As Omega settled into the cockpit of the Y-Wing, a heavy sigh escaped her lips. Outside the viewport, stars streaked past, a blur of light as the ship zoomed toward an uncertain destination—wherever CB-23 had plotted its course. The weight of their burden pressed down on her; Gwen, their brave ally, had been captured during their desperate escape, and now the flicker of hope for her rescue seemed dim.
"We shouldn't have left her," Riri's voice broke the silence, tinged with guilt and frustration.
"Would you prefer to be captured again?" Tesla shot back, her tone sharp but protective.
"Come on, let's not start bickering," Ollie interjected, trying to keep the peace as tension hung in the air like a thick fog.
"Where exactly are we headed?" Inez asked, peering at the console, her curiosity piqued by the coordinates flashing ominously.
"Looks like we're heading for Corellia," Omega remarked, surprise coloring her voice as she processed the unexpected revelation.
"Our benefactor hails from that junk planet?" Tesla's eyebrows shot up, her disbelief evident.
"Oddly fitting, if you think about it," Riri chimed in, a hint of resignation in her tone.
With a shuddering hum, the Y-Wing exited hyperspace, the vibrant blue of the tunnel collapsing into the locals' familiar hues of Corellian skies. The ship angled downward, carving its path through the clouds before touching down gently on the bustling surface. They disembarked from the U-Wing, nerves prickling as they followed the familiar beeps of CB-23 through the crowded streets.
Cloaked figures mingled among them, their tech and equipment artfully concealed beneath the draped fabric to evade the watchful eyes of the Empire. Each step was a careful dance of stealth as Omega hoisted their unconscious friend, and draped over her shoulder like a precious burden. The weight was both a physical strain and an emotional anchor, knowing how much was at stake.
CB-23 beeped rhythmically, gliding purposefully along the cobblestone path, navigating the maze of alleys with practiced ease, the shadows cloaking them from prying eyes. Anxiety buzzed within the group as they remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
Abruptly, CB-23 halted before a seemingly unmarked wall, a flicker of mechanical precision sparking to life as she slid aside a concealed panel, revealing a hidden port. The wall rumbled softly as it opened, disclosing a narrow stairway that spiraled into darkness.
"Are we really going to follow a mysterious droid that offered us tech down this deep, dark, scary-looking stairway into who knows where?" Ollie asked, his voice laced with trepidation as he eyed the abyss beyond.
"Seems like it," Riri shrugged, unfazed by the unsettling prospect.
"Just making sure," Ollie sighed, reluctantly accepting that he was outvoted as the group prepared to plunge into the unknown.
As they descended deeper into the dimly lit corridor, CB-23 guided them to a heavy, reinforced doorway. The air grew electric with anticipation as they stepped through, revealing an expansive chamber brimming with shelves lined from floor to ceiling with an array of gleaming technological marvels. Each shelf seemed to vibrate with the untold stories of innovation, showcasing what appeared to be older prototypes of the very gadgets they had been issued.
Inez's eyes gleamed with excitement as she picked up an oversized blaster, its metallic surface glinting in the faint light, a mock-up of the sleek weapons holstered at her side. Tesla, drawn to a suit that shimmered strangely in the ambient glow, marveled at its design—crafted to cloak and blend seamlessly with its surroundings, much like the jacket she wore. A wave of realization washed over them as Riri pieced it all together, her voice bubbling with astonishment. "These are all prototypes of our tech."
"Yeah, but it raises a question—who's our benefactor?" Ollie's curiosity hung heavy in the air.
Just then, a sinister voice echoed throughout the chamber, causing them to gasp and jump, their hearts racing. They turned towards the center of the room, where an array of holographic screens flickered ominously around a sleek, futuristic desk. The chair at the desk spun slowly, heightening their anticipation. They instinctively looked up, expecting a towering figure to emerge, only to be met with the shock of a youthful voice cutting through the tension. "Me."
As the chair completed its rotation, they were astounded to find the figure did not loom above them but instead was a small child, no more than eight or ten years old, with bright blonde hair that framed her innocent face. "Hi," she chirped, her demeanor a curious blend of cheerfulness and confidence.
"A kid?" Riri exclaimed in disbelief, her mind racing to process the absurdity of the situation. "We got our tech from a kid?!"
Bouncing off the seat, the child reached down to affectionately pet CB-23 as the droid rolled closer. "Thanks, CB," she said with an air of familiarity. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry for the voice and the charade. I thought it'd be safer for you to be unaware of valuable intel in case you were caught by the Empire. Seems it worked out for all of us." With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she introduced herself, "Name's Val. Valeria Richards."
"But you're just a kid," Omega remarked, her confusion evident.
"So?" Val replied, a hint of defiance resonating in her voice. "I'm smart. What's it to ya?"
"Richards?" Gwen's voice echoed with recognition, a flash of memories igniting in her mind. "As in..."
"My father, Reed Richards, was part of the team that designed the devastating planet-killing weapon, AKA the Death Star," Val replied, her voice heavy with the weight of loss. "He was killed on Eadu, and I've been living here all alone ever since." Her gaze drifted, haunted by memories of a life once shared.
"And you built weapons?" Omega queried, his brow furrowing with concern.
"It's mostly prototypes of my father's old inventions," Val explained, her eyes lighting up momentarily. "I've been managing to piece together working prototypes and searching for those I believe could truly benefit from them."
Riri's understanding began to crystallize. "Like an Imperial's daughter who despises the Empire."
"Someone needing a nudge to rise up against it," Inez added, her voice filled with a spark of determination.
"Someone who lost everything because the Empire seized her home," Tesla pondered, aligning the pieces of their conversation.
"Gotta admit, that actually is pretty smart," Ollie conceded, a hint of admiration in his tone.
"This is all intriguing, but let's not forget," Omega interjected with urgency, "Gwen is still in captivity." her words hung in the air, a stark reminder of their perilous reality. "We have to go back for her."
"We?" Tesla echoed, her confusion evident.
"Like as in 'us' we?" Inez clarified, her eyes wide as she tried to grasp the implications.
"Yes, you," Omega affirmed, unwavering. "Why? Do you have somewhere else you need to be?"
"We barely escaped the last confrontation with the Empire," Tesla protested, her voice a mixture of fear and defiance. "Why would we risk doing it again?"
"Yeah, I didn't agree to be part of a team," Riri agreed.
"You signed up to fight the Empire, did you truly believe you could do it alone?" Omega challenged determination shining in his eyes.
"We can't," Riri sighed, her shoulders slumping under the weight of their reality. "Nobody here is a hero. We're just... kids."
"So was I," Omega responded softly, his voice steeped in nostalgia. "When I was just a child, the Empire loomed larger than life. The Clone Army marched with ruthless efficiency at its side, the Republic lay in tatters, and the rebellion was barely a flicker of hope. Everyone makes mistakes; do you think any of us haven't? We've all stumbled in our own ways. Those mistakes shape us. You have a choice: either strive to be better starting now or live forever in regret, knowing you had the chance to change."
"But taking down an Empire when we don't even know if the enemy is real or not?" Inez's voice trembled with uncertainty, her brow furrowing in deep thought. "I wouldn't even know where to start with that."
Riri leaned forward, her voice a low whisper, almost conspiratorial. "It's likely being controlled by that dome on his head. All we need to do is shatter the helmet, and the entire network could come crashing down."
Inez shook her head, her eyes scanning the dimly lit room as if searching for answers hidden in the shadows. "Even if we managed to get back aboard that ship, we'd be stepping into a labyrinth of illusions, blind and bewildered."
Ollie sighed deeply, the weight of their task hanging heavily in the air. "We'd need access, or at least a doorway into the system if we ever want to even think about dismantling it."
"You mean like a drone?" Omega interjected, her excitement sparking in contrast to the somber mood. She was recalling the small device Gwen had left behind on their ship.
The mention of the drone seemed to tug at their memories, pulling them back from the whirlpool of dread. Omega rummaged through her bag, retrieving the battered device and placing it carefully on the table. Riri leaned over, her keen eyes assessing its damaged exterior.
"If I can salvage this, I might be able to harness it to see through the illusions," Riri mused, her fingers lightly tracing the drone's contours. "I could plug myself into the system running Beck's holograms. But I'd need… smart tech. Something like—"
"More Smart Metal?" Val suggested, an unexpected spark of enthusiasm lighting her face. The group turned to her in surprise. "I've been working on designs since Dad was taken."
Riri's eyes widened at the prospect, a flicker of hope igniting within her. "I… I might be able to create something useful with that. But… what are the odds of us even getting there? It feels impossible…"
A low moan broke through their conversation, and they turned to see the mysterious figure they had rescued stirring. She sat up, her gaze swimming in confusion as her eyes landed on their eager faces gathered around the table.
"Oh, hey," Omega greeted, a small smile creeping across her lips. "Almost forgot about you."
"Where… where am I?" The young woman's voice was fragile as if it would shatter with the slightest pressure.
"Somewhere safe," Inez assured her, sliding onto the floor beside her in a gesture of comfort. "You okay? You looked pretty rough when we found you."
"You found me?" The woman, bewildered, blinked rapidly as fragmented memories swirled within her mind.
"Yeah, you were caught up in the Empire's experiments. Do you remember anything?" Inez asked gently.
"I've… I've been trapped in their clutches…" The woman curled inward, drawing her knees to her chest, her demeanor suggesting a desperate need for solace. "They did horrible things to me."
"My name is Inez," she offered softly, reaching out a hand. "What about you? Do you have a name?"
"Byrdie," she replied, a hint of sadness lacing her tone. "That's what they called me."
"Byrdie," Inez echoed, warmth threading through her voice. "That's a lovely name."
"Where…" Byrdie's gaze swept around, suddenly noticing a gap in their ranks. "That other girl. The one dressed in white…"
Inez's expression shifted, sorrow creeping into her demeanor. "She didn't make it," she admitted quietly. "She's been captured."
"Then… why don't we save her?" Byrdie's eyes sparkled with determination as if awakening from a haze.
All eyes turned to Riri, the weight of their hopes resting squarely on her shoulders. She could feel the pressure mounting, the unresolved tension in the air thickening around her.
"Alright," Riri finally relented, her voice resigned yet laced with a flicker of resolve. "Let's see if this idea holds any merit. Kid, fire up whatever tech you've got. Let's see what we can do… to get her back."
Riri stepped into the workshop, a realm infused with the hum of innovation and the electric potential of creation. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned the Smart Metal that Val had meticulously gathered for her. Mesmerized by the shimmering fragments, Riri felt a surge of excitement as she set to work, weaving her ingenuity into the very fabric of the technology.
Standing on an elevated platform, Riri watched as Val meticulously began to piece together the Smart Metal, each fragment glistening as if infused with a life of its own. The metal danced and twisted, enveloping her in a mechanical embrace that felt as organic as it was artificial, morphing around her until it seamlessly blended with her body like a second skin.
The suit emerged immaculately white and exceedingly sleek, hugging her form with enviable precision. Riri could hardly tear her gaze away as she observed the mesmerizing process—the intelligent Smart Metal weaving itself with her essence, forging a bond that transcended mere technology.
"You know what this will mean for you, right?" Val's voice penetrated the air, edged with concern. "You will transform into a human synthezoid. We can't be certain if you'll ever revert back to what you were."
Riri's heart ached with the weight of her past. "Growing up, I lost so much. Then the Empire came, and I..." She took a deep breath, her voice trembling with the echoes of her losses. "If this suit gives me the power to confront the Empire and truly make a difference… then this is my last hope. Just finish it."
With renewed determination, Val nodded and pressed on, the suit completing its union with Riri. As the mask of the suit flickered to life, it encased her face, revealing only her mouth and cheeks. A powerful shield enveloped her, a tranquil haven amidst the chaos. Her braided hair cascaded down freely, untouched by the sleek helmet, and the encompassing energy seemed to hum protectively around her.
With an invigorating rush, Riri raised her fist, marveling as the white armor enveloped her entirely. She felt an almost spiritual connection to Beck's network, its vastness pulsating just beyond her reach. Though she couldn't tap into it from this distance, the connection was palpable, sending shivers of possibilities through her.
Testing her newfound abilities, Riri floated effortlessly off the ground, the suit allowing her to soar without the need for thrusters, as if she were born to fly. A radiant blue glow enveloped her, signifying the force field crackling to life, cocooning her in safety. She extended her arms, feeling the exhilarating charge of repulsor blasts building at her fingertips, affirming the power that coursed through her.
Nearby, Inez was handed a hat that looked nearly identical to her trusty old one. However, this was no ordinary cap—it was imbued with a protective force field. While it couldn't shield her from everything, it would cushion the impact of blaster fire and heavy punches, offering a measure of survival. Yet, she knew better than to rely on it indefinitely; it was a temporary safeguard in a treacherous galaxy.
Ollie, too, received his suit, though it was far more utilitarian than Riri's majestic armor. Clad in a sleek black one-piece, it enveloped him in a cloak of resilience. He anchored his mechanical arm pack onto his back, the apparatus clicking into place with an aggressive precision. With a helmet shielding his head and eyes, he beamed with satisfaction, feeling the armor's functionality humming to life as he tested its capabilities. Laughter and camaraderie filled the workshop, a testament to their shared resolve as they prepared to face the uncertain future ahead.
Byrdie reached over and grabbed a shirt that looked better than the Imperial one-piece she was wearing. Placing it on top of her one-piece, she shrugged as she grabbed a pair of shoes and placed them on.
Gwen slowly blinked her eyes open, a heavy groan escaping her lips as she took in her surroundings. The stark, metallic walls of the Interrogation Room aboard the imposing Star Destroyer loomed around her, cold and unyielding. She struggled to bring her vision into focus, squinting against the harsh overhead lights, until her gaze landed on Beck, seated directly across from her.
"Welcome back," he said with a smirk, the corners of his mouth turned up teasingly. "I was beginning to think you'd never wake up."
"You? Worry?" Gwen replied, a scoff dripping from her voice. "Unless you were concerned about losing out on the glory of capturing me alive, I doubt you cared one bit."
Beck's expression shifted, pride swelling within him as he stood up, his sleek suit glimmering under the fluorescent lights. He spun around theatrically, arms outstretched as if putting on a show. "And that is precisely what I accomplished!" he declared, his voice echoing off the sterile walls. "No powers, no lightsaber, and certainly no Force, and yet here I am, showcasing my triumph over the Emperor's most irksome thorn!"
With a confident stride, he approached her, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Now, we'll be receiving the Inquisitors shortly, and when they arrive, I want to have something substantial to present to them." He leaned closer, a malevolent grin spreading across his face. "But first, I'd like to delve into what makes you tick."
As he reached for her mask, intent on removing it, a surge of bio-electricity erupted from Gwen, crackling violently in the air. Beck was thrown back, a startled gasp escaping him. "OOF!" he gasped, stumbling as he retreated, rubbing his stunned arm. "Get her to obey," he called out, muttering as he marched out of the room, frustration rippling through his voice. "Just try not to leave any lasting damage."
Beck left Gwen alone with the troopers as they approached with electrical batons. Gwen knew where this was going as the stormtroopers began to hit her with the batons. But as she was being struck, her body absorbed all of the electricity they were using against her. Gwen felt the power growing stronger and stronger with each hit. It kept building until she had no choice but to release it, sending a giant shockwave that freed her from the seat, knocked all the troopers back, and rendered them unconscious.
"Whoa..." Gwen was shocked by this revelation as she looked down at her hands. "I gotta get out of here."
Gwen groaned as the energy she blasted off seemed to actually harm her as she struggled to stand up. She crawled to her feet and held her side as she walked over to the doorway. The blast fried the electrical equipment, so she managed to walk out and made her way to the elevator.
Once the elevator opened, she was met with Mysterio. Gwen gasped and took a swing to punch him, but the Mysterio vanished and Gwen stumbled in as the area turned dark with green mist appearing. Dozens of Mysterios then appeared, floating around and laughing
"Wow, Gwen," Beck mocked. "I can't believe how easy you fell for that. Did you think you'd escape that easily?"
"If you haven't noticed, I'm kinda stubborn," Gwen proclaimed, shooting a blast of bio-electricity at one of the illusions. "And I've come too far to quit!"
The more Mysterio's illusions she hit, the more kept showing up. "Oh, but you will!"
Gwen watched as the illusions changed again, this time looking like the halls of an Imperial facility. She frantically looked around when she spotted Mysterio flying down and marching over to her. Gwen shot out some webs, trying to stop him, but her webs turned into green smoke. Just another illusion.
Mysterio vanished in the green smoke she shot off, making her frantically look around to see where he was. "You had so much potential for the Empire."
Gwen spun around to where his voice was, trying to punch him, but in reality, she punched a wall through the illusion. Gwen winced as she rubbed her arm as she frantically looked around.
"Beck! Stop hiding behind these measly parlor tricks and come out and face me!" Gwen demanded him.
"You're right," Beck stated, getting Gwen to look upward and see him floating there. "If my illusions won't break you... perhaps the truth will."
Gwen watched as the illusions started to shut down, revealing that Gwen was fighting in the docking port. She looked around in confusion when she looked out into space, seeing fragments of the U-Wing floating around... and all of her friends with it.
"They never got away," Beck informed Gwen.
Gwen gasped as she dropped down in tears, not sure if she believed this or not, but it was too real for her not to believe it. She got them killed. She thought she could save them, and it was her doing that got them killed. Gwen fell to her hands and knees, removing her mask as she let the tears fall.
But it was indeed an illusion.
Back when Gwen began to wake up, Beck made his way back on the deck of the Star Destroyer and walked over to see alerts.
"Sir, we've got a ship coming in from Hyperspace." A soldier alerted him.
"They came back?" Beck asked in surprise.
"Should we open fire, sir?" He asks.
Beck smiled as he looked out the window as the Y-Wing made its way over. "Open fire. I've got an idea.:
As the Y-Wing soared through the vastness of space, anticipation buzzed within the crew. Omega sat firmly behind the controls, her focus sharpened and purpose clear. Riri, the team's daring specialist, readied herself for the mission ahead. The plan was etched in their minds: Riri would delve into Beck's illusions to hunt him down and rescue Gwen, while Inez, Ollie, Byrdie, and Tesla would seize control of the enemy's command center. Meanwhile, Omega and Val would serve as sentinels, holding the platform steady alongside CB.
"Alright, Riri, you're up," Omega said, her voice steady yet laced with urgency.
Riri exhaled slowly, a blend of trepidation and determination coursing through her veins. "Let's hope this works," she muttered, steeling herself as she made her way to the door. Together with Tesla, whose phasing abilities shimmered with energy, Riri stepped outside the ship, a wave of relief washing over her as her life-support systems hummed with reassurance.
Soaring upward, she caught a glimpse of Omega maneuvering the Y-Wing skillfully, keeping it just out of range of enemy fire. Riri squinted into the vast expanse ahead and spotted the deceptive weaponry Beck had conjured—a deadly mirage designed to ensnare them.
"It's working," she declared, her heart racing with newfound confidence. "I can see through his illusions." With determination, she navigated through the onslaught of phantom projectiles. "Stay on my six, and you'll make it," she instructed Omega, who barked a quick acknowledgment, keeping pace beside her.
They danced through the cascade of false threats, Riri expertly discerning between real and illusory dangers. "Fake!" she shouted sharply as a burst of light zoomed close, only to flicker out of existence. A moment later, her instincts screamed, and she deftly dodged a genuine projectile, the air crackling with the near miss. "Real! We've got to take down those TIE Fighters!"
As they approached the ominous shadow of the Destroyer, Riri's senses heightened with both fear and urgency. The enemy fighters emerged, sleek and menacing, forcing Omega into action as she unleashed fire from the Y-Wing's guns, blasting them from the sky one by one.
But the closer they soared towards the looming ship, the more Riri felt her mind unravel under the weight of Beck's fearsome network. "What's going on?" Omega's voice broke through the chaos. "Why are you slowing down?"
Panic gripped Riri's heart. "Something's wrong… My neural network is sputtering. But I can push through it… I hope…" she stammered, wrestling with the encroaching haze that threatened to engulf her clarity. With every inch closer to the colossal vessel, her vision began to glitch, colors blending into a chaotic blur, drawing her into sensory overload.
"I have a bad feeling…" she murmured, dread pooling in her stomach. Suddenly, a sharp jolt of glitching pulled her focus away, sending her spiraling down into the docking bay with a crash that echoed ominously. As she crumpled to the ground, a squad of stormtroopers materialized, their blasters trained mercilessly on her. "Hold it!"
Yet, just as the tension reached its peak, the Y-Wing made its descent, landing with fierce precision. The troopers' attention faltered momentarily, and in that precious instant, Tesla propelled herself from the ship. Harnessing her phasing technology, she seemed to flicker like a ghost, a blur of motion as she collided with the troopers, swiftly dispatching them with a fierce grace.
Using her phasing tech to block their attacks, she managed to fight them off, phasing through their armor to take them out with one hit. When the doors to the ship opened and the others joined, they saw the other troopers were already taken care of.
"Couldn't leave any for us?" Ollie asks. "Not that I am really complaining."
"I'm sure you'll find some more to take on," Riri stated as she climbed to her feet.
"Riri, how are your systems?" Omega asked, stepping out and aiming her blaster around, looking for any troopers.
Riri groaned as she tried to see. "I'm still uploaded through the network. But the illusions are too much. I didn't... I didn't think it would be this much on my head."
"Then stop trying to see through them and just figure a way out of them," Omega said as she looked around. "Go find Beck and shut down these illusions so we can save Gwen."
"On it," Riri said as she floated and flew down the hallways they escaped from earlier to find Gwen.
"You know what to do," Omega tells the rest of them.
Troopers were rushing down the corridor to make it to the docking bay. "We lost contact. Check the-"
That was when they turned a corridor but were immediately met with Ollie sliding down the hallway floor. Using the mechanical arms from his pack to quickly strike the Troopers, knocking the guns out of their hands.
"What the-!?"
That was when Inez opened fire, taking down the troopers with ease. "Well, that was not as fun. Kinda hoping for a bit more of a bite."
"Let's not jinx us," Tesla warned, her voice tense as they dodged a searing blaster bolt that sizzled past. They glanced down the dimly lit corridor, the shadows writhing with the silhouettes of more troopers advancing. Instinctively, they dove for cover in the adjoining hallways, hearts racing.
"Great, you just had to jinx us!" Tesla groaned, her frustration palpable. "And we're trapped in the ammunition zone. If I phase through them, I might detonate this whole ship."
"I knew I forgot something!" Val's voice crackled through the comms, urgency lacing her words. "Yeah, ammunition is trickier to phase through than walls. We're in deep trouble!"
"What are we going to do?" Ollie's voice trembled, worry etched on his face. "If we stall here, they'll flank us and take us down!"
Suddenly, Byrdie stepped forward into the chaotic hall, and gasps echoed from her friends. "Byrdie, get down!" they shouted in unison.
Ignoring the warning, Byrdie raised her arms, the intricate tattoos of feathers swirling and shimmering on her skin, transforming into magnificent, full-length wings. With a surge of determination, she dashed forward, her wings unfurling majestically to absorb the blaster fire roaring at her. As she closed the distance to the troopers, she unleashed a powerful sweep of her wings, sending their weapons spiraling from their hands.
With a burst of energy, she launched into the air, a gust of wind erupting around her as she sent the stormtroopers tumbling backward. She landed gracefully, folding her wings into her back, a triumphant smile lighting up her face as she turned to her friends.
"Whoa, that's incredible!" Ollie exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise. "What other secrets are you hiding from us?"
Byrdie beamed as her head began to emit a soft, ethereal glow, revealing a focused laser that she aimed at the doorway ahead. With a swift, precise shot, she blasted it open, creating a path to the bridge of the ship. They rushed inside, Tesla zipping past them like a phantom, her form shimmering as she phased through matter to seize the commander.
As the remaining troopers aimed their weapons in a desperate attempt to retaliate, they were met with a tense standoff when Byrdie and the others swarmed into the bridge, filling the air with a charged energy.
"I wouldn't move if I were you!" Inez shouted, her voice firm as she stepped to the front, ready to face whatever came next.
"You really think that you will hold this point?" The commander asks. "The rest of our troops will be here soon."
"That's why you are going to give them the order to abandon ship," Tesla said.
"Or what?" The commander asks.
Tesla chuckled as she then moved her hand through his head. "If you don't..."
Riri soared down the dimly lit corridor, her heart racing as she approached the detention level, anticipation thrumming in her veins. She was ready for the illusions to commence, but an unsettling silence enveloped her. No illusions materialized, and the absence of troops only deepened her unease. With determination, she pressed on, eventually arriving at a shattered cell that bore the scars of a chaotic escape.
"She must have gotten away," Riri speculated, her voice barely above a whisper, the realization sinking in like a stone in her stomach.
Just then, a sudden thump echoed through the stillness, sending a jolt of anxiety coursing through her. Reflexively, she aimed her repulsor blasts down the hallway, each step measured and cautious as she crept toward the unsettling noise. When she finally caught sight of a figure, adrenaline surged through her, and she opened fire instinctively, unleashing a frightened scream that echoed off the walls.
"Whoa! It's me! It's Ollie! Stop!" the figure yelled, panic lacing his voice.
"OLLIE!?" Riri gasped, her heart racing even faster. "Where were you?!"
"Where were YOU!?" Ollie shot back, confusion painting his features. "We were looking everywhere for you! We took over the deck, and there was no sign of Gwen or you!"
"They must be somewhere else," Riri sighed, exasperation mingling with worry. She gestured toward the elevator. "Let's take that."
As they moved toward the elevator, Gwen approached, calling the lift. She stepped inside and turned, her expression a mix of impatience and concern. "Ollie? Come on!"
But Riri halted, her breath hitching as she watched Ollie flicker and glitch, a spectral haze revealing him to be nothing more than an illusion. Horror clawed at her as the elevator doors slid shut, sealing her inside a containment cell that hummed ominously to life.
"No! No, no!" Riri cried out, panic escalating.
"Oh, Riri, I had such high hopes for your intellect," came a chilling voice from the shadows. Quinten Beck, draped in his Mysterio garb, strode forward with an air of arrogance, his cape billowing behind him like dark smoke. "Did you really believe that accessing my network would be so straightforward?"
"What are you talking about?" Riri stammered incredulity etched across her features.
"You must understand, in this world, trust is a luxury you cannot afford," Beck proclaimed, his gaze piercing as he advanced with calculated confidence. "I allowed you to infiltrate my network, all to lure you back here, the naive hero hoping to rescue her little friend."
"Where is she?" Riri demanded, desperation creeping into her voice.
"Oh, she's the least of your worries at the moment," Beck replied dismissively. "I've kept her alive just long enough to draw you into my web."
"Why would you do this?" Riri asked, fury igniting within her.
"So that I can savor my victory," Beck declared, a sinister smile curving his lips. "You honestly thought you were going to be some great saviors? You can't even save yourselves. The Empire is on its way, and I have a great spectacle to present—one that will illuminate my power."
Riri's fists clenched, determination flaring as she struck the confines of her prison. "Don't count me out just yet! I won't give up so easily!" she shouted, defiance burning bright against the encroaching despair.
Meanwhile, on the bridge, everyone was abandoning the ship while Tesla approached the controls. "You ready to do this?" Ollie asked her.
"Ready to create a power surge to destroy the entire ship and leave it stranded in space while we make our escape?" Tesla recapped. "Let's do this."
Tesla punched the controls of the ship, hearing the gear she was wearing hum to life as the entire ship began to flicker. Hopefully, this was going to be enough to shut down Beck's illusions, or at least give Riri a heads-up.
Riri was struggling to escape the cell when suddenly she watched the lights flicker. "What?" Beck asks. "What is happening?"
Riri chuckled as she watched the containment module begin to surge. "That would be my team."
Riri then charged as fast as she could and flew at the glass, shattering it as she flew and punched the illusion. Then a dozen more Mysterios appeared around her, but most of them began to flicker.
"You can't hide from us anymore, Beck!" Riri cried.
Gwen was still defeated as she thought she had failed her friends. But then she watched as they began to glitch, and she gaped when she saw they were just illusions. She grew a new surge of power as she stood and turned to face Beck.
"What?" Beck asks. "No, you lost."
"I almost lost," Gwen said with a smile. She looked down and placed her mask back on. "But then my team saw through your illusions." Gwen then began to charge up more bio-electricity like before. "Oh, and thanks for the new trick."
Gwen unleashed a tremendous surge of bio-electricity, the vibrant crackle illuminating the dim interior of the abandoned Star Destroyer. The air shimmered with energy as the ship's systems faltered, plunging it into darkness. Gwen collapsed to her knees, breathless from the sheer force of the blast, a wave of exhaustion washing over her.
The blast flickered like a dying star, severing Beck's hold on his drones and illusions. With a soft thud, Beck crumpled to the floor, his grip on consciousness slipping away.
Riri burst into the room, her eyes wide with concern. "Gwen!" she exclaimed, dashing to her side, her heart racing. "Are you okay?"
Gwen looked up, weary but smiling faintly as her gaze wandered to Riri's new battle-ready look, shimmering with futuristic flair. "I'm fine," she panted, pride shining through her fatigue. "Love the new look."
Riri beamed at the compliment. "Thanks!"
From the ground, Beck groaned, slowly coming to his senses, his expression a mix of confusion and frustration as he took in the sight of the two women. "No... I am the master of illusions," he muttered, his voice strained.
Gwen strode purposefully toward him, the confidence in her posture unmistakable. "And now, when the Empire finally arrives, you'll have to explain how, despite your twisted mastery of illusions, all of this power, you still fell to the Rebellion," she taunted, her words laced with defiant triumph. "And to children, no less."
Beck grappled to stand, encumbered by his clunky armor, determination etched across his features. "You will fall... you know that," he rasped, the weight of his threat hanging heavy in the air.
"Don't count on it," Riri countered sharply, her voice resolute as she stepped forward, ready to move.
With a sense of urgency driving them, they sprinted toward the Y-Wing, hearts racing as they rejoined their allies. The cockpit hummed to life, engines roaring as they soared away from the dark husk of the Star Destroyer. In the nick of time, they punched it into Hyperspace, escaping the impending arrival of the Empire's reinforcements, their relief palpable as they hurtled into the unknown.
"Beck," Mara Jade sighed. "Send a squad to find him. He'll have a lot to work for."
Emerging from the swirling expanse of hyperspace, they rejoined their fleet and were taken aback by the sight of an Imperial carrier nestled among the ranks of their rebel ships. The ominous vessel, though distinctly Imperial in design, sat quietly without unleashing its weapons, hinting at a twist of fate rather than a confrontation— it had been hijacked by their allies.
"Looks like we missed a dramatic turn of events," Gwen remarked, her brow furrowing in concern. "Do you think they'll be furious with us?"
"Eh, it's a distinct possibility," Omega replied with a nonchalant shrug as they set their Y-Wing down on the landing platform. "Why don't you all hang back? We'll handle the fallout first."
As they disembarked, the air was charged with tension. Kanan, Hera, Bucky, Peter, Ahsoka, and Sato stood before them, their expressions radiating a mixture of exasperation and anger—undoubtedly a result of their reckless disregard for orders in pursuit of rescuing their comrades.
"So, we anticipated you'd be a bit upset," Gwen ventured, her voice wavering slightly.
"More like furious," Hera shot back, her tone sharp and unwavering.
"But look... we managed to save some people from the Empire," Omega piped up, gesturing proudly toward the ship as its hatch slid open. At that moment, Inez, Tesla, Riri, Ollie, CB-23, and Valeria began to emerge, looking bewildered yet relieved to be free. "We also uncovered some crucial information about the Empire. It could be pivotal for our cause moving forward."
All eyes turned to Sato, who looked contemplative, weighing the cost of their impulsive actions. Seeing the young faces among the rescued, a flicker of relief crossed his features—the future generation had evaded the Empire's grasp. "Let's hear what you've discovered first, and we can decide if this was a gamble worth taking," he finally stated.
A collective sigh of relief rippled through their group as they turned back to their newfound allies. Peter grinned, leaning towards Gwen. "So, you went off to save some kids, and it seems you've managed to assemble a ragtag team."
"A team?" Gwen snorted, glancing at the group with a mix of amusement and skepticism. "Honestly, they're still a work in progress."
Peter laughed heartily. "Ah, the student becomes the master."
"Oh, heavens no! I still have so much to learn," Gwen protested, shaking her head. "I nearly got all of us killed a dozen times over. I am definitely not ready to lead my own team yet!"
Amused, Peter pressed on, "So, does this eclectic group of yours have a name yet?"
"We are the Thunderbolts!" Val cried out, her voice bright and full of enthusiasm. The declaration hung in the air, prompting startled looks from her companions. "I thought it was fitting—that we're like the thunder before the bolt of lightning that strikes at the Empire!"
"I cannot support that monstrosity," Riri declared emphatically.
"Definitely not," Ollie chimed in, shaking his head in disapproval.
"Oh thank the stars," Tesla sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes as she began to walk away. "That is just awful."
"The Thunderbolts, come on, it'll grow on you!" Val insisted, her optimism unwavering.
"I like it," Byrdie interjected, a playful twinkle in her eye.
"Of course you do," Inez scoffed, joining the others as they turned away. The mix of personalities created a current of camaraderie, even amidst the chaos, with the future remaining uncertain but undeniably thrilling.