Chapter Twenty-Four: Pirates

24. Pirates

Meanwhile, in the Endor system.

Three small spacecraft emerged from hyperspace into the star system: two G-9 light freighters and a GX-1 transport. Though called freighters, they had undergone extensive modifications. Their cargo holds had been converted into laser turrets, giving the vessels an exceptionally formidable level of firepower.

“Endor system. Let’s make a circuit and see whether anything looks suspicious,” one pilot said lazily over the communications channel.

“I still have no idea what Master Dooku wants us to find in the Moddell Sector. This is ridiculously difficult,” another replied.

“No kidding. After searching the entire Moddell Sector, I could have gone to the Outer Rim and pulled off a job by now!”

“Enough. Master Dooku is paying us enough to enjoy ourselves for quite some time after we get back to Serenno. So get to work!”

“Boss! I’m picking up a strong radar signal from the direction of Endor!”

“There’s actually someone in this godforsaken corner of space? Ha! Maybe business has come looking for us. Let’s go take a look!”

…

Qui-Gon Jinn lifted his teacup and took a small sip. The delicate fragrance of the black tea spread across his palate, leaving him refreshed. He could not help inhaling deeply as he savored its lingering aroma.

“Are you finding this black tea agreeable, Master Qui-Gon?” Daphne Clement asked with a smile from across the table.

“I have never tasted a drink quite so… Well, ‘delicious’ would not be the right word. It is more accurate to say that it gives one a sense of comfort,” Qui-Gon Jinn replied with a nod.

“How have you found your inspection of the Fourth Group’s colonies over the past few days?” Clement continued.

“There is indeed nothing suspicious that I can see, except…” Qui-Gon countered. “The large-scale mining operation you have established on the fourth moon—is it intended to support industrial development here?”

“That is correct. Our group also has interests in shipbuilding,” Clement replied.

“Any organization capable of constructing starships must be a major corporation.” Qui-Gon Jinn rose and gazed through the flagship’s spacious viewport at the small interstellar shipyard under construction outside. Then he turned back and asked, “Why, then, have I never heard of the Fourth Group before?”

“Our group was only recently established, so most of our operations are still in their early stages.”

“I seem to recall that Endor is home to a native species, is it not?” Obi-Wan Kenobi, who had remained silent until then, suddenly asked. “Although you have renamed the planet Dawn, this change must be reported to the appropriate Republic authorities.”

“That is correct—the Ewoks. We get along very well with them, and we have already begun teaching some of them to help with tasks such as building houses. Once we have fully mastered their language, we will gradually begin educating the Ewoks, with the goal of helping them enter civilized society as soon as possible.” Clement’s answer was flawless. “There are also other intelligent species on Dawn, such as the Duloks. However, they are too aggressive, and we are still conducting preliminary, exploratory contacts with them.”

“Very well. I hope that is truly the case. You should know that genocide resulting from colonial expansion is strictly prohibited by the Galactic Republic,” Obi-Wan said.

“Of course. We have dedicated personnel in Coruscant handling the matter,” Clement replied with a smile, though her heart was pounding.

Dedicated personnel, my foot! She had only heard the name Coruscant a few days ago from Felasi, who was being held here as a hostage.

“Then what of your leader, Tang Xiao? Have you still been unable to contact him?” Qui-Gon Jinn asked.

A worried expression appeared on Clement’s face. “Not yet. He should still be somewhere along the hyperspace routes. I have no idea where he has gone. According to the original plan, he was supposed to make a trip to Tatooine to look for potential markets for our products.”

“What kind of person is Tang Xiao?”

Clement smiled. “He is far-sighted, approachable, brave, and fearless. Though he is still somewhat inexperienced, he is growing into an excellent leader.”

“I believe she means that sincerely, Master,” Obi-Wan Kenobi murmured from the side. “The Force can sense her emotions.”

“To command such an impressive flagship at such a young age and launch a planet-wide colonization project, this Tang Xiao must indeed be worthy of such praise,” Qui-Gon Jinn said with a smile.

“On behalf of our administrator, I would like to thank you for your kind words.” Clement rose solemnly and bowed to the two Jedi.

[Notification: An incoming communication.]

The central computer’s voice suddenly rang out.

“Put it through.” Chief of Staff Qi Jian, who was working in the staff headquarters elsewhere, immediately gave the order.

A highly arrogant face appeared on the main screen of the bridge.

“Where did that huge ship of yours come from? You came to Endor and began mining without authorization. Do you have a license? We are tax officials of the Galactic Republic, here to investigate your tax situation. If you know what is good for you, hand over your taxes immediately. Otherwise, do not blame us for being unpleasant!”

Qi Jian’s expression darkened at once.

“Tax officials? Hmph! You’re here to rob us in broad daylight!”

“I told you, we are acting according to regulations.” The man remained utterly brazen. “A ship as large as yours should pay… one million credits in taxes. Hand them over immediately!”

Obi-Wan Kenobi sprang to his feet and was about to rush toward the screen, but Qui-Gon Jinn stopped him. Qui-Gon turned to Clement and said, “I can assure you that tax officials of the Galactic Republic do not behave like this.”

“I understand. Please wait a moment.” Clement’s expression also grew stern. She rose and walked toward the combat command center.

“Master, those people are obviously pirates! We cannot simply stand by and do nothing!” Obi-Wan whispered to Qui-Gon after Clement had gone.

“I know. But this is also an opportunity to assess their true capabilities.” Qui-Gon gently shook his head.

“I understand that, but…”

“That is the Republic’s perspective, not the perspective of a Jedi.”

“Yes, Master.”

At the command center, Qi Jian issued an order.

“Notify the entire ship to enter combat status! Everyone return to your posts. Starfighter pilots, get into your craft and await orders! Shut down the interstellar mining operation!”

Alarms immediately sounded throughout the flagship. Personnel who had been off duty streamed out of their quarters and hurried toward their stations.

“Sir! Three ships are heading toward the interstellar mining station on the gas giant! Their lengths range from twenty to thirty meters. They are in the light corvette class!” the radar operator shouted, turning around.

“Issue a final warning. Order them to stop their approach, or we will resort to force!” Qi Jian said decisively.

Clement was somewhat worried. “At present, we only have a few Blade starfighters. Their combat capability…”

“Even if all I had left was a dagger, I would still fight to the bitter end!” Flames seemed to burn in Qi Jian’s eyes.

[Bonus Chapter Illustration 1: Blade Starfighter]