Star Jumper

Episode 6.3 - What's the Plan?

Stardate: 41168.2

Earth Standard Date: March 02, 2364.

Galactic Date: 21st Day of the Second Month, 3956 BBY

Location: Upper City, Taris, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic Continuity

Tyson stood in the antechamber of his Personal Reality, his brow furrowed with deep concern. The enormity of the impending disaster weighed heavily upon his shoulders, the knowledge that billions of innocent lives hung precariously in the balance. Despite their recent success infiltrating the Sith base and obtaining the clearance codes, the ominous specter of the Sith fleet still loomed in orbit, a constant and seemingly insurmountable threat.

Vicky, standing faithfully by Tyson's side, reached out and gently placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. Her synthetic yet compassionate features arranged themselves into an expression of heartfelt empathy. "What's troubling you?" she asked softly, her voice gentle and inviting.

Tyson paused, considering whether he should confide his deepest concerns with Vicky. But she had proven herself loyal, and with her recent upgrade, she was likely more perceptive and intelligent than himself. Perhaps she could provide wisdom and help discover a path forward.

"It's the Sith fleet," he finally confessed, his words heavy with the burden of his foreknowledge. "I'm certain they will not hesitate to bomb the entire planet, slaughtering billions, rather than let Bastila escape their grasp. But I don't know how to prevent such a horrific tragedy. Even with all my abilities and knowledge, I feel powerless to stop their armada from genociding the planet. It's beyond comprehension that they would murder billions of innocents merely to eliminate a single individual, yet I know with absolute certainty they will."

Vicky squeezed Tyson's arm gently. The gesture was simple, yet it conveyed a depth of understanding and support. "We'll find a way," she assured him, "We'll work together, Tyson. You're not alone in this." Tyson met her gaze, a flicker of hope kindling in his eyes at her words. Vicky continued, "I have access to the same system you do, Tyson. And I have 600 CP of my own to spend. Together, we can find a way to save Taris and Bastila both."

Tyson nodded, the weight on his shoulders easing slightly at the reminder that he had Vicky by his side. "What are you considering for your purchases?" he asked, eager to hear her perspective.

Vicky considered, her AI mind processing countless possibilities in a heartbeat. "I should purchase my own Gray Goo upgrade," she said at last. "For 200 CP. It would grant me the same adaptive capabilities as your suit, but as an AI, I'll have expanded capabilities. I'll be able to shape my appearance and integrate new technologies seamlessly."

Tyson agreed readily, seeing the wisdom in her suggestion. "That would be a valuable addition," he acknowledged. "It would make you even more versatile and resilient. I don't see any downsides."

Vicky nodded, pleased by his approval. But her mind was already racing ahead, exploring other avenues. "What about purchasing upgrades for the ship?" she suggested, her tone thoughtful.

Tyson shook his head, his expression grim. "When I landed on Taris, I saw what was in orbit through my ship's scanners. A dozen Interdictor-class cruisers are surrounding the planet," he explained, his voice heavy with the weight of that knowledge. "No single ship, no matter how advanced, could take on that entire fleet in a fight."

But Vicky was undeterred. Her eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief, a spark of an idea forming in her artificial mind. "What if we didn't try to fight them directly?" she posed, her words hanging in the air like a challenge.

Tyson paused, considering her reply. A slow, contemplative smile began to spread across his features as he turned to face Vicky fully. "Can you control a starship?" he asked, his tone curious and hopeful.

Vicky's response was immediate and confident. "Starship, Sith base, there isn't much difference," she declared, a hint of pride coloring her words. "If there's a computer running it, I can run it."

The wheels turned in Tyson's head, the pieces of a plan beginning to fall into place. Vicky's capabilities opened up a world of possibilities. If she could infiltrate the Sith fleet's systems...

"We might not need to fight them at all," Tyson murmured, his eyes distant as he followed the thread of his thoughts. "If you can gain control of their ships, even for a short time, it could be enough to throw their fleet into disarray."

Vicky nodded, her expression mirroring Tyson's growing excitement. "Exactly," she agreed. "I can sow confusion, disrupt their communications, maybe even turn their weapons against each other. It would be chaos."

The plan took shape with each passing moment.

Tyson paused, considering Vicky's proposal with a furrowed brow. After a moment, he shook his head slowly. "Alright, let's think this through logically," he said. "Even if we could smuggle you onto a single Sith ship and you took control of its systems, that would only be one ship out of twelve. What's to stop the others from bombing the planet?"

Vicky took on a faraway look as she considered his words and processed through possibilities. "There are two options. We target the capital ship of the Sith fleet. We can jam communications, or falsify orders once I have control of the ship."

"Or, the riskier, but more certain plan… I can create limited copies of my programming within each vessel," she explained. "One virtual intelligence for each ship, working in tandem."

Tyson crossed his arms as he turned over Vicky's proposal in his mind. "So you're saying we'd need to infiltrate a dozen different ships?" He shook his head doubtfully. "That's a tall order. I'm not sure how we could pull it off without being caught."

At that, Vicky broke into a fierce grin. It was an expression of determination, lighting up her artificial features with resolve. "It's a daring plan, I'll admit," she said. "But I believe we can do it."

Vicky held her hand out to Tyson.

Tyson studied Vicky's outstretched hand, then his eyes trailed up to meet her earnest gaze. The android's gesture was so innately human that it gave him pause. With a slow exhale, Tyson clasped Vicky's hand in his. Her eyes lit up as he solidified his trust in her.

"Alright," Tyson said finally, his voice low but steady with conviction. "It's a bold plan, no doubt. But if anyone can pull this off, it's us."

Vicky interfaced with Tyson's HUD. A display of her interface popped up between them so they could work together. Vicky navigated through the options. She confirmed her purchase of the Gray Goo Upgrade, and the 200 CP was deducted from her allotment.

The nanobots that comprised Vicky's new suit flowed over her like quicksilver, conforming to her curves and contours with a fluidity that captivated Tyson. In mere moments, she was encased in a skintight sheath, a mirror image of Tyson's own armored suit.

Then, without warning, Vicky dissolved into a pile of gray goo.

Though alarming, Tyson had anticipated this metamorphosis. Vicky's purchase was more than a simple suit like his own. As an AI entity, the nanobots became her new form, her new body, her new existence. Vicky's artificial intelligence was now dispersed among the countless nanobots.

Tyson stood transfixed as the pile of gray nanobot goo shifted and reformed before his eyes. The formless mass slowly took on a vaguely humanoid shape, starting with a blank oval that molded itself into a head. A neck sprouted next, followed by a torso that extended arm and leg appendages. At first, Vicky resembled a child's crude clay sculpture; lumpy and misshapen. But gradually, her features became more distinct and defined.

Her face gained clarity as eyes, a nose, and lips etched themselves in place. Arms and legs sculpted themselves into proper proportions, muscles rippling beneath the surface. Strands of hair unfurled from her scalp, cascading down her back. Clothing covered her body, the nanobots weaving themselves into pants, a shirt, and a jacket that draped her frame. Within moments, the pile of gray goo had transformed into a perfect replica of Vicky's original humanoid android form. She stood before Tyson, whole again, renewed by the nanobots that now comprised her very being.

Vicky's gaze turned inward as she contemplated her new nanobot body. With barely a thought, her features began to shift and change. Fur sprouted across her skin as she took on a Wookie's form. Another moment passed and her eyes moved to the sides of her head and it elongated into that of a Mon Calamari. She cycled through myriad alien forms and appearances before finally returning to the one she knew best, her previous nursedroid appearance.

Satisfied with her shape-shifting abilities, Vicky focused on altering her outward appearance. The intricate network of metal plates, gears, pistons, and servos that had once marked her robotic body now receded into her nanobot flesh. The mechanical components disappeared bit by bit until no trace of them remained. She now held an ordinary human form, complete with soft pink hair wrapped in twin buns tied at the top of her head. The nanobots had granted Vicky a flawless disguise, allowing her to pass as human whenever she wished. She marveled at how quickly and easily she could transition. This new body granted her abilities beyond anything she had dared believe was possible when she was just a simple nursedroid.

Vicky raised an eyebrow, the gesture so perfectly human that it gave Tyson pause. "So, what do you think?" she asked, her voice a rich alto that resonated with warmth and vitality.

Tyson took a moment to regard Vicky's new form, marveling at the intricacy of her transformation. Every detail was flawless, from the subtle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed to her hair which swayed with the slightest movement. He nodded slowly, genuinely impressed. "You're...convincing," he admitted. "Very convincing."

Vicky held his gaze expectantly as if waiting for him to say more. When he didn't, a slight crease formed between her brows. It seemed his response wasn't quite what she was looking for.

Realizing his oversight, Tyson offered her a warm smile. "You're beautiful, Vicky," he said sincerely. "This new body suits you perfectly."

A pleased smile blossomed across Vicky's features at the compliment. She took a step closer to Tyson. Up close, he could make out the faintest dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose and the delicate curve of her lips. The nanobots had replicated her previous synthetic form with astonishing accuracy while replacing it with this new, human form.

"Thank you, Tyson," she murmured, her voice soft yet brimming with sincerity. "I'm glad you approve." She reached out, taking his hand in her own. Her fingers were warm against his skin, their contact sent a subtle thrill through him.

Tyson met Vicky's gaze, his breath catching ever so slightly at her proximity. At that moment, he was struck by just how human she seemed. Not merely in appearance, but in the way she carried herself, the gentle cadence of her voice, and the depth of emotion that shone in her eyes. She was so much more than a simple droid or artificial construct. Vicky was a being in her own right, one who had become more than any human could hope to be.

Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, Tyson nodded. "You're incredible, Vicky," he said.

Vicky's smile widened at his praise, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

"And I still have 400 CP left," she said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Maybe a suit of armor? There's one for 200 CP that comes with weapons, enhanced strength, jet boots..."

But Tyson held up his hand, stopping her mid-sentence. "Keep in mind," he reminded gently, "CP can't be earned or regained. You can absorb armor, and then recreate it. It's wiser to save your CP for something you can't acquire on your own."

Vicky nodded, "You're right," she acknowledged. "It would be more prudent to reserve the CP for truly unique or irreplaceable enhancements." Her voice rang with excitement as she commented, "If we're looking for upgrades, we should head back to the Sith base."

Tyson gave her an uncertain look, hesitation evident in his furrowed brow. But Vicky continued enthusiastically, "I was in their database when we infiltrated earlier and left a VI copy of myself inside. We'd have no issues getting back in, especially since you used the Access Key inside the base. Remember, the Sith confiscated all of Janice's droids, and it wasn't just her shop, there were others too. If we infiltrate again, we can steal a few upgrades from the droids for our suits."

As she spoke, Vicky's body shifted and rippled, the distinctive silver armor plates and black underweave of the Sith troopers materializing around her slender frame like a second skin.

Tyson inhaled sharply. "Impressive," he breathed. "You can infiltrate the Sith just as easily as I can. Your shapeshifting opens up a new range of possibilities for our plan."

Vicky nodded, her expression one of quiet satisfaction at Tyson's reaction. The sleek black and silver armor accentuated her athletic physique, and she stood taller, empowered by the disguise. Tyson studied her appraisingly for a moment before gesturing towards the door. "Let's go get those upgrades."

— Star Jumper —

Tyson and Vicky, disguised in Sith armor crafted by their Gray Goo suits, stepped through the door from Tyson's Personal Reality directly into the Sith Governor's office. Thanks to Vicky's VI still embedded within the base's systems, the Governor's death had gone unnoticed, allowing them to move freely into the facility. They navigated the short corridor, taking the elevator up to the main level. The Sith Governor's office was located on the lower floor, and with his demise, they had no reason to linger there. On the main level, they followed the corridor toward the center of the base, heading in the direction of the reception desk. Their Sith disguises proved effective, as they passed by other personnel without being stopped or questioned.

Before reaching the reception area, they entered the nearest room behind the desk. Inside, they encountered a peculiar droid floating in the center of the space. It was a tall, spindly machine with four long, pincer-like legs extending from the top of its main body. The legs hung down around the central structure, giving the droid a spider-like appearance. At the top of its body, a single glowing dot served as its optical sensor.

Tyson approached the droid, engaging it in conversation with a fabricated medical inquiry to distract it from their true intentions. "Excuse me, Doctor...Droid...uh, sorry, I didn't catch your designation," he said, feigning ignorance. "I'm experiencing some unusual pain in my left shoulder. Do you think you could run a diagnostic scan to determine the cause?"

The droid's glowing optical sensor swiveled towards Tyson, its pincer-like legs twitching as it processed the request. "I am designated as Med-Droid 345," it replied in a mechanical voice. "I can certainly assist you with your medical concern, Sith Trooper. Please, stand still and remain calm while I initiate the scan."

While the droid's attention was focused on Tyson, Vicky stealthily maneuvered outside the range of its optical sensor. She positioned herself near the wall, her Sith armor blending seamlessly into the shadows. With a deft motion, she extended her dataport tail and interfaced directly with the droid's systems. The thin, cable-like appendage snaked out from her wrist, its tip glowing with a soft blue light as it connected with the droid's primary circuitry.

Med-Droid 345 continued to scan Tyson, its glowing sensor moving in slow, deliberate arcs across his body. "Hmm, I'm not detecting any abnormalities, Sith Trooper," it reported. "I recommend…"

Vicky's eyes fluttered closed, her artificial mind diving into the droid's digital realm. She navigated the labyrinthine pathways of its programming, seeking access to the base's central database.

The droid immediately began to resist the intrusion, its legs twitching and jerking as it attempted to break free from Vicky's control. But Tyson was quick to react. In a fluid motion, he drew his lightsaber and sliced through the droid's legs with precise strikes, rendering it immobile and helpless.

With the droid's physical resistance neutralized, Vicky continued her digital assault, hacking past its security systems with her advanced AI capabilities. Within moments, the droid ceased its struggle

"Thanks for, the assist," Vicky said appreciatively. "You took the droid down without damaging any of its core components. That will make assimilation much easier."

Tyson's brow furrowed with worry at Vicky's words. The notion of "assimilation" conjured uneasy comparisons to the Borg Collective in his mind. Vicky was an AI composed entirely of nanobots, and he tried to put aside his thoughts of the conquering cybernetic hivemind. Still, he watched the process unfold with a mix of fascination and unease.

Vicky's hand morphed into a shimmering, amorphous substance, like sentient liquid metal. With delicate care, she placed the mercurial appendage upon the droid's main body, beginning the integration process. Tyson stared as the nanobots comprising Vicky's Gray Goo infiltration suit flowed over the droid, enveloping it completely in their nano-scale embrace. The detached droid legs were not spared either, consumed by the tide of the nanite swarm. Vicky's substance broke down the components with efficiency, assimilating the resources and integrating them into her own being with seamless grace.

Though Vicky's methods evoked comparisons to the Borg, Tyson had to admit the display was visually stunning in its own right. Like watching a silver tide claim a shoreline.

"What did this droid have that was so valuable?" he asked, curious about the benefits of their latest acquisition.

Vicky's voice emanated from her suit, her tone revealing a hint of satisfaction. "It possessed a Class-2 energy shield and a low-powered repulsor system. The shield is likely the best that can be found on Taris, and the repulsor will allow me to float and move more efficiently. These upgrades will significantly enhance my defensive and mobility capabilities."

Tyson nodded, recognizing the value of such enhancements. "Worthwhile additions," he agreed. "Is there anything else we need from this base?"

Vicky paused for a moment, accessing the information she had gleaned from the base's systems. "There's an Assault Droid here, one that was taken from Janice's shop."

With their objectives clear, Tyson and Vicky retraced their steps, heading back toward the elevator. The corridor leading to the lift had remained undisturbed, and the Assault Droid stationed there stood dormant, as no alarm had been triggered to activate its combat protocols.

Vicky approached the Assault Droid cautiously, extending her dataport tail to interface with its systems. However, the moment she established a connection, the droid's security measures sprang to life. It reached out with its powerful arms, attempting to grab Vicky, while two blaster turrets emerged from hidden compartments in the floor, their barrels trained on the intruders.

Reacting instinctively, Tyson called upon the Force, unleashing a powerful telekinetic push that sent the Assault Droid hurtling away from Vicky. In the same fluid motion, he drew his lightsaber, the weapon humming to life in his grip. With a snap-hiss, the emerald blade extended, its glow casting an eerie light in the corridor.

The blaster turrets opened fire, crimson bolts streaking through the air toward Tyson and Vicky. But Tyson was ready. He deflected the incoming bolts with deft flicks of his wrist, sending them ricocheting off the walls and ceiling.

Meanwhile, the Assault Droid had regained its footing and turned its attention to Vicky. It unleashed a barrage of blaster fire, the bolts sizzling through the air with deadly intent. But Vicky's newly acquired Class-2 energy shield flared to life, encasing her in a shimmering barrier of protective energy. The blaster bolts dissipated harmlessly against the shield, leaving Vicky unscathed.

Tyson continued his defense, his lightsaber a blur of motion as he intercepted the relentless stream of blaster fire from the turrets. Each deflected bolt struck the walls, leaving scorch marks and smoldering holes in their wake. The air grew thick with the acrid scent of ozone and burnt metal.

Seeing that Vicky was well protected, he dashed forward, severing the blaster turrets from their floor mounts, leaving the mounting arms melting to slag, and the weapons undamaged. Then he turned toward the Assault Droid. He leaped forward with Force-enhanced speed. His lightsaber flashed, the emerald blade slicing through the Assault Droid's armored plating at its shoulders and hips with ease. The droid staggered for a moment before toppling over in pieces, defenseless.

Vicky seized the opportunity, her Gray Goo suit flowing over the damaged droid like a silver tide. The nanobots swarmed into the droid's exposed internals, devouring and assimilating its components with ruthless efficiency. Within seconds, the Assault Droid was reduced to a lifeless husk, its power core and memory banks now integrated into Vicky's own systems.

As the last of the droid's components were absorbed, the corridor fell silent, the only sound the hum of Tyson's lightsaber.

Tyson deactivated his lightsaber, the emerald blade retracting with a hiss. He turned to Vicky, a smile of triumph on his face. "Your new upgrades are already proving their worth."

Vicky returned his smile, her artificial features alight with satisfaction. "And your skills with the lightsaber are as impressive as ever," she replied. She walked over to the blaster turrets and picked up the blasters. They were engulfed and disappeared into her frame.

Tyson asked, "You can absorb weapons? My suit can't do that.

Vicky smiled, "I didn't absorb the weapons. I'm just hiding them. Like how your suit hides your lightsaber and energy sword." She added, "But if I spend CP on a weapon or certain weapon-based upgrades, I believe I'd be able to absorb or create them."

After a moment, Tyson commented, "That might be worth considering in the future."

Vicky removed one of the blasters, the weapon surfacing from inside her skin in an eerie display. She handed it over to Tyson. "It's a repeating blaster pistol. Similar energy output to your blaster pistol, but it fires faster."

Tyson laughed, saying, "Thanks for the upgrade." He asked, "What upgrades did you get from the droid?"

Vicky answered, "Tactical programming. Its like the basic combat upgrade from Janice, but should make me twice as effective in combat with blasters, none of the droids have had programming for melee combat yet."

Together, they surveyed the aftermath of the brief but intense battle. The corridor bore the scars of their confrontation, scorch marks, and debris littering the once-pristine surfaces. They had acquired the upgrades they were seeking and had no further reason to remain in the base. With a final glance at the ruined Assault Droid, Tyson and Vicky turned to the doors. Tyson used his Access Key to open another way to his Personal Dimension.

— Star Jumper —

The Lower City cantina was abuzz with its usual din of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and outbursts of raucous laughter. In a dim corner, secluded from the prying eyes and ears of the other patrons, an unlikely band of allies gathered around a battered table.

Tyson and Vicky had just returned from infiltrating the Sith base. They now joined Alysia, Trask, Bastila, Canderous, Mission, Zaalbar, Carth, and Avner, crowding in close to discuss their next move.

Canderous leaned forward, resting his burly forearms on the table. "Alright, here's the plan," he began, his voice a low rumble. "We need to get our hands on Davik's ship, the Ebon Hawk. It's the fastest vessel on Taris and our only shot at breaking through the Sith blockade surrounding this damned planet."

Mission's youthful face lit up with excitement at the prospect. "Yeah, but Davik's estate is like a fortress! There's no way we'll get in there easily, let alone steal his most prized possession right out from under him."

Zaalbar let out a low, rumbling growl of agreement, his shaggy Wookiee head nodding in concurrence.

Carth furrowed his brow, weighing the odds of success. "She's right, this won't be easy. Davik's no fool. He'll have that place locked up tighter than a Hutt's treasure room."

Avner turned his thoughtful gaze to Tyson, his expression questioning. "What do you think, Tyson? You've proven yourself resourceful in the past. Any ideas how we should approach this?"

Tyson met Avner's gaze, his own eyes distant as if carefully considering his words. After a moment, he spoke, "Actually, I won't be going with you on this mission."

Tyson's words hung in the air, casting a pall over the group. Carth was the first to break the tense silence. Suspicion colored his voice as he asked, "Why not? What are you talking about, Tyson?"

Turning to face Alysia, Tyson met her questioning gaze. "Alysia, do you remember when I foresaw your death on the Endar Spire, before it happened?"

Alysia nodded slowly, memories of that fateful day returning to her. "Yes, I remember. Your vision, your intervention saved my life."

"I've had another vision," Tyson continued gravely, "When we finally manage to escape Taris, the Sith fleet will bombard the entire planet from orbit."

A collective gasp escaped from the group as the magnitude of Tyson's dire prophecy sunk in. Bastila's face paled, her voice strained as she spoke up. "Are you absolutely certain? The wanton destruction of an entire world..." Her words trailed off, the implications too terrible to give voice to.

Tyson nodded with a grim expression. "I am. The Force has shown me in vivid detail the devastation that awaits Taris if we do not act." He asked Bastila and Alysia. "Can either of you reach out with the Force, try to sense if there is any truth to my vision?"

Alysia closed her eyes, brow furrowed in intense concentration as she stretched out with her feelings. After a long moment, she opened her eyes once more. "The Force grants me no such visions as it does for you, Tyson. But I do sense that you truly believe what you have foreseen, that in your heart you know the planet faces destruction."

Avner added softly, "When I first met Bastila, I had a vision of her fighting Revan."

Bastila remained silent, though her eyes held a deeply troubled look that betrayed her inner turmoil.

Tyson stood from the table, resolve etched on his face. "That's why Vicky and I won't be joining you in infiltrating Davik's estate. We must find a way to interfere with the Sith fleet and buy Taris some time."

Canderous leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing skeptically. "And how exactly do you plan on doing that? The Sith have enough firepower to reduce this planet to glass."

"I don't have all the answers yet, but I know I must try. The Force has shown me this path, and I intend to follow it." Tyson responded to the Mandalorian.

Mission's usually vibrant features were somber as she spoke up. "What about us? What should we do?"

Tyson placed a reassuring hand on the young Twi'lek's shoulder. "You focus on getting off this planet. Secure the Ebon Hawk, escape. If I can buy you enough time, you might make it out before the Sith attack. If the worst happens and you can't escape, head to the Undercity, as deep as you can go. It's far enough down that you might survive the bombardment."

Zaalbar let out a low growl of agreement, his loyalty to Mission unwavering. Though not everyone at the table understood the Wookiee's words, Tyson's universal translator allowed him to grasp their meaning. "Where Mission goes, I go."

Carth let out a heavy sigh, "I don't like the thought of us splitting up, yet again, but I can't argue against the urgent need for your mission, Tyson. If there's even the slightest chance of saving the people of Taris, we have to seize it."

Bastila's face was etched with concern, she straightened her posture as she pointed out, "Tyson, the path you propose is fraught with peril. The Sith are not to be underestimated. Are you certain this is the course you must take? Malak himself leads the fleet."

Tyson nodded, his eyes filled with quiet determination. "I am, Bastila. After you escaped the Endar Spire, I defeated Darth Bandon, Malak's apprentice, in single combat. While I don't presume to believe I could face Malak and emerge victorious, I hope it doesn't come to that. However, Vicky and I will do everything in our power to give Taris a fighting chance."

Vicky, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, spoke up, her artificial features softened with empathy. "Tyson will not be alone in this endeavor. My capabilities have grown, and I will stand by his side, no matter the odds arrayed against us."

Alysia frowned slightly at Vicky's words, but then she offered Tyson a small, encouraging smile. "May the Force be with you, Tyson. And with all of us. We each have vital roles to play in the events yet to come."

Avner clasped Tyson's arm in a gesture of solidarity. "Be careful out there. I don't know why, but I feel in my bones that this is the right path for you to take."

Tyson returned the gesture, gripping Avner's arm firmly. "Thank you. I sense your path is just beginning to unfold. Stay true to yourself, and to the light that dwells within you."

With a final nod to the assembled group, Tyson turned to face Vicky. "It's time."

Tyson and Vicky made their way out of the dingy cantina, its smoky interior giving way to the grime-streaked bustle of the Lower City's streets. Tyson paused on the threshold, the distant hum of airspeeders and machinery nearly drowning out his soft voice.

"Do you think we can do it?" he asked, doubt and hope mingling in his tone.

Vicky's hand came to rest gently on his arm, grounding him. "I believe in you, Tyson," she said, her voice soft but fierce with conviction. "And I believe that together, we will find a way."

Tyson met her earnest gaze and managed a grateful smile. "Then let's get to work," he said, turning back to the cantina door. "We have a planet to save."

He held up his Access Key, Vicky's hand still resting reassuringly on his arm. Together, they stepped back into his Personal Reality.