The rakghouls surrounded us. I moved closer to Celeste, standing side by side. Behind us was Dreypa's ark. We were pressed against it. I need to finish everything here quickly. Yes, the Force Palm ability has recovered, but the problem was that I was too exhausted from fighting Revan. The former mentor didn't hold back during his exam, so the fight wasn't easy. Perhaps I should use the Force Palm again, swap with the main rakghoul, and have Celeste attack me at the same time. But will she have enough speed and reflexes, will I waste the technique? Besides the Force Palm charges, I should also remember overall endurance... Either I use the exhausting Force Palm technique once or twice more, or I can fight classically, using a buff cocktail for close combat...
I can't be sure that Celeste has recovered enough. Although she shows that her coordination is at a decent level, I don't want to use my trump card now. One mistake, and this antiquity, which hasn't crumbled to dust, will cling to my neck and try to possess my body. To fight Karness Muur, one of the strongest Sith in their entire history, for his body? Although I wouldn't say he's one of the strongest, he can definitely be in the top 20. I really don't want to get to that point... No, for now, it's better to study his abilities in the rakghoul's body, as well as this whole brood. At the moment, the rakghouls are under his control. This means their behavior will change to be more conscious.
"Raaar!" the rakghouls attacked, simultaneously from different sides. They aren't trying to jump one by one, and it's unpleasant, though logical, I admit. I threw three back with telekinesis, while Celeste rushed at one of the rakghouls and first cut off its right paw, then slashed its chest... But the wound wasn't deep. The yellow lightsaber left something like a scratch. The monster recoiled. At the same moment, two monsters attacked her, one of which I pinned to the floor with telekinesis, and she, dodging the second, finished off the one I pinned. HK opened fire, making sounds like evil laughter. Four jumped at me at once, I soared into the air, using a Force jump, and then spun, decapitating all four. Behind me? In the air, slightly above me and behind me, I felt the presence of an enemy.
"RYAA!" Sharply turning around, spinning myself with the Force, I cut off the rakghoul's paw, but with one of its "legs" it struck me in the face, leaving a scratch. Didn't want to kill me? It seemed to be attacking deliberately slowly, so as not to kill me. Jumping down to the floor, I felt red blood flowing down my right cheek.
"That's all, boy," Muur said. "Do you realize what this scratch means?"
"This scratch?" I asked Muur. "He just scratched me," I threw my left lightsaber at the landing rakghoul, and it cut off its head. Returning the lightsaber, I looked at the Karness-rakghoul.
"The rakghoul plague spreads through the bites and scratches of my beautiful creations!" Muur said in a growling voice. "If you don't kneel and surrender, I won't interfere, and it will take six to forty-eight standard hours for you to turn into a rakghoul!" Of course, considering the close proximity of Muur's talisman, the transformation could happen much faster.
"Yes, becoming a mad monster is an unpleasant thing, and an ally could turn against me," I looked at the heavily breathing Celeste Morn. After all, she hadn't recovered all her strength after the coma. Although for her it might have been a few moments as a personality, her body had been frozen for four thousand years... On the other hand, she even gave Vader a hard time after waking up. But the talisman was on her neck... Morn even looked away. She probably remembered killing a sentient being who was also wounded by a rakghoul... But why am I calm, even so? Because I was prepared. The Matukai techniques I studied not only taught me to accelerate natural regeneration but also to control the internal environment of the body. Including stimulating the body's natural immunity. If I had been fully rested after the fight with the neghoul-Revan, none of the rakghouls present would have ever touched me. And the Dreypa ark wouldn't have flown away from me. I shouldn't be so stupid... Although even so, I can curb the disease. Immune cells, stimulated by the Force, have already produced antibodies to the pathogen and have begun its destruction. Celeste looked at me warily, while HK was distracted from the fight. The rakghouls stopped attacking.
"What?!" the Muur-rakghoul said in surprise. "Why... Why don't I feel any traces in you..."
"Traces of your viruses, Muur?" I interrupted him. "I'm a collector of useful knowledge and recently stumbled upon the Matukai. I provided them with many useful services, and they gifted me their techniques. Although I haven't received the highest technique, what I have is enough to send you and your viruses packing. I'm fine, Celeste Morn," I addressed her. "I'm fine now and will be fine. Let's continue the fight... HK, you too."
"Satisfaction: My master, how I hate this word, cannot die from some scratch. Remark: the only one who can kill my master is me."
I rushed into attack, making Karness Muur my target, or rather, the rakghoul with his talisman. Other monsters blocked my path. From the left, I heard the sound of Celeste fighting monsters. She seemed to cheer up, realizing that I could cure the disease. Decapitating three rakghouls, I got close to the main one. He thrust his paw at me and sharply threw me back with telekinesis. Two auras appeared behind me, I turned sharply and cut down two rakghouls. Karness thrust two paws at me and the second at Celeste... I felt the dark side of the Force swirling around him... The rakghoul's body began to bleed, it seemed that using the Force through an unintelligent rakghoul, created from a non-gifted one, exhausts the body itself. Revan could control this process, likely due to his experience and vast knowledge, but Karness Muur probably never imagined he'd have to occupy a slave's body. Nevertheless, purple Force lightning shot from his paws... He spared neither us nor the rakghouls. I saw how the protuberances emanating from his right paw reached Celeste, HK was thrown back by the lightning, and Celeste was busy dealing with another rakghoul at the time. He literally destroyed his own creation, and the lightning was about to hit Celeste, but she put her lightsaber in front of her and tried to move closer to me.
This is because I concentrated and responded to Karness with emerald lightning. The eyes of the monster, in which the spirit of the ancient Sith dwelled, widened when they saw a Jedi using Force lightning... We managed to repel the blow, although I felt overwhelming fatigue. It's time to finish... We reduced the number of rakghouls, exhausted Karness, and now I am equally confident in Morn's abilities.
"Let's do it, Celeste," I addressed the girl.
"Do you have a plan?" she asked, as Karness attacked us with rakghouls again. Due to the use of lightning, his main body is now exhausted, and he seems to have called for a replacement in the form of another rakghoul.
"Yes," I cut one of the monsters in half. "When I tell you, attack me with the intent to kill. Cut about twenty centimeters above my head..."
"Are you serious?"
"Just do as I say!" I said sharply. "Go!"
She dodged a rakghoul's swing, jumped onto its paw, and then attacked the point I indicated. Excellent... Force Palm. I swapped with the main rakghoul. I felt surprise from Celeste, and she flinched slightly, and Karness also quickly oriented himself and managed to shift slightly. Thus, the former Jedi Shadow of the Covenant did not cut through the talisman, although the main body was destroyed. Damn... He's going to merge with Celeste? If he merges with a gifted one again... Cursing mentally, I used the last charge of the Force Palm technique, swapping with the rakghoul from whose paw Celeste was pushing off to attack me. I intercepted the talisman with telekinesis right at her neck; she couldn't react in time... Just as I raised my sword to strike it, the Sith, as expected, begged for mercy.
"Stop! Stop, Jedi!" Karness Muur said. "Stop... Don't kill... Do you even understand what knowledge, what Power I can give? What I can teach?"
"I can imagine, Karness Muur," Celeste stood behind me, shielding me from the remaining rakghouls. "So what? Do you seriously think I need your knowledge, considering the risks your existence carries? Yes, you know a lot, but your ambitions can bring far more problems than benefits. This is not just a desire to destroy an ancient enemy of the Jedi, Karness Muur. This is a sound judgment."
"And would a Jedi kill an unarmed person?"
"I don't understand where you got this nonsense. You are Gifted. For a Gifted person, the weapon is not a lightsaber. For a Gifted person, the weapon is the Force. Even fighting without a lightsaber, I am still Gifted, a Force user... The Force is stronger than most existing weapons in the Galaxy. And those that will exist. No matter what technological horror is created, it is nothing compared to the power the Force can give. So I will not believe that you are unarmed..."
"But you wouldn't want to kill Celeste Morn," the Sith persisted. I looked at the Jedi.
"What do you mean?" Morn asked him.
"And don't you feel it? After so much time spent with you, a strong Force bond has formed. It's stronger than between a teacher and a student, even stronger than what could arise between 'lovers'. Destroying me will harm you greatly, up to a coma and death..."
"But you wanted to kill her," I noted. "A discrepancy, in my opinion."
"True," Muur smiled. "But who am I and who is she? For me, the rupture of such a bond poses no danger."
"Which proves once again what a scumbag you are," I remarked.
"If this kills you, Muur, I agree to such a risk. Kill him, Light Flaingstar! It will be a deliverance not only for the Galaxy. I am willing to give my life, because it is nothing compared to what this bastard can do..."
"You don't have to die," I sighed, "after all, I have enough Force to become the one who will replace Karness Muur for you in this bond."
"What?" Celeste exclaimed.
"I'm saying I'll form a Force bond with you, so," I swung my sword, destroying Karness's talisman. "Farewell, Sith Lord."
Karness's ghost screamed as if in pain, and then suddenly exploded, throwing me and Celeste back. I withstood the explosion and immediately turned my attention to Celeste Morn. The girl fell onto her back and was breathing heavily. So he wasn't lying... It seems this was his precaution; he was preparing something like a revival technique... Making a talisman 2.0 out of her body. Because his essence was woven too deeply into her body, and he never finished preparing her as a new vessel-talisman, even by 140 BBY he hadn't finished this preparation, so he didn't revive in her body. However, his final death hits her hard... She'll recover, maybe. The parasite, and Karness was exactly that for Celeste, was too deeply woven into her, and now that he's been ripped out by force, it's hard for her.
"Remark: Master, there are still five forms of these leather bags left here."
"I'll leave them to you, HK. Have fun with them as you wish," I myself bent over Celeste, taking her hand.
"Kha... I'm satisfied... For the first time in so long..."
"However," I noted. "He was too deeply woven into your spirit, so to speak. And the sudden deprivation of life led to your personality suffering."
"Although I should feel relief, joy that Zane sent someone after all..."
"Kerik didn't send me," I shook my head.
"He did. How else did you get information about this place..." the girl smiled sadly.
"Yes, I did. Alright, no more gloomy moods. Celeste Morn," I channeled the Force into her. "Since Karness had a Force bond with you and you lost it, I will take his place now. We will form a bond, albeit a weak one. But I cannot allow you to die, considering that I could save you. Therefore..."
I felt my Force filling her. After Muur's death, wounds seemed to form in her, which were filled with my Force and healed. The girl shuddered in my arms, I hugged her... And her body was quite warm, apparently heated by the fight. Another second, and she lost consciousness. Placing my right hand on her neck, I felt a stable pulse. Alive... And I felt that a weak, but still a Force bond had formed between us... Muur merged with her through the Force, distorted her. And after I ripped him out by the root, she could recover... She could live, but not for long. Now I have replaced Muur for her.
"Question: Master, are you alright?"
"Thank you for asking, HK. I'm tired, terribly tired..."
"Remark: Blood is coming from your eyes."
"Yes," I wiped it off my face with my hand, touched the scratch. "Blood..."
"Question: Are you no longer going to open boxes with such dangerous creatures without resting?"
"I understand myself that I was foolish, to some extent. Alright, it's over. Time to return to the ship. Celeste should rest in a normal place. Let's go, HK."
***
"Ugh," Celeste Morn slowly opened her eyes, looking around in surprise. She found herself in an unfamiliar environment, although she could certainly guess where she was. "Where am I?"
"On my ship," I said, attracting her attention. After standard sanitation procedures, I placed the girl in an additional cabin. The procedures included blood tests and disinfection. "We've already taken off from Jebble and are now in hyperspace. I'm heading to Coruscant to report on what we've experienced more thoroughly. And to present this to the Council."
I showed the small pieces remaining from Muur's talisman. Even in their residual form, they exuded darkness. My ghost summoning medallion seemed like a harmless toy.
"What?" she looked under the blanket. "You changed my clothes?"
"Changed your clothes? No, I performed standard disinfection procedures when I brought you onto my ship. You were in stasis for thousands of years, alone with the spirit of a Sith who once created one of the most dangerous diseases in the Galaxy. I had to make sure you didn't bring any unpleasant illness onto my ship."
"I see," she lowered her gaze. "And what will happen to me?"
"Whatever you want," I answered calmly. "To be honest, I've bonded us through the Force. When Karness died..."
"I remember," Celeste said. "That bastard was too strongly connected to me, and his death..."
"Yes, it could have led you to death yourself. As I said, he merged with your personality, body, and Force too strongly. However, he himself noted it, but I had enough strength to replace him. Where I lack skills, I can try to brute force it... As you can see, my affinity with the Force..."
"Is anomalous," Celeste interjected. "As a former agent of the Shadow of the Covenant, I have decent sensory perception and can estimate the initial potential for Force development in a Gifted person. You initially had high potential, and after training... You are frightening when you don't hold back. Are all Jedi these monsters now?"
"Hey, hey, I'm not a monster. And don't judge by me. You yourself said I'm an anomaly. Other Jedi in my time are not much different from yours. There are outstanding individuals, and there are ordinary, average knights," I put the fragments of Muur's talisman back in my pocket. "But let's get back to you, Celeste. You lived for so long as a Sith's jailer, but now you are free. Although we are bonded by the Force, I will not forcibly keep you near me. We will exit hyperspace a couple more times before Coruscant. And you are free to disembark on any planet you wish..."
The girl closed her eyes, taking a few seconds to think. Her black hair seemed to stir slightly. Did she enter meditation? Through the Force bond, a special "line" that connected us, I felt a strange warmth emanating.
"First," she said. "I'd like to cut my nails and wash. But what I will tell you, Light, is that I do not intend to leave your ship. Are you heading to Coruscant? To the Jedi Order?" I nodded. "Wonderful. I am Celeste Morn, a Shadow of the Covenant, a faction in the Order that was discredited and defeated. Yes, that's true... However, it doesn't change the essence. I am still a Jedi Knight. And I want to return to the Order."
"Seriously?" I smirked. "Do you realize that this is a completely different Order, not the one you knew."
"I realize," she nodded. "But it doesn't change the essence, as I've already said. And now, may I freshen up?"
"There's a shower in this cabin," I opened the door to the bathroom with the Force. It was modestly equipped. The main part of the money went to the captain's cabin, which was mine. That's where everything was equipped with luxury. "The protocol droid is named HK-47. He's ordered not to attack you. As you've noticed, he's not a simple protocol droid. The round droid, an astromech, is called BB-7. He's very cute, if you think about it. I'll be in my quarters."
"Thank you," the girl said to my back as I left the room.
"It's my job, after all. Even if I'm a lousy Jedi."
Leaving the guest's cabin, I returned to my own… I didn't think she'd want to stay. No, there's a reason, of course. Celeste is a knight devoted to the Order. But four thousand years have passed. Not only the Shadow Covenant but also the Jedi Order could have undergone changes. Perhaps the reason she decided to stay is the Force connection… Honestly, maybe I was too hasty in connecting with her? A Sith's words should never be trusted. For them, it's in their nature to say one thing, imply another, and do a third. You could still try to trust those who are warrior Sith, although even then—with a very big stretch. How did Celeste Morn die in the original story? In the new canon, forgive the Force, she didn't exist at all. But in the true canon—she rather grew tired of her connection with Muur and holding him back. At least that's how that moment could be interpreted. I made a mistake and bound myself to her… Perhaps. After all, I need to gather supporters before the Clone Wars, not when it's urgent… Alexi became my temporary ally, whom I sent to spy on the "Black Sun" and Kabra. But I need constant allies and supporters… The only question is, will Celeste become one? There is room for doubt here.
She is a Shadow, just like me, if you recall the classification. And Shadows rarely play their own game by joining Order factions. Jonnal was more of an exception than the rule. Her faction was also more of an exception. Usually, Shadows are those who seek out darkness without stooping to the squabbles between possible Jedi currents, or rather, only stooping when the High Council might order someone to be killed. However, there is no more time to think. Did I save her on impulse? Quite possibly… The fact remains that I have to deal with the consequences until the end. We arrived on Coruscant a couple of days later. Celeste watched the capital of the Republic with curiosity. During the flight, I explained some nuances to her, including the Ruusan Reformation, which the girl, without any shyness about the fact that I am a Shadow and, as it were, can "kill for criticizing the High Council's decisions," spat on and swore a little, though not in all cases.
However, Revan's reaction was even more expressive. He spoke in a tone like Geralt in a well-known game: "you learn nothing, you f***ing learn nothing." He apparently saw my training as a chance to influence something. We were met in the Temple hangar, where, as usual, it was noisy, but a squad of four Temple Guardians met us. They were dressed in cloaks with hoods. The clothes were similar, in part, to mine. Also white, also cloaks with hoods. Except I didn't wear a mask covering my entire face.
"Hello, guys," I greeted the guards. I had sent a report to the Order about Celeste and Karnes. By the way, this time they didn't contact me via holotransmitter, but simply summoned me to the High Council chambers. Apparently, the Council is tired of my "games" and decided to talk face-to-face… Although I don't really stand out from the ranks of those not-so-ordinary Jedi Knights who can cause trouble. The Guardians treated Shadows a little more friendly than everyone else. After all, we do almost the same job. Diplomats from the "Jedi Consular" class treated us a little worse. And the worst treated us could be the defenders. Because it's classic underestimation and contempt from those who, like a knight without fear or reproach, run on the front lines, almost everywhere, with a saber in hand, while someone like me and other Shadows, meanwhile, secretly infiltrate like "rats." But if you think about it, most here, one way or another, are adult sentient beings and are above all sorts of "squabbles," like you are "dishonest," you "stab in the back," and so on.
"Is everything as usual here?"
"Light Flaingstar," one of the knights said. "The High Council awaits you. And Celeste Morn too." He turned to the girl walking behind me. "Celeste Morn, hand over your weapon," he extended his hand. NK and VV must remain on the starship.
"Welcome back," Celeste handed her lightsaber to the Guardian in such a way that the blade, if activated, would point towards the girl. This is a kind of etiquette and a demonstration of friendly intentions. The knight nodded, then waved his hand. The Guardians and I, with Celeste, moved towards the exit of the hangar. I must admit, our procession attracted glances. Of course, Guardians usually guard, not escort someone. Having passed through all the necessary corridors, catching all the necessary curious glances, we took the elevator to the High Council Tower. And the Council was in full force… I also, in absentia, introduced each of the present to Celeste. The Guardians did not stay in the room. And are they needed here? Even if Sidious himself came here, with Plagueis incarnate—the Guardians wouldn't do much, because the Masters present here—would deal with the Sith in a flash. No need to say that the Order has declined… It has declined, that's true. But I didn't doubt the combat skill of everyone present. With all my desire, I can currently defeat a Master, either "on my own turf" or one whose "combat specialization is so-so."
"Masters," I bowed slightly, greeting the Council.
"The Council greets you, Celeste Morn," Grand Master Yoda took the floor. "We were surprised by the reports of our knight, Light Flaingstar, about who he encountered."
What did I send to the Council? An edited story. I wouldn't claim that with the help of a Sith amulet I summoned the spirit of Revan himself and studied under him for a year, would I? No. No, the report described a whole epic, it was in addition to how I found NK on Mustafar. It said that NK contained information left by Revan, and I followed their trail. But I found much more than I could have imagined.
"To be honest, I was also surprised," the Jedi said. "I was placed in Drape's Ark—four thousand years ago… Approximately. And I woke up now."
"What about Drape's Ark, by the way? Light mentioned that it was destroyed, is that true?" Jocasta Nu asked.
"Yes," Celeste nodded. And why is she asking her? Unfortunately, the remnants of Karnes' Force lightning flew at Drape's Ark, so yes, that device was lost. After all, the Force lightning of such a Sith.
"And was Karnes Muur's spirit destroyed?" Dooku asked.
"All that remained were fragments of the amulet," I replied, taking them out of one of the bags. "Karnes' Force ghost, or rather his spirit, disappeared. And I no longer feel his presence."
"Undoubtedly these fragments belong to a dark artifact of great power," Yoda noted.
"With the help of the artifact—Karnes could spread the Rakghoul plague. On Jebble, in the cave I visited—I ran into a nekghoul. This is a Rakghoul, by classification, capable of wielding the Force. I destroyed the monster, and then opened the Ark and found Celeste," I looked at Dooku and levitated the fragments to him. "Karnes tried to possess my body, and then summoned the Rakghouls frozen and preserved in the cave. Under his influence—the mindless monsters acted in concert and were too dangerous. But we managed to defeat him."
"This is good news, you did well," Yaddle praised me. "You can be congratulated. Not everyone manages to resist someone so powerful and survive," gratitude emanated from the woman. She sincerely appreciated my high contribution.
"However, we will have to conceal the data about this operation," Tera Sinube noted. "And also send a mission of researchers to Jebble. Perhaps there are still some other information about Rakghouls and Sith there."
"The Mandalorians carried out a nuclear bombardment, respected Master," Celeste noted, looking uncertainly at the Kossian.
"Considering that you and the Ark were intact even after such a thing," Even Piell said, "it's quite possible something remained. We must consider all options. You have already missed the expedition. It has been sent. If you have anything to add to the information about Jebble—you can write your report," the Lannik looked at the girl with a stern gaze. "And now we must decide what to do with you, Celeste Morn. After so many years of imprisonment, you have come to the Order, although, I assure you, we would hardly have looked for you, even if you hadn't wanted to return and appear before us, if you hadn't started causing trouble, of course."
"I understand, respected Master," Celeste bowed slightly, "thank you for your honesty. For four thousand years I have been a Jedi… And no matter how many years pass, I will always remain one. Therefore, I would like to ask to return to the Order."
From some Masters, there was even surprise.
"Do you realize that the Order is no longer what you remembered?" Yoda asked. "We have changed, after the schisms that followed your times."
"Perhaps," Celeste agreed. "But, one way or another, I am a Jedi. I was a member of the Jedi Order and I know no other life. And I would hardly want to know it."
"Those are beautiful words," Dooku said, the remnants of Muur's amulet resting on his armchair's armrest. "However, we must take into account that you have awakened in a completely different Galaxy than the one you lived in."
"You need a companion, one who will help you get acquainted with the Galaxy," Yoda said. "And we have a candidate," Yoda looked at me expressively. A rather predictable, troublesome job. The girl turned her head towards me.
"I suspect—this is my new mission, to help Celeste get acquainted."
"You understand correctly," the possibly future Lord Tyranus said. "The Council will accept you into the ranks of the Jedi Order… Or rather, will reinstate your membership, Celeste Morn," Dooku continued. "However, without understanding the current realities—it will be dangerous to send you on missions. For many sentient beings. After all—we have all changed, but you have not."
"I understand," she nodded. "And I wanted to ask Light about something like that."
But I didn't want to babysit her at all. How can I search for Tulak Hord and summon him when there's a Shadow nearby, trained to eradicate the dark side of the Force? Yes, I intended to finish the saga with this amulet. The advice of such a sword master, and not only in fencing is he a master, will help me on the path to becoming a strong fighter. Whatever anyone says, personal strength can also decide a lot in this Galaxy. Supporters can be gained by pressing certain points at certain times. I have already begun to do so… Well, strength is developed through training, both practical and theoretical. What can be found even in "Star Wars"—"understanding the Force" and so on, clearly reminiscent of some Chinese cultivation novel. But that's how it is… Tulak Hord is an incredibly dangerous Sith, of the category: "before studying, make sure he is without arms and legs." But at the same time—studying his abilities is a necessity. I don't intend to become a Sith under his guidance, I consider him only as a combat unit, a warrior who can give a couple of useful tips… Will he want to work with me? And who asks him? As Sith-like as it may sound, I don't care about Tulak's consent. The amulet contains so-called: "restraining constructs," which are designed to prevent the summoned from attacking the summoner, but the summoner must activate them himself. Which is done by simple infusion of the Force and a mental message. No matter how skilled Hord is—my thought and use of the Force are many times faster. And Celeste Morn interferes in this game. Unpleasant… But not critical. She is a big girl and can, for example, go on a solo mission.
"What will my duties include? I've already started telling Celeste about the Galaxy."
"Lead her first assignments," Yaddle answered me. "We need to make sure that Knight Celeste organically 'returns' to the Order," she clasped her hands in front of her. "You must observe, point out mistakes, if any appear, in her perception of the surrounding Galaxy."
"And eliminate her, if everything goes badly," I remarked.
A sense of apprehension emanated from Celeste. Even considering her contact with Karnes, as well as her initial talent and skills she developed—she is no match for me.
"I will not let the Order down."
"It won't come to that," Yaddle said confidently. "I am sure that Celeste Morn will become a worthy Jedi Knight."
"I accept the Council's will in this matter," I can't refuse anyway. In a way, I pity her. Although I could have pressed the point that I have formed a Force connection, essentially with someone my age, which in theory can lead to attachments that can lead to a fall to some extent. But there were also advantages, due to which I could observe Celeste and was the ideal candidate. I am sure the Council decided that the one who saved the girl from Karnes Muur's possession, destroyed the one she guarded for so many years, relieved her of suffering—is an excellent observer, because she will definitely remember the services I rendered her, so to speak. And I am a member of the Jedi Order. Therefore, the realization of duty can grow into the realization of duty to the Order.
"Excellent," Jocasta Nu noted. "In that case, Celeste Morn still needs to go to the medical wing, where she will undergo an examination. And you should also get checked, Knight Light."
"We will follow your advice, Master," I bowed slightly. "If that's all, can we go? Masters?"
Yoda nodded.
"That's all, Knight Light."
I turned around and headed for the exit. Celeste followed.
"You know, I felt like something broke in you because of my assignment to you," the girl said as we rode down in the elevator. Force connection?
"Well, I had a couple of ideas regarding a new, big investigation. This time concerning a much earlier era from which you came. Honestly, Revan's era was an accident, formed from the desire to study someone more ancient. Will you mess up my plans? We'll see, Celeste. I can only say that I walk on the very edge, thin ice between methods permissible to Shadows and impermissible ones, for which it would be good to be killed," I looked into the girl's blue eyes. "And how will you perceive them? I've only known you for a couple of days. Yes, I saved you from a terrible fate. But I am the same as you. I was trained as a Shadow. And my specialization—in many ways resembles what you did as a member of the Shadow Covenant organization. That's why I'm thinking about how to proceed. Postpone the search for the threads I've obtained? Or continue, involving you in my activities? But will you keep silent, or try to eliminate me? Or perhaps reveal it to the Council? The mildest punishment is exile, and the greatest: imprisonment. Although… I wouldn't say I'm doing anything super dangerous."
What was the advantage of elevators in the Temple? There were no cameras in them. Because Jedi—now and then, they would jam cameras with ionization. Many were annoyed that even in the elevator you couldn't discuss something. But purely as a precaution, I still maintained a Force barrier against eavesdropping. It excluded absolutely all sounds. Only Celeste could hear my words.
"Hah," the girl smiled. And she has a beautiful smile. "In four thousand years, you have done much more than the entire Order. So I believe that Zayn sent you. And I will be happy to help you in something, but I don't feel like I will follow you completely. If you fall, be sure—I will kill you myself."
"We've been through this, you don't have to worry."
We reached the Order's medical wing. Jedi healers radiated some special aura, of kindness, perhaps. We were met at the entrance to the healing ward designated for Morn. A middle-aged Zeltron woman appeared before us. The woman looked confident and, to some extent, imperious, dressed in ordinary beige Jedi robes, which did not match her blue eyes, her pink skin, or her blue hair.
"Knight Light, I presume," the Zeltron said, looking at me. "And this girl—Celeste Morn," she turned her attention to Celeste. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Healer Akara, I was ordered to examine Celeste Morn. Come," she turned and walked into the ward. "Your presence, Knight Light—is not recommended. I think I don't need to say why."
"Yes, I guessed," when we were younglings—examinations were held every six months. And girls and boys were always separate. Of course, after all, they studied the reproductive systems of different races, including girls of the races we studied with, but the teachers there were so strict and created such an atmosphere that no one even laughed disgustingly in the back rows. Although I successfully slept through biology, as well as xenobiology. Or rather, I meditated, developing my talents in the Force. What did I see in biology? Even in my first life, I had everything "as a man." Although not for very long. "I will be waiting for you here. How long will the examination take?"
"About forty minutes," Akara said thoughtfully. "I need to conduct full analyses of all organ systems. Both with the Force and with technology. The High Council has instructed me to keep you informed about the health… hmm… This is not your Padawan, considering how you found her… Let's say: 'your temporary ward.' So I will report interesting moments, and I will include the boring ones in the report."
"As you wish," I nodded to the healer, and then looked at Celeste.
The girl smiled at me and walked forward. About forty minutes, huh? And what to do? Meditate? Stop, this feeling… Turning sharply, I noticed Master Yoda.
"Your senses have sharpened, Light," Yoda noted with satisfaction.
"Not enough, if I only noticed you now. You've been following us all this time?"
"I wasn't following you, I was following you. Celeste Morn's examination will take time. Knight Akara knows her job. We will talk during this time. I need to take you somewhere…"
"Something interesting?"
"Yes," Yoda nodded. "To the training hall."
"You want to fight me? But I won't be able to give you a worthy fight…"
"You are too modest," Yoda snorted. "He who underestimates himself is foolish and weak. He who overestimates himself is dangerous and foolish. You underestimate yourself. But no, it's not a fight that interests me. I want you to look at someone."
"Someone… The training hall… Do you want to give me a Padawan too? In addition to Celeste Morn?"
"You are perceptive," Yoda noted.
"With all due respect, I'm not ready…"
"That's a misconception," Yoda said. "Let's go. We have time."