Hooray. The spaceport. I'm so happy to see it that I'm shocked at myself. After two weeks in the desert, I can't even look at flintlizards and mankls anymore. Every day, they kept coming and coming, coming and coming, even though we were walking along a supposedly SAFE route. And as if those things weren't enough, for variety we also kept running into Pendli.
Pendli are big birds. Flying out in the mornings, they shoot up high into the sky. 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… hulks dives at you, at best you'll manage to jump aside, and at worst it'll either crush you, or punch a hole through you with a claw, or—if you're especially unlucky—carry you off alive to the nest. Though, you'd have to see. Your chances of staying alive after a kidnapping like that increase severalfold, but at the same time, if that chance doesn't exist, there won't be an easy death. They'll eat you alive, and for quite a while, so that, so to speak, the food stays fresh longer. Horrors? No. This is Tython. And it's far from guaranteed the Force will be able to help you, because if you manifest it too strongly, you'll just trigger a storm that will kill both you and the beast.
Unfortunately, far from all Je'daii take their preparation as seriously as I do. Considering Tython a safe, ordinary home, they realize their mistake only when they become Wanderers. My mother didn't let me make that mistake—she described local life in vivid detail. "If you don't eat, you get eaten."
In theory, my teacher and I weren't supposed to go on foot at all, especially through the desert, but this sadist just wanted to evaluate me and run me ragged, which is why I hate him even more now. If not for Master Tsikuna's request, I'd already be kicking him with my feet—pure physical fighting without using the Force is something I can do even a Master over.
The funniest thing is, when I remarked about the inhuman training conditions, Irbis replied like this:
A — "I'm not a human. I'm a future Je'daii."
B — "Only to one who is trained and ready to contain such power will the Force reveal itself. Both the light and the dark side."
"As if I don't know that without you," I snort, folding my arms across my chest. "Maybe you'll finally say something smart, at least to justify your status as a teacher?"
"Gladly. In Cygun Kesh you learned to wield the Force as a part of yourself, but you should've started with Akar Kesh, because you've got obvious problems with balance. You don't even try to restrain yourself—you're always noisy, fidgeting, not controlling your emotions…"
"You're wrong, Irbis," I cut him off.
"Hm?"
"I control myself perfectly."
"Didn't notice."
"See, that's the thing… any action I take is deliberate. I don't act on my emotions—like when I punched you in the face. I knew what it could lead to, I understood it, and I did it consciously. The difference is, I enjoy it."
"Shade, is everything okay in your head?" the Master gave me a very, very strange look.
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh. 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 just look at the Force differently, and that view helps me get along with it."
"Share."
"I believe the Force is always with us, it's inside us. It can't be taken, and it can't be blocked. And that to get along with it, you first need to find contact with the energy inside you, and only then 'connect with the world,' as one certain meditation master you know likes to put it."
"Hm…" He looked me up and down again, but this time it was thoughtful.
"What?"
"Nothing. But if you say you get along so well, then why don't you make contact with one form of the Force or the other?"
"And why would I? They are one, both are an inseparable part of me. What's the point in splitting them?"
"An unusual answer. So you're saying you don't divide the Force into sides?"
"No, I divide it, of course, but I try to draw not in turns, but from both at once. It cancels out the negative effects of both sides."
"How?!" Irbis exclaimed, making me interested.
"What do you mean, 'how'?"
"How do you do that?! Those are two opposing energies—they can't mix. Je'daii spend years learning to alternate them correctly, and even then they need enormous self-control, and you're telling me you freely use both, at once!"
"Well… not freely. Still, I can't physically do anything way out of bounds—because for that I specifically don't have enough of that same self-control."
"But still, the very fact!"
"I'll take it as a compliment."
"M-m-m. So you don't immerse yourself in the Force the way others do?"
"No. No need. It's already with me and inside me—I'm one with the Force. Why immerse yourself in what's already part of you?" And after a pause I add, holding up my palms: "Like hands," and I rotate my hands, making the Master's eye twitch.
"You're the strangest Je'daii I've ever met in my life."
"Even stranger than Mom?"
"Yes!"
"I'm flattered…"
That's how, word by word, we made it to the spaceport. Finding open transport to Chikagu, we bought tickets, and I could finally breathe out in relief. Civi-li-za-tion, hooray. No, there's civilization here too, and pretty developed, but where we're flying at least nothing will try to eat you.
Though the ship we were supposed to fly on didn't inspire much trust. It looked more like a hybrid of a rocket I'm familiar with and a futuristic spacecraft. Oh well—civilian models differed radically from military ones.
***
"So, kid? Welcome to Chikagu. The planet of crime." Irbis slapped my shoulder, and meanwhile the ramp lowered, revealing… an ordinary city. Wheeled cars, then grav-cushion vehicles, aircraft flashing by now and then, and crowds of people radiating all kinds of emotions. I even winced slightly at that cacophony—I wasn't used to such masses. "Don't get lost. This place isn't much safer than Tython."
"M-m?" I raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"There, it's fangs and claws. Here, it's weapons and deception."
"Cute… very cute."
"Let's go."
We headed straight through the crowd to a platform… uh… taxis? Yeah. Worlds change, traditions remain.
"And where are we headed?" I look at Irbis.
"We're going straight to Clan Shi's house, since the main pressure is concentrated on them."
"And in de-tai-i-il?"
"Shade, our task is to find out why the mess started in the first place. All I know is that some fairly influential beings suddenly got pissed at Clan Shi. Only, the clan has friends too, and they're just as influential. So if a fight breaks out, the whole planet will get hit. Our job is to prevent that fight."
"Well, just great."
"What did you expect? The planet is run by influential clans. Every clan has its own territory, its own laws, and its own tasks. If things light up here, it'll burn hard."
Yeah. Nice little planet. While we were getting to the "taxi," they already lifted two empty wallets off my teacher. Back on the ship I saw him making notes and slipping them into empty wallets, just for laughs. Should I do the same? I'd love to see a thief's reaction when he checks his loot, heh-heh.
Meanwhile, we reached the stand, gave the driver our destination, and headed for Clan Shi's house. Looking out the window at the city, I was quietly losing my mind. The level of banditry was just off the charts. Everyone does whatever the hell they want. Sure, there's some semblance of police, but first, there are few of them, and second, they've got to survive themselves.
"While we're on the way, hammer this into your head: HERE, you can't take anyone's word at face value. Always read your conversation partner's emotions. Never keep your hand far from your blade, and be ready to fight. About the wallet, I think you've already figured it out."
"Already hid it."
"Next. Don't run your mouth, and in general try to keep quiet. Don't get into fights unless you have to, understood?" The last part was said in a tone like I did nothing but go looking for trouble. Although…
"Understood. But I'm not promising anything."
"Well…" At that statement he flushed and clenched his fist, then exhaled. "What a student they saddled me with!"
"You can say that again. Got to teach him everything. Totally green," I say, and at that moment the taxi stops.
"Shut up," he grinds out through his teeth. "And don't go looking for trouble. Actually, you know what, go scout the perimeter."
"Okay, boss," I snort, jumping out of the transport.
Adjusting my blades, I watch the transport fly off. They dropped me right in front of closed gates leading into the grounds of the local clan's fortress-palace.
"'Scout it out,' you say? Fine, I'll scout it out," I say, turning and heading into the city. Let's see where we've landed.
Walking among the flickering stream of people, I felt a kind of déjà vu. Like I'd returned to a familiar anthill. Everyone was rushing somewhere; someone was swearing; someone, on the contrary, was kissing in a corner behind a corner; and someone was calling visitors into their establishment. Mostly there were three- and five-story buildings, but there were high-rises too. The city itself felt like futurism. You could call it a hybrid of our 21st century and a cyberpunk future, but in a grounded, tidy version.
The locals were dressed in whatever. Robes, jackets, shirts, boots, and something like sneakers. (And me—barefoot in wraps—blending in perfectly, yeah.) But one thing united them all: a blaster on the thigh. And you could very often see at least some kind of gear. Unlike me. No weapons besides my swords, plus light armor with an original design—a mix of steel and chitin.
And the emotions on this riffraff… it was something else entirely! Deception riding on rage, with intrigue at the wheel. The desire to f*ck over your neighbor hangs in the air so thick it feels like I could touch it. I honestly can't even imagine how they manage to live together here.
"Hey, outsider. You a Je'daii?" a Sith called out to me from the side, surrounded by a couple Twi'leks.
"Something like that. Why?" I look with interest at the new face. I don't feel any threat…
"So what did you forget in our parts? Your brotherhood isn't a frequent guest here."
"Tourism, excursions, all that," I wave a hand vaguely. "Really wanted to see civilization, you know. Never seen a crowd like this."
"Ha! So you're taking a stroll, huh?"
"You bet."
"Want to stroll to a bar?"
"Only if you're buying."
"You're a bold one," the Sith clicks his tongue. "Come on—it's close."
Falling in alongside the group, I eye their weapons. Blasters, firearms, knives on everyone, and some even have something like machetes. Sort of.
"What, you like it?" the green Twi'lek in heavy armor asked, tracking my gaze—an automatic rifle slung across his back.
"Interesting. On Tython, that kind of weapon isn't held in high regard. You lot, from the looks of it, are the local law enforcement?" I indicate the clan insignia on his shoulder with my eyes.
"Heh, you could say that."
"In that case, would you enlighten an outsider on the local layout?"
"Hm?"
"What you can do, what you can't, where you can walk freely, and where it's better not to stick your nose?"
"What am I, an info kiosk?"
"No, but I figured respectable people would explain the rules on their land to a guest. Or am I wrong?" I lift an eyebrow, and lightly push his thoughts with suggestion.
"Heh. All right, listen…"
So while we walked to the bar, I did my best to talk this crew into giving me information. Eloquence isn't exactly my talent, but even so I learned a lot of new, useful things. You could say they explained how you're supposed to behave in a society that lives "by the понятия." Yeah…
At the bar, strangely enough, they let me in without any trouble, even though the guards looked sideways at me. They don't like Tythonites here. They do not like them, and that's that. I wonder why?
Sitting down at one of the tables, the guys ordered drinks. I wasn't worried they'd poison me—those three smelled of interest, light tension, and some uncertain desire to offer me something, or use me, but not threat.
"Your drinks, gentlemen," a human girl set mugs and a bottle of some purple sludge on the table. I'll never get used to their clothing… вроде civilization, but it has this fantasy vibe to it? Or medieval… though I'm not one to talk, walking around wrapped up like a mummy.
"So you're just passing through?" the Sith уточнил as he poured the alcohol.
"Something like that. Guys—if you want something from me, say it straight. I'm not a fan of dancing around the point."
"Hah! So, want to earn a little?" came the unexpected предложение.
"Hm?"
"Not a hard job. Just need to cut someone's head off and be done with it. Hm?"
"Do I look like a mercenary?" I spread my hands demonstratively.
"Well… depends. More like a maniac," he scratched his chin, looking over my face. "And honestly, anything is possible with you lot. But it's not a murder contract. It's more like…" The Sith swirled his shot glass. "A preemptive strike in self-defense."
"Details?"
"Let's say one clan wants another one harm. Maybe you won't even have to kill anyone, because your mere presence already… has a positive effect on resolving the conflict."
"Hm…"
"Further details only the boss will tell you. Sorry, but that's above our level."
"Then what was all this for?" I gesture around the table.
"Well… bringing in a likely ally is worth a lot too, right?" He winked at me and downed his shot in one gulp.
With a smirk, I sample the drink. A bit syrupy, about twenty degrees at most, slightly bitter. Meh.
"For some reason it feels like you're not telling me something. I don't think every one of your guys walks up to the first Tythonite they see with offers like that."
"You're right. We just saw what car you got out of and where it drove. And like I said earlier, you seem strange, but at the same time you produce an effect."
"Then that explains it. All right, boys—thanks for the offer. I'll think about it, but for now I want to walk around and take a look. If that's it, I'm off." I finish my shot in one swallow, slap the glass down on the table, and look over the xenos.
"If you decide, come here," they slide a piece of paper with an address to me. What bothered me was that it was not Clan Shi's house. Does that mean they were quietly trying to pull me to the other side? Hm…
Hell with these intrigues and schemes. But before I could finish the thought, I saw a short, cloaked silhouette flicker among the patrons. Fear and напряжение mixed with anger seeped from the emotions; the figure kept looking around. No doubt it was either a child or a teenager—but what was it doing here? The place wasn't age-appropriate.
Placing a Force mark on the figure, I track where it goes using Force-sight. Slipping into an inconspicuous corner, the figure hid, trying not to draw attention. This is getting more and more interesting… listening to the Force, I see the little figure glowing a bit brighter than the others, and the emotions are somehow cleaner too.
"Guys, I was just thinking…" I thoughtfully assess that strange figure through the Force while looking at my drinking buddies. "How about we do another round? For the acquaintance, so to speak. I'm Shade," I say, and in parallel I apply a light suggestion to make them more agreeable.
"Heh. Sakhar," the Sith introduced himself, pouring again.
"Taurs."
"Starissk."
So, keeping an eye on the figure that caught my interest, I listened with half an ear to the three of them and automatically kept the conversation going… Yeah, guys, you're absolutely right—there are a lot of f*gs around these days, everyone wants to use you. No, I'm not a killer, deal with them yourselves. Even for money. Hm… for that kind of money I'm willing to think. Listen, let's сменить the topic to something nicer?
Keeping them talking just enough, I watch my back through the Force. The conversation had to be cut short when the figure finally got spotted, and one of the guards, with a growl of "get out, runt," grabbed the figure by the scruff and dragged it to the exit.
"All right, guys—again, glad to meet you. If anything, I'll definitely come by. Good luck to all of you," I salute and get up from the table.
Slurred, drunken voices answered me. Slipping between patrons, I leave the bar. Judging by the mark, the figure is hiding right between buildings in a little nook. Walking a bit along the street, I turn and examine a narrow passage and a pile of furniture dumped there. With Force-sight, I quickly check the place for other life-forms—nope, just one.
"Hey," I say, stepping around the furniture and peeking behind the corner where the figure is hiding. Lifting its head, a pair of pretty red children's eyes stares up at me. As it turned out, all this time a cute girl was hiding under the cloak—about fourteen, by the old count. Grayish skin, scarlet pigments—a little Twi'lek.
But her eyes start widening, and real Horror flashes through her emotions. The girl's hands (or is she already a young woman?) immediately reach back, but I hurry to calm her:
"No-no, don't be afraid. It's okay, I won't hurt you." I drop to one knee right in front of the girl squatting there. At the same time, I try to convey the sincerity of my words through the Force. She freezes, and the rising panic slowly begins to fade. It's good being a Je'daii! The Force is everything. "What's your name, sunshine?"
"Hadiya."