Star Wars: Empire of the Eternal Star

{Chapter: 20 Jedi Knight}

"So, if you can set aside your personal bias, Obi-Wan, you'll see that this isn't the Trade Federation's usual way of operating," Qui-Gon Jinn said, his voice calm but firm. "If they truly intended to mine here, they would have gone about it differently. This setup is far too crude, too inefficient for their methods."

Obi-Wan Kenobi furrowed his brows, contemplating his master's words. "Then who could it be?"

"We'll need to take a closer look to find out," Qui-Gon replied. "Pilot, set a course for the mining station. Let's see who's behind this operation."

Before the pilot could comply, a sharp beeping from the console interrupted them. The co-pilot quickly scanned the readings, his eyes widening in shock.

"Wait a moment… I'm picking up another massive signal!" The urgency in his voice made everyone in the cockpit turn toward him. He frantically adjusted the scanner, zooming in on the source. "It's in geosynchronous orbit around Endor. It just moved to the far side of the planet. This… this can't be right. The radar is detecting something over 40,000 meters in height!"

"A giant space station?" Qui-Gon Jinn's normally composed expression tightened into one of concern. His hand instinctively brushed the hilt of his lightsaber. "A station of that size, located this far beyond the Core Worlds? Whoever built it must have serious ambitions. This isn't just a minor mining operation—we could be looking at a major power play."

"We should investigate," Obi-Wan said, already adjusting their course.

"Agreed. Fly us toward the station." Qui-Gon turned to his apprentice. "Obi-Wan, attempt to make contact."

Obi-Wan nodded and activated the ship's communicator, switching to an open frequency. He hesitated for a moment before speaking, then adopted a tone of forced nonchalance.

"Hello, this is—uh—just a group of travelers passing through. While navigating the Model Hyperspace Channel, we encountered gravitational turbulence, and our vessel sustained some damage. We request permission to dock for repairs and resupply. Please respond."

A few moments of static followed. Then, a smooth, feminine voice replied through the comms.

"Greetings, travelers. You are approaching a facility operated by the Fourth Group's pioneering colony initiative. We welcome peaceful visitors."

Both Jedi exchanged looks of intrigue.

"The Fourth Group?" Obi-Wan muttered.

Qui-Gon's expression darkened slightly. "That's a name I haven't heard before."

---

Far away, in the outer reaches of the galaxy, the Lancer exited hyperspace, emerging into the cold, dark void of the Mychito system. Almost immediately, a hyperspace communication alert flashed on Leo's console. He leaned forward, swiftly answering the call. Despite the mothership's hyperspace core being inoperable for unknown reasons, it was still functional for long-distance transmissions.

Leo activated the channel, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and authority. "Dr. Guan Yan, is the infrared laser weapon proving insufficient? Is there any way to increase its power output?"

On the other end, the seasoned mechanic sighed. "Not with our current setup. The Blade Fighter is equipped with a small fission reactor, which limits its available energy. If we want to enhance the infrared laser turret's power, we'd need to install a compact nuclear fusion reactor. That's our next step in development."

Leo nodded. "Understood. Keep working on it. Before we complete the analysis on the Ghost Fighter, focus on optimizing the Blade Fighter's combat capabilities. Now, get me Qi Jian."

Moments later, Qi Jian's voice came through. "Administrator, the production plan for fifty Blade Fighters has been completed. We've begun modifications in batches, swapping out their previous weapon systems for infrared laser turrets."

Leo tapped his fingers on the console. "And what's the performance like?"

"Our testing results are in," Qi Jian reported. "The small laser turret we installed has a destructive capacity roughly 30% higher than a primary electromagnetic gun. However, its effective range is limited to about 30 kilometers. While kinetic weapons technically have an infinite range in space, the laser's advantage is in efficiency—it eliminates the need for ammunition storage, reduces overall fighter weight, and increases maneuverability."

"Thirty kilometers…" Leo mused. "That's short-range for space combat."

"True, but considering the Blade Fighter's overall design, its combat radius rarely exceeds ten kilometers," Qi Jian pointed out. "So for now, the range issue isn't a major concern."

Leo leaned back, exhaling slowly. "Alright. Have the pilots undergo additional training in energy weapon targeting. We need them to be fully proficient in their use. Our future priority will be advancing energy-based weaponry—no more reliance on ballistics."

His mind briefly drifted to his long-term goal: unlocking the highest tiers of energy weaponry. If they could push the limits, they would one day wield technology on par with the Light Spear and Arc Emitters.

He checked his personnel roster again. As the colony expanded, two more elite scientists had finally met the criteria for awakening. One was a specialist in computational systems, the other an expert in aerospace engineering. Both were exactly what he needed. Without hesitation, he assigned them to Dr. Frag's research team, hoping to accelerate the development of the Ghost Fighter.

As he planned further advancements, a sudden interruption cut through his thoughts. Selene's voice, smooth but urgent, chimed in through the ship's AI interface.

"[Administrator, I must interrupt. I have received a public channel transmission. A vessel, claiming to be a group of travelers, is requesting permission to board the station. Your immediate decision is required.]"

Leo's fingers hovered over his console. "Travelers? In a remote system like Endor?" His eyes narrowed. "Something doesn't add up. Patch the communication through—I want to see who we're dealing with."

"[Understood, Administrator. Transferring now. This transmission contains visual data.]"

A holographic display flickered to life in front of Leo. The image showed a middle-aged man draped in a weathered cloak, his hood partially obscuring his face. He carried himself with a composed demeanor, his voice measured yet polite.

"Greetings. I assume you are the administrator of this station. My name is Qui-Gon Jinn, a traveler. Our vessel encountered difficulties while navigating hyperspace, and we require assistance with repairs and supplies. We would greatly appreciate your hospitality."

Leo wasn't buying the excuse. His eyes studied the man intently, taking in the subtle details—the way he held himself, the slight weight of experience behind his words, the near-imperceptible aura of power. Then it hit him.

Without thinking, Leo blurted out, "You're a Jedi Knight, aren't you?"

A flicker of surprise passed across Qui-Gon's face, but he quickly masked it with a faint smile. "I don't believe I have 'Jedi Knight' written anywhere on me," he said smoothly.

Leo smirked. "You don't have to. I can recognize one when I see one."

Leo's expression turned solemn as he asked, "Then, can you tell me why a Jedi Knight has suddenly appeared here?" He had already recognized this man.

Jedi Master—Qui-Gon Jinn!

The man standing before him looked exactly as he did in the movies Leo had once seen. The realization sent a wave of conflicting emotions through him, but he chose not to let any of it show on his face. Instead, he kept his thoughts to himself and observed the Jedi carefully.

During the communication, Qui-Gon Jinn continued, his tone firm yet composed. "A space station of this magnitude appearing so suddenly in the remote star system of Endor has naturally drawn the attention of the Galactic Republic. We must express our concern regarding this matter."

Before Leo could respond, another voice interrupted from the background. "Master, it has been confirmed that the massive object is not a space station. It's a spaceship!"

Qui-Gon Jinn's expression darkened at the revelation. His piercing gaze locked onto Leo, and he spoke slowly, enunciating each word with intent. "So, this is why I came."

Leo sighed, rubbing his temple. He hadn't expected this situation to escalate to the point of drawing the attention of the Jedi Order so quickly. If Qui-Gon Jinn was here, that meant the Republic was already taking an interest in his colony. This was a complication he hadn't accounted for.

He straightened up and spoke clearly. "This vessel does not have the ability to travel through hyperspace, nor is it a military installation. It is a civilian spaceship, designed to establish a colony on Endor. The necessary legal procedures for this colonization effort are currently being processed on the Republic's side."

Qui-Gon Jinn studied him for a moment, then gave a slow nod. "The Jedi Order does not interfere in lawful operations. As long as you can provide proof that your presence here is legitimate, we will not stand in your way."

Leo maintained a calm expression. "I understand. If you don't mind, Master Jedi, I would like to invite you to stay aboard my mothership while I make the necessary arrangements. I will return soon."

Qui-Gon Jinn considered the offer, then inclined his head slightly. "In that case, I would be grateful for your hospitality."

As the communication ended, Leo let out a deep breath and leaned back in his seat, staring at the ceiling of his command center.

Things were becoming more complicated than he had anticipated. Initially, his goal had been simple—go to Tatooine and find Anakin Skywalker. That was his first real objective in this galaxy. However, before he could even make a move, he was pulled into a request from Hego Damask, which had now led to Jedi involvement.

Even more unsettling was the question that lingered in his mind—how had Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi managed to find him? Had their arrival here been purely coincidental, or was there another force at play, subtly guiding their path to his doorstep?

One thing was becoming increasingly clear: he could no longer remain in the shadows, simply observing from afar. The galaxy was in motion, and whether he wanted to be involved or not, he had already been drawn into its currents.

If he chose to remain passive, waiting for events to unfold, he would only become more vulnerable. That wasn't an option.

No, he had to act. He had to seize control of his fate.

The only way forward was to step out into the galaxy—to search for a glimmer of hope, even within the encroaching darkness.

****

I am transitioning to Subscribestar. Currently, there is no content available, but it will be added