Legacy of the Shadow of the Jedi | REMAKE |

31. An Early Flight

|| Location: Alui sector, Enarc system , Enarc||

|| Timeline: 32 BBY ||

The command deck of my Hammerhead-class cruiser, the Valor's Edge, was filled with the low hum of activity as we approached the rendezvous point with the Lok Revenants. The ship had been heavily modified over the years, its systems optimized for the kind of specialized missions I had grown accustomed to—dark artifact hunting and Jedi business that required a more subtle touch. I was proud of how far it had come, but today, subtlety would be abandoned in favor of direct action.

As I stood at the holotable, studying the projected map of the Naboo system, I couldn't shake the feeling that this mission carried more weight than the others. The Force was whispering warnings, but I had learned long ago that its guidance was rarely straightforward.

The doors to the briefing room slid open with a hiss, and the ragtag group of Lok Revenant pilots filed in, led by their captain, Nym. The Feeorin pirate had an air of authority and confidence, his scarred face telling tales of countless battles fought and won. His crew, composed of hardened men and women, followed him with a loyalty that was both earned and demanded.

"Master Kodo," Nym greeted me, his voice gravelly but respectful. "What's the plan? My people are itching for a fight."

I nodded to him and activated the holomap, displaying the positions of the Trade Federation's blockade around Naboo. "Nym, your squadron will spearhead the assault. The Havoc and your bombers will hit the Federation's capital ships with everything you have. We'll be coordinating with the Naboo's Bravo Squadron to punch a hole in their defenses. Once we're through, my fleet will move in to secure the skies."

Nym studied the map, a grim smile forming on his lips. "Sounds straightforward enough. We take out the big guns, you take out the rest. My kind of fight."

"Don't underestimate the Federation's defenses. They're not just flying droids; they've got seasoned Neimoidian commanders and some dangerous tech at their disposal. Stick to the plan, and we'll all make it out alive."

As I continued briefing the squadron, the lights flickered briefly, followed by the urgent beeping of an incoming transmission. My communication officer, Lieutenant Veran, interrupted, a concerned look on her face. "Master Kodo, we're receiving a distress call from Naboo. Bravo Squadron has engaged the Trade Federation's blockade and is taking heavy losses. They're requesting immediate support."

The room fell silent, tension rising as everyone waited for my decision. The stakes had just been raised, and every second counted.

I straightened, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on me. "We don't have time to delay. Prepare to execute the plan immediately. Nym, get your pilots to their ships. We'll drop out of hyperspace right on top of the Federation fleet. The moment we're out, you and your squadron will engage the blockade. We'll work alongside Bravo Squadron and make sure they're not fighting alone."

Nym gave a sharp nod. "You got it, Master Jedi. We'll make sure those Federation scum regret ever crossing us."

As the Lok Revenants dispersed, I felt a surge of adrenaline and clarity. The battle ahead would be fierce, but the fear and uncertainty that had lingered in my mind were now replaced with focus and determination. I had faced worse odds before, and I knew that victory would depend on more than just firepower—it would depend on our ability to trust in the Force and each other.

Isaac, who had been quietly observing from the side, approached me as the room emptied. "Master, do you think the Bravo Squadron will hold out until we arrive?"