Star Wars; the Terran Commander

Chapter 8: Eye Spy

(Enterprise Enginering bay)

John smiled as he looked at the now repaired form of Gunner. "Wake up Sleeping Beauty." He told the Droid as he activated.

"Gunner that was insane, you would've been scrapped if your Processor was damage!" Grunt scold his heavy counterpart.

"Ah, Alright Grunt I won't do it again." Gunner told Grunt, who snorts.

"You better." Grunt told him as he looked at John. "I'll handle him Captain, you might want to be outside."

John smiled as he watched the interaction between his droids, the camaraderie between Gunner and Grunt reminding him of the bonds he'd seen among his former Marine comrades. As Grunt took charge of Gunner, ensuring he was fully operational, John turned his attention to his personal R3 astromech droid, R3-S6, affectionately known as 'Goldie.'

"Hey there, old buddy," John greeted the dark and gold droid, whose yellow sensor blinked in acknowledgment. "It's good to see you up and running. We've got a lot to do."

R3-S6 beeped cheerfully, eager to assist. John had always relied on Goldie's efficiency and resourcefulness, and he knew the droid would prove invaluable in the coming operations.

"Alright, Goldie, I need you to access the latest intel reports from our spy network," John instructed. "We need to stay one step ahead of the Republic."

R3-S6 swiveled its dome and extended its data arm, plugging into a nearby terminal. The droid's sensors blinked rapidly as it processed the information, displaying a series of holographic projections in front of John.

"Good work," John said, scanning the data. "Looks like the Republic is fortifying their supply lines and increasing patrols in key sectors. We'll need to find a way to disrupt their operations without exposing the Malevolence."

Just then, the comms crackled to life. "Captain Ross, this is Kreig. We've received a message from Count Dooku. He wants you to rendezvous with a spy in the Pantora system. The spy has critical information about the Republic's next move."

"Understood, Kreig. Prepare the Enterprise for hyperspace travel," John replied, turning to R3-S6. "Goldie, you'll be coming with me. We might need your expertise."

R3-S6 chirped affirmatively, retracting its data arm and rolling alongside John as they made their way to the bridge. Once there, John relayed the orders to the crew and prepared for departure.

As the Enterprise entered hyperspace, John couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The information from the spy could give them the edge they needed to stay ahead of the Republic and ensure the Malevolence's continued dominance.

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(Pantora system)

The Enterprise dropped out of hyperspace near the ice-covered world of Pantora. The planet's cold, barren surface contrasted sharply with the heated tensions of the galactic conflict. John stood on the bridge, scanning the icy expanse below.

"Captain, we've picked up a signal from our contact. They're transmitting from a secluded location on the planet's surface," Trine reported, her fingers deftly working the navigation console.

"Set a course for the signal's coordinates. We'll take a shuttle down and meet with the spy in person," John ordered. "Goldie, you're with me. Kreig, you have the bridge."

"Roger that, Captain," Kreig responded, ensuring the ship remained on high alert.

John and R3-S6 boarded a shuttle and descended to the planet's surface. The frigid wind whipped around them as they landed near a small, inconspicuous structure. As they approached, a cloaked figure emerged from the shadows, their features hidden beneath the heavy fabric.