the chaos worthwhile.
It''s easy to forget sometimes that Anakin is only almost four. The kid''s questions, even wrapped in kid-speak, showed a sharpness that would make any technician proud. He didn¡¯t just sit back and watch; he got involved.
Before I could even ask for a hydrospanner, he was handing it to me. The little guy somehow knew exactly what I needed and when, like he was reading my mind¡ªor maybe just that attuned to the work. When I had to move to another part of the droid, he¡¯d quietly scoot out of the way, clearing the space without me saying a word.
It wasn¡¯t just helpful¡ªit was downright amazing. I made a mental note to remember moments like this whenever he decided to dismantle something he shouldn¡¯t later on.
As we worked, I started explaining things to him, giving him the basics of droids and mechanics. He soaked it all up, tossing in small suggestions that, while not perfectly articulated, had a surprising amount of insight. "What if this part was smaller so it could go faster?" he¡¯d ask, or, "Why doesn¡¯t this piece protect the shiny one?" pointing to an exposed conduit.
I¡¯d pause every now and then to grin at his questions and respond, ¡°That¡¯s a great point, but let me show you why it¡¯s done this way,¡± before explaining. His excitement was infectious, and honestly, I was having the time of my life teaching him.
But, of course, the universe has a way of reminding you it¡¯s still turning.
Our little bonding session was interrupted by Shmi¡¯s call from the corridor. ¡°Jake, Anakin! Midday meal is ready!¡±
I wiped my hands on a rag and gave Anakin a grin. ¡°Well, kiddo, looks like we¡¯re getting fed.¡±
He nodded eagerly, already darting toward the door with the energy only a kid his age could have. I chuckled as I followed, thinking about how much I enjoyed our little moment.
Then, as I crossed into the corridor, a thought hit me. Wait a second. If Shmi¡¯s calling us for midday meal now¡ then the meeting earlier wasn¡¯t midday at all. I let out a short laugh at the realization. Time really did blur when you were busy¡ªor when you had a certain little genius distracting you.
As we all settled down for the meal, Kado shared some news. "Mira found us a solid route in orbit," he started, gesturing with his fork for emphasis. "It¡¯ll take us near a hyperspace lane and get us off this rock finally."
The mood at the table lightened a bit at that. This planet, with its endless gray skies and oppressive air, was wearing on all of us.
Kado continued, ¡°Tarek¡¯s been testing the route in the simulators, factoring in the pirate band, those goons Gardulla likely sent after us, and the other salvager crews.¡±
¡°Wait, they¡¯re still up there?¡± I asked, surprised. ¡°I mean, I get the persistence, but it feels like forever since we ducked down here.¡±
¡°Well,¡± Mira said with a smirk, ¡°that¡¯s because you¡¯ve been neck-deep in circuits and droid guts for hours at a time. For the rest of us, it¡¯s only been a day.¡±
The table shared a light laugh at my expense, and I took it in stride. They weren¡¯t wrong.
After the meal, everyone got to their respective tasks. I headed back to the medbay to make sure the droids were properly docked and charging. The last thing I wanted was to lose functionality mid-flight if we ran into trouble.
From there, I went to the storage room to double-check our tools and supplies. Everything had to be secure for what I was anticipating would be another rough takeoff. My mind buzzed with plans and ideas for upgrades, but I pushed them aside for now¡ªthere¡¯d be time for that once we were safely off this rock.
The others were busy with their own preparations. Davik and Mira manned the turrets, ensuring they were primed and ready, while Rina and Kado double-checked the flight path Mira had plotted. Shmi helped Tarek run pre-flight diagnostics from the cockpit, keeping him on task despite his excitement.
And then there was Anakin.
The little guy trailed behind me like a faithful shadow, his wide eyes taking in everything I did. He didn¡¯t say much, just watched, occasionally nodding like he was memorizing each step. It was honestly kind of endearing.
When I finished my checks, I glanced back at him. ¡°You know, you¡¯re making a pretty good assistant.¡±
He beamed at the compliment, his little face lighting up in a way that made me chuckle.
Once everyone was satisfied with their prep work, we strapped ourselves into our seats, bracing for what I knew was going to be another bumpy ride. As the engines roared to life and the ship began to rumble, I couldn¡¯t help but glance at the cockpit and mutter to myself with a smirk, ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯ve got this, Tarek.¡±
Here¡¯s hoping the Stellar Envoy could once again get us out of a tight spot.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
What''s with the rating though?
79 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 51: Blending In, Breaking Free
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
My grip tightened on my seat as the Stellar Envoy dodged another turbolaser shot from a hostile starship. We still didn¡¯t know if it was a pirate ship, a hired merc vessel, or another salvage crew trying to play dirty. At the moment, staying alive took priority over asking questions¡ªthough I¡¯m pretty sure when we did figure out who they were, it would be a unanimous vote for payback.
Now, you might be wondering why we¡¯re getting lit up by turbolaser fire. I don¡¯t want to point fingers¡ but it¡¯s totally Rina¡¯s fault. She¡¯d given a very convincing argument about why it might be worthwhile to check the debris field where that space station on Malachor V blew up before we left the system entirely. Her reasoning? The self-destruct probably didn¡¯t destroy everything, and whatever survived could be worth a fortune. Plus, she argued, the other opportunists hanging around¡ªpirates, Gardulla¡¯s mercs, and other scavengers¡ªmight not realize that the wreckage wasn¡¯t just another heap of junk but the location connected to the Old Republic Era Relic.
I keep calling it a relic, but it turns out it¡¯s actually a memory chip from a droid. Specifically, it matches the design and functionality of the custom-built bodyguard-protocol hybrid droid we encountered in that same space station before it self-destructed. A relic of the pre-Ruusan Reformation Old Republic.
Anyway, Rina¡¯s arguments were so convincing that she sold me on the idea, and I¡ may have sold the rest of the crew on it too. In hindsight, maybe we should¡¯ve considered the potential for a hostile reception before diving into the debris field. But hey, hindsight is 20/20, right?
When we arrived, the situation went south fast. We spotted a corsair starship scouring the area, and as soon as they saw us, they opened fire. No warning, no negotiation¡ªjust turbolasers. Clearly, these folks weren¡¯t interested in sharing.
Tarek¡¯s voice came over the comms, as cool as ever despite the chaos. ¡°Evasive maneuvers. Shields holding at ninety four percent.¡±
¡°Make them hold longer,¡± Kado snapped, gripping the edge of his console. ¡°Davik, you¡¯ve got a lock on their position?¡±
Davik¡¯s response was a grunt as he adjusted the targeting systems. ¡°Yeah, but they¡¯re not giving us an opening. Gotta wait for the right moment.¡±
Meanwhile, Mira was in the back, monitoring our systems and rerouting power to the shields as needed. Rina¡ well, let¡¯s just say she had the grace to look sheepish. ¡°For the record,¡± she said, ¡°I¡¯d like to point out that this was a calculated risk.¡±
I shot her a look. ¡°Yeah? Well, next time, let¡¯s calculate a little harder.¡±
A sudden jolt nearly threw me out of my seat as another shot skimmed our shields. Alarms blared, and I could feel the tension ratchet up even higher. That wasn¡¯t just a warning shot; these guys really wanted us dead.
¡°Jake!¡± Mira¡¯s voice broke through my thoughts. ¡°We need more power to the engines if we¡¯re going to outrun them.¡±
¡°On it!¡± I bolted for the engineering console and began rerouting auxiliary power. The Stellar Envoy wasn¡¯t a warship, but she¡¯d been through enough scrapes that I knew how to push her to her limits.
As I worked, my mind raced. Whoever these attackers were, they weren¡¯t random amateurs. Their turbolaser shots were precise and mostly aimed for the kill, and their ship had enough firepower to blow us out of the sky if we weren¡¯t careful. But what bothered me the most was their timing. They¡¯d been here, waiting, as if they knew someone would come sniffing around the debris field. Was this a coincidence? Or were we walking into a trap? Or I''m just really really paranoid? The Vault location wasn''t unique information limited to us though, oh that''s it! I am just paranoid.
¡°Brace yourselves!¡± Tarek¡¯s voice rang out, and I barely had time to grab onto the nearest railing before the Envoy banked hard to port, narrowly avoiding another barrage. The sound of the shots reverberating off our shields was a grim reminder of how close we were to disaster.
I glanced at the readout. ¡°Shields down to seventy percent,¡± I called out. ¡°We¡¯re not going to last much longer if we keep taking hits like that.¡±
¡°We just need to hold out until Davik can get a clean shot,¡± Kado said, his tone steely.
Davik grinned, his fingers dancing over the controls. ¡°Almost there. Just keep us alive for another thirty seconds.¡±
¡°Easier said than done,¡± I muttered, my hands flying over the console as I pushed the engines even harder. The ship groaned in protest, but she held together.
As the tension reached its peak, Davik let out a triumphant shout. ¡°Gotcha! Firing now!¡±
The Stellar Envoy shuddered as our cannons unleashed a salvo of fire. Through the viewport, I saw one of the enemy ship¡¯s turbolaser arrays explode in a brilliant burst of light.
"Uh, that wasn''t me." Davik''s voiced out, and then Arlos'' voice was heard. "Sorry for taking your shot sir"
¡°Direct hit! Good job Arlos!¡± Tarek cheered.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
¡°They¡¯re not out yet,¡± Kado warned. ¡°Let¡¯s not celebrate until we¡¯re clear.¡±
I nodded, my focus returning to the task at hand. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this and get the hell out of here.¡±
The chase wasn¡¯t even halfway done when Tarek¡¯s voice came over the comms, tinged with a nervous edge that was uncharacteristic for him. ¡°Wide-range scanners are picking up more incoming ships.¡±
My stomach dropped. ¡°Could it be just random debris or wreckage headed in our direction?¡± I asked, hoping against hope.
Tarek¡¯s reply dashed that hope. ¡°Random debris doesn¡¯t do evasive maneuvers inside a debris field.¡±
Before I could respond, Mira surprised us all by exclaiming, ¡°Wait! One of the blips just disappeared!¡±
¡°What do you mean disappeared?¡± Kado demanded.
Mira¡¯s voice was quick and confident. ¡°They¡¯re not all on the same team. Somebody just got taken out.¡±
Tarek, ever the optimist, surprised us even further. ¡°Well, with those odds, I might be able to work something out.¡±
I raised an eyebrow, half-impressed, half-concerned. ¡°Really? You sound awfully confident for someone who just mentioned more baddies showing up.¡±
Kado wasn¡¯t buying it either. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t leave it all to Tarek. Any suggestions on how to increase our chances?¡±
Always ready with a plan, I piped up. ¡°We could build a camouflage module for the Stellar Envoy. It would let us blend into the debris field like another piece of scrap. But¡¡± I hesitated, ¡°that¡¯s going to take time, and it definitely doesn¡¯t help us right now.¡±
Mira chimed in next. ¡°What about releasing a disruptive signal? Overload their sensors, make it harder for them to pick us out of the mess.¡±
Rina immediately shot that down. ¡°Nice try, but the debris field¡¯s already messing with everyone¡¯s scanners. It¡¯s like trying to add more noise to a crowded party¡ªno one¡¯s going to notice.¡±
Then I heard a small, determined voice from beside me. ¡°We should hide in the sand.¡±
I blinked, realizing it was Anakin. He was seated next to me, his big blue eyes staring up with the innocent confidence of a three-year-old who believed he had the solution to every problem. Shmi, seated opposite him, gently smiled and clarified.
¡°In Tatooine, if you want to survive, you pretend to be part of your surroundings. You blend in, move slow, and wait for danger to pass.¡±
I raised my eyebrows, processing the logic. ¡°That¡¯s¡ not bad, actually.¡±
But seriously, hiding like that? My mind flashed to a scene from back on Earth, from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Drax watching Peter and Gamora awkwardly try to have a moment, standing completely still and insisting they couldn¡¯t see him because he was being "invisible." I could still remember choking on my soda at the theater when I saw that¡ªcola shot out my nose, and I couldn¡¯t stop laughing. But pulling something like that off in space? Yeah, not happening.
Just as I was about to dismiss the idea as unworkable, I noticed Rina¡¯s eyes light up like she¡¯d just had an epiphany. ¡°Wait a second,¡± she muttered, more to herself than to anyone else.
¡°What?¡± I asked cautiously.
She grinned. ¡°Mira¡¯s disruptive signal idea wasn¡¯t bad. It just needs a tweak. Instead of trying to confuse their scanners with more noise, we use the debris field itself. Make the debris, the wreckage, and us mimic each other randomly. Scatter our signal signatures, mess with their targeting systems, and make it impossible to tell where we are.¡±
I frowned. ¡°That¡¯s¡ tactical stuff, not mechanical. Definitely out of my wheelhouse.¡±
Rina rolled her eyes. ¡°Leave it to me, genius. Just get ready to keep us flying.¡±
Fair enough. Tactical wasn¡¯t my strong suit¡ªmy Tech Savant advantage was strictly mechanical. But if Rina thought she could pull it off, I wasn¡¯t going to argue.
¡°Alright,¡± I said, ¡°if you can make it work, do it. But don¡¯t expect me to understand how it works. I¡¯ll just nod and act impressed.¡±
Rina smirked. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry, Jake. You¡¯ll be impressed. Just try to have Tarek not to crash the ship while I work my magic.¡±
And with that, she was off to implement her plan. All I could do now was trust her and keep us alive long enough to see it work.
A few moments later, Rina returned from the engineering bay, looking smug as ever after implementing her so-called "magic." Without a word, she made her way to the cockpit, her determined stride suggesting she was ready to prove just how clever her plan was.
From the common area, we heard the muffled exchange between her and Tarek as she patched our scanners to emit the disruptive signal she¡¯d described. It was clear from Tarek¡¯s excited exclamations that her plan was already showing promise.
¡°Alright, crew,¡± Tarek¡¯s voice came over the comms. ¡°Secure yourselves and prepare for a bumpy flight.¡±
As if the flight hadn¡¯t been bumpy enough already. (Notice the sarcasm in my internal monologue.) Still, we did as instructed¡ªwell, those of us who weren¡¯t already buckled in.
From the central data console in the common area, we watched as the situation unfolded. The corsair ship was still hot on our tail, though its firepower had been slightly diminished thanks to Davik¡ªor rather, Arlos¡ªtaking out one of its turbolasers earlier. As we closed the distance to the additional ships Tarek had spotted, it became clear they were headed straight for us as well.
Tarek weaved the Stellar Envoy through the debris field like a fish darting through water, the ship twisting and banking so smoothly that I almost forgot how much danger we were in. Almost.
Then we saw it. Through the console feed, the visual of the new arrivals came into range, and just as Mira had suspected, they weren¡¯t all on the same side. The newcomers opened fire on each other almost immediately, turbolaser bolts lighting up the field in a chaotic dance of destruction.
Meanwhile, the corsair¡¯s targeting systems¡ªalong with those of the other ships¡ªstarted going haywire. Turbolaser fire veered off-course, striking random debris instead of us or their intended targets. The sudden randomness of their shots confirmed that Rina¡¯s plan had worked.
¡°Nice!¡± I said, then feigned a dramatic gasp. ¡°I knew it! You¡¯re a witch!¡±
Rina¡¯s head popped into view from the cockpit doorway just so she could give me an exaggerated eye roll. ¡°And yet, somehow, you¡¯re still alive. You¡¯re welcome.¡±
Despite the tension, a small laugh rippled through the common area.
With the chaos behind us and the enemy ships too distracted by each other and the false signals to focus on us, our escape to the hyperspace lane became much easier. The Stellar Envoy glided past the worst of the debris and the skirmish, finally breaking free from the immediate threat.
Tarek¡¯s voice cut through the ship¡¯s comms one last time as the starfield around us stretched into the familiar blur of hyperspace. ¡°We¡¯re clear. Malachor V is officially in the rearview.¡±
I leaned back in my seat, letting out a breath I hadn¡¯t realized I was holding. ¡°Well, that¡¯s one adventure I¡¯m not in a hurry to repeat.¡±
Mira grinned from her spot by the console. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Jake. I think we all learned something important today.¡±
¡°What¡¯s that?¡± I asked warily.
¡°That Rina¡¯s magic is real,¡± she teased.
Rina, now fully back in the common area, gave an exaggerated sigh. ¡°I¡¯m going to regret saving all of you, aren¡¯t I?¡±
¡°Probably,¡± I replied with a smirk. ¡°But you can¡¯t deny it¡ªyou love us.¡±
And just like that, our Malachor V escapade was finally over.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
79 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 52: The Heart of Innovation
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
The last phrik armor plating clicked into place with a satisfying snap on Skew-02¡¯s chassis. I took a step back, crossing my arms to admire my handiwork. There they stood¡ªfive droids, gleaming under the workshop lights, their polished surfaces practically daring the galaxy to mess with us. My heart swelled with a mix of pride and excitement, and I had to fight the overwhelming urge to dance like a lunatic. But I wasn¡¯t alone, so I settled for a smug grin instead.
Shmi, Anakin, and Arlos had been my trusty assistants during this whole upgrade process. Shmi¡¯s mechanical skills had grown immensely since she joined the crew; Anakin, as always, peppered us with wild, imaginative ideas; and Arlos was the reliable hand that kept everything running smoothly. Surprisingly, it was Anakin¡¯s random, childlike suggestions that sparked some of my best innovations.
Take, for example, the foam launcher I¡¯d added to the Skew droids. It wasn¡¯t exactly what Anakin had suggested¡ªhe¡¯d been rambling about how cool it would be if droids could spit ¡°sticky sand¡± like the stuff in his Tatooine stories¡ªbut it gave me the idea for a non-lethal containment tool. Then there were the stun settings for the blaster bolts on both the Skew and Nick droids. The crew wasn¡¯t always keen on killing, and this gave us options.
The pi¨¨ce de r¨¦sistance, though, was the grav-tech integration. Our adventure on Malachor V had exposed me to some fascinating gravity manipulation tech, and I¡¯d spent sleepless nights figuring out how to adapt it. Now, both the Skew and Nick droids could modify their weight dynamically, enabling them to jump higher, slow their descent, or stabilize themselves in tricky terrain. The same tech inspired an upgrade to my gauntlets.
The gauntlets were now phrik-plated and equipped with grav-tech functions, allowing me to push or pull a selected target. I programmed specific hand gestures as activation triggers¡ªan elegant solution, if I do say so myself¡ªbut the system was a power hog. For now, I had to tether the gauntlets to a wearable power pack strapped to my back. Not the most subtle setup, but it worked.
Another breakthrough came from reverse-engineering the active camouflage used by the IG droids we¡¯d faced on Malachor V. The shimmer effect we¡¯d noticed wasn¡¯t a flaw in their tech, per se, but a limitation: the system struggled to keep up with real-time reflections. Blaster fire disrupted the camouflage because of the sudden light flare, not the damage itself. By adding a dedicated processor to assist the main one, I managed to reduce the shimmer. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but the camouflage now held steady even under fire.
As I stood there, drinking in the sight of my upgraded droids, the hum of the mobile tool station pulled me out of my reverie. The machine beeped, announcing the completion of printing the armor parts for our combat gear.
This next project was just as exciting. While we couldn¡¯t exactly run around the galaxy wearing Mandalorian-style armor without attracting the wrong kind of attention, we still needed protection. I¡¯d designed modular armor pieces to cover the areas we were most likely to get hit¡ªforearms, shins, shoulders, chest, and back. It wasn¡¯t a full suit, but it was flexible, lightweight, and came with a few "gimmicks" I couldn¡¯t resist throwing in.
I turned to the others, wiping my hands on a rag. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s time to start assembling the combat armor.¡±
Anakin¡¯s eyes lit up, and he hopped excitedly from foot to foot. ¡°Can I have rockets on mine?¡±
Shmi gave him a stern look. ¡°Anakin, you don¡¯t even like heights.¡±
Arlos smirked. ¡°I think the kid just wants to look cool.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t we all?¡± I chuckled, ruffling Anakin¡¯s hair. ¡°Let¡¯s get to work, team.¡±
As we dove into the next phase of our upgrades, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of optimism. We¡¯d faced some serious challenges on Malachor V, but with these upgrades, we were more prepared than ever for whatever the galaxy threw our way.
The last piece of armor clicked into its designated storage case with a satisfying finality. We¡¯d grouped the parts by their intended owner, each set customized to fit our individual needs and fighting styles. As I stood back to admire the neatly organized work, my stomach growled¡ªright on cue.
¡°Perfect timing,¡± I muttered, setting my tools aside. It was afternoon, and I was already looking forward to the meal we¡¯d planned. It was rare to have a moment like this, a proper downtime after the madness that was our Malachor V escapade just five days ago.
It honestly amazed me how much I¡¯d been able to accomplish in such a short time. Between the mobile tool station¡ªa find I was now convinced was the MVP of our haul¡ªand the crew¡¯s help, we¡¯d upgraded the droids, started on our combat armor, and even made tweaks to the Stellar Envoy. Efficiency, thy name is necessity.
The others wouldn¡¯t be back until tonight. They¡¯d gone out to meet with a fence to sell off some of our haul¡ªstuff we couldn¡¯t reuse or repurpose¡ªand to strike a deal with local smugglers for additional living supplies. We weren¡¯t exactly running low, but Kado had insisted that having a backup source was critical. ¡°Better to have it and not need it,¡± he¡¯d said, which, to be fair, made sense.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
I¡¯d wanted to tag along, but the vote had been unanimous: I was staying behind.
¡°Your luck is suspiciously attractive to trouble,¡± Mira had teased, crossing her arms.
¡°There¡¯s always good stuff,¡± Kado had added with a smirk. ¡°But it always comes with trouble as its plus-one.¡±
I couldn¡¯t exactly argue with that. The past few months had proven their point repeatedly, but still, staying behind felt like being benched.
To make things worse, I didn¡¯t even have the excuse of exploring to pass the time. This planet¡ªOrd Mantell¡ªwas a total blind spot for me. I didn¡¯t remember it from the Star Wars movies back on Earth, though I had a vague memory of it being mentioned in other media. Without my crewmates here, it wasn¡¯t like I could wander around and gather intel without potentially inviting trouble.
Instead, I found myself in a strange, almost nostalgic mood. I walked to the central data console in the ship¡¯s common area and pulled up a map of Ord Mantell. The planet had a mix of bustling trade hubs, junkyards, and shady backstreets, and it reminded me a little of Tatooine, but with more infrastructure and fewer sandstorms.
I sighed, leaning back in my chair. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll stick to tinkering until they get back.¡±
Anakin and Shmi were in their quarters, likely resting after helping with the upgrades. Arlos had retreated to the cockpit, probably keeping watch just in case. That left me with some rare alone time¡ªa perfect opportunity to fine-tune my gauntlets or brainstorm ideas for future projects.
As much as I wanted to complain about being stuck on the ship, I couldn¡¯t deny the truth: they were probably right. My ¡°luck¡± might just make today a lot more complicated if I ventured out. So, for now, I¡¯d focus on the things I could control.
The droids and combat armor projects were done, their final pieces secured and ready. I stood in the common area, staring at the storage compartment that housed the disassembled IG droids from Malachor V and the enigmatic bodyguard-slash-protocol droid we salvaged from the self-destructed station. The temptation to dive into either of those projects was strong. Both were goldmines of tech and mystery, but they also felt... heavy. I wasn¡¯t in the mood for heavy.
That¡¯s when Anakin¡¯s little droid companion rolled by, its unimaginative name¡ªZero¡ªbringing a small, sheepish grin to my face. Yeah, I named it, and yeah, I could¡¯ve done better. The tiny droid, with its simple design and endearing wobble, sparked an idea.
Without overthinking it, I headed to Anakin¡¯s quarters. ¡°Hey, kid,¡± I said, peeking in. He was playing with some scraps I¡¯d given him earlier, pretending they were parts of a podracer. ¡°Want to help me upgrade your little buddy here?¡±
Anakin¡¯s face lit up, and his enthusiastic nod came with a smile so big it could power the Stellar Envoy. Was that a twinkle in his eye? Must¡¯ve been my imagination.
¡°Alright, grab Zero. Let¡¯s get to work,¡± I said, carrying the little droid toward the tool station. On our way, I called out loud enough for Shmi to hear, ¡°I¡¯m borrowing Anakin to upgrade his droid playmate!¡±
Her response came from somewhere deeper in the ship. ¡°Okay! Be careful, and have fun!¡±
We settled at the station, and Anakin immediately began rattling off ideas. Most of them were what you¡¯d expect from a kid his age¡ªfun, whimsical, and borderline absurd. He wanted Zero to blast cool air for hot days, have hidden compartments for snacks, turn into a speeder he could ride, and even take care of his ¡°ouchies.¡± I chuckled at each suggestion, jotting them down mentally.
¡°All good ideas,¡± I told him. ¡°But some of them might need tweaking to make them work.¡±
As we started, I explained the process of compatibility and size constraints, breaking it down so a three-year-old could understand. To my surprise, Anakin was surprisingly patient and curious, peppering me with questions and suggestions as I worked.
The first upgrade was practical: I added small vents for a cooling system. It wasn¡¯t powerful, but it could emit enough cool air to make a hot day bearable. Next were hidden compartments¡ªone for snacks and another for small tools or trinkets. Anakin¡¯s face lit up as I showed him how to open and close the panels.
But the big-ticket upgrade was the speeder idea. Anakin wanted a rideable droid, and who was I to deny the kid his dream? I designed folding parts that could transform Zero into a floating speeder bike. It took some effort to integrate safety features, like a harness, stabilizers, and a weight sensor to prevent accidental tips. As I tightened the last bolt, I couldn¡¯t help but grin.
¡°There,¡± I said, stepping back. ¡°Zero¡¯s now officially the coolest ride on the block.¡±
Anakin cheered, hopping onto the transformed droid for a test run. It hovered smoothly, and the safety features kicked in just as intended. I made a mental note to add a speed limiter; no way was I going to risk Shmi hunting me down because her kid got a broken arm riding a souped-up droid.
Not all of Anakin¡¯s ideas were workable, though. He wanted Zero to split into copies, which was theoretically possible using holographic tech, but the energy requirements and limitations made it impractical for something this small, and the copies will all be blue. Then there was his dream of a droid that could transform into a giant mech or summon one.
I chuckled at that. ¡°Buddy, trust me, I¡¯d love to build a giant robot. But the materials, power supply, and storage space? Not happening anytime soon.¡±
Surprisingly, Anakin took the news in stride, though he was visibly disappointed. No tantrums, no fuss¡ªjust an exaggerated sigh and a shrug. For a moment, I marveled at how mature he could be, despite being so young.
It hit me then: I was having a legitimate discussion about engineering feasibility with a toddler. If someone had told me this would be my life a year ago, I¡¯d have laughed in their face. But here I was, arguing the logistics of holographic decoys and giant mechs with a kid who wasn¡¯t even four - My life is weird.
By the time we finished, the sun had set, casting a soft orange glow through the ship¡¯s viewport. Shmi appeared just as I was tidying up, calling Anakin for bedtime. ¡°Come on, sweetheart. Time to get ready for bed.¡±
¡°Okay, Mom!¡± Anakin said, grinning ear to ear as he showed off Zero¡¯s new features.
Shmi gave me a warm smile. ¡°Thanks for keeping him entertained.¡±
¡°Anytime,¡± I said, watching as she guided Anakin toward their quarters.
As if on cue, the rest of the crew returned, the sounds of boots and muffled voices filling the ship. Mira¡¯s laughter, Kado¡¯s grumbling, and Davik¡¯s occasional quip told me their errands had gone smoothly.
It was a good day¡ªa rare, peaceful day. And as I stood there, tools in hand, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a small sense of pride. Maybe I was still the guy with ¡°trouble magnet¡± luck, but today? Today was all about the little wins.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
79 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 53: Gear, Gossip, and Galactic Gambits
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
The day after Anakin and I had our little workshop adventure with Zero¡ªseriously, I¡¯m still debating how to subtly get Anakin to agree to a name change, but the kid loves it¡ªthe crew gathered for a meeting. This wasn¡¯t the usual, ¡°What¡¯s for breakfast?¡± or ¡°Who¡¯s fixing the coolant leak?¡± type of gathering. It was strategy time.
Kado took the lead, as usual. He opened by summarizing the deals he, Davik, and Tarek had closed the day before. Turns out, the haul from Malachor V sold better than expected. No surprise there¡ªancient tech and rare alloys always find eager buyers among smugglers and shady dealers. They¡¯d also established some promising contacts with smugglers willing to trade for our living supplies. ¡°Backup plans,¡± Kado had insisted. ¡°Can¡¯t rely on luck alone.¡±
Next up were Mira and Rina. They shared what they¡¯d gleaned from cantinas and bars around Ord Mantell. Their recon revealed a mix of local gossip and galactic news. Nothing earth-shattering, but enough to paint a picture of shifting power plays, escalating tensions, and opportunities ripe for the taking¡ªif we were bold (or reckless) enough. Most of their focus had been on outer rim developments, but they flagged a few Core-related tidbits just in case they became relevant.
When it came to my turn, I grinned. ¡°Alright, everyone, I¡¯ve got something to show you.¡± I motioned to the central table where I¡¯d prepped a little display of the freshly upgraded droids and combat armors. Zero stood front and center, to Anakin¡¯s delight. His wide-eyed expression alone was worth the effort.
¡°First off,¡± I began, gesturing toward the droids, ¡°here are the upgrades. Skew and Nick droids are now sporting phrik armor plating, upgraded grav modules for enhanced mobility¡ªhigh jumps, slowed descents¡ªand stun settings on their blasters. Oh, and I may or may not have perfected the active camouflage tech we ¡®borrowed¡¯ from those IG droids.¡±
I gave a playful smirk as I continued. ¡°Even Zero got a makeover. He¡¯s now Anakin¡¯s all-terrain, snack-stashing, wound-tending, scooter-riding companion.¡± Anakin beamed, and the rest of the crew chuckled good-naturedly.
Then I moved on to the combat armors. I¡¯d grouped the sets by intended user, each one tailored for its future wearer. ¡°These beauties,¡± I said, patting one of the sleek chest plates, ¡°come equipped with grav modules for assisted mobility, gauntlet-mounted energy shields, and a multi-sensor suite¡ªheat, radiation, night vision, you name it. Plus, they¡¯re modular, so if anyone wants tweaks¡ªdifferent colors, custom insignias, whatever¡ªlet me know.¡±
The room practically buzzed with excitement. Even Kado, usually the level-headed one, couldn¡¯t resist reaching for his set. ¡°Alright, everyone, calm down,¡± I said, trying to keep a straight face as the crew all but mobbed the table.
Shmi gave me a warm smile. ¡°You¡¯ve outdone yourself again, Jake. Thank you.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t thank me yet,¡± I replied with a wink. ¡°Try them on first. Let me know if there are any issues. Also,¡± I added, shooting a glance at Anakin, ¡°don¡¯t go jumping off high places just because you can, okay?¡±
Anakin nodded solemnly, but I caught the glint of mischief in his eyes. Yep, I¡¯m gonna need to keep an eye on him¡ªand maybe install an emergency override in Zero¡¯s systems, just in case.
After everyone had a chance to test their combat armor¡ªminus the helmets because apparently, we weren¡¯t that serious yet¡ªwe regrouped around the holotable to resume the meeting. The mood was lighter, thanks to the excitement over the new gear, but things quickly shifted as Mira and Rina started talking about the rumors they¡¯d picked up during their recon.
¡°Word is,¡± Mira began, leaning forward with her arms crossed, ¡°that Jabba¡¯s got some of his hands mixed into the mess around Malachor V. Those ships we ran into? They weren¡¯t just random scavengers or bounty hunters¡ªthey were part of a bigger scrap. Someone spread the word about treasure from the Old Republic era buried in the debris field. Classic bait-and-brawl.¡±
Rina nodded, adding, ¡°If Jabba¡¯s involved, it tracks. I¡¯ve heard whispers that he¡¯s been making moves to knock Gardulla off her perch. Might¡¯ve even planted a slicer in Gardulla¡¯s payroll to stir the pot.¡±
Davik chimed in, his brow furrowed. ¡°If that¡¯s true, it would explain a lot. One of Gardulla¡¯s slicers must¡¯ve been playing double-agent for Jabba, feeding him info. And that whole mess we stumbled into? Just another play in his takeover bid.¡±
Kado, who¡¯d been quietly processing, suddenly sat up straight, his eyes wide. ¡°Wait a minute. If Jabba¡¯s the one gunning for Gardulla, then he¡¯s the reason Gardulla triggered that karking manhunt back on Tatooine!¡± He turned to me, incredulous. ¡°You mean to tell me we weren¡¯t even the real target? And we still had to blow up my shop?!¡±
Stolen story; please report.
I raised my hands defensively, trying to hide a grin. ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t say it made sense, just that it might be true.¡±
Kado¡¯s expression turned sour, like he¡¯d just bitten into a bad ration pack. I couldn¡¯t blame him. Losing his shop was a big deal, and being reminded that it might¡¯ve been over nothing definitely stung.
Rina, ever the pragmatist, broke the silence. ¡°If Jabba pulls it off and Gardulla¡¯s out of the picture, maybe we¡¯ll finally have a chance to go back to Tatooine. I¡¯ve still got assets there I¡¯m not ready to leave behind. I¡¯m guessing I¡¯m not the only one?¡±
Kado, Mira, and Davik exchanged glances, each nodding in turn. No surprises there. They¡¯d all left behind something they cared about when we bolted off-world.
Before we could dwell on the past too much, Arlos, sitting with his usual unshakable calm, spoke up. ¡°So¡ does this mean we¡¯re going to start hunting pirates and slavers while we wait for all that to shake out?¡±
We all turned to him, a mix of surprise and amusement on our faces. The suggestion hung in the air for a moment before we collectively started nodding.
¡°You know,¡± Mira said with a sly grin, ¡°he¡¯s got a point. It¡¯s not a bad way to keep credits coming in¡ªand maybe dent some of those scugholes¡¯ operations while we¡¯re at it.¡±
¡°Matches what Jake said back on Tatooine,¡± Davik added, smirking at me. ¡°What was it? ¡®We¡¯re not just scavengers. We¡¯re going to make a difference in this galaxy.¡¯¡±
I groaned, feeling my face heat up. ¡°Okay, okay, I get it. That was cringey, and I¡¯d like to move past it now, thanks.¡±
The others laughed, but their grins said they were on board. The thought of taking on pirates and slavers wasn¡¯t just practical¡ªit was downright satisfying. We¡¯d been through hell together, and now we had the tools, the skills, and the reason to strike back against the scum of the galaxy.
With that, the meeting dissolved into plans. We started mapping out potential routes, identifying hot zones for pirate activity, and figuring out how to tweak the Stellar Envoy for more combat readiness. It was messy, chaotic, and filled with more enthusiasm than precision, but we didn¡¯t care.
We were scrappy, unpolished, and, let¡¯s be honest, probably way in over our heads. But as I looked around the table at my crew¡ªmy family¡ªI couldn¡¯t help but feel a spark of excitement.
The galaxy didn¡¯t know it yet, but we were coming for it.
We didn¡¯t immediately leap into the wider galaxy to kick off our hunt. No, that wasn¡¯t our style. We needed proper plans¡ªsolid ones with backup contingencies, just in case things went sideways. They always seemed to, after all.
Mira, Rina, and Davik headed out first, combing through cantinas, trading posts, and anywhere else rumors flowed like cheap Corellian ale. Their mission? Find intel on nearby pirate hideouts and slaver hotspots. I didn¡¯t envy the bar-hopping, but I did hope they¡¯d keep a low profile.
Meanwhile, Kado and Tarek took over the cockpit. From the sounds filtering back, they were working on charting routes, flight plans, and fallback points. It was comforting, in a way, knowing our resident pilot and Kado¡¯s tactical brain were hashing out how we¡¯d move when the time came.
As for me? I had my hands full with tweaking the combat armor. The others had left behind detailed notes on what they wanted¡ªcolor schemes, insignias, and minor adjustments to fit or function. Shmi and Arlos were my helpers for the day, which meant the process was surprisingly peaceful. Shmi worked steadily, offering quiet advice on designs that weren¡¯t just practical but aesthetically pleasing too.
Arlos, on the other hand, was full of endless curiosity. ¡°Why the grav tech in the armor gauntlets, sir?¡± he asked, holding up one of the gauntlets I¡¯d designed.
I grinned. ¡°Because it¡¯s fun and useful, Arlos. Assisted jumps, higher leaps, slowed falls¡ªit¡¯s all about giving us an edge. Plus, I might¡¯ve always wanted to feel like a superhero.¡±
He blinked, clearly not getting the reference, but he nodded earnestly. ¡°Sounds¡ efficient.¡±
Shmi chuckled softly nearby, and I couldn¡¯t help but smile.
In the background, Anakin¡¯s excited voice carried through the ship as he played with Zero. That name¡ªit was growing on me against my will, but I still muttered under my breath every now and then about needing to give the little guy a better name. Anakin didn¡¯t seem to notice. He was too busy putting the upgraded droid through its paces, having it hover, project tiny lights, and run obstacle courses he¡¯d set up with crates and tools.
At one point, Anakin dashed into the workshop area, eyes alight with a mix of curiosity and mischief. ¡°Jake, can Zero have a tool arm? Like, one that can grab stuff or fix things?¡±
I glanced at the droid, which beeped an affirmative-sounding tone. ¡°You mean you want him to be a little mechanic like you?¡±
Anakin nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Yeah! But cooler.¡±
I laughed, already brainstorming ways to make that happen. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll see what I can whip up later. For now, go easy on the little guy. He¡¯s still got fresh upgrades.¡±
As Anakin scampered off, Shmi shot me a grateful look. ¡°You¡¯re good with him,¡± she said softly.
I shrugged, focusing on the armor plating in front of me. ¡°He¡¯s a bright kid. Just needs a bit of guidance.¡±
The hours ticked by as we worked. Each armor piece started taking on unique personality traits¡ªDavik¡¯s had a no-nonsense, almost military precision to its design, while Mira¡¯s was sleek and minimalistic, optimized for agility. Kado¡¯s armor bore subtle nods to his old shop, a way of keeping a piece of his past close. Even Rina¡¯s had flair, with a deep maroon accent she insisted would make her ¡°stand out in all the right ways.¡±
By the time Mira, Rina, and Davik returned, the Stellar Envoy was buzzing with energy. They brought back scattered intel and a handful of leads, enough to start piecing together the bigger picture.
¡°Looks like we¡¯ve got some options,¡± Mira said, tossing a datapad onto the table. ¡°Few pirate groups running spice on the outer routes, and a couple of slaver cells hiding out in the Rim. Nothing we can¡¯t handle.¡±
I glanced at the others, who were already leaning over the datapad, eyes flicking between the details. Yeah, we were definitely gearing up for something big.
And as the sun dipped below the horizon outside the viewport, I couldn¡¯t help but feel the quiet buzz of anticipation. Plans were falling into place. Soon, we¡¯d be ready to take that first step into the galaxy¡¯s darker corners. And we¡¯d be doing it together.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
80 Chapters are available on my patreon
you can support me and become a patron
P A T R E O N . C O M / TofferPlays
(but only if you want to, okay?)
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
RoyalRoad
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 54: A Month in the Game
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
Can you believe it¡¯s been a whole month since we ditched Ord Mantell and dove headfirst into the galaxy¡¯s underbelly? If you didn¡¯t know, now you do. Let me tell you¡ªit¡¯s been busy, but honestly? Kinda boring, too. I mean, sure, there¡¯s been blaster fire lighting up the dark, explosions here and there, and the occasional close call, but the pattern''s always the same: find pirates or slavers, take ''em down, free the captives, and repeat. Nothing you¡¯d write home about¡ªif I had a home to write to. No damsels in distress, much to Tarek¡¯s disappointment. He¡¯s been dreaming of pulling off some holo-drama rescue and earning himself a heartfelt thank you from a princess.
Instead, we¡¯ve clocked in three pirate groups and dismantled five slaver rings. That¡¯s not counting the odd salvage job we¡¯ve picked up for creds. Honestly? The salvage runs feel more exciting. Well, most of them, anyway. You wouldn¡¯t think a firefight with a trio of Mandalorians would qualify as a side note, but hey, it¡¯s the Outer Rim. These things happen.
So, picture this: we were in the middle of wrecking another slaver hideout, freeing a bunch of poor folks locked up tighter than a Hutt¡¯s coin vault, when the Mandos stormed in. Turns out, they were after a bounty that just happened to overlap with our op. The air got thick, real fast¡ªblasters, gauntlet shields, and a whole lot of yelling. It wasn¡¯t until we got some breathing room to actually talk that they realized we weren¡¯t trying to swipe their prize. No, we were just here to gut the slavers and cut the chains. After some grumbled words and tense stares from under their helmets, we actually teamed up. The Mandos were surprisingly professional, all things considered. By the end, they even swapped contact info with us¡ªjust in case. Who knew? Maybe Mandos aren¡¯t as unapproachable as the holos make them seem.
Anyway, fast forward to me in the workshop, talking to myself¡ªor, well, recording a log for Davik. He¡¯s been very insistent on me doing these personal mission logs. Claims they¡¯re useful for ¡°reflecting on actions, identifying mistakes, and strategizing for future hunts.¡± Sounds like something you¡¯d hear in a Jedi lecture, but hey, I figured I¡¯d humor him.
I was mid-log when Mira snuck up behind me. ¡°Who are you talking to?¡± she asked, her voice full of curiosity.
I nearly jumped out of my boots but managed to keep my cool¡ªbarely. Turning, I saw Rina with her trademark silent, mocking laugh standing next to Mira, who looked way too amused for my comfort. ¡°Uh,¡± I coughed to buy myself a second, ¡°personal log. Davik¡¯s idea. He says we should record mission details, reflect on what happened, you know, to improve and stuff.¡±
Mira¡¯s eyes twinkled with interest, and she immediately zeroed in on my last log. ¡°This wouldn¡¯t happen to be about your little heroic charge at the slavers, would it?¡±
I groaned inwardly but nodded. ¡°Yeah, I was reflecting on the last op, where I, uh¡ª¡±
¡°¡ªwhere you pulled a suicidal charge to test your phrik armor and gravity gauntlet,¡± Rina cut in, her tone dry enough to parch a moisture farmer.
¡°It wasn¡¯t suicidal,¡± I argued, crossing my arms.
Rina arched a brow. ¡°It was a suicidal charge. And don¡¯t forget the time you dragged Arlos along to ¡®test¡¯ the camouflage add-ons on our combat armor.¡±
¡°That was a legitimate flanking maneuver!¡± I shot back, though my voice faltered slightly.
She rolled her eyes. ¡°Sure, except we were already winning. Overwhelmingly, I might add.¡±
I opened my mouth to counter but found I couldn¡¯t. She had me there. ¡°Okay, fine. Maybe it wasn¡¯t the most necessary maneuver, but we did confirm the camouflage works!¡±
¡°You¡¯re lucky it worked,¡± Rina muttered, shaking her head. Mira chuckled at the exchange, clearly enjoying the show.
I threw up my hands in mock defeat. ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll dial it back on the experimental field tests. Happy?¡±
Rina smirked. ¡°For now.¡±
As the meeting eventually resumed, I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. This crew might drive me crazy, but they¡¯re my kind of crazy. And hey, if I ever do something completely reckless again¡ªwhich, let¡¯s be real, is probably going to happen¡ªthey¡¯ll be there to give me grief about it afterward.
After getting roasted by Mira and Rina back in the workshop, Mira let me know why they were actually there. ¡°We need your technical expertise,¡± she said, her tone casual but pointed enough to get my attention.
¡°Do I need to suit up for battle?¡± I asked half-jokingly, though let¡¯s be honest, in this crew, that¡¯s a legit question.
She shrugged. ¡°Might as well. We¡¯ve got to look professional where we¡¯re going anyway.¡±
And that¡¯s how I found myself suiting up and strapping on my utility belt. A few moments later, we were en route to meet Kado and Davik on Ryloth.
Now, Ryloth. What a place. I started narrating internally to pass the time because, let¡¯s face it, being crammed in a shuttle with a bunch of armed and armored people doesn¡¯t lend itself to casual conversation. Ryloth¡ªhome to the Twi¡¯leks, a planet where the economy is practically built on the back of slavery. Its underbelly? A cesspool of criminal syndicates, all clawing at each other for dominance while the galaxy turns a blind eye. Lovely place.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
By the time I wrapped up my mental monologue, we¡¯d arrived at our destination. The speeder touched down outside a seedy-looking establishment with neon signs flickering in Huttese and Basic. Kado and Davik were already there, waiting by the entrance.
¡°What¡¯s the deal?¡± I asked as I hopped out.
Kado motioned toward the building. ¡°We¡¯re here to pick up some dedicated security droids for the ship.¡±
I blinked. ¡°Security droids? I was planning to rebuild the IG droids we salvaged and upgrade them to match the Skews and Nicks.¡±
Kado shook his head, crossing his arms. ¡°Those droids might be needed in the field. If that happens, the Stellar Envoy would be left with minimal defenses.¡±
He had me there. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. The IG droids were tough, but they weren¡¯t designed to sit around guarding a ship¡ªthey were built for action. ¡°Fair point,¡± I said, already shifting gears. ¡°How many are we talking?¡±
¡°Two security droids,¡± Kado replied, ¡°and another astromech.¡±
I frowned. ¡°Another? What do you mean by another?¡±
Before Kado could answer, Davik piped up from a few paces away. ¡°We already have an astromech on board. You¡¯d know that if you ever stepped into the cockpit when it wasn¡¯t on fire.¡±
My face turned redder than the twin suns of Tatooine. ¡°Oh¡ uh, oops.¡±
Rina smirked and couldn¡¯t resist piling on. ¡°That astromech¡¯s saved our tails more times than I can count. Especially when we¡¯ve been under fire in space. You¡¯d better give it an upgrade¡ªand a fancy name while you¡¯re at it.¡±
She wasn¡¯t wrong. I vaguely recalled seeing it scurrying around the cockpit with Tarek and Nick-03 during chaotic moments, but between fixing everything else and getting shot at, it must¡¯ve slipped my mind.
¡°Alright, alright,¡± I said, raising my hands in surrender. ¡°I¡¯ll get it shiny and give it a name. Happy?¡±
¡°Ecstatic,¡± Rina deadpanned, her tone dripping with mock sincerity.
With that, we turned our attention back to the task at hand. The five of us stepped inside the establishment, the air thick with the smell of oil, old coolant, and the faint tang of burnt circuits. The place was packed with crates of droid parts, flickering holos advertising different models, and a couple of protocol droids shuffling around assisting customers.
We approached the counter where a scruffy Twi¡¯lek clerk leaned lazily against a pile of datapads. He gave us a once-over, his sharp lekku twitching slightly. ¡°What can I do for you?¡± he drawled.
Kado stepped forward, his voice all business. ¡°We¡¯re looking for two high-grade security droids and an astromech. No junk¡ªonly quality.¡±
The clerk raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯ve come to the right place. Follow me.¡±
As we trailed after him, I couldn¡¯t help but glance around, already forming plans in my head. Sure, we¡¯d buy the droids, but I¡¯d have them tricked out and customized by the time they were operational. Security droids, an upgraded astromech, and maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªa little extra flair to keep us ahead of the game.
One thing¡¯s for sure: when I¡¯m done, these droids won¡¯t just guard the ship. They¡¯ll own the field.
The Twi¡¯lek shop owner was a tough nut to crack¡ªseriously, this guy must¡¯ve had years of experience dealing with armed types like us. I¡¯d initially thought he was just a clerk, but no, he was the real deal. Only a shop owner would stand toe-to-toe with Kado in a bargaining match that intense.
It was just Kado and me holding the line while Mira, Davik, and Rina wandered off. Knowing them, they were either checking out other stalls or just killing time in the way only they knew how. Meanwhile, my combat armor wasn¡¯t doing much to intimidate the Twi¡¯lek. The guy had clearly seen his share of folks like us, and judging by his calm demeanor, he was completely desensitized to the whole "armed and dangerous" look.
I was snapped out of my internal grumbling when Kado tapped my shoulder and gestured for me to follow. Apparently, he¡¯d managed to reach an agreement. The Twi¡¯lek led us to a lineup of droids, gesturing for us to pick.
The selection wasn¡¯t bad, though it was clear the Twi¡¯lek wasn¡¯t willing to part with anything too exotic. I quickly zeroed in on four N5 Sentry droids, solid models commonly used for security. Kado and I exchanged a knowing glance¡ªlooks like we were on the same wavelength.
As I inspected the droids, I muttered quietly to Kado, ¡°Common models and that guy still bargained so hard?¡±
Kado smirked. ¡°He¡¯s got his reasons. I¡¯ll explain later.¡±
The final piece of our purchase was an R3 astromech. It wasn¡¯t as versatile as an R2 unit, but it had its own specializations that I could work with. I was already brainstorming upgrades and mods as we loaded the droids onto a repulsorlift sled and hitched it to our landspeeder.
Once we were on the move and had some privacy, I finally asked Kado about the intense bargaining. ¡°What was his deal? He didn¡¯t seem desperate to sell.¡±
Kado¡¯s face darkened slightly. ¡°Turns out the shop owner¡¯s been harassed by some mid-level syndicate. They¡¯ve been trying to strong-arm him into selling droids at dirt-cheap prices. Happens every week.¡±
I frowned. ¡°Why didn¡¯t he just report it to the local authorities?¡±
Kado snorted. ¡°On Ryloth? Authorities either don¡¯t care or are in the syndicates¡¯ pockets. When I pressed him for more details, I found out it¡¯s not a big syndicate, but they¡¯re no pushovers, either.¡±
¡°And you offered to handle it?¡±
He nodded. ¡°Figured it¡¯d be a good way to stretch our legs. We¡¯ve been hunting bigger fish anyway; this¡¯ll be a warm-up.¡±
By the time we reached the speeder, the others were already there, inspecting the droids we¡¯d bought. Mira had her arms crossed, and Rina raised an eyebrow. Davik let out a low whistle. ¡°N5 Sentry droids, huh? Pretty standard fare.¡±
Rina smirked. ¡°Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d go for something so... basic.¡±
I rolled my eyes. ¡°I built the Nick and Skew droids practically from scrap. Imagine what I can do with these models when we have actual resources.¡±
That seemed to win them over. I could see the wheels turning in their heads as they considered the possibilities. If they were anything like me, they were already imagining those droids souped-up and ready for action.
Back aboard the Stellar Envoy, we wasted no time. While the droids were unloaded and secured in the cargo bay, we all gathered around the holo-table to start planning our next move. This syndicate had made the mistake of targeting the wrong Twi¡¯lek shop owner¡ªand we were about to make them regret it.
AUTHOR''S NOTES:
I read on a comment on the first chapter of this fic that there''s a chance for my account to be ''banned?'' if it was found out that I post my p@tre0n link here, so it is unfortunate to say that this may be the last chapter I post on this site, I don''t want to risk it since I plan to post my original story and it''s a good 50k chunk of words already unless I find another publisher. And at the same time another good reason is the depressing rating I got that takes away from my motivations and creativity, what''s worse is the reasoning isn''t even a good constructive criticism, it''s just criticism or more plainly put just complaints because they didn''t get what they want. But what really irks me is that they''re not even writers so I don''t really understand where they''re coming from
You can enjoy the continuation of this fic in other websites indicated below
This fanfic is also on:
SpaceBattles
SufficientVelocity
-RoyalRoad-
ArchiveOfOurOwn
Chapter 55: Collateral Justice
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all of it''s Intellectual Properties is owned by George Lucas and Walt Disney, This fictional work and all of it''s original characters are however mine.
MULTI POV CHAPTER
Mira''s P.O.V. :
The Stellar Envoy¡¯s planning room felt charged with tension. We were all gathered around the holo-table, and Kado had just finished explaining his deal with the Twi¡¯lek shopkeeper. Naturally, Rina wasn¡¯t letting it go.
She leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, and repeated for the third time, ¡°You really offered to take care of an entire criminal syndicate for four N5 Sentry droids?¡± Her tone carried all the disbelief of someone watching a pod-racer with a missing engine trying to cross the finish line.
Before Kado could respond, Jake piped up, grinning like a scoundrel who¡¯d just swiped the last crate of spice from under a Hutt¡¯s nose. ¡°And the astromech droid.¡±
Rina, without missing a beat, echoed back flatly, ¡°And the astromech droid.¡±
It was like watching a holodrama comedy duo. I sighed and made a deliberate coughing sound, cutting through their banter. ¡°Are you two done? Some of us are trying to work here.¡±
Jake raised his hands in mock surrender, and Rina shot me a knowing smirk, but they both quieted down. Good. Now it was my turn.
I tapped a button on the holo-table, bringing up a map of Ryloth¡¯s terrain. ¡°Okay, listen up. I¡¯ve got intel on this syndicate Kado¡¯s volunteered us to deal with.¡±
That got their attention. Rina leaned forward, curiosity piqued, and Davik tilted his head, the faintest hint of a grin tugging at his lips. Kado folded his arms and waited, and even Jake stopped fiddling with one of his gadgets long enough to pay attention.
¡°This group¡¯s medium-sized,¡± I began. ¡°If we¡¯re talking numbers, they¡¯re not much. But firepower? They¡¯re small-time. They¡¯ve only recently started dealing in slaves¡ªtesting the waters, so to speak. And thanks to some loose tongues,¡± I tapped my temple with a smug smile, ¡°I¡¯ve pinpointed their next transaction.¡±
I brought up a highlighted point on the map¡ªa secluded area northeast of the city, about a 20-minute flight away.
¡°That¡¯s where they¡¯re meeting a slaver group we¡¯ve already had in our sights. This is two birds with one stone. We hit them, we take down a slaver operation and cripple a syndicate¡¯s little venture into the trade.¡±
Davik let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair. ¡°You¡¯ve been busy.¡±
I gave him a playful wink. ¡°You think I just sit around sharpening my vibroblade? Come on, give me some credit.¡±
Kado nodded thoughtfully, clearly already considering the logistics. ¡°It¡¯s a good opportunity. Two targets in one strike. Any details on their numbers or layout?¡±
I shook my head. ¡°Not much on their numbers, but the location is out in the middle of nowhere¡ªno settlements, no backup for them to call. We can take them by surprise, but we need to act fast. No drawn-out engagements.¡±
Davik, always the tactician in combat, spoke up next. ¡°Alright. Standard roles, then. Mira, you¡¯ll take overwatch¡ªkeep an eye on the perimeter and pick off anyone trying to run. Rina, you¡¯ll infiltrate and disable any alarms or communications. Jake, you¡¯re on gadgets¡ªbring your toys, but keep it reasonable.¡±
Jake rolled his eyes but smirked. ¡°What¡¯s the fun in reasonable?¡±
Davik ignored him and turned to Kado. ¡°You¡¯re with me on assault. We¡¯ll push through their main defenses. Tarek and Arlos stay on support¡ªcovering fire, evac, and securing the perimeter after the initial strike.¡±
Rina tilted her head, her usual sly grin making an appearance. ¡°So... Jake doesn¡¯t get to test his latest overkill gizmo on these poor sods?¡±
Jake grinned wider. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll pack light¡ªjust a couple of EMP grenades and maybe a gravity gauntlet. You know, the essentials.¡±
I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. It was ridiculous how often he overprepared, but hey, it worked more often than not.
With the roles set and the plan starting to take shape, Kado clapped his hands together. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll do a full gear check and head out. Let¡¯s remind these scum why they should¡¯ve stayed out of the slave trade.¡±
As we broke to get ready, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a rush of excitement. It wasn¡¯t every day you got to dismantle two groups of scum in one go. Ryloth might¡¯ve been a cesspit of crime, but today, we were about to clean up a little corner of it.
Jake''s P.O.V. :
Rina thinks I won¡¯t be able to test my latest overkill gizmo on this mission. Well, jokes on her, because it¡¯s not me who¡¯ll be testing them¡ªit¡¯s my droids. Mwahahaha! My evil scientist laugh echoed in my head, only to be interrupted by a real laugh.
I turned, startled, and there was Anakin, giggling like he¡¯d just seen a Dug trip over its own feet. Standing behind him was Shmi, fully geared up in the combat armor I¡¯d designed for her. She looked like she could take on a bounty hunter squad without breaking a sweat.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
The olive-green ensemble I¡¯d put together for her wasn¡¯t just stylish; it was a walking arsenal of tech and protection. From wrist-mounted energy shields to the grav-mod belt that allowed assisted jumps and slowed falls, she was kitted out to handle just about anything. Add in the highly versatile scanners for tactical awareness and the dual blasters I¡¯d fine-tuned for both power and reliability, and Shmi Skywalker was a force to be reckoned with.
Shmi smiled softly and said, ¡°Davik assigned me to ship defense for this run. I¡¯ll be working with Nick-03 and the new N5 Sentry droids.¡±
¡°Solid choice,¡± I replied, nodding. The N5s weren¡¯t my most exciting acquisition, but they were functional. I hadn¡¯t had much time to work on them, but I¡¯d managed to install forward-facing energy shields and upgrade their blaster rifles for enhanced accuracy and firepower. Their targeting systems, though? That¡¯s where I¡¯d outdone myself. They rivaled the precision of my Nick droids now, which made them a significant threat to any would-be attackers.
Shmi¡¯s calm gaze shifted to the corner of the workshop, where I unveiled my latest addition: a trio of deployable lightweight auto-turrets. I couldn¡¯t help but beam with pride as I introduced her to the beauties.
¡°These bad boys are equipped with the same energy shields I¡¯ve been tinkering with lately,¡± I explained. ¡°They¡¯re fast to deploy, deadly accurate, and easy to repack for redeployment. I¡¯ve even streamlined the interface so you can control them remotely. Let me show you how it works.¡±
Over the next few minutes, I gave Shmi the rundown, walking her through setup, operation, and maintenance. She picked it up quickly¡ªno surprise there. Shmi was sharp, and she had a knack for learning anything tech-related, even if she didn¡¯t always get as excited about it as I did.
When I finished, I turned my attention to the Skew and Nick droids, my personal masterpieces. They stood like a squad of soldiers ready to march into the Core Worlds themselves.
The Skews had been through several upgrades recently. Their blaster-resistant armor plating gleamed under the workshop lights, a testament to the countless hours I¡¯d poured into reinforcing their frames. Their targeting systems were nothing short of elite, and their highly versatile scanners ensured they could adapt to any situation. Their arsenal? High-powered blasters for lethality, stun rifles for crowd control, and foam grenades for non-lethal takedowns. Add in the grav-mod systems for insane mobility and improved camouflage tech, and yeah, maybe they were a bit overkill.
The Nicks, too, were kitted out similarly, though their lighter frames made them slightly less tanky than the Skews.
Rina¡¯s voice echoed in my head, her mockery impossible to ignore even when she wasn¡¯t around: ¡°Overkill, Jake. It¡¯s always overkill with you.¡±
I snorted, looking at my creations with a mix of pride and amusement. ¡°Okay, fine, maybe they¡¯re a little overkill,¡± I muttered under my breath, the corner of my mouth twitching into a grin.
Then my eyes wandered to the IG droids lined up in the corner of the workshop. They were still in disrepair, waiting for their upgrades. When I finally get around to working on them, they¡¯ll be as fearsome as anything I¡¯ve made yet.
I chuckled to myself, shaking my head. ¡°Nah,¡± I said aloud, mostly to myself, ¡°Rina¡¯s just being over-dramatic.¡±
Anakin, still sitting nearby, giggled again, as if he somehow understood the absurdity of the moment.
¡°Alright, kid,¡± I said, ruffling his hair. ¡°Let¡¯s see if Aunt Shmi and the droids can keep this bucket of bolts safe while we¡¯re off being heroes.¡±
With that, I headed off to load the Skews and Nicks onto the speeder. It was time to show Rina just how much fun overkill could be.
Davik''s P.O.V. :
Rina and I were seated in the common area, going over her objectives for the upcoming op. Her primary goal? Securing the slaves¡¯ explosive controllers. A routine task for her at this point, though I couldn¡¯t help being meticulous about the details. Call me a perfectionist if you want, but I liked having contingencies. This wasn¡¯t the first time Rina had handled these controllers, but every mission came with its own curveballs.
This time, her secondary objectives were to plant remote-controlled EMP bombs and physical explosives at key points in the camp. The EMP bombs would fry any electronics the slavers had, while the conventional explosives would cause chaos and confusion. The plan was tight, the timing even tighter.
Just as I was about to review the timeline again, Jake strolled into the room, trailed by his overkill entourage of custom droids. The Nick and Skew droids, now upgraded to Jaketopian standards of excess, were a sight to behold. Honestly, they were scarier than the Sentinel droid we¡¯d gone toe-to-toe with on Malachor V. Their reinforced armor plating, advanced targeting systems, and sheer versatility in combat made them walking nightmares for anyone stupid enough to cross them.
I gave a low whistle, more out of amusement than admiration. ¡°You really went all out, didn¡¯t you?¡±
Jake just grinned, clearly proud of his creations. ¡°Why settle for good when you can have perfect?¡±
I shook my head, turning my focus back to the mission briefing. ¡°Tarek will bring the Stellar Envoy closer to the designated area,¡± I began, ensuring everyone was paying attention. ¡°But we¡¯ll still stay far enough out to avoid notice. Jake¡¯s been busy,¡± I added, nodding toward him. ¡°He added a stealth mod to the ship. It uses the shield emitter to scramble scanners. Makes us nearly invisible to their scopes. It¡¯s not full camo¡ªwon¡¯t hide us visually¡ªbut it¡¯ll do the job.¡±
Jake chimed in, clearly eager to explain. ¡°It¡¯s not the same as the camo tech I use on the droids. That system¡¯s too bulky for the Stellar Envoy. This scrambler, though? It¡¯s efficient and runs off existing systems. We won¡¯t be a blip on their radar.¡±
Satisfied, I continued. ¡°Our approach will be stealthy. Mira, you¡¯ll find a high vantage point to pick off stragglers and cover us. The droids will be the frontline, drawing fire and creating openings. Kado, Jake, Tarek, Arlos, and I will follow up, supplementing the droids where needed. Rina, you¡¯ll secure the explosives controllers and plant the bombs. Shmi, you¡¯ll stay back with Skew-03 and the N5 Sentry droids to guard the ship and handle the slaves we¡¯re liberating.¡±
Shmi nodded, her expression calm but resolute.
¡°When we extract the slaves, they¡¯ll be your responsibility,¡± I added. ¡°Get them aboard and keep them safe.¡±
Jake¡¯s grin returned. ¡°With Skew-03 and those sentries backing her up, they¡¯d need a karking battalion to even scratch the hull.¡±
That got a chuckle out of a few of us, though I noticed Rina still had her skeptical look. She glanced at the droids, then at Jake.
¡°You sure they won¡¯t blow up half the camp just by walking through it?¡± she asked dryly.
Jake feigned offense. ¡°Hey, my droids are precise instruments of justice, not blunt hammers. Well... most of the time.¡±
Rina rolled her eyes but didn¡¯t push it further.
Once I was sure everyone was clear on their roles, I signaled Tarek. He gave a quick salute and made his way to the cockpit. A moment later, the hum of the engines shifted as the Stellar Envoy lifted off.
The tension in the room was palpable, but it wasn¡¯t the nervous kind. This crew was solid. Everyone knew their part and trusted each other to get the job done. As the ship streaked through Ryloth¡¯s twilight skies, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of pride.
¡°Alright,¡± I said, my voice steady. ¡°Let¡¯s show these slavers why they picked the wrong planet to do business on.¡±
Jake¡¯s droids clanked into formation, their glowing optics eerily synchronized. Mira was already checking her rifle, and Rina was fine-tuning her gear with that sharp focus she always had before a job. Kado was inspecting his blaster, calm and methodical.
This was it. Showtime.