“What’s your name, Sunshine?” “Hadiya,” came the reply, with a gushing fountain of suspicion, both on her little face and in her emotions.
Hadiya… Hadiya.
A familiar name, but I can’t quite place where from.
“And I’m Shade.
Nice to meet you.
Might I ask what such a sweet little girl is doing in a place like this?” She grew flustered and looked away.
“Come on, I can see you’re hiding from someone.” “I… yes.
Hiding,” she squeaked, very quietly, huddling into her cloak.
“There, there, calm down.
Look at me.
Come on now, up you get,” I said, holding out my hand and taking her little palm.
Hesitantly, the girl got to her feet after all.
But just as I was about to go on and find out what the problem was, a new voice rang out.
“There she is!
Get her!” A whole group of xenos burst right into the alley.
“Oh!” Hadiya exclaimed, filling with fear in an instant, but instead of running she hid behind me.
“Help!” A child’s voice, brimming with a wail from the soul, tore out of her chest, and she clung to me like a drowning person to a life ring, with immeasurable Hope.
Only now did I notice that with one hand she was clutching me, while with the other she’d grabbed the grip of a pistol tucked neatly at her back.
An interesting little kid I’d found… a toothy one.
Though, given the planet, I wasn’t the least bit surprised.
“Calm down, everything’s fine,” I winked and, stroking her head, instilled calm through the Force.
I’d sort out the whats and hows later; first I had to deal with the strangers.
“And who’re you?” one of the four pursuers demanded.
Before me stood a Twi’lek, a pair of Zabraks, and a human.
“A tourist, damn it.
Guys, didn’t you know it’s not nice to hurt children?” I tilted my head slightly.
“I’m not a child…” Hadiya put in an indignant comment, drawing a faint smile from me.
“Kid, you don’t even know who you’re dealing with.” “Um… an armed group of individuals?” “I mean her!” the Twi’lek jabbed a finger at Hadiya, and she only gripped her weapon tighter.
“Mmm,” I gazed thoughtfully into those oh-so-honest eyes with the cunning tucked away in them.
Only the resolve to stand to the very end could be read there, even without using the Force.
“Here’s the thing.
I’ll deal with her myself, and I advise you to remove yourselves, to avoid sustaining injuries incompatible with life.” “What?!” “Get lost,” I sighed, half-turning to Hadiya and flicking her on the nose, winking and instilling calm again.
She was trembling so hard — so much turmoil churning inside her that I couldn’t even bring myself to look.
“Are you out of your mind?” the human frowned, leveling the barrel of his pistol.
“Out of the way, psycho.” “I’ll give you three seconds,” I said, and, leaving the girl behind me, walked straight at them.
Strange, but nothing stirred inside me at all; it was as if I were simply out for a stroll.
“And just what are you going to do?” “Three…” “Run us through with your sword?
Ha!
Not—” “Two…” “funny!
Sic him!” “One.” Making a sharp lunge forward, I punch the first one in the chest, crumpling the plates like paper.
Jerking my arm, I knock the second one’s hand upward — his shot goes into the sky as he flies backward from a kick to the chest.
The third one I slam into the wall with a Force push, forgetting to temper my strength, and end up grinding the patient into mincemeat.
The last one I pull to me, and with my hand braced to the side, I hit him square in the forehead.
The Zabrak smacks the back of his head against the stone too, his feet flying up as he falls.
No emotions.
No disgust, no joy — just irritation at the trash getting underfoot and a sliver of satisfaction.
Satisfied the targets are guaranteed neutralized, I turn to the ecstatic little one.
Genuinely ecstatic, like she’s just seen a miracle.
She stands there, smiling, blinking her eyes.
“Okay, fine.
Come on, let’s go,” I say, scooping up the stunned girl and running through the back alleys toward the next street.
“You’re a Je’daii?!” she exclaimed, peeking over my shoulder in surprise.
Yep, no trace of fear left.
What have I gotten myself into?!
“Quiet,” I whisper, setting her down just before we reach the street and tugging her fallen hood back over her head.
“Yes, I’m a Je’daii.” “What else can you do?” “A lot,” I say, stepping onto the street and acting like nothing happened.
“Hadiya, why weren’t you scared?” “Father often kills those who displease him,” she informed me, as casually as discussing the weather.
“I’m used to it.” She shrugged.
“Well, damn.
And where does your father live?” “In the clan house.
It’s in a neighboring city.” “So what are you doing here?” I glance at the little one, who’s carefully hiding her face in her cloak from passersby.
“He brought me here,” she told me from under the hood, with sadness and resentment.
But there was something else underneath it.
A certain…
fear and anger that I couldn’t find a cause for.
And it definitely wasn’t about her father.
“Explain?” “He made a deal with another clan.
The condition is — I have to marry the son of that clan’s leader.
In a year,” she briefly explained her problem, taking my hand.
There was so much resignation in those words that I wanted to howl.
Because right now, I was experiencing her genuine emotions as if they were my own.
A new shift in mood plunged the girl into an abyss of despair, and she managed to infect me with it, despite any barriers I had.
Sometimes, feeling others isn’t the best ability.
“That one?” I pointed at the clan fortress visible at the end of the street.
The House of the Shi clan stood among the streets like the center of a web, towering over the buildings like a giant.
“Mm-hmm.” “And where are you going now?” “Nowhere,” she lied to my face, brazenly.
“I don’t know where to go,” strange.
No hint of deception there.
“I managed to escape somehow, but I have no friends or acquaintances here.
The whole city is looking for me, and I don’t even have a single pena in my pocket.
Where am I supposed to go?!” She looked at me with a mixture of hope, resentment, and indignation.
Hmm…
verdict: she’s holding back.
Fine, I’ll allow it.
“First, calm down.
This isn’t the end of the world.
Getting married isn’t ending up in a flint-lizard’s mouth.” “A what?” “A monster’s belly!” “I’d prefer a monster’s belly.
You just don’t know everything.” “I’ll take your word for it.
But think about it — where can you go?
Home?” “No,” thoughtful Hadiya shook her head.
We had stopped, but in a different alley now.
“Papa can’t help.
The Shi clan needs to be dealt with.
They…
presented Father with a series of ultimatums that he simply can’t refuse.
The Shi clan is stronger than us.
Much stronger.” “I see.
Alright, hang on…” I pull out my communicator and dial a sequence of letters and numbers.
Let’s hope he answers.
“What?” Irbis’s stern, irritated voice came through the speaker.
“Master, I need to ask something.” “What exactly?” he replied, less sternly now.
“A private question,” a moment of silence.
“Hold on,” voices and shuffling came from the other end, and within a minute he was back on the line.
“What happened?” “Did you find out what caused all the tension here?” “Since when did you become so polite?” “Since I learned to separate work from personal grievances.
So?” He took a deep breath, but answered.
“Ah…
yes, I did.
Two clans formed an alliance.
A serious one.
But…
I’d call it one-sided,” I glanced at Hadiya, who was listening intently.
“If it goes through, the Shi clan gets a significant influx of influence, pushing the Ro clan off the pedestal.
The other clans aren’t happy about that arrangement either.
But on top of that, the wife of one of the clan leader’s sons — the one we came to visit — has run away.
Without her, the alliance will be…
shaky.
If it happens at all.” “I see.” “What, did you find something?” At those words, I felt Hadiya tense up.
And…
she seemed to have already accepted defeat, dropping her eyes to the ground.
She didn’t know what to do, and trying to go against a Je’daii?
That’s not even funny.
But judging by her emotions, if she had a chance, I’d be shot dead right now.
“No.
Just chatted with the locals.
End of transmission.” “She…” I hear his call, but the communicator goes dead immediately, cutting the connection.
“Huh?” Hadiya blinked her eyes in surprise, looking at me.
“What?” “You…
you’re not taking me back?” “No,” I say, playing with the communicator, watching this wonder while carefully considering what I’m doing.
“But why?!
They’ll pay a lot for me.” “And?” “Uh…” Looking into those bewildered little eyes, I smirk without humor.
Looks like I broke her.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” “I don’t understand.
Why are you helping me?” “I just feel like it.” “Did someone hire you?” the little one squinted.
“No.” “Do you want to pressure my clan?” “No.” “Then why?” She fixed such a demanding gaze on me, expecting a catch, that I physically couldn’t resist not ruining that cuteness.
“Because I like you, little one, that’s why!” I flick her on the nose.
“Not everything in this world is rotten yet, believe it or not.” “Not…
everything?” Hadiya muttered in a dazed tone, rubbing her nose with her knuckles.
“Yes.” “I thought…
Je’daii were all arrogant and self-satisfied creatures drunk on power.” “Cough…
who told you that?!” “Papa.
And…
a lot of people from the Ro clan have become Je’daii.” “Right.
What a planet,” I shake my head, skeptically eyeing this fourteen-year-old wonder.
“So what are you going to do?” “Let me think,” I cross my arms, drumming my fingers, studying Hadiya carefully.
I can’t leave her behind — she’ll be lost.
I’d bet she’s being searched for not just by “her people” but by outsiders too, just to have leverage over other clans.
Since she ran away recently, the word might not have spread yet that such a figure is running around the city unguarded.
But when it does…
I dread to think what kind of pandemonium will break out.
And that’s not far from an all-out war…
Estimating what kind of mess could brew here, I chuckle to myself.
Yeah, I really made an impression strolling through this city.
On the other hand, it’s no surprise Hadiya hid in that same bar — it’s the closest place to the clan house, and going far when everyone’s looking for you…
basically, the girl herself doesn’t know what to do.
On the other hand, I look at her, and something doesn’t add up.
She grew up here.
Politics, intrigues, and all that.
She should know what a political marriage means better than I do, and here her clan is getting huge benefits from contact with a stronger rival.
So why did she run away?
She’s not stupid.
Definitely not stupid — I can see it in her eyes, even if she is young.
Damn.
What am I supposed to do?
Who do I go to?
I can’t go to other clans — they’d pressure Hadiya’s clan and throw a wrench in the Shi clan’s plans…
if they don’t just hand her over for favors.
I can’t turn to her own people either — they’ve been squeezed tight.
My teacher can’t help either…
and it’s not just him — right here, right now, everything depends on my decision.
I didn’t even notice when I put my hand on the little one’s head and started soothingly stroking the fidgeting girl, who was nervously shuffling and crumpling a piece of paper between her fingers.
Then again…
considering this girl could put a hole in your head, I’m starting to worry about my own mental state and remarkable calmness.
Maybe the Light Side is affecting me?
Hmm…
But I have to do something.
Resolve this conflict somehow…
otherwise it’ll only get worse from here.
Okay, fine, that line of thought isn’t working — let me approach it backwards.
The Shi clan.
What do I know about them?
Nothing, except that they’re trying to strengthen their position and push out their opponent.
Since this very clan is the stumbling block for a peaceful resolution of the local disputes, that’s who I need to deal with.
But how?
First, I should ease the tension between them and Hadiya’s clan — by the way, what’s it called?
Ah, I’ll figure it out later.
“Shade…
do you…
really want to help?” “No, of course, I’m going to hand you over right now.” “But won’t you get in trouble for…
freelancing?” the little one voiced her concern.
“Maybe yes, maybe no.
I don’t know.” “And you’re saying that so calmly?
This is your Order, your Clan!” “We have a very different relationship system than you do, Hadiya.
So don’t confuse the Order with a clan.” “Ohhh.
And you’re ready to take a hit for me?” “Consider that I just want to resolve a con…” she suddenly hugged me.
With all her might.
“…flict.
And what are you doing?” “Thank you.” “You’re thanking me too early — I haven’t figured anything out yet.” “Haven’t you?” She looked up at me.
“A-hem, well, let’s skip that part.” “Mm-hmm,” she happily rubbed her face against me.
Then let go, stepped back, looked around, and reached into her inner pocket.
“What are you doing?” “I…
I didn’t tell you the whole problem.” “M?” “I mean, why I ran away.
The Shi clan leader, right after your departure, plans to kill my father, put me on drugs, and then kill me.
That way, my entire clan legally and without resistance would be completely absorbed by the Shi clan.
That’s why I ran.
I have some jewelry,” she showed me a few pieces pulled from her pocket, “which I can sell and buy tickets.
I thought I’d buy a ticket and get to my father.” “And why didn’t you say so earlier?” I raised an eyebrow.
Yes…
she didn’t lie to me, but she definitely withheld things last time.
I need to file that away for the future.
“I…
I’m scared.
I’m very scared.
Trust has always been hard to come by on Shikaakwa.
But you…
for some reason, I trust you.
And if you wanted to hurt me, you wouldn’t have bothered.” “Can you prove your words?” “Mmm…” Hadiya hesitated, biting her lower lip nervously.
Like she was about to jump into an abyss.
But the scales tipped in my favor, so: “Yes.
Here,” she pulled a communicator from another pocket.
“I recorded the conversation.
Do you want to listen?” “Hadiya…” I sigh and shake my head.
The girl actually turtled her neck into her shoulders at my indignation.
“Why are we still standing here?!” “Huh?” “Come on.
We’re going to go dispense goodness and deliver justice!” “B-b-but…” “But what?” “But you promised we’d…” “Calm down, you gave me an idea on how to turn this all in your favor.
Trust me, everything will be fine,” I reach out my hand and smile, carefully but deliberately reaching out through the Force.
“Just trust me.
I’ll talk to everyone myself, and this little thing can stay in my pocket for now.” “Okay.” Taking my hand, we turned around and walked back toward the clan house.
“Don’t be afraid,” I say, wrapping my arms around her shoulders.
“Don’t be afraid of anything — as long as I’m here, no one will lay a finger on you.
I promise.” “Th…
thank you.” We walk in silence.
I can feel her drilling me with her gaze.
“What?” “Do you really mean to help?” “Really.” “It’s…
hard for me to believe.” “Then don’t believe — what’s the problem?” “I can’t not believe.
I’ve always been able to sense the people I talk to.
You…
you’re different.” She looked me over, her gaze lingering especially on my bare feet.
“Completely different.” “Is that a compliment?” “A statement of fact.
Also, you’re strange.
Really, really strange.
I can’t figure you out.
I can’t understand why you’re doing this.
Are you insane?” “Heh, maybe.
Just accept that there’s a Togruta half-breed who decided to help.” “Kindness and mercy are weakness.” “And who told you that?
Papa?” “Yes.” “Well, congratulations — I’m a weakling then, because I have both.” “You don’t look like a weakling.
I saw how you killed those mercenaries.
There was no mercy, no pity.” “Well, I honestly asked them to leave.” “And then you killed them.” “More like crippled them.” “No one survives injuries like that.
You were striking to kill.” “Fine, fine, you’re right.
But objectively speaking, Je’daii sometimes have to heal far worse than that,” I recalled my own training.
“Brrr.” “Have you ever had to kill before?” “No.” “And you’re so calm about it?” “Yes.” “You are so-o-o-o strange!” “I won’t argue with that.
But if it makes it easier for you…
you see…
my mother was an assassin, and they trained me as an assassin.
You mustn’t feel pity for those you intend to kill.
You have to be ready to bring the raised blade down.
And never regret the enemy — that’s how you save a friend.” “And you’re talking to me about kindness?” She raised an eyebrow, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Hahahaha…
yes, I’m talking to you about kindness.” Our conversation was interrupted by Hadiya’s stomach growling.
“Are you hungry?” “Mm-hmm,” she lowered her eyes.
Looking around for some cafe or restaurant, or at least a diner, I find something resembling a cafe with stairs leading down to a basement.
“Come on, let’s grab a bite.” “But isn’t everyone looking for me?” “I don’t care.
War is war, but lunch is on schedule.
Besides, I’ve already ‘found’ you,” I snort.
“So there won’t be any problems.
And if there are, they definitely won’t be ours.” “You’re too confident.” “Maybe.
But it doesn’t stop me from living!
Let’s go, sunshine.” Putting my arm around the girl, I lightly tap her nose, making her smile.
“There, that’s a completely different look.
Smile more often — it really suits you.” “I’m smiling at you.
I’m not going to smile at everyone, am I?” “Why not?
Pleasant for your own, annoying for your enemies.
You know how infuriating a smile from someone you hate can be, right?” “I know-o-o-o-o,” the little one stretched her lips even wider with a knowing expression.
“There you go.” “I’ll remember that.” We step into the cafe, sit at one of the far tables, and I order a couple of dishes.
Hadiya keeps her hood on, head lowered.
“Relax already — we’re going back there anyway.
What difference does it make if someone sees you now or later?” She lifted her head, gave me a thoughtful look, nodded at something to herself, and pulled off her hood.
Unfortunately, she didn’t manage to relax, but it’s a start.
To my surprise, while we were in the cafe, no one even approached us.
Apparently, it never occurred to anyone that the most wanted girl in the city would be sitting carefree in a cafe, right next to the clan fortress she’d escaped from.
“Hey, how did it work out so conveniently that you escaped right before our arrival?” I ask, stirring some sweet powder into a glass of herbal infusion.
“I knew the Shi clan had called in the Je’daii for backup, so I prepared.
Though I didn’t manage to get far — I only made it to the bar and waited out the initial commotion there.
I’m honestly surprised you arrived so late, but it was for the best.” “Why did the Shi clan call us in right after you’d escaped?” “To cover themselves in front of the others.
So it would look like the Je’daii were there, saw everything, confirmed it was all fair and consensual.
And I couldn’t refuse — they would have made me.
I know…
how people are made to comply.
I’ve seen it.
I originally planned to escape right after you landed.
Because while you’re here, they wouldn’t dare attack my father — you were supposed to hear his side too.
And then I was counting on warning him, passing him the recording, and exposing the Shi clan in front of everyone.
Because even for us, that’s way too arrogant.” “What a mess.
Hey, are you really eight?” “Nope.
I’m nine!
Why?” “You’ve got a head on your shoulders that doesn’t match your age.” “You can’t survive here any other way,” she carefully lifted her head and glanced at the street visible through the window.
“Besides, my father prepared me to take his place in the future.” “Is that so…” Meanwhile, I reached for my communicator, deciding to tweak the idea forming in my mind.
“What’s wrong?” Hadiya grew worried.
“You just gave me food for thought.” “M?” I dial the number on the communicator and listen to the quiet hiss as Irbis’s annoyed voice comes through on the other end: “What now?” “Master, I have absolutely delightful news!” There was a quiet grunt on the other end.
“Apprentice…” for some reason I got the impression Irbis wanted to swear but held back.
He doesn’t believe in my noble intentions.
He doesn’t believe!
Yeah, not without reason.
“What are you plotting?” “Nothing special.
And, by the way, you really will like the news.
No ulterior motive.” “Well, sur-prise me,” Irbis replied, enunciating each syllable with interest.
“I’ll be at the fortress soon, and with me — the runaway girl.” “Yes, that really is excellent news,” did I imagine it, or did he breathe a sigh of relief?
“Because some people here have practically gone insane.
You have no idea how hard it was to calm everyone down.
Frankly, I still don’t understand why they’re all so worked up over some girl.” “Maybe because she’s a high-value asset?” I wink at the little one, who wrinkles her nose and eyebrows.
Adorable.
Even Ves can’t do that.
“Maybe, but I’d describe this behavior as: ‘the house is on fire, bring the water’.
By the way, do you know why?” “Me?!
I have no idea at all.
But I have a suspicion that this story isn’t as straightforward as you were told.” “And how do you know what I was told?” There was so much suspicion in his voice that even I could feel the echo of his emotions through the speaker.
“I didn’t brief you on the details.
Just the surface.” “I’ll tell you when I get back.
Just gather them all and wait for us.” “Shade, what are you planning?” “What do you mean ‘what’?
Doing our job!
We’re here to prevent a war, aren’t we?
I assure you, there won’t be any war,” I add to myself: “Because there’ll be a bloodbath.” “Sure.
Tell me, my dear ‘apprentice’, do you know anything about a squad that was systematically smeared across the walls of an alley?” “I do.
There was a Force-user there.
And Hadiya.
Anyway, everything’s fine — the girl is with me, she’s no longer in danger.” “And how did you happen to be there just in time?” Irbis sighed.
“Just happened.” “At least you’re alive?” “Yes.” “Good.
I’ll be waiting.” “Roger.
End of transmission,” I cut the signal, looking at the curious Hadiya with a smirk.
“Shade?” “What?” “I know that look very well.
What are you planning to do?” “At first, I was thinking of having a heart-to-heart with certain individuals and pinning them against the wall with your compromising evidence — fortunately, that wouldn’t be hard.
But now…
after what you’ve told me, I’ve decided to make a small adjustment.” “M?” “We came here to prevent a war between the clans.
At least, that’s the official version.
And there really won’t be a war — because there’ll be no one left to fight.” “Huh?” She blinked, and I confirmed again that no one was watching us.
“Hadiya, what do you think would happen if one of the most influential clans suddenly lost most of its leadership?” “There’d be…
chaos.
And a lot of infighting.
And yeah…
no war — at least war has rules.” “And what if compromising material suddenly surfaced?” “Then everyone would fall on that clan and tear it apart piece by piece,” Hadiya caught on.
“I get it!
Instead of fighting between clans, you want to feed everyone a single strong — and guilty — clan, keeping them all busy.
No big war, no leadership, no one to command.
Everyone’s got their own problems, and then there’s this…
this would be the end of the clan, Shade!” “Whatever you say — I couldn’t care less.” “And if I claim my due as the injured party, backed by my father’s support…
then…
then everything would be completely different!” The girl was practically jumping out of her seat, forgetting about her food.
“I would…
we…
we could do so much!!!” “Easy there, calm down.” “Shade…
you…
you’re…” She looked at me with such adoring eyes, like I’d just plucked the moon from the sky.
“My clan…
and father…
and me…
all of us — we’d get so much out of this!” “Easy, I said,” I rein the little one in when people start glancing our way, but a light touch of the Force makes their interest fade.
Well, what do you expect from a child enjoying some sweets?
“Sorry…
but you have no idea what you’re about to do.
What the consequences will be!” “I don’t need to.
I’m satisfied with the fact that everyone will be busy, and you won’t be in any more danger.
At least not directly.
And if you are, it’s no trouble for me to stick around a little longer.” “I…
I promise I won’t forget this,” Hadiya vowed seriously, her eyes burning.
“Will you just calm down, or I’ll tie you up, gag you, and carry you like that,” I scold.
“I can’t…
it’s so exciting.
And you…
you can actually do this, right?” “Yes, Hadiya, I can.” Having planted hope in the little one, we finished our snack and returned to the street.
Switching the topic to questions about her interests, I tried to keep her talking.
Through the conversation, with a gentle nudge from the Force, Hadiya calmed down somewhat and began to actually believe me — even more than that, she started showing genuine interest, bouncing between different topics.
I heard about torture, about executions, about proper “protection” rackets, and she ran through so many variations of “primitive” banking schemes, wow!
And this little marvel…
looking at her age, by old standards, fourteen years old.
What can I say?
Welcome to Shikaakwa!
And here I was complaining that things back home were boring.
I admit, I was wrong — everywhere has its own atmosphere, so to speak.
At home: Force storms, gremlins, training in “die or drop dead” mode.
Here, intrigue, contract killings, racketeering — just the order of the day.
Isn’t that lovely?
For a moment, I felt like cackling and shouting something like, “More cheese for the Cheese God!” Heh.
Halfway there, another search party finally tried to stop us.
But that would have been fine, except…
“Excellent, we’ll take her back now,” said the group’s leader — a burly guy in his forties in a leather jacket with pistols at his hips.
The handle of an axe was visible behind his back.
“Sorry, but this young prodigy is under my personal protection, and she will be until I personally hand her over to the Shi clan leader,” I say, putting my hand on Hadiya’s shoulder, pulling her back, and stepping in front of her.
“Don’t take on more than you can handle, Tythonian.
It’s different here.” “Exactly.
It’s different here, and I’m not one of yours.
So it’s in your best interest to get out of my way before I see this as a threat to my charge,” I add, casually placing my other hand on the pommel of my sword.
“Tch, ptoo!” the big man spat at his feet, glaring at me.
“Have it your way, but we’re coming with you anyway.” “As you wish.” Putting my arm around the girl, who was on the verge of hysterics, I lead her along.
Hadiya didn’t let go of me for a second, pressing as close as she could, watching the guards warily.
Why they were so eager to deliver her personally — I could guess.
Most likely, they’d been let in on the “details” the girl was carrying, and had direct orders to destroy all evidence.
Of course, I could be wrong and it could be much simpler — these guys just want to earn points — but I don’t care.
As long as the little one is with me, no one lays a finger on her, period.
A couple more incidents came up after that — other squads spotted us and tried their luck too — but it was fine.
The members of the first squad managed to get the message across to their companions and colleagues that everything was fine and to leave things as they were.
I found out the reason for this laid-back attitude when we entered the Shi clan fortress.
As we approached the entrance, a Krevak came out to meet us.
A fairly rare specimen of his species.
A red, chitinous anthropoid creature with a vaguely insect-like face, but tentacles instead of arms and legs.
Also, as far as I know, these types have a certain tendency toward secretiveness, rarely talking — if at all — trying not to be seen, and generally, as they’d say: “These are extremely suspicious individuals.” “Welcome to the House of Shi,” the individual addressed me in broken Togruti, his voice growling, with not a trace of emotion in his tone or expression on his chitinous face.
“I am Ashurzanarak.
To you — the face representing the clan’s security.
I was told you found Hadiya.
I see this is so.
Your efforts will be rewarded, Master Je’daii,” a short gesture from his right tentacle, and the soldiers with pikes following in his shadow stepped forward, preparing to take Hadiya into custody.
But I blocked their path.
Despite all my efforts, the girl herself was still nervous, but her determination and faith in me held firm.
The Krevak looked at me, and in his emotions flared surprise mixed with confusion.
“Ashurzanarak, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but due to certain circumstances involving this girl’s life, I must personally deliver her to your clan’s leaders.
While I was in the city, she was repeatedly targeted for elimination, so I cannot rest easy until I hand her over, so to speak, directly.” “That is unacceptable,” the Krevak shook his head, and anger flickered in his emotions.
“You must hand her over to me.” “I don’t have to do anything for anyone,” I put my hand on the little one’s head.
“And until I am certain the girl is in no danger, no one will dare even touch her,” and in confirmation of my words, I pressed down on the atmosphere with the Force a little.
After hesitating briefly and drilling me with his gaze, a very, very angry Krevak came to a decision.
“Fine.
I will accompany you.
Your colleague is at the reception anyway.” So, giving the little one a reassuring squeeze, I take her hand and follow Ashurzanarak.
Interestingly, from my words and determination to protect her, she began — if not to relax, then at least stopped radiating that condemned-person’s fear.
After all, my actions and words had a much greater effect than the Force alone.
While walking through the fortress corridors, I looked around.
I have no idea how Hadiya managed to escape from here on her own, but… “A quick glance at Hadiya” Apparently, the little one isn’t as simple as I might have assumed.
Hadiya gives me strange impressions overall, not because of her behavior, but because of my memory.
I remember that name.
I remember it was important, that some global events were tied to it.
But what those events were, or when they’ll happen — I have no idea.
And it’ll be better to play it safe in advance, making friends with one of the characters from those events, and as for where that leads — we’ll see.
Especially since, as I managed to find out, Hadiya, while she’s a real little bitch ready to kill, at the same time she’s preserved a shred of kindness and faith in her fellow man.
And then, who knows, something lofty might grow in this snake pit.
At least I can help with that.
Meanwhile, having passed through the gloomy and monotonous corridors of yellow stone, we entered the actual meeting hall of the clan.
There I was met by the clan chieftain himself, a couple of his sons, guards, and… “Shade!” “And hello again, Master.
Allow me to introduce Hadiya,” I said, stepping aside to present the little one.
“The most charming creature.
Sweet, kind, and she absolutely loves ‘Sweet Joy’!
A delight, in a word.” Irbis just shook his head, but the others reacted strangely to my tirade.
They stood there, smiling like they were “happy,” but hiding emotions from a professional empath is a pretty tough task.
Huh… it’s like standing next to an open sewer, honestly.
“Well, now, since everyone’s here, then…” Without beating around the bush, I threw swords at both of the Shi clan chieftain’s sons — they didn’t even have time to open their mouths.
Not letting the guards recover, I slammed Ashurzanarak into the wall, breaking the krevak into a mush that spurted from beneath the cracked chitin.
A simple chain lightning flew in the other direction, hitting four targets in a row, sparing the fifth, which could have been Irbis.
Another wave of my hand, and a pair of small fireballs hit the guards behind the Shi clan chieftain, leaving a mark on their chests like from a plasma hit.
Finishing with the guards, I raised my hand and grabbed the clan chieftain himself in a choking hold, lifting him off the ground.
“Shade!!!” Irbis finally snapped out of it — all these events had happened so quickly.
“What are you doing?!” “What does it look like?
Our job!” “Have you completely lost your mind?!” Irbis flew up to me.
Irbis, ready for battle.
And I even managed to feel a light Force Suggestion probing me.
“Calm down, everything is going according to plan,” my calm voice and gaze managed to sober the master up a little.
“According to what plan, for Bogan’s sake?!” “Our plan, Irbis.
Our plan,” then, thinking about how that sounded, I added: “Mine and Hadiya’s.” Then a shot rang out, and I noticed the choking body in my grip stop struggling.
We both looked at Hadiya in sync.
“What?
Kill them all, we don’t need witnesses.” “I told you — a delight,” I released the body and nudged Irbis with my elbow.
“Hadiya, you can trust him like you trust me, so tell him everything.
And I’ll go take care of the fighters heading this way,” I said, pulling my swords to me and heading for the exit.
With a noise like that, reinforcements would definitely be rushing towards us.
And sure enough.
In the corridor, a security committee from this complex was already flying towards me.
Grinning, I spawned two phantom doppelgangers and, reinforcing my own body with the Force, surged forward.
The world seemed to slow down; the soldiers started shooting impossibly slowly, not even understanding where the real me was.
Plowing into their formation and weaving between them, I struck blow after blow, cutting lives short.
Since I’d taken Hadiya’s side, there was no turning back.
And as my mother used to say: ‘Don’t spare your enemy, and you’ll save your friend.’ So I cleared the corridor completely.
What can ordinary people do against an assassin gifted with power?
Zap someone with lightning here, crush a group into the wall with a Force push there, cut off this one’s head.
And not only was everything happening at speeds inaccessible to a common person, but as a safety measure, I periodically detached a doppelganger from myself to break any targeting lock that might exist.
Once I even had to use the Tutaminis technique, literally catching a laser shot with my hand, and then pinning the shooter to the wall with my sword no worse than a butterfly.
The entire fight passed far too quickly — apparently, this is that infamous gap between a Je’daii and a mere mortal.
Wiping the blood off my sword, dismissing the doppelgangers, and making sure it was still quiet for now, I returned to the room.
During my absence, Hadiya had brought Irbis up to speed, and he was looking at us with a different gaze now.
At Hadiya — with understanding, at me… well, there was definitely a tough conversation ahead of us, but at least he didn’t want to kill me.
But what happened next could be described with a single word: Chaos.
Having removed myself from the intrigues and laid everything on Hadiya, as the one who knew what to do next — again, on her own initiative — the Master and I watched as she stirred up the anthill.
No, of course, we first moved away from the clan house — too many people were already starting to gather there — but then… Hadiya met with her father, an unscheduled clan council took place, at which the Shi clan was made out to be the last scapegoats, saying it was high time they were put in their place, and here was such a perfect opportunity.
Moreover, by a happy coincidence, the clan was also decapitated.
There was literally no one to defend its interests, at least right now, so after some whispering, the people unanimously decided to devour the competitor.
Hadiya’s clan, as the injured party and generally not a very strong clan compared to the others, received one of the most solid pieces, which made both the girl and her father walk around like cats who’d scored a stash of sour cream.
As for me, a private conversation was held, in which I was told all about my mental faculties, my lack of subordination, my unbearable character, and that I was generally a psycho who had just walked along the edge.
“Master, but wasn’t the result worth the effort?” “You could have at least warned me!
I almost lost my spirit when you cut down the clan’s leadership!” “My apologies, but I considered this information not something that could be transmitted over an ordinary communicator.
To avoid any leaks, so to speak.” After boring a hole in me with his gaze, Irbis was forced to admit I was right.
And the final result.
So he managed to smooth over the grudge, but it still affected our relationship negatively.
And the most offensive thing for him, but soul-warming for me, was the fact that Irbis was dragged everywhere to councils, meetings, and other clan gatherings, as a neutral or third party who confirmed the conclusion of one deal or another.
And seeing this, I, like that goblin, sat there, rubbing my hands and snickering slyly: “Heh-heh-heh, revenge is so sweet!” He shouldn’t have set me those survival tests; I’ve never had a bad memory, I always remember everything.
For me, meanwhile, there was also work to be found.
The Shi clan… or rather, what was left of it, was very offended by us.
First and foremost by Hadiya and her father, and when you have nothing left to lose, you can descend into madness.
So I was appointed as the girl’s temporary bodyguard, while Irbis ran around with her father.
Luckily for me, Hadiya herself wasn’t dragged into the big game, being left as the regent of the clan, but that was enough for me.
The little one bustled about, ran around, constantly did something and caused such a stir in the fortress — it was a joy to watch.
She squeezed a company there, recruited staff here, processed paperwork for a fuel production plant there, checked and updated the security personnel.
In short, at nine years old… though she looked all of fourteen, Hadiya managed to amaze me with her knowledge and talents.
I especially liked her way of conducting negotiations.
One time, I witnessed how she eliminated the former director of a small subsidiary company, and put a gun barrel to his successor’s head with an offer to switch loyalties on terms beneficial to everyone.
Truly beneficial — she’s not a beast, after all; it’s just that refusal wasn’t considered an option.
In this simple manner, her clan managed to bite off and digest even more than had been agreed upon between the clans at the meeting.
No, I always knew that with a kind word and a gun you can achieve much more than with just a kind word… but this lady wasn’t averse to grabbing you by the balls, in a way that would make you want to shoot yourself.
I ask you, who did I save?!
“Hadiya, don’t you think that’s overkill?” I said, sitting on the steps near the ‘clan chieftain’s throne,’ watching the Zabrak disappear through the doors.
“And what’s wrong with it?” she exclaimed in surprise, instantly switching from anger to graciousness.
That was another trait of hers — in my presence, she never even raised her voice, while she spoke to subordinates in the spirit of an ‘Ice Queen.’ Or a ‘total bitch,’ that happened too.
“In my opinion, he understood everything when you just mentioned the kompromat.
Why you also brought up the fact that his family is essentially under your thumb, I have no idea.” “The more reliable the insurance, the safer your rear,” Hadiya replied instructively, rising from the throne-chair.
“Listen, I understand everything, but in my opinion, a bodyguard sitting on the steps by the throne with a bored expression isn’t what guests expect to see?” “And what do I care about them?” I turned to Hadiya, and she sat down beside me.
There was no one else in the small hall besides us.
Hadiya generally had a peculiar approach to personal security, and as long as I was nearby, she sent everyone away.
“Well… the entourage makes the king, you know?” “Are you saying I’m your shame?” “Of course not,” she smiled, looking away.
“It’s just… it looks a little strange,” she eyed me up and down.
“And that’s not even considering your clothes.” “And so what?
The main thing is comfort.
Besides, do you know how bored I am at your events?” “Mmm?” she tilted her head.
“Unlike you, I can perfectly feel the emotions of those around me.
I’m an empath.
It’s in my nature.
Even rare among the Je’daii.
And I can’t help but feel those who are nearby.
So much lies, deceit, anger… frankly, I’m already sick of this swamp, and if it were up to me, I’d put all your business ‘partners’ to the knife.
They piss me off.” “Even me?” “You — strangely enough — are a different matter.
Yes, you’re cruel, calculating, sometimes you openly tyrannize people for no reason, you’re not ashamed to spill blood or pressure someone through their family… but at the same time… you have a certain code of honor.
And I like that.
You’re a smart girl, Hadiya, and despite everything I listed — you’re kind.
Having the ability to do something, you just leave it as a backup option.
For half of the servants,” I nodded toward the doors, “you have enough kompromat to get them killed in the nearest alley in a heartbeat.
But at the same time, you spare them.” “No power is built on tyranny alone,” she shrugged, moving closer.
“If everyone hates you, your own people will cut you down.” “Only because of that?” “No.
I just don’t see the point in shedding blood for no reason.
By the way, Shade, thank you.” “For what?” “After meeting you, I’ve somewhat revised my… code.
Actually, I’ve had experience meeting Je’daii before.
More than once.
And I thought you were all arrogant snobs.
That you were mired in your own ignorance, that you looked down on everyone.
I had no doubt that when you arrived, you would try your hardest to find me and hand me back to the clan, without even finding out all the circumstances.
It’s so much easier than getting involved in inter-clan squabbles.” “Well… being to being is different, you know?
Everywhere there are good individuals and not-so-good ones.
Compared to Shikaakwa, you’re a perfectly worthy person.” “And you are too,” she moved closer.
“And I’m very glad I met you, of all people,” with these words, she shifted position and hugged me.
“Thank you.
And forgive me.
Forgive me for thinking so badly of you.” “Eh?” “I doubted you until the very end.
I was looking for a catch.
But there was none.
You… you’re sincere, you understand?
You’re always genuine.
You never pretend.
You don’t make faces unless it’s a joke, you don’t try to be cunning, you speak directly, as things are.
Yes, of course, you can deceive too, but that’s more like disinformation than a lie.
Like back then, when talking to the Master, when you were afraid the comms might be tapped.
And even though you look strange, even though you have mood swings, even though you might be the most insane being in this world, I’m still very glad I met you.” “Well…” I was even a bit taken aback.
Hadiya pressed herself against my shoulder, radiating confusion, remorse, happiness, and a bit of uncertainty.
“Hadiya, what’s gotten into you?
I barely recognize you — where’s that little bitch who bosses people around left and right?” I stood up and pulled her along with me, lifting her face by the chin to look at me.
“She’s asleep,” Hadiya muttered, burying her face in my chest.
“And she doesn’t want to wake up.” “Heh.” And so we sat.
I stroked her head, comforting the little nightmare of Shikaakwa, while she quietly snuffled into my chest, releasing the built-up tension and finding some kind of peace.
* * * Somewhere.
Communications Center In the darkened room, lit only by a single hologram, stood a Noghri.
Slightly tired, with shoulders a little slumped, but nonetheless with a determined look.
And before him, in the seat of the Temple Master, sat the hologram of a woman — a Sith.
“Master…” the Noghri bowed.
“May the Force be with you, Irbis,” the woman nodded.
“So, how are you?” “Barely hanging on,” the Noghri exhaled.
“As the humans say — if I had hair, it would have gone gray long ago.” “Is it really that bad?” “Worse.
Much worse.” “I’m listening.” “Shade is completely uncontrollable.
Destructive.
He has mood swings,” the master looked away, her fingers thoughtfully drumming on the chair’s armrest.
“And at the beginning of our arrival here, he did something so… reckless… I thought he’d finally lost his mind, though where could he go from there?” “Hmm…” “But it turns out there’s room to go.” “What did he do?” “He nearly started an inter-clan massacre.
He took pity on a girl.
And my remark about millions didn’t even faze him.
I sometimes fear him.” “Mmm…” “Master, may I ask a question?” The Sith nodded.
“I don’t understand.
I just don’t understand how he graduated?
How wasn’t he expelled?
How did the teachers tolerate him?
How, in the end, was he not exiled to one of the moons???” “Precisely for all the reasons you just listed,” the Sith smiled with the corners of her lips.
“Tell me, Irbis.
You can feel that his balance is disrupted.
One side or the other constantly tries to take over, like a pendulum.
Right?” “Yes, Master,” the Noghri replied quietly, not understanding where the teacher was going with this.
“And haven’t you wondered why that happens?” “Um… because… of a… disruption… of balance?” the Noghri guessed uncertainly, looking at the master’s expression.
“No.
It’s quite the opposite.
He has perfect balance between the dark side and the light side,” the Sith’s smile widened, and the woman herself leaned forward, propping her head on her fists.
“A… a-ah?” the Noghri began to grasp the crux of the problem.
“B-b-but, h-h-how does he even function?” “That’s what I want to find out.
Aala knows about his problem, so she shielded him from the Padawan Kesh.
There, he would have either broken or been exiled to a moon, which amounts to the same thing.
In Qigong Kesh, he was under my supervision, and not without reason.
When he approached the edge, I occupied him with training so much that he simply had no time for anything else — luckily, he was all for it.
Now, the only thing I can advise is to be patient, gather your will, and always be by his side.
Always, Irbis.
And if you keep him occupied with something, that would be even better.” “Master, I should have been told about this in advance,” the Noghri protested, putting his hands on his hips.
“Irbis, this is a secret known only to four.
You, me, Aala, and Uval.
Everyone else thinks the same as you did.
The Council must not find out about this before its time, do you hear?” “I… understand you, Master.
But Master Tsikuna, isn’t this… too much,” the Sith raised an eyebrow.
“For him?
Why not at least tell Shade himself?” “To avoid an accident.
Besides, it’s too late to change anything,” the woman shook her head.
“The Force chose the path for him, Irbis, and he agreed to it, though he doesn’t understand it himself.
All we can do is wait.
Wait and observe.” “I understand…” the Noghri lowered his head.
“But there’s something else you should know.” “I’m listening.” “Back then, in the room with us, Aala was there.
She doesn’t know, but it was through my efforts that the Council appointed you as Shade’s teacher.” “Ah…” “Aala wanted to continue his training personally, but she wouldn’t be able to raise a hand against her son if he snapped,” the Sith shook her head, ignoring the Noghri’s impulse.
“The Council itself was considering a candidate from Stav Kesh, since Shade is a militant.
You were appointed as someone I can rely on, and someone who has a sufficient command of Force Persuasion.” “Master… I understand you.” “I have to go, Irbis.
If something goes wrong, you know what to do.
I’m counting on you.” “Of course, Master.” “May the Force be with you,” the Sith said in farewell, and the screen went dark.
The Noghri stood by the projector for a while longer, digesting what he had heard.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out, the young master turned and approached the exit of the communications center.
He couldn’t bring himself to open the door — his nerves were on edge, his heart was pounding.
Now it was clear what was wrong with his student… but, filling his lungs with air, the Noghri opened the passage and took a step forward, as if it led not into a corridor, but at the very least over a cliff.
It all helps promote the story.