Bittersweet Devotion [Star Wars x Anakin Skywalker]

part two | the slow descent | 13.

C3PO: "Sir, the possiblities of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3720 to one!"

Han Solo: "Never tell me the odds!"

Three years had passed since Rain and Anakin had secretly exchanged vows on the peaceful planet of Naboo. Those years had been filled with covert glances, stolen moments, and the ever-present weight of secrecy. The need to conceal their love from the galaxy took its toll, but Rain found solace in the time they spent together, even if it was hidden away from the prying eyes of the Jedi Order.

During those three years, Rain had continued her training alongside Anakin and Obi-Wan, traveling across the galaxy on various missions. The trio had become inseparable, their bond forged in the crucible of countless battles. Obi-Wan had become a father figure to Rain, offering guidance and wisdom while keeping her impulsive nature in check. The three of them knew each other's strengths and weaknesses so well that they often moved in perfect sync, anticipating each other's actions in a way that only the closest of comrades could.

Now, the Republic had received disturbing intelligence: a secret Separatist weapons facility on the remote planet of Cyris, buried deep within a cluster of volatile asteroids. The facility was rumored to be developing a new type of droid army that could turn the tide of the war. The mission was simple in theory: infiltrate, gather intel, and if possible, destroy the facility. But for Rain, Anakin, and Obi-Wan, missions were rarely simple.

The planet Cyris loomed ahead as the trio's ship exited hyperspace. The planet's surface was covered in jagged mountains, dense forests, and constant electrical storms, making it a challenging environment for any mission. The asteroid field surrounding the planet was an additional layer of danger, its gravitational anomalies wreaking havoc on navigation systems.

Obi-Wan sat in the pilot's seat, his hands steady on the controls as he expertly maneuvered the ship through the chaotic asteroid field. Anakin sat beside him, his fingers tapping restlessly on the console, while Rain stood behind them, her eyes focused on the swirling asteroids outside the viewport.

"Remind me again why we're flying into a death trap," Anakin muttered, his tone laced with both irritation and anticipation.

"Because, Anakin," Obi-Wan replied calmly, "the Separatists don't expect anyone to be reckless enough to attempt it. And we have you for that."

Rain smirked at Obi-Wan's gentle teasing. "Besides, Ani, we've flown through worse. Remember that time on Nar Shaddaa?"

Anakin shot her a grin. "How could I forget? You nearly crashed us into a cantina."

"That wasn't my fault!" Rain protested, her voice light despite the tension in the air. "The controls were jammed."

Obi-Wan's soft chuckle filled the cockpit. "Let's focus on not crashing into asteroids this time, shall we?"

The banter was a welcome distraction from the gravity of their mission, but as the planet's atmosphere thickened, the trio's mood grew serious. They knew that once they landed, the real challenge would begin.

The ship broke through the atmosphere and into the stormy skies of Cyris. Lightning flashed, illuminating the jagged peaks below, while the wind howled against the ship's hull. Obi-Wan guided the ship toward a narrow valley that had been identified as their landing zone—a small clearing surrounded by towering cliffs.

"Hold on," Obi-Wan warned as the ship was buffeted by turbulent winds. With a deft hand, he brought the ship down into the clearing, the landing gear digging into the rocky ground. The engines powered down, and the ship settled into an uneasy silence.