Pirates

Meanwhile, in the Endor system.

Three small spacecraft dropped out of hyperspace within the star system: two G-9 light freighters and one GX-1 transport. Though they were called freighters, they had in fact undergone extensive modifications. Their cargo holds had been converted into laser turrets, giving these freighters formidable armament.

"Endor system. Let's make a pass and see if there's anything unusual," one pilot said lazily over the comm channel.

"Who knows what Master Dooku wants us to find in the Modell Sector? This is ridiculous," another added.

"Exactly. Searching the entire Modell Sector? With that time, I'd rather head to the Outer Rim and pull a job!"

"Quit complaining. Master Dooku paid us enough to live it up for a while after we get back to Serenno. Just do your job!"

"Boss! Strong radar signals coming from Endor!"

"Someone's actually out in this godforsaken Endor system? Ha! Maybe business has come to us! Let's go take a look!"

Qui-Gon Jinn lifted his teacup and took a small sip. The fresh fragrance of black tea spread through his mouth, leaving him refreshed and at ease. He could not help taking a deep breath, savoring the aroma.

"Can you get used to this kind of black tea, Master Qui-Gon?" Daphne Clement asked with a smile from across the table.

"I've never had such a... well, I can't call it delicious. It would be more accurate to say it is a beverage that makes one feel comfortable," Qui-Gon Jinn replied with a nod.

"How did you find these past few days of inspecting the Fourth Group's colony?" Clement continued.

"There is indeed nothing particularly suspicious, except... the large mining site you established on the fourth moon. Are you planning to develop industry here?" Qui-Gon asked in return.

"That's right. Our group also has some shipbuilding operations," Clement answered.

"Any company capable of building spacecraft is a major corporate group." Qui-Gon Jinn rose to his feet and looked through the mothership's broad viewport at the small orbital 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 many things are just getting started."

"I recall that Endor has native species, does it not?" Obi-Wan Kenobi, who had remained silent until then, suddenly asked. "Well, you have already renamed the planet Dawn. But that change must be filed with the relevant Republic departments."

"That's right, the Ewoks. We get along with them very well. We have already begun teaching some Ewoks to help us with tasks such as building houses. Once we fully master their language, we will gradually begin educating the Ewoks and strive to bring them into civilized society as soon as possible." Clement's answer was flawless. "There are also other intelligent species on Dawn Star Planet, such as the Durrochs, but they are far too aggressive. We are still conducting preliminary exploratory contact with them."

"All right. I hope that is the case. You should know that genocide caused by colonial expansion is strictly forbidden in the Galactic Republic," Obi-Wan said.

"Of course. We have dedicated personnel in Coruscant handling these matters." Clement answered with a smile, though her heart was pounding.

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

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

A worried look appeared on Clement's face. "Not yet. He should still be traveling through hyperspace. I don't know where he went. According to the original plan, he was supposed to visit Tatooine and see whether there were any channels for selling our products."

"What kind of person is Tang Xiao?"

Clement smiled. "He is farsighted, approachable, and brave without fear. Though he is still somewhat immature, he is growing into an outstanding leader."

"I think she means it, Master," Obi-Wan Kenobi said quietly from the side. "The Force can sense her emotions right now."

"To possess such a magnificent mothership and launch a planetary colonization project at such a young age, this Tang Xiao deserves such praise," Qui-Gon Jinn said with a smile.

"On behalf of our administrator, I thank you for your recognition." Clement stood up solemnly and bowed to the two of them.

Notification: incoming communication. The Mainframe's voice suddenly sounded.

"Put it through," Qi Jian, the Chief of Staff working in the Staff Department on the other side, said at once.

Then an exceedingly arrogant face appeared on the large screen on the bridge. "Where did this big ship of yours come from? You came to Endor and started mining without authorization. Do you have a permit? We are Galactic Republic Tax Collectors, here to investigate your tax situation. If you know what's good for you, hand over your taxes immediately, or don't blame us for getting rough!"

Qi Jian's expression darkened at once. "Tax Collectors? Hmph! You're here to rob us in broad daylight!"

"I told you, we act according to regulations." The man remained utterly arrogant. "With a ship as large as yours, you should pay... one million credits in taxes. Hand it over quickly!"

Obi-Wan Kenobi abruptly rose to rush toward the screen, but Qui-Gon Jinn stopped him. Qui-Gon turned to Clement and said, "I can assure you that Galactic Republic Tax Collectors are not like this."

"I understand. Please wait a moment." Clement's expression also turned grave as she stood and headed toward the combat command center.

"Master, they are obviously pirates! We can't just stand by and do nothing!" After Clement had gone some distance away, Obi-Wan whispered to Qui-Gon.

"We are guests. Under such circumstances, we should wait for our hosts to decide," Qui-Gon said, gently shaking his head.

"I understand that, but this..."

"Remain calm, Obi-Wan. No matter what happens, we are capable of handling it."

"Yes, Master."

At the command center, Qi Jian gave the order. "Notify the entire ship to enter combat status! Everyone return to your posts! Fighter pilots, board your fighters and await orders! Halt all work at the orbital mining site!"

Alarms immediately rang throughout the mothership. Personnel who had been taking shifts rushed out of their quarters and ran toward their respective stations.

"Sir! Three spacecraft are advancing toward the orbital extraction station above the gas giant! They range from thirty to fifty meters in length and are light corvette-class vessels!" the radar operator shouted as he turned around.

"Send them a final warning. Demand that they cease their advance! Otherwise, we will resort to force!" Qi Jian said firmly.

Clement was somewhat worried. "We only have some Blade-class fighters right now. Their combat capability..."

"Even if all I have left is a dagger, I will fight to the end!" Fire seemed to blaze in Qi Jian's eyes.

Bonus image 1: Blade-class fighter

Thanks to Darth Zanna for the 1,500 Qidian Coin tip!! Thanks to aa330 for the 100 Qidian Coin tip!!