Star Jumper

Episode 21 - Tatooine

Stardate: 41298.7

Earth Standard Date: April 18, 2364.

Location: Personal Reality.

Decommissioning the Tarellian Plague Ship forced Tyson back into the Antechamber of his Personal Reality. He opened a portal to the Automated Repair Facility, in orbit of the Lehon system's star in the Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic galaxy. He exited onto the facility at the port where the Narada was docked. The massive Romulan mining vessel loomed through the viewport. The sight of it brought back memories of his recent adventure in the alternate timeline, where he had prevented the destruction of Vulcan and captured the formidable ship.

He had a wealth of Ship Points that were begging to be spent. Tyson considered his options, first would be the Space Hulk Upgrade, giving it an alternate ship size. Even though he could open portals large enough to fit the Narada, the ship was simply unwieldy, given how large it was. The question was, what ship size should he select?

Tyson hadn't considered it too heavily when he chose the option for the Automated Repair Facility. At the time, he needed to use the smallest size to move the facility between realities, using his Warehouse as an in-between point. But now that his Personal Reality was the size of the Sol system and had an 'outer space,' that wasn't a concern.

Pulling up his HUD, he scrolled through the available options. The Narada's current size was far beyond what most starships could achieve. Reducing it would make it more manageable and less conspicuous. As he browsed, Tyson realized that along with purchasing the Space Hulk upgrade, it would allow him to give the Narada the appearance of any of the ships that he owned or had Decommissioned previously. This opened up a range of possibilities. He could disguise it as the Tarellian plague ship or the Vulcan ship, Seleya, that he had encountered earlier in his journey. The Narada wouldn't gain any of the abilities of the previously decommissioned vessels, only the cosmetic appearance.

The idea of transforming the Narada into something more familiar to the Federation appealed to him. This would allow him to utilize its advanced technology without immediately alarming Starfleet.

[200 SP] Space Hulk (Spaceships)

You may buy a new size for your vessel. It gains an alt-form having that size, while still having access to everything its original form has.

Available Frames:

Tramp Freighter (Ship Size Rating: II)

Sith Interceptor (Ship Size Rating: I)

Jellyfish (Ship Size Rating: I)

D'Kyr Class Cruiser (Ship Size Rating: III)

Star Forge (Ship Size Rating: V)

Automated Repair Facility (Ship Size Rating: IV)

Tyson frowned, his brow furrowing as he scrolled through the available options for the Narada's new appearance. None of them truly sparked his enthusiasm. The D'Kyr class Vulcan cruiser seemed the most practical choice. Since the design came from a Federation member world, it was unlikely to cause concern. Yet, it still felt like settling for something less than ideal.

He paced along the docking port, pausing to lean against a nearby console. He tapped his fingers rhythmically, deep in thought.

"What's the rush?" he muttered to himself.

He was an Ensign in Starfleet, after all. Even with his Speedy Promotions Perk, it might be some time before he reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander or Commander, the minimum required to command a starship officially.

He had time.

Why spend Ship Points on an appearance that didn't truly excite him? The Narada was a unique vessel, one with capabilities far beyond most ships in known space. It deserved a form that matched its extraordinary nature.

He turned back to face the Narada. "You and I," he addressed the ship, "we've got time to find the perfect look."

Tyson would wait. The perfect design for the Narada would reveal itself in due time. If an emergency situation arose, he would choose the D'Kyr design out of necessity, but otherwise, he would sit on the choice until he found something that 'felt right.'

Opening a portal, he stepped through, leaving the silhouette of the Narada behind and emerging into the warm embrace of Mediterranean sunlight. He found himself standing on a pristine beach.

He'd chosen Crete as the starting point of his Personal Mini-Reality. Before him stretched the azure expanse of the Aegean Sea. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore provided a soothing rhythm. Tyson turned, taking in the panoramic view of the island. The coastline curved gracefully, forming secluded coves and dramatic cliffs. In the distance, rugged mountains rose majestically, their slopes covered in a patchwork of olive groves and cypress trees. The air was thick with the scent of wild herbs; thyme, oregano, and sage. He began to walk inland, his feet leaving imprints in the untouched sand. The beach gave way to a landscape of rolling hills and fertile valleys. Wildflowers of vibrant purples, yellows, and reds dotted the countryside, swaying gently in the wind. Climbing a small hill, he paused at the top to appreciate the island's natural beauty. Tyson found a comfortable spot on a grassy knoll and sat down, drinking in the spectacular view. The absence of human activity lent an air of tranquility. The only sounds were those of nature, the rustling of leaves, and the distant crash of waves against the cliffs.

Yet the island's splendor felt incomplete. No buzz of cicadas or chirps of crickets broke the silence. No deer grazed in the valleys, nor hares darted through the undergrowth. No birds flew upon the breeze.

He opened his menu. This island could become a thriving, vibrant ecosystem. Tyson smiled, eager to transform the barren landscape into a paradise brimming with life.

[100 RP] Wildlife for Your Wild Life (Personal Reality)

This upgrade adds in small forest creatures like rabbits, squirrels, wolves, and bears. Oh, yeah. birds, too, I guess. And bugs... but only mostly harmless ones. Bees, yes, Wasps, no. If you add at least 10 males & 20 females of any moose-sized or smaller species to the system, they will be added in and balanced accordingly. Non-magical species only.

[100 RP] The Meaning of Life (Personal Reality)

This upgrade adds fish, shellfish, and pondweed/seaweed. Also the occasional duck or swan or other waterfowl. Maybe some frogs or lizards or small reptilians, but nothing dangerous.

[Free] The Village (Personal Reality)

Your Personal Reality now looks like a town in the middle of the woods, or in a mountain valley, or on a cliffside or seaside/lakeside. Not only that, but you can divide up sections of the Warehouse by placing paths or bits of forest or water between them. This includes all Personal Reality expansions you buy, so if you want your Olympian Temple on an island off the coast of your village, that's fine.

Reality Points: 400

As Tyson activated the upgrades, life began to blossom across the island of Crete. Swallows darted through the sky, their forked tails trailing behind them as they swooped and dived in pursuit of insects. Colorful finches perched on thistle heads. In the olive groves, the soft cooing of wood pigeons echoed through the gnarled branches. High above, a pair of majestic golden eagles soared on thermal currents, their keen eyes scanning the terrain below.

The undergrowth came alive with the rustle of small mammals. Rabbits emerged cautiously from their burrows, their noses twitching as they sampled the air. Hedgehogs snuffled through the leaf litter, searching for insects. In the denser parts of the forest, a red fox hunted.

Insects buzzed and hummed, filling the air with a constant, soothing drone. Bees flitted from flower to flower, and butterflies danced in the breeze.

Life flourished beneath the surface in the freshwater streams and ponds. Schools of small fish darted through the clear waters, and frogs croaked from the banks, their bulging eyes just visible above the water line.

Along the coastline, seabirds wheeled and cried. Gulls patrolled the beaches, their raucous calls carrying on the sea breeze. Cormorants dove beneath the waves, emerging with fish clasped firmly in their beaks. In the shallows, crabs scuttled sideways across the sand, disappearing into tiny burrows as the tide ebbed and flowed.

The island pulsed with the energy of countless living beings. He closed his eyes, letting the sounds of nature wash over him, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and connection to this thriving ecosystem he had created.

Next, he turned his attention to shaping the structures that would form the nucleus of his Personal mini-Reality. He envisioned a blend of ancient and modern architecture.

First, he focused on the Housing Complex. As he willed it into existence, a grand structure materialized on a gentle slope overlooking the Aegean Sea. The building took shape as a modern interpretation of an ancient Grecian palace, its clean lines and elegant proportions evoked the timeless beauty of classical architecture. The facade was crafted from warm, honey-colored stone. Graceful columns lined the entrance, supporting a pediment adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Large windows with Mediterranean blue frames offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The roof was tiled in terracotta, its gentle slope reminiscent of traditional island dwellings. A series of terraces and balconies extended from each floor, providing outdoor spaces where one could enjoy the Cretan climate. Climbing vines and potted olive trees softened the building's edges, integrating it further into the natural surroundings.

Adjacent to the Housing Complex, Tyson shaped the Medical Bay. This structure seamlessly connected to the main building, its design complementing the Grecian aesthetic while subtly hinting at its advanced capabilities. The exterior featured the same honey-colored stone but with more modern lines that suggested the technology within. A pair of stylized Asclepius staffs marked the entrance. The snake-entwined rod was a recognizable symbol of healing. The windows here were tinted an opaque soft blue, providing privacy while allowing natural light to filter through.

A short distance away, Tyson created the entrance to the Mystical Menagerie. This structure was a monumental gate, its design inspired by the grand entrances to ancient Greek temples. Two massive pillars, intricately carved with animal motifs, supported a heavy lintel stone. Atop this sat a triangular pediment adorned with a relief sculpture depicting a fantastical array of creatures, both real and mythical. The gate itself was crafted from bronze. When closed, the two leaves of the gate formed a seamless mural of intertwining vines and animals.

As Tyson stepped back to admire his handiwork, he was struck by how naturally the new structures blended into the landscape. Rather than detracting from the island's beauty, they enhanced it, adding a touch of civilization that complemented the natural surroundings. Together, these structures formed what could easily become a small, exclusive resort town. Yet they remained in harmony with the wild beauty of Crete, a perfect balance of man-made elegance and natural splendor.

As beautiful as it was, he knew that beauty alone wasn't enough. He'd been putting off necessary upgrades, especially given that his Personal Reality wasn't empty anymore. Everyone he'd saved from the Automated Repair Facility and the Tarellians stayed within the Housing Complex. Security was his next priority. The locked doors to the other realities wouldn't be enough to keep this place secure forever.

He pulled up his HUD, scrolling through the available options. The Central Control upgrade caught his eye. It would be the perfect first step in enhancing the security of his Personal Reality. However, he didn't want it to be easily accessible to anyone who might find their way into this pocket dimension.

Tyson considered his options carefully. He could place the control room within a building near the Housing Complex, but to secure it, he'd need to purchase the Forcefield upgrade, which would cost another 200 RP.

It was definitely on his 'to buy' list, but for now, he chose a different approach.

He decided to place the control room somewhere more remote, somewhere that would be challenging to reach. Tyson and his Companions could access it through portals, but putting the door somewhere inaccessible would be simple.

But where to choose? He had the entire solar system; he could put it on the moon if he wanted to. The best part of using portals within his Personal Reality was that it was HIS reality. He could open portals anywhere within, even places he hadn't visited previously.

With a thought, he opened a portal and stepped through.

The warm Mediterranean air was instantly replaced by a biting, frigid wind. Tyson found himself standing on a ledge of ice and snow.

He had transported himself to the ice shelf of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.

The view was breathtaking. Jagged peaks stretched as far as the eye could see, their snow-capped summits piercing the clouds. The air was thin here, over 6,000 meters above sea level, but the Gray Goo Suit protected him from negative effects.

He carefully made his way along the ice shelf. The wind howled around him, threatening to push him off the narrow ledge. After a few tense minutes, he reached a relatively flat area, protected somewhat from the wind by an overhanging ice formation.

"Perfect," Tyson muttered.

[100 RP] Central Control (Personal Reality)

This hooks your Personal Reality up with a Smart Pseudo-Intelligent Computer System that tracks the location and condition of all items and creatures brought into your Personal Reality. It will share that information with you or anyone you authorize to use the system. They do not have to have a key, and you can set up varying levels of access. Central Control can also recall your companions to the Personal Reality if you have Portals and command it to, or they are killed and you've set up automated recall. It can open your Personal Reality Door from the inside if you've given it permission to do so, but it will only admit those it believes will assist you. It can only open doors on which the Access Key has been used, but the key need not be still in that door for the door to be opened.

Reality Points: 300

He activated the Control Room upgrade, visualizing how he wanted it to manifest in this harsh environment. As the upgrade took effect, the ice and snow before him began to shift and change.

A structure emerged from the mountain face. Its exterior was a smooth marble surface that blended seamlessly with the surrounding ice and rock. The entrance was a heavy, reinforced door that looked like it could withstand a direct hit from a photon torpedo.

Tyson approached the door, which slid open silently at his presence. He stepped inside, and it sealed behind him with a soft hiss. The interior was comfortably temperate.

Holographic displays flickered to life as Tyson moved further into the room, showing real-time data from every corner of his Personal Reality. One wall was dominated by a massive screen that currently displayed a panoramic view of the Cretan landscape he had just left.

The Control Room was easily the most secure area within the Personal Reality. So, he integrated several of the other sensitive areas into its design.

He adjoined the Antechamber opposite the door to the mountain. The Antechamber contained the locked doors leading to other realities. It was also the default location when entering his Personal Reality using the Access Key. Next, he attached the Warehouse, which appeared through a large opening. Its shelves were mostly empty, save the few items he'd found on his adventures that were worth saving. Finally, he installed the Cryo-Chambers, which included the pod holding Ambassador Spock.

His lips curled into a faint smile as he surveyed the upgrades. His base of operations was now complete, for now.

Then, a door slid open.

Tyson turned, shocked. He hadn't expected anyone to ever be able to find the Control Room, let alone so quickly after he placed it. But he released his breath when he realized it was Vicky, his pink-haired droid companion. She came in from the Antechamber, not the door to K2.

"Love what you've done with the place!" Vicky exclaimed.

Tyson walked up and gave her a hug and a kiss. The familiar warmth of her embrace was a welcome comfort. She had spent the last several weeks impersonating Darth Malak.

"Missed you," he said.

"I missed you too," she replied.

"How's leading the Sith?"

Vicky shrugged. "Same as always, minor skirmishes, nothing of note..." She paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Except I have something for you."

Tyson raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?"

"That Interdictor you wanted!" Vicky announced excitedly.

Tyson's face lit up with a broad smile. "You got me a new ship!"

"I saw the Narada. The ship I have for you is a little more inconspicuous, as far as warships go anyway." They both laughed. "I just wanted to pop by and let you know about the ship. It's docked at the station. And your Sith Interceptor is in the hangar bay."

Tyson's mind raced with possibilities. Interdictor-class ships were formidable. Capable of pulling ships out of hyperspace and controlling the battlefield. The tactical advantages it offered were immense.

"Thanks, Vicky," Tyson said gratefully.

She stepped back, and a portal shimmering into existence behind her. With a final wink, she disappeared through it, leaving Tyson alone once more in the control room. He quickly opened a portal back to the Automated Repair Facility. Stepping through, his eyes were immediately drawn to the new ship docked on the opposite side from the Narada.

The Interdictor's angular design contrasted sharply with the organic, urchin-like appearance of the Narada. Where the Narada was all curves and protrusions, the Interdictor was sharp lines and aggressive angles.

Tyson made his way across the station, approaching the Interdictor's airlock. The interior was pristine. The corridors were wide and had a typical utilitarian design. Tyson navigated the ship easily since the layout was similar to the Leviathan. The bridge was spacious, with a raised command platform overlooking several crew stations. The viewports offered a panoramic view of space.

He couldn't hold back his smile.

This would be his primary vessel within this universe, while the Narada would be reserved for eventual use in the Star Trek universe and, ultimately, maybe both once he settled on the upgrades he'd apply.

That was the plan, at least for now.

Settling into the captain's chair, he ran his hands over the controls. He pulled up the ship's manifest, confirming Vicky's words. The vessel was empty, save for his Sith Interceptor in the hangar bay. No crew, no unnecessary supplies, no additional fighters or shuttles. It was a blank slate. Tyson pulled up his HUD, scrolling through his available Ship Points. He had enough to make some initial improvements to the Interdictor, though it wouldn't need much. The ship was already a formidable war machine for this galaxy, and he'd save most of his Ship Points for the Narada.

[Free] Import (Spaceships)

Instead of choosing a Ship Type and Size for purchase, import one space-worthy vessel you already own. Its default Section Size and Rating are that of a ship of the corresponding size. At your choice, ship parts you buy can either replace pre-existing parts of the original ship or exist in addition to them.

Interdictor Class Cruiser (Spaceships)

This ship is among the most numerous capital ships seen in action by the Sith Armada during and after the Jedi Civil War. The primary weapons are turbo lasers, but is also armed with a Gravity Well projector, which interrupts hyperspace travel. It possesses deflector shields, an ion drive for sub-light maneuvering, and a hyperdrive.

Decommission (Spaceship)

Destroy this vessel. Decommissioned vessels do not self-destruct, they are absorbed by the system. In return, you are granted half of its value in Ship Points. Any living creatures on a vessel when decommissioned will be sent to your Personal Reality along with any CP-backed items. Non-CP-backed items will be destroyed.

[300 SP] Ship Size Rating: III

[100 SP] Artificial Gravity

[100 SP] Hangar

[300 SP] Hyperdrive

[50 SP] Fusion Reactor

[50 SP] Navigation Suite

[50 SP] Point Defense

[100 SP] Deflector Shields

[100 SP] Jump Suppression Field

[50 SP] Beam Weapons (Turbolasers)

Total Adjusted Decommission Value: 0 SP

Unsurprisingly, the Interdictor was worth no ship points. The ship had been made by the Star Forge, a facility he already decommissioned. If it was that simple, he could just use the Automated Repair Facility to create ships to be decommissioned for additional points continuously.

He considered his options carefully. The biggest weakness of the ship was that it was designed to be crewed by several thousand.

[100 SP] Follower Crew (Spaceships)

Your ship can, at your choice, be automatically manned by generic crew members in color-coded overalls or jumpsuits in a futuristic design comprised of the various sapient species in this jump.

Ship Points: 2650

Tyson made the purchase, and suddenly, the bridge doors opened, and Sith troopers began streaming in, taking their stations. The once-empty bridge came alive with activity as the silver-armored figures efficiently moved to their posts.

"Status report," Tyson commanded, testing the responsiveness of his new crew.

"All systems operational, Lord Typhon," a trooper at the helm responded promptly. "Awaiting your orders."

Tyson nodded, pleased with the immediate response. The best part of a follower crew created by the system was that they'd be completely loyal to him. He'd never have to worry about them disobeying or questioning his orders. But on the flip side, they'd never offer opposing opinions that had merit or do more than baseline duties. No going above and beyond. He watched as the crew worked. They operated the ship's systems efficiently, but there was a certain mechanical quality to their actions.

One downside of the follower crew was that they couldn't make command decisions; he needed to purchase Officers for that, and a single officer cost 50 SP.

As he observed the crew more closely, Tyson noticed that while they wore the iconic Sith armor, it was purely cosmetic. The armor added no real protection, and having functional armor would cost an additional 200 SP. For now, he decided, the cosmetic appearance would suffice.

Tyson didn't think he'd need any other upgrades for the time being. The Interdictor was already a formidable vessel, and with its new crew, it was ready for action. Eager to utilize his new ship, he thought of where he could go or what he could do. His mind drifted back to his Personal Reality. He had the Menagerie and hadn't added much to it. The Star Wars universe was filled with wondrous creatures, and one planet stood out in his mind as a good first stop.

"Set a course for Tatooine," Tyson said aloud.

Several of the follower crew responded in unison, "Yes, Lord Typhon."

The navigator inputted the coordinates, and the helmsman prepared for the jump to hyperspace. Tyson felt a surge of excitement as the stars outside the viewport began to elongate.

"Entering hyperspace in three... two... one," the helmsman announced.

With a lurch, the Interdictor shot forward, the swirling blue tunnel of hyperspace enveloping the ship.

— Star Jumper —

Tyson eased the Sith Interceptor out of the Interdictor's hangar bay. The ship's comm system crackled to life as he entered Tatooine's upper atmosphere.

"Greeting Sith ship, this is the Protocol Officer for the Czerka Corporation. We tried contacting the cruiser in orbit, and they routed us to you, claiming you were the ranking officer."

Tyson keyed the comm, his voice dropping an octave as he assumed the role of a Sith apprentice.

"This is Darth Typhon, apprentice to Lord Malak."

The protocol officer's voice sputtered, clearly caught off guard. "Lord Typhon, I beg your forgiveness. Czerka was unaware any Sith representatives were heading to Tatooine. We heard about the problems surrounding Taris and would like to cooperate in any way possible to avoid any misunderstandings."

Tyson's lips widened into a grin. The Interdictor's presence in orbit was already paying dividends, ensuring a level of compliance he might not have otherwise enjoyed. He decided to play up his fabricated persona.

"I'm coming to the surface for leisure," Tyson drawled. "I intend to do some hunting. I assume there will be no issues."

"Lord Typhon, I'm sending you the coordinates of Anchorhead. It's where our main base is located, and we'd be happy to host you," the officer replied, his tone now deferential. "We recommend landing in the spaceport instead of flying over the dune sea searching for large game. Giving hunting licenses is part of Czerka's purview, and several big-game species will go to ground when sensing starships approaching. It's what makes hunting them difficult. Hunting licenses are restricted, but we would happily provide you with one."

Tyson considered the offer. It would be easier to blend in and gather information if he played along with the local authorities. "Very well," he conceded.

"We look forward to hosting you," the officer concluded, his relief evident in his voice.

Tyson followed the transmitted coordinates, guiding his Interceptor through Tatooine's atmosphere. The planet's endless expanse of sand stretched out below him, broken only by rock formations or the occasional settlement. As he approached Anchorhead, the spaceport came into view, a collection of weathered buildings and landing pads nestled against the backdrop of rolling dunes. He set the Interceptor down gently on one of the vacant landing pads, kicking up a swirl of sand. As the engines powered down, Tyson took a moment to survey his surroundings through the cockpit viewport. The spaceport was busier than he'd expected, with various freighters and personal craft occupying the other bays.

One ship, in particular, caught his eye. Its design was unmistakable.

The Ebon Hawk.

Tyson's eyes narrowed as he contemplated this unexpected development. The presence of the Ebon Hawk could only mean one thing.

Revan and likely Bastila were on Tatooine.

He'd known the events of the Knights of the Old Republic games were unfolding in this reality, but he hadn't expected to cross paths with the protagonists again so soon. The last he'd seen them had been when they escaped Taris, heading for Dantooine.

As he powered down the ship's systems, Tyson considered the implications. He'd have to tread carefully. He willed his Gray Goo Suit to take the appearance of Mandalorian armor. It would fit the hunter motif and would be recognizable by 'Avner's' group.

Lowering the ship's ramp, he stepped out onto Tatooine's surface. The heat hit him, the air shimmering with mirages even in the spaceport's relative shade. But his suit protected him from any discomfort the temperature would have caused. Sand crunched beneath his boots as he made his way towards the spaceport's main building.

A Czerka official, likely the protocol officer he'd spoken with earlier, hurried to meet him. The man was sweating profusely, whether from the heat or nervousness, Tyson couldn't tell.

"Lord Typhon," the official said, bowing deeply. "Welcome to Anchorhead. I trust your journey was pleasant?"

Tyson nodded curtly, adopting his best Sith demeanor. "It was adequate. Now, about that hunting license..."

"Of course, of course," the official stammered. "If you'll follow me to our offices, we can process that for you immediately. We've also prepared a briefing on the local wildlife and terrain. Hunting on Tatooine can be quite dangerous for the unprepared."

As they walked, Tyson's gaze wandered back to the Ebon Hawk. He saw no sign of its crew. They were likely already in Anchorhead, perhaps pursuing their own objectives.

"Tell me," Tyson said, turning back to the official, "have there been any... interesting visitors to Anchorhead recently?"

The official hesitated, clearly unsure of how much information to divulge. "We've had the usual traders and moisture farmers, my lord. There was a group of Republic citizens who arrived recently, but they've caused no trouble."

Tyson nodded, filing away the information. They reached the Czerka offices, a squat, sand-colored building that looked like it had been hewn from the desert. "Please, have a seat, Lord Typhon," the official said, gesturing to a chair in front of a worn desk. "I'll fetch the necessary paperwork for your hunting license right away."

As the official scurried off, Tyson took a moment to reflect. He was on Tatooine. The Ebon Hawk was docked nearby. And here he was, about to embark on a hunting expedition under the guise of the apprentice to the Sith Lord.

Tyson couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. He'd come to Tatooine on a whim, and it seemed the Force… or maybe Q had decided to oblige him in ways he couldn't have anticipated. As he waited for the official to return, Tyson began to formulate a plan. He would get his hunting license, yes, but he would also keep a close eye out for Revan and his companions.

The official returned with a stack of datapads in his arms. "Here we are, Lord Typhon. If you review and sign these forms, we can issue your hunting license immediately."

"You mentioned that hunting licenses are restricted. Have you issued many recently?"

The official paused, his hand hovering over the datapad. He glanced nervously at Tyson, clearly weighing his words carefully.

"There was one group that received licensure recently," he admitted. "Czerka Corporation allowed them to enter the Dune Sea on the condition that they stop the Sand People raids, bringing their gaffi sticks and particularly the chieftain's gaffi stick as proof." He wiped his brow with a handkerchief. "The Sand People have been interfering in our mining operations for months."

Tyson nodded, his face impassive behind his Mandalorian helmet. It was likely Revan and his companions. They would be out there, negotiating with or fighting the Sand People. He wondered how far along they were in their mission.

"I see," Tyson said, his modulated voice betraying no emotion. "And these... raiders. They pose a significant threat?"

The official nodded vigorously. "Oh yes, Lord Typhon. They've been attacking our sandcrawlers, disrupting supply lines. It's been quite troublesome for our operations."

Tyson tapped his fingers on the desk, considering. Since he was aware of their presence, he could use this situation to his advantage and cross paths with or avoid Revan's group.

"And what of other hunting opportunities?" Tyson asked, feigning casual interest.

The Protocol Officer perked up at this, seemingly eager to change the subject. "If you're searching for big game, there are reports of a Krayt Dragon in the Eastern Dune Sea. Krayt Dragons are rare and extremely dangerous, but I'm sure it's not a problem for someone of your station."

A Krayt Dragon. Now, that would be a worthy addition to the Menagerie.

"Tell me more," Tyson prompted, his interest genuine now.

The official seemed relieved to be on safer ground. "They're massive creatures, my lord. This one has been terrorizing the Eastern Dune Sea for years. Many hunters have tried to bring it down, but none have succeeded." He paused, then added with a nervous chuckle, "Some say it guards great treasures in its lair, but that's just local legend, of course."

Tyson nodded slowly. "Of course," he echoed, "And where exactly in the Eastern Dune Sea has this dragon been sighted?"

The official pulled up a map on his datapad, pointing to a region marked with warning symbols. "Here, my lord. Near the Jundland Wastes. But I must warn you, it's treacherous terrain. Sand People territory."

"I'm not concerned about Sand People," Tyson said dismissively. He leaned forward, examining the map closely.

"I'll take that hunting license now. And I'll need detailed maps of the Eastern Dune Sea. Provide me with any additional information you have on the Krayt Dragon's habits and territory, as well as any other fauna, large or small."

The official nodded eagerly, clearly relieved that Tyson seemed interested in the dragon rather than the Sand People situation. "Of course, Lord Typhon. I'll gather everything we have immediately."