The twin moons of Aurora's Reach hung high in the sky, casting pale light over the settlement as Kade slipped through the narrow alleys. The streets were quieter now, with most residents retreating indoors to avoid drawing attention from the Imperial patrols that stalked the main thoroughfares. Kade kept to the shadows, his movements fluid and deliberate. He wore a dark cloak over his clothes, the fabric blending into the dim surroundings. Every step was carefully placed, avoiding loose stones or debris that might betray his presence.
The meeting point for tonight's operation was the basement of the Forge, a workshop on the outskirts of Aurora's Reach. Owned by Teyran, a towering Lasat with a gruff demeanor and a heart loyal to the rebellion, the Forge served as both a legitimate business and a hub for underground activity. The basement was well-hidden, its entrance obscured behind a heavy rack of tools and parts that only Teyran and a few trusted rebels could move.
Kade navigated the maze of alleys with the confidence of someone who had grown up here. He knew which paths were safe and which were prone to Imperial patrols. As he approached the Forge, he caught sight of a pair of stormtroopers patrolling a nearby street. Their white armor gleamed faintly in the moonlight, their blasters held ready. Kade froze, pressing himself against the rough wall of a building. He held his breath, counting the seconds as the troopers' heavy boots echoed off the stone walls. When their voices faded and their forms disappeared around a corner, he exhaled quietly and resumed his approach.
The Forge loomed ahead, its sign darkened to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Kade slipped around the side of the building, crouching low as he moved to the back entrance. He tapped lightly on the metal door in a rhythmic pattern—three short knocks followed by two long ones. After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing Teyran's imposing figure.
"You're late," Teyran rumbled, his voice low but carrying a hint of humor.
"Ran into a patrol," Kade replied, stepping inside as Teyran closed and bolted the door behind him.
"Good thing you didn't run into them headfirst. Come on, the others are waiting."
Teyran led him through the cluttered workshop, the walls lined with shelves overflowing with gear: climbing harnesses, reinforced packs, insulated clothing, and even rebreathers for navigating toxic environments. The smell of treated fabrics and oil lingered in the air. At the far end of the shop, Teyran reached out and grasped the edge of a massive rack stocked with field kits and climbing gear. With a grunt, he slid it aside, revealing a staircase descending into shadow.
The basement was dimly lit, its atmosphere tense yet purposeful. A single lamp swung gently from the ceiling, casting uneven light over the gathered rebels. Vrix, a green-skinned Rodian with expressive black eyes, stood at the center of the group. The slight tilt of his head and the twitching of his snout hinted at his perpetual alertness. Maps, schematics, and data slates cluttered the table in front of him, along with a few scattered pieces of exploration gear.
Kade joined the group, his sharp eyes scanning the materials on the table. Teyran took his place beside the Rodian and folded his arms, his deep voice cutting through the low murmur of conversation.
"Listen up," Teyran began. "The Empire's made another supply shipment to their depot near the edge of the Spirewood. Same as before—medical supplies, rations, and equipment they don't need but we do. This time, though, we're not just raiding for the goods. There's intel there—specifically, a data slate detailing troop movements and patrol schedules. We need it if we're going to stay ahead of them."
Vrix tapped a clawed finger on the map, drawing their attention to a marked section near the outskirts of the settlement. "The depot's lightly guarded—four stormtroopers on rotation, with two officers overseeing operations. The stormtroopers are predictable, but the officers? They're sharp. We'll need to work fast and quiet."
Kade studied the layout, his mind already forming a plan. The depot was a small outpost near the edge of the Spirewood, its proximity to the forest making it vulnerable to the storm's interference. "What's the plan for the intel?" he asked.
"That's where you and Vrix come in," Teyran said, his gaze locking on Kade. "Vrix will keep an eye on the troopers and create a distraction if things go sideways. Kade, you're going in. You'll locate the data slate and signal us when you've got it."
"And the supplies?" Kade pressed.
"We've got a second team handling that," Teyran replied. "Your focus is the intel. The storm's interference will cover us for a while, but once you grab that slate, we'll have to move fast."
Vrix's snout twitched as he added, "The storm will also be how we stay in touch. I've set up a burst transmitter with a scrambler—it'll only work short-range, but it should cut through the interference just enough for us to communicate."
Kade nodded, taking it all in. The plan was risky, but they'd faced worse. His thoughts drifted briefly to Asa, training under Varan to harness her abilities. Her determination inspired him, fueling his resolve to fight back against the Empire so she—and others like her—could have a chance to live without fear.
"I'll get it done," Kade said firmly.
Teyran's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained steady. "I know you will. Just stay sharp out there."
With the briefing concluded, Kade double-checked his gear and prepared to head out. He gave Teyran and Vrix a nod before slipping back into the night. The path to the depot would be dangerous, but he was ready.
Kade moved through the Spirewood like a shadow, the forest alive with its usual chorus of rustling leaves and distant chirps. The Aurora Storm had begun in earnest, the phenomenon casting faint, ethereal green and blue glows across the night sky. Though beautiful, the storm was a double-edged blade; its electromagnetic interference would hinder Imperial sensors and communication, but it also meant that Kade's equipment was prone to glitches.
The Spirewood was dense and unpredictable. Towering, gnarled trees with thick, rope-like roots made the terrain treacherous. The air was damp and cool, filled with the earthy scent of moss and wet bark. Kade's boots sank into the loamy soil as he advanced, keeping to animal trails and natural clearings to avoid leaving a noticeable path. He kept his hood up, shielding his face from the light drizzle that filtered through the canopy.
He paused beside a massive tree, its trunk thick enough to hide his entire frame. He crouched and pulled a handheld scanner from his belt. The device flickered and spat static, its screen barely readable. Kade smirked—just as Vrix had predicted, the Aurora Storm was wreaking havoc on electronics. He tucked the scanner away, relying on his memory and instincts to navigate instead.
A faint rustling to his right made him freeze. He slowly reached for the blaster at his side, his sharp eyes scanning the underbrush. A moment later, a small, four-legged creature darted across his path, its luminous eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. Kade exhaled, relaxing his grip on the blaster. The wildlife of the Spirewood was curious and unafraid, though the creatures often fled at the first sign of trouble. It was an unspoken warning—if the forest grew silent, danger was near.
As he pressed on, Kade's thoughts drifted to the mission ahead. The Imperial outpost was small but vital, a supply hub that kept the Empire's presence in Aurora's Reach running smoothly. The data slate he was tasked with retrieving would be a significant win for the rebels, giving them insight into troop movements and patrol schedules. Yet, the closer he got to the outpost, the more his stomach twisted with unease. This wasn't his first mission, but the stakes felt higher now. The Empire's tightening grip on the settlement was becoming unbearable, and failure tonight wasn't an option.
A faint glow in the distance marked his destination. Kade slowed his pace, crouching low as he approached the edge of the forest. From his vantage point, he could see the outpost nestled in a clearing, its prefab walls gleaming faintly in the storm's light. The structure was modest, little more than a storage facility with a small communications tower. A handful of stormtroopers patrolled the perimeter, their stark white armor making them easy to spot against the dark backdrop of the forest. Two officers stood near the main entrance, their black uniforms almost blending into the shadows.
Kade studied their movements, noting the timing of the patrols and the blind spots in their security. The stormtroopers walked in pairs, their paths overlapping briefly before continuing their rounds. The officers, meanwhile, appeared focused on a datapad one of them held, gesturing occasionally toward the supply crates stacked near the entrance.
Kade checked his pocket for the encrypted signal chip Teyran had given him. It was a small device that emitted pulses of static, mimicking the natural bursts of interference caused by the Aurora Storm. When picked up on a receiver, the pulses created a crude form of Morse-like code. It wasn't perfect—miscommunication was a constant risk—but it was good enough to coordinate missions under the Empire's nose.
As he moved deeper into the Spirewood, Kade pulled out a modified commlink designed to work with the signal chip. The device hummed faintly in his hand, the screen showing erratic lines of static. He tapped the side of the commlink twice, sending a burst of static into the air. The pattern of bursts was a prearranged signal: In position, awaiting confirmation.
For a moment, the only response was the usual crackle and hiss of the storm's interference. Then, faint and barely decipherable, came a series of pulses in return. Vrix's "voice" in the static. The Rodian's signal was rough but recognizable: Acknowledged. Status?
Kade tapped his commlink again, inputting a sequence to indicate his progress. En route to target. Stand by. The static bursts vanished into the storm, blending seamlessly with its chaotic energy. The Empire couldn't distinguish rebel signals from natural interference, giving the insurgents a rare advantage.
As Kade neared the Imperial outpost, the low-tech communication method proved invaluable. Every few minutes, Vrix's faint bursts would update him on troop movements around the outpost. Patrol rotating. Two troopers by west entrance. Clear window in ninety seconds. Kade responded with a quick sequence of pulses, confirming his understanding. The storm's interference made real-time coordination impossible, but the static code allowed for just enough precision to keep the operation running smoothly.
At one point, Kade crouched beneath a dense thicket to avoid detection as an Imperial probe droid buzzed overhead. He sent a quick burst to Vrix: Droid patrol detected. Stand by. Vrix's response came moments later: Continue. No droids on west perimeter.
The storm overhead crackled with energy, its vivid lights flickering through the gaps in the trees. Kade used the faint illumination to navigate, his senses heightened by the ever-present tension of the mission. Each step was deliberate, every sound a potential warning. When he finally reached the edge of the clearing, he sent one final burst to Vrix: In position. Observing target.
The static pulses blended into the storm once more, leaving Kade alone with his thoughts. The method wasn't perfect—messages could be lost or misinterpreted—but the rebels had little choice. The Empire's advanced technology was no match for the chaos of the Aurora Storm, and the rebels' ingenuity was their greatest weapon.
Kade stashed the commlink and focused on the task at hand. The outpost loomed ahead, its prefab walls illuminated by dim floodlights. He studied the patrol routes, counting the seconds between rotations. The storm, with all its disruptive power, was both an obstacle and an ally. Kade was determined to make the most of it.
Kade remained crouched in the underbrush, watching the Imperial outpost intently. The storm above raged on, its light illuminating his target in brief, eerie flashes. As the west entrance patrol rotated away, he made his move, sprinting across the open ground toward the shadowy side of the outpost.
He pressed himself flat against the wall and exhaled slowly, listening for the telltale clatter of boots. The storm masked some sound, but it was a double-edged sword—it also made it harder for him to gauge his surroundings. Kade pulled a small pry tool from his belt, one of Teyran's creations, and began to loosen the bolts on a vent cover. The toolshed exterior might have fooled the average eye, but Teyran's intel about this vent's weak spot had been spot on.
Inside the storage room, Kade worked quickly but methodically. The storm outside seemed to rattle the walls, and the occasional flicker of power in the ceiling lights reminded him how little time he had. His duffel bag was open on the floor, already half-filled with bacta patches, field dressings, and stim injectors. Teyran's briefing had been clear: these medical supplies were critical for the cell's survival, especially with the Empire tightening its grip on Aurora's Reach.
As he pried open another crate, Kade found something unexpected: sealed vials of pain suppressants and surgical tools. "Jackpot," he muttered to himself, carefully packing them away. His fingers worked quickly but with care; the clink of glass against metal could easily alert any passing guards.
The commlink on his wrist buzzed faintly, distorted by static. He twisted the dial, adjusting for the interference caused by the aurora storm. A garbled message came through from Vrix: ...Troopers near...move fast.
Kade's heart skipped. He glanced toward the door and double-checked the lock he had bypassed earlier. Time was running out. He crammed the last of the supplies into the bag and shouldered it, the weight dragging at him but manageable.
Just as he reached for the door, the lights flickered again, this time plunging the room into darkness for several long seconds. When the emergency lighting kicked in, the hallway outside was filled with the telltale clatter of approaching stormtroopers.
"Sector 3 sweep," a clipped Imperial voice barked. "Check all rooms for tampering. The storm's been disrupting our surveillance feeds."
Kade's blood ran cold. The storm that had been his ally was now forcing the troopers to rely on manual checks. He slipped to the side of the storage room, crouching behind a stack of unopened crates. The door hissed open, and two stormtroopers stepped inside, their rifles at the ready.
Kade held his breath, staying absolutely still as their helmets scanned the room.
"Crates look undisturbed," one of them said.
"Still. Report says anomalies in this section. Let's sweep properly," the other replied.
Kade reached for a small tool in his belt—a sonic emitter Teyran had given him for emergencies. He activated it, tossing it toward the far corner of the room. The device emitted a faint, high-pitched whine, causing both stormtroopers to snap their heads in its direction.
"Did you hear that?"
"Yeah. Could be something malfunctioning. Cover me."
As they moved toward the distraction, Kade slipped out the door, silent as a shadow.
The moment Kade hit the open corridor, he knew he was in trouble. The sound of boots clanging against the polished floors echoed behind him, growing louder by the second. A quick glance over his shoulder confirmed his fears—two stormtroopers had entered the storage room just as he slipped out. There was no way they'd let him get away without a chase.
He pushed himself harder, his breath coming faster as he sprinted through the narrow, dimly lit hallways of the Imperial outpost. The emergency lights flickered sporadically, casting sharp, stuttering shadows on the walls as he dashed through them, every corner a potential hiding spot, every flicker of light a looming threat. The whine of blasters in the distance rang in his ears as a reminder that time was running out.
Kade's mind raced, replaying the layout of the outpost in his head. He needed to reach the west exit—there, a locked door led out into the woods. From there, the Spirewood would give him cover, and he'd be able to make his way to the extraction point. He had to move fast.
He turned a corner, barely avoiding running straight into a patrol that had just rounded the bend. His heart pounded as he flattened himself against the wall, silent and still, watching the soldiers march by. He held his breath, knowing that if they spotted him, he was done for. When they were gone, he darted forward again, his boots sliding on the wet floors, the sound of his movement drowned out by the howling storm outside.
Kade's pulse quickened as the stormtroopers' voices echoed through the hallways behind him, gaining on him fast. He could hear their heavy boots slapping against the floor, their sharp commands cutting through the air like blades. He couldn't afford to slow down, but the pain in his side was starting to catch up with him.
His hand brushed against his belt to make sure the duffel bag was still secure. He couldn't afford to lose the supplies. They were crucial for the local rebel cell, and Kade had promised Teyran that he would get them out safely. The weight of the bag against his back seemed to drag him down, but he forced himself to push forward.
As Kade reached a bend in the hallway, a blaster bolt seared the air beside him. The shot grazed his upper arm, just above the elbow. The force of the impact sent a jolt of pain through his whole body, and he stumbled for a split second, his breath catching. Blood dripped from the wound, but there was no time to assess the damage.
The sting of the graze was sharp, but Kade gritted his teeth and kept running. The blood quickly began to soak through his sleeve, but he couldn't afford to stop. The sound of blaster fire was now constant, as if the stormtroopers were closing in on him from all sides. His mind raced, but he knew there was no turning back. He couldn't stop. Not when the mission was this close to being completed.
Kade's body screamed in protest, his arm burning as he forced himself onward, but he pushed through the pain. Each step felt heavier than the last, but he was determined. He could do this. The stormtroopers' voices grew louder, and Kade knew they were getting close.
The aurora storm outside had been a curse on the Imperials' equipment, but for Kade, it was quickly becoming a blessing. The intense electrical interference in the air made communications nearly impossible for the stormtroopers. Kade could hear their radio static growing increasingly erratic, distorted by the unpredictable energy swirling through the atmosphere. He needed to use it to his advantage.
Slipping into the cover of the Spirewood, Kade stopped momentarily to catch his breath. The thick, misty rain clung to his clothes, making his movements slower, more labored. He fumbled with his commlink, twisting the dial until the static cleared enough for him to send a signal. The interference would make it hard for the Imperials to track him, but it also made communication with the rebel cell more difficult. They would have to rely on low-tech methods—like static bursts—to stay in touch.
Kade sent a series of short, sharp static bursts, using the prearranged code that Vrix would recognize. The commlink crackled and hummed, the distant bursts of feedback echoing in his ear. After a few tense seconds, a distorted reply came through: ...Pursuers still closing...head for the ridge. We'll cover.
Kade didn't waste a moment. The storm had made it difficult for the stormtroopers to see clearly, but it had also slowed them down, cutting off their direct line of sight. He could hear their voices behind him, growing fainter with each passing second as they struggled to adjust their equipment and radios, trying to reestablish contact.
Without thinking, Kade twisted his wrist, sending another burst of static toward the commlink. His position was now relayed, and Vrix would know what to do. The storm had forced the Imperials to rely more on visual searches, and Kade knew this could be his only chance to get a head start. He moved quickly and quietly through the dense trees, ducking low and making use of the natural cover to avoid detection.
The pain in his arm was nearly unbearable now, but adrenaline kept him moving. He focused on the sounds of the storm—the howl of the wind, the constant crack of thunder, the raindrops slashing against his skin. These sounds would help drown out the noise of his movements, masking his presence.
The rain hit Kade's face like needles as he pushed forward, weaving through the Spirewood. His feet were slipping in the mud, his breath coming in ragged gasps, but he couldn't slow down. The storm was his only ally now, and he had to trust it.
He had almost reached the extraction point when he heard the unmistakable roar of a speeder in the distance. He knew that sound. Vrix was already on his way, making sure he had a clear escape route.
Kade pushed on, his legs screaming in protest. The stormtroopers' voices were faint now, but Kade wasn't about to take any chances. The rain was so thick that he could barely make out shapes in the distance, but the roar of the speeder got closer with each passing second.
Finally, the speeder burst through the trees, skidding to a stop in front of him. Vrix, his green skin slick with rain, gave him a sharp nod.
"Get on," Vrix called, his voice barely audible over the storm.
Kade didn't hesitate. He swung himself onto the speeder, wincing as his injured arm throbbed. Vrix revved the engine, and they tore off into the night, the speeder kicking up mud and water behind them.
Behind them, the sound of blaster fire echoed briefly, but the storm had already disrupted the troopers' communication, making it impossible for them to coordinate their pursuit.
As the speeder rocketed away, Kade slumped against the seat, his arm still bleeding but his heart racing with relief. They were almost out of the woods. But as the wind howled around them, Kade couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The Empire would tighten its grip, and he'd be called on again.
For now, though, he let the storm swallow them whole, the wild forces of nature an ally in his escape.
The journey back home was quieter than Kade had anticipated. His pulse still raced from the mission, and his arm throbbed where a blaster bolt had grazed him, the wound rough but not deep. By the time he reached his family's modest home, exhaustion weighed heavily on him. He slipped through the door, the comforting scent of spices and well-worn wood grounding him instantly.
Mira looked up from the counter where she was rolling fabric into neat bundles. Relief swept across her face, but it quickly shifted to concern when she noticed the way he cradled his arm.
"Kade!" she exclaimed, abandoning her work and rushing over to him. "Kya hua?!" (What happened?!)
"It's nothing," Kade muttered, trying to brush past her. "Bas ek kharoch hai." (Just a scratch.)
Mira wasn't having it. She grabbed his good arm with firm but careful hands and tugged him toward the small table in the corner of the room. "Baitho. Abhi." (Sit. Now.)
With a sigh, Kade complied, wincing as he eased himself into the chair.
Mira bustled around the room, pulling out a basin of water, clean cloths, and a jar of salve she kept for emergencies. Raal appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed. His expression was a mix of worry and the silent approval he rarely voiced.
"You've got to stop coming home like this," Mira scolded as she dipped a cloth into the water and began cleaning his wound. Her voice was sharp, but her touch was careful. "One of these days, it won't just be a kharoch. Kya soch rahe the tum?" (One of these days, it won't just be a scratch. What were you thinking?)
"The Empire's shipment was medical supplies," Kade muttered, wincing as the cool water met his skin. "People need those. If we don't fight back—"
"I know why you're doing this," Mira interrupted, her hands pausing as she looked at him, her eyes softening. "Lekin, tum mere beta ho. Har baar tum jaate ho, mujhe darr lagta hai ki kya tum wapas aaoge. Sochta hoon, ye humare liye kitna asaan hai?" (But you're my son. Every time you leave, I'm scared you won't come back. Do you think this is easy for us?)
Kade's shoulders slumped under the weight of her words. "Maa, I'm careful. I promise."
"Careful doesn't stop blasters," she said, shaking her head. Her voice softened, but her frustration was still there. "Aur yeh mat socho ki mujhe pata nahi kyun tum yeh sab kar rahe ho. Asa ke liye hai, na?" (And don't think I don't know why you're doing this. It's for Asa, isn't it?)
Raal stepped into the room, nodding in agreement. "Woh tumhare dimaag se kabhi door rehti hai?" (Is she ever far from your mind?)
Kade glanced between them, caught but unrepentant. "She's gonna be a Jedi," he said firmly. "She's doing something bigger than all of us. The least I can do is make sure she has a home to come back to—somewhere safe from the Empire."
Mira sighed, her frustration melting into a mixture of pride and worry. "Tum achhe bhai ho, Kade. Bohot lucky hai Asa tumhare jaise bhai ke saath. Lekin tum mere beta bhi ho, aur mujhe tumhara khayal hai." (You're a good brother, Kade. Asa's lucky to have you. But you're also my son, and I care about you.) She dabbed salve onto the wound, her touch gentler now.
Kade offered her a faint smile. "Maa, I'm not going anywhere. I promise."
"Promises don't mean much when blasters are involved," she muttered, though her lips twitched upward.
Raal chuckled, stepping forward to place a hand on Kade's shoulder. "Hum tumhare upar garv karte hain, beta. Lekin unnecessary risks mat lo. Tum yahaan utne hi zaroori ho jitne Rebellion ke liye." (We're proud of you, son. But don't take unnecessary risks. You're just as important here as you are to the Rebellion.)
Kade nodded, the weight of their concern settling on him like a second skin. He didn't want to cause them pain, but he couldn't stand by while the Empire's grip tightened around Aurora's Reach. His sister's courage inspired him, but so did his parents' quiet resilience.
When Mira finished wrapping his arm in a clean bandage, she planted a kiss on his forehead and sighed. "Thoda rest karo.(Get some rest. ) You look like you've been through a herd of banthas."
"Thanks, Maa," Kade said softly. "Aur sorry." (And sorry.)
Mira scoffed, though her smile broke through. "Flattery aur sorry tumhe is daant se nahi bacha sakte." (Flattery and apologies won't save you from this scolding.)
The room filled with soft laughter, the warmth of family wrapping around them like the Aurora Storm's glow outside. Despite the tension and danger of the Rebellion, this was home—and for Kade, it was everything worth fighting for.