Star Wars - Empire of the Innocents

25 - Fieldland

Fieldland was a remarkably hospitable planet, brimming with verdant fields, mountains, lakes, and fertile valleys. With its primarily agricultural activities, it boasted a temperate climate that rendered it an exceedingly pleasant locale.

Akdron and "Drizzle" were warmly welcomed by Athena, who yearned for companionship, considering the solitary life she had embraced while seeking refuge on the idyllic planet.

Initially, Akdron had opted to rent a cabin not far from Athena's, so as not to infringe on her privacy. However, after a few weeks, the affectionate couple chose to share a single abode and explore life together.

Since her arrival on the planet, Athena had assumed the identity of the character Virah, an artisan crafting handmade products for various purposes and supporting herself by vending them at a local fair.

On the other hand, Akdron had secured a position in a mechanical workshop, primarily mending harvesters and other agricultural machinery. He was known by the name Ghutter, and "Drizzle" assisted him in his tasks.

As time passed, Athena discovered that she was pregnant. Despite their discussions about potentially forsaking their past and embracing that uncomplicated lifestyle until their days were done, Akdron never ceased to think about Helzaah and how he wished she could be there, sharing that new phase of life at his side.

The empire and its oppressive policies also lingered in the background of their thoughts. Sooner or later, the imperial way of life would extend to Fieldland. The cruel and destructive regime, marked by its expansionist and totalitarian features, would not permit any of the galaxy's worlds to remain exempt from its exploitation. Akdron often ruminated on those who devoted their lives to thwarting the progress of the pernicious empire, which would not rest until it had drained every last drop of its subjects' blood.

In this respect, Helzaah had already found her place on that Dejarik board. She was just a child, yet it seemed she had recognized, well ahead of him, which side of that war was right.

"No, sir, you're mistaken. We didn't work on the floater. We have the service order records. We only worked on the harvesting system. If you want us to repair the floater, you'll need to submit a new request. The warranty only covers the parts we worked on," Akdron told the farmer, who persisted in his version of events.

The day held promise. It wasn't even noon yet, and this was already the second customer to return after their equipment had been fixed, complaining about something unreasonable. But Akdron would have to get used to it, as the people of Fieldland were known for trying to get the upper hand in negotiations.

Amid the discussion, Akdron's communicator buzzed. It was Athena. He stepped away from the counter to hear her better.

"Akdron, there's someone watching the house! Come here, but be discreet when you arrive," said the young woman, concern evident in her voice.

Akdron parked the landspeeder and walked to a spot near the cabin to remain incognito.

From a distance, he didn't notice anything suspicious that was immediately apparent. He decided to get a bit closer. Cautiously, he advanced through the grass, seeking the cover of the trees around the house. The place was eerily silent, except for the usual song of the native birds.

He then approached the cabin and, as he peeked through the window, he saw Athena lying on the floor, unmoving. He immediately ran toward the door, but before he entered the house, a familiar sense of alertness washed over him. It was a feeling that often gripped him whenever danger was near. He had learned to interpret those signals and use them to his advantage. Thus, he abruptly halted just under the door frame, confirming his premonition.