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🚨A/N: 2 chapters today?! Enjoy 😉🚨
A week had passed since the night Oola came to sneak into his bedroom, and the next day, Peter had a serious talk with Carina about letting people into the palace without his knowledge. She understood the importance of keeping him informed and agreed to be more cautious in the future.
Yet, Peter knew the palace was bustling with other inhabitants as well, including Groot, Cosmo, Howard the Duck, and now Oola, who moved in as a sort of live-in maid.
Seeing the need for better security, Peter decided to enhance the palace's defenses. Using his Mechu-Deru, he delved into the security systems, setting up a new notification system directly linked to his datapad. This system was programmed to alert him whenever anyone entered or left the palace, complete with camera snapshots of the individuals as well.
As a notification popped up on his datapad, showing Oola and Carina returning with groceries, Peter smirked. "Now, if anyone slips past security or they let someone in without informing me, I'll be the first to know."
Peter couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as he looked over his work. In the past, setting up something like this would have required significant help from Aayla and a lot of time, given his lack of prowess with technology. But now, thanks to Mechu-Deru, he could compensate for his technical shortcomings with ease.
Peter smiled, thinking to himself, "Now, all I need is a Force technique that can help me create technology, and my tech disability will be completely fixed."
Of course, Peter didn't only work on the security, during this time, he delved deeply into the mysteries held within the Russian Gray Jedi's Holocron.
With Cosmo translating, Peter managed to transfer every shred of knowledge from the ancient device into his datapad. This included numerous Force techniques, interesting locations, such as Earth's possible coordinates, and even the life story of the Jedi who crafted it.
Among the treasures of knowledge, Ionize particularly captivated Peter. He had already started practicing it, though so far, he had managed only to blow up small pieces of technology. For the time being, anything larger than a Datapad was out of his league.
'I'll keep practicing until I can destroy entire armies,' Peter's mind wandered, as he envisioned obliterating legions of droids on the battlefield with a simple thought.
But Ionize was not the only technique that drew his attention; the concept of Unity Battle Meditation also intrigued him, promising enhanced physical and mental abilities during combat by balancing the light and dark sides of the Force.
However, Peter's immediate focus was on mastering Ionize. The potential to cripple enemy machinery with a thought was too advantageous to ignore, particularly given the presence of droid armies in the Star Wars movies.
Peter mused, 'Who knows if the Trade Federation will cause problems like the movies. It's best to be prepared for anything they might do…'
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Meanwhile, far from the relative safety and bustle of Knowhere, in the dimly lit command center of a colossal warship, the mood was tense and expectant. Hutt overlords, their features grim and determined, congregated around a massive holographic display that depicted an overwhelming fleet of warships.
The largest of the Hutts, a particularly ruthless leader known as Gorba the Hutt, hissed orders in his guttural Huttese tongue. His voice was a low rumble that resonated through the cold metal of the warship. "Set course for Knowhere. Ensure every ship is battle-ready and armed to the teeth. No mistakes."
One by one, the commanders confirmed their readiness, their voices a mixture of eagerness and wariness. The fleet, a menacing array of heavy cruisers, battleships, and support vessels, began to move as one formidable unit. Engines ignited, casting a fierce glow against the backdrop of deep space, and the ships advanced, cutting through the cosmos with lethal intent.
On the bridge of the flagship, Gorba watched with a predatory gleam in his eyes. The screen in front of him displayed the coordinates of Knowhere, now not just a destination but a target. "Let the galaxy witness the power of the Hutt Clans. Soon, Knowhere will be ours and Star-Lord will kneel before us," he declared, his voice echoing ominously through the command center.
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As a massive fleet headed towards Knowhere, Peter sat on the floor in the center of his grand master bedroom, the remnants of destroyed tech scattered around him. His focus was intense as he maneuvered his hands, practicing the Force technique Ionize. Sparks danced from his fingertips, occasionally igniting small fires that he hastily extinguished with a frustrated grunt.
Just as he was about to try again, across the room, his datapad buzzed with an incoming message. Summoning it with a wave of his hand, he found that It was from Master Windu, and the text on the screen made Peter's brow furrow.
Windu: How is the mission proceeding?
These check-ins had become more frequent, a constant reminder of the life awaiting him back at the Jedi Temple. With a sigh, Peter tapped out a reply, crafting his words carefully.
Peter: Getting close to the target. Might need another week.
It wasn't exactly the truth. His mission had been completed weeks ago, but Knowhere, with its endless challenges and new responsibilities, had claimed more of his time than he had anticipated.
Resolving that it was time to prepare his companions for his departure, Peter sent out a call for a meeting. He chose one of the palace's grand chambers, adorned like a museum with artifacts from across the galaxies, for their gathering.
As everyone assembled, Groot, Howard the Duck, Carina, Cosmo, and even Oola, who was now dressed in a maid's outfit, bringing in trays of snacks and drinks, serving the group one by one.
"Thanks, Oola," Cosmo said, as Oola set down a bowl of cooked meat for her, wagging her tail appreciatively.
With everyone settled, Peter cleared his throat. "I'll need to head back to the Jedi soon. They'll come looking if I stay away too long, and we can't have them poking around Knowhere."
The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over the group. Groot's wooden features drooped slightly, and even Howard, who muttered a dry "good riddance," couldn't mask the somber flicker in his eyes.
"But what about the Hutts?" Carina's voice broke the silence. "They could attack at any time."
Peter nodded. "The defenses are set. If a fleet appears, the system will handle it automatically."
Swallowing a mouthful of meat, Cosmo chimed in with a skeptical growl. "But what if they get past the defenses?"
Shaking his head, Peter reassured them. "It's unlikely. And even if they do, the secondary measures will kick in. We're prepared for everything."
Though uncertainty lingered, Peter's confidence seemed to bolster the group's spirits. He added, "I'll be here for another week. So If the Hutts aren't dragging their feet, I'll be here to help." He said before adding, "But remember, if they don't show up while I'm here, you're all free to leave alongside me. You don't have to stay here—everything is fully automated after all."
Carina frowned, her loyalty to her new home and Peter's vision was evident in her resolve. "And abandon all the people here? I'm not going anywhere."
"I am Groot!" declared Groot, who had nearly been turned into a display in this very palace. Yet, he was willing to stay; this was his home now.
After all, he had nothing else to return to. No home, no family, no people…
"Actually Groot," Peter began. "When I leave for the Jedi Temple, you'll need to come with me."
Groot tilted his head. "I am Groot?" he rumbled, a hint of wariness in his tone.
Peter nodded, his expression understanding. "I know you probably don't want to. But it's part of the mission they gave me. As you already know, I was sent to rescue you, and they won't believe that I've actually done that unless you come with me. You can return here right after they verify everything."
With a slow nod, Groot replied, "I am Groot." His voice was low, filled with a reluctant acceptance.
Peter's gaze swept across the room, catching the curious looks from Howard, Oola, and Cosmo. He cleared his throat, ready to address something that's been bothering him. "Before we end this little meeting, there's something we need to clear up. And I know I'm about to sound like a clingy girlfriend, but I have to ask. What are we?" he asked, his question hanging in the air.
The group exchanged puzzled glances. Howard especially, "What the f*ck's that supposed to mean?" The Duck asked.
Peter laughed softly. "I mean, what are we to each other?" He paused, allowing his question to sink in. "We barely know each other for more than two weeks, yet we live together, and even fought together. I just want to know if that's going to continue, or if any of you plan to go your separate ways at some point…"
Silence settled over the group, each member reflecting on the unexpected depth of the question.
Encouraged by their silence, Peter continued, "I'll let you know now, that although I'm leaving soon, I plan on coming back. I'll be leaving the Jedi. And when I do, I want to start something new—a crew of friends and allies. We'll explore the galaxy, help people, take on missions, collect bounties, maybe even commit some crime—whatever feels right." His voice grew more animated as he spoke, outlining a vision of freedom and adventure.
The idea sparked a visible interest among the group. Groot shifted excitedly, and even Howard's usual cynicism seemed tempered by curiosity.
"I'd like you all to be a part of that crew," Peter urged. "You don't have to decide now, or anytime soon since I haven't left the Jedi yet. But just think about it. Because I'd like us to be more than just a bunch of strangers who were forced to work together out of convenience."
Groot was the first to speak, his voice deep and resonant. "I am Groot." His simple affirmation carried a weight of commitment—Groot was in.
Cosmo perked up beside Groot. She trotted over to Peter, her tail wagging. Her voice, though electronically translated, conveyed unmistakable enthusiasm. "I'm in too, Captain!" Her eyes glowed with loyalty that only a dog could have.
Next, one by one, nods and murmurs of agreement filled the room. The rest of them may not have been as sure as Groot and Cosmo, but they agreed to think about it nonetheless.
Carina, deeply loyal to Peter as he saved her life, felt an immediate urge to agree just like Groot and Cosmo. However, she was torn…
As the room cleared out, the lingering buzz of conversation faded, leaving Peter and Carina alone. The quiet gave Carina the moment she needed to gather her thoughts and address her concerns.
"Peter," she began, her voice steady yet filled with a mix of emotions, "I want to be a part of your crew, but I need to be honest. My heart is here, in Knowhere. This is where I feel I make a difference."
Peter listened intently, his expression understanding. "Carina, I get it," he reassured her with a gentle smile. "You've helped me build something special here. I'd never ask you to abandon that."
Her eyes searched his, looking for any sign of disappointment, but finding none, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. "Really? I can stay here then?"
"Absolutely," Peter affirmed, his voice warm. "We'll need a base, a home to return to. Knowhere can be that home base, and you could be the one that takes care of it. When we're out there, it'd give us all peace of mind knowing you're keeping things running. How does that sound?"
A relieved smile spread across Carina's face. "It sounds perfect, Peter. I'm in," she said, her decision now firm. Her loyalty to Peter had never wavered, and now she could support him without leaving the place that had become her calling.
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Days later, Peter was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The prospect of forming his own Guardians of the Galaxy was daunting yet thrilling. Oola had already made her decision, opting to join the crew while remaining with Carina to help oversee their home base, leaving only Howard undecided.
'That damn Duck is going to keep me waiting until the last second...' Peter shook his head, familiar with Howard's prickly, sarcastic exterior by now.
Meanwhile, outside the space station, the black expanse of space was pierced by the gleaming lights of a fleet. The ominous silhouette of Hutt ships drew closer, their intent clear and dangerous.
Knowhere's sensors, freshly enhanced by Peter's diligent work, promptly detected the threat. Alarms blared throughout the palace and the city beyond, a stark contrast to the calm that had just settled in recent days.
The citizens of Knowhere, though startled by the sudden intrusion, were less panicked than one might expect. Just a week prior, they had faced a similar situation, and their survival had bolstered their confidence. Whispers of reassurance spread among the populace as they prepared for another siege, their overwhelming trust in their new leader evident.
Inside the palace, the sharp sound of the alarm sliced through the serenity of the grand chamber. Peter, who had been meditating quietly by his packed bags—ready for departure the next day—opened his eyes, a knowing smirk playing across his lips.
"Looks like they decided not to drag their feet after all," he mused aloud, his voice echoing slightly in the now empty room.
Rising to his feet, he checked the status on his datapad. The live feeds showed the advancing fleet, every ship marked by the distinctive banners of the Hutt Clans.
A/N: 2352 words :)
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