4 BBY — Chandrila — Back on Chandrila with her frozen mission behind her, Arya stands at the edge of the bustling market square, her gaze drifting over the myriad stalls and vendors peddling their wares. The air is rich with the scent of exotic spices, freshly baked goods, and the hum of conversation. Her mind, however, is preoccupied with the delicate crystal apparatus from Christophsis hidden away in her satchel.
Nora, her trusted friend and associate, had been invaluable in her efforts to disseminate information to the Rebellion. Yet Arya feels the need for a more tangible connection, a face-to-face conversation that transcends the limitations of notes and holocalls. The apparatus is too intricate, too potentially dangerous to be misunderstood. It could be a key component for a weapon (or something else), and in the hands of the Alliance, it could turn the tide against the Empire or at the very least, be important intelligence. Despite all of her thoughts and honor-guided intentions, reality eventually sets in — she simply wants to be rid of it the risk to her and those around her is simply too high. Her gut tells her that the Empire will come looking for it.
A familiar face, an old contact from the Alliance, had introduced her to a majordomo of an off-world client. The word had spread about Arya’s abilities, and now she stood on the precipice of a new task. The client had requested modifications to a specific jacket — a black garment with gold cuffs, adorned with crude yet distinctive details. It was clear that the jacket had ceremonial significance or perhaps something more. The patron prized mobility and insisted that the jacket’s appearance and feel remain unchanged despite the addition of armored lining to resist energy weapons.
Nerfwool with a silk lining. Arya sighs, the specifications still fresh in her mind. It has to be this jacket. The armor needs to be added without altering its look or feel. The task would net her 800 credits plus the cost of materials, a fair compensation considering the complexity involved.
She moves through the market, searching for the materials she needs. After a fruitless search, she encounters Shosmi during her lunch break. The two exchange pleasantries before Arya follows Shosmi to her stall. They discuss the jacket’s requirements as Arya takes measurements and examines Shosmi’s own armor — a testament to her craftsmanship. Shosmi’s ship, Ashla’s Hand, a Lancer-class pursuit craft, needs repairs. Despite the droid’s best efforts, the ship requires more work than it can manage. Arya agrees to help, and they make their way to the outskirts of the city where Ashla’s Hand is parked.
As they walk, they talk about recent events. The crystals Arya had supplied have been put to good use, but trouble looms on the horizon. Imperial patrols are becoming more frequent. Arya mentions that she has a few more crystals to move, and Shosmi nods, understanding the gravity of the situation.
The ship is set down in an open area, not an official landing pad but a quiet spot with enough cover. Ashla’s Hand stands tall, its battle scars a testament to its rugged history. Shosmi introduces Arya to R4-LF1, “RALFI,” the droid diligently working on the ship’s hyperdrive. The dorsal gun had taken a significant hit, and the hyperdrive was acting up. Arya examines the turret assembly and determines it will take a couple of days to get things running again.
Back at her apartment, Arya checks in with Nora. No updates from the Alliance. The next day, she returns to the market. Her usual material seller is absent yet again, and Arya grumbles in frustration. She finds a new seller and procures the materials she needs, including a bolt of ancient armor weave with deflective properties. The rest of the day is spent making test swatches, ensuring the materials meet the rigorous demands of the coat’s new armored lining.
On the third day, Arya checks in with Shosmi again. She finds deflective material from her usual supplier and heads out to Ashla’s Hand to continue repairs. Testing the swatch with a full blast from a holdout blaster, she notes that it stopped a blaster though it blew through four out of the five layers. Satisfied, she begins working on the dorsal turret with BD, her trusty droid. They split the work, with Arya handling the exterior repairs and BD supporting from the inside. By the end of the day, they manage to button up the exterior, though another part is needed to complete the turret assembly.
Shosmi arrives as the sun dips below the horizon. They share a meal and Arya shows her the swatch. Shosmi is impressed, remarking that she hasn’t encountered such deflective material in years. Arya explains that the material has a strong connection to the Force, reminiscent of the cloaks worn by Jedi commanders. The conversation turns to Arya’s lightsaber and her encounter with an Inquisitor. They discuss bartering items for work, and Shosmi leaves briefly, returning with another holocron.
The fourth day dawns with Arya at a crossroads. She has the option to work on the commission, complete the repairs on Ashla’s Hand, or delve into the holocron’s secrets. Deciding that completing the commission takes precedence, she throws herself into the task. The jacket’s modification requires precision and skill. She incorporates new techniques to enhance its ranged defense while ensuring it exceeds the soak requirements without compromising its ceremonial look and feel.
Finally, Arya packages the completed jacket, ensuring it is ready for its return. She stands back, admiring her work and reflecting on the days spent balancing the delicate tasks at hand. The Rebellion needs every edge, every piece of technology and skill that can be mustered. She understands that her work, whether through the modifications for a client or the repairs on Ashla’s Hand, is all a part of something bigger than her.