It was a crisp day at the Vallent estate on Alderaan, and at the hangars, a ship had just landed. This ship, a custom-built model, resembled a Delta-7 Aethersprite in every way, but sported a hyperdrive, as well as thicker wings to accommodate an astromech droid. This ship was dark green with chromium trim. The canopy opened, and the ship's owner sprung to the ground, planetside at last. His droid, the dark green and chromium R4-P35, followed suit, ejecting from his socket with an eager chirp. The man sighed as his black hair was rustled by a light breeze. Someone was coming.

"Krendar Vallent! Where have you been?!"

"Er… I just got back from the mines, Mother… I spent a lovely three months…"

"Why must you always take so long, and worry us so much? You know it's dangerous! You could have been killed! Why, if the Empire found out about our clandestine…"

"Mother, you know I want to ensure we and our allies profit from our operations."

"I know, darling, but be careful. Now… get in the house and have some food. It's a nerf roast. And get yourself cleaned up; the princess is coming! Wants to know how the mines are getting on."

About an hour later, Krendar was enjoying the promised nerf roast, with none other than Princess Leia sitting across from him.

"The mines are exceeding quotas, and have been for the past six months," said Krendar's father, Lord Terion Vallent. "We've recently set up shop on the rings of a rather rich gas giant."

"Good," said Leia. "So, Krendar… it's been a while." She lowered her voice. "Long trips to the mines?"

"I'm just a bookish aristocrat who likes to have a good think in the mountains when not on some asteroid, Princess; you know me."

"I am a very hard woman to fool," she said with a smirk. "There's a rumor going around about Vallent the Recluse, who lives in the mountains and disappears for months at a time."

"Glad to finally meet him? Ah… again?"

Leia let out a chuckle. "Delighted. Anyway, the mines aren't my only reason for being here. I'm needed on Dantooine… and I'd like Krendar to come with me."

"Alright," said Terion.

Krendar's motger cut in. "B- But he just…"

"He'll be fine… he always is."

"We won't be leaving for a week," Leia replied. "That'll give him time to think."

Krendar smiled. "Precisely. Now, Princess… you seem to think there's… more to me than meets the eye."

"Yes… we can talk on the way to Dantooine… too many eyes and ears here. No disrespect to your parents, but…"

"We understand… the Empire is everywhere."

"Alright, but… back to the mines… I don't suppose this gas giant is rich in Tibana?"