"Long time no see, my friend. Ready to receive us? We came out of hyperspace and set course for the planet," Master Yoda greeted the appearing hologram, which took the shape of his friend, King Alaric.
The hum of the engines indicated the movement of the spaceship on which the Republic's diplomatic mission was flying.
"The Winds will be glad to see you on Tustra, old friend," the hologram smiled warmly. "My garden has been replenished with interesting species since our last meeting. Would you deign to visit them, Great Master?"
Even in hologram form, King Alaric towered over the Grand Master of the Jedi Order, Yoda. Yoda… He is known to many, if not all, in this galaxy. Some personally, some only by rumor. Many who saw Yoda were perplexed. How is it possible? Jedi can fight, if not armies, then large detachments. There are many myths about their power in their galaxy. And all these Jedi are ruled by such a… Creature? Green-skinned, wrinkled, but most importantly – small. Yoda did not give the impression of a Great Master of the Order. Moreover, there were more… Impressive Jedi in the Order, who were thought of as Great Masters.
Enemies who fought Yoda throughout his incredibly long life also did not consider him a dangerous opponent. As it turned out for them – in vain. If we consider swordsmanship or the Force – Yoda is the most dangerous of the Jedi. His long lifespan allowed him to master much of what a Jedi should know and be able to do. And not just master it, but bring everything to perfection. Therefore, he not only wisely led the Order, but also by right of strength. However, Jedi rarely evaluated Sentients solely by strength. This is the prerogative of the Sith – to evaluate a Sentient by power. Jedi valued actions…
Although power is also taken into account. Yoda would like to believe that to a much lesser extent… And they should be training powerful and strong Jedi right now. Because strange things have started happening lately. The Jedi have begun to weaken. The Dark Side has unexpectedly strengthened, clouding their vision. The latest events in the galaxy have alarmed the High Council of the Order. However, they decided to conceal information about the weakening connection with the Force from the Senate. It is unacceptable for them, the Senators, to learn about this. Therefore, the Order needs to become more active. It would be necessary… The Sith are not exterminated, they are clearly plotting something. The Order felt it, although they didn't say anything outwardly.
Against this backdrop, the news that a boy had appeared on Tustra, who was unusually powerful in the Force, pleased Yoda. They could use any help now. And the fact that he is from the Sephi… They are long-lived and can certainly perfect their skills for a long time. This means that little Light will surely grow into a strong and powerful Jedi, who will become a mighty support for their Order and help them in maintaining peace in the galaxy. Generally, a standard recruiter from the Order would have gone for Light, but it so happened that Yoda needed to visit Tustra. The Great Master himself never refused to visit this beautiful planet. Alaric ruled his nation well, making Tustra one of the strongest in the sector. And the strength manifested not only in the army but also in the economy. It also coincided with the appointment of a new senator from this sector – Navi, Alaric's nephew. How time flies, he remembered Navi only as a child, and now he is a man, and even a Senator. But, personally, Yoda's priority now is to take Light. The boy was born into a quite prosperous family, not like his previous student – Dooku, who was born into a noble family and became a great knight. No… But Light's family is wonderful. Therefore, there may be difficulties, although Alaric promised to avoid them. And if his friend promises something…
"Don't be offended, my friend, I didn't come just for the garden," Yoda said seriously. "I won't refuse hospitality, however, I."
"I know, the Winds see, many know that you came for this boy," Alaric informed him seriously. "To be honest, knowing the nature of your connection with the Force, I can say that the boy will be powerful. Although he is amazing. Possessing such talents, he has not become arrogant, despite his successes."
"Successes?" Yoda raised a non-existent eyebrow.
"True," Alaric confirmed. "For the local children, the boy is like a God descended from heaven. He lifts stones, moves faster than anyone. At the same time, he remains quite quiet and modest."
This is bad… Self-taught individuals are dangerous because they cannot understand in time what is bad and what is good. But this also means that the boy has a sufficient connection with the Force, which is not surprising given the number of midi-chlorians.
"I will have to talk to him upon arrival. The system is important in early training, not self-study. The path of a Jedi who learned not under the control of a teacher is dangerous, yes…"
"Do you want me to order him to stop?" Alaric asked him.
"It's pointless, I've already arrived," Yoda waved his hand. "You will bring me to the boy, Alaric, as soon as we are free."
"Certainly," his friend nodded.
The ship entered Tustra's atmosphere, revealing a view of the beautiful city.
"Wow," sighed one of the Senate inspectors, looking at the green park areas. The planet's capital was a beautiful city, unlike many planets in many regions – in the capital and large cities on Tustra, there were almost no enterprises, which created excellent living conditions and did not pollute the air.
"Alaric is wise," Yoda nodded. "A beautiful city greets us."
The hum of the embassy ship's engines slowly died down as they landed in the main hangar. Even despite the arrival of "High Ambassadors," life in the hangar was bustling without them. Technicians scurried back and forth. Astromech droids traveled all over the hangar. Ships belonging to the King were receiving necessary maintenance. In general, the hangar was quite extensive and contained about twenty ships. Among them, one could find a couple of fighters used by the Sephi Air Force. Also in the hangar, one could find several Royal-class ships, the interior decoration of which cost several budgets of some distant colonies.
Alaric loved ships less than his majestic garden. But he loved them, so the entire fleet was well-maintained.
"Master Yoda, may the Winds favor you," a tall Sephi approached their group of three Senate workers and Yoda himself, with a foldable staff visible behind his back. And a regular blaster on his belt. "As well as the honorable envoys of the Republic. I am Kori Rolis, Captain of His Majesty Alaric's Guard, I have come to escort you to His Majesty's welcoming Audience."
The Republic diplomats also introduced themselves to the Captain of the Guard. Although no one doubted that the Guardsmen knew the identities of the arrivals. But etiquette had to be observed.
"Good," Yoda, leaning on his cane, moved forward, followed by three ambassadors from the Republic Senate.
This delegation was to confirm the funding of certain programs by Alaric and Tustra. Usually, this would be agreed upon through the Senator, but the Senator had recently died at the age of three hundred and seventy. A new Sephi Senator had not yet been appointed. Therefore, the commission arrived here.
"Afterward, we will show you your quarters, Master, as well as the quarters of your companions," Kori's gaze swept over Yoda's companions. "I hope your stay on Tustra will bring you and the esteemed Republic ambassadors many positive emotions."
"Captain," one of the ambassadors spoke, "may I ask you a question?"
"I am listening attentively," he replied, not slowing his pace, which was quite slow, however. The group moved at Yoda's speed, who walked leaning on his cane.
"Has His Majesty decided who will become the new Senator from the Sector?" asked Deyr, a tall man from the Senate commission. Although many assumed and guessed that Navi would become the new Senator, doubts needed to be dispelled.
Three ambassadors arrived with Yoda. Deyr Gek – a tall, black-haired man, dressed in expensive clothes. He is the head of the diplomatic mission from the Senate and is supposed to negotiate contracts. His assistant was a beautiful secretary of the Twi'lek race: Vaila, however, Yoda suspected that the secretary's role was not all there was to it. The blue-skinned Twi'lek was clearly used to relieve her boss's stress. Deyr was also accompanied by another man, his subordinate: Meyk Lim. In contrast to his boss, he was short and fair-haired. Deyr had a rather cruel character, earning a reputation as an efficient worker.
"The elections for the new Senator from the Sector have already taken place, esteemed Ambassador. The Great Winds have determined the victory of His Highness Navi, His Majesty's nephew. Do you wish to speak with His Highness?" Kori asked.
"After greeting His Majesty, if you have time, please escort me to him," Deyr replied.
"There will be no need for that, esteemed Ambassador Deyr," Kori shook his head. "His Highness will certainly be in the Throne Room."
They entered a rather wide corridor. Yoda had been in this sunlit room before. If pleasant light streamed from the windows, then on the opposite wall were paintings. Not holo-images, but paintings painted on canvas. Sephi always appreciated such things, giving them a certain elitism. The paintings depicted all the famous events in Sephi history. Here is the first leader of the Sephi people, King Laiti, who led his race to the Stars. Images of famous Sephi Kings with award ribbons, in expensive robes and with their signature swirl hairstyles. And at the very end, right at the doors leading to the next room, was an image of a rather large Sephi, around whom small tornadoes swirled.
"This is not a historical figure," Kori explained to the diplomats. The corridor was quite long, accommodating at least fifty paintings. "It's more of a mythical one."
"Mythical?" Deyr asked, puzzled.
"Correct," Kori nodded. "The painting depicts the God of Wind," he had a classic Sephi appearance, except his height was clearly greater than the others in the previous paintings. And his eyes were white, without pupils. "In our legends, the God of Wind has saved our race many times, first by destroying the mountain that blocked the path of the rivers, then by directing these rivers into our lands, creating powerful currents. The God of Wind, in whom we believe, is the force that brings us freedom, brings us peace and order."
"Hmm," Meik said thoughtfully and suddenly asked Yoda, "Is your Force capable of controlling the winds?"
"Hm?" Yoda looked at Meik questioningly. "The Force is capable of much, and much remains a mystery to me... I suppose it will remain so. I do not possess the technique that rules the wind."
"Do not compare Our God to the Jedi," Kori said sharply. "We do not believe he was a powerful Jedi or one of the Gifted. We believe he is the God of Winds, not of the Force. These are different concepts."
"I agree with you, Captain Kori. It was not ethical, Ambassador Meik," he shot a glance at Meik.
Meik shifted his gaze to his boss, hiccuped convulsively, and, bowing slightly, apologized.
"Forgive me, Captain Kori. I am still learning," he said, as if in justification.
In general, he should have studied all the nuances of the Sephi before the visit, but it seemed someone had poorly prepared their homework. At least, from Deyr's experienced diplomatic eyes, Yoda understood that he and Meik would return to this conversation later. And it was unlikely that Deyr's subordinate would particularly enjoy this conversation. The doors at the end of the corridor were made of ebony. The Sephi were quite conservative. Part of the palace was, in some people's opinion, quite old. Despite having all the conveniences of civilization, the Palace of Kings was built in a classic style. This created a peculiar aura of mystery. And so the ebony doors, creaking slightly, swung open, letting the guests inside.
His friend's retinue consisted of several Ministers who oversaw all aspects of Sephi society... He hadn't changed since their last meeting. Sephi aging slows down, if it doesn't stop altogether, like the Fey, after a certain age. Alaric looked like a human man, about seventy years old, though he was well over two hundred. Tall, slender, with white hair braided into famous whirls. He sat in rich clothing on a throne. The throne room was built in dark tones. Although, in principle, it was quite bright. It was all thanks to Itte, the only star in the Tustra system, whose light streamed from the windows.
Alaric's ministers were Sephi of various ages, dressed completely differently. Some, like the Minister of Defense, Kavi, whom Yoda remembered well, preferred simpler, looser clothing. But Zivi, the Minister of Society, who oversaw healthcare, education, and family matters all at once, was dressed in an expensive, scarlet gown. One thing remained constant. All the ministers stood, their chests proudly puffed out. The light of the Sephi, the best of the best. Alaric had always been excellent at understanding sentient beings. There were rare cases when he couldn't decipher the nature of a sentient being.
The ministers stood to Alaric's right. And to his left stood a rather young Sephi, rather prone to plumpness. There was a slight family resemblance between him and Alaric himself. Is this Navi? The boy had grown into a beautiful Sephi.
"Your Majesty," Deyr bowed slightly, thus greeting Alaric. "May your reign be long and wise."
"Good day, Deyr," Alaric nodded slightly, smiling at the diplomat. "I am pleased to host guests from the Republic, and we will gladly provide you with the best apartments in the palace. I suspect why you have arrived."
"We have arrived on behalf of the Republic, or rather, on behalf of the Trade Commission, to obtain confirmation of certain contracts. Alas, Senator Yovi died before the completion of negotiations, although he did inform us of your preliminary consent," Deyr reported.
"I believe we will reach an agreement," Alaric smiled. "These agreements are beneficial to all. And you will surely deign to converse with my dearest nephew. Allow me to introduce: His Highness Navi Sefitress, the new Senator from our Sector." Navi took a step forward, nodding to Deyr.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness Navi," Deyr nodded importantly. "I am sure we will find something to talk about."
"I am also sure, Ambassador Deyr," Navi nodded importantly.
"I also advise you to speak with my Minister of Finance and Trade," a portly Sephi stepped forward from the ranks of the ministers. "Shori Tol."
Of course, everyone knew about all the necessary individuals. But such was the etiquette and custom. Even if you know about a sentient being from the HoloNet, it doesn't mean you can just talk to them. First, introduce yourself and wait for the sentient being to introduce themselves. The Sephi were as conservative as Yoda had known them to be. Only within their family and with close friends could they discard the "officialdom."
"But that will be later. For now, please proceed to your apartments, most honorable envoys. You must be tired from your journey, even if it was short. This evening we will host a reception, Ambassador Deyr, in honor of your arrival. You will do the esteemed Sephi the honor if you attend it," Alaric addressed the ambassador.
"We will undoubtedly attend, Your Majesty. We will be happy to make the acquaintance of the best of the best of your Great People," Deyr nodded.
"I am glad to hear that. Escort our guests to their rooms," Alaric waved his hand.
From one of the corners of the throne room, tall and stately maids appeared. And while Deyr was still holding back, maintaining a serious expression, merely glancing at the beautiful maids. Many had heard about how they even appeared. But Meik, his student, seemed to be thinking about something else entirely with these beautiful women. And this could have led to an undesirable hitch if the secretary Vaila, unobtrusively adjusting her white dress, hadn't accidentally stepped on Meik's foot. Meik winced, but, to his credit, as soon as he saw his teacher's gaze, he exhaled and followed Deyr. It seemed someone would be scolded today.
"They say the Republicans are arriving today," Rivi said, lying on the lawn. "Light, are you listening?"
"Uh-huh," I was distracted from my thoughts about who had arrived with the Republicans.
"Really?" Rivi's dark eyes bored into me, making me feel uncomfortable. "Light! You clearly weren't listening to me! They want to take you, because a Jedi arrived with them!"
"I know that," I sighed heavily, "but what can I do? I am gifted, and that means I must undergo training."
The galaxy is definitely against me living a peaceful life. A light breeze stirred the hair of the girl who had become my closest friend. She clearly didn't want me to leave for Coruscant, but who would ask her? My mother also definitely didn't want me to become a Jedi. She had a Jedi friend herself once. It's just that he died, and not a natural death. But everyone understood that it was unlikely anyone would ask for an opinion, mine or my loved ones'. After all, a Gifted person without systematic training is dangerous. That's what my Uncle Gadji told me, and I, in principle, agree. So, I just had to remember what kinds of organizations of the Gifted exist in the DDG. And besides the Jedi and Sith, there were many. The Matukai, known for developing the physical peculiarities of their bodies. The Zeison-Sha, who developed telekinesis and survival skills. And this is only a small part.
There are a great many diverse organizations even now. The Jedi do not purge them because, in principle, they do not interfere with them, do not claim power, and so on. Some minor skirmishes are possible, but not global purges. However, Palpatine, after his victory, seemed to have begun a purge of all remaining organizations besides the Jedi.
"And will I go with you? I would like to see Coruscant..."
"You won't like it there," I remarked. "Coruscant is a huge and noisy ecumenopolis. This planet is clearly not for you."
And I have no idea how, after the clean and quiet Tustra, I will adapt to Coruscant. It's one thing to see it on screen, and another to see it in full size.
"Ecumen... What?" Rivi asked. "What is Ecumen... Something there."
"An ecumenopolis means, in other words: the entire planet is a large city. A single city that occupies an entire planet. That is the capital of the Galactic Republic," I explained. "Didn't you listen to your governess Erla?"
"I listened," Rivi sighed. "But somehow I didn't hear..."
"Everything is clear with you," I sighed heavily.
"Hey," a man's voice called out.
We were within the Royal Palace, in one of the green courtyards where children were allowed to enter. Guards were scurrying around the palace lately. Is all this related to the ambassadors?
"Are you Light?" he asked us when we stood up and paid attention to the man.
"Yes, Mr. Guard," I bowed slightly.
"His Majesty wants you to appear in the Royal Garden," the guard said. "One of our guests wants to speak with you."
"To the Royal Garden?" I asked him.
"I'll take you, but as for you," he glanced at Rivi. "You're not going."
And how did he guess that Rivi had opened her mouth to ask to go with me? Although it's obvious.
"I'm going anyway!" Rivi put her hands on her hips, puffing out her cheeks.
"You'll go... About when you learn manners and etiquette," the soldier dismissed her. "Come with me, Light."
The man waved his hand and moved towards the exit of the courtyard. Winding through the corridors, we were supposed to reach the Royal Garden, thankfully I remembered its approximate location. "Were supposed to," if not for one thing. Behind me, I heard a strange noise, eerily reminiscent of a shot. Something bright flew past me and hit the guard's back. The man grunted and fell to the stone floor.
"Your route is changing slightly, boy," a cold voice behind me announced, sending shivers down my spine. "You're not going with him, but you're going with me. Now, slowly and without any unnecessary tricks, turn towards me."
"I..."
"As a warning, I can say the following: my employer ordered me to deliver you to him, but he didn't specify in what condition you should arrive. So I repeat again - if you don't want me to break all your useless arms and legs, slowly turn around and come here."
I turned around, trying to get a look at the killer and kidnapper. He was dressed in ordinary guard clothing, except that he belonged to the human race. At least, the tips of his ears were slightly pointed. Was he impersonating a guard? For how long? And why wasn't he discovered? And why didn't he paralyze me? Most likely because he would have to carry me. And a guard walking with a child doesn't arouse suspicion compared to a guard carrying that child, or some strange bag. The man looked ordinary. A rough face, unmemorable. No scars or distinctive marks. Cold, blue eyes intently scanned the surroundings. And his black hair was braided in the style of Sephi hairstyles... And he... just killed a sentient being? Glancing at the fallen corpse, I felt my breakfast wanting to come out. And I couldn't hold back its urges...
"Well," the man chuckled. "What a wretch you are. But the master needs a strong Gifted one. You were paid well, boy, and if I understood correctly, after a couple of months with my employer, you'll kill your own mother without much regret."
What should I do? Leave the palace with this mercenary? But where will he take me? I'm considering the option of resistance, but I need to understand how exactly to resist him. I have several Force abilities at my disposal. I can try to get close to him and force a hand-to-hand fight... No! That's foolish. No matter how much I train, I'm facing an adult, fully developed man. And I have the body of a five-year-old... And besides, it's scary. So I need to use the Force for a ranged attack... What did Uncle Gadji say? He told me that telekinesis is a rather dangerous technique. But how to apply it? Maybe push this man away? And then what? Run... Yes, I don't need to fight him, just distract him and run. As far away as possible. And look for a protector.
I know the palace, I think he does too. Given our location, the guard post is quite far from here. But the Royal Garden of Alaric would be closer. And there will be an unpleasant surprise for this criminal. Master Yoda, if anyone, would surely knock this man out. It's decided...
"Okay..." I said, moving towards the smiling man.
Someone from the dark side, perhaps Plagueis himself, is interested in me. But I won't give up so easily. I've read a lot about the Star Wars universe and have a rough idea of what training in the Dark Side of the Force entails. Choice... I've made another choice.