Ebon Hawk Sideways

This a different story from the first, but starts somewhat the same way just a lot more time self learning and it breaks the script right away.

Dromund Kaas a planet covered in swamps and twisted jungles. Long ago the capital of the Sith Empire and their final stand before being wiped out on Dromund Fels. Long abandoned by the Sith, quarantined by the Jedi Order the world is left to the former slaves. Kaas City was leveled, as slave and Sith fled alike, and the Dark Temple destroyed by several nuclear blasts and now is a twisted dark side nexus near the tribal village of young Jenica Lour. Over time the ability to maintain the technology in the estates that survived failed and the Sith who remained fought over the places that held the slowly failing technology. As the Sith died out from battling each other, the slaves shunned the survivors. Then later as they thinned even more they began to hunt them until no more remained.

While she is on the run from a rival tribe, she falls and finds an ancient hideout of one of the most prominent Sith of the Empire, Lord Scourge and the resting place of the Ebon Hawk. She is trained for nearly six years by a droid and three Force Holocrons before leaving the planet and exploring the galaxy. She decides to start with the furthest planet away from Dromund Kaas, Tatooine.

My heart beat with my rapid steps as I ran through the puddles while jumping from stone to stone. I ran trying to get my feet to moved faster then my beating heart as I heard the growls of the Tuk'ata slowly gaining on me. Unlike their Korriban sires these Tuk'ata were smaller, no more than eight stone in weight. They are trained to guard areas against intruders and theft. Some say they will attack and kill those who were witches before their skin turned red. My village had them too and the ones they attacked never had red skin of the witches or were from our tribe.

My father was the breeder of our Tuk'ata. My brother worked with him while I was drawn to the ancient devices that we had and found I could get them to work or find ones that were buried to fix others. My friend he who was sworn to me was the son of the village tinker. However, as much as I liked tinkering. I was even better at hunting and finding. This was why I was currently running from a neighboring tribe. I found something and before I could unwrap it from the ancient skin their Tuk'ata were after me from being too close.

I knew from my father that no matter where you went the Tuk'ata would not give up. Would not tire before you did. If you climbed up in one of the trees they would follow. My only chance was to get to the deeper swamp that had a large water area that revealed the gray blue sky on days that did not rain, as they could not swim. The thunder rolled through the swampy jungle telling me that this was not one of those days. A beast got close to me and jumped as I tumbled to avoid its attack. I let out a grunt as I hit a tree before coming back up as another leaped out of the bushes at me. Dodging, I pivoted around the tree and jumped as the ground vanished below me.

I flew through the air knowing instantly I would not make it to the other side as thin vines slapped my face despite my arms guarding against it. My hands lashed out and grabbed them hoping that one might be strong enough to hold my weight. One did for a brief second helping me go farther, but was still not enough as I fell below the edge grabbing onto the roots of the tree above.

The Tuk'ata behind me did not stop either but their stronger limbs sent them further without having to need the vines I used, but like me, they fell short and as my lower body swung forward as my hands found purchase in the roots, the forward beast's claw raked though my hair before falling into the sink hole below me. The other two did not reach as far also fell and a few seconds later three splashes came to me barely louder than my beating heart.

A flash of lightning revealed I was not in a good position and the next flash showed me a ledge just out of reach. I could climb out, but the roots I was hanging from were already failing. I let my feet drop from the dirt above me and swing free and back before thrusting them forward as I let go with my hands. I only had one chance to grab the ledge and I prayed that it would be enough. As my hands came around they grabbed the ledge as I gasped in shock knowing this was not stone I was holding. I pulled myself up on to a metal ledge. The lightning flashed again revealing darkness only further in. I moved into that darkness hearing the odd sound of dried vegetation cracking under my feet.

The sound of others makes me squat down as my heart jumps back into my throat. I wish it was not so loud thinking that they can hear it. I controlled my breathing as my mother taught me when I got too excited. Straining to listen to them as they spoke in the old tongue.

"Tikurzi did m'tye zuti?" Where is she

"Monot vi nuyak tuk'ata." My tuk'ata are gone."

"Tave Qo akida stai gimti kia their mirtis." Trails ends, to the death of them.

I listen for a long time as I feel them moving around. A stone drops past the opening and splashes far below. More words are spoken, but are too low to hear over the sound of the increased rain fall. Quickly their voices fade as I feel them move away. Now feeling a bit more secure I look around the area I am in. Like a cave but squared off along the edges. This was not the first ancient structure I had found, but the first that was not covered in the local fauna and flora. The hand plate surprised me as I jerked my hand back. I was curious but found nothing else.

My curiosity waned as I remembered the thing I found. Pulling it out of my pack I was able to slowly unravel it from the ancient skin. The rod was still inside and my knife slowly pierced the tough material. A cold metal object rolled into my hand out of the skin. I was sure I had seen one of these before and I grinned as I found a button.

"Ayie!" I then giggled in shock after I had screamed dropping the light stick as the shadow vanished filling with a painful light. This was a great find and one her chief would praise her for.

"Great find, Jenica." With the light I found that the tunnel I was in was not so much a tunnel but a door way. The hand plate was above a cover and I was able to see the pins that held it closed. I pulled out a tool that I kept in my pouch and it matched the pins in the cover. They resisted my efforts, but one by one they came loose. After the last pin dropped to the floor I use a knife to pry the cover away and air rushed past the blade as I struggled against the pressure. I was curious about what would cause air to rush past the edge of the cover. I slowly was able to jam my knife into the edge and waited. Several moments passed as I stood there using the light to further study the rusted walls and ceiling. The noise of the air entering in behind the cover slowed just before the cover slide down before clattering on the metal floor.

"Oh now this is, wow like new." Inside the cover was a bundle of wires, but also a lever of some type. I was not completely sure of what it was used for but if this was a door it might be what will let it open. I pulled on the lever then pushed it back and it was easy. Doing so a second time it got harder and then harder still the more I moved the lever. The difficulty stayed the same for some time and I slowly counted and nothing more happened by the time I reached one hundred.

"Okay think, what did the ancients do?" I looked down before noticing some writing on the inside of the cover. Turning it more it showed pictures in vivid detail and I saw my error. My hand reach farther into the hole and I grinned as I turned the circle. First there was a thump and then a grinding sound that built to an unbearable noise forcing me to cover my ears as a hissing sound joined the screeching of the moving metal door. I my pursuers were anywhere close they would have run from the screams of this hidden beast. I knew this was no natural sound so I too would have run had I somehow a way to climb out. If only to get away from the unbearable sound. The hissing turned into a rush of air like the mightiest of winds during the time of storms.

The grinding sound stopped as air rushed into this head sized hole. I turned back to the lever and started pumping again and hair by hair the large quad door opened until the sound of the air rushing into the hole nearly faded. My arm burned with the effort to operate the pump for so long as I apprehensively reach out and feel the air still rushing into the hole until I can barely feel the movement. I move the light into the hole and gasp out in surprise. Inside there was a ramp leading to a square door. The square door was slightly open at the bottom as there was something pinned beneath it. My feet made the metal floor plates clank as I jumped up and down in my excitement.

"This is untouched since the Great Cataclysm. My tribe will make me, no I will gain the interest of the chief's son." I quivered at the thought. Talak was a strong warrior. Stronger than any other in the tribe. Kerloa was no where close to his skill and though we are sworn to each other. Talak had the power to take me from Kerloa. This had to remain secret, but I pushed that from my mind as I moved to the hand switch that controlled the next door. Faster than the first I was able to get the door high enough to scramble under to find that the thing holding the door was a body. Kicking the leg showed it did not budge. With the light I soon found this was not a dead body but one of a machine. Armored so must be one of the ancient metal hunters that killed those it found. Its armor could be worn by one of our warriors so this was a good find. Raising the light revealed a corridor that went down farther into the ground. Whatever I find here could make me Jenica'ari in the eyes of several tribes or hunted if I was not careful.

The machines as much as we revered them we feared them. They were what brought death and destruction to the tribes lead by the ancient witches. Their most iconic feature was the flaming swords they would make appear out of thin air. In large swipes they could clear everyone in front of them. To see one was to see death. I shook my head clear of the thought as I moved down the metal corridor. I will not bore you with every door I had to open and wait until the rush of air weakened until I could pass through. Or with the exiting finds in the twenty storage rooms along the way. By the time I reached the room that had an even bigger door I had changed out all my ancient tools for nearly new ones. Found dozens of crates with food, parts and these strange weapons with a handle in an odd place. I was pretty sure they were weapons as they felt dangerous somehow.

The bigger door moved even slower even with the body long lever I found near the hand switch. Once the air started going under the door I had to stop for a long time trying to breath. I think I passed out several times as my ears continued to pop and burn in agony. I woke up with a ringing in my ears that was going away slowly as I groaned. My eyes flew open as it was as bright as the day inside this room. I first looked down the tunnel seeing the ceiling was glowing with white light. Then I turned to the large door to see it was fully open to the area beyond to show a large machine, but not just any machine but one that could possibly fly. A machine that the witches flew.

The silver gold and bronze coloring of the ship contrasted with the white and black hanger that it rested in. The ship barely fit as what I thought was the rear of the ship was almost touching these huge vents. As I walked around the edge both sides were closer than I was tall to the walls. As I came around to the front I was confronted with the largest door I have ever seen. It was close but the window in the door were big enough to see the long ship sized tunnel leading into the darkness. Turning back to the ship I grinned as the ramp was down. I moved up the ramp looked through the view port and wondered what could be hiding inside? The hand plate didn't work and there was no access cover for me to get the door open.

"I wonder how I can get in? Maybe I should not. Not like anyone could fly it." Not completely discouraged I move around the other side to a small door and hit the hand plate to find it opens nearly instantly making me jump and the giggle to cover my surprise. The room I enter is full of control boards and other strange devices. I pick up this thing that I had never seen before with a lot of buttons. I press some of them and this window lights up. Strange words show up in the window.

"Oh is this one of those magic windows that the witches use?"

"Question is not understood. Switching to Kittât written script." The screen changed and I could read it. I dropped the tablet thing back on the control board. That I could understand the disembodied voice was frightening. Another door lead further into the hidden space. There I saw living space. Tables and chairs made out of metal and some strange material. Food cabinets that contained nothing but the pictures showed that there had one time been food packages. I opened this other door at the same time this box seems to float right in forcing me back.

"Oh thank the maker you opened the door. So troublesome to do it when you limbs are full." The voice was strange, but the person it came from was a machine.

"You're not going to kill me!" I shoved the machine person back as I pulled out my knife.

"Oh dear I am not programmed for combat. Please don't disassemble me."

"You are fighting?"

"No certainly not. My programming would not allow it."

"But you are a machine from the witches."

"Witches? I know of no witches."

"No?"

"Certainly not. My programming told me to restock the kitchen when the air returned to reactivate the power. My primary function is to prepare meals."

"Meals?"

"I am Effzerozerodee or Zerdy by how my former master called me."

"So you are not going to kill me?"

"Heavens no. Though it could happen as the food supplies are seriously out of date. Vacuum conditions and nitrogen storage can prolong the edibility of the products. I hardly think that they can be edible after the vault was sealed in 4347. The Vault was built in 4027."

"How ago long is that?"

"3592 years or 4202 orbital periods of the planet, Dromund Kaas."

"What is this place, that ship, and how could this all service so long a time?"

"This is a hideout that Lord Scourge made that he had planned to use at one point. Last contact with him was in 4345. I have no connection to Kaas City to find further information."

"The Kaas wasteland is a dark and forbidden place. The only place the swamp or jungle will not reclaim."

"Destroyed? Interesting. No matter, you look to be ten years of age according to my scans."

"I am twelve seasons, not ten."

"That is what I have stated. Your seasons lack fifty three days from the years that I am using. This is the Galactic standard calendar since the start of the Subterra Period. I believe we have a lot to learn to get you up to speed."

"Learn? I need to find some good items that will not get me labeled a witch and return to my tribe. I have tarried too long already. They may think I am dead?"

"Negative, once activated this hideout has gone into lock down. The path you entered by has been resealed. I assure you there is plenty of supplies for you to remain quite safe for several years."

"I am not staying."

"Do you not want to learn what the Sith could teach you."

"You are a machine."

"I am not going to teach you. Let me show you who will." I was not very willing, but so far this droid had not attacked me. He guided me out of the kitchen and through an apartment telling me of the amenities and how to use several things until coming back around to the kitchen and then past the control room to the ship's hanger as I later learned they were called. That the ship opened to him I was surprised as he never touched the hand plate. Entering the ship lead straight into a hold with a red and silver speeder with the wings pointed forward instead of to the sides like a bird.

He continued on to show the darkened hyperdrive and engine bay to another hold that was mostly for storing food, but I felt drawn to a pillar in the back that somehow didn't match. From there I was shown the medical bay the two living quarters and the common area with the holocom. The sensors and hyper navigational computer and the cockpit. He then lead me to a small storage area and I blinked at what was inside.

"The ship systems had received a major up grade by 4300 and might have been cheaper to just built another ship, but then this facility would have had to be modified as well."

"What is this."

"This is the captain's cabin."

"I can see the bed and desk, but what are those?" I pointed to three shapes on the only shelf.

"Those are your teachers. The pyramid is teachings of the dark side, the cube teaches of the light, and the Dodecahedron is the balance between the two."

"What, how can they teach me?"

"When you can open them they will speak to you. What they will teach you is only what you are ready to learn."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"They will teach you of the Force. Now if you come with me I believe the meal is ready to consume. If it does not kill you. You may clean yourself of that jungle filth and retire for the night."

"Okay?" I still had no answer, but the strange droid gave me the impression that it would say no more. As I ate the strange tasting food I wondered what my tribe felt about me disappearing. How did I feel other than feeling trapped? When I was fully shown how the refresher worked I had no problem taking everything off and letting warm nearly hot water run over my body. It was a bit strange to have a droid help me clean, but not so unusual as all of the females of the tribe washed together.

As I was rinsing my hair the droid absconded with my coverings. Okay he didn't run, but they were gone never to be seen again. I was given this covering that dropped from my neck to wrists and to the floor, before being shown a soft square pad that was called a bed. It did not look like any bedding I knew.

The next morning and many after it were the same. Wake up be given clothing at first just underwear and a skin tight suit with boots and gloves the later a harness to hold my breasts in place. Then to a large cavern the droid called a sparing gym. My father, mother, and all the ones my age taught me how to fight and once this droid knew what I could do he was brutal in his training. I doubt any could match me as I had to learn to draw on the Force to even survive his training sessions. I failed many times more then I succeeded.

Fours hours I battled everything the droid could throw at me. Then after stretching a meal and a nap, later meditating, did I learn about the universe. Systems, species, government, history, languages, and the sciences. Another meal and rest period before I was placed before the holocrons to learn about the Force. The Cube taught me first the guide, a human, named herself, Ashla, The pyramid taught me second, the guide, a true Sith, named himself, Bogan. The Dodecahedron was the last taught by a man in mask who called himself Bendu. This repeated over and over again for over six years or until I reached fifteen and ten months.

I flew at the last droid, placing my hand out in front of me just before letting go of a burst of the Force that crackled a fraction of a second before sounding like a firecracker bursting. The droid covered in Force generated electricity dropped into a seizure as I flipped around and slammed my vibrosword into its chest. I removed my blindfold as I stood breathing hard looking over the battlefield of the gym, making sure I left none able to fight.

"Excellent, that was fifty three seconds faster than the last battle against twenty droids."

"I could have been faster. I am ready to go again."

"Sadly you will need to repair these droids first for that to happen."

"Come on Food there has to be more."

"I again request that you address me as Zerdy. Food is something you eat."

"Effzerozerodee is your full designation or in short Food." He glared at me intently as he reached for a electrostaff.

"Fine, Zerdy, so what do we have planned after I eat?" I always asked it not to see if the routine would change but to see if the droid would say something different. He always said, 'We will study the galaxy.' in one of several languages. I knew several now other than common Kittât, along with High Kittât and Ur Kittât written script. Galactic common as spoken by the droid was unaltered from the way it was spoken in the ancient Kaas City, and Sith Empire. I learned both High Galactic and Aurebesh scripts. The other two languages were Huttese and droid binary expressive.

"We will build your first lightsaber."

"Okay let me go shower while you... Wait what?"

"I will not repeat myself."

"But you always say the same thing?"

"Would you rather study or finally build a lightsaber."

"Build a lightsaber, but we have no crystals."

"Perhaps they have been lying around here somewhere?"

"Uh, you never have a straight answer for the important things." The droid just looked at me without comment before I spun and walked to my quarters doing upper arm stretching. I took my time in the shower as it not only got me clean but massaged my sore muscles. As normal I ate in silence as the droid served me. Before going to meditate for an hour. I found it hard to find my center as dozens of different hilt designs and blade designs flashed through my head. I had several different internal parts, but had yet to pick the outer shell of the hilt. Do I go with a straight hilt, a curved hilt that would focus on Makashi, a staff blade set up for Djem So/Niman, or dual wield two blades for Shien focused style? How about all three? Enough hilt length I could hold it either in a straight hilt grip or a curved grip. The connection at the base of each hilt would offset the blades, but I did not think by too much and it would allow the hilt to be folded into a U shape. Not as easy as a straight hilt but not as obvious that it is a lightsaber. The biggest advantage was that I could utilize several different forms at will. Fore grip, reverse grip, single, staff, or dual wield in either fore or reverse grip.

Shii Cho, Makashi, Soresu, Djem So, and Juyo favored a single blade whereas Ataru, Niman, and Shien a staff or dual wield forms. Makashi favored a curved grip and really shined if using a lightfoil instead of a saber. The thoughts of using a lightpata setup also crossed my mind putting the blades as direct extensions of my arms, but I did not have the strength to focus on grappling which is part of such a weapon set up. A pole saber would be an option, but due to the length it would have only one purpose and that was for combat and not everyday wear. It also conflicted with my primary weapon the Force. I settled on the interlocking curved hilts as the most versatile. I thought to offset the hilt lengths, but if only using one blade in the staff position I would have the leverage of a more focused two handed grip.

I open my eyes with the decision made, but without a crystal it would be pointless. I dressed in the jumpsuit adding my belt of tools that I felt naked without, and the small firearm as back up. Not as effective as a blaster, but if the laws on most worlds have not changed then they did not see such a weapon as that big of a threat as a blaster which required special armor to defend against. Though the way my rounds were constructed they would pierce such armor. I smiled weakly as this was so much different then how I was in the tribe. Knives and axes for fast combat and spears and staves for larger engagements or defense. Bows for hunting and keeping your distance.

"Are you ready to make your lightsaber?" I walked passed the droid causing him to follow.

"I have decided on the type of saber, but it is pointless without a crystal to power it."

"We have a machine to create them."

"We do? Though they are not as effective as a Khyber crystal or one of the many other crystals and are best used by those who focus on hate and fear."

"Without a natural crystal do you have a choice?"

"Perhaps, but I must ask my masters first."

"Very well, but I have started the process and they are nearly complete." The droid let me continue into the ship and to the shrine as I thought of the meditation chamber. Kneeling I meditated for a moment to focus on each of the holocrons. Slowly all three masters appeared.

"Apprentice it is rare that you summon us all."

"The droid has tasked me with building my lightsaber. I have chosen my design, but was wondering if there was anything hidden from the droid like Khyber crystals in this base?"

"No I constructed this base for only one purpose as a refuge and escape plan if Dromund Kaas was to fall or that I was hunted. The only crystals you will need can be made."

"A artificial crystal is not ideal and will not allow you to focus the Force as easily. You have to force the crystal to follow your will and can hinder your focus. It is also out of balance with the Force as its construction is unnatural. However, unless you can find a crystal it will serve."

"You both are correct but this ship hides several crystals. I was not able to reach them or in need of them in my time but she does now."

"You speak of the hidden smuggling compartment?"

"Yes my old friend."

"Ah now I remember. Go into the storage hold that preserves the ship's stores. In the back tap the spot one meter above the floor. A key pad will light up and then enter this code, Red-47. If it does not work just cut the wall open."

"Rip it open with the Force claim your birthright."

"Faster to use the code. No need to use violence."

"Yes masters." I moved to the hold and tapped only once finding the keypad instantly. My hand had rested on the spot several times over the last few months. The code entered by my fingers as if I had done it multiple times a click followed by a beep and the whole section of the wall opens. Parts and hilt shafts fill most of the space along with several different blasters both pistols and rifles. Then a case with a dozen different crystals.

One crystal shined like the sun, a golden bronze crystal, a silvery blue crystal, and a crystal that seemed to reflect multiple colors. There were other crystals but those four drew my attention. That they formed together along with any of the color crystals made it obvious that I was going to use these. Picking two silver gems I held both combinations that felt right in either hand. I meditated losing touch with time as I drew on the Force through the crystals.

As I focused I saw many different paths, many different Jedi or Sith both of the past and the future, and the possibilities were endless, but the Force almost felt afraid. I saw this growing darkness laughing at the light as it covered the light. I inhaled suddenly as I opened my eyes. Two curved hilts laid in front of my knees. I picked them both up connecting the together in a U shape then out to the slight S shape before activating one blade and then the other.

The Force roared around me at the same time it was as calm as a protected pool of water. The one blade mainly silver with a glow of cobalt and a hint of green. The other blade golden silver core with a bronze glow. Both crackled slightly as the Force flowed through them. I will them off and put them on my belt in the U position as if they were always meant to be there. Slowly I stood before I turned to see Zerdy standing there.

"I assume that you are in need of sustenance as it has been eighteen days since your last repose?"

"That long that is impossible."

"Shall I play the recording or let your stomach tell you the truth?" I shook my head hearing my stomach growl and we moved to the kitchen. I ate and then relieved myself showering after before dressing again. Zerdy handed me a cloak to put on as well.

"What is this?"

"Time to say goodbye. The way is no longer blocked. You can leave and visit your tribe. The way back inside will be blocked to you if you remain gone for more than twenty four hours as I will assume you have decided to rule or protect your people. Once you return you can continue to study or we can see what has become of the Galaxy."

"I would like to leave now. As much as my tribe means to me, I would rather them remember me as I was and not as who I have become. Coming back from the dead in these clothes and these weapons would mark me as a witch. That I would have to control them or flee from them is not a choice I want to make."

The same droid was by the door that had not closed because of his head and I moved it out of the way as I used the Force to move the droid and tap the hand plate. I stopped and forced the ancient door closed before making my way back to the hanger. My urge to tinker had me drag the ancient droid with me. I was dead to my family and that gave me a strange sense of peace.

"You decided to return sooner than I predicted you would."

"I brought something back. Know what it is?" The droid looked over the husk of a protocol droid and then back to her waiting for more, but she remained silent.

"A redundant question as a more appropriate word would be who, and I do. That is a 2V-R series droid. It looks as if it is only lost power. It can pilot the ship so I do not have to. My programming is lacking is such department."

"Looks we have a few hours or would you recommend a full power cell replacement?"

"Replacement would be faster buy seventeen minutes."

"Let me guess it is welded into the frame."

"Correct, however, you can cycle the chemical components as the cells recharge cutting the four hours charge cycle by ten minutes though it will degrade the power cell charge level by seventeen percent."

"Fine hook it up and then help me load up the remaining supplies."

"As soon as the ship is properly fueled. Oh that I did not add to our time which will take five hours."

"Now you tell me after I decided."

"I am not perfect."

"You are a droid you should be."

"Correction, I was programmed by beings like yourself equally flawed."

"Hurry up with what you have to do. I'll make sure to let you carry the food crates."

"Is that a pun on your nickname you have for me?"

"Oh I would never joke about your name,Food." The door closed cutting off any response but I swear the droid was glaring at me every time we passed each other. The holds were soon packed with parts and consumable supplies. The quarters empty of crew held more supplies that could be useful. Lastly I unpacked many of the outfits that I had made to fit me.

My custom synthweave body armor protected against projectiles and as could be used in place of a space suit, hung from the frame made to store it. I could add plates similar to a other armor, but it would sacrifice mobility I could not afford to lose. I looked it over thinking I should wear it, but we were not in space yet. I could feel the hum of the ship as its systems came online which told me I should get to the cockpit so I can learn how to fly her. The ship felt like a her more than a him. Strange that I would feel that way about a machine. As I got to the bridge I noticed Zerdy and the 2V droid in the forward seats.

"I would take a seat. No telling how this ship will react no matter how much maintenance was performed by the two of us."

"I am sure the Ebon Hawk is yearning to return to the galaxy."

"Are you my new master?"

"Yes." I replied hearing a female voice coming from the gray colored droid.

"How splendid I am 2V-R9, a seneschal protocol droid. I believe we are going to work well together."

"How did you get your head trapped under a door?"

"Oh my that was embarrassing. Please don't remind me."

"Well?"

"Right, so the simple answer is that I tripped." I would have giggled had she not said it so flatly, and I was suddenly distracted as the main door opened to the tunnel that was going to allow the ship to leave. I felt the ship rise and then nothing as it began to move through the tunnel.

"Zerdy did you happen to check to make sure the tunnel was clear?"

"You wait until we are moving down the tunnel to ask me such a question."

"Better late then never."

"Oh my is this going to be a quick trip?"

"I may be flawed but not forgetful."

"What?! Didn't you just tell me you forgot five hours ago?"

"More like six." The ship lurched increasing its speed before that feeling subsided as well. The end of the tunnel looked dark for a brief moment before lightning crackled in front of the ship. A shimmering field distorted the view screen slightly as the ship looked to the angry clouds above as I wondered why the rain was not touching the glass. Then we burst out above the clouds to a setting sun as the blue grew darker until it became black. I was in space this was real. The ship turned away from the sun and I saw a billion stars before the shutters closed off the unobstructed view, and the view screens flickered on showing a mass of flight data.

"Hey I want to look at the stars."

"We must first pass through the debris field and our shield may not prevent the collision with every particle."

"Debris field?"

"Correct." A screen dropped in front of me and larger chunks of ancient battle cruisers slowly appeared as the sensors picked up their trajectories.

"You might want to put that simulation training to use as shoot some of the larger items. I will designate them as best as I can."

"How are lasers going to stop matter."

"Because they are not lasers, but hyper plasma."

"I'm going." I rushed to the top turret and strapped in as the telemetry screens came online. I pulled the trigger at a target and the gun vibrated my chair as they fired. Then it was a never ending stream of fire as targets got marked faster than I could shoot at them. Then we were clear and my stars came back as the turret shut down. I stayed in the gun turret until the stars turned into the lines before hyperspace. The jump was short. The stars returned as the computer recalculated before jumping again after the third time I let out a growl of frustration. The two droids looked back at the same time and asked the same question.