I woke up to the same thing I fell asleep to — the cozy purring of Ves, now with the addition of her breathing into my neck.
Peeling my eyes open and brushing hair from my face, both mine and Ves’s, I look at the ceiling.
My head was crystal clear, as if after a draft; thinking was as easy as it had ever been.
Gathering my thoughts, I try to remember what happened yesterday.
Big mistake.
As soon as I remembered, I immediately wanted to forget, or better yet, get drunk.
One consolation was that Ves was lying next to me now, and Hadiya was flying home.
In short, “delusions, delusions, let me go, you bastards, how am I supposed to forget you now?!” “At least it’s finally stopped, and I’ve stopped generating nonsense.
Seems cats really can heal,” I glance sideways at Ves and, raising my hand, pet her head.
My touch woke the Cathar; she lifted her sleepy eyes to me, then realization dawned in them, and a smile appeared on her lips.
Smack!
“Good morning,” she purred softly.
“Yeah.” “How did it go yesterday?” I recalled all that nonsense, the nightmare, the whole damn mess, and putting on my most honest expression, answered: “Wonderfully!
Cleared my head, I’m as calm as a snake, and the sights there…
You could take a date there.” “It’s good that you enjoyed it,” Ves nodded in a deceptively soft tone, but anger flared in her emotions.
“Uh, Ves?” She sat up, and her little hands pressed cautiously against my chest near my neck.
“Darling, tell me, is it normal that I was pulling my hair out over the madness you got yourself into?” “Uh…” “How deep did you go that Gris had to dip me in cold water to cool me off?!” Her little paws closed around my neck, and Ves was genuinely furious now.
“I almost had a heart attack when your emotions hit!
Pain, mixed with fear, seasoned with rage, and in such quantity that I almost went after you myself!” “Ves, Ves, calm down, please don’t spark, let me speak,” I try to calm the Cathar, who got fired up first thing in the morning, so much so that she started sparking.
“Anyway, we went down, got separated, and I got hit by Force visions.
And there was all sorts of stuff in them,” leaning forward, I hug her and pull Vessira close.
Her anger began to subside, fear stepping into its place.
“I’m sorry, my miracle.
You know I wouldn’t even dream of hurting you.” “Why did you even go down there?” “To look into the future.” “And?
Did you?” “Depends on how you look at it…
As long as I’m breathing, I’ll stay as far away from that kind of future as possible and try to prevent it.” “Ah…” “In any case, it wasn’t a wasted trip.
At least I know what to be afraid of and, maybe, I’ll figure out how to stop it.” “Mhm.
Sniff.” “It’s okay, Ves, hush.
I’m here, I’m right here…” and I add more quietly, to myself: “Just like you.” “Huh?” “Never mind, dear.
Oh, hey, what’s that under your eye?” “Where?” she even recoiled, reaching for her cheek.
“Right here,” I purposefully touch her cheekbone.
“Looks like a spot, or something.” With a wave of her elegant hand, her mirror flew out from somewhere.
“There’s nothing there, what are you making up?” Then she saw my smug face, practically asking for a brick.
“Shade.” “Just don’t kick me,” I squeeze my eyes shut and immediately get a light hit on the forehead with that very mirror.
“Fool!” “Yeah.
And you, I see, decided to move in with me for good?” “Yes!
I can’t leave you alone.
And the teacher too, two peas in a pod — she’s always getting into trouble, just like you.” “Well, well — same blood.” “And the same stupidity,” Ves nodded.
“Alright, alright.
I surrender.
Truce?” Letting the mirror float and crossing her arms over her chest, she gave me a searching look.
“And I’ll fulfill one of your wishes.” “Two!” “One and a half.” “How does that work?” “Well…
I fulfill one, and the half we’ll write off later, hmm?” “Shade…” “Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha,” unable to contain my bursting glee, I grabbed Vessira and started shamelessly tickling her.
And I tickled her until the Cathar conceded defeat and agreed to my terms.
In the end, we only left the room closer to lunch, because the wish I’d made was very interesting and, importantly, pleasant for me too.
* * * My mother and I left the temple full of energy and ready for new achievements.
I don’t know how she relieved stress, and I’d probably rather not, but I was sure she was in good spirits.
Just before takeoff, we dropped the guys off at Vur Tepe and said our goodbyes there.
Vessira kept trying to come with us; she’d already realized that leaving us alone was very dangerous, and if we were together, it was complete chaos, but my persuasion and my mother’s look (“Brrr, terrifying.
I want to be able to do that too!”) managed to convince her.
While we were flying, she explained the ship’s controls and even let me sit in the co-pilot’s seat.
I wasn’t allowed to bond with the ship through the Force, but pressing buttons and turning knobs — that was fine.
All of this was accompanied by a lecture on the basics of ship control with explanations of what did what.
So the next few days, instead of properly setting a course, I immersed myself in the control process.
And you know… the Force is a cheat.
A real cheat.
It practically tells you where to push and what to do so you don’t crash.
On an intuitive level, you just know which button to press, and when someone explains what some little doodad is for, you also understand why you pressed it.
Strange feeling… But now it makes sense why the Je’daii were such jacks-of-all-trades.
“Mom, your left stabilizer is about to give out soon,” I mentioned casually.
“What do you mean?” the Togruta turned around.
“How can you tell?” “Uh…” I paused, realizing what I’d just blurted out.
Somewhere on the edge of my perception was a foreign but very familiar presence.
“Honestly, I don’t know myself.
I just suddenly…” “Heard it?” “Yeah, pretty much.” “You know the Je’daii ships are built with elements of Force crystals, right?” “Yes.” “A bond forms between the vessel and its master.
Since you’re my son, you managed to sense it.
There’s also a Force technique that lets you feel mechanical devices, understand malfunctions, or hear warnings.
Every pilot or engineer knows it, and you’ll learn it later too.” “Got it.” “Alright, Shade.” “Hm?” I turned to my mother.
She had just put the ship on autopilot.
“I think that’s enough brain-racking.
Let’s go keep in shape.” “Fight?!
On the ship?
With you?” I gave her a skeptical look.
“Listen, shouldn’t I be worried about your sanity, not the other way around?” “Ha-ha-ha, no, definitely not.
And it won’t be a sparring match.
I’m going to show you another Force technique.” “That sounds more interesting.
What technique?” “Let’s just say it’s designed for interrogation.
It breaks a mind… and makes them talk.
Or it breaks their will.
There are many uses.” “I haven’t heard of that one,” I shook my head.
“It’s my own development.
Come on, I’ll show you.” “On me?!” “Ha-ha-ha, no, Shade.
First I’ll try to explain the theory, then you can try practicing on me.
Defending against this technique is much easier than attacking—what matters is your personal will and the pressure of the Force.
You can’t possibly harm me, simply because you’ll subconsciously avoid doing so, so don’t worry.” “Well, well.
A few more lessons like this and I’ll make an excellent executioner!” I commented, following after my mother.
She just laughed at my jab.
To my surprise, after we sat facing each other, the technique actually drew me in.
It was like a branch off of “Force Persuasion,” a cruder version aimed not at carefully implanting a thought or deceiving, but at causing specific pain and subsequent breaking.
Basically, it could be compared to an express interrogation—according to my mother, the target breaks hard, especially if they’re not Force-sensitive.
Even a Je’daii wouldn’t find it pleasant if such an attack hit in battle.
It wouldn’t cause serious damage, but it would distract them, and in a fight every second counts, so it was a very promising thing.
Lost in the task, I didn’t notice how we reached Nox.
The moment I stepped off the ramp, I was hit with memories.
How I’d walked out of the spaceport with Irbis, how we argued about the local ecosystem, how we ditched all the “important people” waiting for us for negotiations and just hung out in a cafe.
As they say—there are many of you, I’m just one, so I’m entitled to a cup of vorcha.
And that’s exactly where we needed to go—to one of those cafes.
A small building on a narrow street, with an inconspicuous iron sign engraved with the words: “Ashla’s Belt.” Reaching the door first, I used the Force to press the open button and stepped inside.
A small room with five little round tables and a bar counter.
Everything was packed tightly together, using every bit of free space.
White lights stretched across the ceiling, imitating stars.
Paintings of mysterious places hung on the walls, among which I spotted a couple of photos from Tython.
There were only three customers in the entire room, plus a droid bartender.
A clumsy one, built into the wall and moving along a rail.
Funny, actually—we have droids, sure, but they’re incredibly rare, especially in cities.
You might find a droid out in the boonies, on a colony, just because there aren’t enough workers, and mining droids are pretty common.
But here, in the city, on the street… you hardly ever see them.
“Ashur nar kararat?” the droid rumbled in my native tongue, asking what it could do.
“Speak Basic.” “As you wish, Mistress.” “We’ve come to see the owner of this establishment.
He’s expecting us.” There was a moment’s pause, then the droid continued: “I’ve just informed Master Stone of your arrival.
Please, go ahead—he’s waiting in his office.
To the right, up the stairs to the second floor,” the droid indicated a spiral staircase on the right with its drink-dispensing appendage.
Letting my mother go first, I fell in behind her.
The armored figure glided ahead of me and started climbing.
Funny—I only just noticed that neither Mom nor I made any sound when we walked.
Teaching me how to place my foot correctly and, if the terrain required, assist myself with the Force, was practically the first thing she taught me.
As I watched her now, I compared her movements to mine.
Smooth, calm, as if we weren’t walking but floating.
Strange.
The second floor greeted us with a short hallway and three doors.
Sensing the single life source directly ahead, we moved forward in sync.
Without knocking, Mom pushed the handle with the Force and swung the door open.
“Good afternoon,” a Sallustian man droned, rising from his chair.
His large eyes studied the intruders, and his jowls quivered slightly, betraying his master’s mild anxiety.
Though, I didn’t even need to see him to feel how much this individual feared us.
The Sallustian’s office matched its owner.
Stacked boxes on the right, stuffed shelves on the left cluttered with trinkets, and a window there, next to which the Sallustian sat at his desk.
Directly opposite the entrance stood a brand-new sofa that didn’t fit the decor at all.
Despite the room being kept clean, here and there you could still spot dust.
“Aala,” Mom introduced herself.
“Shade,” I “saluted” the Sallustian.
“Stone Harar’Atip.
I’ve been expecting you, Master Aala, Master Shade,” at this greeting, Mom smirked and, glancing at me, winked.
“Are you alone?” “As agreed.” “Then please, follow me.
I’ll take you to the ship,” the Sallustian scurried off, not forgetting to turn off his computer and grab a small brown briefcase.
We followed him in silence, leaving the cafe.
The Sallustian clearly wasn’t eager to chat.
Since he was almost a head and a half shorter than us, his brisk walk looked pretty comical.
“Stone, are we in a hurry?” Mom decided to ask.
“No, no, it’s just my usual pace of walking.
Here on Nox, everyone is always rushing somewhere—that’s the rhythm of life here.” “Uh-huh, I can see that,” I said, glancing at the passersby who were just strolling along.
We didn’t question our guide any further.
The Sallustian led us to one of the landing pads, where a small shuttle was waiting to take us to the large ships that usually stayed in orbit.
Handing us over to new people, along with the briefcase, Stone immediately took off.
“Coward,” I muttered, as if spitting, looking after the Sallustian.
“That’s his usual behavior?” I glanced at the shuttle captain.
“Keep quiet, be afraid, and do as you’re told.
Yes.” The Zabrak looked at me and my mother.
“Come aboard, we’re departing.” “Uh…” I didn’t rush, and neither did Mom.
We both made a face and skeptically examined the shuttle—a very old model.
Squat, elongated, single-deck, with wings on the sides and a tail with vertical and horizontal stabilizers.
In principle, if you didn’t look too closely, this wonder reminded me of the “White Swan” from my past life—I’d already forgotten its name.
“Yeah, I agree with you.
Come on, let’s see how this old lady flies.” “Sure, sure.” Inside, the shuttle was almost empty.
Sixteen of the twenty seats were free.
When we took off, I was surprised to find that despite its age and generally beat-up appearance, the shuttle flew very smoothly and picked up speed quickly.
“Well, look at that.
Flying well,” I peered out the viewport.
“You bet.
Shade, you really need to build at least some kind of technical foundation.” “Hm?” “Whenever you see a machine you’re about to ride or fly in—immediately scan it with the Force.
Many Je’daii have died simply because they were too lazy to check a vehicle for malfunctions or unwelcome surprises.
I’m far from a technician myself, but even I can spot explosives or check the integrity of parts most prone to wear.
Of course, it won’t save me from something serious, like a virus in the ship’s system, but even that makes life a lot easier.
After all, your own safety is on the line.” “Uh-huh.” Reaching for my journal, I opened it near the last pages and added a new note.
“What’s that?” “A list of everything I need to figure out, study, and learn.” She took the book, flipped back a few pages, and just shook her head.
“Well, well… You definitely don’t aim low.
Don’t burn out.” “Nah, I’ve got two safety fuses,” I snorted.
“You little rascal,” she nudged me with her elbow.
“Who do you take after?” “After you?” “Hm…” Mom looked thoughtfully serious.
“Uh… Don’t answer that.
Okay?” “Ha-ha-ha, fine, Shade.” “By the way, I see the ship,” I said, glancing out the viewport at the looming Sleeping Ship.
Though… there was almost nothing left of the original.
So much stuff had been bolted onto it that it was now a different vessel with very familiar outlines.
Long, large, consisting of three huge sections, each bigger than the last.
“We’re almost there,” Mom sighed.
Hearing a faint pang of emotion from her, I turned and raised an eyebrow.
“Mom?” “Yeah… Don’t mind me.
I was just thinking about Dalien.” “Tell me about him?” “He used to be a quiet, unsociable guy.
Secretive, withdrawn, distant from any group.
Because of that, he got a reputation as an oddball.
But despite that, he was very kind and usually didn’t refuse help when asked.” “And did anyone ask him?” “Mmm… Other oddballs, let’s say.
‘Like attracts like,’ ever heard that?” “Yeah.” “Well, same here.
From the very beginning, he felt out of place here and often looked at the stars, wondering where we came from.
And somehow, other dreamers and outcasts were drawn to him.
Then he met Saros and saw him as a true example.
After all, Saros was also something of an outcast, following his own path, which led him into exile.” “And how did that affect you?” “Of course it did.
But I didn’t care—to the point where I was ready to leave the Order myself.
But the Council members weren’t willing to lose a fighter like me, especially since I held traditional views.
So they put up with our relationship and turned a blind eye when Saros visited me on Tython.
But back to Dalien—as I said, he saw a true example in Saros.
Your father built a core inside him that no one could break.
When your father was exiled, Dalien followed without hesitation and left the Order.
At that same moment, he renounced the Force, considering it a stumbling block and the cause of many conflicts both within the Order and outside it.
I remember how he and Saros would come for family gatherings—he was practically family.” “But what happened then?” “Saros and Dalien were quite the characters; they were always up to something, so the Order kept a half-eye on them.
Everything changed when Dalien died… Or rather, as we now know, faked his own death.
Apparently, they wanted to shake off at least one of their tails that way, and they did.” “But what about the Force?
Didn’t the Je’daii feel his death?
Or, on the contrary, that he was alive?” “Someone who has renounced the Force isn’t so easy to sense, Shade,” Mom smirked.
“It’s a painful process for the one renouncing.
All connections are severed, and they cease to exist in the Force, so to speak.
I didn’t think of it at the time, even though I doubted Saros’s words about his student’s death—after all, he didn’t look that upset…” At those words, we felt a slight jolt and a hiss.
“We’ve arrived.” “Yeah.” Getting up from our seats, we headed for the exit.
The first airlock opened, the second lowered, and before us lay a plain metal corridor with a welcoming delegation.
Only—I was walking first and I froze, my eyes wide, staring rudely at the man before me.
“Shade, what’s wrong?” Mom called out to me.
I didn’t answer.
I just stepped aside, letting her pass.
The thing was, standing in front of me was the same man from the vision, the one cut diagonally by a perfectly ordinary sword.
Thoughts raced through my head like stung hamsters, each wilder than the last, but shaking off the initial shock, I managed to compose myself.
Before us stood a short, well-groomed man in a captain’s uniform draped over his shoulders, his short hair combed back.
He looked about fifty, maybe older.
Unlike the right one, his left eye was completely white.
Also noticeable was a scar on his left cheek, tapering off towards his lips.
Beside him stood four people—two were ordinary soldiers, but the other two were former Je’daii, now exiles.
A Selkath and a Sith were glaring unfavorably in our direction but remained silent, as did the soldiers in sealed armor armed with automatic rifles.
Unlike his guards, the captain was as calm as a boa.
I couldn’t sense his emotions at all—it was like they didn’t exist.
And in the Force, where the man stood, there was just emptiness.
“Hello, Aala,” the ship’s captain greeted us in a kind, confident, measured voice.
“Dalien,” Mom said through gritted teeth, frowning.
“I was hoping until the very end that you were dead.” “And why, Aala?
Aren’t you glad to see me?” “I would have been glad to see you twenty years ago, alive and well, not now, when Skrag knows what’s going on around us.” “So many years, and you haven’t changed a bit,” the man broke into a smile.
“Still that fiery fury you always were.” “Whereas you’ve become a completely different man.” “I had to change,” he shrugged.
“And you…” he looked at me.
“…Shade, I presume?” “Yes.” “Hm… I see familiar facial features, but you still look more like your mother.
Have we met before?” “Why?” “I get the impression you recognized me.
But from where?” “The Force showed me.” The Sith snorted quietly at my answer, the Selkath flared with distrust, and Dalien smirked.
“The Force, the Force… Nasty business.
So much sorrow because of it.
But why are we standing in the doorway?
Be my guests, come on in.” Falling into step beside Dalien, like in a little box between his bodyguards, he continued: “How are you, Aala?” “Fine.
Flying, working, raising my son.” “Yes, there’s always work for the Order’s executioner,” Dalien nodded seriously.
“And you, Shade?” “Learning.” “Judging by what I see, you’re planning to follow in your mother’s footsteps, right?
That’s good—a family business should continue.” “Dalien,” Aala winced.
“You’re not one to talk about executioners.
You’re the head of a far from peaceful sect.” “Everything is relative, Aala.
We work for an idea.
You work for money.
And don’t look at me like that—are you going to tell me you share the Order’s views?
Seriously?!” “I prefer to see it as taking out the trash.
So you can consider me a simple garbage collector.” “A ‘simple garbage collector’ doesn’t wipe out an entire village,” Dalien retorted.
“Mom?” “Tch.” “Oh!
So she hasn’t told you?
Kid, you have no idea who you’re living with!” “Dalien…” “Yes, Aala?” “Don’t piss me off.” “How could you even think that?
The thought never crossed my mind!” “In that village lived not civilized beings, but wild animals.” “They had the same opinion of you.
Kkh…” Dalien wheezed as a slight Force pressure hit him.
“I said.
Don’t.
Piss.
Me off.” “Fine…” The pressure lifted, the man took a deep breath, and his guards slowly lowered their weapons.
“There was a group of outcasts found living in the trees on Ska-Gor,” Mom began explaining to me, but keeping her eyes fixed on Dalien.
“You can’t settle on that planet, you know that, Shade,” I nodded.
“My friend, who I often worked with, went to settle the matter peacefully.
She had just finished her training, and more than that, she wasn’t a fighter.
In our duo, I handled the force operations.
But at that time, we had to split up.
Nothing foreshadowed trouble.
The only catch was that the settlement had been around for a while, its inhabitants didn’t use electronics and carefully hid their activity, so no one knew about them for a long time.
I was worried about my friend, and when the Ska-Gor authorities lost track of her, I flew there myself.
And from what I saw, I didn’t care who was who, for whom, or with whom.
I cleansed them all.” “I should note that it was the settlers who made first contact.
Or rather, some of them,” Dalien interjected.
“Those who wanted to go home.” “I don’t care.
Inaction is still an act.” “Hm… And if I said I also want to go home?
To where my ancestors came from.
Would you kill me too?” “No.
But if you dare raise a hand, there will be no one left on this ship,” Mom gave him a cold look.
“Yes… You’re definitely the same as before,” the man smiled.
As we walked through the corridors, I saw a sparse crew and, strangely enough, quite a lot of droids, apparently compensating for the small staff.
We approached an elevator, and pressing the call button, Dalien looked at me.
“And you, Shade?
Do you agree with your mother?” “Completely.” “What a bloodthirsty pair you are.
I always knew the Teacher had a poor sense of self-preservation.” “Pfft!” “Incidentally, he was much kinder than you, Aala.” The elevator doors opened, and we stepped inside.
As we rode, which felt like going up, Mom continued talking with Dalien about the past, but in a much more peaceful tone.
All I had to do was listen and absorb the revelations flowing—as luck would have it—right from the ceiling.
When we reached the guest lounge—apparently, this ship was outfitted like a whole small town with all amenities—Dalien changed the subject: “Drinks?
Snacks?” “No.” “Alright then.
So, what brings you to me after all these years?” “Questions, Dalien.
Answers that only you know.” “Oh!
That’s interesting.
Very interesting,” he stroked his chin, looking at the coffee table.
“I’d be happy to answer them, but allow me to satisfy my own curiosity.
How did you manage to find me?” Seeing that we weren’t in a hurry to answer, he decided to add details: “You see, I was very surprised when a notification came in from one of our posts.
Someone, very well-informed, knowing too much about my organization, demanded a personal meeting with you.
And… this someone left me no choice, hinting at possible problems for my organization.
I know you, Aala, you’re not capable of pulling something like that off, and your son doesn’t strike me as a tactical genius.
So now I want to know—who is this genius?” “A close friend,” I smirked.
“Mmm, too bad.
I’d really like to talk to him.
To avoid any misunderstandings, so to speak.” “You can relax—it was my request to find out about you.
He couldn’t care less about you; he just doesn’t want you getting underfoot.” “Is that so… Thank you, Shade, you’ve reassured me.
Otherwise, you know… I’d have to find him, then eliminate him—you know, for security reasons.” Frowning, I just shook my head.
Now, I think I understood why he was lying cut to pieces at my feet.
“But!
That matter is settled, so we can get back to yours.
So, what are you interested in?” “The Hypergate.” Whoa!
One word, and so many emotions.
Dalien’s jaw twitched, and his bodyguards’ paranoia flared up anew.
I wonder, were they ever taught to hide their personal feelings?
“Excuse me… What-What?” “Don’t make that face, Dalien.
You understood me perfectly.” “Uh… No.
Could you clarify?
What exactly are we talking about?” “Fine,” Mom nodded, leaning back and crossing her arms.
Her eyes, however, had turned yellow, despite her apparent calm and the void in her emotions.
“We all know the legend that somewhere in the Old City, there are functioning Hypergates.
Saros sometimes couldn’t sleep at night, chasing his dream, but then, as I thought, he cooled off.
I was wrong.
He didn’t cool off—he just found them.
And he told you.
But what happened next, I want to hear from you, Dalien.” “Hm…” the man leaned forward and looked at us with a completely different expression.
“Considering you came to talk to me… You didn’t tell the Council?
No, you didn’t.
Otherwise this conversation wouldn’t be happening.
I see that even after all these years, you still trust me, Aala.” “That wasn’t my idea.” “Still, thank you.
I know I don’t deserve it, but thank you anyway.” “Well then, maybe you’ll let me in on your secrets so I can stop torturing myself with the question of whether to kill you now or later?” “Heh.
Alright.
In short, you’re right—the Teacher really did find the Hypergate.
And the most important thing is that it’s undamaged and actually functional.
That’s when we came up with a plan that stretched out over many years.
I ‘died’ and started acting in secret, while Saros, on the contrary, stayed in plain sight and deliberately diverted attention away from my activities.
We took readings, studied the Hypergate—we even managed to partially activate it to pull out some data.
And that was enough to piece together a picture and figure out what to do.
First of all, we needed a power source.
We got the blueprints—more than that, we had a working sample that we removed from the portal itself, but it was empty.
After figuring out its design, we were able to charge the battery using huge reserves of marioium, mined over twenty years.
That should be enough for a test activation.
To avoid a catastrophe, we didn’t even charge the battery to a quarter.” “Something tells me even that quarter would be enough to destroy Tython.” “You’re both right and wrong.
The system has a failsafe for just such a situation.
If something goes wrong, the backup system, running on independent, still-functioning power sources, will channel all that energy into hyperspace.
Yes, there will be storms, there will be anomalies, but no one will get hurt.
Our goal is to activate it and find a safe way out of here, not to wreck the system,” Dalien smiled without humor.
“Even if some members of my organization are overly fanatical about the cause, what can you do—secrecy requires sacrifices.” “But why?
Can’t you explain the situation and somehow come to an agreement?” I couldn’t hold back.
“Shade, I don’t want to call you blind, but you’re missing the obvious.
The Je’daii are conservative.
The teaching seeks to keep us on Tython, to delve into the Force.
But they don’t see that the system is growing, and since we can’t leave by ship, we need another way out.
They’re fine with life on Tython; they control order in the system.
But how many are fine with that order?
No, I’m not talking about rebellion—moreover, the way order is structured here suits me just fine.
But I understand it won’t last forever, and sooner or later there will be a war.
The Je’daii have become too elevated, too far removed from ordinary people, and a time will come when this swamp catches fire.
The portal can solve this problem—with it, we can explore new lands; with it, we’ll get a breath of fresh air.” “But what if something goes wrong?” “Then we’ll have to deal with it.
If there’s anyone left to deal with it.
I understand the danger of this endeavor, and I’m fully aware of it, but if we do nothing, nothing will change.
Shade, you’ve walked through Shikaakwa yourself.
Tell me, how do people look at you?” “…” I looked away, remembering those moments.
The people really do consider the Je’daii something lofty—I’d even say, entitled.
“Exactly.” “I understand your plan, but why did Saros leave then?” “Because activating the Hypergate requires two points,” he raised his hands with his index fingers extended.
“An entrance—and an exit.
And vice versa.
We know where the second one is—it’s in the neighboring system.
And according to the plan, Saros is supposed to activate it.
If anyone can navigate a ship through hyperspace anomalies, it’s him.
We loaded the ship with marioium, calculated for the gate to work for at least one hour.
In theory.
And there was the possibility, through the gate itself, to deliver new supplies for further battery charging.
If we haven’t made a mistake anywhere, if the calculations are correct, Saros is still alive, and right now he’s on the other side, waiting for us to power up the transition.” Dalien fell silent, and the room grew quiet.
I looked at my mother and felt a real storm brewing inside her, but not a single muscle on her face twitched.
“Dalien…” “Aala, we didn’t want to tell you about this so as not to give you false hope or burden you with worry.
It’s better to accept a loss than to dream of an impossible dream.
Besides… You were still in the Order.
And that means unwanted attention.
They were already watching you.
To drag you into this too… No.
We couldn’t do that.
Especially since our plan is a pure gamble, flimsy as can be.
But if it works… If we succeed… This will change everything.
I don’t dare give you hope that Saros is alive.
But… He has to be alive.
He must be.
I believe it.
Looking into this man’s blazing eyes, I suddenly understood that he would do anything for this goal.
He would be ready to make any sacrifice and overcome any obstacle, just to activate the Hypergate.
And those he had gathered around himself… Now I understood where that fanaticism came from.
“Now you know what we’re trying to do.
What do you say?” “You’re insane,” Mom exhaled, closing her eyes and covering her face with her hands.
“You’re complete lunatics.
I’ll kill him myself if he’s actually alive,” she growled, massaging her temples.
“Heh.” “And you too,” she opened her eyes and looked at Dalien.
“So you won’t do it again.” “May I take your answer as agreement to participate in this venture?” “No.
I won’t participate in this,” she looked at me.
“But I won’t interfere either.
I don’t like this, but… I hope you succeed.” “I understand.
For us, this is a one-way trip, all or nothing.
I fully understand your reluctance to ruin your son’s life, because in that case, the entire Order will be hunting you.” Looking back and forth between my mother and Dalien, I notice a tear running down Mom’s cheek.
No emotions showed, she had closed herself off again, but everything was written on her face.
She was torn.
“And yet, it’s a bit of a shame,” Dalien leaned back.
“I could have used your help.
My sister managed to strike fear into the Council, so I probably won’t even make it to the Hypergate.” “And you’ll still go?” “Yes.
I can’t do otherwise.
Not now.
Not when the stakes are this high.” And right then it hit me.
The first link.
He was the first to die.
And after him came the rest.
Does that mean… that if… he survives, everything will be different?!
My thoughts were no longer racing.
Covered in sweat, at the limit of my perception, I was frantically reasoning and analyzing what I had seen, what I was hearing now, and what to do with all of it.
Maybe… Maybe this isn’t a passage to new lands, but an emergency exit?
If… or when the great trouble comes, we’ll have a back door?
“Dalien,” I swallow the lump in my throat and clench my fists, cutting into the conversation.
“Yes, Shade?” he measured me with his gaze and frowned.
“Are you feeling unwell?” “No, no, it’s just… Something else.
Could you give us a few minutes?
I want to talk to my mom.” “Oh!
Of course.
And I’ll stretch my legs,” Dalien stood up and stretched his arms in different directions.
“Ekh!
I’ll be back in ten minutes.
And yes, the drinks are in the blue cabinet, snacks are in the fridge,” he pointed at the mentioned cabinet and fridge.
With that, Dalien left us along with his guards, and the room fell into silence.
“Mom,” I touch her shoulder and feel her trembling.
“Mom, I want to talk.” “No, Shade.
Our road ends here.
We’re not going any further.
I can’t risk you for an ephemeral goal, no matter how beautiful.” “Just hear me out, okay?” I cut her off rather sharply.
Mom looked into my eyes in surprise, but seeing my determination, she nodded.
Sitting more comfortably and entering meditation, we established mental contact.
It’s much easier to talk this way, and much harder to hide emotions.
Plus, I can’t forget about possible eavesdropping, if there is any.
“Mom, I’ve already seen Dalien.
There, at the bottom of the gorge, among the visions.
He was lying on the road, as if in a cave, never reaching his goal.” “Why didn’t you say so right away?” “Because I’d never seen his face before!” I almost shout from nerves.
“Even Hadiya didn’t provide me with photos, and she was digging through everything.
At home, by the way, I didn’t see his photos either.
But that’s not important.
Mom, we need to intervene now.
You know yourself what awaits them in the Old City.
They’ll all fall there, without even reaching the portal.” “He has bodyguards…” “LOHI are street thugs, not bodyguards, they walk around like they’re carrying logs, junior league guys who failed their training and got kicked out of the Order.
Or left on their own, it doesn’t matter.
They won’t protect him!” “Shade…” “Mom, I’m not even saying this just for the sake of my father.
My very gut is screaming, the Force is pounding me on the head — I can’t, I can’t let him die!
And no one can ensure safety better than you.
What’s more, down there in the gorge, I descended to the very bottom and passed through the Veil of Chaos!” “What?!” She literally fell out of the trance, fixing her gaze on me.
I came out too, and continued aloud: “There’s a device lying there.
I’ve never seen anything like it.
But maybe, if I try to understand Dalien’s work, I’ll figure out what’s what.” Pressing her with the Force, looking into her eyes, I continue speaking, but now telepathically: “We need him.
We need him like a drowning man needs oxygen, because he is the first link that can lead us to something terrible.
And I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that bastard survives!” The connection weakened, and we were left alone again with our own thoughts, drilling each other with our gaze.
But then she exhales, and her eyes return to normal.
“Fine.
Have it your way,” she nodded, and I felt relief akin to an orgasm.
I wanted to just melt into a puddle.
One less problem.
At least, I sincerely hope so.
Lying there like that for a bit, I hear her question.
“So what’s your idea?” “There is no idea.
There’s an objective.
We’ll figure out the implementation idea together,” I sigh.
“And I still oppose your involvement.” “Mom, forgive me, but if anyone is not going to stand on the sidelines, it’s me.
The only question is whether I’ll be in plain sight or in the shadows.” “When did you become such a smooth talker?” “Irbis trained me.
And Hadiya has a quick tongue too.
Usually.” “Whether to be glad or to scold,” she shook her head.
“I hope you understand what you’re doing.” “You and me both.” “She-e-e-e-ade,” pressing her hands to her face, Mom leaned back and tilted her head.
“But seriously, I believe everything will work out.
Besides, we’ll ask Hadiya for advice, that genius in a skirt might be able to suggest something somehow.” “First sensible thought today.” Chuckling, I get up and put a Force enhancement on myself, because my body isn’t listening to me from all the nerves.
Walking over to the blue cabinet, I scan the drinks.
There were both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Pulling out a bottle of light “Golterveiter” oh, you’ll break your tongue on that — produced on Ska-Gora, with two glasses, I return to my mother.
Pouring half each, I hand the second to my mother, but instead of the glass, she grabs the bottle and… “E-e-e-e…” I just stood there, watching her down the bottle in one gulp.
“Fhu.
No, Shade, you’ll definitely send me to the Force before my time,” she glanced at me.
“First the Old City.
I already gave my soul to the Force back then.
Then your escapades on Tython.
Then the gorge, but I led you there myself.
And now this?!” “Sorry, Mom…” “And there’s no point in scolding you, it’s my own blood running through your veins,” she continued to fume.
“You forgot about my father,” I remind her, laughing.
“That’s just perfect, a real cocktail of recklessness and adventure mixed in one bottle.” “Thanks for not saying ‘shaken’.” “Ye-e-e-s…” Then the door opened and Dalien himself walked in.
“Am I interrupting?” “No, you’re right on time,” I shake my head.
“Oh!
Is that for me?” he took the second glass from me.
“Thanks.
And you, I see, haven’t changed your habits,” he looked at Aala.
“Rakhsh atrakhan!” “How long it’s been since I heard that… Music to my ears,” he winked at me.
“Dalien, why are you provoking my mom?” “Just reminiscing about the old days, nothing much.
After so much time, Aala hasn’t lost her fire.
How lucky the teacher was with her!” “Pff!” “But why the sudden urge for my alcohol?” “To relieve stress.” “Why’s that?” “None of your business.
But what does concern you is that we’re going to help you.” “What?” Dalien froze in place and slowly turned to my mother.
“Are you serious?” “Absolutely.
After consulting with Shade, we came to the conclusion that it’ll be easier to help you than to clean up the consequences later.” “This is wonderful!” Dalien beamed, lightly clinked his glass against mine, and took a drink.
“Well, that’s one way to put it,” I side-eye the man.
“It’s just that we didn’t see any other way out.
We don’t want you to die, and the Old City is pretty much mined…” “Kha-kha-kha… Mined with what?!” Dalien choked, coughing, and looked back and forth between me and my mom in shock.
“Thanks to your sister’s efforts, the Council tried to find the Hypergate.
I participated in the search,” Mom tiredly massaged the bridge of her nose.
“We never found the Hypergate, so it was decided to mine certain sections, create several special traps, plus set up alarm circuits in case you showed up there.” “Uh…” “Dalien, make a simpler face,” I snort and finally take a sip.
M-m-m, not bad.
A bit sweet, but not cloying, and refreshing.
“This… Complicates things,” he looked thoughtfully at the Sith.
“Really?” Mom looked at him like he was an idiot.
“Ahem.
And what do you suggest?” “Nothing yet.
We’ll get together, look at your plan, refine it.
And I’ll consult with a certain smart young woman.” “The one who contacted me?” “The very one.” “And you spoke about her in the masculine.” “I didn’t trust your face back then.” “So what changed?” “Consider it the Force itself being on your side, Dalien,” Mom answered instead of me.
“Funny.
The one who betrayed me, whom I hate, and whom I ultimately renounced — she’s on my side?
That’s a funny joke, Aala,” Mom just shrugged at that.
“And seriously?” “We don’t have that many options,” I shake my head.
“There are two prophecies.
The Council believes in one, my mother and I believe in the other.
In the first case — you die.
In the second, you supposedly live.
Which one do you choose?” “The second!
Definitely the second.” “Well, that’s the one we came to as well.
And, Dalien.” “Yes, Aala?” “Don’t disappoint me.” No Force pressure, no threatening look.
Mom just looked at him, and for some reason it was far scarier than if she had been angry.
Even I shuddered; it felt like a demon was sitting next to me.
One that, thank the Force, was on my side.
“Ahem.
Where’s the long-range transmitter here?” I change the subject.
“Huh?” “I want to make a call.” “Oh, alright.
Talion, escort him.” “Lord Dalien, are you sure?” “Yes.
Besides, if Aala wanted to harm me, we’d already be dead.
And I have no reason not to trust them.” Mom just winked at the Sith.
After a moment’s hesitation, the Sith gestured for me to follow.
We walked in silence; the Sith had no desire to talk, radiating contempt and mistrust, while I was thinking about what I would say to Hadiya.
‘Darling, we’re in deep shit here, and I really need you.
We’re helping psycho-cultists now, but don’t get me wrong, we’re not with them, we just really need them not to die.
Could you help us with that?’ Yeah, that’s going to be funny.
“This way,” Talion pointed to a room.
Lots of sensors, cameras, a holo-projector in the center — everything was set up to the highest standard.
“Will you leave me alone?” The Sith measured me with a look, then finally left.
I stood for a moment, then approached the terminal and dialed the alphanumeric address of Hadiya’s ship terminal.
‘Strange.
Hadiya not answering?!’ After trying a couple more times, I was sure — silence on the other end.
Thinking I was an idiot, I sent a signal directly to the clan.
And there, I got an answer: “Good day.
Who do I have the honor of speaking with?” a Twi’lek appeared before me.
“Shade Aero.
Could you please inform Hadiya of my call?” “Yes, sir, of course.
One moment.” Using the Force to pull a chair closer, I sat down, propped my feet up on the panel, and looked at the still-empty image.
While something rustled on the other end and the image flickered, I managed to pull out and half-eat a “Sweet Joy” bar.
“Shade!” Hadiya appeared on the screen.
A bit disheveled, with slight signs of sleep deprivation, but still energetic.
“Greetings, tyrant of Shikaakwa,” I salute with the candy bar.
“So you finally deigned to call me?” “Something like that.” “Where are you right now?
I can’t trace the signal…” “You could say I’m on Nox,” I snort.
“Ah.
I see.
How did the negotiations go?” “Amazingly.
Sat down, chatted, came up with a new idea.” “What kind?” “Why don’t we combine our efforts for a common goal?” “Could you elaborate on that?” “Only in person.
It’s not pleasant, Hadiya, and honestly, I need your help.
Really need it.” “Funny.
I was about to ask you the same thing.” “Did something happen?” I flinch slightly, watching the Twi’lek’s smile fade.
“You could say that.
There have already been two attempts on my life.” “Nothing new,” I snort.
“And who’s the suicidal idiot?
Is his stuffed effigy already in the hallway?” “No, Shade, this time it’s very serious.
A professional was hired, and what’s more, I don’t know who it was.” “Really?” “I’ll say more — they were Je’daii,” I frown, take my feet down, and lean forward.
“So-o-o.
Give me details!” “In the relatively near future, with the combined efforts of me and my father, I have a very important meeting planned.
So important that if everything goes as I’ve planned, the Ro Clan will cease to exist, and my clan will receive a significant boost.
I can swear that some will do everything to prevent this meeting, and that’s why I want to ask for your protection.” “Ekh… Just what I needed, right now,” I lean back, put my hand to my face and rub my forehead.
“You have problems too?” “Hadiya, you have problems, but we have kharad!” “Ow…” “I don’t even want to think about what will happen if things don’t go as planned.” “Sorry.” “Forget it.
Good thing you told me.
I’ll fly out to Shikaakwa today.” “But…” “Don’t stick your nose out of the fortress without me!” “Alright,” she graced me with a smile on the other end.
“Mom will stay here and cover our rear from any new surprises.
By the way.
Since I’m flying to you, we can discuss my problems too.” “Okay.” “Anything else to add?” “No.” “Talk to you later then.” “Talk to you later, sweetheart.” The screen went dark, leaving me alone in the twilight room with my own thoughts.
“Oh… Great Force, am I really asking too much of you…” I mutter, rubbing the bridge of my nose.
Taking another deep breath, I get up from the chair.
“Now I understand where my mother gets all her ‘love’ for this world.”
It all helps promote the story.