Star Wars - Cloaked in Shadows

The four starships skimmed past the towering skyscrapers of Chandrila, weaving in and out of the huge silver structures that rose into the clouds. Sunlight glinted off the mirrored windows of the massive buildings, casting dazzling reflections across the cityscape.

At the center of the formation flew the largest vessel, its wings angled downward like a raptor mid-dive, engines pulsing with a fiery glow. Flanking it were several X-wing starfighters, their white hulls adorned with bold blue stripes, S-foils locked in attack position—a warning to any who might challenge them.

One of the starfighters took point, darting around every passing tower with precision, its pilot scanning for threats. Behind it, the New Republic transport shuttle followed closely, flanked by two more fighters flying in tight formation, shielding her, ready to intercept any threat. Their vigilance was warranted; the air traffic below teemed with civilian vessels, a perfect camouflage for assassins.

"Stay clear of the main lanes," the lead pilot's voice crackled over the comm.

Many knew Senator Connix of Dulathia was returning to cast her vote to allow the New Republic military to coordinate with the Jedi. Her stance had earned her powerful enemies—former First Order loyalists, warlords, and shadowy factions who would stop at nothing to silence her.

Inside the shuttle's cockpit, Captain Daro Sarthus exhaled slowly as the landing platform came into view. His sharp eyes swept the area, searching for anomalies. "All clear so far," he muttered to the pilot.

The lead fighter banked sharply, circling the Senatorial Apartment Building adjacent to the landing platform. The other two X-wings touched down smoothly, engines whining to a halt as the shuttle hovered momentarily before landing with a gentle thud.

Captain Sarthus rose, running a hand through his short brown hair. He strode toward the boarding ramp, where his security team stood at attention—four officers in crisp blue-and-white uniforms, blaster rifles held at the ready. Among them, Corporal Pavan, a young woman with dark hair pulled into a bun, met his gaze and nodded.

"We made it," Pavan said.

"We aren't inside yet," Sarthus responded. "Stay sharp."

Kaydel Ko Connix rose from her seat, adjusting her blue uniform—a deliberate choice to blend in with her security detail—and tucked a loose strand of light brown hair beneath her cap. A soft chirp drew her attention downward as BB-56, a pink-and-white astromech droid, rolled to her side, her domed head swiveling.

"Everything looks clear, Senator," Sarthus said. "We'll keep a tight formation. Just in case."

Kaydel forced a smile. "I appreciate the caution, Captain."

The ramp descended with a quiet hum, and two officers stepped out first, rifles raised, their eyes scanning the perimeter. Sarthus followed, his posture rigid. Kaydel trailed behind, BB-56 whirring beside her as the warm breeze tousled the edges of her uniform, carrying the faint scent of the nearby ocean.

The security team closed ranks around her as they moved swiftly across the platform. The towering Senate building loomed ahead, its polished exterior gleaming under the sun.

Then Sarthus froze, his head snapping upward. Kaydel followed his gaze—her heart skipped a beat as she spotted a figure perched atop one of the platforms above, the glint of a blaster rifle unmistakable against the bright sky.

"Get down!" Sarthus yelled.

Chaos erupted around her. The officers behind Kaydel lunged toward her, shielding her as a blaster bolt sizzled through the air. The shot struck one of the officers, his body crumpling to the ground, uniform smoldering. The screams of onlookers filled the air as the security team returned fire, their shots pinging off the distant ledge.

Time seemed to slow as Kaydel hit the ground, the impact driving the breath from her lungs. Disoriented, she stared at the fallen officer, her throat tightening.

"Move!" Sarthus yanked her to her feet, his grip ironclad as he hauled her toward the building. BB-56 screeched, rolling frantically after them. Another shot rang out, sparking against the platform behind Kaydel's heels.

"Inside! Go!" Sarthus shouted. They rushed her through the doorway just as the blast shields slammed shut behind them, sealing them inside. The chaos outside vanished, replaced by the eerie calm of the Senate building. The sudden silence was deafening.

Kaydel leaned against a pillar, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as her pulse raced. She had been in dangerous situations before, but this felt different—more personal. BB-56 nudged her leg, beeping anxiously.

A squad of soldiers rushed forward, rifles drawn. "Area's secure," one barked into a comlink.

Sarthus turned to Kaydel. "Are you hurt, Senator?"

She shook her head. "I'm all right." Her hands were trembling as she straightened her uniform.

BB-56 chirped mournfully, and Kaydel placed a hand on her dome. "I'm glad you're safe too, Beebee."

—

The dense canopy of Akiva's jungle stretched endlessly beneath the Millennium Falcon as it descended toward a clearing just beyond the settlement of Urvak. The ship, though battered and worn, carried an air of legend, its silhouette cutting through the humid air like a blade. Sunlight filtered through the thick foliage, casting dappled shadows on the ground below, where the sounds of unseen creatures echoed through the trees.

Inside the cockpit, Rey Skywalker sat in the pilot's chair, her expression calm and focused, her hands steady on the controls as the Falcon's thrusters slowed their descent. Her hair was pulled back into her signature triple-bun style, a few loose strands framing her face. She wore black robes, with gray cloth draped over each shoulder, meeting at her waist.

Ben Solo sat beside her, his gaze fixed on the jungle below. His dark hair fell just above his brow, and his robes mirrored hers. They had grown accustomed to the silence that often accompanied their missions, finding comfort in the unspoken understanding that flowed between them through the Force.

As the Falcon touched down, the sounds of the jungle filled the cockpit—the calls of strange creatures, the rustle of leaves in the warm breeze, the distant hum of life thriving in the dense undergrowth. Rey stood first, adjusting her robes. Ben followed, rising behind her without a word.

Together, they made their way to the boarding ramp. The jungle air hit them as the ramp lowered, warm and thick with the scent of damp soil and foliage. Stepping out onto the soft ground, they moved in unison, their boots silent as they advanced through the trees. Ahead, the wooden walls of Urvak loomed, reinforced with patches of rusted metal.

Rey heard Ben's voice drift into her thoughts. "Two guards at the gate."

"Two more on top," she responded.

As they approached, two armored guards stepped forward, their black plating dull under the filtered light. Their heavy rifles were clutched tightly, their postures rigid.

"Halt!" one barked, stepping forward to block their path. "State your business."

Rey held up a hand, her voice calm but firm. "You will step aside and let us through."

The guards stiffened, their eyes glazing over as her will pressed against their minds. "We will let you through," the first guard repeated. He spoke into a comlink. "Open the gate."

With a mechanical creak, the metal door slid aside, revealing the settlement beyond. Rey and Ben exchanged a glance before stepping through.

Inside, the streets were eerily quiet. Small, square buildings lined the pathways, their windows dark, their doors sealed shut. The people were hiding, but Rey could feel them, their presence like a whisper in the Force.

At the center of Urvak stood a circular courtyard, its stone surface cracked and worn. Waiting for them there was Jafan Tane, his pale skin almost ghostly under the harsh sunlight. His sharp features twisted into a sneer as they approached. Surrounding him were a dozen B2-series battle droids, their bulky frames standing at attention.

"Jedi," Jafan spat. "Always meddling in matters that don't concern you."

Rey and Ben stopped several paces away. "The people want you gone," Rey said.

Jafan chuckled, gesturing to the droids. "Is that so?" With a flick of his hand, the droids raised their blasters. "This town belongs to the Crymorah Syndicate."

Rey's fingers brushed the hilt of her lightsaber. Beside her, Ben stood ready, his presence a steady anchor in the Force.

"Last chance, Jedi," Jafan said. "Leave now, or die."

Rey ignited her lightsaber, its yellow blade humming to life. "The people of Urvak have suffered enough. We won't leave until they're free."

Jafan's face twisted into a snarl. He stepped back behind the droids and shouted, "Open fire!"

Blaster bolts streaked through the air. Rey's blade became a golden blur, deflecting shots with precision. Ben's blue blade—his mother's lightsaber—sizzled as he joined her, their movements seamless. The droids advanced, relentless, but the Jedi were faster. Bolts ricocheted back, striking two droids, then two more, sending them crashing to the ground in sparks.

With a nod from Rey, they lunged forward. She vaulted over a droid, her blade slicing clean through its torso. Ben followed, his strike cutting down two droids in a single sweep.

Jafan's confidence wavered as his forces dwindled. Within moments, the last droid fell, its circuits sputtering. The Jedi stood victorious, their lightsabers still ignited, their eyes locked on Jafan.

From the surrounding alleyways, Syndicate soldiers emerged, blasters raised.

"Shoot them!" Jafan screamed.

A bolt flew—Rey deflected it, sending it back to its sender. Ben did the same, and two soldiers crumpled. The rest hesitated, their weapons trembling. One by one, they dropped their blasters, surrendering.

"Cowards!" Jafan yanked a blaster from his holster, but Ben's hand shot out. The weapon wrenched free, flying into his grip before he discarded it.

The doors of the buildings burst open. The people of Urvak flooded into the square, seizing the discarded weapons. Jafan fell to his knees as two men locked his wrists in binders.

Rey inhaled, taking a deep breath as she extinguished her lightsaber. Beside her, Ben did the same, his blade vanishing with a soft hiss.

The mayor, an older man with graying hair and a long beard, approached. "How can we repay you?"

Rey smiled. "The people freed themselves. We were only here to help."

The mayor bowed his head. "Thank you. We will never forget this."

Rey glanced at Ben. Without a word, they turned and walked back toward the gate, the sounds of celebration fading behind them.