My mood was sinking like a flooded submarine.
First I’m deprived of sweets, then some asshole shows up who can’t even introduce himself properly, and then it turns out this ‘personality’ is also my teacher!
Just fucking great!
By the way, I really did mistake him for a reptile.
I’ve never met a member of that species before.
And his face was so weird you couldn’t tell if it was a reptile, a mammal, or some other crap.
The fact that he mechanically corrected me clearly shows it’s a pretty common mistake.
But whatever — it doesn’t make a difference to me either way.
“Shade!” Feng called out to me.
“Hey, Feng.
What do you want?” “Uh…
Master Tsikuna was looking for you.
Apparently, your master has arrived.” “I know.
Already met him.” “Annnnd…
how is he?” Zeng asked.
“They say he studied under Tsikuna herself and recently earned the rank of Master!” “He’s an asshole, not a Master,” I said, shocking the twins into silence.
“Huh?!” “Shade told him to get lost and then punched him in the face,” Ves said, approaching and hiding a smile with her hand.
“How do you know?” “I saw it.” “Were you following me?” “No.
I was coming to apologize, and there you were with that lizard.” “Mammal.
It’s a mammal.” “Ooh, ‘it’ already.
He’s growing.” “Wait, hold on.
What do you mean ‘apologize’?” I protested, planting my hands on my hips and scanning Vessira with an eagle eye.
“Well…
it’s not my fault they turned out to be so tasty!
And besides, you should’ve hidden them better.” “Like I could hide them from you…” I muttered quietly.
“With your nose.” “Come o-o-on, forgive me,” she latched onto my arm like a life preserver and looked into my face with such devoted eyes that I was speechless.
Damn, that cat from Shrek has nothing on her!
And I’m not joking at all.
Her pupils dilated, her lips puckered, her cheeks tensed slightly, and her fur stood up a little and seemed to glisten.
Damn it…
no, seriously!
Hold on, Shade.
Hold on!!!
“Ves…” “M-m?” And her eyes were so innocent-innocent.
“That’s low.” “But effective!” She licked my cheek.
“Aren’t you bothered by the audience?” Zeng asked.
“Don’t care.” “He said it all,” Ves added, rubbing the top of her head against my chin.
“I give up,” I sighed and hugged this…
little minx!
“Yes!” “But I’ll remember this.” “No…” “By the way, do you guys know who your teachers will be?” “Yes.” The group answered in unison.
Everyone except Ves, who was smiling mysteriously.
“Ve-e-e-es?” “You won’t believe who’s going to teach me.” “Surprise me.” “Your mother.” “Wha…
what?!” I even jumped.
“Yep.
I haven’t met her yet, but Master Tsikuna said she’ll definitely want to take me as her student.
Pretty great, right?” “Y…
yes,” I answered in a hoarse voice.
Damn, I’m afraid to even imagine what’ll come of this.
* * * The next takeda flew by like the wind, so fleeting was it.
Since there was less and less time left, I tightened my own schedule, squeezing in time with Ves.
No, seriously, I’d stop respecting myself if I didn’t give this cutie attention.
And they’re separating us for at least a year, unless we accidentally cross paths somewhere.
“Well, Shade?
The time has come to leave the Temple behind and move on,” Master Tsikuna said, smiling.
“Yes, Master.
Thank you for your guidance,” I bowed respectfully and turned to my mother.
“Don’t screw up,” she said, lightly tapping my chin with her index finger, then immediately giving my nose a gentle flick with her middle finger.
A familiar gesture…
she always used it when I was upset.
She’d lift my head and snap me out of it with that flick.
And it worked!
“Okay, Mom,” I turned and walked over to the guys.
“Well?
Here we are, going our separate ways,” Feng said with a sigh.
“Three years flew by unnoticed,” Zeng smiled broadly.
“Yui-rigea.” “Gris is right.
The way we’re splitting up is the way we’ll come back together,” Lina declared.
“Well then, see you later?” The guys smiled, and I looked at the gloomy Ves.
“Why the long face?” “Don’t want to leave.” “Come on, it’s only for a year or two.
And we can always stay in touch,” I copied my mom’s gesture with Ves.
I lifted her head and flicked her nose.
Amazing — the technique works!
A smile crept onto her lips, and a spark lit up in her eyes.
A second later, she was hanging around my neck.
“How sweet…
a-hem!” Zeng commented, earning an elbow from Lina.
“Take care of yourself,” she whispered in my ear.
“What’s going to happen to me?” “You’ll definitely get into something somewhere,” she rubbed against my cheek.
“Heh.
You be careful too.” After licking me on the lips in goodbye, she let go and took a step back.
“Good luck, guys.” “See you, Shade.” Turning around, I walked over to the silently waiting ‘teacher.’ “How touching.” “Shut up, Irbis.
You may be a Master-in-waiting, but you’re not much better than us.” “Want to test that?” “Some other time.” “Fine, I won’t torment you.
You’re in your right.
From today, your path lies on a trail of dangers.
The Temple walls won’t protect you anymore — let’s see what you’ve learned.” “Uh-huh.” “Let’s go.” “The spaceport?” “Yes.
We’re heading to Shikaakwa.
The Council is concerned about the unrest there — we need to figure out what’s happening.” “Are we walking?” “Yep.
Too much for you?” “No, why?
I’ve been wanting to test my skills in practice for a while now.” * * * Later “…death will find you in the desert.
Thirst, monsters, sun, fear.
They follow you everywhere…” “What are you humming?” Irbis suddenly interrupted me.
“I heard a song in the temple once.
It just came to mind.” “Hmm… then sing it louder.
I like that one too.” “Louder?
In the silent desert?” “Why not?
Whoa!” He stops abruptly and looks ahead.
A mankl is crawling out of the sand in front of us.
A big, either lizard-like or cat-like thing with moving spines.
“Can you handle it yourself, or do you need my help?” “Pah!” I wave my hand, and a Force Wave shoots into the creature.
The touch and wave hit the beast’s face, breaking some teeth.
The next wave, sent immediately, snaps its neck, and the creature falls over dead.
“Not bad…” he stated.
“Pretty decent.
You’ve got enough raw power for a whole team.” “Thanks,” I bow jokingly.
“Don’t celebrate too soon,” he says, as if to prove his words, I see through the Force that the creature is starting to get up.
“It’s still alive.” “Unexpected.” “Special skeleton, plus resistance to the Force and regeneration.
To kill it, you need to damage the brain.
This creature, by the way, loves Force-users.” “R-rghar!!!” I jump to the side, dodging snapping jaws, but its claws still just barely reach me, leaving light scratches on my arm right through the armor.
Good thing it barely grazed me; I’ve got more scars than I can count as it is.
“Did you even read about Tython’s flora and fauna?” “In general terms…” “How did they ever let you out of Padawan Kesh?!” Irbis fumed, calmly hopping alongside me.
Not a muscle twitched on his face, as if this were his daily routine.
“Well, I conveniently skipped that part!” Landing, I draw a blade.
“And I learned this!” A lunge, a swing, and the blade sinks right into its forehead.
Blood spurts from the wound, a glimmer of light appears, and immediately fades.
The beast’s eyes go dim, and the creature falls onto the sand.
“Not bad… honestly, I didn’t expect that.” “You thought I’d ask for help?” “Yes.” “Tough luck!” I pull the sword out and shake off the blood.
“I wouldn’t celebrate just yet,” he says, silently pointing a hand to the side from where five more flint lizards are literally charging toward us.
“The fun’s just beginning.” “Are you kidding me…” “Alright, this counts as your exam,” he declared, demonstratively pulling out a notepad and pencil, silently scribbling something.
* * * Holy-mother-of-goddammit!
— my thoughts raced at the speed of light as I dodged the tail of one of the flint lizards.
“Irbis, you son of a bitch, this isn’t training, this is survival!” “Incorrect, my Padawan.
This is the exam!
You’re taking a practice test on your grasp of the material,” this smug bastard solemnly declared, standing off to the side and not even trying to help.
“Are you kidding me?!” “A little.” “A-argh…” Clack!
— a jaw snapped shut right next to me.
“Irbis, ragnhar art tarnarok!” “Now, now, watch your language.
Less talk, more action, my unruly student.
And yes, they’re flanking you!” “Screw you!” In response, he just scribbled something else in his notebook.
Oh-ho, Ragnhar, I’m keeping score.
* * * “Oof…” I collapse onto the sand, exhausted, using my blade as a crutch.
Just one of them, mind you; the other one was successfully eaten, and I still have to get it back.
“So.
The evaluation is on a ten-point system,” Irbis began, flipping through his notepad.
“Movement: a five.
Offense: good job, fast and precise, you don’t stand still, and your movements are graceful.
Evasion: very poor.
Swordsmanship: a four.
If it were a human facing that flint lizard, you would have cut them to pieces, but using techniques designed for humanoids against a monster…” he shook his head.
“You adapted fast, though; bonus point for that.
Total: four.
Next: tactics.
Here, a solid two, because you had absolutely no strategy.” “But they’re stupid animals, what strategy do you need?!” “Exactly, Shade.
Stupid animals.
You could have outsmarted and ambushed them, but instead you just brute-forced it.” “Says the guy who stood on the sidelines the whole fight.” “Well, which one of us is the student, and which is the teacher?” Yanking a fang from a flint lizard lying next to me, I smiled at Irbis.
“Hey!
Get a grip!
Where’s your self-control?” “It was eaten along with my sword!” “Your own fault, you should have been more tactical,” he shrugged.
“Irbis, what the hell kind of tactics are there when you’re fighting a crowd like that alone?
An open field, not even any cover.” “If you wanna live, learn to dance,” he parried, scribbling again.
“By the way, for raw power I’m giving you a six.
You hit hard and with conviction.
But still… you.
Fail.” “As if there was anything to pass,” I grumbled, tossing the fang aside.
“And how was I supposed to fight them?!” In response to my outburst, Irbis silently, with a wave of his hand, pulled his sword from its sheath with the Force and threw it straight into a monster’s head.
A second later, the sword shifted to the next one.
Two seconds, two critical hits.
“So?” “Point taken,” I had to admit.
I didn’t think to use my swords like that, true.
For the first time, a visible emotion showed on the teacher’s face.
In this particular case, a smug grin.
“What now?” “We go find the next ones.” “Wait… you deliberately made us walk all this way for this?!” “Yep.
I have to train you somehow, but what can I do when you just don’t get it normally?” “You… you… you’re no teacher!
I don’t even have enough swear words to convey how pissed I am.” “Good.
Less talk, more listening.
Then maybe, just maybe, you’ll turn into something.” “Grrr…” My teeth ground together, my hands clenched into fists, and an animalistic growl began to rumble from my throat.
Unable to hold back, I kicked the fang lying at my feet straight at Irbis, but he dodged.
“Learn calm, Padawan.
It’ll come in handy.
Or better yet, read the Code in your spare time.” “You know where I’ll shove it right now?” “Easy now.
Let’s go.
The sooner we leave the desert, the sooner we’ll be on Shikaakwa.” Great Force, what a teacher you’ve given me?!
* * * Hurray!
A spaceport.
Can’t believe how happy I am to see it.
After two weeks in the desert, I can’t even look at those flint lizards and Mankls anymore.
Every day, they just kept coming and coming and coming, and this was supposed to be a relatively SAFE route.
And as if those weren’t enough, for variety, we kept running into Pendli, too.
Pendli are big birds.
They fly out in the mornings and soar high into the heavens.
They’re a real disaster for aviation because their claws tear through hull plating like paper, and the birds themselves are pretty massive.
So if one of those… machines dive-bombs you, best case you manage to jump out of the way, worst case you’re either crushed or impaled by a claw, or, if you’re really unlucky, taken alive back to its nest.
Although, you’d have to see that.
The chance of surviving such a kidnapping increases significantly, but at the same time, if there’s no hope of escape, your death won’t be easy.
They’ll eat you alive, for quite a while, so that the, shall we say, food stays fresh longer.
You call that horror?
No, that’s Tython.
And there’s no guarantee the Force can help you, because if you use it too much, you’ll just summon a storm that will kill both you and the beast.
Unfortunately, not all Je’daii take their preparation as seriously as I do.
Thinking of Tython as a safe, ordinary home, they only realize their mistake when they become Wanderers.
My mother didn’t let me make that mistake, describing the local reality in vivid detail.
“If you don’t eat, you’ll be eaten.” In theory, my teacher and I shouldn’t have gone on foot at all, especially through the desert, but this sadist just wanted to evaluate and push me, which is why I especially dislike him now.
If it weren’t for Master Tsikuna’s request, I’d already be kicking his ass; in pure physicality without using the Force, I can take down even a Master.
The funniest thing is, in response to my complaint about the inhumane training conditions, Irbis said: “A: I’m not a human, but a future Je’daii.” “B: Only before one who is trained and ready to contain such power will the Force reveal itself.
Both the Light Side and the Dark Side.” “As if I didn’t know that,” I snorted, crossing my arms.
“Maybe you could say something smart for once, if only to justify your status as a teacher?” “Fine.
In Qigong Kesh, you learned to wield the Force as a part of yourself, but you should have started with Akar Kesh, because you clearly have problems with equilibrium.
You don’t even try to restrain yourself, you’re always making noise, fussing, not controlling your emotions…” “You’re wrong, Irbis,” I interrupted the master.
“M?” “I control myself perfectly.” “Didn’t notice.” “Here’s the thing… every action I take is deliberate.
I don’t follow my emotions blindly, like when I punched you that time.
I knew what it could lead to, I was aware of it, and I did it consciously.
The only difference is that I enjoy it.” “Shade, are you okay in the head?” the master gave me a very strange look.
“What do you mean?” “Ah, right.
Forgot you’re an Aero.
Question withdrawn.
So, you’re saying you control yourself perfectly?” “Well… perfectly or not, I don’t know, but I do control myself.
I have a somewhat different view of the Force, and that view helps me get along with it.” “Care to share?” “I believe the Force is always with us, it’s inside us, and it can’t be taken away or blocked.
And to get along with it, you first need to find contact with precisely the energy within yourself, and only then ‘establish a connection with the world,’ as one meditation master you know likes to say.” “Hmm…” he measured me with his gaze again, but this time it was thoughtful.
“What?” “Nothing.
But if you say you get along with it so well, then why don’t you make contact with one or another form of the Force’s manifestation?” “What for?
They are one.
They are both an inseparable part of me.
Why would I divide them?” “An unusual answer.
So you’re saying you don’t divide the Force into sides?” “No, I do, of course, but I try to draw from both simultaneously, not one after the other.
It negates the negative effects of both sides.” “How?!” Irbis exclaimed, piquing my interest.
“How what?” “How do you do that?!
They are two opposing energies, they can’t be combined.
Je’daii spend years learning to alternate them properly, and even they need immense self-control, and you’re telling me you freely use both at once?!” “Well… not freely.
I still can’t do anything truly extraordinary just physically, I lack that very self-control for that.” “But still, the fact itself!” “I’ll take that as a compliment.” “Mmm, so you don’t immerse yourself in the Force the way others do?” “No.
What for?
It’s already with me and inside me, I am one with the Force.
Why would I immerse myself in something that’s already a part of you?” After a pause, I added, holding out my hands, “Like arms,” and wiggling my palms, making the Master’s eyelid twitch.
“You are the strangest Je’daii I have ever met in my life.” “Even stranger than my mother?” “Yes!” “I’m flattered…” So, word by word, we reached the spaceport.
Finding a free transport to Shikaakwa, we bought tickets, and I was able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Civi-li-za-tion, hurray.
No, there’s civilization here too, and quite developed, but where we’re going, at least no one will try to eat you.
Granted, the ship we were going to fly on didn’t inspire much confidence.
It looked more like a hybrid of a rocket I recognized and a futuristic spaceship.
What can you do, civilian models were radically different from military ones.
* * * “Well, kid?
Welcome to Shikaakwa.
The planet of crime.” Irbis slapped me on the shoulder as the ramp lowered, revealing… a perfectly ordinary city.
Wheeled vehicles, hovercrafts, occasional aircraft zipping by, and crowds of people radiating all sorts of emotions.
I even winced slightly from the cacophony, not used to such crowds.
“Don’t get lost.
This place is barely safer than Tython.” “Mmm?” I raised an eyebrow quizzically.
“There, fangs and claws.
Here, weapons and deceit.” “Lovely… just lovely.” “Let’s go.” We made our way through the crowd straight to a platform… uh… a taxi stand?
Huh, worlds change, traditions remain.
“And where are we headed?” I look at Irbis.
“We’re heading straight for the Shi Clan’s home, since that’s where the main pressure is concentrated.” “And a little more de-tail, please?” “Shade, our job is to find out what all the fuss is about.
All I know is that some pretty influential beings suddenly got angry at the Shi Clan.
But the clan has friends too, and they’re just as influential.
So if a fight breaks out, the whole planet will suffer.
Our job is to prevent that fight.” “Well, just super.” “What did you expect?
The planet is ruled by influential clans.
Each clan has its own territory, its own laws, and its own goals.
If things flare up here, it’ll burn hot.” Huh.
Nice planet, can’t complain.
While we were getting to the “taxi,” someone already stole two empty wallets from the teacher.
I saw him on the ship making notes and putting them into the empty wallets, just for fun.
Should I do the same?
I’d love to see a thief’s reaction when they see their trophy, heh heh.
Meanwhile, we reached the stand, directed the driver, and set off for the Shi Clan’s home.
Looking at the city out the window, I was quietly freaking out.
The level of banditry was completely outrageous.
People did whatever they wanted.
Sure, there was some semblance of police, but first, there were too few of them, and second, they were barely surviving themselves.
“While we’re flying, get this into your head: HERE, you can’t trust anyone on their word alone.
Always read the emotions of your conversation partner.
Never keep your hand far from your blade, and always be ready for a fight.
I think you’ve already figured out the wallet thing.” “Already hidden it.” “Next.
Don’t run your mouth, and generally try to keep quiet.
Don’t get into fights unnecessarily, understand?” The last part was said in a tone suggesting I did nothing but pick fights.
Although… “Got it.
But I’m not promising anything.” “Well…” at that, he turned purple and clenched his fist, but then let out a breath.
“What a student I got stuck with!” “Tell me about it, I have to teach you everything.
Totally green,” the taxi stopped at that moment.
“Shut up,” he ground out through his teeth.
“And don’t pick a fight.
Actually, you know what?
Go scout the perimeter.” “Okay, boss,” I snorted, jumping out of the transport.
Adjusting my blades, I watched the transport fly away.
They dropped me off right in front of the closed gates leading to the local clan’s fortress-palace grounds.
“‘Scout,’ huh?
Fine, I’ll scout,” I turned and headed into the city.
Let’s see where we’ve ended up.
Walking amidst the rushing people, I felt a strange sense of déjà vu.
Like I was back in my familiar anthill.
Everyone was rushing somewhere, some were arguing, some were the opposite, kissing in a corner, and some were luring visitors into their establishments.
Mostly three- and five-story buildings, but there were skyscrapers too.
The city itself reminded me of futurism.
A hybrid of our 21st century and a future cyberpunk, but in a grounded, neat version.
The sentients themselves were dressed in all sorts of things.
Robes, jackets, t-shirts, boots, and something like sneakers.
And here I am, barefoot in my wraps, standing out completely.
But one thing united them all: a blaster on their hip.
And you could also find some kind of gear very often.
Unlike me.
No weapons except swords, and lightweight armor of an original design made from a mix of steel and chitin.
The emotions of this whole bunch were… just something else!
Deception layered on rage, with intrigue at the wheel.
The desire to screw over your neighbor hung in the air so thick I felt like I could touch it.
I honestly couldn’t imagine how they coexisted here.
“Hey, stranger.
Are you a Je’daii?” a Sith flanked by a couple of Twi’leks called out from the side.
“Something like that.
Why?” I looked at the new face with interest.
I didn’t sense any threat… “What brings you to our parts?
Your kind aren’t frequent guests here.” “Tourism, excursions, you know,” I waved my hand vaguely.
“It’s very interesting to see civilization, you know.
Never seen such a crowd.” “Ha!
So you’re just strolling?” “Something like that.” “How about a stroll to a bar?” “Only if you’re buying.” “You’re a bold one,” the Sith clicked his tongue.
“Let’s go, it’s not far from here.” Falling in with this company, I eyed their weapons.
Blasters, slugthrowers, knives, and some had something like machetes.
Distantly.
“What, you like it?” a green Twi’lek in heavy armor with an automatic rifle on his back followed my gaze.
“Interesting.
Such weapons aren’t popular on Tython.
And you, from what I can see, are the local law enforcement?” I nodded at the clan insignia on his shoulder.
“Heh, you could say that.” “In that case, could you enlighten a stranger on the local situation?” “Mm?” “What’s allowed, what’s not, where passage is free, and where it’s better not to poke your nose?” “Do I look like a help desk?” “No, but I figured respectable people would explain the situation to a guest on their turf.
Or am I wrong?” I raised an eyebrow, gently nudging his thoughts with suggestion.
“Heh.
Well, alright, listen…” So, as we walked to the bar, I did my best to pump this crew for information.
Eloquence may not be my talent, but even so, I managed to learn a lot of new and useful things.
You could say they explained how to behave in this society that lives “by the rules.” Huh.
Surprisingly, I was let into the bar without any trouble, though the guards did glare.
They don’t like Tythonians around here.
They really don’t, and that says it all.
I wonder why?
Sitting down at one of the tables, the men ordered drinks.
I wasn’t worried about being poisoned; these three radiated interest, mild tension, and a kind of unsure desire to offer me something, or to take something from me, but definitely not a threat.
“Your drinks, gentlemen,” said a human girl, setting down mugs and a bottle of some purple swill.
I’ll never get used to their clothes… it’s civilization, but it has such a fantasy feel to it, you know?
Or medieval… although, I shouldn’t talk, walking around wrapped up like a mummy myself.
“So, you’re just passing through?” the Sith clarified, pouring the alcohol.
“Something like that.
Guys, if you want something from me, just say it straight.
I don’t like beating around the bush.” “Hah!
The short of it is, do you want to earn a bit of cash?” an unexpected proposal came up.
“Mm?” “It’s a clean job.
All you gotta do is cut off a head and that’s that.
Eh?” “Do I look like a mercenary?” I spread my arms demonstratively.
“Well, how to say it… more like a maniac,” he scratched his chin, looking me over.
“But honestly, you can expect anything from you people.
But it’s not a hit job, it’s more of a…” the Sith swirled the glass of drink, “preventive strike for self-defense purposes.” “Details?” “Let’s just say one clan wants to harm another.
It’s possible you won’t even have to kill anyone, because your mere presence… has a positive effect on resolving the conflict.” “Hmm…” “Your actual boss will tell you the rest of the details.
Sorry, but that’s above our pay grade.” “Then why all this?” I gestured around the table.
“Well… bringing in a potential ally is worth a lot too, isn’t it?” he winked at me and downed his glass in one gulp.
Smirking, I tried the drink.
A little thick, about twenty percent alcohol, no more, a bit bitter.
Not great.
“Something tells me you’re not telling me everything.
I don’t think every soldier of yours would just walk up to the first Tythonian they see with such offers.” “You’re right.
We just saw what ship you got out of and where it went.
And like I said before, you might seem strange, but at the same time, you make an impression.” “Makes sense.
Alright, guys, thanks for the offer.
I’ll definitely think about it, but for now, I want to walk around and look around.
If that’s all, I’ll be going.” I downed the rest of my glass, slammed it on the table with a clap, and looked at the xenos.
“If you decide to, come here,” a piece of paper with an address was slid over to me.
What bothered me was that it was definitely not the Shi Clan compound.
Did that mean they were subtly trying to pull me to the other side?
Hmm… I can’t figure out these intrigues and conspiracies.
But just as I was finishing that thought, I saw a short silhouette wrapped in a cloak flicker among the patrons.
Fear and tension mixed with anger radiated from its emotions, and the figure itself kept looking around.
There was no doubt it was a child or a teenager, but what was one doing here?
This wasn’t an age-appropriate establishment.
Placing a Force mark on the figure, I tracked where it was going using the Force.
The figure took cover in an inconspicuous corner, trying not to draw attention to itself.
This is getting interesting… listening to the Force, I saw the figure glowing slightly brighter than the others, and its emotions were somehow purer.
“Guys, I was thinking… how about another round?” I mused, assessing the strange figure with the Force while looking at my drinking buddies with my eyes.
“To commemorate the introductions, so to speak.
I’m Shade.” And at the same time I laid a light suggestion on them, just enough to make them agreeable.
“Heh.
Sugar,” the Sith introduced himself, pouring a fresh round.
“Taurs.” “Starissk.” So, keeping an eye on the figure that had caught my interest, I listened to the trio’s stories with half an ear and kept the conversation going on autopilot… Yes, guys, you’re absolutely right, there are far too many assholes around these days, everyone wants to screw you over.
No, I’m not a killer for hire, sort them out yourselves.
Even for money.
Hmm… well, for that kind of money I’m willing to think about it.
Listen, how about we change the subject to something more pleasant?
Chatting the crowd up as much as was needed, I kept watching my own back through the Force.
The conversation had to end when the figure finally gave itself away, and one of the guards, with a growl of “get lost, squirt,” dragged it toward the exit by the scruff of the neck.
“All right, guys, once again — glad to have met you.
If anything comes up, I’ll definitely drop by.
Good luck to all of you,” I said, saluting, and got up from the table.
A ragged chorus of tipsy voices answered me.
Slipping between the patrons, I left the bar.
Judging by the mark, the little figure had holed up in a nook right between the buildings.
Walking a short way down the street, I turned the corner and looked over the narrow passage and the furniture dumped there.
With Force sight I quickly scanned the place for other life forms, but no — she was alone.
“Hey.” Going around the furniture, I looked behind the corner where the figure was hiding.
She raised her head, and a pair of pretty, childlike red eyes stared up at me.
As it turned out, a pretty girl of about fourteen — by the old reckoning — had been hiding under that cloak all this time.
Greyish skin, scarlet pigments; a Twi’lek.
But now her eyes began to widen, and genuine Terror slipped into her emotions.
The girl’s hands — or was she a young woman after all?
— went back at once, but I hurried to calm her: “No, no, don’t be afraid.
It’s all right, I won’t hurt you.” I lowered myself to one knee, right in front of the girl crouching there.
At the same time I tried to convey the sincerity of my words through the Force.
She froze, and the rising panic immediately began to slowly recede.
It’s good to be a Je’daii!
The Force is everything.
the introductions, so to speak.
I’m Shade.” And at the same time I laid a light suggestion on them, just enough to make them agreeable.
“Heh.
Sugar,” the Sith introduced himself, pouring a fresh round.
“Taurs.” “Starissk.” So, keeping an eye on the figure that had caught my interest, I listened to the trio’s stories with half an ear and kept the conversation going on autopilot… Yes, guys, you’re absolutely right, there are far too many assholes around these days, everyone wants to screw you over.
No, I’m not a killer for hire, sort them out yourselves.
Even for money.
Hmm… well, for that kind of money I’m willing to think about it.
Listen, how about we change the subject to something more pleasant?
Chatting the crowd up as much as was needed, I kept watching my own back through the Force.
The conversation had to end when the figure finally gave itself away, and one of the guards, with a growl of “get lost, squirt,” dragged it toward the exit by the scruff of the neck.
“All right, guys, once again — glad to have met you.
If anything comes up, I’ll definitely drop by.
Good luck to all of you,” I said, saluting, and got up from the table.
A ragged chorus of tipsy voices answered me.
Slipping between the patrons, I left the bar.
Judging by the mark, the little figure had holed up in a nook right between the buildings.
Walking a short way down the street, I turned the corner and looked over the narrow passage and the furniture dumped there.
With Force sight I quickly scanned the place for other life forms, but no — she was alone.
“Hey.” Going around the furniture, I looked behind the corner where the figure was hiding.
She raised her head, and a pair of pretty, childlike red eyes stared up at me.
As it turned out, a pretty girl of about fourteen — by the old reckoning — had been hiding under that cloak all this time.
Greyish skin, scarlet pigments; a Twi’lek.
But now her eyes began to widen, and genuine Terror slipped into her emotions.
The girl’s hands — or was she a young woman after all?
— went back at once, but I hurried to calm her: “No, no, don’t be afraid.
It’s all right, I won’t hurt you.” I lowered myself to one knee, right in front of the girl crouching there.
At the same time I tried to convey the sincerity of my words through the Force.
She froze, and the rising panic immediately began to slowly recede.
It’s good to be a Je’daii!
The Force is everything.
the introductions, so to speak.
I’m Shade.” And at the same time I laid a light suggestion on them, just enough to make them agreeable.
“Heh.
Sugar,” the Sith introduced himself, pouring a fresh round.
“Taurs.” “Starissk.” So, keeping an eye on the figure that had caught my interest, I listened to the trio’s stories with half an ear and kept the conversation going on autopilot… Yes, guys, you’re absolutely right, there are far too many assholes around these days, everyone wants to screw you over.
No, I’m not a killer for hire, sort them out yourselves.
Even for money.
Hmm… well, for that kind of money I’m willing to think about it.
Listen, how about we change the subject to something more pleasant?
Chatting the crowd up as much as was needed, I kept watching my own back through the Force.
The conversation had to end when the figure finally gave itself away, and one of the guards, with a growl of “get lost, squirt,” dragged it toward the exit by the scruff of the neck.
“All right, guys, once again — glad to have met you.
If anything comes up, I’ll definitely drop by.
Good luck to all of you,” I said, saluting, and got up from the table.
A ragged chorus of tipsy voices answered me.
Slipping between the patrons, I left the bar.
Judging by the mark, the little figure had holed up in a nook right between the buildings.
Walking a short way down the street, I turned the corner and looked over the narrow passage and the furniture dumped there.
With Force sight I quickly scanned the place for other life forms, but no — she was alone.
“Hey.” Going around the furniture, I looked behind the corner where the figure was hiding.
She raised her head, and a pair of pretty, childlike red eyes stared up at me.
As it turned out, a pretty girl of about fourteen — by the old reckoning — had been hiding under that cloak all this time.
Greyish skin, scarlet pigments; a Twi’lek.
But now her eyes began to widen, and genuine Terror slipped into her emotions.
The girl’s hands — or was she a young woman after all?
— went back at once, but I hurried to calm her: “No, no, don’t be afraid.
It’s all right, I won’t hurt you.” I lowered myself to one knee, right in front of the girl crouching there.
At the same time I tried to convey the sincerity of my words through the Force.
She froze, and the rising panic immediately began to slowly recede.
It’s good to be a Je’daii!
The Force is everything.
It all helps promote the story.