Chapter 63: Plans and Precautions

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.

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Jake's P.O.V. :

Thankfully, the warning klaxon was just alerting us to a chunk of drifting debris getting too close to the Stellar Envoy. Still, I slapped a hand over my mouth in mock horror—challenging Murphy’s Law out loud in deep space was just asking for trouble. The last thing we needed was another mess like the station that blew itself to bits around us.

I told Tarek and Rina that while the Nick droids were continuing their recon of the docking bays, I’d round up the others to hash out our plan of approach. Hopefully, this was the source of the hyperspace anomaly, and we wouldn’t have to waste more time chasing ghosts. Rina decided she’d sit in on the meeting and asked Tarek if he could handle overseeing the droids’ progress.

“Got it,” Tarek said with a nod, flicking a few switches on the console. “Nick-03’s got my back.”

“Of course, Captain,” Nick-03 chimed in, its vocoder carrying its usual quirk of addressing all of us as Captain—even Anakin. That never got old.

With that settled, we all gathered in the common area. The discussion started with an overview of the docking bays the Nick droids had located and the scattered escape pods. Rina pointed out that they looked more like boarding pods than escape vessels, a theory that made everyone exchange uneasy glances. The implications weren’t great. Either someone had boarded this place at some point, but we didn't disregard that something inside might have tried to get out.

That was when Davik, with his usual knack for combat prep, stepped up and led the security planning. We all agreed that someone needed to stay behind to man the turrets just in case. Arlos volunteered, cracking his knuckles before making his way toward the gunner’s seat. Shmi would be in charge of the four N5 Sentry droids, deploying them around the ship to act as an extra layer of defense. Tarek would provide tactical support from the cockpit, keeping an eye on the Skew and Nick droids’ feed along with Nick-03’s assistance.

Anakin tugged on my sleeve and looked up at me with those wide eyes of his. “Can I stay in the cockpit with Tarek?”

I hesitated for a second, but the kid was already on top of things when it came to droids and systems. Plus, he wasn’t the type to get in the way. “You have to promise to listen to everything Tarek says. No wandering around or touching stuff without permission.”

Anakin gave a quick, serious nod. “I promise. I’ll behave.”

Satisfied, I gave him a small grin and ruffled his hair before turning my attention back to the planning. With security squared away, we shifted to discussing how we’d handle scouting inside the so-called mining station. Mira took the lead there, detailing potential breach points, search patterns, and fallback plans in case things went south. Knowing our luck? best make the plans expecting it to go south.

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Mira asked if I was planning for the Nick droids to stay outside. I shook my head and answered that they were only outside for the initial scouting since their scanners were top-of-the-line and could sniff out things better than most standard sensor suites.

Switching to comms, I ordered the Nick droids to select a hangar bay where we could establish a proper security perimeter. A few seconds later, I got an affirmative ping, and Nick-01 relayed the best location—one with good defensive positioning and easy access to the rest of the station. Satisfied, I turned my attention back to Mira as she continued leading the discussion on our method of approach for scouting and exploring inside the "mining station."

Kado leaned forward, arms crossed, and asked, "Wouldn’t splitting up make the scouting go faster?"

Mira gave him a look that screamed, ‘I expected better.’ "No. Absolutely not. Splitting up in unknown territory, even if it looks safe, is a rookie mistake. You might as well paint a target on your back and invite trouble. We move as a group unless we’re sending in expendable assets."

I couldn’t help but glance at the Nick droids at that last bit, but I decided to keep my mouth shut. Mira’s got a way of making people feel dumb without even trying, and I wasn’t about to be the next target.

With no more questions, Mira pressed forward. "The goal is simple: map the layout of the station, determine if it’s the cause of the hyperspace anomaly, and make sure we don’t trigger something nasty along the way. And honestly? With how suspicious this place is, I’d bet a full stack of credits it’s connected."

"I know, right?" I blurted out without thinking, immediately earning a few amused chuckles from the others.

Rina smirked, arms crossed. "Glad to see you’re onboard with my theory."

"I wouldn’t call it ‘your’ theory," I shot back, rubbing the back of my head. "Just that it’s pretty obvious. Doesn’t take a Jedi to see this whole setup is shadier than a Hutt’s business dealings."

"Alright, then it’s settled," Mira continued, ignoring our banter. "We land, set up a security perimeter, and start mapping out the station. Weapons hot but safeties on. We don’t shoot unless there’s something worth shooting."

Davik scoffed. "Define ‘worth shooting.’"

"Anything that shoots first, moves suspiciously, or gives off an ‘I want to kill you’ vibe," Mira deadpanned.

"Fair enough," Davik said with a grin, cracking his knuckles. "Just making sure."

With the plan set, we dispersed to don our gear, each of us knowing full well that ‘just a scouting mission’ is code word for expect a fight bring guns. Now we wait for Tarek to dock. 

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DROIDS:

Nick-01 processed an internal log update: the jetpacks installed by Creator Jake had significantly improved maneuverability in zero gravity conditions. An optimal enhancement. A logical addition.

"[Nick-01 Statement: The Creator has improved us once again. Our efficiency rating in space-bound operations has increased exponentially.]"

"[Nick-02 Observation: Indeed, Nick-01. These jetpacks would have been most advantageous during our previous engagements. Specifically, during the vault incursion, avoiding meatbag reliance for transport would have increased operational effectiveness by 34.8%.]"

"[Nick-01 Reminder: Focus on present objective, Nick-02. We must select the most optimal docking bay for the Creator’s vessel and prevent any meatbag-related inefficiencies.]"

Nick-01 and Nick-02 utilized their upgraded scanners, sweeping the surrounding environment for structural integrity, defensive positioning, and access routes. Multiple hangar bays were identified, but only one offered superior tactical positioning.

"[Nick-02 Assessment: This hangar bay presents the most defensible location with convenient access to interior corridors. Recommending it as primary docking point.]"

"[Nick-01 Agreement: This choice aligns with Creator Jake’s preference for minimizing tactical liabilities. Sending transmission now.]"

A priority communication channel was opened.

"[Nick-01 Report: Creator Jake, we have identified the most efficient hangar for meatbag deployment. Coordinates transmitted. Returning to vessel for armament synchronization.]"

Jake comms: "Good work Nick-01, assist Tarek with the docking process

"[Nick-01 Acknowledgment: Proceeding with docking approach. Prepare for potential combat scenarios.]"

"[Nick-02 Sarcasm: Ah, another battle. What a rare and unexpected event for our glorious meatbag companions.]"

As the Stellar Envoy initiated docking maneuvers, Nick-01 and Nick-02 activated their thrusters, aligning themselves as escort units. Their optical sensors registered their fellow combat droids, Skew-01 and Skew-02, still clamped onto the hull. Nick-02 transmitted an internal message.

"[Nick-02 Smug Observation: Ah, ground-bound units. How unfortunate for you to lack propulsion. We will be sure to describe our aerial superiority in great detail later.]"

"[Skew-01 Rebuttal: Irrelevant. Our armor plating is superior, and we carry heavier weaponry. Your fragile exoskeletons would crumple under sustained fire.]"

"[Nick-02 Retort: And yet, we remain mobile in vacuum while you remain attached to a ship like malfunctioning magnetic cargo.]"

"[Skew-01 Conclusion: Both units provide strategic advantages. Ending pointless banter to maintain operational efficiency.]"

The Stellar Envoy completed its final approach, stabilizing within the hangar bay. Nick-01 and Nick-02 disengaged their jetpacks, landing at the bay doors, their optical receptors sweeping for threats. Their primary directive remained clear: protect Creator Jake and his inefficient yet somehow still-functioning meatbag allies.

"[Nick-01 Final Statement: Security perimeter established. Standing by for further inefficiencies.]"

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Jake's P.O.V. :

Standing by the bay door as it hissed open, I kept my eyes on the Nick droids, already in a defensive wedge formation in front of the entrance. Their blasters were primed, servos whirring as they adjusted their positions with the precision only droids could manage. A sharp thump echoed through the docking bay, signaling that Skew-01 and Skew-02 had finally disengaged their magnetic clamps from the hull of the Stellar Envoy. The moment they hit the deck plating, they lumbered forward with their heavier, reinforced frames, slotting into position near the Nick droids.

"Perimeter secured," came the crisp binary-coded report from Nick-01.

I gave a sharp nod and signaled Davik and Rina to help me get the droids armed properly. Even though the Nicks had their built-in weapons, it never hurt to be prepared for the worst. The Skew droids, on the other hand, needed their heavier repeaters slotted in, along with their additional shielding packs—no sense sending them in half-prepped. As we worked, I spared a glance at Shmi, who was already sending the four N5 Sentry droids on a sweep of the docking bay.

"Huh," I muttered, watching her direct them with that cool, focused expression. "Looks like Shmi's really leaning into this security officer gig."

"Wouldn’t have put her on the job otherwise," Davik commented, adjusting a power cell into place on Skew-02’s blaster. "She’s got good instincts."

"Yeah, yeah," I waved him off, finishing my adjustments. "Alright, Nick and Skew units, proceed to the access door and sweep the interior. Comms open, call out if you run into anything spicy."

The droids acknowledged in unison and advanced to the sealed blast door leading further into the station. I fully expected them to trigger the sensor panel and march right in, but instead… nothing happened. The doors stayed shut.

I frowned. "Uh… why aren’t they—"

"Cannot proceed, Door locked," Nick-01 reported bluntly.

To my left, Rina let out a snicker that immediately put me on edge. When I turned to look at her, she was grinning like a gundark who’d just caught its prey.

"Hah," she drawled, stretching as if savoring the moment. "You thought this was your big dramatic entrance, huh? Kark, you probably had a whole moment planned out in your head. Classic."

I scowled. "I don’t see you hurrying to fix the problem, oh wise slicer."

"Oh, I’m savoring it first," she shot back, deliberately sauntering toward the data terminal like she had all the time in the galaxy. She even had the gall to hum a little tune as she pulled out her slicing gear.

I exhaled sharply, crossing my arms. "I hate you sometimes."

"No, you don’t," she sing-songed without looking up. A few keystrokes later, the terminal chirped an affirmative tone, and the blast doors hissed open.

"Alright, doors are open," she announced with an exaggerated flourish. "By all means, Mister Dramatic Entrance, carry on."

Ignoring her smug expression, I turned back to the droids. "Orders remain the same—proceed with caution, sweep the interior, and call it in when it’s secure."

"Acknowledged, proceeding with mission." Nick-01 responded.

With that, the droids moved forward in synchronized precision, disappearing into the dimly lit corridor beyond. Now, all we had to do was wait—and hope that everyone forgets that embarrassing episode.

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After waiting for a little while, my droids gave a report that the next room from the docking bay was clear of danger, with no signs of possible hostile elements, and had been classified as a control station. Since we got an all-clear, we proceeded ahead and entered after them, but I still asked how they determined that the room was a control station specifically.

Funnily enough, I didn’t need to wait for their response because the answer was right in front of me—the words "Control Station" were written at the entrance walkway. Thinking deeper about it, why did I even ask such a stupid question? I was probably still annoyed about getting beat by Rina when it came to showing off. Not that I’d ever admit I was trying to show off in the first place.

Rina, upon entering the room after me, was quick to approach a terminal and announced that she’d attempt to slice into the systems to get more information. Mira, who followed right after her, immediately added that Rina should focus on pulling the installation’s history logs, the station’s map, and the location of the office of whoever was in charge.

Everyone else, including me, just looked around while waiting. Kado had suggested that we wait for the station’s map before proceeding with any further scouting, even if we planned on using the droids for most of it. While we waited, I took the opportunity to observe our surroundings.

The control station was an even larger room than the docking bay, with four groups of terminals, each arranged in rows of three. The terminals all faced the docking bay’s direction, and along that side of the wall was a massive viewport, which we hadn’t noticed from the docking bay itself—probably designed as a one-way mirror.

There were three notable exits: the one we had just used to enter, another doorway on the opposite side that likely connected to a separate docking bay, and a third doorway at the back of the control station. That last one stood out the most, and I had a strong suspicion it was locked—given the very obvious red indicator light glowing at the top.

As Rina worked on slicing into the system, I shifted my stance, resting a hand on my blaster holster while eyeing the doorway at the back of the room. Something about it made me uneasy. I learned enough from our previous escapades and I don't need a Jedi to tell me, but my gut was telling me that whatever was beyond that door wasn’t going to be pleasant. I hoped that was just my nerves talking and not a sign of more trouble waiting for us.

“Hey, Jake,” Rina called over her shoulder while her fingers danced over the terminal’s interface. “Try not to start sweating. You’re making the room feel tense.”

“I’m not sweating,” I shot back, rolling my eyes. “Just thinking of our possible demise with some possible somethings ahead of us.”

“Sure you are,” she said, her voice dripping with amusement.

Mira sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Can we focus, please?”

We could hear the terminal beeping as Rina worked her slicing magic. Hopefully, she quickly retrieves whatever data we need to proceed without relying on luck again. I wonder if the cause of the hyperspace ejections is a machine - if it is, then it's looting time. Wow, Kado really rubbed off on me - better not tell him.