4 BBY — Chandrila — Arya stands in the bustling makeshift airfield on Chandrila, a determined look on her face as she checks her gear. Her skills as an armorer are crucial for the upcoming mission, and she feels the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders. The U-Wing, designated U-60D, looms ahead, its ramp down, inviting her into the heart of the Alliance’s secret endeavor. The air is thick with anticipation and the hum of preparations.
An Alliance trooper nods at her as she approaches. “Arya, right? Welcome aboard.”
Arya nods back, her eyes scanning the surroundings. “Thanks. Ready to get started.”
The familiar metallic voice of K2SO, the droid co-piloting the U-Wing, echoes from inside the ship. “Arya, your presence is acknowledged. Please, take your seat.”
She steps inside, her eyes adjusting to the dim interior. The ship’s cramped quarters are filled with crates and equipment for their mission. Herm, a cartographer and all-purpose scientist, is already seated, fidgeting with his datapad. Arya slides into the seat next to him, offering a reassuring smile.
“First time working with K2SO?” she asks, noting his nervous glances at the droid.
Herm chuckles nervously. “Yeah, not used to droids with… personalities.”
“K2SO grows on you. Just give it time,” Arya replies, patting Herm’s shoulder lightly.
Pitt Onoran, the mission director and pilot, strides in, his presence commanding immediate attention. “Everyone settled? We’ll be briefed once we’re in hyperspace. Let’s get moving.”
The U-Wing’s engines roar to life, and they lift off, leaving the safety of Chandrila behind. Arya feels the familiar pull of acceleration as they break through the atmosphere and into the star-studded void. Once in hyperspace, the ship’s vibrations smooth out, and Pitt turns to address the crew.
“Listen up, everyone. This mission’s importance can’t be overstated, and secrecy is paramount. We’re heading to Hoth, not a vacation spot like Scarif. There’s a minimal Imperial presence, but our objective is to establish a base and see if it’s viable for longer-term operations. Time is critical, and each of you has a specific role to play. Check your datapads for details.”
Arya glances at her datapad, reading the specifics of her mission. She needs to design armor that can withstand Hoth’s harsh environment while providing flexibility and lightweight protection. Commonplace materials only—no rare resources.
“Remember,” Pitt continues, “we must work quickly and efficiently. If things go wrong, the droids are our backup plan. K2SO here will survive long after the rest of us have… perished.”
K2SO chimes in with his usual dry wit. “Long after the rest of you have starved and died in the wilderness, I will still be functioning.”
A few chuckles break the tension, and Pitt fields some questions from the crew, answering with a mix of reassurance and blunt honesty. Arya notes the diverse mix of specialists aboard, from scientists to engineers, all necessary for their goal.
4 BBY — Hoth — As they exit hyperspace, the icy expanse of Hoth comes into view. The planet’s surface glistens under the distant sun, a frozen wasteland waiting for them. Arya braces herself as the U-Wing descends, landing on a flat, snow-covered area.
Pitt issues environmental gear to everyone, including Arya—a bulky but necessary precaution against the severe cold. She also receives a pistol, just in case. The team sets up a field complex of cold weather tents, working efficiently despite the biting wind and freezing temperatures.
With the initial setup complete, Arya examines the materials she has to work with. Sitting down with Herm, she shares her thoughts and ideas, drawing on his scientific knowledge to inform her designs.
“We need something that mimics the tauntauns,” Arya muses, studying the creatures they brought with them. “Their coats are wiry and moisture-resistant. And those cleats on their feet…”
Herm nods, his breath visible in the frigid air. “If we keep moving, we won’t get stuck. The snow here acts like dune sand.”
Over the next four days, Arya and Herm work tirelessly. Arya prototypes two suits of Alliance Cold Weather Armor, testing and refining them with Herm’s help. The suits are designed to provide extreme cold weather adaptation, with features like Hoth-specific snow/ice boots, respirators, snow shielding hoods, gloves, and goggles.
On the fifth day, Arya and Herm don the finished prototypes. K2SO accompanies them as they venture into the snow to test the armor. Arya follows Herm’s lead, noting how the suits perform against the elements. They approach an ice bridge, the surface treacherous under their feet.
In the distance, a large, furred figure appears—an imposing Gigoran. Arya’s heart races as she radios Pitt. “We’ve got a Gygoran in sight. Orders?”
“Investigate, but keep your distance,” Pitt’s voice crackles back. “Report anything unusual.”
The Gigoran moves slowly, seemingly foraging. A tauntaun with saddlebags is nearby, its head buried in the snow.