Star Wars; the Terran Commander

Chapter 9: Skytop showdown

(Resolute holding cell)

"I'm telling you Jedi; I don't know where this R2 Series Droid is!" The Smuggler told the Jedi. "I was in the Sector of the far right of those Munificent frigates were. I really don't have anything else. The only person that was there was another smuggler, a Trandoshan named Gha Nachkt." He added. 

Anakin and Ahsoka exchanged a glance, considering the smuggler's words. The mention of Gha Nachkt, a known Trandoshan smuggler, gave them a potential lead on the missing R2-D2. Despite the smuggler's defiance, his information seemed credible.

"Alright," Anakin said, his tone stern but measured. "We'll follow up on this lead. But if we find out you're lying or withholding information, you'll be facing serious consequences."

The smuggler sighed in relief, realizing that the immediate threat of punishment had passed. "I'm telling you the truth. Gha Nachkt is the one you want. He's always looking for valuable droids to sell to the highest bidder."

Anakin nodded, then turned to Ahsoka and Goldie. "Let's get ready to leave. We'll head to the coordinates where Gha Nachkt was last seen. Goldie, prep the Twilight for departure."

Ahsoka and Goldie followed Anakin out of the holding cell, leaving the smuggler under guard. As they walked, Ahsoka looked at her master with a mix of determination and concern. "Do you really think this Trandoshan has R2?"

Anakin's jaw tightened. "If he does, we need to get him back. R2 has a lot of sensitive information that can't fall into Separatist hands."

Goldie beeped in acknowledgment, his circuits buzzing with anticipation. He knew that this mission could bring him closer to achieving his own objectives for the Separatists, but he had to play his part convincingly to avoid suspicion.

In the hangar bay, the Twilight was prepped and ready. Goldie rolled into the astromech socket, while Anakin and Ahsoka took their positions in the cockpit.

"Coordinates set. Let's find R2," Anakin said as he engaged the engines. The Twilight lifted off the deck and soared out of the hangar, heading towards the last known location of Gha Nachkt.

As they traveled through hyperspace, the tension in the cockpit was palpable. Anakin's determination to rescue R2-D2 was matched by Ahsoka's resolve to support her master. Goldie, meanwhile, remained focused on his dual mission, ready to assist the Jedi while covertly gathering information for the Separatists.

They emerged from hyperspace near a remote asteroid field. Anakin carefully maneuvered the Twilight through the treacherous terrain, scanning for any signs of Gha Nachkt's ship.

"There!" Ahsoka pointed at a large asteroid with a hidden hangar bay. "That's got to be it."

Anakin nodded, guiding the Twilight towards the hangar. As they approached, the doors slowly opened, revealing Gha Nachkt's vessel inside. The Trandoshan smuggler stood waiting, a sinister grin on his face.

"Welcome, Jedi," Gha Nachkt hissed, his reptilian eyes glinting. "I've been expecting you."

Anakin and Ahsoka disembarked from the Twilight, lightsabers at the ready. Goldie rolled behind them, his sensors on high alert.

"We're here for the R2 unit you took," Anakin said, his voice cold and commanding.

Gha Nachkt chuckled. "Ah, the little astromech. Such a valuable piece of technology. But I'm afraid he's already been sold to a very interested buyer."

Anger flashed in Anakin's eyes. "Who bought him?"

Before Gha Nachkt could respond, the sound of blaster fire erupted from the shadows. A group of IG-series assassin droids emerged, weapons drawn.