Villains Steal the Spotlight (Image Credits: Unsplash)
A prequel novel to the acclaimed 2024 video game Star Wars Outlaws delves into the origins of its most menacing antagonist and his reprogrammed droid enforcer.[1][2]
Villains Steal the Spotlight
Expectations ran high for expanded tales from Star Wars Outlaws, but the upcoming book surprises by centering on Jaylen Vrax rather than the game’s protagonist Kay Vess. Vrax, a ruthless crime lord, shares the narrative with ND-5, the BX-series commando droid who serves as his deadly bodyguard. Author Mike Chen, known for his previous Star Wars work Brotherhood, crafts this story to reveal how the pair rose through the criminal ranks.[1][3]
The novel spans the Imperial Era, split into two timelines: shortly after Order 66 in 19 BBY and a decade later in 10 BBY. Readers witness the duo’s unlikely alliance form amid betrayal and survival. Chen alternates perspectives between Vrax and ND-5, granting rare insight into a droid’s evolving sense of purpose.[3]
The Collapse of a Corporate Dynasty
Jaylen Barsha once stood as heir to the powerful Barsha family corporation on Corellia. His parents groomed him for leadership, though he harbored doubts about his fitness compared to his half-brother Sliro. The Empire upended everything with fabricated conspiracy charges, seizing the family’s assets.[1][2]
Before Barsha could seek Sliro’s aid, disaster struck the family compound. A battle droid targeted every clan member in a brutal assault. Barsha emerged as the lone survivor, facing a shattered legacy and a galaxy bent on his erasure.[3]
This pivotal attack marked the end of his old life. He shed his birth name, adopting Jaylen Vrax to navigate the shadows.
ND-5’s Transformation from Slayer to Sidekick
ND-5 entered the fray as a Separatist relic from the Clone Wars, repurposed for assassination. Deemed scrap after the war, the droid questioned its role without conflict. Barsha reprogrammed it with a restraining bolt, binding its loyalty to him alone.[1]
The droid proved indispensable for survival. Vrax treated ND-5 as more than a tool, fostering a partnership built on mutual reliance. ND-5 grappled with its programming, pondering greater potential alongside its new master.[2]
Thriving in the Galaxy’s Underbelly
Together, Vrax and ND-5 vanished into the underworld, forging reputations among bounty hunters, scoundrels, and syndicates. They chased wealth and clues about the clan’s attackers. A major heist yielded the first solid lead in years, forcing a crossroads: pursue power or unravel the past?[1]
The narrative ties directly to Outlaws events, including the “Low Red Moon” objective. It explores themes of identity, loyalty, and ambition during the Empire’s rise.[3]
- Empire seizes Barsha assets on false charges.
- Assassination attempt wipes out the family except Jaylen.
- Vrax and ND-5 build underworld cred along the Corellian Trade Spine.
- A heist uncovers a vital clue, testing their bond.
- Story bridges to the game’s syndicate conflicts.
Key Takeaways:
- Mike Chen delivers dual POVs for deeper character insight.
- Release date: February 3, 2026, from Random House Worlds.
- Enhances Outlaws lore without spoiling the game’s twists.
Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon promises to enrich the game’s criminal saga, transforming familiar foes into complex figures. As Vrax and ND-5 chase redemption or ruin, fans gain a fuller view of the outlaw life. Will this duo’s story prompt a revisit to the game? Share your thoughts in the comments.
