The twin suns of Naboo hung low in the afternoon sky, casting long golden streaks across the lush plains and towering spires of Theed. The air was thick with the scent of flowering grass and distant ocean spray, a deceptive calm over a world on the edge of chaos.
A sleek Republic cruiser descended smoothly toward the palace landing platform, its engines humming a familiar drone. Onboard, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi prepared for what should have been a routine diplomatic mission — one that would soon spiral into war.
The Meeting
Meanwhile, tucked away in a hidden workshop beneath the city's stone streets, Kira crouched over a cluster of tangled wires and delicate circuitry. His fingers moved swiftly, guided by his tech system's gentle prompts, as he adjusted the power flow on Vol, the ancient droid who had become both companion and mystery.
The soft hum of the old droid stirred something in the back of Kira's mind — a faint pulse of excitement, mixed with dread. Two years had passed since that day they'd found Vol buried in the scrap heaps, since the red glow had awakened the unknown signal. So much had changed. So much was about to.
At the doorway, a shadow fell. Hikaru stepped inside, his expression unreadable, eyes distant yet sharp.
"They're here," he said quietly, voice barely above a whisper.
Kira nodded without looking up. "The Jedi. Finally."
Quiet Knowledge
They both knew what was coming. The invasion. The politics. The dark forces lurking just beyond the surface. They had seen it all before — not just through their memories, but through the weight of inevitability pressing down on them.
But they couldn't say a word.
If anyone learned they knew the future, the fragile balance of this moment would shatter.
Arrival
Downstairs, the cruiser doors opened, and Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan stepped onto the marble platform. Glares from the palace guards met them, followed by the cautious approach of Captain Panaka.
Before the official introductions, a pair of figures watched quietly from the shadows — the two anomalies, the ones who didn't quite fit the story yet.
Vol's single glowing eye flickered as it scanned the approaching visitors.
Kira whispered, "Time to play the part."
The gentle clatter of footsteps echoed down the corridor beneath the palace. Kira and Hikaru stood just beyond sight of the grand audience chamber, their breaths measured but steady.
"It's not just a diplomatic mission," Hikaru murmured, his gaze fixed on the door ahead. "The Trade Federation's blockade isn't random. It's a prelude to something far worse."
Kira's fingers twitched near Vol's ancient chassis. "If only we could warn them. But we have to play it smart. One wrong move, and we could ruin everything — not just for us, but for everyone on Naboo."
A soft beep from Vol broke the silence. "Signal analysis: multiple encrypted communications detected between Federation ships. Hostile intent confirmed," the droid reported in its raspy, mechanical voice.
Hikaru nodded grimly. "Then let's make sure we're ready when the storm hits."
Meeting the Queen's Guard
Moments later, Captain Panaka entered the room, flanked by two elite guards. His eyes flicked with a mixture of suspicion and respect as he recognized the two figures lingering in the shadows.
"You're the new allies?" Panaka asked quietly. "The ones helping us from the shadows?"
Kira stepped forward, his voice calm but steady. "We're here to help however we can. Naboo's future depends on it."
Panaka's gaze lingered on Vol. "And that... thing?"
Vol's glowing eye shifted toward Panaka. "Ancient Republic reconnaissance droid, model ARD-11. Operational status: functional. Capabilities: scanning, repair, and tactical support."
Panaka raised an eyebrow but didn't object. "We'll need all the help we can get."
Quiet Preparation
Back in their hidden workshop, Kira and Hikaru set to work. Kira's hands flew over schematics as he built subtle modifications for Vol — enhancements that could give them an edge when the inevitable came. Meanwhile, Hikaru practiced meditation, trying to feel deeper into the Force without drawing unwanted attention.
"We're running out of time," Hikaru said one evening. "The Jedi sense the dark side rising. So do I."
Kira nodded, glancing at the vibroknife strapped to his belt. "We'll need more than weapons. We need strategy. And luck."
The Calm Before the Storm
Outside, Naboo's serene landscapes hid the growing tensions. Trade Federation droids marched in silent formation, starships loomed on the horizon, and whispers of rebellion stirred in the marketplace.
Kira glanced at Hikaru. "When the real battle starts... we'll be ready."
Hikaru smiled faintly, eyes distant. "We have to be."
(Sorry it's short-)