Chapter 27: Lending a Hand

*26. Stepping In to Help*

“Master! Their defense forces are being slaughtered! Master!” Obi-Wan Kenobi couldn’t tear his eyes away from the brutal battle unfolding before them. He was restless, itching to act.

Watching those pilots, flying outdated fighters yet charging fearlessly into what were practically suicide missions, wave after wave, struck a deep chord in him.

“Sit down, Obi-Wan. Remember, don’t let your emotions control your actions,” Qui-Gon Jinn said calmly, sitting as still as a meditating monk, eyes closed, completely composed.

“But, Master…”

“Sit. At this point, it’s not our place to step in unasked. Feel the emotions of those soldiers in uniform, and you’ll understand.”

Obi-Wan turned his gaze toward Qi Jian. Through the Force, he sensed a blazing fire within the man. It clicked—his master was right. For those fighters, this battle was a crucible, a transformation.

Some lessons had to be learned the hard way. Some humiliations had to be endured.

Only then could they grow stronger.

But then, a sudden, unexplained wave of unease washed over Obi-Wan. He had a vague premonition that this humiliating day might bring catastrophic consequences for the galaxy.

At that moment, he noticed the middle-aged female administrator approaching. He stood, offering a slight bow, his lips moving but no words coming out.

“Master Qui-Gon,” she began, “our leaders have told me you’re Jedi Knights, guardians of the Galactic Republic. These brutal pirates… we beg the Jedi not to stand by. We’re willing to pay any price for your help.” Daphne Clement took a deep breath, bowing her head to the two Jedi.

Qui-Gon took a slow breath and rose. “It’s our duty to act,” he said evenly. “But understand this: the galaxy is full of dangers, and Jedi won’t always be there to intervene. I hope you take that to heart.”

“This is our new home,” Daphne replied, still bowing, her expression hidden. “We’ll fight to the last, even if it costs us everything.”

Through the Force, Qui-Gon felt the fire in her heart. He sighed. “Anger is a double-edged sword. It burns others, but it can burn you too. Be careful. I hope these pirates haven’t awakened a monster.”

“When you return, we’ll show you our better side,” Clement said softly, bowing deeply. “Our leader, Ventus, looks forward to meeting you.”

Qui-Gon nodded. “Your tea was excellent. I look forward to tasting it again. We’ll depart now. May the Force be with you.” He pulled his cloak’s hood up, and with Obi-Wan, headed to the hangar via the elevator.

The hangar platform was nearly empty, with few ships remaining, but a group of pilots stood ready. Qui-Gon approached to say something, only to realize the language barrier—Galactic Basic wasn’t widely spoken in the Fourth Civilization yet.

So, the two Jedi boarded their ship, where their pilot was already waiting. Qui-Gon waved the pilot out of the seat and gestured to Obi-Wan. “You take the controls.”

“No problem, Master,” Obi-Wan said confidently. But as he settled into the pilot’s seat, a flicker of doubt crossed his face. “Master, this is just a civilian ship with one defensive turret. I’m not sure we’re equipped for this.”

Qui-Gon chuckled. “Feeling nervous now? Where’s that fire from earlier?”

Obi-Wan’s expression hardened. “As Jedi, it’s our duty to protect innocent civilians.”

Qui-Gon shook his head with a smile. “You see their fragile exterior but miss the strength within. You think they’re innocent because they’re weak—now. But that may not always be true. Trust the Force, use the Force. Then you’ll see more, farther.”

“I understand, Master. So, you’re saying we should…”

“I’m saying these people need our help. Let’s go. Don’t waste the time those warriors are buying with their lives.” Qui-Gon settled into the co-pilot’s seat, deftly activating the ship’s systems.

The Z-10 Explorer-class light freighter lifted off the hangar platform and sped toward the battle raging near the Endor gas giant’s mining station.

The battlefield was grim. Over 30 Blade-class fighters had been destroyed, their wreckage and pilots’ bodies drifting silently in the void.

Yet the fight raged on. To stop the three bounty hunter ships, the Fourth Civilization had even deployed Arrow-class scout ships, launching fearless, relentless attacks.

Obi-Wan’s Z-10 streaked into the fray. He opened the comm to Qi Jian. “Have your fighters coordinate with us.”

“Understood,” Qi Jian replied. Instantly, the Blade fighters shifted formation, rallying around the Z-10.

“Let’s do this!” Obi-Wan shoved the throttle forward, the ship surging ahead.

But the bounty hunters’ ships weren’t pushovers. A barrage of heavy cannon fire met them, making the Z-10’s shields flicker dangerously.

“This isn’t good! Their firepower’s too strong!” Obi-Wan said, sweat beading on his forehead.

“Remember what I said,” Qui-Gon urged. “Use the Force. Their weakness is obvious.”

Obi-Wan took a deep breath, calming himself. “Got it, Master. Their ships are upgraded with extra turrets, but their electronics and fire-control systems are outdated. They can’t fully utilize their firepower.”

“And?” Qui-Gon prompted.

“Watch this!” Obi-Wan’s eyes sharpened. He pushed the ship into a high-speed arc, jinking the wings to throw off the enemy’s targeting radar. Then he slammed the firing controls, unleashing a brilliant pulse of laser fire.

In the hands of a Jedi, even an ace pilot stood no chance. With the Force guiding them, Jedi could sense danger before it struck.

Moments later, the Z-10 Explorer burst through the fiery explosion of the last bounty hunter ship. Cheers from the Fourth Civilization pilots crackled over the comm.

“Master, we did it! All the pirates are down!” Obi-Wan exclaimed, exhilarated. “Are we heading back to their main ship?”

Qui-Gon gave a faint smile, saying nothing, and flipped the switch for the hyperdrive.

Obi-Wan grinned, catching his master’s meaning. He engaged the hyperdrive, and the ship stretched into a blur, vanishing into hyperspace in the blink of an eye.

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*[Bonus Chapter Image: Z-10 Explorer-class Freighter]*