Chapter Twenty: The Jedi Knight

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20. Jedi Knight

“So, if you set aside personal biases, you’ll see this isn’t the way the Trade Federation operates. If they really wanted to mine here, it wouldn’t be like this,” Qui-Gon Jinn said. “Let’s fly over and see who’s manning that mining station.”

“Wait... there’s also a huge signal!” the co-pilot suddenly said. “It’s in synchronous orbit around Endor, now moving to the far side of the planet. This is... my goodness, radar shows it’s over 40,000 meters tall!”

“A giant space station?” Qui-Gon Jinn was stunned by the size but quickly grew serious. “There’s such a massive station outside the galaxy’s core circle? If so, its owner must have grand designs! Let’s head toward the station. Obi-Wan, try to contact them.”

“Alright.” Obi-Wan Kenobi picked up the communicator, opened the public channel, and called out, “Hello, we are... travelers passing through here. While navigating the Modor route, we encountered gravitational turbulence; our ship was damaged. We hope to dock and resupply. Please respond.”

After a moment, a woman’s voice came through the comms: “Hello travelers, we are the Fourth Group’s pioneering colonists. We hope you come in peace.”

“The Fourth Group?” Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi exchanged glances, both reading deep suspicion in each other’s eyes.

...

Outside the galaxy’s outer ring, Albarrio sector, Makito system.

The Gun Cavalry departed hyperspace, instantly appearing in the dark void of space. Almost simultaneously, Tang Xiao received a hyperspace transmission from the mothership. Although the mothership’s hyperspace core was unusable for unknown reasons, it could still maintain hyperspace communications even without jump capability.

“…Is the infrared laser weapon’s power insufficient? Any way to boost output?” Tang Xiao sat in the guest seat, speaking with Dr. Guan Yan, the mechanic.

“Not for now, because the Blade-class fighter uses a small fission reactor with very limited energy supply. To increase the infrared laser turret’s power, a small nuclear fusion reactor would be needed,” Dr. Guan Yan explained. “That’s my next research focus.”

“Thanks for your hard work. Before the Ghost Fighter analysis is complete, let’s do our best to enhance the Blade-class’s combat capabilities. Okay, call Qi Jian over.”

“Administrator, the production plan for 50 Blade-class fighters has been completed recently. The first round of upgrades is underway in batches, replacing weapon systems with infrared laser turrets,” Qi Jian’s voice reported.

“How effective?”

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“The weapon tests have concluded. The small laser turret mounted on fighters has about 30% higher destructive power than the basic electromagnetic cannon but only a 30-kilometer effective range. This can’t compete with kinetic weapons in space with near-infinite range, but it frees up ammunition storage space, reduces airframe weight, and improves maneuverability. Honestly, given the Blade-class’s performance, combat usually happens within 10 kilometers, so range isn’t a pressing concern right now.”

Tang Xiao nodded. “Have the pilots do more energy weapon training. From now on, our main weapons research will focus on energy weapons.”

Indeed, as a ‘Stellar’ energy enthusiast, he had to push energy technology directly toward the likes of light spears and electric arcs!

He reviewed the personnel list again and saw that with the colony’s development, two more elite scientists had met the awakening criteria: a computer expert and an engine specialist—both urgently needed. He immediately arranged to awaken them, adding them to Dr. Feng Yongwang’s team to speed up the Ghost Fighter’s development.

Then Tang Xiao found an aerospace chief engineer among the master-level personnel and checked the requirements. The conditions were stringent, including a ground wind tunnel lab, a small spacecraft dock, and a complete scientific research and technology team.

There was no shortcut; he sent these requirements to Daphne Clement, instructing her to do whatever it took to meet them, then awaken the chief engineer.

While Tang Xiao was working remotely, the central AI suddenly interrupted, [Administrator, please allow me to interject. We just received a public channel message: a ship identifying as travelers requests boarding permission. You should decide promptly.]

“Request to board? How is there anyone coming to this godforsaken place Endor? Can you transfer the communication?” Tang Xiao immediately became alert.

[Understood, Administrator. Transferring hyperspace communication now. The transmission includes visual data.]

A holographic projection appeared before Tang Xiao. A middle-aged man in a cloak politely spoke: “Greetings. I presume you are the administrator of this space station on Endor. My name is Qui-Gon Jinn, a traveler. Our ship suffered damage during hyperspace travel. We hope to repair and resupply here. Please assist us.”

But Tang Xiao’s attention wasn’t on this obvious excuse; he simply stared at the man and suddenly blurted out, “You’re a Jedi Knight, aren’t you?”

The other man was clearly taken aback but then smiled faintly. “I don’t suppose I have ‘Jedi Knight’ written all over my face.”

Tang Xiao’s expression turned solemn. “Then can you tell me why a Jedi Knight has suddenly appeared here?” He had recognized the man.

Jedi Master—Qui-Gon Jinn!

Qui-Gon’s appearance was identical to the movies, and hearing his name instantly confirmed the recognition, though Tang Xiao kept silent.

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Through the comms, Qui-Gon continued, “The sudden appearance of a space station in this remote Endor system is something the Galactic Republic must take seriously.”

“Master, it’s confirmed. That massive structure is a ship, not a station!” another voice interjected.

Qui-Gon’s expression grew very grave. He fixed his gaze on Tang Xiao, speaking deliberately: “So that is why I have come.”

Tang Xiao sighed softly; he hadn’t expected this matter to reach the Jedi Order. “This ship lacks hyperspace capability and is entirely civilian, intended for colonization on Endor. The Republic’s approval process for this colonization is underway.”

“For normal commercial activities, we won’t interfere, as long as you can prove it’s legitimate,” Qui-Gon said.

“If you don’t mind, please come aboard my mothership for a short stay. I will return soon,” Tang Xiao offered.

“Very well, I appreciate your hospitality,” Qui-Gon nodded slightly.

Ending the transmission, Tang Xiao took a deep breath and shook his head. The situation was more complicated than he had anticipated. He had intended to go to Tatooine to find Anakin Skywalker but was interrupted by Hei Ge’s commission halfway. Now even Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi had come knocking!

How on earth did they discover this place? Tang Xiao’s mind brimmed with questions.

But one thing was certain—he could not avoid this sweeping transformation engulfing the entire galaxy. Even if he hid at home, they would find him. And then, hiding would only make him more vulnerable.

He must step out, seek that faint glimmer of hope amidst despair!