After completing their patrol of the Arkalia system, Rogue Squadron heads for the Gandrel system, a star system with only one inhabited world, Gandrel Prime, a large, tropical world, mostly known for the large space station in orbit. The x-wings of Rogue Squadron emerge from hyperspace on the outer edge of the system.
In the cockpit of his x-wing, Luke observes as his fellow pilots exit hyperspace, and take up formation behind him.
"Alright, everyone. Welcome to the Gandrel system. We're doing a six hour patrol here. Honestly, I don't expect much to happen here." Luke says.
"Why is that, Luke?" Wedge asks over the comm.
"The Gandrel system is Crimson Dawn territory. The Empire gets paid to look the other way, and Crimson Dawn is free to do as it pleases, never having to worry about Imperial visitors." Jyn answers over the comm.
"You seem to know a lot about this system. Ever been here before?" Wedge asks.
"Yeah. A few times when I was with Saw." Jyn answers.
"Any advice?" Wedge asks.
"If you ever find yourself inside Gandrel station, mind your own business, and don't piss anyone off. Do that, and they'll pretty much leave you alone." Jyn answers.
"Thanks for the warning." Wedge says. From behind Luke's cockpit, his astromech, R2-D2 whistles.
"Standby, Rogue Squadron. R2 says he's picking up a signal. Says it's...Separatist military code." Luke says.
"Who would send a Separatist signal? Aren't they all gone?" Wedge asks.
"Maybe not. That's what we need to find out. R2's traced it to the station. Jyn, since you've been here before, you take the lead on this one. I'll back you up. Wedge, take the rest of the squadron, and continue with the patrol." Luke says.
"You sure about this, Luke? It's Crimson Dawn!" Wedge says.
"I'm sure. We'll be alright, as long as we don't go scanning any of their ships. Crimson Dawn doesn't care what we do, as long as we don't interfere with their operations." Luke says.
"Got it." Wedge says.
"Alright, Rogue Three, you have your orders." Luke says.
"Copy, Rogue Leader." Wedge says.
Jyn and Luke fly to Gandrel station, and dock in a small hangar.
Inside the hangar, Jyn and Luke emerge from their x-wings, while their astromechs remain in their places behind the cockpit. Jyn and Luke walk toward the exit, and are approached by a green skinned rodian male, who emerges from a nearby office.
"Rebel pilots, huh? Don't get too many of you. Landing fee is fifty credits. Each." The rodian says.
"You are feeling generous today. You will pay our fee for us." Jyn says, subtly waving her hand.
"I am feeling generous today. I will pay your fee for you." The rodian says.
"We are free to go." Jyn says, waving her hand again.
"You are free to go." The rodian says. He returns to his office.
"What the…? How did you do that?" Luke asks.
"The force can have a strong influence on the weak minded." Jyn says.
Oh,right. I remember Ben doing this on Tatooine. Luke thinks.
"Wow. you're going to have to show me how to do that." Luke says.
He's certainly eager. Good. He'll make an excellent student. Jyn thinks.
"All in good time, Luke. Now, has R2 found where that signal is coming from?" Jyn asks. Luke approaches his x-wing, and looks at his astromech, who utters a series of beeps.
"Yeah. He's got it. Straight ahead, about 150 meters." Luke answers.
"Perhaps R3 should stay here, and guard the ships." Jyn says.
"Good idea. Wouldn't want anyone to help themselves to our rides out of here. Come on, R2. Show us the way. We'll follow you." Luke says. The droid beeps in excitement, and leaves his place in the x-wing.
R2-D2 heads toward the hangar exit, followed by Jyn and Luke.
Jyn, Luke, and R2 enter the main structure of Gandrel station, which resembles a large marketplace, with people of various races engaged in the trade of food and medicine, as well as illegal goods, such as drugs and weapons.
"Wow. I've never seen anything like this before." Luke says, as he stops to look around. Jyn and R2 stop next to him.
"It's a black market for mercs, smugglers, and pretty much any underworld type you can think of. I'd suggest not buying anything here. Everything's pretty expensive, and you're pretty much dead meat if you happen to buy something that someone else wants." Jyn says.
"Good to know." Luke says. R2 utters several frantic beeps and whistles.
"He says he's lost the signal." Jyn says.
Good. HK has spotted us. Jyn thinks.
"What happened, R2? Get it back!" Luke says.
"I don't think it's R2's fault. If my droid shut off the signal, he's probably spotted us." Jyn says.
"Okay. What do we do?" Luke asks.
"Wait here. He'll approach soon enough." Jyn answers.
"Observation. Your intellect serves you well, master." HK-47 says from behind the group, who turn around to face the ancient rust colored droid.
"That's...your droid?" Luke asks.
"Indeed. Luke Skywalker, R2-D2, meet HK-47. HK, this is Commander Luke Skywalker, the leader of my squadron." Jyn says.
"Query. Is this meatbag related to Anakin Skywalker?" HK-47 asks.
"Meatbag? Why did he call me meatbag?" Luke asks.
"Explanation. You have all those squishy parts, and all that water. How the constant sloshing doesn't drive you mad, I have no idea." HK-47 answers. Luke looks at the droid in disbelief.
"He means well, Luke. Just being funny. As for your question, HK, yes, Luke is related to Anakin Skywalker." Jyn says.
/HK, you will speak no further of Anakin Skywalker. This is his son, the pilot who destroyed the Death Star. I am training him to become my apprentice. As you and I discussed, he believes I am a Jedi, and will go on believing that until I decide otherwise, is that clear?/ Jyn asks, switching to the ancient Sith language.
/Answer. Your orders are clear, master./ HK-47 answers, also using ancient Sith.
"What...language was that?" Luke asks.
"An obscure trade language from the mid rim. HK-47 is primarily a commando droid, but is also programmed with protocol functions, although not as advanced as your C-3PO. We often speak in other languages in order to practice my linguistic skills. I can speak over twenty languages, and it's come in handy, many times." Jyn says.
"Wow. That's...incredible. Maybe you should be a diplomat instead of a pilot." Luke says. Jyn laughs.
"No thanks. I'd go insane out of boredom." Jyn says.
"Observation. It would be unwise of us to remain here, master. My unique appearance may draw unwanted attention." HK-47 says.
"I agree. We should get back to the ships." Jyn says.
"What about his ship?" Luke asks.
"He doesn't have one. He probably used public transport." Jyn says.
"Absolute truth. Yes. That...is correct. I travelled here aboard a passenger ship." HK-47 says.
Good. The altered subroutine is working. Whenever HK lies, he prefaces it with 'absolute truth', instead of 'alternative fact', just as I intended. Jyn thinks.
"Absolute truth?" Luke asks.
"Don't worry about it, Luke. HK has his quirks, like any good droid. From time to time, he'll say something that might seem a bit odd, but that's just his way." Jyn says.
"Oh. Well, he certainly seems entertaining." Luke says.
"That he is. Now, we should get going. That reminds me. HK, we'll have to deactivate you until we get back to the rebel base. Once we're there, I'll turn you back on." Jyn says.
"Exclamation. I must protest this action, master! You know how I feel about being deactivated!" HK-47 says.
/Deal with it! The rebels will be suspicious enough when a commando droid suddenly shows up on their base! It will make things easier if you arrive deactivated!/ Jyn shouts, switching to togruti.
What language is that, and where did she learn to speak so many? Luke thinks.
"Resignation. Very well, master. I will accept your wisdom in this matter." HK-47 says.
"Thank you. Now, let's go." Jyn says. She starts walking, but senses that Luke is not moving, and turns around to see him standing still, staring at her.
"What is it? Are you alright?" Jyn asks.
"What? Oh. Sorry. It's just...you're incredible. The way you switch languages, just like that. You're brilliant. Maybe we'll be seeing General Erso someday." Luke says.
He's...attracted to me! I can sense it! Perhaps I should allow this, for now. It will cement his trust for me. Jyn thinks.
"Thank you for the kind words, Luke. I appreciate it." Jyn says.
"Sure. Anytime." Luke says.
"So, you coming?" Jyn asks.
"Of course." Luke answers. Jyn starts walking again, with HK-47 at her side. Luke and R2 follow close behind, and the group heads to the hangar where the two x-wings are parked.