The Tragic Jedi | Anakin Skywalker

𝓢𝓬𝓮𝓷𝓮 𝟕𝟏

All around the base's main structure in the center island of the island chain were outshoots of metal transports tracks that branched off into the connecting islands in the island chain. Astrid couldn't help but wonder-- not for the first time-- the full purpose of this base.

It was truly too bad that her and Anakin hadn't blown the entire base up before while it was in the beginning of its construction. That would've probably delayed Sidious's plans by a few years; enough time perhaps for the Order to have discovered the Sith Lord in their midst.

A cold shiver ran down her spine like ice sliding down her back the longer she gazed at the base.

Matthew must've felt the same icy, dreadful feeling because he spoke in a thin, tense voice, "So, we know this base's existence on Scarif is true, so why don't we just turn back now and tell Bail and Mon Mothma?" The sound of his voice breaking the prolonged, tense silence that had descended upon the ship in the few hours it had taken to reach Scarif made his voice sound louder, startling everyone.

"We need to find out the purpose of the base and its connection to the Death Star," Jun Sato told Matthew in a firm, unrelenting voice as if daring Matthew to protest. Astrid couldn't resist her shudder at the mention of the Death Star. She noticed Hera cast her a sidelong, questioning look.

"But--but how?" Matthew stammered, his voice rising in pitch with his growing fear. His fear was almost overpowering through the Force.

"We'll sneak in wearing disguises," Astrid interjected before Jun could speak. The commander cut her a sharp look that Astrid chose to ignore. As far as Astrid was concerned, she didn't have to follow his rules or orders. She wasn't in his command.

"Oh, lovely," Matthew muttered.

"If you're so afraid, Matthew, why don't you stay behind with the Ghost?" Hera suggested gently, her voice filled with empathy and compassion.

Astrid sighed, feeling particularly un-empathetic to Matthew's fear; they simply did not have time for it. She interjected, "Actually, Artoo is keeping watch over the ship."

As if his name had prompted him, Artoo zoomed towards Astrid from where he'd been sitting dormant by the wall to conserve his power. Artoo gave an indignant beep that Astrid translated into something along the lines of, I am not staying with the ship!

She leveled a flat look at Artoo and said firmly, "Artoo, you can't go into the base. You'll be caught immediately. Please, stay with the ship."

Artoo let out a small whirr that Astrid interpreted as reluctant, bitter concession. She let out a relieved breath before turning towards the others. "Artoo has agreed to stay with the ship, and the rest of us will go inside the base to investigate."

Everyone nodded in agreement, except Matthew, who swallowed nervously before giving a shaky nod. Astrid supposed her initial evaluation of him as a newbie fighter was correct. She couldn't help but wonder why Hera and Jun had chosen him to come along with them. Surely, there was someone else in their Phoenix Squadron who would have been more... helpful?

Within minutes, Jun landed their ship at the end of one of the island chains, hidden out of sight of any military personnel in the thicket of palm trees. The four of them quickly hurried out of the ship and darted behind a crop of palm trees when they spotted three clone troopers walking in their direction.