In the dimly lit confines of a broom closet Braze sat hunched over, his gaze fixed on the Sunfire Signet Ring adorning his finger. The recent announcement over the station's PA system had set off a storm of activity, with bounty hunters and opportunists now actively seeking him out. He couldn't hide here forever; It was time to act.
With a deep, steadying breath, Braze activated the ring. Its surface flickered to life, projecting a holographic display into the palm of his hand. The ring's emergency beacon was his last resort, a call for help that would broadcast his location to any allies within range. However here it was a double-edged sword, potentially drawing enemies closer as well. He hesitated for a moment, considering the risk, then with a dejected sigh, he sent out the distress signal.
Almost immediately, the ring's sensors picked up movement nearby. Braze tensed, readying himself for what might come next. The holographic display showed three blips moving steadily towards his location—bounty hunters, no doubt drawn by the announcement.
The first to arrive was a Rodian named Grekko, known for his ruthless efficiency and a keen interest for collecting Jedi trophies. Accompanying him were two less notorious hunters: a human named Tarn and a Duros called Veen. They moved with purpose, their weapons drawn, as they neared Braze's hiding spot.
Braze knew he couldn't face them head-on in his current state. Instead he reached out, sensing the minds of his pursuers, planting a seed of confusion among them.
"Did you hear that?" Tarn muttered, pausing as a distant noise, a figment of Braze's making, echoed down the corridor.
Seizing the moment, Braze slipped out of the closet, moving silently behind a stack of crates. He watched as the hunters turned their attention away, investigating the nonexistent sound. It was a temporary reprieve, but it wouldn't last long.
As he contemplated his next move, a plan began to form. Braze couldn't escape the station on his own; he needed a distraction. With a flick of his wrist, he used the Force to knock over a nearby tool cart, sending it crashing into the wall with a loud clang.
The noise drew the hunters' attention immediately.
"Over there!" Veen shouted, leading the charge towards the source of the disturbance. Braze used their momentary distraction to make his move, darting towards an access panel he had noticed earlier. He utilized the Force yet again as he worked quickly, overriding the lock and slipping inside the maintenance tunnel beyond.
Behind him, the bounty hunters realized their mistake.
"He's tricking us!" Grekko snarled, frustration evident in his voice. But by then, Braze was already crawling through the narrow space, putting distance between himself and his pursuers.
The maintenance tunnel was cramped and dark, but to Braze, it felt like a lifeline. He moved as quickly as his injured body would allow. The beacon continued to broadcast, a silent cry for help in the vastness of space.
As he emerged on the other side of the tunnel, Braze found himself in a different part of the station, far from the hunters but still not safe.
He would survive this, he vowed silently. He had to.
His injuries weighed heavily on him, the pain a constant companion that sapped his strength and slowed his movements. He couldn't keep this up forever and it was only a matter of time before he ran in to another problem. He needed to fond a way off this station fast.
It wasn't long at all before his fears were realized. Turning a corner, Braze came face to face with a new threat: a group of Trandoshan hunters, notorious for their brutality and their hatred of Jedi. They grinned menacingly at the sight of him, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Looks like we've caught ourselves a Jedi," hissed the leader, a particularly large Trandoshan with scars crisscrossing his face.
"The Hutt Cartel will pay handsomely for this one."
Braze's mind raced, searching for a way out. He reached out with the Force, attempting to push his attackers back, but his weakened state diminished his powers. The Trandoshans barely stumbled before advancing again, their laughter echoing in the corridor.
Cornered and desperate, Braze drew his lightsaber, the blade illuminating the darkness. He knew he couldn't defeat them all, but he refused to go down without a fight. The Trandoshans attacked, their own weapons drawn, and the corridor became a battleground.
Despite his valiant efforts, Braze's weakened condition and the overwhelming numbers against him soon took their toll. A powerful blow knocked his lightsaber from his grasp, sending it skittering across the floor. The Trandoshans moved in, their expressions a mix of triumph and cruelty.
The Trandoshans advanced, their cruel laughter echoing off the metal walls, anticipating an easy capture.
Just as the situation seemed hopeless, a mysterious figure emerged from the shadows. Cloaked and masked, the figure moved with a purposeful grace that was almost spectral. The Trandoshans paused, momentarily taken aback by the sudden appearance of this new challenger.
Without a word, the figure sprang into action, their movements a blur. In one fluid motion, they retrieved Braze's lightsaber from the ground and activated it, the familiar hum of the blade filling the corridor. The Trandoshans, now facing an unexpected threat, snarled and attacked, but the mysterious figure was a formidable opponent.
With precise and controlled strikes, the figure deflected the Trandoshans' attacks, their skill with the lightsaber evident. Braze, still weakened and now disarmed, could only watch in awe as the figure fought to defend him.
One by one, the Trandoshans fell, subdued but not lethally injured. The figure's intention was clear: to incapacitate, not to kill. As the last of the hunters collapsed, the corridor fell silent, save for the soft hum of the lightsaber.
The mysterious figure turned to Braze, offering him a hand.
"We need to leave, now," they said, their voice muffled by the mask. Without waiting for a response, they deactivated the lightsaber and guided Braze through the maze of corridors, moving swiftly towards an exit.
Braze, still reeling from the sudden turn of events, allowed himself to be led. His mind was a whirlwind of questions, but he knew this was not the time for answers. They needed to escape before more hunters arrived.
As they navigated the station's labyrinthine passageways, Braze stole glances at his rescuer. There was something familiar about them, a sense of déjà vu that he couldn't quite place. But every attempt to see the figure's face was thwarted by the mask and cloak that concealed their identity.
Finally, they reached a discreetly parked ship, its engines humming softly in standby mode. The figure ushered Braze inside before following and sealing the hatch. As the ship lifted off, leaving the station behind, Braze found himself sitting across from his mysterious savior, the adrenaline of their escape giving way to exhaustion and pain.
"Who are you?" Braze asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The figure reached up a hand towards braze.
" Sleep. "
