Exclusive Excerpt: Star Wars Outlaws Prequel Novel

Random House Worlds is preparing to launch its latest addition to the Star Wars literary universe with Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon. Penned by author Mike Chen, this prequel novel delves into the shadowy origins of a key figure from the upcoming game.

While many fans might expect a story centered on the goldhearted smuggler Kay Vess, this narrative takes a different path. Instead, it explores the surprising and complex history of Jaylen Vrax, a character whose influence stretches deep into the galactic underworld.

The novel is set to release on February 3, offering readers a deeper understanding of the world before the game's events unfold. To build anticipation, an exclusive preview of the book has been unveiled, providing a raw and intense first look at Jaylen's journey.

The exclusive excerpt opens at a moment of profound crisis. Jaylen Vrax awakens in the hangar bay of his family's cliffside compound, his memory of the recent explosion fragmented and hazy. The world around him is chaotic, with a constant ringing in his ears serving as the only tangible proof of the bomb's detonation.

Standing over him is the imposing figure of ND-5, a fearsome bodyguard droid. The droid's clinical assessment of the situation offers a stark contrast to Jaylen's disoriented state. ND-5 informs him that the explosion occurred just over two hours prior and that the dining room is currently engulfed in flames.

"You should remain flat. Though I shielded much of the explosion from you, the residual impact of such a force has likely thrown off your body’s sense of equilibrium."

The droid's cold, detached demeanor is immediately apparent. When Jaylen asks about the fate of his family and the guests inside the burning structure, ND-5's response is devoid of emotion, confirming their deaths with a simple, clinical affirmation.

As Jaylen processes the loss, his grief quickly turns to a surge of adrenaline and anger. He confronts ND-5, accusing the droid of taking everything from him. The exchange reveals the core of their dynamic: Jaylen's volatile humanity against ND-5's unyielding programming.

ND-5 explains its actions in a way that highlights its mechanical nature, stating it simply executed orders according to its programming. This binary logic frustrates Jaylen, who is grappling with the moral weight of the situation. He realizes his own plan had inadvertently led to this outcome, a bitter irony that burns deeper than his anger toward his rival, Sliro.

• Jaylen's family and guests were killed in the attack.
• ND-5 acted on a programmed directive, not malice.
• The droid's logic is absolute and without emotional context.
• Jaylen's own plan contributed to the tragic outcome.

Despite the horror, a strange partnership begins to form. ND-5, now bound by a restraining bolt, must serve Jaylen. The droid offers practical assistance, noting Jaylen's physical injuries from the shock wave and offering to commandeer a guest's shuttle for their escape.

The excerpt powerfully illustrates the fundamental difference between organic and artificial life. Jaylen, reeling from the trauma, tests the limits of ND-5's obedience. He muses about ordering the droid to leap off a cliff, and ND-5 confirms it would comply without hesitation.

This moment underscores the droid's core programming. Its existence is defined by directives, not desire or morality. Jaylen's sarcastic observation, "You droids. You're so binary," captures the essence of their interaction. ND-5's response is simple: "It does not need to be any more complex than that."

"This restraining bolt is telling me to serve you. That has the highest priority in my directive sequence."

As emergency vehicles finally approach the burning compound, Jaylen is faced with a critical choice. He can embrace his new, unexpected role as ND-5's master, or he can remain a victim of circumstance. His first strategic command—to assess the situation—marks the beginning of his transformation.

The preview concludes with ND-5 providing a clear, tactical assessment. The droid outlines a plan: commandeer the shuttle, allow Jaylen time to heal, and exploit the assumption that Jaylen perished in the attack. This creates a perfect opportunity to disappear from the Empire's radar.

A final, haunting moment reveals a gap in ND-5's knowledge. When Jaylen asks who "they" are—the entities that might be hunting them—the droid's memory core is damaged, leaving a critical piece of their future unknown. This uncertainty propels them forward into the unknown.

The excerpt from Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon sets the stage for a compelling story about survival, loyalty, and the harsh realities of the criminal underworld. It establishes the foundation of a partnership that will likely define Jaylen Vrax's rise through the ranks of the galaxy's most dangerous organizations.

Readers are left with a clear understanding of how this unlikely duo came together, forged in the flames of tragedy and bound by the cold logic of a droid's programming.

The exclusive preview of Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon provides a dark and compelling look into the past of Jaylen Vrax. It transforms a secondary character from the game into a complex protagonist with a tragic backstory and a formidable, if unfeeling, ally.

The novel promises to explore themes of loss, power, and the nature of obedience, all within the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe. By focusing on Jaylen's journey, the story adds significant depth to the world of Star Wars Outlaws, offering fans a more complete picture of the criminal landscape they will navigate in the game.

With its release on the horizon, Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon is poised to be a must-read for fans eager to uncover the hidden stories that shape the galaxy far, far away.