It has been several weeks since Marr arrived on Earth. During this time, he has learned a lot about this new world by listening to the conversations of the people around him and interacting with some of the shelter's residents. He discovered that the region he and his crew are currently residing in is called North America and is controlled by a faction known as the United States. The organization that is currently searching for them is called S.W.O.R.D., which is responsible for planetary defence against off-world threats. Marr also learned about S.H.I.E.L.D., a sister organization that handles planet-side security. Both of these organizations operate under the jurisdiction of the United Nations, which is the closest thing to a planetary government in this world.
Marr realizes that he cannot appeal to them for sanctuary status, so he must remain low-key until he can repair his ship and leave this world. This task, however, proved to be more difficult than he anticipated. For weeks, he and Icon have been exploring the traders of Vista Verde to acquire the necessary technology. Unfortunately, most of what they found wasn't compatible with the Outbounder's systems. The microwaves, radios, and TVs that they found were far too primitive for their needs.
Marr and Icon spent their daylight hours exploring the town and retreated to their room at the shelter in the evenings. In their seclusion, Marr began helping Icon with his new body. They discovered that Icon could imitate "force" abilities, such as creating an electromagnetic field and dispersing electric bolts from his fingertips. The latter ability reminded Marr of a Force technique called Electric Judgment that Jedi Master Plo Koon used to practice. Marr realized that Icon's droid body was designed to train Jedi, but they needed to resynchronize Icon's programming with his new functions to achieve full control.
So, Marr worked with Icon every night until the droid could activate and use these abilities effortlessly. During their training sessions, Marr discovered that Icon possessed another unique ability called a shadow function that allowed him to mirror and memorize the movements of anyone he could observe. This function helped streamline Icon's movements, especially if he intended to wield a lightsaber. Marr began teaching Icon the use of the lightsaber by demonstrating the motions and drills that he often practices. Icon quickly memorized the forms of Shii-Cho, Niman, and Jar'Kai, which he discovered from a secondary lightsaber concealed within his chassis.
After one of their training sessions, the droid asked Marr why he was taking the time to address his defects when they should prioritize their current mission. Marr responded, "You needed help, my friend. What other reason is there?" Icon was surprised that an organic would take an interest in helping a droid, as their minds are usually wiped to reset them. Marr explained that Jedi don't get to choose who wants or needs their help, which was the heart of his master's teachings.
Earlier that day, Marr received a tip on where they could find the parts they needed, so he instructed Icon to put on his public face as they readied themselves to set off on their next mission.
Marr had a tip about a scrap yard just outside the town limits. Luckily, the S.W.O.R.D. Drones that were monitoring the town had been recalled a few days ago, so they were able to make the journey without any interruption. When they arrived, the scrap yard appeared to be closed for the night with only a few security guards on duty. Nevertheless, the Jedi used the Force to leap over the security fence, followed by Icon. As they made their way through the yard, Marr occasionally used his mind trick ability to avoid detection.
"Master, is it strange for a scrap yard to have such a level of armed security?" asked Icon as they hid behind some scrap metal while two guards in orange jumpsuits walked past them, carrying heavy weapons.
"This is no ordinary scrap yard," Marr explained. "From what I was told, it makes sense to have this level of security."
They continued to venture deeper into the area until they stumbled upon a structure. As they approached it, they saw an employee making his way inside. They followed him closely until they saw him activate a hidden switch, which was concealed underneath a table. This revealed a secret elevator through which the man disappeared. After waiting for the man to return and leave the area, Marr recreated the man's actions, and the pair opened the secret entrance. They then made their way inside the hidden facility.
Marr and Icon stepped out of the elevator and found themselves in a facility that was significantly different from the yard above. The upper yard was filled with old vehicles, scrap, and household appliances. On the other hand, this hidden storage facility was much more technologically advanced and unexpected by the Jedi. During their exploration, they stumbled upon parts and pieces of technology that they had never seen before, stored in containers piled up all around them.
"Well, shut me down," the droid exclaimed. "How did you discover this place?"
"One of the shelter's residents informed me," Marr explained. "He used to work for a company called Damage Control and this is one of their storehouses for any advanced technology they recover during their operations. We should be able to find what we need here."
Icon began rummaging inside a container for anything useful, while Marr continued to explore their surroundings. As he moved further down the facility, while examining some more containers, Marr found his attention mysteriously drawn to a section of the wall. As a Jedi, Marr's connection to the Force allows him to sense things that go unnoticed by most beings. Strong feelings and emotions can leave their mark on objects and surroundings; "Echoes" Marrs master once referred to them as. The Echo that was emulating from the wall was powerful. He was feeling a great sense of anxiety, sadness and fear.
His behaviour soon got Icon's attention and the droid walked over to join him. "Is something the matter?" The droid asked, watching as Marr placed a hand against the wall. "I sense great... Pain?" The Jedi explained, confusing the droid as he slowly paced while running his hand across the wall until he found what appeared to be a fake cover, concealing a hidden control panel. Marr then used it, causing the section of wall in front of them to move, revealing another hidden elevator.
"Icon?" the droid turned to face the Jedi, who had a very concerned expression on his face. "I think something much darker is happening here." He entered the elevator, followed closely by Icon and pressed the button for the lower floors as the doors closed behind them.
After a long ride down the lift, Marr and Icon emerged onto a new level. They quickly took cover behind nearby crates as they heard something approaching. A group of soldiers wearing military-grade uniforms and carrying heavy weapons passed by on patrol. The Jedi waited for the soldiers to move away before signalling for Icon to follow. They kept a low profile and continued to navigate deeper into the facility until Marr stopped them near a group of soldiers. He listened in as their Commander gave orders.
"Has the latest batch caused any trouble?" the commander asked. "No sir," one soldier replied. "the inhibitor collars are functioning and they are ready to be processed." The commander was pleased by this and ordered his men to return to their posts. As they left, Marr and Icon continued to move further into the facility. It wasn't long before they reached a depo area. Dozens of trucks were lined up alongside each other while crates were being removed by some personnel. As Marr focused on the cargo, he once again felt the strong emotions of fear and sadness emulating from them. Marr continued to watch as the crates were being taken elsewhere into the facility.
Marr looked over to his companion, "Icon, follow me and stick close. I want to know what we are dealing with."
The two of them were cautious to avoid being seen while they were pursuing their targets. Marr was utilizing his senses to help navigate through the corridors until they reached a large security door. Marr sensed strong emotions coming from behind it. However, a lone soldier was guarding the entrance. With few options left, Marr came out of hiding and walked towards the soldier. Before the soldier could react, Marr used the mind trick and ordered the soldier to allow him and Icon inside. The soldier didn't resist and granted them access. Once they were inside, the soldier closed the door behind them.
Marr and Icon stumbled upon several crates before Marr used the force to open one of them. Inside, to his horror, he found a small girl, who couldn't have been more than 10 years old. She was wearing worn-out clothes and had a collar around her neck. When the girl saw Marr and Icon, she panicked and tried to run away, but Marr extended his hand to her, indicating that she could trust him. The girl hesitantly approached Marr and took his hand. He lifted her out of the crate and placed her next to him, assuring her that she was safe. However, the girl started crying and hugged Marr tightly.
"I... Want... To... Go... Home…" the girl pleaded through her tears. "You have my word." Marr simply responded. He instructed Icon to begin freeing the rest of the "cargo" and after a few minutes, dozens of younglings were gathering around Marr, terrified and also pleading to leave this place. Marr reassured them that he was going to protect them before instructing them to stay behind him and keep close.
The door opened once again, taking the soldier by surprise and allowing Marr to incapacitate him with a single strike to his neck. But before he ushered the children to follow him, the Jedi took Icon to one side. "I want you to go and find the control centre," he ordered the droid. "Download its database and meet us back at the depot. I'll commandeer one of those vehicles back there for us to make our leave." The droid was aghast at the Jedi's instructions, "With all due respect master, I was programmed for etiquette, not espionage. How by the maker do you expect me to infiltrate the control centre unnoticed?"
The Jedi raised a single eyebrow in response and gestured towards the now unconscious soldier. Realising his meaning, Icon scanned the soldier and copied his appearance into his hologram memory. The droid then transformed into a perfect copy of the guard and headed off to begin his objective, while Marr led the children in the opposite direction.
It didn't take too long for Icon to reach the control centre. He carefully navigated his way inside, avoiding close contact with any of the facility personnel until he reached a free console. Making sure he wasn't being observed, Icon picked up the closest thing he could find that resembled a data chip and inserted it into the console to begin the download.
Marr led the children back to the depot, avoiding several guards. Once inside, he guided them towards the nearest truck and started lifting them onboard. After getting the last child into the back of the truck, Marr made his way to the driver's seat and waited for his companion to return. While waiting, he checked on the children and asked them to keep quiet when they left. One of the children then asked if they would help others; Marr was confused and asked, "What others?"
Without any warning, Icon entered the driver's cabin, and Marr eagerly asked if Icon had obtained what they were looking for. Icon confirmed that he had, but warned Marr that it would be wise to leave immediately as some of the staff appeared to be suspicious of him. Marr wasted no time, starting the engine of the truck. Icon also handed Marr a spare helmet that he had found, which Marr quickly put on. However, Icon expressed mild concern, asking if Marr knew how to drive the vehicle. Marr confidently replied that he believed it was similar to driving a speeder. As he stepped on the gas pedal, the truck unexpectedly went in reverse and collided with the wall behind them. Embarrassed, Marr admitted that he may have been wrong. After some trial and error, Marr managed to get the hang of the controls and began driving the truck out of the depot, following a route that would take them outside.
Eventually, they found themselves at what seemed like a hidden entrance leading them to the surface. But first, they had to pass a checkpoint which was stationed with guards. Marr once again reminded to children to keep quiet as he slowed the vehicle down, stopped at the checkpoint and waited for one of the guards to approach them. "And where are you two off to?" the guard demanded. "There aren't any more shipments scheduled to be transported tonight." With a wave of his hand, Marr once again used his Jedi mind trick on the guard. "You will let us pass." the guard looked at him with a dumbfounded expression before repeating the words back to Marr. He pressed a switch that opened the entrance to the surface. But before Marr and his entourage could slip away unnoticed, a deafening alarm went off and an announcement could be heard from the guard's radio.
"All units, emergency protocol 17. The mutants have escaped. Locked down the facility."
Upon receiving this cue, Marr forcefully pressed on the accelerator and recklessly drove through the checkpoint, with the guards firing at them. As soon as they broke through, one of the guards quickly reported the incident through his radio and informed their superiors about the direction in which the truck was headed.
"Understood, proceed with extreme prejudice. We are activating the Sentinels."