The Watcher gazed across the vast expanse of the galaxy, fixing its gaze upon a peculiar planet nestled within the Symkaria system. A Venator gracefully soared through the outer layers of the planet's atmosphere, trailed by a convoy of diminutive transport vessels making their descent towards the bustling metropolis of Aniana, the capital city. Within the confines of the Venator, a contingent of Clone Troops and TK Troopers stood ready, poised for their upcoming mission on the planet's surface.
"There are many planets in the galaxy you likely have never heard about. This is one of many that wouldn't have existed without the interference of the Avengers." The Watcher explained as he watched the shuttles fly towards Symkaria. "This world was founded by Ernst Sablinov, who has since used it as a mining world built on the back of the finest warriors in the galaxy who weren't part of the Clone Wars."
As the stars glistened above, Ernst Sablinova and his daughter, Silvija Sablinova, stood in the grand castle at the heart of Aniana, preparing for a crucial public address. Their home world of Symkaria was under threat from the advancing Empire, and Ernst needed to deliver a speech to reassure the people.
Silvija Sablinova, or Silver Sable if you will, has long, grayish-white hair going down to her back, with the left side partly covering her eyes. She dons a white coat with a light and dark gray uniform underneath. She has piercing blue eyes and eyebrows that possess a similar color to her hair. She carries two gray blasters, which are stored on the left and right side of her waist when she is not in battle.
The Empire's ostensible goal was to secure a prosperous future for Symkaria, but the Sablinovas knew better. The Empire sought control over Symkaria's industries and employment opportunities, particularly those offered by Sable International, a key facility that had propelled Symkaria to greatness within the galaxy.
The devastating Wars had taken a heavy toll, depleting the ranks of Symkaria's warriors and leaving the planet vulnerable to the Empire's encroachment. Ernst was acutely aware that the Empire coveted Symkaria's Cortosis supply, a precious resource discovered during mining operations. This valuable material had been utilized in the production of a select few of Symkaria's formidable weapons, making it a prime target for the Empire.
"Symkaria was found to protect the people these Imperial pigs shunned," Silivija tells her father. "If you let them take occupation, they will turn this planet into their playground."
"We cannot risk another war to ravage our streets," Ernst explained his decision. "The Empire is here only to ensure our safety."
"You cannot honestly believe their lies, Father," Silivija tells him, her voice filled with annoyance and anger. "They will shoot us in the back the moment we are not needed to assure the people."
"You need faith, my young child," Ernst tells her. "We need to do what is right for the people."
Silibija scoffed as she walked away, not wanting any part in this. As she was leaving, the Imperial Officer, Cerasus Ehllo entered. "Are you ready?"
Ernst sighed as he knew that he had no choice. "Let's just do this."
Making their way outside, the residents of Symkaria were all waiting for their senator to speak. Cerasus Ehllo approached them first, wanting to assure the people that the Empire was not their enemy.
"The Empire is not your enemy," Ehllo tells them. "We promise to treat all planets within the Confederacy of Independent Systems fairly. All we asked in exchange was for your loyalty. Yet that has not been forthcoming here on Symkaria."
Ernst watched him speak to his people, his daughter's words speaking through his mind. "This is what it's come to? We must be a puppet for the Empire to live in peace. You fought for the people, and now you are laying down your weapon when they need you most..."
"To deal with the rise in incursions, a mandatory curfew will be put into effect for your protection." Ehllo continued. "Your esteemed senator approved such measures, Avi Singh, who would like to say a few words about the importance of cooperation as we build a unified galaxy. Senator?"
Ernst sighed as he walked forward to address his people. "Fellow citizens, I implore you to embrace these new laws. Under the Empire, Raxus will flourish once more. And as your senator, I promise I promise to..." He looked into the hopeful eyes of his people and knew that her daughter was right. "This is wrong. It is my duty to act in your best interest, and it is why I can no longer condone this unjust occupation!" The people began to cheer. "They wish to intimidate us, to scare us, but we shall not cower at their acts of aggression."
Then Ehllo commanded his men to grab the senator. They did just that, dragging him away.
"Move in."
"Step aside. Clear out!"
"We have every right to be here. You're the ones trespassing."
Then Walkers began to approach across the bridge, blocking anyone from entering or exiting the city. Dozens of troops began to exit the tanks, approaching the crowd. Causing the people to silence themselves and run.
"If he does not comply willingly, we are going to need a motive." Ehllo stated, "He has a daughter. Find her."
Several armed troops stormed into the elegantly decorated bedroom of the princess of Symkaria, their presence a stark contrast to the room's delicate opulence. They swept their weapons around the space, eyes darting, searching for any sign of where she might be hiding. They remained blissfully unaware that Silvija Sablinova, Silver Sable, was stealthily perched on the roof above.
Nestled between the crevices of the tiles, she held her position with precision, her body perfectly balanced, arms and legs straining against the weight of gravity itself. The soft whispers of the night surrounded her, muffling the troops' intrusive voices as they rummaged through her sanctuary below.
With the threat encroaching and her heart racing, Silvija understood that escape was her only salvation. Driven by determination, she carefully scanned her surroundings, her keen, piercing eyes taking in every minute detail. She analyzed the layout of the troops, hunting for any viable route that would lead her to freedom. Every heartbeat marked the urgency of her situation, and she was resolute in her quest for survival.
As the enemy forces began to leave, confirming she wasn't there. "There is no sign of her, sir."
"We need to keep searching."
Silivija saw her opening as she sprang into action, her movements fluid and precise. With her silver hair gleaming in the dim light of the castle, she swiftly incapacitated the first wave of soldiers with a series of well-placed strikes and agile dodges. Her silver combat suit shimmered with each move, a stark contrast to the dark and grim surroundings.
Using her keen intellect, Silivija outsmarted the troops at every turn, leading them deeper into the castle's intricate maze-like corridors. Growing up amongst these walls, they knew all of the corners of the castle. As she fought her way through the enemy ranks, the echoes of battle reverberated off the home. She drew her blaster and opened fire, shooting down three troops, and ran past, trying to find a way out. She wanted to save her father, but she couldn't do that if she was caught.
With each defeated opponent, Silivija grew closer to her goal. She knew her time was running out as the warlord's forces regrouped for a final assault. But she was not one to back down from a challenge. Drawing on her years of combat training and experience, she fought with unwavering determination and unmatched skill.
Finally, after a fierce and grueling battle, Silivija emerged victorious, the once-imposing army now scattered and defeated. Breathing heavily but triumphant, she made her way to the castle's highest tower, where her shuttle awaited her so she could escape.
Her ship was a remodeled version of the Aggressive ReConnaissance-170 starfighter, also known simply as the ARC-170 starfighter, giving it a larger opening in the middle, where she could walk around in, it was a heavy-duty model of starfighter used by the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars and was considered the latest in fighter technology.
With a swift and agile leap, Silivija catapulted herself into the cramped confines of the shuttle, her heart racing as she scrambled to activate the controls. Through the cockpit's viewports, a cacophony of gunfire erupted outside as dozens of soldiers, clad in dark armor, aimed to take her down. The urgent, rhythmic thumping of her heart matched the cacophony around her, but she managed to steady her hands and flick the ignition switch. The engines roared to life, and with a powerful thrust, the shuttle lifted off, leaving behind the home she once knew—now a shadow of its former self under the iron grip of the Empire.
As the shuttle soared into the ink-black night, a tapestry of stars twinkled overhead, contrasting sharply with the chaotic scene she left behind. Silivija's eyes widened in alarm as blaster fire lit up the darkness, tracing fiery trails through the air. Acting swiftly, she activated the cloaking mechanism, enveloping the shuttle in a shimmering shield that rendered it nearly invisible.
Easing the controls, she threaded her way down into the thick embrace of a sprawling forest, where the dense canopy might offer her some concealment from pursuers. She exhaled sharply, feeling the tension in her muscles—this was just the beginning of a daunting quest to reclaim what was lost. Alone and isolated, she realized she had no one to lean on now.
In a moment of frustration, she hurled a crumpled piece of debris from the shuttle, watching in dismay as it slammed against the wall. The impact jolted a hidden compartment open, revealing a small communicator that tumbled out and skidded across the floor.
Silivija's heart skipped a beat as she recognized it, memories flooding back. She bent down, picking it up delicately. This device, a relic from her past, had been a gift from an old friend during the turbulent days of the Clone Wars.
It was a promise—a lifeline for when the tides of fate turned perilous. With a mix of nostalgia and desperation, she clutched the communicator tightly, recalling her friend's words: if she ever found herself in dire need, all she had to do was push the button and summon him.
And that is exactly what she did...
Meanwhile, the Protectors had recently landed on the planet of Dathomir. They believed that if Maul was going to hide out anywhere in this galaxy, the best spot would be on the one world nobody would ever dare to approach. And this is his home, meaning that it is his territory and he would be the one who knows how to get around it. They were walking around with scanners, trying to find any signs of life.
Amber and Kyle were searching through the treacherous forest of stone when she came across a weapon of sorts. She reached down and used her powers to sense the weapon. She used her Force Echo ability and sensed what had happened to the last person to wield this weapon. She sensed fear, pain, and suffering had gone through the wielder of this weapon. Then she heard laughter, maniacal, mechanical, laughter. She shuttered and was terrified at what she was seeing.
"What is it?" Kyle asks.
"Grievous." Amber would recognize that voice anywhere. "He was here."
"When?" Kyle asks.
"A long time ago," Amber was told there were whispers amongst the Padawans that Grievous killed the Nightsisters. "We were never told, but me and my friends at the Temple always heard rumors Grievous killed the Nightsisters. Guess they were true."
"Amber? Kyle, you guys there?" Peter called into the comms.
Kyle reached and picked up the comm. "Yeah, we're here."
"We finished with our side of this mountain," Peter said as he and Cheep exited the mountain caves. "We found... nothing to do with Maul."
"What about Kate and Rex?" Amber wonders.
Kate groaned as she crushed some strange plant that spilled goo all over her robotic arm. "Gah!" She cried in anger as she shook her hand, trying to get it off. "Yeah, we didn't find much."
"I think this is a lost cause, commander," Rex reported with a sigh. "There appears to be no sign of any intelligent life anywhere."
Kate froze when she heard that and looked over to Rex in surprise. "You..." Then she remembered that Rex didn't realize that he accidentally made a reference to a film in their universe. "Never mind."
As Amber was walking, she felt something set off her Force power as she sensed a disturbance. She looked around and noticed some green puff of smoke in the distance. She steadily reached for her lightsaber.
"What are you doing?" Kyle broke her out of her trance. "You were staring at something."
"It..." Amber looked up and was wondering what she saw. "It was nothing. Maybe."
While they were leaving, a mysterious figure came out from behind some rocks on the higher formations in the distance. It wasn't Maul like they were hoping.
"Cheep, you find any reference to Maul on any of the Imperial networks?" Peter asks as he steps onto the Stellar with everyone else scattering.
Cheep spun around and bleeped furiously at Peter. Seems he didn't like the question being asked again and again.
"Alright, alright, I get it," Peter tried to quiet him down. "I get it. I was just asking." He then began to hear beeping and looked around. "What is that?"
Cheep grunted and bleeped, saying it had been going off for a few minutes.
"You didn't think to tell anyone?" Peter asked him in annoyance.
Cheep bleeped, complaining about how he has to do everything.
Peter groaned as he just walked off to see where the beep was coming from. He found it came from his room and wondered what it was coming from. Opening up one of the crates in his room, he found an old communicator was going off.
"What the hell?" Peter almost completely forgot about the device. He picked it up and looked over it, wondering who had the other one. "A message?"
He activated the device, creating a hologram of Silvija Sablinova.
"Sable?" Peter was shocked to see her.
"Peter Parker, I humbly request assistance," Sable said in the message. "I don't know if the Empire has eliminated you, but I hope you are alright. And I hoped never to have to pull you from hiding, but I am desperate. Years ago, you helped me and my father during the Clone Wars, and we require your assistance once again. My father has spoken out against the Empire, and now they are holding him captive in the castle. And I know I do not stand a chance against them alone. I will send you the coordinates where I am hiding out. Please, help me, Peter Parker... you are my only hope."
That was the end of the message...
"Please, help me, Peter Parker... you are my only hope."
Peter finished the message again, this time showing it off to the rest of the Protectors.
"So, who is she?" Amber wonders.
"She's Silvija Sablinova, but we just called her Silver Sable," Peter explained to the rest of them. "She and her father founded the planet Symkaria, a planet that kept itself secure from the other systems. But... the Empire didn't care. They immediately started to occupy the planet."
"Then her father spoke out against the occupation, and was arrested." Rex guessed the rest.
"Now she is on the run," Kate sighed. "The Empire is just going after planet after planet."
"Trying to move into any system they can," Kyle nodded. "It isn't going to stop."
"No, but we can slow it down," Peter stated. "Every planet that we save from Imperial control is a win in my books."
"Aren't we still looking for Maul?" Amber questioned. "We keep getting sidetracked looking for him."
"Well, right now, we have no way of locating him." Peter shrugged as he looked to the horizon. "But Sable needs help now. We don't know how long she will last on her own. And if the Empire conquers Symkaria, then we are going to be in a lot of trouble."
"So, we're heading for Symkaria?" Kate asks.
"Yeah," Peter proclaimed. "We're going to Symkaria."
The Stellar Sentinal blasted off into the skies while a lone figure appeared and approached the ledge. She looked up towards the ship as it took off and left her behind.
The Stellar Sentinal exited Hyperspace just outside of Symkaria. They slowly began to descend towards the planet. Avoiding any of the major cities by design, making sure to stay clear of any patrol ships while following the coordinates. Cheep was keeping their ship signature scrambled so they couldn't be pinpointed.
When the ship came down for a landing in a remote forest, everyone got ready to head out. But to their surprise, Peter stopped them.
"Hold on," Peter told the crew. "Hang back. Im going to take a quick look out there."
"Why?" Kyle wonders.
"If this is a trap, I'm gonna need you guys to rescue me," Peter said, making his way outside.
Opening the ship's hatch, a stairway slowly formed as Peter exited and looked around. He walked over and caressed Symkaria's plant life and sighed. He remembered the last time he was here—it was still deep in the Clone Wars, and they declared themselves an independent planet.
And where did all the fighting lead them? Back where they started.
"Took you long enough," Sable called, getting Peter to spin around and see her. "Was beginning to worry they took you out."
Peter chuckled as he walked over to her. "Me? Never." He then approached her. "It's been a long time."
"You look... different," Sable said, caressing the emblem on his chest. "New suit?"
"New suit, new style... but the same old man underneath," Peter promises her. "You on the other hand... have only gotten more beautiful." He caressed her short hair. "New hairstyle?"
"Figured it would be better for fighting than all that hair." Sable shrugged as she moved some loose hair out of her face.
Sable felt a rush of warmth as she realized they were finally alone in the woods. With a mix of excitement and longing, she leaned in and pressed her lips against Peter's, catching him off guard with her sudden boldness. It had been an eternity since they had last seen each other, and the weight of all their unspoken words hung heavily in the air.
Peter's heart raced as he responded to her kiss, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pulling her closer. The world around them faded into a blur, time seemingly standing still as they lost themselves in the moment, savoring the connection they had long yearned for.
However, their sanctuary was abruptly interrupted by a loud throat clearing, shattering the spell of intimacy. They reluctantly broke apart, turning their heads to find the rest of the Protectors standing a few paces away, a mix of surprise and amusement painted across their faces as they witnessed the unexpected scene unfold. The atmosphere shifted, the once private moment now shared, leaving Peter and Sable to navigate the sudden return to reality.
"Uh, right, sorry, Sable. This is my crew," Peter said as he gestured to them. "Rex. Kate Bishop. Cheep. Amber Mogan. And Kyle Rook."
"Greetings." Sable greeted as she moved away from Peter. "I have heard many things from a few of you from Peter's stories."
"Funny," Kate said with a grin as she eyed Peter. "Because we have never heard about you."
"In my defense, there was a lot going on in the Clone Wars," Peter stated.
"In any situation, I am happy to have you here," Sable tells everyone. "Please... follow me."
They were led to a cliffside where they looked and saw a patrol of Troopers that surrounded the capital of Symkaria. They looked across and saw that all of the obvious entry points were being watched by Troops everywhere.
"Just like on Ryloth," Peter said with a sigh. "Except these guys... they are not our Clones..."
"More and more of them are becoming those troops we met in that facility," Rex commented. "Why are they trying to phase out clones?"
"Clones take money, money that can be spent on building this new Empire," Kate easily guessed, she being the closest to understanding politics. "But if you make it an honor to serve the Empire, then they will line up, and you will have an endless supply of them without Clones."
"That... is cruel," Amber said. "What happens to them?"
"Phased out," Peter whispered in anger. "That Spider-Woman we faced... I think someone else is working on the cloning process. Working on trying to work without the Kamino's tax dollars."
"Who would be crazy enough to do that?" Kyle wonders.
"I have a feeling it's the same guy who orchestrated the Clone Wars since the beginning," Peter muttered in anger.
"Palpatine," Kate snarled.
"Where is out entry point?" Amber wonders.
Sable gestured towards a portion of the castle, getting them to zoom in closer and see there's a pipe leaving outward over a cliff.
Kyle groaned when he saw the water. "Water. It has to be water?"
"What is with you and water?" Amber wonders. "I noticed the same thing back on Bracca."
"It's... nothing." Kyle sighed as he raised his scope. "Okay, let's do this."
With determination fueling their ascent, the team deftly navigated the rugged rocks on the side of the castle, each member employing their unique skills to scale the craggy terrain. Peter, his agile form reminiscent of the arachnids he emulated, shot out webs that anchored him as he pulled himself upward with ease. Beside him, Kate skillfully launched her grapple arrow, its metallic tip embedding into a sturdy outcrop, and from there, she smoothly swung her way up. Amber was using her Jedi training to leap high up and using the steady rocks to balance herself.
Kyle, clad in his sleek Mandalorian armor, activated his advanced wrist grapple hook, a high-tech device that lifted him swiftly through the air, allowing him to cling to the castle's rocky face. Rex, with a veteran's precision, used a rugged grapple gun salvaged from the Clone Wars, expertly finding purchase on the precarious ledges.
In contrast, Cheep soared above his teammates, propelled by his thruster. With a playful glint in his cybernetic eye, he mocked his companions as he deftly flew higher, leaving them struggling against the rock face below. Meanwhile, Sable showcased her raw strength; armed with a grappling attachment on her gun that she employed to secure herself, she also relied on her unwavering grip and muscle to scale the slick stones, battling against the cascading water pouring through the grate they aimed to penetrate.
Finally, as they reached the entrance point, Peter unleashed his spider-like strength, muscles taut with effort as he gripped the heavy gate. With a powerful heave, it tore free from its moorings, clattering to the ground and granting them access to the secrets hidden within the castle.
"We should be able to reach where they are holding my father from here," Sable states.
"That's good to hear," Peter said with relief.
"So... Protectors of the Nebula?" Sable asks Peter. "Who came up with that?"
"Oh, well, me mostly," Peter admitted.
Sable chuckled as she could have guessed that. "You did like your ridiculous nicknames."
"Seems Sable is still working out for you," Peter quipped, reminding her that he had come up with her nickname.
Sable chuckles. "Fair enough..."
They then came across an entrance grate and froze when they heard Clone's voices. They watched the shadows pass over and then quickly lifted the grate when the coast was clear. Peter was the first to rise up, gesturing for the others to follow. When they sneaked their way over to a control panel, Peter gestured for their droid to come forward.
Cheep bleeped as he rolled ahead of everyone and began to use his rod to hack into their systems. The doors opened and Peter tossed a small orb camera to roll inside and take a look around.
"We've got two guards and four on the other side of the adjacent corridor," Peter reported.
"We're going to need a distraction," Kyle sighed.
"I've got an idea," Amber said as she stepped forward and closed her eyes, reaching out her hand. "Come on..."
Amber then began to try and use the Force, lifting up one of the various artifacts, this case a sword made from Cortosis. The troopers watched it float around and then fly around them, which gave the others a chance to come in undetected. Kate shot an arrow, whilst Rex shot a stun blast to knock the second out without attracting attention.
That was when the doorway opened, and all of the Protectors shrugged. Everyone opened fire, sending the troop flying backward. Walking over him, they made their way down the corridor.
Ernst was cuffed to a chair while Commander Ehillo entered with an interrogation droid. They were surrounded by wine as Ehillo opened a bottle and poured a glass.
"Defying Imperial Law and openly inciting civil discord," Ehillo said. "I thought we had an understanding, Ernst."
"I refuse to be a puppet to the Empire," Ernst proclaimed. "My loyalty is to the people of Symkaria, not your Empire."
"An unwise choice," Enillo sighed as he took a drink. "Regardless, we will acquire what we need from you. Access to your Cortosis mines..."
The interrogation droid floated toward Ernst. "Your draconian tactics won't work on me," Ernst promised.
"You would be the first," Ehillo commented.
But when the interrogation droid was making its way over, that was when Cheep rolled into the room, grunting and beeping at them. That confused everyone enough for a smoke bomb to be dropped inside, followed by Amber's lightsaber filling the room. Everyone opened fire, and Amber blocked the attacks with her saber, giving everyone else a chance to sneak inside. Sable worked to grab one of them, yanking them over the table. Rex made it through and punched one, shooting him in the stomach. Kate shot an arrow that impaled through the weak points in their armor. Kyle shot another, leaving Peter to shoot Ehillo with a web net.
"Silvija?" Ernst was surprised to see her. "What are you doing here?"
"What do you think?" Sable asked sarcastically, helping free her father from the cuffs. "Getting you out of here."
"How did you get in?" Ernst asked.
"We have our ways," Amber stated.
"We've got a problem," Rex said, getting them to see that their helmets were going off. "They set off an alert. They know we're here."
"Then we better move fast," Peter said as they ran out of the wine cellar.
Making their way out of the cellar, they were met with two troops Kate quickly picked up the sword from earlier, using it to cut through the armor like a knife through butter. Then she spun and stabbed the second troop in the stomach. Kate hummed as she looked down at the sword and kept it as she followed everyone.
As they ascended to the rooftop, a massive armored tank rumbled past, its imposing silhouette cutting through the skyline. The sound of its tread reverberated against the walls of the castle, echoing in the cool evening air. Kate, her heart racing with adrenaline, pulled out a grapple arrow from her quiver. With precision, she nocked it to her bow and aimed carefully, launching the arrow with a sharp twang. It soared through the air, latching securely onto both the roof of the tank and the castle's parapet.
With a determined leap, she grasped the line and began her descent, letting the bow assist her in gliding down the cable. Wind whipped through her hair as she navigated downward, landing gracefully on the tank's hood. The impact sent a slight tremor through the vehicle, and with a playful yet defiant grin, she rapped her knuckles against the metal surface, the sound sharp and echoing against the hum of the engine.
"What?" The troop asks.
Kate then opened the roof with a tazer arrow in her hands. "Hi!"
Kate dropped the arrow and it shocked the trooper. Kate then leaped down and tossed another one that shot off smoke, causing the troops to cough, allowing Peter to rip open the door and throw them out of the tank without their weapons. "Buh-bye!"
Everyone used the web and grapple to then reach the ground and began to use the tank to make their getaway.
"Rex, get us out of here!" Kate cried.
"Working on it!" Rex said as he activated the tank, marching off down the streets. "Where are we going?"
"Over there, against the wall," Ernst said, gesturing to the wall of the city. "I know a way out."
The Empire began to chase after them, shooting the tank, and causing the residents inside to be shaken up by the shockwave. They made their way over to the wall while they were still being fired upon. The tank was then shot at the legs, getting them to slam against the wall, which worked in their favor as they opened the hatch. Ernst walked over and used a special device on his wrist to then open a hidden hatch within the wall.
"How...?" Amber was confused. "And why?"
"Actually, this was here when we colonized," Ernst admitted. "We just built over it and I added a security measure for me to-"
The Walker was shot again, getting them to feel the carrier was being approached. "Okay, we can discuss it later! Come on, get to the Stellar!"
The Protectors guided the Sablivona family through the dimly lit tunnel system that spiraled away from the chaos of the city above. The air was thick with tension as distant echoes of artillery fire reverberated through the narrow passage, culminating in a deafening explosion that rocked the ground beneath their feet.
As they emerged from the gloom, the harsh light of day illuminated a scene of destruction. Before them loomed the battered remnants of the Walker, its once-mighty form now billowing thick plumes of smoke into the sky. The Protectors hurried forward, their hearts racing, keenly aware of the urgency of their mission.
Upon reaching the vehicle, they scanned its exterior, but their hopes quickly dimmed—there were no signs of life within. It appeared that its occupants had eluded capture, slipping away in the wake of the chaos. With little time to waste, the Protectors turned sharply and sprinted toward their own parked vessel, determination etched on their faces as they prepared to flee the impending danger.
Ernst stopped and looked back towards the city. "What am I doing? I cannot abandon my people."
"We will not abandon them," Sable promised her father. "But we must find refuge first. Only then can we come back and save our people."
"She's right," Peter said, gesturing towards the Stellar Sentinal. "Tactical retreat isn't surrender." He stated, looking at Rex. "Right?"
"Heh, and here I thought you weren't listening," Rex commented, remembering the times they talked during the Clone Wars.
"Come on," Kate said. "Cheep, fire the engines."
The Stellar Sentinel soared gracefully through the vast expanse of space, its engines humming softly as it left the once-vibrant planet of Symkaria behind. Inside the ship, Ernst winced in pain as the medics efficiently patched him up, their hands deftly working to mend his wounds. Meanwhile, Sable stood by the expansive viewport, her gaze fixed downward. Her heart ached as she watched the familiar landscapes of her home world slowly fall under the shadow of the encroaching Empire, the once-peaceful cities now marked by chaos and strife. Determination burned in her chest; she would return to Symkaria, and she would fight to reclaim her planet from the iron grip of the Empire.
As she stared into the depths of space, lost in her thoughts, Peter approached, his presence a mix of comfort and complicated emotion. He positioned himself beside her, the silence thick with unspoken words and lingering memories. The shadows of their troubled past loomed large, a tapestry of shared experiences intertwined with the bittersweet residue of a romance that had not been fully realized. Peter remembered the day he had risked everything to save Sable and her father from the relentless onslaught of Battle Droids; the adrenaline of that moment pulsed through him even now. The Clone Wars had forced him to make unbearable choices, pulling him away from the chance of a meaningful connection with her.
Yet here they stood, two souls tethered by shared plight and unacknowledged feelings, standing on the precipice of a galaxy torn apart by war. As they gazed out into the vast night, the question hung between them—could they find a way to reignite the fragile spark that once flickered in the depths of their hearts amidst the turmoil of a universe at war?
"We're going to set course for Alderaan." Peter broke the silence. "We still have some friends there that will keep you safe from the Empire."
"Thank you," Sable said with a sigh. "What about you?"
"We've got a lot of mess to clean up," Peter stated as he looked out to the galaxies. "The Empire isn't going to stop with Symkaria, and it's not going to stop the Crime Syndicates across the galaxy. Stopping Maul... stopping Palpatine, this will be the only way the galaxy can be safe."
"You could help us," Sable offered. "You wouldn't need to run as much, and we can solve this together." She then reached over and touched his hand. "We... could be together."
"Sable..." Peter sighed.
"You once told me that you couldn't stay with me because of the Clone Wars. But they are over. You do not have any commit anymore."
Peter found himself longing to agree with her, to embark on interstellar adventures alongside Sable and engage in daring battles. However, the sound of laughter drew his attention away. He turned to witness Kyle playfully tormenting Cheep, who was a flurry of motion—bleeping and whirring as he frantically attempted to clean the oil smudged on his wheels, evidently perplexed by the attention he was receiving. Rex chuckled heartily, the light of amusement dancing in his eyes as he set down his cone-shaped helmet, momentarily relinquishing his serious demeanor.
In a delightful twist, Amber retaliated against Kyle's antics, her eyes glinting mischievously as she summoned the Force. With a swift and playful flick of her wrist, she sent a nearby loose pole toppling over, the makeshift weapon comically connecting with Kyle's head. The scene was a tapestry of lighthearted chaos, with Kate joining in the laughter, her eyes shining with delight at the innocent fun unfolding around them.
Peter's gaze shifted back to Sable, and a heavy realization settled over him. Deep down, he knew he couldn't abandon this group. This team had become his new family, each member filling the void left by his past losses. Thanos' snap had stolen his original family from him, and the brutal machinations of Order 66 had taken away everything he had hoped to rebuild. But now, amidst the playful jests and shared laughter, the Protectors were the ones who anchored him. They needed his strength, and he, in turn, found solace and purpose in their camaraderie.
"The Clone Wars was more or less just an excuse, Sable," Peter said with a sorrowful tone as he faced her again. "I... I have feelings for you. You are strong. Fierce. And a force to be reckoned with. But I know you deserve more, deserve better. This team... The Protectors... they need me. And... I need them."
Sable hid the tears behind her eyes as she understood his words. "You can't hurt a girl for trying, I suppose."
Peter settled in behind the sleek controls of the Stellar, his heart racing with excitement as the ship powered to life. The engines hummed a deep, resonant note, vibrating through the cockpit as they lifted off from Alderaan's lush terrain. A sense of nostalgia settled over him as he remembered the brief but precious moments spent with Ernst and Sable. The warmth of Senator Amidala's presence offered a comforting reassurance as they entrusted the guardianship of their new daughter, Leia, to her capable hands.
Gazing back at the breathtaking view of Alderaan receding beneath them, Peter felt a twinge of uncertainty. As they ascended into the cosmos, he had stolen a fleeting glance at Leia, the delicate newborn swaddled in blankets, her tiny face framed by wisps of dark hair. There was something about her—the way she curled her fingers or how her eyes flickered with a spark of recognition—that ignited a sense of déjà vu within him. It was as if a familiar force was pulling at the edges of his memory, whispering secrets he couldn't quite grasp.
He shook off the sensation, attributing it to the whirlwind of emotions that enveloped him. With a final glance at the vibrant hues of Alderaan's atmosphere fading into the vastness of space, Peter focused on his instruments. The Stellar surged forward into Hyperspace, leaving behind the serene planet as they ventured deeper into the star-studded void.
"Why didn't you stay?" Kate asks, getting Peter's attention.
"We overheard your conversation," Amber explained. "Seems like she likes you."
"And you are never going to find a woman like that again," Kyle stated with a laugh as he was working on some weapon. "I am honestly surprised she could stand you."
"We could have stayed if you wished," Rex admitted.
"Look, I like Sable, but the galaxy needs us. She needs to focus on saving her people." Peter said as he readjusted some of the coordinates. "Besides, I have lost people, abandoned people, even if not by choice. I have always been forced to do things I didn't want to do. But this... this was my choice. I wanted to stay with all of you. You guys are my family. My twisted, crazy, psychotic family."
Kate smiled as she leaned into her seat, looking over her new sword that Sable allowed her to keep. "So... where to next?"
Rex looked over the computer systems. "I might have something." He said, showing them a call that had been made. "We got a tipline from... Knowhere?"
"Knowhere?" Peter was surprised to hear that. "Haven't heard of that place since the Operation on Hissrich. Who's it from?"
"Cosmo," Rex answered. "He said that he had heard rumors about someone who might know Maul's whereabouts. Figured we might wanna hear about it."
"Where is this person?" Peter wonders.
"They're being held on Stars' End," Rex finished reading the tip. "Prisoner 1.11."
"Odd number system," Amber commented.
"Doesn't matter, if they have whereabouts on Maul, we need to find them," Peter stated as he flicked some switches. "Setting course."
"Prison Break... sounds like a fun change of pace from our usual course," Kyle admitted with a scoff. "One mission to another."
"Well, welcome to life as a Protector of the Nebula," Kate stated.
"They think they know what they are getting themselves into... but what happens next... will reshape the entire Galaxy." The Watcher said with concern as he knew what was going to happen next. He looked across the galaxy where he saw the young girl who was still on Dathomir as someone approached her. "For better or worse..."
"Hello, dear child," A man said as he approached, having blocky arms with normal fingers as he approached the young girl. "Are you here alone? What is your name, young one?"
"Merrin," She answered.
"Young Merrin... would you like to join us?" He asked.
"Why would I want to do that?" Merrin asks.
"Because... we wish to help bring back what you want back," He said. "We can bring your sisters back..."
Merrin was intrigued by his statement and nodded. She wanted nothing more than anything to reunite with her Nightsisters.