EXTERIOR: SEDRI, IMPERIAL AQUATIC GARRISON.

The base, gleaming white in the sun, rises like an iceberg from a serene ocean. The camera moves closer to the base at high speed, passing through an opening blast door to reveal...

INTERIOR: GARRISON BASE.

Everything is very new. The camera moves down sparsely populated corridors, past two Droids and a technician working at an open access panel. Up a turbolift, then a door marked "Commander Aban" comes into view. Closer, and the door opens.

"Report, lieutenant!" snaps Aban.

"We've sent out patrols to search the native villages, sir," the unseen lieutenant replies.

"Stories abound, but nothing solid yet."

"And the Swimmer?" Aban's eyes gleam.

"It arrived with the last shipment, sir."

"Perfect." Aban stands triumphantly. "If you do not find this Golden Sun by the time the Swimmer is operational, we will raze the Sedrian villages one at a time until they give it to us! You have you orders."

Fade to...

INTERIOR: REBEL JUMPSHIP ALABAK'S GOLD.