Star Wars: Destiny's Choice

Chapter 12

"Alright, men, we're meeting Jazzori and the others on Kashyyyk," Hunter explained, his voice resonating with authority as he stood in the center of the dimly lit hangar. Beka stood nearby, her expression unreadable as she observed the conversation unfold. The air was charged with anticipation, each member of the team preparing mentally for the mission ahead.

"Uh, question," Wrecker interjected, his deep voice breaking the silence in the hangar. He raised his hand in a gesture of curiosity, his brow furrowing with genuine concern. "Why is the General coming? I thought you wanted her to take it easy." His words hung in the air, prompting a moment of contemplation among the team members gathered around.

"Umm," Hunter hesitated, his gaze shifting momentarily as he considered his response. The weight of Wrecker's question lingered in the air, prompting Hunter to carefully choose his words before speaking again.

"You used the Jedi mind trick, didn't you?" Echo asked quietly, his tone betraying a hint of curiosity.

"It's called the mind touch, and shockingly no," Beka replied with a smirk, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "I told him I either can go with you guys, or I take a ship. Either way, I'm still going to Kashyyyk." Her confident demeanor conveyed a sense of determination, assuring the team that she was committed to the mission regardless of the circumstances.

"You have him wrapped around your little finger," Echo whispered, a mischievous smirk playing at the corners of his lips. Beka elbowed him softly, a gesture of playful banter.

"Approaching Kashyyyk," Tech announced, his voice echoing through the cockpit of the Marauder. The hum of the ship's engines filled the air as they neared their destination, the dense forests of Kashyyyk coming into view through the viewport. With precision and skill, Tech guided the ship toward a landing zone.

As the Marauder landed with a soft thud, the team quickly disembarked from the ship, their boots crunching on the forest floor of Kashyyyk. Hunter swiftly caught up with Seneca, their footsteps falling in sync as they exchanged nods of acknowledgment. Meanwhile, Jazzori took it upon herself to entertain Omega, her playful banter eliciting a smile from the young girl. As they surveyed the area, their attention was drawn to the sight of the damaged ship belonging to the other team.

"What happened?" Hunter inquired; his voice tinged with concern as he surveyed the wreckage of the other team's ship. He awaited an explanation for the damage before them.

"Shot down," Seneca replied simply, her tone carrying a weight of solemnity that mirrored the severity of the situation.

Meanwhile, Valree appeared distracted, her focus seemingly elsewhere despite the conversation unfolding around her. The tension in the air was palpable as the team processed the implications of the damaged ship and awaited further details.

"I sense great trouble in you," Beka said, her voice cutting through the silence as she settled beside Valree on the uneven rocks. The suddenness of Beka's voice startled Valree, causing her to shift slightly in surprise.

"Gah, don't do that," Valree exclaimed, playfully punching Beka, though the momentary levity was short-lived.

"What's wrong?" Beka inquired, her concern evident in her tone.

"Trandoshans," Valree replied with a single word, her voice carrying a weight of unease.

"Oh," Beka responded, understanding dawning upon her.

"While we were setting up camp, they came and attacked us. Not much of a fight, though," Valree elaborated, her voice tinged with resignation.

"How are you doing, though?" Beka asked, her hand resting reassuringly on Valree's back.