A sleek metallic behemoth, donned in all sorts of blinking lights. The troopers' metal boots clanged against the metal as they walked up the platform; Cassandra quickly briefed the Captain of the mission and quickly sat down in the cockpit. Space travel wasn’t a big issue for Cassandra, she has been through Hyperspace thousands of times. Albeit those first few times were rough, she couldn't do anything but lay down and throw up for 3 days straight. Cassandra peeked over at Na’la who had tied not only the seatbelts but the safety belt too.
Cassandra had smirked, chuckling at the sight.
“We’re not going to crash, Na’la, stop being so worried.” She said waving, pointing her finger in the air. Her tone sounds like that of a mother. Cassandra had been taught everything she knew from the Emperor; if you want people to follow you then you need to be able to read them.
“I know my Lord, weak stomach I suppose? It’s just that I get space sick.”
“Don’t lose focus, hold it in for now, we’re almost there.” Cassandra turns her atention to the Captain.
“Captain, are we ready for the jump?”
“Yes my Lord.”
The ship hums with energy, anticipation swirling among the crew like a charged atmosphere. As the captain takes their place in the central command chair, their hand hovers over the control panel, ready to initiate the jump. With Cassandra's approval, he gives the order, and the ship's engines roar to life with a deafening crescendo.
Outside the viewport, streaks of light stretch and warp as the fabric of space-time begins to bend. The stars blur into elongated trails, painting a surreal tapestry against the inky blackness of space. On the bay, alarms blair and lights flash as the ship hurtles forward, pushing the limits of its technology and the rules of the universe. Crew members brace themselves as the ship shudders and groans under the strain of the hyperdrive's immense power.
Then, in an instant, reality seems to fold in on itself as the ship breaches the threshold of hyperspace. The stars vanish into a swirling tunnel of iridescent light, enveloping the vessel in a surreal cocoon of energy. Time and space blur into a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes, distorting the very fabric of existence.
Inside the ship, gravity fluctuates and the air crackles with static electricity as the hyperdrive propels them forward at unimaginable speeds. The crew is momentarily weightless, their bodies floating in the zero-gravity environment, before the artificial gravity stabilizers kick in, anchoring them once more to the deck.
For a brief, fleeting moment, the ship exists in a realm beyond the constraints of normal space-time, a realm where distance and time lose all meaning. And then, as suddenly as it began, the hyperdrive disengages, and the ship emerges from hyperspace, hurtling back into the familiar expanse of the universe. As the crew catches their breath and the ship settles into its new coordinates, a sense of awe and exhilaration washes over them. They have ventured into the realm of the impossible and emerged unscathed, their ship a beacon of defiance against the vastness of the cosmos.
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Even though Cassandra had been through space travel thousands of times, there was just something about it that had always fascinated her. It was like a symphony through the universe, a ripple through space showing a place beyond the vast darkness. This had resonated with Cassandra in more ways than one. As the ship continued through hyperspace, Cassandra got lost in her thoughts once again.
The Emperor had sent her to a political mission to protect the Countess. This is what she had been thinking about. Since it's a political mission, I can’t go around doing whatever I want. I must prioritize the mission; with what little patience I have.
However, Cassandra knew the real reason she was sent on this mission and it annoyed her. She tried to brush it behind her mind, forgetting it. She took a deep breath; meditation is key to all worries.
Corillian is a planet in the Inner Rim, it's heavily funded by the Empire so it's very rich. Its surface looked like a paradise. Na’la looked out the window ‘Corillian, wow it's just like mama described it, it's beautiful’.
Luscious evergreen trees overtook the forest canopy, birds the size of horses flew past the ship. Waterfalls and peaks scattered all over, Corillian was a paradise.
The ship reached the landing dock, where 2 officers and the Countess were already there waving. Opening the landing walkway, Cassandra walked out followed by Na’la and the accompanying officers
Cassandra's boots echoed on the metal ramp as she descended, her eyes scanning the vibrant scenery and the welcoming party with practiced precision. The two officers, clad in the distinct uniforms of the Empire, stood rigidly beside the Countess, a woman of grace and authority whose elegant attire contrasted starkly with the utilitarian surroundings of the landing dock.
"Welcome to Corillian," the Countess said warmly, her voice carrying a hint of genuine pleasure despite the formal occasion. "I trust your journey was uneventful?"
Cassandra offered a curt nod, a tight smile barely touching her lips. "Uneventful and swift, Countess," she replied. "This is Na’la, my aide," she introduced, gesturing to the young woman beside her, who looked around with wide eyes, taking in the splendor of Corillian for the first time.
Na’la bowed respectfully. "It's an honor to be here, Countess," she said, her voice filled with awe.
The Countess smiled kindly at Na’la before turning her attention back to Cassandra. "The Emperor has sent you to ensure my safety during this critical time. I must admit, having one of the Empire's finest warriors as my protector brings great comfort."
Cassandra nodded again, her mind taking in the words, surely there must be even a trace of intent in this woman. To be so close to the Emperor, you have to be messed up in the head, she had thought. "I assure you, Countess, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. However, we must discuss the specifics of your itinerary and any known threats."
"Of course," the Countess agreed. "But first, let's retire to my residence. It will be more comfortable to discuss matters there." She gestured towards an opulent air speeder waiting nearby. "Shall we?"
As they boarded the vehicle, Cassandra couldn't help but marvel at the natural beauty surrounding them. Corillian was indeed a paradise, a stark contrast to the cold, wet confines of the Exegol she was accustomed to. The air speeder glided smoothly over the lush landscape, passing towering trees and cascading waterfalls that shimmered in the sunlight.