"Welcome, son, to your new home," Varn said, his voice filled with pride as he ensured Rayden had a good view of each celestial body in the system.
They passed the ice planet Cryon, its surface gleaming like polished crystal under the distant sunlight. At the moment, it appeared barren and desolate, but would one day be transformed into a hub of activity with towering ice-mining equipment sculpted against the stark landscape. This machinery would be crucial in supplying resources to the burgeoning space station once it was completed.
The planet radiated a mesmerizing bright white-blue hue, with swirling snowstorms visible from space, painting a dynamic picture of its frigid climate. "Is there any wildlife on the planet?" Rayden inquired, curiosity sparking in his voice.
"A few," Varn replied. "According to our scouts, they seem to be docile, so we won't have to worry about our mining operations being attacked in the future." Elyse pulled up the report that the scouts had compiled over the past few months, her fingers flying across the interface.
Next, they approached a small, barren planet, its surface strewn with jagged rocks and clouds of dust swirling in the thin atmosphere: Korvath. Nothing of value had been found on the planet thus far, but its strategic position hinted at potential. Perhaps they could use it as an outpost to monitor anyone entering or leaving the system—or even transform it into a giant foundry.
By introducing specific gases to create an atmosphere, they could facilitate the growth of industrial plants and foundries designed to produce finished materials that would drive their operations forward.
Continuing their journey, the Star Hawk glided toward Aurelon, the massive gas giant shimmering in rich hues of orange and gold, its atmosphere filled with dense tibanna gas. This gas giant was a literal gold mine, its swirling storms reflecting the wealth waiting to be harvested.
"Have we started mining anything yet?" Rayden asked, his eyes wide as he gazed at the colossal planet before him, where golden storms danced across its surface, and a ring of rocks and ice encircled it like a crown.
"No, we plan to order a few tibanna mining platforms through some shell corporations, and they will be delivered sometime next year. We can't take any chances; tibanna gas is too important to mess up. Slow and steady is our policy," Varn explained, his gaze fixed on the tumultuous storms.
Moving on, the asteroid belt separated the inner and outer parts of the system, a chaotic tapestry of millions of rocks, ranging from the size of a golf ball to minor dwarf planets, each holding an untold trove of metals and minerals.
Off to the side, Rayden caught sight of two house-sized asteroids colliding with a thunderous crack, sending fragments spinning off into the vastness of space.
"We have scout ships cruising through the belt, marking any potential asteroids with valuable material inside for future mining," Varn informed him, nodding toward a group of ships weaving between the asteroids, scanning them, then placing a marker to track them.
After navigating through a maze of rogue asteroids, the ship soared out of the belt, making its way toward the sun, where warmth and light awaited.
"Arcadia is on the other side of the sun this time of year, so we will fly by Pyrovex on our way there," Varn stated, directing Rayden's attention to the next wonder.
A bright, molten world of fire and ash sprang into view—Pyrovex. Its surface was a hellscape, with massive volcanoes erupting in violent bursts, spewing lava and thick smoke into the atmosphere. Cooler ground areas and vast rivers of molten rock snaked across the landscape, creating a stark contrast between destruction and the raw beauty of the elemental forces at play.
"In the coolest area we could find, we set up a basic foundry and a droid production plant. The plant produces mining and construction droids. Give it a few years, and a massive industrial complex will form that will supply the vast majority of our metal needs," Elyse explained, her voice tinged with excitement as she showed pictures on a data pad to Rayden, who watched in awe at the possibilities.
Seeing all these planets for the first time filled Rayden with awe. Back on Earth, he loved sci-fi and fantasy. He remembers watching Stargate SG-1, Star Trek, and Star Wars, wondering what it would be like to visit those worlds and see the universe's beauty up close.
Now here he is living his fantasy, and it's everything he expected and more.
Through the dim window, he saw solar storms erupting taller than Mount Everest. A palpable heat surrounded him and the ship.
The Star Hawk soared past the sun as a bright green and blue planet came into view—Arcadia. She was beautiful, like a gem in a sea of colors, surrounded by three moons.
The habitable moon, Lunarae, was accompanied by the barren ones, Kragor and Vexis. Each moon spun around the planet like silent ballerinas.
"Marvelous, isn't it, Rayden?" Varn set the ship on course for the settlement as the Star Hawk moved past the moons and dove toward the planet.
"Yeah, Dad, it's beautiful." Rayden couldn't take his eyes off the vibrant planet. He felt a sense of peace as he gazed at the snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, and lush forests and jungles they flew over.
Elyse secretly took a picture of his reaction, saving it in an album filled with photographs from their adventures over the years.
Suddenly, the control panel beeped, signaling an incoming message. Varn answered; it was a call from tower control, verifying their identity.
Once the verification was complete, they were informed where to land the Star Hawk. Varn piloted the ship over a mountain, and their new home, DawnHaven, came into view.
DawnHaven is the heart of their new life on Arcadia, nestled in a vast, fertile valley in the planet's northern temperate zone. Gentle, rolling hills rise to the north and east, providing natural vantage points for watchtowers and defensive emplacements while shielding the settlement from strong winds and offering sweeping scenic overlooks.
The Star Hawk did a passing run over DawnHaven, allowing Rayden to survey everything.
To the west and southwest, a dense forest of tall, broad-leafed trees, similar to Earth's hardwoods but with bluish-green foliage, borders the valley, supplying timber, game, and a natural windbreak.
Open plains stretch across the south and east, perfect for training fields, future expansion, and small-scale grazing. A fast-flowing river cuts through the center of the valley from north to south, bisecting the settlement and delivering fresh water, powering early hydroelectric generators, and feeding irrigation canals for the surrounding fields.
The settlement is laid out in a semi-circular, radial pattern centered on an enormous central plaza. This wide, paved open space—roughly 200 to 300 meters across—serves as the beating heart of DawnHaven. A raised platform stands in the middle for announcements, verd'goten ceremonies, and Clan Council gatherings.
Low, intricate walls encircle the plaza, dotted with communal benches and a central fountain fed directly by the river. The plaza hosts markets, feasts, training demonstrations, and public merit trials, embodying the Mandalorian values of community, honor, and shared purpose.
Facing the plaza is the beginning stages of a future grand citadel. It will house House Knight's administrative and executive functions, on the planet and beyond. This would be the new home for Rayden and the others.
The starship landing area sits at the southeastern edge of the settlement, atop a flat hilltop, with a gondola and elevator to ferry people down. A broad, reinforced duracrete field spans nearly one square kilometer and features multiple landing pads capable of accommodating Kom'rk fighters, bulk transports, and shuttles.
Basic equipment such as repulsorlift cranes, tibanna-derived fuel depots, maintenance hangars, and a sturdy control tower support operations. It's incredible what hundreds of droids and millions of credits could build in a few months.
A few ships could be taking off and landing at the moment.
Residential areas in DawnHaven are organized into distinct clusters, each representing one of the founding clans, with individual homes and apartments interspersed for those not affiliated with a clan. The foundation of these neighborhoods is a network of fortified compounds made of modular prefab homes.
Wide-open streets with walkways on both sides facilitate smooth traffic flow. Shops line the street corners, with many buildings featuring a shop on the ground floor and a home above.
An armorer's forge handles beskar work and repairs, while a general store stocks tools, rations, and imported goods. Restaurants serve local game alongside imported foods.
A medical clinic, equipped with bacta tanks, treats the injured, while a droid repair bay and a small tech shop keep equipment running. A trading post is also ready for future merchant dealings, and a blacksmith-weaponsmith crafts traditional gear.
There is a small barracks area designated for the town's defense force, where Rayden can see several members training in the courtyard.
The industrial zone lies separate from the residential area, on the northwest side, near the hills and the forest edge. This keeps it distinct from the living areas. Here, the RA Industries admin tower stands tall, providing a commanding view of the valley.
Forges, droid maintenance bays, and small workshops hum with activity, keeping noise and sparks away from the residential quarters.
To the south of the residential clusters lies a vast training field, an expansive grassy area measuring approximately 500 by 800 meters. Multiple arenas are scattered throughout the field, including dueling circles, obstacle courses, jetpack ranges, shooting lanes, and mock urban combat zones.
This field is used daily for verd'goten trials, sparring matches, and merit-based competitions, allowing warriors to hone their skills under Arcadia's open sky.
To the east and southeast, farmland stretches across the plains, with open fields growing grain crops, orchards, and vegetables. Hydroponic greenhouses near the river ensure year-round production, and irrigation canals branch off from the river to deliver water efficiently across the fields.
Nearby, in the southern plains, a small ranch houses domesticated animals—imported banthas, nerfs, and hardy local herd beasts—raised for meat, milk, leather, and draft work. Fenced enclosures and barns are monitored by droids and the farmers, blending tradition with automation.
Recreational life in DawnHaven goes beyond training. Riverbank parks and fishing spots line the water's edge, providing residents with quiet places to relax. Forest trails wind through the western woods, perfect for hunting, sightseeing, or leisurely walks.
Communal cantinas and gathering halls near the plaza host storytelling sessions, music, and feasts, while the open plains serve as venues for races and jetpack acrobatics. A small arena in the central plaza allows for friendly duels and performances, keeping the spirit of competition alive even during downtime.
Defense is a critical aspect of DawnHaven's design. A planetary-grade shield generator, designed for city-level protection, is housed in a fortified dome near the citadel. Powered by Tibanna generators and local hydroelectricity, it can project a bubble shield over the entire settlement, with a radius of approximately three to five kilometers, strong enough to deflect orbital bombardments, debris, or aerial assaults.
Backup generators are concealed underground, allowing the shield to be activated within minutes if necessary, though everyone hopes it will never need to be used.
Several point-defense turrets and anti-air emplacements secure the settlement. Light turbolasers and laser cannons are strategically placed on the surrounding hills and at key locations, such as the edges of landing fields, the citadel, and the plaza perimeter.
The town has been designed with the future in mind. While some areas may feel a little deserted, new residents should have no trouble finding a home, a job, and a life here once more people arrive.
The Star Hawk touched down gently as gas hissed out from exhaust ports. The landing gears lowered, and the ramp opened.
Everyone walked out of the troop bay, followed by Varn, Elyse, and Rayden. The ground looks shiny and new, with fresh paint outlining each parking area.
He could see cargo ships unloading droids and raw materials, along with some of the clan's merchants coming back with imported goods.
Everyone was busy and alive. "Come Rayden we have scheduled for everyone to meet at the plaza." Elyse held out her hand for him to take.