Chapter 27: Lending a Helping Hand [Begging for recommendation votes, bookmarks, and monthly tickets, wha

26. Lending a Helping Hand

"Master! Their defense forces are being slaughtered! Master!" Obi-Wan Kenobi also witnessed the brutal battle, and he could no longer sit still.

He was especially moved when he saw those pilots flying clearly obsolete fighters, yet remaining fearless, charging into near-suicidal attacks wave after wave.

"Sit down, Obi-Wan. Remember, do not let your emotions control your actions," Qui-Gon Jinn said, appearing as composed as a meditating monk, sitting motionless with his eyes closed in repose.

"But! Master..."

"Sit down. At this stage of the battle, we should no longer be the ones to make this request. You should be able to understand just by sensing the emotions of those people in uniform."

Obi-Wan looked toward Qi Jian's direction. In his Force perception, it felt as if he were touching a ball of blazing fire. He finally understood his master's meaning; for those people, this was a metamorphosis.

Some things must be realized by themselves; some shames must be endured by themselves.

Only then... could they become stronger!

However... Obi-Wan suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of trepidation. He had a vague premonition that perhaps this humiliating day would bring a catastrophic consequence to the galaxy.

At that moment, he saw the middle-aged female administrator walking toward them. He stood up and bowed slightly, his mouth moving, but no words came out.

"Master Qui-Gon, our administrators previously told me that you are Jedi Knights, guardians of the Galactic Republic... Facing these cruel pirates, we hope the Jedi will not stand idly by. At the same time, to obtain your help, we are willing to pay any price," Clementine said, taking a deep breath and bowing her head to the two men.

Qui-Gon Jinn took a deep breath, stood up, and spoke slowly, "It is our duty. But please understand, this galaxy is full of danger, and there is not always a Jedi present. I hope you can understand this."

"This is our new home. Even if we have to sacrifice all our lives, we will fight to the end," Daphne Clementine said, her head still bowed, her expression hidden.

But Qui-Gon could sense the flame in her heart through the Force. He let out a long sigh and said, "Anger is a double-edged sword; while it burns others, it also burns oneself. Take care of yourselves. I hope that what these pirates awaken this time is not a terrible beast."

"I believe that by your next visit, we can show a better side of ourselves. Our leader, Tang Xiao, also looks forward to meeting you," Clementine said softly, bowing deeply.

Qui-Gon nodded. "Your black tea is very good; I look forward to tasting it again. Very well, we are departing now. May the Force be with you." Having said that, he pulled his cloak hood back up and, along with Obi-Wan Kenobi, took the elevator toward the hangar.

The hangar platform was already empty, with few aircraft present, but a group of pilots was already on standby. Qui-Gon walked over intending to say a few words to them, but he found that there was still a language barrier. Galactic Standard was currently only being studied by a small minority in the Fourth Civilization.

Thus, the two had no choice but to board the spacecraft, where their pilot was already waiting. Qui-Gon motioned for the pilot to leave the seat and made a gesture to Obi-Wan, saying, "You pilot."

"No problem, Master." Obi-Wan did not refuse, but after taking the pilot's seat, he grew somewhat worried. "Master, this ship is only a civilian vessel with only one defensive turret. I still don't feel very confident."

Qui-Gon Jinn chuckled. "Now you know how to be afraid? Where did that bravado from earlier go?"

Obi-Wan said solemnly, "As a Jedi Knight, helping innocent civilians is precisely our duty."

Qui-Gon shook his head with a smile. "You only see their fragile surface, but you have not seen through their powerful inner strength. You think they are innocent now because they are weak. But... that may not necessarily be the case in the future. Remember, trust the Force, use the Force. Only then can you see more and see further."

"I understand, Master. So, are you saying that we are actually..."

"I am saying these people need our help. Let's go; do not waste the time these warriors have bought with their lives." Qui-Gon Jinn sat in the co-pilot's seat and skillfully flipped the ship's instrument switches.

The Z-10 Explorer-class light spacecraft lifted off from the vast hangar platform and flew straight toward the direction of the battle at the Endor gas planet mining station.

On the battlefield, more than 30 Blade-class fighters had already been destroyed, with wreckage and the bodies of pilots drifting silently in space.

However, the intense battle was far from over. Qi Jian, also commanding for the first time, was caught up in the heat of the moment. He still believed that through sheer numbers, they could hold off these pirates. Under his command, the Blade-class fighter pilots launched one courageous and fearless attack after another.

The Z-10 spacecraft piloted by Obi-Wan Kenobi cut rapidly into the battlefield. He opened the comms and said to Qi Jian, "Have your fighters coordinate with us as much as possible."

"Understood," Qi Jian's voice came through, and immediately, the formations of the Blade-class fighters changed, beginning to maneuver around their Z-10 spacecraft as the core.

"Let's go!" Obi-Wan slammed the control stick forward, and the ship suddenly accelerated, flying straight ahead.

However, the three bounty hunter ships were no pushovers. A fierce barrage of fire met them head-on, causing the Z-10's shields to flicker violently.

"It's no use! Their firepower is too intense!" Cold sweat began to bead on Obi-Wan's forehead.

"Remember what I said: use the Force," Qui-Gon prompted. "Their weakness is obvious."

Obi-Wan took a deep breath to calm himself. "I understand, Master. Although they have modified their ships and added more turrets, their electronic and fire-control systems are still outdated and insufficient to fully utilize their powerful firepower."

"And then?" Qui-Gon guided his apprentice.

"Then, watch me!" Obi-Wan's gaze became sharp, and he once again accelerated the ship. This time, he carved a high-speed arc through the air, constantly jerking the wings to disrupt the enemy's fire-control radar. Then, he slammed the button, and the pulse laser cannon fired a brilliant beam of light!

In the face of a starfighter piloted by a Jedi, even an ace pilot would stand no chance!

Because through the perception of the Force, a Jedi could foresee incoming danger.

A moment later, the Z-10 Explorer-class light spacecraft flew out from the flames of the final exploding bounty hunter ship, and the cheers of the Fourth Civilization pilots erupted over the comms.

"Master, we did it! All those pirates have been shot down!" Obi-Wan said with immense excitement. "Are we going back to that giant ship?"

Qui-Gon Jinn smiled slightly without speaking, merely flipping the switch for the hyperdrive in the co-pilot's seat.

Obi-Wan understood the implication and smiled back at Qui-Gon. He initiated the hyperspace jump, and the ship appeared to stretch instantly, vanishing into the depths of space in the blink of an eye.

[Easter Egg Illustration 1: Z-10 Explorer-class spacecraft]

Thanks to Muli Tian for the 100 Qidian coins!!

(End of Chapter)