Chapter 3: The Rishis’ Call
The vast emptiness of space gave way to a kaleidoscope of swirling colors as Vedara entered the outer edge of the Ananta Nebula. The cockpit’s displays flickered with warnings, the ship’s sensors struggling to compensate for the gravitational distortions that rippled through the region like invisible waves.
Aarav gripped the controls tightly, his gaze fixed on the swirling mists ahead. The nebula was unlike anything he had ever seen—an ocean of iridescent clouds that shifted and churned as though alive. Flashes of light danced within the mist, distant stars refracted and distorted by the nebula’s chaotic energy.
“This is… unnerving,” Aarav muttered, his voice breaking the tense silence.
“It is to be expected,” Maitreyi replied, her holographic form flickering into existence beside him. “The Ananta Nebula’s gravitational anomalies are well-documented, though they remain poorly understood. Navigation will be challenging.”
“Challenging?” Aarav scoffed. “We’re flying blind in a storm of space-time spaghetti. That’s more than challenging.”
Maitreyi’s expression remained serene. “I am compensating for the distortions as best as possible. However, I advise caution. The nebula’s effects could destabilize Vedara’s systems if we remain here too long.”
Aarav exhaled, his eyes scanning the cockpit’s flickering readouts. The path ahead was treacherous, but he couldn’t afford to turn back. Somewhere within this swirling chaos lay Tapovana Loka, the hidden sanctuary of the Rishis—and the answers he desperately needed.
“Any sign of the signal?” Aarav asked, his voice tight.
Maitreyi tilted her head slightly, her form flickering as she processed the request. “The energy signature detected in Sector Seven is faint but consistent. It appears to originate from a location deeper within the nebula.”
“Of course it does,” Aarav muttered. “Nothing’s ever easy.”
He adjusted Vedara’s trajectory, guiding the astramech toward the signal. The nebula’s mists thickened as they ventured deeper, the swirling colors casting strange shadows across the cockpit. Aarav’s stomach churned as the gravitational distortions pulled at Vedara, causing the astramech to lurch unpredictably.
“This place feels wrong,” he said quietly.
“It is an unstable region,” Maitreyi replied. “But we must persist. The signal is our only lead.”
A sudden jolt rocked the cockpit, and Aarav’s hands flew to the controls as alarms blared. Vedara shuddered, its systems struggling to maintain stability.
“What was that?” Aarav demanded.
“Localized gravitational surge,” Maitreyi said, her tone calm despite the urgency. “Adjusting course to compensate.”
As Vedara steadied, Aarav caught a glimpse of movement within the nebula—dark shapes flitting through the mist, barely visible against the swirling light.
“Maitreyi,” he said, his voice low. “Are you seeing that?”
The AI’s holographic form turned toward the viewport, her gaze narrowing. “Analyzing… The shapes appear to be solid objects. Their movement suggests a coordinated pattern.”
“Coordinated?” Aarav’s grip tightened on the controls. “You mean they’re not just debris?”
“Unlikely,” Maitreyi said. “I recommend preparing for potential engagement.”
Aarav’s pulse quickened as the shapes drew closer, resolving into sleek, angular forms. His heart sank as he recognized the distinct silhouette of Dominion patrol ships.
“Of course they’re here,” he muttered. “They always find a way.”
The patrol ships emerged from the mist, their hulls gleaming with the faint light of the nebula. There were three of them, their weapons already locking onto Vedara. Aarav’s comm system crackled to life, a distorted voice cutting through the static.
“Unidentified astramech, this is Dominion patrol unit Epsilon-Twelve. You are trespassing in restricted space. Surrender immediately, or you will be fired upon.”
Aarav gritted his teeth. “They’re not wasting any time.”
“We cannot afford a prolonged engagement,” Maitreyi said. “The gravitational anomalies in this region will further destabilize Vedara’s systems.”
“And if we run, they’ll just chase us,” Aarav said. “Looks like we’re doing this the hard way.”
The patrol ships opened fire, streaks of plasma lancing through the nebula. Aarav reacted instinctively, throwing Vedara into a sharp dive as the projectiles streaked past. The astramech’s thrusters flared, its movements precise despite the chaotic environment.
Vedara’s weapon systems roared to life as Aarav returned fire, bolts of searing energy cutting through the mist. One of the patrol ships veered off course, its shields flickering under the impact.
The remaining ships pressed their attack, their plasma cannons lighting up the nebula in bursts of blue and orange. Aarav pushed Vedara into evasive maneuvers, the astramech weaving through the storm of projectiles with almost impossible grace.
“Any suggestions, Maitreyi?” Aarav asked, his voice strained.
“Target their engines,” Maitreyi said. “Disabling their propulsion systems will allow us to escape without prolonged combat.”
Aarav nodded, adjusting Vedara’s aim. The astramech’s targeting reticle locked onto the nearest patrol ship, and Aarav fired. The blast struck true, and the ship’s engines sputtered before cutting out entirely.
“One down,” Aarav muttered.
The remaining ships redoubled their assault, their plasma fire carving through the nebula with ruthless precision. Aarav gritted his teeth, pushing Vedara into a tight roll to avoid the barrage.
As the second ship lined up for a kill shot, Vedara’s energy blade ignited with a crackling hum. Aarav surged forward, the blade cutting through the patrol ship’s hull in a single, fluid motion. The ship split apart, its debris scattering into the mist.
The final patrol ship hesitated, its pilot clearly reconsidering the odds. Aarav seized the moment, locking onto the ship’s engines and firing. The blast disabled the ship, leaving it dead in the water.
Aarav exhaled, his hands trembling on the controls. “Is that it?”
“For now,” Maitreyi said. “However, we should proceed quickly. The Dominion may dispatch reinforcements.”
Aarav nodded, his focus returning to the path ahead. The swirling mists of the nebula loomed before him, and somewhere within them lay the answers he sought.
“Let’s not keep the Rishis waiting,” he said.
Vedara surged forward, disappearing into the depths of the nebula.
The swirling chaos of the Ananta Nebula gave way to sudden stillness as Vedara breached its core. The mists peeled back to reveal a planet suspended in the void, its surface shimmering with an ethereal green glow. Vast forests stretched as far as the eye could see, their canopy broken only by jagged mountain peaks that glistened like emeralds.
“Is this it?” Aarav asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Maitreyi’s holographic form materialized beside him, her gaze fixed on the planet below. “Preliminary scans confirm a biosphere rich in plant life. Energy readings are consistent with the signal we’ve been following. This may indeed be Tapovana Loka.”
Aarav felt a flicker of hope stir within him. He guided Vedara toward the planet’s surface, the astramech’s thrusters flaring as they descended through the atmosphere. The sky shifted from emerald green to soft gold, the light filtering through the dense canopy below.
As Vedara landed in a clearing, Aarav took a moment to survey his surroundings. Towering trees encircled the clearing, their bark a deep shade of violet, and their branches adorned with luminous blue leaves. The air was thick with the hum of life—birds with iridescent feathers flitted between the branches, and faint whispers of wind rustled through the undergrowth.
“This place doesn’t feel real,” Aarav muttered as he climbed out of Vedara’s cockpit, his boots crunching against the soft earth.
“It is unlike any known ecosystem,” Maitreyi replied. “The energy signatures here are… unique. Proceed with caution.”
Aarav nodded, his gaze sweeping the forest. The dense foliage seemed alive, shifting subtly as though it were watching him. He tightened his grip on the hilt of his energy blade, his instincts alert.
“Which way to the signal?” Aarav asked.
Maitreyi gestured toward a narrow path winding through the trees. “This trail leads to the strongest concentration of energy. It is approximately two kilometers from our current position.”
Aarav adjusted his gear and set off down the path, his footsteps careful but steady. The air grew thicker the deeper he ventured, the trees closing in around him. Their leaves glowed faintly, casting soft, shifting patterns of light across the forest floor.
The deeper he went, the more he felt the weight of the forest pressing down on him. The hum of life seemed to grow louder, turning into a faint, rhythmic pulse that resonated in his chest.
“Is it just me,” Aarav said, his voice low, “or is this place… alive?”
“The energy here is highly concentrated,” Maitreyi replied. “It is possible that the biosphere itself is attuned to the surrounding environment, creating a sense of sentience.”
“Great,” Aarav muttered. “A planet with a mind of its own.”
As he rounded a bend in the trail, a sudden rustling sound stopped him in his tracks. Aarav froze, his hand moving instinctively to the hilt of his blade. The undergrowth ahead shifted, and a figure emerged—a humanoid shape draped in flowing green and gold robes, their face obscured by a mask carved from dark wood.
The figure tilted its head, the mask’s empty eye sockets seeming to peer directly into Aarav’s soul.
“Jeevadhara,” the figure said, their voice a soft, melodic hum that echoed through the forest. “You have come far to reach this place.”
Aarav’s grip on his blade tightened. “Who are you?”
The figure stepped closer, their movements slow and deliberate. “I am but a guide,” they said. “The path you walk is not an easy one, but it is necessary.”
“How do you know who I am?” Aarav asked, his tone wary.
“All things are known to the Rishis,” the figure replied. “You have been called to this place, Jeevadhara, though the answers you seek will not be given freely.”
Aarav frowned. “What do you mean?”
“The forest tests all who enter it,” the figure said. “To reach the Rishis, you must prove yourself worthy. Only those who understand the balance within themselves may walk the path to Tapovana.”
Before Aarav could respond, the figure raised their hand, and the ground beneath him began to tremble. The forest seemed to come alive—the trees creaked and groaned, their branches reaching toward him like grasping fingers. The hum in the air grew louder, rising to a deafening crescendo.
“What’s happening?” Aarav shouted, his voice barely audible over the noise.
“The trial begins,” the figure said, their form dissolving into the mist.
Aarav’s blade ignited with a sharp hiss, its golden light cutting through the encroaching darkness. The forest shifted around him, the path disappearing as the trees closed in, their glowing leaves casting eerie shadows.
“Maitreyi?” Aarav called out.
“I am here,” her voice replied, though her holographic form did not appear. “The forest’s energy is interfering with Vedara’s systems. You must rely on your instincts.”
“Fantastic,” Aarav muttered, his eyes darting between the shifting trees.
A low growl echoed through the forest, and Aarav’s heart leapt into his throat. The shadows ahead twisted and morphed, coalescing into a monstrous form. It stood nearly twice his height, its body a mass of writhing roots and vines, its glowing eyes fixed on him with a predatory hunger.
“Prove yourself,” the creature rumbled, its voice deep and resonant.
Aarav tightened his grip on his blade, his pulse pounding in his ears. “If this is what it takes, so be it.”
The creature lunged, its massive claws tearing through the air. Aarav sidestepped, his blade arcing in a streak of light as he slashed at its arm. The creature roared, its wounded limb retreating before lashing out again.
The forest seemed to pulse with the rhythm of their battle, the hum growing louder with each clash. Aarav’s movements were fluid, his strikes precise, but the creature was relentless. Its roots burrowed into the ground, emerging behind him in a sudden ambush.
Aarav dove forward, rolling to his feet as the roots slammed into the earth where he had stood. His blade hummed as he swung it in a wide arc, severing the roots and sending the creature reeling.
“Is this all you’ve got?” Aarav shouted, his voice edged with defiance.
The creature roared, its form unraveling into a storm of roots and vines that surged toward him. Aarav planted his feet, his blade held steady as he prepared for the final blow.
“Come on,” he muttered.
The storm crashed into him, and the forest was swallowed by light.
The storm of light dissipated in an instant, leaving Aarav gasping for breath as he dropped to one knee. His blade flickered, the energy sputtering before extinguishing entirely. The forest around him had shifted once again—the oppressive darkness was gone, replaced by a serene glow that bathed the clearing in soft gold and green hues.
The creature of roots and vines had vanished. In its place stood a figure draped in pale saffron robes, their presence radiating calm. The figure’s silver-white hair flowed down to their shoulders, and their aged face was etched with lines of wisdom and patience. They held a simple wooden staff, its surface polished smooth by years of use.
“Aarav Rishi,” the figure said, their voice deep and resonant, yet carrying a warmth that cut through the tension in the air. “You have endured the trial of the forest. Rise, Jeevadhara.”
Aarav slowly pushed himself to his feet, his body aching from the ordeal. He kept a cautious eye on the figure, unsure whether this was another test or a reprieve.
“Who are you?” he asked, his voice hoarse.
The figure smiled faintly, their expression one of quiet amusement. “I am Aryan Das, one of the Rishis who guide this sanctuary. And you, it seems, have much to learn.”
Aarav blinked, his guard lowering slightly. “You’re… one of the Rishis?”
Aryan Das inclined his head. “Indeed. You have come far to reach this place, Jeevadhara. Tell me, what is it you seek?”
Aarav hesitated, the weight of his journey pressing down on him. He thought of the shattered colonies, the lives lost, and the galaxy teetering on the edge of chaos. His voice was steady when he finally spoke.
“I need answers,” he said. “Vedara’s power… I don’t understand it. Every time I use it, it feels like I’m losing control. Like it’s pulling me toward something I can’t see. If I don’t figure out what it’s meant to do—what I’m meant to do—I’ll fail. And the galaxy will pay the price.”
Aryan Das studied him for a long moment, his gaze searching. “You carry a heavy burden,” he said finally. “But the answers you seek will not come easily. Vedara is not merely a machine, Aarav. It is a vessel—a reflection of the Jeevadhara who pilots it. To master its power, you must first understand yourself.”
Aarav frowned. “That’s not exactly helpful.”
Aryan Das chuckled softly. “Clarity rarely comes in the form we desire. But perhaps this will help.”
He gestured with his staff, and the air around them shimmered. A faint hum filled Aarav’s ears as the golden light coalesced into a vast, intricate image—a map of the galaxy, but unlike any Aarav had seen before. The stars and planets pulsed with energy, connected by glowing threads that formed an intricate web.
“This is the Vishwaroopa,” Aryan Das said. “The cosmic interconnectedness of all life. Every action, every decision, creates ripples that spread across this web. To preserve balance is to understand these ripples and guide them toward harmony.”
Aarav stared at the image, his breath catching in his throat. “This… this is what Vedara showed me. At Lanka Prime, when it activated Vishwaroopa Mode. But I don’t understand what it means.”
“It means,” Aryan Das said, his tone gentle, “that you are not a soldier fighting a war. You are a guardian of balance—a custodian of the cycle. Creation, preservation, and destruction are not separate forces; they are aspects of the same whole.”
Aarav’s brow furrowed. “Then why does it feel like all I do is destroy?”
Aryan Das tapped the ground with his staff, the sound reverberating through the clearing. “Because destruction is often the first step toward renewal. But destruction without purpose leads only to chaos. That is the burden of the Jeevadhara—to wield power not for conquest, but for balance.”
Aarav looked down at his hands, his mind racing. “So what am I supposed to do? Ravana’s out there, tearing the galaxy apart. And Yuvaan’s trying to turn Vedara into a weapon. How am I supposed to fight for balance when everything’s falling apart?”
Aryan Das’s expression softened, and he placed a hand on Aarav’s shoulder. “The path of balance is not an easy one. But you are not alone, Aarav. Vedara chose you for a reason. Trust in its guidance—and in yourself.”
Aarav met the Rishi’s gaze, the words sinking deep into his soul. For the first time, the weight on his shoulders felt… manageable. Not lighter, but less crushing.
“Thank you,” he said quietly.
Aryan Das nodded. “Your journey is far from over, Jeevadhara. But you have taken an important step.”
The map of the galaxy faded, and the clearing returned to its serene glow. Aryan Das gestured toward a path leading deeper into the forest.
“Continue along this path,” he said. “There is more for you to learn. The Rishis will guide you.”
Aarav nodded, his resolve renewed. “I’ll find a way to protect the galaxy. To protect balance.”
Aryan Das smiled, his eyes twinkling. “You already have the way, Aarav. Now, you must walk it.”
With that, he turned and disappeared into the forest, his figure dissolving into the light. Aarav took a deep breath, his grip on his blade tightening as he stepped forward.
The path stretched out before him, winding through the glowing trees.
And for the first time in a long while, Aarav felt like he was moving in the right direction.
The forest’s golden light grew brighter as Aarav ventured deeper, the air thick with an almost tangible energy. Every step felt heavier, as though the ground itself resisted his progress. The trees loomed larger, their glowing leaves whispering in an ancient language he couldn’t understand.
He paused to catch his breath, wiping the sweat from his brow. Maitreyi’s voice broke the silence, her usual calm tinged with an uncharacteristic reverence.
“The energy here is unprecedented,” she said. “Vedara’s systems are resonating with the environment. It is… extraordinary.”
“Extraordinary isn’t the word I’d use,” Aarav muttered, his gaze darting to the shadows between the trees. He could feel something watching him, though he couldn’t tell if it was a presence or simply his nerves.
As he pressed forward, the path opened into a clearing unlike any he had seen before. The ground was a shimmering expanse of glass-like crystal, reflecting the starry sky above despite the dense canopy of trees. At the center of the clearing stood a massive structure—a circular dais carved from obsidian, its surface etched with intricate patterns that pulsed with faint blue light.
Aarav approached cautiously, his boots clicking softly against the crystalline ground. The dais seemed to hum as he drew near, its patterns shifting and swirling like ripples on water.
“Jeevadhara,” a voice called, deep and resonant, yet layered with countless echoes.
Aarav spun around, his hand flying to the hilt of his blade. Three figures emerged from the trees, their forms cloaked in shimmering robes of silver and gold. Their faces were obscured by ornate masks, each one carved to resemble a different aspect of nature—a rising sun, a roaring river, and a flowering tree.
“The Rishis,” Maitreyi said, her voice almost a whisper.
The figures moved with fluid grace, their steps soundless as they ascended the dais. They stood in a perfect triangle, their presence radiating authority and serenity.
“You have come seeking answers,” one of them said, their voice like a calm river.
Aarav stepped forward, his resolve hardening. “I need to understand Vedara. Why it chose me. Why it feels like it’s pulling me toward something I can’t control.”
The Rishis exchanged glances, their masked faces unreadable. The one with the sun mask spoke, their voice warm and radiant. “You carry the burden of balance, Jeevadhara. But balance is not something one can command. It must be understood.”
“Then help me understand,” Aarav said, frustration creeping into his voice. “Every time I use Vedara’s power, people die. How is that balance?”
The Rishi with the river mask stepped forward, their voice flowing like water. “Destruction is an inevitable part of the cycle. But destruction without purpose leads only to chaos. To wield Vedara is to embrace the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and dissolution. Only by seeing the cycle in its entirety can you guide it.”
The patterns on the dais flared brighter, and Aarav felt a pull in his chest—an invisible force drawing him toward the center. The Rishi with the tree mask gestured toward the dais, their voice resonating like the rustle of leaves.
“Step forward, Jeevadhara. Let the Vishwaroopa show you the truth.”
Aarav hesitated, his gaze flicking to Maitreyi’s holographic form. “What’s happening?”
“The dais is a conduit,” Maitreyi said. “It appears to be designed to synchronize with Vedara’s systems—and your neural patterns.”
Aarav exhaled sharply. “Of course it does.”
He stepped onto the dais, and the moment his boots touched the surface, a wave of energy surged through him. The patterns beneath his feet blazed with light, and the world around him dissolved into a sea of stars.
Aarav floated in an infinite void, the stars shifting and pulsing around him like a living organism. Threads of light connected the stars, forming intricate patterns that seemed to stretch across eternity. He could feel the threads humming with energy, each one carrying the weight of countless lives, decisions, and possibilities.
“This is the Vishwaroopa,” the voices of the Rishis echoed around him. “The infinite cycle of existence. Every star, every thread, is a reflection of life’s interconnectedness.”
Aarav reached out, his hand brushing against one of the threads. The moment he touched it, a flood of visions overwhelmed him—births and deaths, triumphs and tragedies, entire civilizations rising and falling in the blink of an eye.
He gasped, his mind reeling from the sheer scope of what he was seeing. “This… this is too much.”
“Balance is not simple,” the voices said. “It is vast, complex, and fragile. To guide it requires wisdom, compassion, and strength.”
Another vision surged before him—Lanka Prime, its towers crumbling as Vedara’s power unleashed its fury. The screams of the fallen echoed in his ears, and he clenched his fists.
“I tried to protect them,” he said, his voice shaking. “I tried to stop the Dominion. But all I did was destroy.”
The stars shifted, and another vision emerged—Vedara, standing tall in the midst of chaos, its golden light illuminating the battlefield. The threads of light around it rippled, some severing, others weaving together to create new patterns.
“Destruction is not the end,” the voices said. “It is a necessary part of renewal. But it must be tempered with purpose. That is your task, Jeevadhara—to ensure that what is lost paves the way for what can be.”
Aarav stared at the vision, his mind racing. “And what about Ravana? He doesn’t care about balance. He wants to control everything—rewrite the galaxy to his will.”
The stars pulsed, and Ravana’s face appeared before him, his eyes burning with ambition. The threads around him were tangled and frayed, their energy twisting unnaturally.
“Ravana is a force of imbalance,” the voices said. “But even imbalance has a place within the cycle. To oppose him is not merely to defeat him—it is to restore what he has disrupted.”
Aarav’s gaze hardened, the weight of the visions settling over him. “Then tell me what I need to do.”
The stars flared brightly, and the Rishis’ voices spoke in unison. “Walk the path of balance, Jeevadhara. Trust in Vedara’s purpose, and in your own. The answers you seek will come, but only if you are willing to face the truth.”
The light around him began to fade, the stars dissolving into the void. Aarav felt the ground beneath him once more, and the forest returned, its golden glow soft and serene.
He stood in the clearing, his breath heavy but his resolve unshaken. The Rishis watched him silently, their presence a quiet reminder of the enormity of his task.
“I’ll find the balance,” Aarav said, his voice steady. “And I’ll stop Ravana—no matter what it takes.”
The forest clearing was quiet now, the hum of energy that had filled the air moments ago subsiding into a serene calm. Aarav stood in the center of the crystalline dais, his chest rising and falling as he steadied his breath. The weight of the Vishwaroopa’s vision lingered in his mind—a vast, interconnected web of life, fragile yet resilient.
The Rishis remained on the edge of the clearing, their masked faces watching him in silence. After a long moment, the figure with the sun mask stepped forward, their voice steady and warm.
“You have glimpsed the cosmic cycle, Jeevadhara,” they said. “You now carry the burden of understanding. But knowledge alone will not be enough. Action is required.”
Aarav met their gaze, his own resolve hardening. “You showed me what balance means. But how do I stop Ravana? He’s not just disrupting the cycle—he’s trying to control it, to bend it to his will. How do I fight something like that?”
The Rishi with the river mask spoke, their voice flowing like water. “To fight imbalance is to confront it with balance. Ravana seeks control, but the cycle cannot be controlled—it can only be guided. This is the purpose of Vedara, and of you, Jeevadhara.”
The figure with the tree mask raised their staff, pointing it toward the sky. “Your next step lies within Aranya Lokan, the cradle of astramechs. There, you will unlock Vedara’s true potential.”
Aarav frowned, his curiosity piqued. “The cradle of astramechs? What is it?”
The Rishis exchanged a glance before the sun-masked figure spoke again. “It is the place where Vedara—and all its kin—were forged. A sanctuary hidden within the remnants of a collapsing star. Its secrets have been lost to the galaxy for centuries, but it still holds the key to understanding Vedara’s creation and purpose.”
Aarav felt a flicker of hope stir within him. “If it can help me unlock Vedara’s true power, then I’ll go. Where is it?”
The tree-masked Rishi gestured with their staff, and a glowing map materialized in the air—a projection of the galaxy, its stars and constellations shifting until it centered on a distant region marked by swirling patterns of energy.
“Aranya Lokan lies here,” the Rishi said. “But be warned—the journey will not be easy. The Dominion is aware of its existence, and they, too, seek its secrets. You will not be the only one venturing into its depths.”
Aarav studied the map, his mind racing. The location was remote, far beyond Vaikuntha territory and deep within uncharted space. If the Dominion was already closing in, time was running out.
“I’ll make it,” Aarav said firmly. “I have to.”
The river-masked Rishi stepped forward, their tone softening. “You carry a great burden, Jeevadhara. But remember—you are not alone. Vedara is not merely a tool or a weapon. It is a partner, a guide. Trust in its wisdom, and it will guide you through the darkness.”
Aarav glanced toward Vedara, its massive form barely visible through the trees at the edge of the clearing. The astramech stood silent and still, but he could feel its presence—steady, constant, and waiting.
“I’ll trust it,” Aarav said. “And I’ll do whatever it takes to protect balance.”
The sun-masked Rishi inclined their head. “Then your path is clear. Go forth, Jeevadhara, and may the light of the Vishwaroopa guide you.”
The glowing map dissolved, and the Rishis stepped back, their forms fading into the golden light of the forest. Aarav watched them go, their presence leaving a profound stillness in the clearing.
Maitreyi’s voice broke the silence, her holographic form flickering to life beside him. “The coordinates have been logged. Aranya Lokan awaits.”
“Good,” Aarav said, adjusting the strap of his gear pack. “Let’s not waste any time.”
A short while later, Aarav climbed back into Vedara’s cockpit, the astramech’s systems humming to life as he powered it up. The dense forest shimmered in the viewscreen, the golden light casting long shadows as Vedara turned toward the sky.
“Plot a course for Aranya Lokan,” Aarav said.
“Course plotted,” Maitreyi replied. “The journey will take us through Dominion-patrolled sectors. We should anticipate resistance.”
Aarav smirked faintly. “Wouldn’t be a proper mission without it.”
Vedara’s thrusters roared, lifting it into the air. The forest fell away below them, its luminous canopy fading into the distance. Aarav glanced at the displays, his gaze settling on the distant stars ahead.
The Rishis had given him a direction, a purpose, and a renewed sense of resolve. But as the stars stretched into streaks of light, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the journey to Aranya Lokan would be far more dangerous than anything he’d faced before.
“Let’s see what you’re hiding, cradle of astramechs,” he muttered.
Vedara surged forward, disappearing into the depths of space.