By the time they reached Lantilles, it was late at night. After landing, everyone returned to their quarters to rest.
The Clone Troopers were transferred to barracks arranged by Headquarters, the Militia Corps returned to their own garrison, and the ship crew, accompanied by the Maintenance Corps, began inspecting and repairing the vessel.
However, Lagnos had little hope for the local repair dock, which was already packed with ships awaiting repairs.
Early the next morning, Solo went to Headquarters to inquire about the situation, but communications remained down, and they had no immediate missions.
In plain terms, nobody needed them at the moment.
He'd have to wait until he could contact the Council to receive a new assignment. After all, the Jedi operated independently, and the Legion he commanded wasn't an ordinary military unit.
"This is a good opportunity to get some protective gear and prepare for our next move," Solo thought.
His progress with Combat Meditation remained stagnant, and his lightsaber training showed no improvement. After examining over a dozen Kyber Crystals, he still hadn't found a compatible one and would have to figure out another solution when he returned to the Temple.
Solo found his apprentice, who was training. "Ahsoka, I have a suggestion."
"Hmm?"
"Want to go shopping with me and pick up a few things?"
"Master?" Ahsoka looked utterly bewildered.
"Don't ask questions. Just come with me. I promise it'll be interesting."
"Okay... then."
The two of them hailed a Grallia taxi at the nearest stop.
The pilot of the flying taxi was a Dag, covered in thick skin and sporting powerful clawed limbs.
"Boss," Solo said, adopting a familiar tone as he settled into his seat, "what's the best armor shop around here?"
"Armor? You've got good taste. I know a few good places. You two—"
The Dag subtly rubbed his claws together.
Using diplomatic phrasing, Solo replied, "We're reasonably well-off and looking for reliable protective gear."
"You must go to Tii'la's shop!" The Dag abruptly started the flying taxi, accelerating with startling speed. Before long, the vehicle came to a stop in front of a store.
Though called a "shop," it was actually a spacious and brightly lit high-end establishment. Display cases overflowed with a dazzling array of armor, protective gear, and accompanying equipment, their metallic surfaces gleaming under the bright lights.
At the center of the shop stood a massive suit of power armor. Solo was about to ask what it was when a crisp female voice chimed in, "This is the PX-11 Battle Fortress power armor, AR-3 model, modified. It's equipped with high-strength steel armor, synthetic muscles, and a nanohydraulic exoskeleton, with a chromium-plated surface. Additional features include a jet backpack, an integrated blaster, a 15-centimeter plasma cutter, and a mid-power deflector field generator."
Solo turned toward the voice and saw a humanoid girl with pink skin and blue eyes. Instead of hair, several floating tendrils adorned her head, giving her an unusual appearance.
"This armor is impressive. How much does it cost?"
The girl smiled. "A rare modified version, plus my personal customizations. 290,000 credits."
"Hmm—" Solo raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "That price could buy a brand-new light frigate—maybe even two! But I guess you can't skimp on safety, right?"
Hearing this, the girl's expression hardened. "This armor is not for sale."
"Don't misunderstand," Solo said, waving his hand quickly. "This behemoth is too cumbersome and doesn't fit properly. I need something lighter, with greater mobility, and ideally equipped with a deflector shield."
He gestured at his lightsaber.
"Oh, a Jedi?" The girl raised an eyebrow. "My shop's never hosted someone from your order before. Do you have enough in your budget?"
"Reasonably so. As I said, in these turbulent times, you can't skimp on safety. Oh, and I'll need to pick out a set for my apprentice too."
The girl circled Solo, assessing his build, then returned to the counter and rapidly searched through the data pad.
Ahsoka curiously approached the display window, examining the small protective gear inside.
A few minutes later, the girl looked up. "I've found a suitable model. The robot will deliver a sample shortly."
As soon as she finished speaking, a transport robot rolled out from the back door, carrying a set of armor on its mechanical arm.
Solo stepped forward, his eyes lighting up instantly!
The armor's main body was gray with a faint blue tint. The thick armor plates didn't appear bulky, and while the armor didn't cover his entire body, the inner lining material was clearly robust, suggesting it served as a spacesuit.
The helmet design was particularly striking, its streamlined shape reminiscent of "Iron Man" from his memories, though the jawline had a slightly different contour.
The forearm armor featured equipment slots, and the set came with a half-cape, an integrated microphone, a multi-pocket tactical belt, and a blaster holster—practically custom-tailored for him.
"This is the Super Bear Type 3 protective armor, specifically designed for humanoid species based on human physiology," Tii'la explained, her fingertips gliding over the armor plate. "The total weight is forty kilograms. The armor plate is made of a composite material of tempered steel and bronze fibers, while the lining and cape are fabricated from fabric armor.
"The backplate integrates an ergonomic backpack containing a deflector shield generator. Though not as powerful as the heavy shields on a Battle Fortress, it can withstand dozens of light weapon impacts.
"The armor is equipped with universal interfaces for data pads, communicators, scanners, and other devices, ensuring maximum compatibility.
"The price is 120,000 credits."
"I'll take it," Solo said, suppressing his excitement. He turned to Ahsoka, who had just approached. "What about her? Get my apprentice a suitable set too."
Tii'la studied Ahsoka, her expression turning apologetic. "Togruta armor is typically custom-made, especially for someone of her stature. We don't have anything in stock that would fit."
"I'm not petite!" Ahsoka protested, her antennae bristling slightly.
"Relax, child," Tii'la said with a reassuring smile, trying to ease the tension. "How about 'delicate'?"
The Togruta paused, not sensing any offense in the word. After a moment's hesitation, he nodded.
"However, I have an alternative," Tii'la said, walking over to a display case and retrieving a small backpack. "A portable deflector shield generator, weighing only four kilograms, can operate continuously for up to a minute and withstand multiple shots from a medium blaster. It recharges in five minutes. Additionally, I can provide a roll of fabric armor that you can cut and fit yourselves."
"That works," Solo said. "What's the total cost?"
"The shield generator is 40,000 credits, and the fabric armor is 5,000. The total comes to 45,000 credits. What color would you like?"
"Are we really buying this?" Solo turned to Ahsoka.
"Master, you won't rest until you find the perfect gear, won't you?" Ahsoka sighed helplessly, clearly unenthusiastic about fighting with a backpack strapped to her back, but understanding Solo's stubbornness.
"Of course," Solo said with a chuckle.
"Fine," Ahsoka waved her hand. "Make it red."
Solo turned back to Tii'la. "Please pack everything up."
Tii'la nodded and summoned a transport robot. "Just a moment. I'll pack everything for you right away. As a bonus, I'll include two quick-don sets for emergency battlefield use."
A few minutes later, the robot finished packing the armor, shield generator, and fabric armor into separate compartments. After paying with credits, Solo took the equipment case.
At that moment, a Boltrunian man caught Solo's attention. His dark, matte skin was wrapped in a black robe, and lightweight armor was strapped to his legs and chest.
"I've been waiting for you," the man said, approaching them.
Ahsoka tensed immediately, her hand unconsciously gripping her lightsaber hilt.
"Mo?"
Solo recognized the Boltrunian man, surprise crossing his face.
"Master, do you know him?" Ahsoka asked warily, eyeing the approaching figure. "Who is he?"
"You recognize me?" The Boltrunian man nodded toward Solo.
"Yes," Solo confirmed. "You said you've been waiting for me. Why? What do you want with me, Mo?"
"It's not me who seeks you, but Master Talia Damsin," Mo muttered. "She believes you might be able to help us."
"Master Talia Damsin? Is she here?"
Fragments of memory stirred in Solo's mind. Talia Damsin and Jedi Knight Mo were among the last remaining Shadow Warriors of the Warrior Order.
The Shadow Warriors specialized in training elite Jedi Sentinels, operating directly under the First Knowledge Council. Their origins date back to the Hyperspace War, and after its conclusion, they were dispatched to hunt down and destroy all dark artifacts left behind by the fallen Sith Empire.
Sith Talismans, mystical artifacts, and all manner of forbidden objects tainted by the Dark Side were all on their list of targets.
Even after the Great Sith War ended and the Jedi believed the Sith threat had been vanquished, these dark relics continued to lurk in the hidden corners of the galaxy.
From their earliest training, the Shadow Warriors were steeped in combat readiness, always prepared for battle. Their signature weapon was the double-bladed lightsaber.
After the Great Sith War, a secret fringe organization called the Jedi Covenant emerged.
Masquerading behind the public identity of Jedi Consulars, they carried out a mission identical to that of the Shadow Warriors, using Force Visions to keenly detect the faintest traces of the Dark Side.
Under the leadership of retired Jedi Master K'landa D'rei, this secret organization concealed itself from the public eye through voluntary erasure of records from the Jedi Temple archives, or by staging deaths during long-term missions.
During the Mandalorian Wars, the Hazan Defense Operation met catastrophic failure, resulting in the near-total annihilation of its members, including Silest Mohn.
During the Galactic War and the subsequent Cold War, the Sith Empire made a resurgence, and the Jedi Shadow Agents were once again employed by the Galactic Republic as elite forces to counter the Sith threat.
By this time, they had become Jedi Consulars specializing in missions to suppress the Dark Side, operating on both the front lines and intelligence fronts.
For thousands of years, the legacy of the Jedi Shadow Agents remained unbroken.
Walking the narrow path between light and darkness, they continued to hunt down dark forces threatening the galaxy, maintaining peace and stability within the Galactic Republic.
During the Clone War, the Warrior Order retained the last group of Shadow Warriors, with Jedi Master Talia Damzin and Jedi Knight Mo being prominent among them.
Tragically, after the Great Jedi Purge, Mo was corrupted by Inquisitor Jerec and turned into a Dark Jedi. He assisted Jerec in searching for the legendary Valley of the Jedi, hoping to use it to rebuild the Galactic Empire.
"Master Damzin is on Coruscant!" Mo declared solemnly. "She gave me instructions!"
"Fascinating," Solo said, sensing trouble knocking at his door again. "So, what exactly is this about?"
"To put it simply, the Matukai have recently discovered clues about enemies hunting Force-sensitive individuals."
Solo stared at Mo in surprise.
"Hunting Force-sensitives?"
Ever since his battle with Ventress, Solo had felt as if unseen hands were pushing him forward—first Kamino, and now the Shadow Warrior.
"How is Master Damzin so certain that I can help you?" Solo asked.
It wasn't that he doubted the Master. Talia Damzin was a female Human Jedi Master from the colonial planet Gaina, the first and only Jedi to emerge from that world.
She was the same age as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the two had shared a brief romance during their time studying at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. After their relationship ended, their friendship grew even stronger.
If he remembered correctly, Damzin never became a Jedi General. Diagnosed with the incurable Boro Tavi Syndrome, she continued to serve the Order, though most of her time was spent at the Temple in a teaching role.
"That, I cannot say, Victor," Mo replied with a smile.
"This mission seems far more intriguing than Kamino," Solo said with a grin, though his thoughts churned. What could it be?
"Someone will fill you in. All I was told was that there might be someone within the Warrior Order who isn't playing by the rules."
"Are you implying a specific individual?" Solo asked, meeting the man's gaze.
"You'll have to talk to him about that, not me. All the speculation is his privilege."
"Oh, yes, I will," Solo nodded. "I agree to verify your concerns. But I'd also like to ask, how did you come to contact me?"
"If you want to know, come alone," Mo said. "Tonight, to the Summit restaurant. There are private rooms there. Ask for Taidor Loy, and he'll take you to the right place."
With that, he turned his back to Solo.
"Have a pleasant day, Warrior Victor."
"I think I will, Mo."
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