Chapter 25: Pirates

*Section 24: Pirates*

Meanwhile, in the Endor system…

Three small ships dropped out of hyperspace into the star system: two G-9 freighters and a GX-1 transport. Though labeled as freighters, they’d been heavily modified. Their cargo holds had been converted into laser turret emplacements, arming these ships to a formidable degree.

“Endor system. Let’s do a quick sweep and see if anything’s off,” a pilot drawled lazily over the comms.

“No idea what Master Dooku wants us to find in the Modell sector. This is a needle-in-a-haystack job,” another voice grumbled.

“Tell me about it. With the time we’re wasting, I could be pulling a heist in the Outer Rim!”

“Quit whining. Dooku’s paying enough for us to live it up on Serenno for a while. Let’s get to work.”

“Boss! Strong radar signal from the direction of Endor’s planet!”

“Endor? This backwater’s got people? Ha! Maybe we’ve got some business. Let’s check it out!”

…

Qui-Gon Jinn lifted his teacup, taking a small sip. The fragrant aroma of the red tea spread across his palate, calming and refreshing. He let out a soft breath, savoring the moment.

“How’s the tea treating you, Master Qui-Gon?” Daphne Clement asked with a warm smile, seated across from him.

“I’ve never had anything quite so… not just pleasant, but comforting,” Qui-Gon replied with a nod.

“What do you think of our Fourth Group’s colony, after your inspection these past few days?” Clement continued.

“It seems aboveboard, though… that large mining operation on the fourth moon—planning to build an industrial base here?” Qui-Gon countered.

“Exactly. Our group has some shipbuilding ventures as well,” Clement answered.

“Shipbuilding’s the domain English Channel doesn’t lie—it’s the big leagues,” Qui-Gon said, standing to peer out the mothership’s wide viewport at the small starship dock under construction outside. He turned back. “So why haven’t I heard of the Fourth Group before?”

“We’re a new outfit, just getting started,” Clement explained.

“I recall there are native species on Endor, aren’t there?” Obi-Wan Kenobi, who’d been quiet until now, spoke up. “Though you’ve renamed the planet Dawn. That change needs to be registered with the Republic’s authorities.”

“Yes, the Ewoks. We’re getting along well with them. We’ve even started teaching some to help build shelters and such. Once we fully understand their language, we’ll begin educating them, aiming to integrate them into civilized society,” Clement said smoothly. “There are other sentient species on Dawn, like the Duloks, but they’re aggressive, so we’re still in early, cautious contact.”

“I hope that’s the case. The Galactic Republid strictly prohibits genocide through colonial expansion,” Obi-Wan warned.

“Of course. We have staff handling the paperwork on Coruscant,” Clement said with a smile, though her stomach churned.

Staff? What staff? I only heard the name Coruscant a few days ago from Felasi, that hostage we’re holding!

“So, your leader, Ventus. Still no word from him?” Qui-Gon asked.

Clement’s face clouded with worry. “Not yet. He’s probably still in hyperspace. I’m not sure where he went. The plan was for him to visit Tatooine to explore product sales channels.”

“What kind of person is Ventus?”

Clement’s smile returned. “He’s visionary, approachable, and fearless. A bit green, but growing into an exceptional leader.”

“She means it, Master,” Obi-Wan whispered. “The Force senses her sincerity.”

“To command a mothership this grand and launch a planetary colony at such a young age—Ventus lives up to the praise,” Qui-Gon said with a chuckle.

“On behalf of our Administrator, thank you for your kind words,” Clement said, standing and bowing formally to both Jedi.

[Alert: Incoming transmission,] the Mainframe’s voice interrupted.

“Patch it through,” Chief of Staff Qi Jian, working in the operations department, ordered.

A smug face appeared on the bridge’s main screen. “Where’d this big ship come from? Mining Endor without a permit? We’re Galactic Republic tax officers, here to audit your taxes. Hand over the credits, or we won’t be so polite!”

Qi Jian’s face darkened. “Tax officers? You’re here to rob us!”

“We’re following regulations,” the man sneered. “A ship this size owes… one million credits. Pay up, now!”

Obi-Wan leapt to his feet, ready to storm the screen, but Qui-Gon held him back. Turning to Clement, Qui-Gon said, “I can assure you, Republic tax officers don’t operate like this.”

“Understood. Please, one moment,” Clement said, her face grim as she headed toward the combat command center.

“Master, they’re obviously pirates! We can’t just sit here!” Obi-Wan hissed once Clement was out of earshot.

“I know. But this is a chance to see what they’re made of,” Qui-Gon said, shaking his head.

“I get it, but—”

“This is about the Republic’s perspective, not the Jedi’s.”

“Yes, Master.”

In the command center, Qi Jian barked orders. “All hands, battle stations! Everyone to your posts! Fighter pilots, stand by in your cockpits! Halt operations at the interstellar mining field!”

Alarms blared through the mothership. Off-duty crew scrambled from their quarters, racing to their stations.

“Sir! Three ships are advancing toward the gas giant’s mining station! Vessels are 20 to 30 meters, light corvette-class!” a radar tech shouted.

“Issue a final warning: cease approach, or we’ll respond with force!” Qi Jian said firmly.

Clement looked concerned. “All we have are Blade fighters. Their combat capabilities…”

“Even if I’m down to a vibroblade, I’ll fight to the end!” Qi Jian’s eyes blazed with determination.

*[Easter Egg Chapter Image 1: Blade Fighter]*