As Darrel meditated his quarters on the Corellian Corvette, a beeping sound interrupted his reverie. A message blinked on the console, and Darrel activated it. The hologram flickered to life, revealing the face of an old friend, Elana.
"D-Darrel," she stammered, her eyes filled with relief. "I hope this message reaches you. I've been searching for you since we last met."
Darrel's eyes widened in surprise. Elana was a talented technician he had helped escape from an Imperial prison facility years ago. He had lost touch with her ever since, wondering if she had made it safely into the arms of the Rebellion.
"I'm here, Elana," Darrel replied warmly. "It's good to see you. How did you find me?"
Elana smiled gratefully. "I've been keeping an eye on the Rebellion's transmissions, waiting for a chance to repay the favor. I heard about your old ship giving out, and I managed to acquire a new one for you."
Curiosity sparked within Darrel. He had grown fond of his previous ship, but it had seen better days. A new vessel would be a welcome addition to the Rebel fleet.
"You're on Garel, right?" She asked.
Darrel nodded.
Elana continued, "I'll meet you there and hand over the ship personally. It's the least I can do after everything you did for me."
A sense of gratitude washed over Darrel. It was moments like these that reminded him of the bonds he had formed with those he had helped along the way.
"Thank you, Elana," Darrel replied earnestly. "Your kindness is truly appreciated. I'll rendezvous with you as soon as I can."
As the hologram flickered off, Darrel's mind raced with anticipation. He left his chambers and walked into the town square of Garel. He arrived at Docking Bay 17. As he waited, he took out his blaster and spun it around. Then quickly put it back in his holster.
He soon saw a Fondor Haulcraft land in front of him. Darrel smiled as and the landing ramp down. Elana came out and gestured him to come aboard. He ran inside.
"May I introduce to you the Haulcraft, General Pullie!" Elana said with joy.
They walked up to the cockpit. She points out a special modification.
"The cockpit includes a droid Mod, an artificial intelligence functioning as your new copilot and navigator." Elana said.
The droid looks up at them both.
"Good Morning, General Pullie." The droid said.
"Good Morning to you as well." Pullie replied.
Elana continued to show Darrel around. They stopped at the living quarters.
"The living quarters included a hidden compartment behind a fake wall which includes various disguises, allowing you to do covert operations, when necessary." Elana said.
"That'll definitely be helpful!" Darrel said.
"And that Mod could take full control of the transport, communicate in Galactic Basic Standard, as you've seen, and it can recognize your whistle as a signal to unlock and activate the ship and guard it against trespassers." Elana said.
Darrel smirked at Elana. She knew what he was most excited about.
"The Haulcraft's hidden advantage against attackers are its extensive offensive and defensive modifications. It features a targeting computer which is able to lock and engage targets autonomously with a hidden laser cannon turret which can be deployed from the Haulcraft's roof, as well as a rear-mounted projectile launcher which can launch myriads of tiny projectiles against a target." Elana said. "Additionally, I've added two side-mounted laser beam projectors which once activated would project two powerful laser beams, one from each side of the transport to slice through targets. Although requiring a lengthy power-up process before they could be used, these countermeasures were ultimately very effective in dispatching enemy starfighters. Haven't got the opportunity to test it properly yet."
"Wizard!! I'll give it a go with a field test soon." Darrel stated. "How good is it against a tractor beam?"
Elana jumped up and down with glee.
"Glad you asked!" She said as she pointed to a panel in the cockpit. "The Haulcraft also has modified engines which are so strong that requires a tractor beam intensity level of at least 5 to immobilize. To power all these, the ship also boasts a non-standard reactor, which grants the ship the additional benefit of having a hyperdrive. I also equipped the transport with passive protection measures including stealth technology which allows the ship to slip out of tightly patrolled zones undetected, as well as interior space for a single speeder bike."
Darrel was completely amazed. He didn't know what to say. He gave Elana a huge hug.
"Thank you, old friend." Darrel said.
"Of course, General." Elana replied.
The two separated.
"Elana, the Clone Wars are over. You don't need to call me a General anyone." Darrel said.
"Sure thing. General." Elana said as she saluted him. "Enjoy your new ship, she's a beauty."
Darrel exhaled sharply as he looked around the ship, then turned back to face Elana.
"How will you get back to Balmorra?" Darrel asked.
Elana sighed. "About that, the Empire took over my homeworld. They have an interest in the Balmorran Arms Factory. They're manufacturing plenty of weapons."
Elana stepped closer towards Darrel.
"I'd like to join your Rebel cell. You know I'm a great pilot and a crack shot with a blaster." Elana said.
Darrel smiled and nodded. He gestured her to come with him.
"Let's meet the Commander of this cell. He'd want to meet you." Darrel said.
From now on, you're getting two chapters a day! How's that sound? Next Star Wars Rebels chapter will be tomorrow.
May the Force serve you all well!
— Darrel
YOU ARE READING
Star Wars Rebels: The Rise of the Rebellion
ФанфикThe Clone Wars had come to an end, and after the Jedi Order fell, the Republic became an Empire. Ahsoka and Darrel went into hiding after the Battle for Mandalore. Time passed after these events, Ahsoka and Darrel had a son named Zalo Tano, and a Re...
