5 BBY Empire Day Eve — Savareen — The next morning, tension fills the air as Nora and Arya walk into the hall where Enfys Nest and Tayshin Maxa await. The room is dimly lit, the flickering lights casting long shadows that dance across the walls, amplifying the weight of the discussion. The stakes of this fragile alliance hang heavily over them all.
Nora clears her throat, breaking the silence. “Shall we pick up where we left off yesterday?”
Enfys steps forward, her presence commanding and fierce. “We have a proposal. We’re not willing to ally with an unequal partner. This could be an equal partnership, but actions speak louder than words. As a show of faith to forge an alliance, we would like to ask for your assistance.”
She pauses, allowing her words to sink in before continuing. “Christophsis—a planet in the system, once an instrumental battleground during the Clone Wars. It’s now crucial to the Empire’s aims. There was a small temple there, which Moda’s family were caretakers of. The crystal that was its centerpiece has been stolen by the Empire. They are collecting crystals, oppressing the native people, and exploiting resources for their galactic ambitions. We cannot allow this to continue. We’ve gained access to the Imperial research base on Christophsis. We want to liberate that crystal. Will you help us?”
Nora hesitates, glancing at Arya. “I will need to speak to the Alliance leadership.”
The meeting breaks up, leaving an air of uncertainty. Walking back to the ship, Nora looks visibly concerned. Once aboard, she heads straight to her stateroom, seeking solitude to think.
“There’s no way the Alliance is going to authorize this,” she mutters to herself.
Arya joins her, her expression firm. “If we don’t do this, we will lose the Cloud Riders.”
“I know. But if it goes wrong, there’s a lot of risk,” Nora replies.
“We have to earn their trust,” Arya insists. “I was on Jedha when the Empire took everything. I’ll go in myself.”
Nora shakes her head. “You’re not going in alone. Let’s sleep on it.”
Later, Arya shares with Nora that she has built a good relationship with Tayshin Maxa. Meanwhile, Nora seeks additional information about Christophsis from the Alliance, but learns nothing new. The planet is under Imperial control with no Alliance cells present.
Tensions rise as Nora and Arya argue. Arya counters with previous successful missions where they took risks. By their fourth day on Savareen, Nora knows she must be the bearer of bad news.
“We can’t help now,” she tells the Cloud Riders. “The Alliance has nothing to offer for this request. We simply have no intelligence on Christophsis.”
Enfys’s face hardens. “Well, then I think we’re done here. Thank you for visiting, and thank you, Arya. May the Force be with you.”
As Enfys walks out, Tayshin approaches Arya. “I expected more from an Echani. You disappoint me, Arya.” Tayshin’s words cut deep, and Arya is left silent.
Back at the ship, Nora suggests, “Could you appeal to them?”
Arya shakes her head. “I have nothing now.”
Nora sighs. “I believe you’re right. But we have to do something. Rebellion, Cloud Riders, neither, both?”
They hatch a plan to assist the Cloud Riders alone. Arya takes charge. “Nora, you get the approval of the crew. I’ll talk to Enfys and Tayshin.”
With the crew’s approval, Arya returns to the meeting location in her full Echani armor. Enfys and Tayshin, along with some additional riders, study her.
“What changed your mind?” Enfys asks.
Arya responds, “My mind is unchanged. It is the right thing to do.”
Enfys nods. “Your words are backed by action. Time is of the essence. We accept your offer.”
The next day, Bistan, Nora, and Arya meet with the Cloud Riders. The atmosphere is cautious but optimistic. They are briefed on the plan: the crystal was taken to a small Imperial facility in the capital, a scientific facility with minimal traffic. The mission will take place during Empire Day when most personnel will be off. The Cloud Riders will provide a distraction, and they have codes to access the facility. Weazel, a grizzled slicer, joins the team for the trip.
As they gather their gear and prepare to leave, Arya takes a moment to survey the team. Bistan, with his fierce loyalty and combat prowess, is ready. Nora, though still hesitant, has resolved to see this through. Weazel, with his years of Cloud Rider experience in slicing and infiltration, is the key to their success.
They board the Little Piggy. Arya feels a strange mix of anticipation and calm as they lift off, the horizon of Savareen disappearing behind them.