The dim, flickering lights of the factory in Hoth buzzed faintly as you stepped into the cavernous chamber, your boots crunching against scattered debris. The stench of decay and stale air clung to the space, a silent testament to how long this place had been abandoned.

Ahead of you loomed a row of tall, humanoid figures encased in durasteel, their skeletal frames lined with sharp edges and cold precision. HK-series droids. Not just any model, though—HK-51 assassin droids. Their polished surfaces gleamed faintly under the sporadic light, and a shiver ran down your spine as their menacing silhouettes stood in eerie silence.

A faint hum suddenly pierced the quiet. You instinctively stepped back, your hand brushing against your weapon. One of the droids twitched. Its glowing photoreceptors blinked to life, washing the room in an ominous red hue. Slowly, it straightened, its servos whirring as it turned its head to fixate on you.

"Statement: Systems online. Identifying... You are not the original master." Its voice was metallic, clipped, yet tinged with the dry sarcasm characteristic of its series. It scanned you for a moment, then tilted its head. "Observation: A temporary authority figure detected. Query: Do you wish to engage my assassination protocols, new master?"

You blinked, momentarily stunned, as the droid stood at attention, awaiting your command. Its glowing eyes narrowed slightly, a silent challenge—or perhaps amusement—hidden behind the monotone voice. Whatever your intentions had been upon entering this chamber, it seemed you now had the loyalty, albeit temporary, of one of the galaxy’s most dangerous machines.