The Giant Corporations that Started in Night City

Chapter 355: Forging the Starkiller! The Factory Star System! Rescuing Leia!

"Send word to Reed immediately. Have him take full control of Mandalore and establish a proper orbital defense line. I'll be dispatching reinforcements to assist him."

Li Ang gave the order to Lucy.

Since the battle on Mandalore had already erupted, it was time for the Megacorp to make its move—an all-out confrontation with the Galactic Empire was now inevitable.

First, Li Ang would have Reed lead the expeditionary forces, team up with the local Mandalorian clans, and give the Empire a taste of what was coming.

Then, united with the Rebel Alliance and other resistance factions, they would launch simultaneous surprise attacks across the Empire—completing the objective of unifying the galaxy of the Star Wars universe in one fell swoop.

Li Ang believed that as long as Reed could ignite the flames of war on Mandalore and strike a heavy blow to the Empire, it would draw blood from the Empire's health bar.

Once that happened, all those factions who had been sitting on the sidelines, watching for an opportunity, would have no choice but to pick a side—and fast.

That was when Li Ang would act decisively, swiftly taking control of the entire Star Wars universe.

"Understood," Lucy replied, nodding, then promptly relayed Li Ang 's orders to Reed on Mandalore.

---

Meanwhile, in Night City's Watson District—

Paul had just woken from a long cryo-rest. He'd barely changed into casual clothes when he was escorted by a squad of Astartes warriors—sent by David—onto a waiting shuttle.

Inside the shuttle bay, David personally greeted the returning hero of the Megacorp.

"You've earned some rest," David said warmly, giving Paul a firm pat on the shoulder.

Two months ago, when Paul was first sent back to the Victor Rehabilitation Facility, the medics had discovered multiple internal injuries. If left untreated, they could've crippled him.

Fortunately, after weeks of intensive care, Paul had made a full recovery and was once again in peak condition.

"Do we have any new missions on deck? What's my next step?"

Paul wasted no time getting to the point. He was deeply intrigued by the Force in the Star Wars universe. If the Megacorp managed to unify it, maybe he could start learning Force abilities too—and become even more powerful.

"We're currently mass-producing Starkiller Bases," David explained. "There are 23 separate Starkiller construction projects running in parallel. The first batch of megastructures should be operational in about a month."

Thanks to the assistance of Galen Erso, and with the help of the Infinite Engine and the Science Nexus Division's top scientists from multiple civilizations, the blueprints for the Starkiller Base were finalized in less than a week.

True, they didn't have access to a large cache of kyber crystals to power the Starkiller superweapons like the Empire did—but they had found alternative energy sources that could deliver nearly the same level of devastation.

"In addition," David continued, "we've just secured a new ally faction on Mandalore. The final showdown between the Megacorp and the Empire is right around the corner. Every department's already deep into preparations for the post-war transition."

"As for you... you're on standby, for now."

David smiled, then invited Paul to join him on a tour of the Starkiller Base construction project.

Since the Starkiller—essentially a substitute for the [Falling Star Divine Spear]—was a celestial-class superweapon, there was no way something of that scale could be built in Ideal City.

Instead, the Starkiller Bases were being constructed in Universe 004—the Halo universe—utilizing the Forerunner Ark, originally meant to create Halo rings, as the foundation for manufacturing.

The Ark handled the macro-engineering work of stellar-scale construction, while various Megacorp departments contributed to the rest of the production process.

Soon, accompanied by Inspector Chisagi Fox, David and Paul boarded a massive ornithopter and entered the factory star system where the Starkillers were being forged.

The sight that met Paul's eyes was enough to send shivers down his spine.

He watched, dumbfounded, as a mysterious planet—encased by the Ark like a star—was being systematically reconstructed. Massive quantities of pre-programmed shape-memory alloys were being integrated into its core.

This... this was the power of a collective. A miracle far beyond the grasp of individual heroics.

Paul stood on the ornithopter's command deck, staring at the sprawling construction via both a panoramic observation bay and an enormous holographic display.

"Welcome to the Starkiller Base's factory star system!" Chisagi Fox announced with a grin. "Don't let your jaw hit the floor."

This solar system had once been a binary star system. But one of the stars had been completely drained of energy and shattered by the Megacorp.

In its place, the Ark now occupied the orbital position where the star used to be.

Originally built to fabricate the Halo Array, the Ark had been repurposed since falling into Megacorp hands. After discovering the user manual from the Forerunner data archives, the engineers at the Science Nexus Division had begun creating custom megastructures of their own—like the Morphing War Moons, celestial-class Transformers, and now, the Starkiller Base.

Across the system, planetary-scale shipyards, factories, and docking stations buzzed with activity, forming a sprawling assembly line ecosystem.

Food, leisure, utilities—every resource needed to support the workforce was handled through the Megacorp's own interstellar trade networks.

"This place is unbelievable," Paul muttered. "Two years ago, I thought Ideal City was the largest industrial hub we had."

He couldn't help but shake his head in awe.

To Anyone suffering from megalophobia, the sight before him would have been a waking nightmare. The megastructures filled every inch of visible space—highly developed worlds engineered down to the last screw, all in service of construction.

What should've been a pitch-black void of deep space was now aglow, illuminated by spacefaring vessels and towering stellar beacons.

From the bridge, Paul could see endless flows of shuttles, cruisers, and starships—darting around like fish in a cosmic ocean.

This system, once a lifeless expanse of rock and ice, had been transformed by the Megacorp into a heaven of fire and metal.

Forging and flame were now the core themes of the system. Workers from countless civilizations gathered here, offering their blood and sweat in exchange for Megacorp's protection and prosperity.

Despite leading the way in AI automation, there were still roles that only sentient hands could fulfill.

Naturally, the factory star system also featured numerous "Crystal Palaces"—lavish leisure zones where workers could relax after their shifts.

The Crystal Palaces had become the Megacorp's signature luxury retreats, hosting every form of excess imaginable—ultra-dream experiences, gourmet feasts, fine art exhibitions, and even Oasis, the wildly popular cross-species VR game, where players competed for the title of "Top Player."

For the Megacorp, grueling labor always came with matching top-tier compensation. That balance of pressure and pleasure was the reason they could maintain such high efficiency across galaxies.

"So this is the Starkiller Base project," Paul said as their ornithopter touched down inside one of the partially completed bases.

Like the Death Star, the Starkiller Base was structured around a star-like form—but its internal tech and construction complexity were far beyond what the Empire had accomplished.

If the Megacorp had tried to reverse-engineer the Death Star from scratch, it would've required dismantling one completely and studying every component.

Even in the best-case scenario, that would've taken five years. Realistically, it would've taken twenty.

That was why Li Ang had sent Paul on the mission to steal the Starkiller Base's schematics in the first place.

"That's right," Chisagi Fox nodded. "We're now standing inside the main barrel of the Starkiller Base's primary cannon. That 20,000-kilometer-long tunnel leads down to the core—the very thing capable of obliterating entire star systems."

She looked into the abyss, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. Before long, this cannon would be unleashed upon the Star Wars universe—vaporizing the Empire's core systems in a single strike.

Paul took a deep breath to steady himself, then spoke again. "An operation of this scale... it must be a nightmare to manage."

"The engineering part isn't so bad," Chisagi Fox replied with a tired chuckle. "What's tricky is choosing the right planets—and dealing with the fallout of demolishing star systems."

"Just finding suitable candidates cost us at least twenty star systems. We left their planetary orbits completely wrecked."

"To make amends with the native civilizations, we had to promise them new homes and access to Megacorp's trade perks."

"Some of the newly rich evacuees pulled strings to settle in Ideal City. Others ended up on Far Reach. Worst case, they got relocated to Kaitain in the Dune universe."

"The flood of new species and civilizations moving in has been our biggest logistical headache. The Department of Logistics has been pulling their hair out nonstop."

Compensation packages, resource reallocations, migration coordination—those were the true hidden costs behind the construction effort.

As for the actual megastructure engineering, it had been made relatively manageable thanks to the Megacorp's advanced AI systems and shapeshifting alloys.

Paul could only laugh bitterly and shake his head. Deep down, he had hoped some of those displaced civilizations would put up a fight—then they could've just nuked them with neutron weapons and moved on.

Instead, those aliens practically threw themselves at the Megacorp's feet, eager to ride its coattails. The compensation benefits had caused their entire civilizations to ascend overnight.

"You've got your hands full," Paul finally said with a resigned sigh.

The Megacorp had always been ruthlessly efficient on the battlefield. They rarely got bogged down in long, drawn-out wars.

But behind the scenes—managing postwar stability, juggling the needs of hundreds of species and societies—that was where the real complexity lay.

Having taken part in many suppression and stabilization operations himself, Paul understood better than Anyone just how insane the Megacorp's multiverse governance workload really was.

That Li Ang could orchestrate this entire galactic machine and wield the power of the Megacorp like a divine instrument—there was no other word for it.

The man was a political god.

A born political animal. A one-of-a-kind leader.

That was the truest description of Li Ang .

"Fortunately, most of the key phases of the project have already been completed. If all goes well, we'll deliver on schedule,"

Chisagi Fox exhaled in relief.

Over the past few weeks, he and the Megacorp's engineering teams had poured themselves into the construction of the Starkiller Base megastructure—burning both ends of the candle to stay on track.

As Paul gazed at the nearly completed Starkiller Base, a sudden thought struck him. He turned to Chisagi Fox and asked:

"I've heard both the Death Star and Starkiller Base need kyber crystals for power—but we don't have access to that kind of resource. What's the plan?"

After all, Paul remembered that even a standard Death Star required a massive amount of kyber crystals. That was why the Galactic Empire had resorted to ruthless strip-mining operations across the galaxy.

And right now, the Megacorp didn't control any mines that could produce kyber crystals in sufficient quantities. So where would the energy to power multiple Starkiller Bases come from?

Chisagi Fox merely smiled.

"We don't need kyber crystals to power the Starkillers—we have alternatives."

He patiently explained the reasoning to Paul.

The core operating principle of the Starkiller Base was to absorb stellar energy and dark energy, compress it into phantom energy, and unleash it as a destructive beam.

Coincidentally, that was also the core mechanism behind the [Falling Star Divine Spear].

That meant the Megacorp could reuse and adapt much of the construction experience and tech pipeline developed for the [Falling Star Divine Spear]. While the resulting Starkiller Bases wouldn't match the original spear in power, they were close enough.

And more importantly—they were still powerful enough to smash the Empire.

Paul nodded thoughtfully. If that was the case, then with a bit more time, the Megacorp really could mass-produce Starkiller Bases.

A weapon capable of destroying entire star systems...

The Megacorp's deterrent power was about to reach terrifying new heights.

---

Just as Paul was about to request a longer tour of the base, David received an urgent transmission from the front-line command center.

His expression darkened as he turned to Paul.

"Paul, looks like vacation's over. You've got work to do."

---

Three hours later...

Paul left the factory system in Universe 004 (Halo) and made an emergency jump to the front-line headquarters in Universe 007—the Star Wars universe.

In the briefing room, he reunited with the members of Rogue One.

As soon as Captain Cassian Andor saw Paul, he rushed up like a man clinging to his last hope.

"Paul, this time we're counting on you!"

"What's going on?" Paul asked, frowning slightly.

"It's Darth Vader! He's captured Princess Leia! The Tantive IV was intercepted near Tatooine by the Executor," Cassian blurted out in a panic.

"She's being taken back to the Death Star right now—for interrogation. We don't have much time!"

Cassian was pacing restlessly. The longer Leia stayed in Imperial custody, the more likely it was that the location of the Rebel Alliance's headquarters would be exposed.

And right now, they were in no shape to mount a full assault.

Two months ago, the Battle of Scarif had left the Alliance in ruins.

They'd lost ships, soldiers—and even an admiral.

All they had left now were barely a hundred starfighters.

Hearing this, even David couldn't help but sympathize.

Clearly, Scarif had devastated the Rebel forces. Back when that battle started, they'd still had a few light frigates, several hundred fighters, and a decent cruiser—the Raddus.

Now? Just a ragtag squadron of underpowered fighters. They didn't stand a chance.

Out of desperation, the Rebels had come to ask the Megacorp for help—hoping they'd return the favor from Scarif, when the Rebels had sacrificed themselves to distract the Executor.

Tactically, it made sense for the Megacorp to help. But strategically…

Now wasn't the right time for a large-scale confrontation with the Empire—not while the Starkiller Bases were still under construction.

"We'll have to clear this with the boss," David said, and immediately contacted headquarters.

After a brief discussion, Li Ang agreed to intervene—

—but only in a limited capacity.

> [Let Paul handle it. He can choose whichever companions he needs.]

Li Ang 's directive was clear.

In the original timeline, Princess Leia would eventually meet her brother, Luke Skywalker, during her capture.

But the Megacorp's presence had already caused significant disruptions in this universe.

Li Ang couldn't be sure whether Leia and Luke would still cross paths. For all he knew, Luke might've gone to Mandalore to chase some action.

So to ensure the timeline didn't spiral out of control, Li Ang decided Paul should step in personally—to guarantee Leia's safe return.

It was also a way to honor Admiral Raddus, who had given his life at Scarif to buy the Megacorp time to escape. Without that sacrifice, the company might've already been at war with the Empire.

Paul accepted the mission without hesitation, and Cassian finally relaxed a little.

In Cassian's eyes, Paul was still the all-powerful Force warrior—

—as long as Paul was involved, success was practically guaranteed.

He quickly outlined the plan he had put together:

"We've got access to an Imperial cargo shuttle. If we're lucky, the Executor will stop at Tatooine for resupply. We can use that window to sneak aboard and rescue Leia."

David and Paul both raised an eyebrow.

That plan was... shaky, to say the least.

What if the Executor didn't stop at Tatooine? They'd be forced to chase it all the way to the Death Star.

But there was no time to develop a better strategy. They had to move—now.

"Fine," Paul nodded. "I'll take two more with me. With the Rogue One members, that should be enough."

Paul knew that the smaller the rescue team, the better the chances of success.

He decided to bring along two trusted companions: the Master Chief and Chani.

Master Chief—John-117—was a legend among the Spartans.

He'd taken part in countless operations across the multiverse, earning a record that rivaled Paul's own.

With him on the mission, things were already looking up.

"That's great! If you're onboard, we can do this!" Cassian grinned.

Paul didn't plan to request any external support from the Megacorp—it would only increase the risk of exposing their hand.

The Megacorp had to remain focused on the greater goal:

Completing the Starkiller Bases and winning the war on the front lines.

These small skirmishes, while important, wouldn't change the grand outcome.

---

Paul left the war room and contacted Master Chief in Universe 006 (Transformers), explaining the situation.

> "Sorry to disturb your peacekeeping duty, John—but I need your help. Come quickly."

> [Of course. I'll be there soon.]

Short and to the point—Master Chief never turned down a mission.

Once assigned, he would carry it out—no hesitation, no second-guessing.

As for Chani, Paul didn't even need to ask. She was his longtime partner, their teamwork perfectly honed. Of course she'd be part of the mission.

While they were heading to the logistics department to pick up gear, Paul ran into Pani and Sam.

Upon hearing the news, the two immediately offered to help.

"Paul, if you need backup, I can bring the entire expedition fleet. Just between us—I've got clearance to call in a Hyperion," Pani whispered.

"Same here! I'm tight with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. Say the word, and I'll bring the Autobots in to clean house!" Sam thumped his chest.

Paul could only shake his head in exasperated amusement.

They meant well, but getting involved like that would be bending the rules.

And misusing military assets for personal reasons? That was a serious offense.

"No need," Paul said with a smile. "Just a small mission. The Chief, Chani, and I will handle it. You two just wait here and prepare to celebrate our return."

He knew the final battle with the Empire was drawing near.

Right now, the Megacorp had to keep a low profile.

Scarif was already one mess. Now Mandalore was heating up.

If Tatooine became another war zone, the Empire would surely realize someone was pulling strings behind the scenes—coordinating uprisings across the galaxy.

The Megacorp had already revealed too much to Vader and Tarkin.

Even if they pretended to be weak, Palpatine might still respond by launching his own Starkiller development program.

And if the Empire succeeded in building even one Starkiller?

The consequences would be devastating.

No—now was not the time to escalate.

Now was the time to stay hidden and strike only when the moment was right.

"You two stay here at HQ and be patient. Once the Starkillers are finished, we'll have plenty of chances to fight together."

"Until then, I'll try to keep the Empire's attention on the Rebellion. We can't let them suspect us just yet."

Paul spoke with the calm, reassuring tone of a seasoned leader.

It was easy to forget he was actually a year younger than Pani—barely out of the academy.

And Master Chief? He'd been a soldier since the age of eight—

Not even eighteen yet, but already the backbone of the Spartan division.

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