Star Wars: Empire of the Eternal Star

{Chapter: 16 Target Tatooine}

After arranging the current affairs and confirming that Clement, who managed administration, Qi Jian, who oversaw military operations, and Graham, the village chief of Dawn City, were fully prepared to continue executing the next phase of the colonization plan, Leo made his way straight to the mothership's hangar.

At that moment, Edison was still inside the hangar, closely inspecting the YT-1000 spacecraft that had officially become his property. The sleek, well-worn freighter was parked on the maintenance platform, its hull gleaming under the artificial lighting as he made some final checks. As soon as he spotted Leo approaching, he swiftly climbed down from the ladder with a grin on his face.

"Boss, I think I've just about mastered this spacecraft," Edison said confidently, patting the hull of the YT-1000. "I've also learned the Galactic Standard Language pretty well. I was just about to let you know—I'm ready to set off. I want to explore this universe. If there's anything you need me to handle before I leave, just say the word."

Leo didn't hesitate. "Take Quinto and the others with you. Head to Tatooine," he instructed. "The situation there is… complicated, to say the least. But that also means it's a prime opportunity for us to operate under the radar. The Hutts have a stranglehold on the planet, but law enforcement is practically nonexistent, making it an ideal place to gather intelligence and establish new connections. Since we're unfamiliar with the political landscape there, we need someone who knows the terrain. Quinto will serve as your guide, and conveniently, he has a shipment of goods to deliver to that very planet."

Edison nodded without hesitation. "No problem, boss," he said, flashing a thumbs-up. Then, as if sensing something unspoken, he narrowed his eyes. "Anything else?"

Leo took a deep breath before speaking. "Yes. I have one more request," he said, his voice firm. "I'm coming with you this time. There's something I need to take care of on Tatooine personally."

Edison's expression immediately shifted. He took a step closer, his usually carefree demeanor giving way to concern. "No, you can't do that, Administrator," he said seriously. "You're the leader of our people—millions of living settlers, with billions more waiting to be born. If anything happens to you, our entire colony will be thrown into chaos. We don't even fully understand the dangers of this universe yet. We can't afford to take unnecessary risks!"

Leo met his gaze steadily. "I have my reasons, Edison," he said. "I refuse to be the kind of leader who simply sits behind a desk, issuing orders from the safety of an office. If I'm going to guide our people toward a better future, I need to experience this universe firsthand. I need to see its dangers, its opportunities, and its realities with my own eyes. Only then will I be truly qualified to lead."

Edison studied him for a long moment before finally breaking into a reluctant smile. "Well," he said, shaking his head, "I can see you've already made up your mind. Alright, if you're coming, then I'll take you there myself. But this is a one-time deal, understand? Just this once."

Leo smirked. "That's fine by me."

---

However, the moment Leo announced his decision, he was met with unanimous opposition from all key members of the colony.

Daphne Clement from the Administration Department was the first to raise objections, followed closely by Qi Jian from the Staff Department. Even the Mastermind—the advanced AI responsible for overseeing operations—strongly advised against it, warning that such a reckless move could jeopardize the entire colony.

"You are the cornerstone of our civilization," Clement argued passionately. "If anything happens to you, everything we've built so far could come crumbling down. The risk is too great."

"That's exactly why I must go," Leo countered.

Despite their arguments, his resolve remained unshaken.

Leo knew full well that his greatest advantage in this universe was his knowledge of the Star Wars timeline. But that knowledge was useless if he remained confined to an office. Events were always subject to change. Variables could shift. He couldn't rely solely on what he thought he knew—he had to see things unfold for himself.

And there was another reason.

Their destination, Tatooine, was more than just a dangerous backwater planet controlled by the Hutts. It was home to someone—someone who could change everything.

Anakin Skywalker.

The Chosen One.

The boy who would one day shake the galaxy to its very core.

At this moment, he was just a slave, living a quiet, unassuming life in the desert world. But in time, his name would be known across the stars. His decisions would shape the fate of the Republic, the Jedi, and the Sith. He was the fulcrum upon which the galaxy's destiny would turn.

Leo had to see him with his own eyes.

---

Outer Rim Territories – Arkanis Sector – Tatoo System

Much like the Endor system, where Dawn City was located, the Tatoo system was also a binary star system. Its two suns, Tattoo I and Tattoo II, orbited one another, casting their relentless heat over the barren planets in their wake.

Seven planets orbited within this system, but only one had an atmosphere stable enough to support life. It was a harsh, desolate world—a planet of endless dunes, scorching heat, and unforgiving conditions.

Its official name was Tatooine.

The planet had a diameter of approximately 10,465 kilometers, with a standard day lasting 23 hours and a year spanning 302 standard days. However, its position in the system placed it dangerously close to its twin suns. Under their relentless glare, the entire surface of the planet had been reduced to an arid wasteland, devoid of large bodies of water or significant vegetation.

Despite its inhospitable environment, Tatooine occupied a crucial position on the galactic map. Situated at the crossroads of the Trillus Trade Route and the Corellian Run, it was a vital point of passage for countless travelers, smugglers, and traders navigating the Outer Rim.

But politically, it was a lawless world.

Situated deep within Hutt-controlled space, Tatooine had long since fallen beyond the influence of the Galactic Republic. The Republic's laws held no sway here. Order was dictated not by senators or officials, but by crime lords—most notably, by Jabba the Hutt.

To the Republic, it was a forgotten world.

To the Hutts, it was a playground.

Because this star system is located at the intersection of the Trillus trade route and the Corellian route, it is also a very important transportation route in the remote outer ring area. However, this planet is located in the outer ring of the Terex and in the Hutt space, the territory of the Hutts, and the Galactic Republic has no control over it.

Tatooine was a planet where criminals and pirates roamed freely, an almost lawless world where might made right. It was a place where deals were struck in the shadows, betrayals were commonplace, and survival depended on knowing who to trust—and more importantly, who not to. The Galactic Republic had no jurisdiction here, leaving the planet under the control of the notorious Hutt Cartel.

After three hyperspace jumps along the Trillus trade route, a YT-1000 light freighter, a model built by the Corellian Engineering Corporation, emerged from hyperspace at the outskirts of the arid, sun-scorched planet.

In the cockpit, Mute occupied the pilot's seat, his hands moving skillfully over the controls as he stabilized the vessel. The sudden shift from hyperspace travel to sublight speeds was always a bit jarring, but he handled it with practiced ease. Once the ship was steady, he leaned back and turned toward Dubrak Quinto, who sat in the co-pilot seat, a frown etched on his face.

"Alright, it's all yours," Mute said casually, nodding toward the controls.

Quinto, however, only sighed. He had originally been the ship's designated pilot, but Mute had quickly proven himself to be the superior navigator. Begrudgingly accepting his demotion to co-pilot, Quinto switched on the ship's communication system.

"Alright, Mos Eisley Port, this is YT-1000, cheap—"

"Change the name," Leo interjected from the back of the cockpit.

Quinto turned slightly, raising an eyebrow. "To what?"

"Lancer," Leo said firmly.

Edison chuckled. "I like that name. Has a nice ring to it."

Quinto smirked slightly before adjusting his message. "Mos Eisley Port, this is the YT-1000 Lancer. We need supplies and a berth for unloading. If anyone has space, let us know."

The communicator crackled with static, followed by a burst of overlapping voices. Several docking coordinators responded, transmitting coordinates for seven or eight available berths.

Quinto quickly scanned the options, then looked at Leo. "Tatooine is a completely open world. No laws, no official government—everything here is private business. Keep that in mind, because if you get into trouble, no one's going to help you. You're on your own out here."

Leo nodded, taking in the warning.

Quinto selected one of the berths on the ship's navigation system. "Alright, we're heading to Truda's. He works for Jabba, and I've done business with him before. Should be safe enough."

The Lancer began its descent into Tatooine's atmosphere, passing through layers of thick, sweltering heat. Below, the endless expanse of golden dunes and rocky outcrops stretched as far as the eye could see. The harsh desert winds stirred up spirals of dust, making the landscape seem even more inhospitable.

As the ship lowered its altitude, a city came into view—Mos Eisley.

From above, the settlement looked old and worn, a collection of domed, sand-colored buildings packed closely together. The architectural style was simple, practical, and built to withstand the desert's relentless heat. Apart from a few taller structures, most buildings were no more than a few stories high. Canvas tents, makeshift stalls, and crude awnings extended from nearly every corner, forming a chaotic maze of shaded alleys and trading spots. Despite its dilapidated appearance, the city was teeming with life.

The Lancer touched down on a crude landing pad, a flat expanse of hardened sand and metal plating. The moment the engines powered down, a Nikto man emerged from the side of a nearby building. He was an older male, his leathery skin worn and cracked from years of exposure to the elements. Some of the bone spurs on his face had chipped away with age, giving him a rough, weathered look.

With a wrench in hand, he banged on the Lancer's metal frame and shouted, "Move it, boys! Fill this ship with fuel and get some drinking water on board!"

From the shadows, a group of dormant engineering droids suddenly sprang to life. Without hesitation, they grabbed hoses, tools, and fuel pumps, moving with mechanical efficiency as they began servicing the ship.

Quinto stepped forward, a grin spreading across his face as he clapped the Nikto man on the shoulder. "Truda! It's been a while. How's business?"

Truda barely acknowledged the greeting, his gaze sharp as he folded his arms. "Doesn't matter how I'm doing, Quinto. What matters is what you've been up to. Jabba's been looking for you. This shipment's late—way late."

Quinto's grin faltered slightly. He stole a quick glance at Leo before coughing awkwardly. "Yeah, well… had a bit of ship trouble. Malfunctions, you know how it is. But look, I'm here now, aren't I?"

Truda's eyes flicked past Quinto, settling on the unfamiliar faces behind him.

Leo, Edison, T-850, and Spard—a Rodian crew member—stood silently, observing. They had all changed into worn, dust-covered civilian clothing to blend in, though their relatively clean appearances still set them apart from the usual riffraff that wandered Mos Eisley.

Truda exhaled sharply, rubbing his chin. "Hmph. Well, let's just hope for your sake that Jabba's still in a good mood."

Quinto forced a laugh. "Yeah… let's hope."

*****

[Attached picture 1 of the Easter egg chapter: Engineering robot.]