Collan stood quietly on the private balcony of his luxurious suite, overlooking the immense bow of the Eternal Horizon. From this vantage point, he had an uninterrupted view of the ship's grandeur, illuminated decks stretching endlessly forward beneath the dome of the atmospheric bubble. The technology that created the protective shield was state-of-the-art, allowing the ship to drift high above Coruscant while passengers walked open decks as if they were on solid ground. Stars twinkled beyond the transparent barrier, creating the illusion of standing amid the void itself. Yet, despite the cosmic display, Collan's eyes lingered only briefly on the distant stars. His attention was fixed downward, upon the ship itself—upon his domain.
He gripped the balcony railing lightly, the cold metal grounding his thoughts as he surveyed his kingdom. Guests milled below, unaware of his watchful gaze, sipping expensive wines and exchanging empty pleasantries. Senators, politicians, businessmen—they believed themselves powerful, their egos buoyed by credits, titles, and influence. But Collan found their definitions of power laughable. They measured their worth in credits and influence among equally shallow peers, utterly blind to what true power meant. True power did not come from credit balances or lavish parties. True power, he thought, was something entirely different, something intangible yet potent. Something he would soon hold securely in his grasp.
Collan smiled slightly, enjoying the irony. The Jedi and the Sith had spent centuries squabbling over control of the Force, wasting their energies on philosophies that either restrained or consumed them. The Jedi chained themselves in rigid codes, fearful of fully embracing the strength available to them. The Sith drowned themselves in that same strength, falling prey to their own ambition and rage. Both were blind, misguided. But he—he would not succumb to either folly. He would harness this power without being enslaved by it. He would become its master, in every sense of the word.
His reflections were abruptly interrupted by footsteps behind him. Collan did not turn around immediately; instead, he remained still, sensing the hesitation in the steps approaching him. Three masked men stepped onto the balcony, their movements cautious, tense. They stood quietly, shifting uncomfortably, awaiting acknowledgment.
"You're back," Collan finally spoke, his voice calm, emotionless. He continued staring outward, deliberately not looking at them. "I assume that means you have good news."
The men exchanged uneasy glances beneath their masks, unsure how to proceed. The silence stretched until the leader, gathering courage, finally spoke. "I'm sorry, sir," the man began hesitantly. "We searched Amidala's suite exactly as you ordered. We turned the room upside down, but...we found nothing. No object matching your description was there."
Collan's fingers tightened on the balcony railing, knuckles going white. The men immediately noticed the slight motion, their anxiety visibly increasing. They knew well how Collan handled disappointment. Two of them even stepped back instinctively, prepared to bolt if his anger erupted. But Collan steadied himself with a controlled breath, loosening his grip slowly.
"I thought not," he said quietly, his tone cold but restrained. "It was unlikely she would leave something so precious unattended. More likely, she's keeping it close, on her person."
"Should we make our move now?" the leader asked, his voice betraying nervousness but attempting to appear confident. "She won't expect us so soon."
"No," Collan said decisively, finally turning to face them directly. His gaze was piercin. "Acting now would be reckless. The attack on her at the pre trial has already raised suspicion. Targeting Amidala directly at this moment could easily draw unwanted attention to me."
He paused briefly, considering carefully before continuing. "We'll wait until the midweek gala. It will be the largest gathering yet, attended by everyone aboard. During the chaos, you'll assist the Mandalorian in capturing Amidala. Kill a few others while you're at it; confusion will mask your true intent."
"Yes, sir," the masked men replied quickly, almost in perfect unison.
Collan looked at them carefully, sensing they were holding something back. "Is there anything else I should know?" he asked pointedly, his tone leaving no room for evasion.
Again, the men exchanged nervous glances, their body language radiating reluctance. No one wanted to volunteer the information.
"Spit it out!" Collan snapped, his patience worn thin.
The leader swallowed hard. "Sir," he began cautiously, "we were seen in Amidala's room. Her aide caught us searching and fled. We gave chase and managed to shoot her—"
Before he could finish, the leader's voice turned into a choked gurgle, blood suddenly spurting from a deep wound in his neck. He stumbled forward, clutching helplessly at his throat, eyes wide in confusion and terror. Behind him, Collan calmly held a thin blade now slick with blood. The man collapsed heavily onto the floor, twitching briefly before falling still.
The remaining two men stared in shock, stepping away instinctively, their masked faces unable to hide their fear and disbelief.
Collan slowly wiped the blade clean with a cloth, regarding the fallen man with contempt. He pointed to the masked man standing nearest. "Congratulations," he said coldly, "you've just earned a promotion."
The newly appointed leader visibly trembled, unable to speak. Collan moved close, his presence intimidating. "Find that aide. Silence her permanently. If you fail—well, you need only look down to understand the consequences."
The new leader quickly nodded, his voice barely a whisper, "Yes, sir."
Collan slapped the man's cheek lightly, an insulting gesture more than reassurance. "Good. Now, clean up this mess."
As the two men hurriedly began to move the body, Collan turned back toward the balcony rail, his face composed once more. The cold breeze drifted gently across the deck, carrying away the scent of blood as the men dragged their fallen companion away. He gazed outward, again surveying the vast ship below him.
His mind returned to planning, considering contingencies and outcomes. Collan understood clearly that the path he chose would require ruthlessness, and sacrifices were inevitable. But he was ready to pay any price necessary to achieve his ambitions. Tonight's incident was merely a small inconvenience, nothing more.
Soon, the senators, the Jedi, the Sith—everyone who had dared underestimate him—would witness the magnitude of his vision. Standing straight, hands clasped firmly behind his back, Collan smiled slightly again, feeling fully in control once more. Soon, he would ascend to the heights of power he'd always envisioned. Soon, all the galaxy would recognize him for what he truly was. Soon he would obtain a power beyond their comprehension.
___________________________
Jaden stirred awake in Aubrie's suite, a jolt of panic spiking through him at the unfamiliar surroundings—the plush bed, the soft hum of the ship, the viewport framing Coruscant's twinkling skyline. Then memories of the previous night flooded back: boarding the Eternal Horizon, reuniting with Padmé and Aubrie, and the passionate hours he'd shared with Aubrie, their bodies tangled in the sheets. His tension melted, replaced by a quiet warmth, a rare sense of peace.
He turned his head, finding Aubrie asleep beside him, her breathing soft and steady. She lay sprawled gracefully, one slender leg curled upward, her curves bathed in the faint glow—a sight that stirred him. Her small, firm tits rose with each breath, pink nipples soft against her pale skin, her flat stomach leading to a faint patch of dark fuzz between her thighs, her dark hair fanned across the pillow. For a moment, Jaden wanted to wake her with a slow kiss, to fuck her again, lose himself in the tight heat of her vagina, but thoughts of the mission pulled him back. Time wasn't on their side. Reluctantly, he slipped from the sheets, stood, and stretched, his joints popping, muscles loosening. Sleeping in an unsecured place usually left him on edge, but Aubrie's presence had given him a deep, restful sleep, free of the nightmares that plagued him—Jabiim's blood-soaked fields, the screams of the fallen. He paused, struck by the absence of those visions, a quiet relief settling in his chest.
As Jaden gathered his scattered clothes, a familiar, rhythmic beep caught his ear. He grinned, spotting a small metallic form scooting from under an ornate table. "SD8," he said, warmth in his voice. "You little scrap pile, you made it."
The droid chirped excitedly, zipping over, its blue-and-black frame gleaming. Jaden knelt, stroking SD8's angular head. "I was worried," he admitted softly. "Did you keep it safe?"
SD8 beeped confidently, its chest compartment sliding open to reveal the Holocron, nestled securely inside. Jaden's shoulders relaxed, relief washing over him. Despite his tense fallout with Satele, losing her guidance would cut deep—she was the closest thing to family he had. With the void brand gone, he clung to hope for reconciliation. "Good job," he said, patting SD8 gently. "Keep it hidden, alright?"
SD8 chirped an affirmative, sealing the compartment and resuming its vigilant stance.
Jaden glanced at Aubrie, still sleeping, her face serene, lips slightly parted. He approached the bed, touching her shoulder lightly. She stirred, blinking awake, a sleepy smile spreading across her lips. "Morning," she murmured, stretching her arms above her head, her slender frame arching, tits shifting enticingly.
"Good morning," Jaden replied, smiling at her drowsy charm. "Sleep well?"
She nodded, sitting up, her dark hair tumbling over her shoulders. "Better than I have in months," she said, her voice soft and wondering, like a Padawan marveling at a new Force trick. "I feel so calm, so rested. I don't get why the Jedi would ban something that feels this good."
Jaden chuckled, shaking his head. "Beats me. But we gotta move. The others are waiting."
Aubrie stretched again, then rose, dressing quickly in a simple tunic and pants, her movements smooth and efficient. They left the suite together, stepping into Padmé's main suite, where, as Jaden expected, everyone was already gathered. Padmé and Anakin sat close, talking quietly, their heads bent together. Sabe and Zule debated something with serious expressions, their voices low. The room fell silent as Jaden and Aubrie entered, and Jaden caught a faint blush on Padmé's cheeks when she glanced at them, her eyes lingering a moment too long, a flicker of something—guilt, desire?—crossing her face.
"Good morning, everyone," Jaden greeted calmly, giving them a brief nod.
"Morning," Padmé replied warmly, though Jaden noticed that she had a slight blush on her face when she looked at himself and aubrie. The others murmured greetings and settled comfortably.
"So," Padmé began, leaning forward slightly, "what's our next step?"
Jaden considered for a moment, looking around the room carefully. "For now, we act normally. Don't draw any extra attention. Scout and Velea can't join us until midweek, so until then, our focus is on preparation without raising suspicion."
Anakin leaned forward, interested. "Makes sense. Anything specific you have in mind?"
Jaden glanced at him with an amused expression. "How good are you with tech?"
Anakin chuckled confidently. "I'm not too bad," he said modestly, though the glint in his eyes said clearly he was more than capable.
Jaden smirked in understanding. "Good. You'll help me ensure everything is ready on our side. We'll need to make sure there aren't any hidden security surprises awaiting Scout and Velea when the time comes."
"Sounds like a plan," Anakin replied, nodding firmly. Everyone else agreed without hesitation.
Over the following days, the group remained discreet, moving casually through the ship, engaging in normal activities, and blending into the crowd. Jaden and Anakin spent hours together each day, poring over system diagnostics, studying security layouts, and discreetly altering key entry points to facilitate Scout and Velea's eventual arrival. Padmé and Sabé worked together on maintaining social appearances, attending minor gatherings and ensuring no suspicion fell upon them. Aubrie stayed close, her presence providing Jaden a quiet but reassuring support, while Zule monitored communications discreetly, watching for any sign that Collan Eislo suspected their movements.
At night, Jaden continued to sleep peacefully beside Aubrie, their quiet conversations providing him unexpected solace. He was once again reminded of how much he missed her, Aubrie more than anyone understood him in ways that Jaden didn't quite understand. He felt a lot more confident about the mission now that she was here, as he knew he had her to lean back on should something go wrong.
...
Finally, the day arrived when everything would unfold. The early morning found Jaden and Anakin hunched over a secure comm channel near the docking hatch, carefully verifying their final preparations. Scout and Velea appeared on the comm, seated inside the cockpit of the Chiss starship.
"We're in position," Velea reported calmly, her expression determined behind the clear visor of her space helmet.
"Systems checked and ready," Scout confirmed, running diagnostics on her suit controls one final time. The cabin lights of the Chiss starship bathed them in a soft blue glow, illuminating their tense expressions. Jaden leaned forward, eyes carefully scanning the data readouts. "Once we trigger the feedback loop, you'll have exactly twenty seconds. Are you sure that's enough?"
"It's tight, but we'll manage," Velea assured confidently, despite a slight edge to her voice. "We're ready."
Anakin studied the systems monitor intently, his fingers quickly dancing over the controls, verifying the calculations again. "Everything looks good here. Docking corridor gravity systems are stable. If you time your jump precisely, you'll enter the artificial gravity zone cleanly."
From Padmé's suite, Padmé, Sabé, and Aubrie watched anxiously through their comm feeds, their expressions tense with concern. Jaden straightened up, turning toward Anakin. "It's time."
"Begin the sequence," Jaden instructed calmly.
Anakin swiftly input the commands, triggering the engineered feedback loop. A countdown immediately appeared on the display, marking each passing second clearly.
Scout's voice remained calm despite the mounting pressure. "Feedback pulse confirmed—window opening now. Preparing for jump."
In the vast emptiness of space, Scout and Velea stepped onto the exterior platform of their ship. The dark expanse around them was illuminated only by the distant glow of the Eternal Horizon, as well as Coruscant bellow. The hatch they were aiming for was small, only six feet by six feet, a tiny point of entry set against the ship's massive frame. Scout initiated the jump first, her trajectory precise. Velea followed immediately behind, the two figures propelled forward by their suit thrusters. Suddenly, an alarm flashed urgently across Velea's visor. From the blackness of space, a piece of debris hurtled towards them without warning.
"Scout, debris incoming!" Velea called desperately, attempting evasive maneuvers.
Scout narrowly avoided the debris, but Velea's luck ran out. It struck her forcefully, knocking her violently off course. She spun wildly, thrusters malfunctioning, her trajectory dangerously skewed.
From the hatch, Jaden saw it happen, dread filling him instantly. He didn't hesitate.
"Jaden, wait!" Anakin shouted, realizing Jaden's intention too late.
Without answering, Jaden launched himself through the atmospheric barrier and out into the void. Immediately, a harsh vacuum enveloped him, stealing his breath and chilling him to his bones. Using all his concentration, he enveloped himself in a protective Force bubble, holding onto consciousness as long as possible.
"Jaden! What are you doing?" Padmé's voice crackled urgently through comms.
Ignoring them, he focused on reaching Velea, his eyes locked on her tumbling form. As his vision began darkening from the strain, he reached out, grabbing her arm and pulling her close. His mind raced, realizing they didn't have enough momentum to return to the hatch safely.
"Jaden you have Ten seconds!" Anakin's voice responded sharply. "You have to get back now!"
Jaden quickly assessed Velea's damaged suit, mind racing. "Velea, reroute your suit's remaining power into a single burst through your thrusters," he commanded urgently.
"But that'll overload—" she began, realizing his intention.
"Exactly," he interrupted, gripping her tightly. "Trust me. Do it now."
Hands shaking, Velea obeyed, rapidly jury-rigging her suit controls. Alarms screamed inside her helmet. "Five seconds!" Anakin shouted.
"Brace yourself!" Jaden commanded, preparing himself mentally. "Now!"
Velea triggered the thruster overload. A massive burst of propulsion exploded backward from her suit, hurling them violently towards the ship. Jaden held tightly, calculating their trajectory mentally, desperately guiding them with the Force.
"Three... two... one—" Anakin's voice was frantic.
They crashed through the artificial gravity field at full speed, momentum carrying them roughly toward the hatch. Anakin activated the internal airlock, and Jaden pulled them through just as the hatch began sealing shut. They tumbled heavily to the floor, breathless and bruised but alive. Jaden gasped, struggling for air as Anakin knelt beside him, eyes wide with concern and relief.
"You crazy—" Anakin started, shaking his head in disbelief.
Velea lay beside Jaden, breathing hard, stunned by the near-death experience. She looked at him gratefully, her voice weak. "My very own knight in shining armour, I'd kiss you if I wasn't in this damn thing."
Jaden managed a weak nod, his vision slowly stabilizing. "We...made it," he gasped.
From Padmé's suite, audible relief washed over the comms. Padmé spoke softly, her voice filled with concern. "You took years off all our lives."
Jaden smiled slightly, breathing slowly returning to normal. The ache lingered in his lungs, sharp enough to remind him of the vacuum he'd just survived. The Force had kept him alive, limiting the damage, but the pain still tugged at him, grounding his thoughts. He took Anakin's extended hand and pulled himself upright, steadying his legs beneath him. "Come on," he said simply. "We're not done yet."
Scout had already begun assisting Velea, carefully unlatching the helmet seals and placing the heavy gear aside. Jaden motioned toward the storage crate nearby. "Put the suits in there and seal it tight. We might need them again." Scout obeyed immediately, silently carrying out the order, her attention focused solely on the task.
Before Velea complied, she stepped quickly toward Jaden, throwing her arms around his neck and covering his face with brief, enthusiastic kisses. Anakin, leaning casually against the wall, chuckled softly at the display. Scout's expression tightened slightly, averting her gaze as she continued to pack the gear. "I'll properly reward you for saving me tonight," Velea murmured close to Jaden's ear, her voice low as she nipped gently.
Jaden felt his face heat up. He cleared his throat and stepped back, regaining his composure quickly. "Mission first. We've lost time," he reminded her, turning deliberately toward the suits and activating a sealing device. He checked the lock twice, ensuring it was secure. "We need to get to the Kyber crystal immediately."
"That may be easier than you think," Padmé's voice came clearly over the comms.
"How so?" Jaden asked, pausing as he stood upright again.
"Tonight will be the largest gathering yet," Padmé explained steadily. "It's happening in the One of a Kind room, exactly where the Kyber crystal is displayed."
Jaden's fingers rubbed thoughtfully at his chin. "Then the crystal is surrounded by witnesses. That makes our task harder, not easier."
"It means security will be more lax," Padmé stated plainly.
Scout and Sabé spoke simultaneously, confusion evident. "Does it?"
Jaden considered carefully, sorting through the scenario quickly in his mind. "She's right. A room full of intoxicated elites will draw attention away from subtle movements. They'll be bumping into displays, maybe even trying to handle the artifacts."
"Wouldn't that risk theft?" Zule interjected sharply over the comm.
Padmé responded immediately, confident in her knowledge of the ship's occupants. "These guests aren't ordinary. Their wealth is vast. The notion of stealing something is beneath them, almost absurd. They value reputation above everything."
Sabé elaborated, her tone calm and clear. "If they're caught stealing, their status collapses immediately. They become pariahs, stripped of their influence. No object is worth that risk."
"But the workers might try," Anakin commented, still leaning casually against the wall.
Jaden nodded sharply. "The workers' quarters are searched daily. Surveillance is tight. The staff knows they're monitored closely, discouraging any attempts."
"Then it's possible," Aubrie suggested, sounding hopeful.
Jaden paused, drawing in a slow breath as he evaluated their chances. "It could work," he finally said, cautious but determined.
Jaden stepped forward, giving clear instructions. "Velea, you're assigned to Collan. Enter his suite unnoticed, gather everything relevant about him—habits, weaknesses, anything we can use." Velea nodded briskly, understanding her role fully.
"Scout," Jaden continued decisively, "I need you in the security room. Verify the security systems around the crystal. If necessary, be ready to cut power momentarily for the switch."
Scout responded promptly with a crisp salute. "Understood, sir."
Jaden then turned toward the comm device, speaking directly to Zule. "You'll make the switch. I'll modify your prosthetic arm to help you with it. The replacement must be wuick and silent."
"Got it," Zule replied firmly.
He looked directly at Anakin, meeting his eyes squarely. "Can you cover Zule if there's trouble?"
Anakin answered without hesitation. "You can count on me."
Jaden's attention shifted to Padmé's hologram. Her discomfort was evident, a tension that she didn't fully conceal. "Padmé, you have the hardest job. Distract Collan. Keep his attention away from both the crystal and his suite. Sabé and Aubrie will back you up, ensuring your safety."
Padmé's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly troubled by the assignment. "I don't want to be near him any longer than necessary. He makes me uncomfortable, the way he looks at me, his entire demeanor. Please hurry."
"I'll be quick," Velea promised softly.
Jaden exhaled slowly, the weight of the operation settling fully onto his shoulders. He scanned the assembled team once more, confirming everyone's roles. "We have our plan. Now let's execute it efficiently. Get the crystal and get out swiftly."
...
As the ball, a nervous tension settled over the team. Jaden, pacing in Padmé's suite, was hit hardest, a deep unease stirring in his gut—a vague warning from the Force he couldn't name. It felt like a shadow moving just out of sight, a danger he couldn't grasp. During a wuiet moment in Padmes suite, he confided in Anakin and Scout while they kept an ear on the ships comms for any relevant information.
"I don't know what it is," Jaden said, rubbing his neck. "The Force is trying to tell me something, but it's unclear. Do you feel anything?"
Anakin nodded, his expression tight. "Yes, there's something off. Like a disturbance I can't pinpoint. It's unsettling."
Scout, adjusting her datpad, looked up, her eyes sharp. "I feel it too. Like a bad vibe I can't shake. I know there is something bad coming, but it feels like it's so big or there is so much that I can't narrow it down." Their shared unease deepened Jaden's worry. Later, in the suite, he mentioned it to Aubrie and Zule, but Aubrie shook her head as she looked at him softly. "I don't sense anything," she said gently, touching his arm. "Could it be the stress of the mission?"
Zule, calibrating her prosthetic arm, gave a curt shrug. "I feel nothing. If the Force is speaking, it's not to me. Stay focused jaden, we can worry about whatever you're feeling when it becomes relevant." Her words were blunt, but her glance held a flicker of concern, a rare softness for him. The lack of consensus only sharpened Jaden's instincts, but he buried the feeling, turning his attention to the plan.
...
As evening fell, Scout and Velea moved through the Eternal Horizon's lower decks, their stealth suits blending into the corridors. Jaden's forged Level 5 passes, clipped to their belts, glowed faintly, granting access to restricted zones. They slipped past patrolling guards and hovering security droids, their steps silent on the durasteel floor, the ship's hum masking their whispers. Scout, leading, glanced back at Velea. "So, what's it like with you and Jaden? You two are close, aren't you?" Her tone was curious, almost ☺️ . "I read things on the holonet—about relationships, intimacy. What's it really like? Is it as intense as they say?"
Velea chuckled, her voice warm but playful, muffled by her helmet. "You're full of questions, Scout. Yes, Jaden and I are close. It's not just physical, though that's... very intense." She paused, checking a corner as a guard passed, her suit shifting to match the wall. "It's about trust, feeling connected. Jaden makes you feel like you're the only one who matters. The physical side? It's powerful, makes your whole body come alive and feels so incredibly good. But it's the afterward too ya know? Lying there, knowing he's got you, that means the most."
Scout tilted her head, her curiosity genuine. "So, when you're... together, is it all touching and sounds? The holonet mentions positions, but it seems strange. How do you know what to do?"
Velea smiled, though Scout couldn't see it. "You learn together. It's not a guidebook. Jaden's good at sensing what you need, sometimes before you do. It can be gentle, all slow kisses, or fast, like you can't get enough. You make sounds, sure, and hold onto him—his arms, the bed. It's natural, Scout. When you care about someone, it just flows."
Scout nodded, processing. "Sounds complicated. Do you love him?"
Velea hesitated, her step faltering as they ducked into an alcove, a patrol droid's red eye sweeping past. "Yes I do. And I'm glad I get to be with him, so is Zule. We're all intertwined, and it works for us." She turned it back, her tone light. "What about you? Do you like Jaden?"
Scout froze, her suit's cloaking rippling faintly. She thought for a moment, then shrugged, her voice uncertain. "I'm not sure. Jaden's... reliable, always there for us. But I wouldn't say I feel the same way you do, I'm not good at figuring this stuff out."
Velea nudged her gently. "You'll figure it out eventually. Jaden has a way of drawing people in. Don't overthink it." She paused, her voice teasing. "Ever think about intimacy, Scout? Who you'd want to share that with?"
Scout's cheeks warmed under her helmet, her voice a mumble. "Maybe. I've read about it, watched some holos. It seems overwhelming. I'm better with tech than emotions."
Velea laughed softly. "That's fair. Stick to your strengths, but don't close the door. Life's too short." She started to say more, but her suit's cloaking flickered, a low hum breaking the silence. "Blast it," she hissed, tapping her wrist controls. "Power cell's failing."
A K-series security droid rounded the corner, its red sensors scanning, clawed limbs clicking on the floor. Scout grabbed Velea's arm, pulling her into a cargo bay, the door hissing shut. They crouched behind crates, the bay filled with durasteel containers and buzzing power cells. The droid's sensors swept the room, its whir growing louder, claws scraping as it prowled. Scout's hand hovered over her blaster, but Jaden's rule—no violence, or the theft would be obvious—held her back. Velea worked fast, rebooting her suit's cloaking, her fingers steady despite the sweat on her brow. "Come on," she muttered. Scout held her breath, heart pounding, as the droid's sensors lingered on their crates, then moved on, its whir fading as it left.
Velea exhaled, her suit's cloaking stabilizing. "Fixed," she whispered, standing. "Let's go."
They slipped out, sticking to shadows, their passes unlocking sealed hatches. At a junction, Scout paused, the security room's corridor ahead. "This is me," she said, nodding toward it. "Good luck, Velea."
"You too," Velea replied. "Don't get into too much trouble."
Scout smiled under her helmet, then vanished into the dark.
...
Scout crept toward the security room, her stealth suit blending into the corridor's walls, the durasteel cold under her boots. The door's holo-panel glowed red, a K-droid guarding it, its sensors sweeping. She flashed her Level 5 pass, the lock clicking, and slipped inside, the droid unaware. The room was tight, packed with holo-monitors and blinking consoles, four security officers hunched over screens, watching gala feeds. Scout's pulse quickened—Jaden's rule was clear: no hurting anyone, or the theft would be exposed. But how was she supposed to clear the room?
She scanned the space, her mind racing. The officers were engrossed, but they weren't budging. She needed a distraction, something to pull them out without raising alarms. Her eyes caught a pile of spare parts—wires, a busted comm unit, a small power cell. An idea formed. Moving silently, she grabbed the items, her hands quick, assembling a noise device in minutes—a rig to emit a loud, erratic hum, like a glitching droid. She slipped back to the door, planting it in a maintenance panel outside, hidden, its timer set for the gala's peak.
When it's time, this'll drag them out, she thought, checking the wiring. They'll chase the noise, I'll jam the door, and I'll have five minutes to hack the crystal's security. Her stealth suit kept her invisible, its cloaking humming softly. She crouched in a corner, watching the officers, her nerves taut, waiting for the gala to hit full swing.
...
Meanwhile Jaden and the others remained in their suite, they'd have to go their separate ways soon as technically Jaden and Zule were still works staff, but for now Jaden felt an urge to just be here and spend time with his friends, even if it was risky to the mission. That was quite a peculiar feeling to him, he couldn't remember a time ever being selfish in such a small yet massively consequential way; risking the whole operation for such a small comfort. It made him smile.
"Jaden?" Aubrie said from beside him, her voice pulling him from his thoughts.
He looked up, blinking, and sat straighter, meeting Aubrie's and Padmé's eyes. They'd clearly been trying to get his attention for a while, their faces showing concern. "Sorry, yeah?" he said, rubbing his hands together.
"Are you ready?" Padmé asked, her eyes searching his face with worry. "The gala's started, and I'll be expected there soon."
Jaden nodded, glancing down at the spring-loaded blaster pistol he'd been tinkering with—a compact six-shot weapon hidden in his sleeve, perfect for emergencies. He tested the mechanism, satisfied with the click, then tucked it away. Standing, he looked at the group gathered around him: Padmé, Anakin, Sabe, Aubrie, and Zule, all watching him, ready to follow his lead. They were here for him, and the thought warmed his chest. With the void brand gone, his emotions were settling, and clarity was creeping in. He had friends—real ones, the kind some people never find. People who loved him. Gratitude surged through him, stronger than ever.
He opened his mouth to say it, to tell them how much they meant, but the words caught in his throat. Fear flickered—did they feel the same? It was a silly worry, laughable after all they'd been through, but it felt heavy, raw. The void brand's absence left him vulnerable to these small, human doubts, and they didn't feel trivial at all.
"Jaden, are you sure you're okay?" Aubrie asked, stepping closer, her eyes studying him like she was searching for a wound. "We can wait, you know. We don't have to do this now." Her voice was gentle, full of care, and Jaden knew she meant it, even though delaying would mean more danger. This was their best shot, and still, she'd risk it for him.
"I'm fine," he said with a smile, looking at her with affection. "Come on, let's get moving." He grabbed the rest of his gear—vibroblade, comm, and a small slicing kit—slipping them into his jacket.
"Zule, you're with me," he said, turning to her. "We'll take the service entrance. The rest of you, head to the gala." He gave Zule's prosthetic arm a final check, his fingers moving over the upgrades he'd made: lighter, conductive metal for speed, mechanical joints that could extend or thicken to compensate for reduced durability, and a fusion cutter and splicing kit built into her fingers. With her shapeshifting and Force abilities, she was perfect for swapping the Kyber Crystal with their fake. "Looks good," he said, stepping back.
"Padmé, be careful around Collan," Jaden added, his face tightening with concern. "Something's not right about him. If I'm correct about his actions, he's behind the attack at the pre-trial hearing, and I still don't know how he pulled it off." His warning hung in the air, and Padmé's nod showed she understood the gravity.
"I'll be careful," she said, her voice firm.
"We'll have her back too," Sabe chimed in, pulling Aubrie closer with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry."
Jaden smiled, grateful. "Let's do this," he said, leading them out.
The group split at the suite's door, Padmé, Anakin, Sabe, and Aubrie heading toward the gala's main entrance, their elegant attire masking their tension. Jaden and Zule turned down a service corridor, their work staff uniforms—crisp gray tunics and pants—helping them blend in. Jaden walked briskly, Zule matching his pace, her prosthetic arm concealed under a sleeve. As they moved, he gave her instructions, his voice low and precise.
"Stay close to the Kyber Crystal," he said, checking a corner for guards. "Get in position near the display, but don't touch it until Scout cuts the power. The fake crystal's in your arm's compartment—swap it fast, then slip out in the chaos. If anything goes wrong, use the fusion cutter to break the case, but only as a last resort."
Zule nodded, her face set in a stern mask. "Understood. I'll be ready."
Jaden pulled an injector from his pocket, its needle glinting. Before Zule could react, he pressed it to her arm, injecting a clear liquid. She scowled, pulling back. "What was that?" she asked, her voice sharp with irritation.
"It'll block your pheromones," Jaden said, tucking the injector away. "Collan's got sharp senses, and we can't risk you drawing attention."
Zule's scowl softened, and she gave a small nod. "Thanks," she said, her voice grudging but appreciative. "That would've complicated things."
Jaden smiled, relieved. "No problem."
They passed other servants—cooks, cleaners, and waitstaff—rushing through the corridors, carrying trays or pushing carts. As soon as they entered the service area Jaden started to noticed odd details a waiter dropping a glass, another fumbling a stack of plates, their movements clumsy, unlike trained staff. One server, a broad-shouldered man, with numerous scars on his face; not someone Jaden expected to be serving high society. While nothing was conclusive he couldn't help but have a bad feeling about this. Why would they hire such inexperienced staff? Now that he thought about it the staff seemed entirely different than when he first stepped on the ship. While he couldn't say to remember everyone, there were a few servers that he knew should be here but were not. 'What is going on...' he thought to himself.
Zule nudged him, breaking his thoughts. "Focus," she said, her voice firm, pointing to a service door ahead. They flashed their passes, the lock clicking open, and stepped into a staging area where a supervisor—a wiry man with a datapad—barked orders.
"You two," the supervisor said, pointing at Jaden and Zule. "Take those trays to the One of a Kind room. Stay sharp—guests are picky tonight." He shoved a stack of trays loaded with drinks and appetizers into their hands, barely glancing at them.
Jaden nodded, his eyes scanning the other "servers" grabbing supplies. More dropped glasses, more awkward movements. His suspicion grew, but he followed Zule, balancing his tray, as they headed toward the gala.
...
Padmé, Anakin, Sabe, and Aubrie arrived at the One of a Kind room, the gala in full swing. The massive chamber was a spectacle, its high ceiling glittering with chandeliers, thousands of glass cases lining the walls and forming rows, each holding a priceless artifact. Ancient Sith Empire relics—jagged daggers etched with runes, a cracked holocron pulsing faintly—sat beside Old Republic-era treasures: a ceremonial blaster from the Mandalorian Wars, a Jedi knight's meditation orb, its surface worn smooth. Other displays held oddities—a Gungan shield from Naboo, a Wookiee warbow, a fragment of Alderaanian crystal sculpture. In the center, glowed the Kyber Crystal, its facets catching the light, casting prisms across the room, its power almost tangible.
Guests in lavish gowns and tunics mingled, their laughter loud, wine glasses clinking. Servers wove through, their trays unsteady, their eyes too alert for simple waitstaff. Padmé's stomach churned, Collan's presence somewhere in the crowd a weight on her mind.
Anakin turned to the group, his face serious. "I'm going to find Zule," he said, adjusting his jacket. "Be careful, all of you." He looked at Sabe, his eyes softening. "I love you," he said, squeezing her hand before slipping into the crowd.
Sabe smiled, her cheeks warming, but her focus returned to Padmé. "We've got this," she said, her voice reassuring.
Padmé took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Let's find Collan," she said, her voice resolute despite her unease. She led Aubrie and Sabe through the throng, eyes scanning for Collan; with hundreds if not thousands of people in the room it wouldn't be an easy task, but the bad feeling in her gut told her that they would be sure to run into him.
"Look at this!" Sabe said with wonder in her voice as she dragged Padmè over to one of the exhibits. Padmè followed her gaze and saw something that was for lack of a better word beautiful. In fact, beautiful wouldn't even begin to describe what she was seeing. It was a crown, but even calling it that felt like an understatement; a priceless treasure seemed a more apt name for it, for it was made out of a metal that glowed a soft blue like it was made of pure starlight. Each gem encrusted in the crown was a different colour and each seemed to have their own swirling nebula inside of them, with the exception of the larger one in the center which glowed a blueish green and seemed to have a burning star trapped within.
"Are those...?" Padmè began to say, but as if sensing her thoughts Aubrie nodded.
"Those are Kyber Crystals... ones I've never seen before, they look much different than the ones I saw on Illum," she said, finishing Padmè's sentence. Each Crystal seemed unique and beautiful in their own way, it was incredible, truly giving meaning to the name of the room they were in. Aubrie and Padmè both looked down to the plaque at the base of the showcase.
*Crown of Wisdom*
Further below the name of the artefact was more information about it. As Padmè and the others read it their eyes only seemed to widen more.
*The Crown of the First Queen of Naboo. 'Wisdom does not dwell in the will of one, but the concord of many; for only together may we reach a better tomorrow'*
Padmè smiled as she read that, Sabe did as well. Both of them had grown up on stories of the first Queen of Naboo, and to see the very crown she wore felt like an honour. Especially to Padmè who had tried her best to follow in her footsteps during her term as Queen. "How did Eiso get such an artefact? I always thought the crown was lost millennia ago," Sabe said as she looked at the crown, still entranced by its beauty.
At the mention of him Padmè's frown turned into a frown. "No doubt everything he got here was through less than legal means, historical artefacts like this belong with their home worlds," she said passionately.
"I couldn't agree more," a voice said from behind them, causing all of them to turn and be greeted with the smiling face of Chancellor Palpatine. "Lady Amidala, Former Padawan Wyn and Lady Sabe. It's good to see you all again," he said to all of them.
Padmè smiled and greeted him back with similar enthusiasm. "Im glad to see you as well Chancellor, I'm sorry we haven't had much time to speak."
Chancellor Palpatine waved her off casually. "Quite understandable my Lady, we've no doubt had numerous attendees all desperate for our attention... keeping us otherwise occupied," he said while eyeing other guests in the room—though certainly not fondly. Padmè understood that all too well; the last few days had been a constant of avoiding wandering hands, smiling at sleazy business men and senators and keeping good relations with people she suspected were involved in various crimes.
"Indeed, I'm quite glad that the other guests seem to be enthralled with the various exhibits," Padmè commented as she looked around.
"And who could blame them? The artefacts in here are truly remarkable," he said while he walked up to the Crown of Wisdom in front of them. "To think such an important relic to our people has been found once again, perhaps Eislo would be open to an offer, so we can put it back where it belongs."
Padmè couldn't help but snort at that, she very much doubted Collan would give up anything in this room. "I do not believe you'd have much luck Chancellor, Collan Eislo isn't the type of man to allow such treasures out of his possession."
Palpatine smiled and laughed lightly. "Then it's good that I mean to speak with his father instead." He then turned to Padmè. "As much power as Collan thinks he has, his father has much more, though the man is content with letting his son run the day to day business these days."
"You believe Roland would allow you to purchase it?" Padmè asked, surprise etched into her face, and she wasn't the only one. Both Sabe and Aubrie were surprised at what they were being told. If it was true did that mean that Roland knew about what Collan was doing and allowed it? Or was he just as guilty as the son was. While they all had similar thoughts it was Padmè who dismissed them, she'd never met Roland Eislo before, she couldn't think of a single reason he would want to harm her or Jaden.
"Me and Roland have quite a history, I'm sure once I tell him of its significance he would happily sell it to me," Palpatine replied. He then walked past the exhibit and gestured to some of the others. "As you can see they are not short of wondrous treasures."
One of Palpatines aides then caught his attention and whispered something into his ear. "It seems I am needed elsewhere, so I am afraid I'll need to end our encounter a little earlier than I'd have liked, but before I leave there is something I wished to ask you."
Padmè smiled. "Of course Chancellor, don't let us keep you, and I'd be happy to answer anything I'm able to."
"I've noticed that Vaylin has not been at any of the balls the past few days, may I ask if she is doing well, she has not responded to any of my attempts at communication so I'm a little concerned," Palpatine said, concern showing on his face.
Padmè looked to Sabe who looked back at her and then to Palpatine. "Vaylin had been quite busy coordinating with the staff on the ship, she left a message a few days ago saying she would be occupied, likely till the end of the gala."
Palpatines frown didn't disappear he just nodded. "Enjoy the rest of the exhibition, my Lady," he said, before nodding to the rest of them and leaving.
As Palpatine walked away Sabe shuddered slightly. "I don't know what it is about him, but sometimes he sends chills down my spine."
"The Chancellor is a good man Sabe, you have nothing to worry about from him," Padmè said putting a hand on her shoulder. "He might be one of our only allies on this ship," she added a little more seriously. Sabe looked like she wanted to say something but before she could Aubrie spoke.
"Let's not think of that, for now why don't we look at the other exhibits while we try to locate Eislo," Aubrie interjected. While she knew the importance of the mission at hand, she wouldn't lie and say she wasn't interested in the exhibits here, if the Crown of Wisdom was just the tip of the iceberg then she wanted to see what else they had to offer.
"I suppose it wouldn't be any harm if we had a look around," Padmè said with a small smile on her face. "Sabe?" She turned to her handmaiden.
"Let's go already!" Sabe said dragging Aubrie and Padmè by the hand making the girls giggle.
The one of a kind room was truly a wondrous place, not only because of the treasure that it held, but because of the sheer history that was held within. Hundreds of artefacts stretching thousands of years, going from all the way to the Great Hyperspace War, to just a few years ago. There were numerous lightsabers on display, both Jedi and Sith, as well as ones that looked much older and didn't have a design consistent with either faction.
There were also numerous holocrons, but sadly many of them looked to not be functional and were mainly there for aesthetic purposes. A full suit of Mandolorian armour—the beskar metal included. Padmè commented that Mandalore would not be happy once they discovered they had it. Though she doubted that anything would be done about it. While they looked around they were constantly harassed by the other patrons, all of whom would side up to them with a charming smile—one that looked positively slimy to the women—and make grandiose offers to them as though their possessions or wealth make up for a complete lack of personality or wit.
Padmè had played this game far too long however and easily side stepped them while making sure to assist Aubrie in fending off their advances. Eventually once they had seen over a dozen exhibits they caught sight of their target. He stood in the middle of the exhibit speaking to various senators that Padmè vaguely recognised, though as if things weren't already hard, Collan happened to be standing close by to the Kyber Crystal exhibit.
"Damn..." Sabe said as soon as she noticed it. "What are we going to do now?" She asked.
Padmè feeling a little anxious started to chew on her finger nails, a habit she'd long thought to have gotten rid of. "It's not too bad, he might be close by but once Scout cuts the power he won't notice." At least that's what she hoped, though like Sabe she had doubts as well.
"Look, Zule is there with Anakin," Aubrie pointed out. Padmè and sabe followed her gaze and they saw both Jedi standing close by, Zule still dressed as a server and Anakin pretending to occupy her time so she isn't harassed by the guests. They were both right next to the Kyber Crystal which meant that the plan would be happening soon.
"We need to move now," Padmè said with a deep breath. "Let's go," she said before walking to approach Collan with the others. As the walked closer she couldn't help but feel the knot forming in her stomach get worse.
(AN: First part of Part 2 is kicking off a lot is gonna happen this part an many of you might be upset or shocked or happy idk. But anyway both these Gala chapters are posted in their entirety on my page, so if you wanna read them all there thanks. Also I'm about 100k words ahead and have actually finished this arc. Well done me. Anyway thanks for reading.)
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