Exploring the Forgotten Sector II Part 2

Time: 6:15 P.M., Location: Celestial Voyager Shuttle, En Route to Tamaris II

Jarek's lekku twitched as he watched the swirling patterns of stars, slowly being replaced by the deep, gaseous swirls of the distant gas giant. It was a mesmerizing sight, one that captivated his young imagination. "How big is that planet, Dad?" Jarek asked, his voice soft but filled with wonder.

Chasin smiled and turned in his seat, reaching out to ruffle his son's lekku. "It's a massive gas giant, Jarek. Bigger than the whole planet of Tamaris Prime. It's so big that it has its own set of moons and an asteroid belt surrounding it. But there's something even more interesting out there." Chasin's voice took on a note of excitement. "We've discovered that the asteroid belt holds valuable resources—materials that we might one day be able to harvest and sell on the galactic market."

Pulchra, ever the calming presence, joined in, her voice gentle and soothing. "And we'll be exploring them today, sweetheart. Who knows what kind of discoveries we'll make?"

Rylona clapped her hands together, excited. "New things! Like toys?" Her innocent joy made everyone smile.

Sahaz Lor, who had remained silent as she observed the planet's surface, turned to her family with a hint of caution in her voice. "It's fascinating, but we need to remember—this system is full of unknowns. We've mapped the planet and the asteroid belt, but that doesn't mean we understand everything about it. There could be dangers lurking that we haven't accounted for yet."

Chasin gave her a reassuring nod. "We'll take all the necessary precautions, Sahaz. Our outposts and survey stations are designed to handle whatever we might encounter. We've already made sure to equip the team with everything they need."

Mugruco had remained mostly silent, as was her way when in deep thought. But now, she spoke up. "The asteroid belt isn't just a source of raw materials; there's an ancient history to this place, too. The old legends say that this system was once a crossroads for travelers, merchants, and explorers—a hub for some of the galaxy's most important trade routes." She paused, her voice becoming more thoughtful. "Who knows what might still be hidden among those asteroids?"

Chasin gave her a knowing glance. "That's exactly why we're going. Not just for the resources, but to uncover the forgotten past of this system." His gaze softened as he looked at her. "We never know what treasures or histories we might rediscover in the process."

Time: 6:45 P.M., Location: Above Tamaris II

The Celestial Voyager arrived at its destination: Tamaris II, a giant swirling mass of gas and storms. The ship descended slowly, the shimmering surface of the planet below swirling in shades of violet and green. As the shuttle made its way deeper into the system, the asteroid belt came into view, a dense field of rocks and debris orbiting the gas giant.

Onboard, the family prepared for the next leg of their journey. Mugruco worked diligently at the navigational console, checking the coordinates and mapping out their approach to the belt. Sahaz adjusted the shuttle's scanners, ensuring they would be able to detect any anomalies or dangers within the belt.

"We'll be approaching the asteroid belt in 45 minutes." Mugruco said, her voice steady. "The first research outpost is about halfway through the belt, near an asteroid we've been targeting for resources. We'll start our scans there."

Chasin nodded, his focus on the mission but a deep sense of pride in his family's capabilities. "Let's make sure we stay focused. We're here to gather intel and scout for future exploration opportunities. Keep an eye on the systems; we're dealing with unpredictable conditions."

Time: 7:35 P.M., Location: Tamaris System it's outer Asteroid Belt – Near Research Outpost

As they entered the asteroid belt, the shuttle's sensors came alive, scanning for signs of life, potential hazards, and hidden resources. Massive asteroids passed by the shuttle at breakneck speeds, their jagged surfaces glinting in the pale light of the distant star.

Chasin's eyes narrowed as he scanned the readings. "We're getting some interference," he noted. "Nothing too alarming, but we need to be careful."

Sahaz Lor glanced at the readouts with concern. "I'm detecting irregular energy signatures. Not from any of the asteroids, but from a cluster in the outer belt. It's almost like… something's been activated."

"Activated?" Chasin asked, his interest piqued. "You mean something's out there? A possible hidden acient station or ship that has been abandoned over the millennia?"

Sahaz hesitated for a moment. "It's hard to say. The energy readings are faint, but they're definitely not natural. We might need to investigate further."

Mugruco leaned over the console, her fingers moving swiftly across the interface as she accessed old records. "There was talk of an abandoned research station in this area—one that had been abandoned for decades. It's possible that what we're picking up is some leftover equipment from the old research outposts."

Chasin glanced over at her. "Let's check it out. If there's a station or abandoned tech out there, we need to know what happened to it."

Rylona, sitting on Pulchra's lap, tugged at her mother's sleeve. "Mama, what's out there? What are we going to see?" she asked, her voice filled with innocent curiosity.

Pulchra smiled down at her daughter. "We'll be exploring the stars, sweetheart. But remember, we always have to be careful and make sure everyone stays safe."

Jarek, ever the curious and adventurous child, peeked around his mother's arm. "Are we going to see treasure?" he asked with wide eyes.

Mugruco chuckled softly. "We might, Jarek. But remember, treasure isn't just gold or jewels—it's also knowledge. And sometimes, the greatest treasure is what we learn."

The shuttle made its way through the asteroid field, the engines humming quietly as they approached the mysterious energy signature. Time seemed to stretch as the family prepared for whatever lay ahead in the depths of the forgotten system.

Time: 8:00 P.M., Location: In the Asteroid Belt, Near a Mysterious Energy Signature

The shuttle slowed as it approached a cluster of massive asteroids, the strange energy readings growing stronger. Chasin's heart quickened, the thrill of discovery driving him forward. "We're getting close." After a few seconds the set of an ancient station that looks like it's falling apart.

Sahaz adjusted the scanners, her sharp eyes focused on the readings. "Whatever it is, it's still emitting a faint signal. If we're lucky, it's just old equipment. If not…" She let the implication hang in the air.

Chasin took a deep breath, his hands steady on the controls. "or it could be the station power core exposed let's just hope that the power core is not going critical and going to explode."

As the Celestial Voyager descended toward the surface of the largest asteroid in the cluster, the family felt the anticipation mount. Whatever secrets Tamaris system's asteroid belt held, they were about to uncover them.

The shuttle's engines hummed steadily, but the atmosphere inside the Celestial Voyager had shifted. Chasin Momeoran's hands tightened on the controls as the sensors began to flash with alarming frequency, signaling imminent danger. The family, still absorbed in their preparations for the upcoming investigation, began to sense the urgency in Chasin's movements.

"What's happening, Dad?" Jarek's voice was tinged with a hint of fear, his small form still pressed against the view-port, eyes wide as he watched the approaching station.

Chasin didn't take his eyes off the console, his fingers flying over the controls. "We've got a problem," he said grimly. "The power core of that station is unstable. It's about to go critical. We need to get out of here—now."

Sahaz Lor, her sharp Cathar senses already on high alert, turned to her husband. "Are you sure? It might be more than just an old station. If there's a reactor breach…"

"I know." Chasin interrupted, his voice steady but his eyes full of determination. "We don't have time for second-guessing. That's not just some abandoned research station—it's a ticking time bomb."

Pulchra's comforting voice cut through the tension. "Chasin, take a breath. We're all in this together." She held Rylona tightly, her soothing tone calming the little Zeltron girl, who, although curious, sensed the danger in her father's voice.

Mugruco had already turned to the navigational console, tapping in emergency escape trajectories. "There's a safe zone beyond that cluster of asteroids." she said. "If we can get past the blast zone, we'll be in the clear. But we need to move quickly. The energy readings are escalating."

Chasin nodded sharply. "All right, everyone strap in. Hold on tight."

Time: 8:01 P.M.

The shuttle lurched into motion, rocketing away from the deteriorating station as Chasin expertly piloted the Celestial Voyager through a maze of asteroids. The hull vibrated with the increasing intensity of the station's impending explosion, the faint glow of the power core becoming visible even through the asteroid fields.

Jarek, gripping the seat tightly, looked at his father with concern. "Are we going to be okay, Dad?"

"We're going to be fine, Jarek." Chasin reassured him, though his voice was tinged with urgency. "Just trust me."

Behind them, the shadow of the station loomed, a dark silhouette against the stars as the countdown to the station's meltdown continued. The shuttle shook again as Chasin made a sharp turn, the asteroid field threatening to tear them apart.

Pulchra leaned over to calm Rylona, who looked up at her father with wide, trusting eyes. "Stay calm, little one." Pulchra whispered. "Daddy's going to get us through this."

"Are we going to see treasure, Mama?" Rylona asked innocently, her voice betraying her confusion as the vibrations of the ship seemed to grow stronger.

Sahaz glanced back from the rear of the shuttle, her eyes narrowed with focus. "We may be racing for our lives, but we still have to be careful. The danger is not just the explosion, but also the debris from the blast."

Chasin's hand was steady on the controls as he steered the shuttle through a narrow gap in the asteroid field, the distant station flickering in the corner of his eye. His brow furrowed as the sensors blinked a warning—too close. "We have to clear the debris field in the next few seconds, or we won't make it."

The shuttle groaned as the engines surged, pushing against the gravitational pull of the asteroid field. Chasin's focus was unshakable, even as the station's power core flared brighter in the distance, the impending explosion sending ripples through the field.

Time: 8:02 P.M.

With only seconds to spare, Chasin pushed the shuttle to its limits, making a final sharp turn. The viewports of the Celestial Voyager seemed to distort as the ship veered away from the blast radius. The station's signal, once faint, now exploded in intensity. It was as though time had slowed, the moment stretching out like an eternity.

Sahaz's claws gripped the railing, her eyes darting between the sensors and the view-ports. "This is going to be close!"

Pulchra, despite the panic that was creeping in, held Rylona tightly and whispered a calming chant under her breath. "Stay with me, sweetie. We're almost there."

The explosion erupted behind them with a deafening roar. A brilliant burst of light filled the shuttle's rear view-ports as shockwaves rattled the Celestial Voyager. The ship lurched, buffeted by the force of the blast, but Chasin's expert piloting kept them on course, narrowly avoiding the destructive force of the station's meltdown.

"Hold on!" Chasin shouted, his voice a mixture of determination and relief.

The shuttle shuddered under the force of the explosion, but they were through the worst of it. As the echoes of the explosion faded into space, Chasin breathed a deep sigh of relief, his hands still gripping the controls as he steadied the ship. The family sat in stunned silence for a moment, the adrenaline of the moment slowly starting to wear off.

Time: 8:04 P.M.

The Celestial Voyager coasted safely into a calmer section of the asteroid field, the dangerous shockwaves dissipating in the distance. Chasin let out a long breath, leaning back in his seat, his face pale from the close call.

Sahaz was the first to speak, breaking the silence with a relieved chuckle. "That was too close."

Mugruco turned from the console, her face equally relieved. "We're safe. Just barely, but we made it."

Chasin gave a tired but proud smile as he glanced at his family. "We always make it, together."

Jarek, ever the inquisitive one, leaned over to his father, his voice almost a whisper. "Dad… was that treasure?"

Chasin chuckled softly, his fingers brushing against his son's lekku. "Maybe not treasure in the way you think, Jarek. But what we just found, and how we worked together, that's more valuable than anything we could have imagined."

Rylona clapped her hands together. "We did it! We're safe!"

Chasin looked over at Pulchra, who gave him a loving smile. "Yes, sweetheart, we did it."

As the family settled in, the adventure was far from over. The forgotten sector held many mysteries, and this was just the beginning.

9:00 P.M. - Location: Tamaris Prime, Sierra 01 Outpost

After a tense day navigating the asteroid field and narrowly avoiding disaster, Chasin and his family settled into Sierra 01, the outpost they'd recently established on Tamaris Prime. In the comfortable warmth of the dining area, the Momeoran family sat around a modest meal, grateful for a break from the excitement. The dim lighting and gentle hum of the outpost created a cozy setting, allowing them a moment to relax together.

Rylona was the first to break the silence as she carefully maneuvered a forkful of vegetables toward her mouth. "Daddy, are we safe now? No more asteroids, right?"

Chasin smiled reassuringly, ruffling his daughter's hair. "No more asteroids for tonight, my little star. Just us and a quiet evening." He glanced over at Jarek, who was fiddling with his food, looking slightly glum.

Jarek pouted, casting a sideways glance at his sister. "Rylona tattled on me earlier when I was just trying to help." He mumbled just loud enough for everyone to hear.

Pulchra, with a soft chuckle, put a comforting hand on Jarek's shoulder. "You both were brave, Jarek. Your father and I are very proud of you. And tomorrow, we'll continue the adventure together."

Sahaz, who had been quietly enjoying her meal, spoke up. "Tomorrow, if we're lucky, we might even see some rare animals on Corvax Prime. The planet has rich valleys and forests that are probably filled with wildlife."

Jarek perked up at this. "Animals? What kind of animals?"

"Well," Sahaz replied with a smile, "I've read records suggesting that there may be species there unlike anything else we've seen—creatures adapted to the cliffs and valleys, maybe even some ancient, forgotten species."

Mugruco, always eager to add a historical twist, leaned in with a mischievous grin. "And the ancient ruins on Corvax Prime… They're rumored to have once held secrets from the time of Darth Malgus. Imagine what we could discover!"

Chasin raised his glass. "To rediscovery," he said, his gaze drifting to each of his wives and children. "And to family. I don't need the stars with all of you by my side."

The family echoed his toast, their voices soft but filled with warmth. The peaceful setting gave each of them a chance to appreciate the quiet moments, knowing that the adventures ahead would bring both excitement and challenges.

January 13, 170 BBY – 8:00 A.M. - Breakfast

The next morning, the Momeoran family gathered for breakfast, the sky outside the viewport shifting from a deep violet to a soft blue as the sun rose over Tamaris Prime. The new day brought a palpable excitement, the promise of Corvax Prime ahead.

As they finished up their meal, Jarek spoke up, his voice filled with eagerness. "Dad, how long until we get to Corvax?"

Chasin, sipping his cafe, replied, "Not too long, son. We'll be there in about half an hour once we jump to hyperspace. I've set a course to bring us close to Primus 13, where our researchers are stationed."

Pulchra placed a gentle hand on Rylona's shoulder as she finished her breakfast. "And when we get there, remember, little ones: we're guests at an active research station. We must be respectful and careful, alright?"

Rylona nodded enthusiastically, her wide eyes sparkling. "Yes, Mommy. I can't wait to see what they've found!"

Sahaz laughed softly. "Knowing you, Rylona, you'll probably be more interested in finding another cute animal than old ruins."

Mugruco grinned as she added, "And who knows, maybe we'll uncover something unexpected. The Corvax system has been a mystery for centuries."

Chasin stood, signaling it was time to head to the bridge. "Alright, everyone. Let's finish up and make our way. The Celestial Voyager awaits, and Corvax Prime is calling."

The children, buzzing with excitement, scrambled to their feet, eagerly following their parents to the ship.