Gideon Squadron: Chapter 19 - Hope Restored
With the secondary hyperdrive barely holding together, it took eleven standard planetary rotations before the Arlechi crawled its way to Gideon Squadron's new headquarters, consisting of an old abandoned station over the frigid moon of Naos III. While this sector did not provide the amount of protection found on Nar Shadaa, its location between the Smuggler and Corellian Runs provided them the advantage of better access to supply lines for the Rebellion, as well as quick entry to hyperlanes should an immediate evacuation be necessary. After transmitting the correct security code clearance, the Arlechi was directed to land in one of the smaller hangars of the station.
A very weary Trace, Eras, and Sho stepped off the ship's loading ramp. All were relieved, however, to find Climber (now fully recovered) waiting for them with a smile and a look of hope on his face. "Took you long enough…", he mocked jovially as he looked up and down the blaster-scorched hull of their ship, "...While you lazy sods have been catnapping on the beaches of Sesid, I have been whipping this slice of paradise you see before you into ship shape." "Our mission was a success. We have the schematics for the mech prototypes.", reported Trace. "That is good news. Our intel has informed us the Empire is stepping up its mining and smelting operations on planets containing materials required for fabricating ultrachrome.", confirmed Climber as he led them to the station's bridge. "I have some good news of my own!", said Climber, sounding excited. Motioning them towards the viewscreen, the three looked in amazement at the site from the main assembly hangar. There were eight fighters lined in two neat rows of four. "New design?", inquired an impressed Eras. Climber beamed at this. "They were acquired from Incom Corporation. Combining the speed and agility of the Z-95 Headhunter with the raw power of the ARC-170, the T-65B is a real game changer! Gentlemen, I give you…the X-Wing!…
…Aboard the Horizon…
Admiral Lanu stood apprehensively outside of the Inquisitorial chambers. Nobody on board had seen either Inquisitor since they arrived back from the Executor. After several days of complete silence, he had now been summoned. The doors opened, revealing a dimly lit room. A haze formed all around as the smell of burning incense filled Lanu's nostrils. The head inquisitor sat cross legged at the center of the floor, completely motionless. To his side were the remnants of his lightsaber. His hood covered his face in complete darkness. "You sent for me, my lord?", asked the Admiral nervously. The Inquisitor slowly placed his hand on the broken saber next to him. Even with the weapon irreparably damaged, Lanu still flinched at this. "Set course for the Blood Moon of Gromas.", whispered the specter as he leaned forward, allowing for what little light there was to fall over his face. "Y-Ye-Yes my lord…Rrr-Right away!", stammered Admiral Lanu as he practically ran out of the chambers. Returning to his meditative position in the darkness, Tarren remained still for a moment longer. The blackness under his cowl was suddenly pierced by a singular blazing red eye…
…The End…For Now…
Author's Note:
I want to personally thank all of you who took valuable time out of your busy schedules to humor me by reading this story. I am not a writer by trade, as my work clearly demonstrates. I am simply a fan of George Lucas' epic vision which has magically captivated my family and me for years! I have posted the title of the second installment below and hope to hear from you soon. Until then…May the Force be with you!
Star Wars - Gideon Squadron Chronicles: The Deep Core