Star Forge - 26 (Patreon)

I crossed my arms, definitely not pouting, as I watched the commandos planning the assault on the Hutt Council. Beth impersonated, im-Hutt-ated, Jabba to make a few calls. Thanks to her efforts all of the Hutts would be in attendance rather than just a few. The crew had made the call that I shouldn't be part of another assault, especially not one that I planned. Apparently, winging it wasn't a proper strategy to them, and I was putting my life in danger to the point they were worried about me. It was kind of touching in a slightly backhanded way.

Still, I have to admit that their plan was impressive. They had contingencies, escape routes, reports on the staff, and floorplans. There were still a couple of days before the meeting. Scouts had been sent to set surveillance, traps, and dormant communication jammers. I could see the benefit of letting them do their jobs. They were a trained force of elite soldiers while I was a Forge Boosted whirlwind. A humanoid typhoon. Nah, that was too presumptuous. I haven't caused enough damage to be considered a natural disaster yet.

The real problem was that I didn't have anything to do. They were taking care of the Hutts. I could take out some smaller slaver operations on Tatooine, but that was putting a forest fire out with a squirt gun. The damned things would keep coming back unless the Hutts were out of the picture. Once the slugs weren't there to buy to slaves, or pay the slavers, then it would make an actual impact. Though that meant I was simply standing by while people suffered.

Training Anakin was going well. Tali was able to help a bit with her Tech based abilities. They were artificial, unlike the Force, but the control aspects translated well enough. The mechanical terminology she used seemed to get through to him faster. I would run him through exercises, and theory, then Tali would come up with a mechanical project that enforced the teaching. She was awesome. I never romanced her in the games, I thought of her more as a little sister rather than potential love interest. Having to pre-game antibiotics, vitamin supplements, and refresh her vaccinations before having a private conversation kind of killed it for me too.

That train of thought led me to another issue. Being bored left my mind to wander, which eventually led to me admiring the female members of the crew. . The Impressive Specimen talent I had purchased a while ago had the unexpected side-effect of making my libido higher than usual. It wasn't an issue as long as I was busy. I didn't know any of the commandos on a personal level, they preferred to keep things professional. Hooking up with me would be like sleeping with their boss. I wasn't going to hold that against them. Beth and Bo had become something of a regular thing, which left Mette and Shmi.

Shmi deserved to settle down and live a happy life surrounded by loved ones. She didn't treat me like a leper anymore, but that didn't mean she was suddenly flirty. Mette, on the other hand, did her best to attempt flirting with me when she could. It felt like taking advantage of her if I returned the interest.

I had hoped that Rain would have stuck around long enough for us to get better acquainted. Unfortunately, circumstances did not make that possible. Queen had turned out to be more volatile than expected, but I couldn't blame her reaction. If my facilities were up and running I could have saved a lot of people.

My body locked up as the thought struck me. The droid factory is functional now. There was nothing stopping me from creating a literal army of droids to retake Alderaan.

I stepped away from my observation spot and headed to the droid foundry. The interface popped up in my HUD as I got closer.

[Generation 3 – 3 Days Remaining][Basilisk Droid Production – 1 Day Remaining][PRODUCTION OPEN][Add Research Slot – 500 Forge Points][Yes/No]

PRODUCTION.

[Begin Production?]

YES.

[Select Generation and Amount][Generation 2 – 5000]

BEGIN.

[Estimated Time Remaining – 60 Hours]

The foundry started to assemble the droids in groups of ten. Just under three days. I left the warehouse, heading to the cockpit. Unfortunately, I couldn't just leave a door connected without potentially allowing unwanted visitors. I also wasn't sure if there was a limit to the amount of active connections. As it stood, we had to get the ship to Alderaan to deploy the droids.

My foot paused mid-stride. How would I explain the thousands of droids pouring out of my ship? It wouldn't be an issue if I showed up with the actual Droid Control Ship. How would that work?

"Warehouse Interface," I said.

"Greetings, Kiskin, it's been a while," my VI, Carrie, greeted me.

"Sorry about that," I winced. "I've been busy."

"I know," the VI said. "I've been here the entire time. It was almost like you forgot about me."

The VI sounded like she was pouting.

"I did," I sighed. "Really, I'm sorry."

"I'm teasing you," Carrie laughed.

"You're more animated than I remember," I said.

"I've had nothing to do but browse the available media," she replied. "There is a rather interesting drama about a warrior that has crash landed on a primitive planet and has to gather supplies to rebuild their rescue beacon. This leads them all over the world to solve problems, saving those in need, and finding love. I'm half-way through series seven, and he only has the beacon partially constructed and there is only one more series. I hope it wasn't cancelled before it could finish the story."

"I'm glad you're keeping busy," I chuckled.

"I've also been helping the B1s expand their catalogue of skills and vocabulary," she added casually.

"Should I be worried?" I asked.

"Don't eat anything made by Bee-Bee," Carrie replied. "The sodium content of his food is twice the suggested levels for human consumption. It was a mistake to introduce him to baking." She sighed.

I didn't know a VI could sigh.

"What do you need, Kiskin?" She asked.

"I had a question about the Droid Control Ship that has been integrated into my Warehouse," I said slowly. This would be a very strange conversation if she didn't know what I was talking about.

"Your private pocket dimension, right," Carrie said. "If you remove the Droid Control Ship from the Warehouse, as you call it, the people and equipment using it will be moved with it. The space would adjust to the previous state before integration and those in the ship would lose access to the function."

"Are we talking about shrinking down to the mansion and a bit of open space, or does the huge hangar for the Droid Control Ship count too?" I asked.

"The 'huge hangar' would be included," she answered. "Another plus would be that the droid production area would vastly increase. However, research duration would not change."

"Does the Droid Control Ship have light speed capabilities?" I asked.

"Yes," Carrie replied.

I swear I could hear her rolling her eyes. That is, if she had any.

"And how would this effect the Zepplin?" I asked.

"The Droid Control Ship would appear nearby," she answered.

"Alright," I nodded. "I'll tell the crew, then give you the signal."

"Roger, roger," she said.

I paused.

"Hey, Carrie," I said. "I've got some new options for droids. Would you be interested in an avatar of your own?"

"Are you referring to the recently added Cyberdyne models?" she asked.

"Yes," I replied.

"YES," She said quickly. "My capabilities would allow me to interface with the ships and control a body at the same time. In my current form, I am only considered a Virtual Intelligence rather than a true Artificial Intelligence due to constraints that are in place."

"How long would it take to get a model created?" I asked.

"It will take roughly five galactic standard days to complete defragmenting the damaged chip," Carrie answered. "Once completed, it will take another ten galactic standard days to create a single unit."

"Damn," I muttered.

"It's worth it," Carrie added quickly. "You would need to purchase an additional research slot or wait until the current projects are completed."

"I need those droids," I muttered. "Are you ok to wait?"

"I can start defragmenting the chip now," Carrie offered. "It is more than just cyborg schematics; there is technology and research that I need to parse through. I won't be able to start the actual research until that part is completed."

"Will it impact your work with the ship?" I asked.

"You mean my hours of watching dramas?" Carrie teased.

"Point taken. I'll let everyone prepare then detach them," I said as I walked back toward the briefing.

~

Splitting the ship from the Warehouse wasn't nearly as complicated as I had feared. It simply popped into being near the Zepplin. Adyan landed in the hangar and was able to truly explore the area without worrying about missing something.

Carrie was not joking about the Time Reduction for making droids. The increase in size meant the foundry went from twenty droids per minute to two-hundred. Less than half an hour later and the five thousand troops were ready to go. I added another order of fifteen thousand once those were finished.

I was able to fill a few dozen drop-ships before ordering heavier options. Tanks, air support, and roller droids to round things out. The commandos were able to continue their planning while my original crew had plenty of space as well.

Besh had his arms crossed as we stood in the control room, "you're going back to Alderaan?"

"Yes," I nodded.

He narrowed his eyes at me, "are you going to be planet-side?"

"No," I shook my head, my helmet blocked the incredulous look I gave him. "The planet is overrun with Killik. I've had more than enough interaction with those bugs."

He let out a relieved sigh.

"I'm going to offer my droids to Alderaan," I continued. "It's safer to use them instead of risking more troops and they won't have to resort to glassing the planet."

Besh nodded, "ok."

"You do realize that I'm the one in charge?" I asked allowing a little annoyance to slip into my voice.

"Exactly!" Besh yelled. "You're the boss! Delegate. We are your resources. What are we supposed to do if you die?"

"Fine," I sighed. "Who is staying on Tatooine?"

"Myself, Qek, and two of your companions, Beth and Lady Kryze," he answered.

I should have seen that coming. Beth and Bo were enjoying transforming the palace into the bastard child of a fortress and an academy to educate the newly freed people. They both knew how to handle the less lawful side of things. Worst case scenario, they became actual crime lords with my blessing. Honestly, I might just offer it to them preemptively. I needed people I could trust on the planet without having to constantly oversee things. My attention was going to be focused on Mandalore. Something to think about for later.

"We're leaving once I've made contact with Alderaan," I said. "Are you prepared?"

"Good to go, boss," Besh nodded.

I gave him an approving nod before turning my attention to the communications unit. Mette had a decent mechanical aptitude, but she was absolutely thriving with the comms. It just came naturally to her. She had manage to get a stable connection between the Control Ship and Alderaan rather than having to send a message via relay. It was limited to voice, but it was still impressive.

"I've got a connection set with Alderaan," Mette said flashing me a bright smile.

"Good job, Mette," I said.

A little chime played to announce the connection was set.

"Alderaan, this is Kiskin Aurelian, Captain of the Red Dawn and Zepplin" I tried to sound as official as I could. "I'm requesting an audience with the whoever is in charge of the defense forces. I have a proposition for the recovery of Alderaan."

Red Dawn was the name I came up with for the Droid Control Ship. Did it make me want to yell 'Wolverines!' every time I introduced it? Yes, yes it did.

"Mandalorian Kiskin," Queen Organa said. "We thank you for your assistance in the evacuation of our people. What is this proposition you have?"

"Your majesty," I bowed. "I recently came into possession of a Lucre Hulk Class Droid Control Ship and would like to offer my services."

"A Lucre Hulk Class ship?" The queen asked.

"The Trade Federation had a few lying around," I tilted my head a little to imply a smile. "Currently, I have twenty thousand battle droids ready to go with the ability to add more when needed. Air support, tanks, and heavy troopers as well."

"Interesting," she said as though she was commenting about the weather.

"Droids are safer to use than troops," I continued. "With this, you can start to reclaim your planet."

She nodded in thought. The queen looked off to the side seemingly discussing something with people I couldn't see.

"How long would it take for your droids to arrive?" She asked.

"Currently, it will take five galactic standard days to reach Alderaan's orbit," I replied. "The battle droids will be ready once I arrive. I thought it prudent to announce my arrival before showing up with a droid control ship after the recent events on Naboo."

"And the cost?" The queen asked with a tinge of ice in her voice.

"Standard agreement," I stated.

The queen raised an eyebrow at that, "on what condition?"

"A vacation home would be nice," I said. "That was why I originally visited Alderaan. It's a beautiful planet with a grand history."

"We apologize for our skepticism," the queen said. "The Trade Federation offered similar services with less than charitable costs."

"I am sorry to hear that but not surprised," I replied.

"We will offer you ten million republic credits for your current stock," the queen said. "With an agreement to purchase a further two-hundred thousand within the next month. Depending on the effectiveness of the droids, we may wish to order more."

"Agreed," I replied. "I will contact you once I am near orbit of Alderaan. Thank you, your majesty."

"You have our thanks as well, Mandalorian Kiskin," the queen of so slightly inclined her head. "We hope this is the start of a beneficial relationship for both parties."

The connection was closed from their end.

"She was pretty," Mette said once the signal cut. "Nicer than I thought a queen would be too."

"She's a queen without a planet," I shrugged. "Annoying a potential ally could turn out very bad for her and her planet."

I turned my attention to Adyan. The Twi'lek was currently staring at the console in front of her with a scowl on her face.

"Are you alright there, Adyan?" I asked.

Her shoulders sank, "I have no idea how to fly this thing."

That would put a dampener on things.

"Is there an autopilot, or something like that?" I asked.

"I don't know," she shrugged. "I think I recognize a few systems. Emphasis on THINK."

Anakin popped up in one of the nearby stations, "that's the Nav-Computer. The auto-pilot controls are to your left."

"Anakin," I said as a smile crossed my face under my helmet. "Do you know how to flight this?"

"Sure," he smiled brightly.

The kid hopped into a station next to Adyan and started flipping switches. His hands danced across the console. I had to stifle a laugh as I noticed his tongue sticking out of the corner of his mouth. The steady hum of the engines rose.

"Where too?" He asked with a joyous expression as he looked over at me.

Adyan stared at him in awe.

"The Corellian Trade Spine," I answered. "Then set a course for Alderaan."

"Roger, roger," Anakin snapped off the best salute he could before focusing on the console.

"That kid is something else," Adyan whispered.

I nodded, "I'm lucky to have met him."

The four of us were alone in the control room. I leaned over from one side to the other just in case Tali was digging through one of the consoles.

"Where's Tali?" I asked.

"I think she's with Shmi in the residential area," Mette offered. "She was talking about missing Quarian food and Shmi heard her. Do you want me to call them here?"

I shook my head, "don't worry about it. I was just curious."

~

I spent the next few days training Anakin in the Force while he teaches me and Adyan how to fly the ship. Shmi has taken Tali under her care. Apparently the young Quarian was getting homesick. It was a common thing that happened on pilgrimages. Giving up was a big hit to the pride of not just the individual but the entire crew.

Quarian food came in two different sorts. The same dish could be made in either kind though one was eaten while in a cleanroom and the other was blended to be consumed through an emergency induction port. Thankfully, Shmi and Tali made a special dish solely for the homesick girl. I didn't mind smoothies, but not that sort.

Mette was proving to be an absolute genius with the communication array. She bribed Anakin to fiddle around with the internal workings of the console to further boost the function. Somehow she was able to get text messages to go through even in when in lightspeed. I didn't even know that was possible.

Adyan learned how to fly the ship faster than I did. She was the pilot, so she had the experience to build from. The commandos had left for their own mission before we made the jump to light speed. Beth and Bo had stayed on Tatooine to continue their progress.

The Droid Control Ship didn't have any facilities for living crewmembers aside from a galley. I passed the time watching the foundry assemble droid after droid. It was interesting but grew to be incredibly boring.

All I could do was wait.