Stars stretched onward for miles and miles into tiny little white lines no matter where one looked. The gunship had already reached its stabilization, and Adam called for me, ending my stasis slumber. The soft whirring of a gel-like liquid evaporated into the bottom of the capsule as quickly as it was filled. It didn't feel cold, nor hot. It was actually gentle and nice to the touch, allowing me to quickly fall asleep. I didn't let my mind wander. The next four hours passed by in a blink of an eye.
[We are approaching Planet Lantillies, Samus. Estimated arrival: One hour.] Adam said, calling out to me.
Plop. My naked body slowly collapsed onto the ground, not out of fatigue. I've never felt better. What, you expect me to sleep inside that capsule with clothes on? That'd just feel uncomfortable with all the liquid inside that thing. I had my Zero Suit placed nearby, so I quickly put it back on. From there, my thoughts stirred, and willed the Power Suit to appear. All of a sudden, a blue-golden halo glowed around my feet, going from bottom up. It acted quickly, and my Power Suit materialized shortly after. It reminded me of when Samus regained her strength deep inside the Chozo Ruins. No matter how many times I see this happen, it carries a sense of renewal. From Samus onto me. It was a weird feeling, but I accepted it nonetheless.
As my thoughts turned clear, I could hear the hum of the Engine Chamber nearby, creating a nice ambient sound that echoed throughout the gunship.
"My first planet...", I murmured, recalling that there was still an hour before we arrived. We're still inside one of the major trade lanes right now. Unlike the first mission where I arrived on a barren moon, this will be my first visit to a true world inside the galaxy of Star Wars. Thousands and thousands of planets are out there, each one holding new possibilities. My excitement was very real, even if we aren't going to touch down on Lantillies directly.
I mean, it's practically a shipyard world, littered with conveyor belts, scaffolds, and orbital docks carrying all sorts of machinery and parts waiting to be built. If I were an engineer or a craftsman, I might care more, but I'm not. To me, it'll merely be a playground. They'll be too distracted with their construction jobs to even know we'll be in their airspace. And guess what that means?
It means it's an ideal spot to fly around and get the basics of piloting down.
Secretly, of course.
I think I'm getting used to doors hissing open and closed, too. Very similar to how automatic doors open in my previous life, just noisier. But it's that sci-fi flavor you don't get anywhere else. Each to their own charm, I guess.
Feeling energized from a nice rest, Adam's holo-face materialized once again as I stepped back into the cockpit.
[Welcome back, Samus.] Adam said, welcoming me.
"Well isn't this a nice change of pace? You aren't immediately greeting me with your cold demeanor Adam.", I retorted.
[I am simply deterring distractions. Since we are pushing out our arrival by a couple days, I will drill every little detail of the basics of flight into that head of yours, Samus. I have my reputation as your commanding officer to uphold. It would look very bad if you can't even fly this ship.] Adam responded.
Hearing that, I chuckled, only to lean back in the pilot's seat. "Guess I spoke too soon. But do not worry, Adam. I'll be taking these lessons very seriously. You do know you aren't the real Adam, right? Just memories and personality constructed and woven into data."
[That may be, but I will still act as your instructor whether you like it or not.]
"So what's up first, doc?", I said, smirking inside my helmet, waiting for my next steps to take.
I saw Adam's holographic display shift around, only to bring up the schematics of what I assume is our current destination, Planet Lantillies. It slowly rotated above me, lighting the console up. Very similar to how those war rooms operate that you'd see in the Clone Wars when they want to project an image. I guess Adam has this function too. How cool!
[We will begin with some maneuvers to approach the planet, but only until we reach its vicinity. This is a major trade lane, so it is experiencing constant traffic, and is monitored by the Separatists. The point where we will be most vulnerable is when we exit the jump. We don't need to trigger the cloaking again, but their radars may pick up abnormal fluctuations caused by our entry.] Adam answered, and gave me a warning. [And you will learn this without causing disruption to the current workflow.]
"Sounds pretty fun.", I muttered. My eyes traced the flow of the projected freighters and transports buzzing around the several ports all across the planet. It was much bigger than Anakin's fleet. If we slipped up here, any turbulence would draw many eyes.
All of a sudden, the viewport shuddered slightly, and the stars around us compressed back into points. Hyperspace released, and we arrived right in front of the bluish-green curve of Lantilles' perimeter. Even from space, I could see the orbital stations. They were massive, ring-shaped ports that held several docking arms which allowed the distant freighters to slide in and out, one by one. It was very methodical, and steady. A flow I'd rather not disrupt. And since we exited hyperspace, we already made the most crucial move.
I tensed during that moment, but after staying silent for a couple moments, we didn't hear any beeps or anything that may have sensed our arrival. The gunship remained cloaked, and was now still, drifting inside the recess of outer space. Seeing this first point now passed, I sighed in relief.
"Looks like we're in the clear. Shall we dance?", I asked, teasing Adam.
[Keep your distance. No sudden jolts. The console is in front of you, and you will need to guide it to where you'd like it to go. No matter the time or place, civilian traffic always follows predictable and certain patterns. Stay clear of those lanes for now. Once you are comfortable enough, we will fly into the lane and merge with its ongoing traffic, and time our entry. At that point, it should be smooth, allowing us to start our stretch to the next juncture toward Kashyyyk.] Adam said, giving me the rundown.
"Got it. I'll take it easy.", I replied, nodding my helmet in response. I gripped the controls of the gunship, not too firm, but not too soft either. Sure enough, wherever I dragged the controls to, the gunship would drive in said direction. It's much better than a stationary wheel you're simply holding while driving a car. You have circular control!
I think I can get used to this~
After flying around for a few moments, I saw the planet glitter like a forge in front of me. Its transport lanes are visible, even from space.
[It looks like you're getting the hang of this. Almost reminds me of the days you spent back at headquarters when you were still with the Confederation.] Adam said.
"But you know that wasn't me. Nor will it ever. Where I come from is a place you don't know about. And sadly, it no longer exists. At least, I don't think it does.", I said, feeling a hint of sadness swell inside me.
I mean, I know Planet Earth does get renamed and does exist in Star Wars, but isn't it destroyed at this point? I cannot recall that point in particular, but even if there is Planet Earth out here in Star Wars, it isn't the same one where I came from. I crossed the entire frickin' multiverse before taking over Samus's body.
[I see. In a way, we're two peas in a pod.] Adam replied, causing me to chuckle.
"Heh, I guess that's one way to put it. I don't need to fly around all day here now, do I? It might be the fact that I'm Samus, but the muscle memory is returning quicker than I had anticipated. It really does feel natural flying around this gunship on my own.", I said, full of confidence.
[There can be no room for errors. Until you feel that you are one-hundred percent ready, I will not direct you to enter the nearest lane.] Adam responded, shaking his head.
"It will lead to that then. I will fly around some more to make sure I can merge into the lane without getting discovered. That should ease your worries."
[Understood. I will warn you whenever you get too close. Adam out.] Adam spoke back, vanishing from the control panel.
So he wants to leave me to my own devices until I get a firm grasp of what I'm currently doing. Let's proceed onward.