Star Forge - 27 (Patreon)

The trip back to Alderaan felt longer than it actually was. It was probably in my head, but I swear the Droid Control Ship was slower than the Zepplin. I know, it didn't make sense. Lightspeed is lightspeed regardless of the size of the ship. Maybe it was due to the fact that the ship was so large I couldn't feel the hum as we traveled. Regardless, we arrived at Alderaan within the estimated time.

I was on the bridge when we arrived. The scene around the planet has changed since our last visit. Most of the traffic had thinned out. Now there were multiple battle cruisers or varying size orbiting the planet. Every now and then one of them would fire on something that had launched from the surface. Then they would launch a cluster of fighters to destroy the smaller pieces. My helmet tried to get the details, but the distance was too great.

"Can you zoom in on that?" I asked.

"Roger, roger," Mette replied happily.

One of the windows, which were actually viewscreens, zoomed in on the latest explosion. What I had initially thought was some sort of asteroid, or explosive bug farts like that scene in Starship Troopers, turned out to be a tightly packed cluster of ants. The battleship would hit it with a barrage, breaking it up, and then the fighters would swoop in to clean up the individual bugs. These ones were definitely bigger than the kind I had fought on the planet. I could recognize the drones and overseers. They were tightly packed around a much larger bug that I guessed was a queen.

"They're trying to get off-world," I muttered.

"Ew," Mette added helpfully.

"Agreed," Adyan nodded.

"Message coming through," Mette announced. "Queen Organna of Alderaan."

"Put her through," I said.

The Queen's transparent blue form appeared in front of me. I bowed deeply.

"Your majesty," I greeted her. "I have your complete order of three-hundred thousand droids ready to transfer control at your earliest convenience."

The Queen raised a sculpted eyebrow in question, "the entire order? We were told it would take at least a month for such a number."

"Was it was the Trade Federation that gave you that information, your majesty?" I asked.

She nodded.

"My ship, which is the standard Lucre Hulk Class Droid Control Ship, can produce roughly two-hundred and eighty battle droids every twenty-four hours. A quarter of that amount in heavy units such as tanks and air support, which I've included in the order as requested," I stated. "I have another six-hundred thousand ground troops ready to go upon request and as well as three-hundred and fifty thousand heavy units. The foundry was running constantly through the journey." I paused for effect. "I'm sorry to say, but it appears that the potential deal with the Trade Federation was even worse than it appeared."

The Queen seethed, "apparently."

"Your majesty, If I may make a suggestion?" I bowed my head in respect.

"You may," she replied.

"I suggest you spread this information," I said. "It would alert others to their capabilities and potential threat they represent. I doubt you will be the only target to their attempts."

"We understand your suggestion, but caution against this action," the Queen shook her head ever so slightly. "If their capabilities were made public it would allow other less-scrupulous sorts to seek them out. Though, we will spread this information to our allies."

I inclined my head once more.

"We will double the agreed amount for your entire stock," the Queen offered.

To be completely honest, the deal was basically giving the droids away. She offered ten million for two-hundred thousand and was now offering twenty for triple the droids. Luckily for her, it didn't cost me anything to make them which meant it was pure profit for me. I also understood that they probably didn't have an excess of funds at their disposal with the current situation. From what I could recall from SWTOR, there were multiple Royal Houses on Alderaan that would be happy to use this as a chance to take control. That game was set at least a thousand years ago, so I wasn't sure how accurate it was for the current situation. These were the people that would one day take in Leia, or would have, and I didn't feel right to take advantage of them in their time of need.

"Deal," I replied.

The Queen visibly relaxed, "our command will contact you shortly. Good day, Honored Mandalorian."

"Good day, your majesty," I bowed.

The connection faded a moment later. A short conversation later had arranged a docking berth on a familiar space station for a face-to-face transfer of control for the droids. In truth, the Droid Control Ship wasn't necessary to be in orbit to actually control the droids. There was a mobile command unit that worked for deployed units. The ship was there to provide more units and coordinate multiple armies on a global scale. Alderaan had ordered roughly one-million droids, which was within the capabilities of the mobile unit. I wasn't about to sell the ship no matter how much I liked the planet. Plus, this meant I could still use The Zepplin.

Done Deal+100 FP[Roll – Bank – Shop]

ROLL.

[COST: 600 FP][ITEM: Dragon Bone Cleaver][This massive two-handed axe was originally crafted from dragon bone to serve as a tool for hewing more workable pieces of bone from a dragon’s skeleton. With dragons in short supply these days, the devastating edge has been adapted for use directly on the battlefield. Cleaving through steel armor with the same ease as flesh, one would have to be incredibly foolish to even try and block a swing from this axe. Due to its nature, it is especially effective against all creatures that are draconic, inflicting wounds upon them that will never heal.][Purchase – Dismiss – Bookmark]

Tempting but I had a lightsaber.

DISMISS.

I felt silly for bookmarking the Hammerhead Cruiser now that I had twenty-million Republic Credits at my disposal. Now I could easily afford a new ship. Clearing the Bookmark would open the slot for a future roll that would be worth saving. I sighed and pulled up the details on the Hammerhead Cruiser before I made my choice.

[ITEM: Hammerhead-class Cruiser][The main capital ship of the Republic fleet. This 300-meter-long vessel can hold several hundred crew members and passengers and is able to carry a single squadron of starfighters plus a few shuttles. The armament consists of four dual turbo laser cannons, two medium turbo lasers, and a tractor beam emitter all mounted on the front of the ship. Numerous point-defense cannons are also scattered along this vessel to protect against enemy starfighters. Typical rooms and facilities such as crew quarters, storage areas, medical, engineering, escape pods, dining, and holding cells are all installed on this vessel. A full crew of maintenance and combat droids will help you navigate, operate the onboard systems, fire the ship’s weaponry, and engage enemies until you can gather a proper crew. Additionally, this ship comes fully stocked with supplies, a full complement of starfighters stored in the hanger bay, and two shuttles. Starfighters and droids will respawn 24 hours after they’re destroyed or upon total ship respawn. Food, medicine, fuel, ammo, spare parts, and other supplies will replenish after they’re consumed.][COST: 1000 Forge Points][BALANCE: 800 Forge Points][Dismiss?]

NO.

Damn, I'm glad I re-read that. Sure, I new ship would be nice, but the respawning feature was too good to ignore. Two hundred points and it would be mine.

Anakin bounced next to me. He didn't get to see the station last time and was ready to remedy that. Shmi was with us as well. They both wore full-faced rebreathers in case there was still a potential for contamination. The Queen hadn't worn one during our conversations, but she could very well be on a different ship entirely. I looked down at him and smiled even though he couldn't see it. After a moment, I projected my feelings into the Force, letting him feel how I felt. He turned to look up at me and flashed a bright smile.

"How did you do that?" Anakin asked. "It felt like you gave me hug."

"I put my feelings into the Force and directed them toward you," I explained before turning to Shmi. "Did you feel it as well?"

She nodded. My eyes narrowed behind my visor, but I didn't say anything more. That confirmed it, she was a Force User as well. A person not attuned to the Force would get the vague impression of something happening, but not any real insight on what. Like a distant sound on the edge of their perception. A person who was Force Sensitive would be able to feel the intent, but not the source. Being able to identify both meant she was attuned with the Force on some level. Now that I had confirmation, I decided to examine her signature in the as subtly as I could.

At first it felt like she was just a person with the standard signature. Every living creature was connected to the Force, except a few outliers, and she would have passed as nothing special. It wasn't until I realized that my attention had slid passed her like she wasn't even there. I had to purposely focus on her to get a read on her signature. She had learned how to cloak her presence. The look she gave me told me that my attempt at reading here had not gone unnoticed.

"Kiskin," she said in that tone that all mothers inherit when their child is on the verge of doing something naughty.

"I would love to learn how you do that," I said inclining my head in her direction.

A rueful smile flashed across her face before she turned her attention to Anakin. The boy was looking from her to me with a confused expression. Another interesting fact suddenly hit me. He had grown at least a few inches and was much healthier. I knew that a steady supply of good meals, rest, and a lack of backbreaking work would help, but this was silly. Before he stood a little higher than my navel, now the top of his head was just short of my shoulder.

It hadn't been that long, had it? I tried to count the days. It was not as easy as it sounded due to the different length from world to world. The Galactic Standard Calendar helped a little, but not as much as expected. Traveling actually took time rather than simply appearing like it did in the movies and games. Did it really matter? This was my life, time would pass, Anakin would grow, and the galaxy moved on regardless. Damn, I needed to get on with my plans. Preparing for the eventual war would eat up a lot of time. Saving Qui-Gon and potentially putting the Jedi on Palpatine's trail would slow things down.

Maybe. It should.

Qui-Gon's death was one of the major events that pushed Dooku to leave the Order. The Count was part of the group that ordered the clones. I think. My information pertaining to the time between Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones was lacking. Most of my Prequel knowledge started with the Clone Wars. Even then, I didn't watch the show religiously. I would be incredibly lucky if the timeline stayed close enough to the show with all the changes I had already made.

I was drawn out of my thoughts as the shuttle started the docking procedure. It didn't take long since there wasn't a line of ships waiting to do the same. The airlock opened to show a welcoming party waiting for us. I recognized the Queen Organa, Senator Bail Organa, and a few others that I didn't expect. None among them wore rebreathers or helmets.

"PADME, you're here!" Anakin rushed forward.

"Anakin," Shmi cautioned.

He stopped himself before he came to a stop before one of the handmaidens.

Anakin blushed and looked at his feet, "sorry."

"It's good to see you too, Ani," Padme, in handmaiden dress, replied.

"The air is clear?" I asked.

"Yes," Queen Organa answered. "We have thoroughly cleared and scrubbed the air."

Anakin pulled his helmet off once she had finished speaking. Shmi did so in a more dignified manner. I kept mine on.

"You've grown," Padme smiled at Anakin.

Anakin perked up at her words, "I've been training in the Force too. The other day I put together a droid without using my hands at all."

"That is impressive," Padma nodded.

My helmet hid my smile. It also told me that under the layer of white make-up Sabe, as Queen Amidala, was blushing. She had not stopped staring at me since we stepped out of the shuttle.

"Apologies," I bowed low to Queen Organa, then another directed at the Queen of Naboo. "For myself and my apprentice. It is humbling to find we need more instruction in manners."

Shmi raised an eyebrow at my words but didn't comment. Now that I knew her signature I could feel her amusement through the Force.

"Mandalorian Kiskin," Queen Organa smiled gently. "We find ourselves in a time where manners are the least of our concerns. Do you have the mobile control unit?"

"Yes, your majesty," I activated the omni-tool on my bracer and tapped in a command.

A cluster of battle droids rolled a standing console out of the shuttle.

"The controls are rather intuitive," I said as they presented it to the group. "The droids are also trained in how to use it and will train those you authorize. Would you prefer I keep the ship in orbit, or would you rather we leave?"

"The droids are able to function without the ship in orbit?" The Queen asked.

"Yes," I nodded. "The ship has a command unit that coordinates troops on a global level. A mobile unit is perfect for wars at a continental level. The droids are able to operate independently in a force of fifty-thousand or less. They will follow orders but will be tethered to an area by their internal battery. Even then each unit has enough power to go one standard week before it needs to charge."

"And why would you need to keep your ship in orbit?" The Queen asked.

"To provide more troops as needed," I replied. "I plan on replacing any loses for the first two months."

The entire assembled group froze at my words.

"Did I say something wrong?" I asked after a moment of silence.

"That is a very generous offer," the Queen said.

I cocked my head to the side, "I cannot stand by and let Alderaan suffer while I have to ability to help. Just as I offered my assistance on Naboo. At the time, I could not fight a war, now I can."

"You shall be remembered as a friend to Alderaan," Queen Organa inclined her head slightly.

"We have a meal prepared as a welcome," Bail said, clearly sensing his wife needed a moment to recover.

"Thank you," I chuckled. "In that case I will send the shuttle for the last two of my crew."

"Are you coming too?" Anakin asked Padme.

I tapped the side of my helmet and held it there to connect to the ship. It wasn't required, but it helped people understand that I was speaking with someone else.

"Sir?" Mette asked.

"The Queen has invited us to dinner," I answered. "Would you and Adyan like to join us?"

"Who would watch the ship?" Adyan asked.

"The B-Squad," I answered.

"Roger, roger," Adyan agreed.

The B-Squad, as we had come to call the original battle-droids batch, had been upgraded quite a bit with increased processing power as well as upgraded and customized frames. Thankfully, C3PO was usually preoccupied teaching the others various languages to bother me too much. They had to copy the knowledge over one at a time like an old-fashioned file transfer. I would honestly count them as full AI, or incredibly close to it, with all the upgrades. It also made them incredibly loyal. Once Carrie finished with the Terminator research I was considering offering to transfer them to new units. The change might be just enough of a push to get them to true AI.

I sent the shuttle back and waited for it to return. The welcoming party led Anakin and Shmi to the dining area. One handmaiden and Sabe, as the queen, stayed behind as well.

"Hello again, Kiskin," Sabe stepped closer to me.

I inclined my head to her, "hello, Sabe. It was a nice surprise to see you here."

"You as well," she said.

The handmaiden that stayed with her stifled a giggle. Sabe glared at the other girl.

"Have you been well?" She asked looking me over. "Your armor has some more character."

I chuckled, "I have been well. How are things on Naboo?"

"Quite busy," she rolled her eyes. "We have been meeting with all sorts of ambassadors from other planets as well as some corporations. I have personally turned away four different defense companies that tried to sell defenses we already have."

"Oh?" I asked. "I would have thought the conflict would inspire your planet to gather strength."

"We have strength," Sabe smirked. "The remaining Trade Federation ships and droids were ours by right of conquest. Combine that with the new treaties with the Gungan and we are well defended."

The other handmaiden cleared her throat softly.

"Right, yes," Sabe straightened her posture. "Would you care to join me for a walk after dinner?"

"You haven't seen what I look like under my helmet," I chuckled. "What if I'm ugly? Very, very ugly?"

"You have a beautiful spirit," Sabe replied quickly.

Her blush showed through her makeup.

"We must go," Sabe said as she grabbed the other handmaiden and fled.

I found myself smiling as she hurried away. Taking her up on her offer sounded good but I had to take my helmet off to eat, seeing my face might smash her crush. Time would tell.

So, This is Love?+100 FP[Roll – Bank – Store]

"Fuck off," I muttered.

BANK.

[Balance: 900 Forge Points]

Another hundred points and that ship would be mine.