«Aye, two, aye, two, pull up! Arms wide, put your foot further out....
«Shade," Vessira, or as she allowed us to call her, Wes, said anguishedly. - Quiet down, please, I'm sick of it without you.
«And anyway, it's because of you we have to take the blame now, - Zeng raised his voice.
«What about me? I'm nothing! I didn't break the workbench.
«Yes, you did.
«Hey!
«It's more accurate to say you dropped someone on it," Lina interjected.
«Gra-a-a-a-a-a-a.
«There! Even Gris agrees with us.
«Come on, guys. It's not that bad.
«We're walking at night, in the silent desert, at minus ten, with the goal of finding some hidden orb," Lina monotonously rambled. - HOW could it get any worse?
«We could step in the daytime," Ramira shrugged. - At plus forty. I don't know about you, but I don't know how to use the Force to create a layer between my skin and the atmosphere to give my body a comfortable temperature.
«That's true. I'll have to ask the Uval Master about that," I nod.
«Shade, don't. He's ready to kill you already, so don't make it worse.
«No, it's a mutual love affair.
«Fhfh...," Wes choked.
«R-r-r-r-ra-a.
«From where? Well, it's just that Master Uval is an old acquaintance of Mother's. I might suspect they went to school together, I don't know exactly. But he used to come to me often and... If I may say so, looked after me when I was home-schooled, like the master from Qigong Kesha, where my mother was going and basically put me. But! Things didn't go well with him from the start.
«Can you elaborate?
«I had an unstable Force from the beginning. I've always been a bit emotional, and it stressed him out. I have to admit, not unreasonably so. He once mentioned to my mother that he wanted to exile me to Bogan, and she punched him in the face for it. We've hated each other ever since. I've tried to do my best to do bad things, and I've tried to do them to the best of my ability, but he's been stoic about it and tried to find a way out of it for me. Nothing serious, but the fact that I had the nerve to openly smack one of the first teachers of Qigong Kesha in the face with a plate of.....
I didn't get a chance to finish. Suddenly, the ground shook and something started to come out right under us. People jumped aside, and when we turned around - we saw a huge carcass of a flint lizard. It was about three metres tall, a broad creature with tough, spiky, sparkling scales and violet eyes. Six muscular paws and two rows of crystal sharp teeth.
«I think I'd walk during the day..." Lina exhaled.
When the Wookiee spotted the largest of the creatures, the creature, despite its size, dashed straight for him. Zeng and Feng were the first to react. They grabbed the lizard's tail with their strength and dragged it towards them. This action was accompanied by a wild roar from the lizard.
Lina was the next to get involved. Jumping on the creature's head, she grabbed her stilettos, given to her by her father, and stuck them right into the monster's eyes. Except instead of blood, the wound spattered dust and sand. The lizard roared even louder. Throwing the girl up on her nose, it tried to grab her, but a flying kick from Vassira's leg knocked the monster's jaws off the falling Miraluka. Pulling out my blades, a gift from my mother, I stabbed them into the monster's belly on the fly. From the other side, a wookiee's axe slams into the lizard. A wild roar - and from the creature goes shockwave, throwing us all around, I only had time to put a force barrier.
When I regain consciousness, I get up and see the electrified wookiee. The shock, fuelled by adrenaline, erupts into wild laughter. Meanwhile, orientated by the sound, the creature headed straight for me.
«S-sura! - I shout, bouncing away. The creature follows right behind me. It can hear and smell me clearly.
A dodge, its jaws snap a metre from my hand. A leap, and another snap of teeth right in front of me. Land and roll. Tons of sand rises where I landed due to the enraged creature. A new leap at me, but this time a powerful shockwave lands right in the side of the lizard. I turn at the source and immediately begin to choke.
«Don't you dare! - screams an angry Wes. Her fur was just as electrified as the wookiee's. What was going on in her head was beyond description. - Don't even think about it.
«K-bark.
«No!
«Pha-ha-ha-ha-ha..." I couldn't stand it, and I paid for it immediately. The recovered lizard came at me again, but this time it was intercepted by the twins. They struck the lizard's face with the Force, disorienting it. It was the Wookiee who finished it off. Picking up his axe, he split the lizard's skull.
«Well..." Zeng said, wiping sweat from his forehead.
«... something like that," Feng finished.
«Don't get excited yet," Ramira said, pointing to seven more rising sand hills.
«VALIM!!! - I shouted with all my might and, putting my swords in their sheaths, was the first to dash away. The guys orientated themselves quickly, and now we are already a friendly crowd dragging away from a group of evil reptiles.
«Who suggested walking through the silent desert at night? - Feng exclaimed.
«Gris! - Ratted out the furry myrmiluk.
«A gru-u-u!
«Tython's fauna should be taught! He didn't know," I shouted back.
«By the way, flint lizards do not care about the time of day, - said Ramira.
«Stop talking and get a move on! - Wes shouted.
«Ar-ru gra ar-gra-aru.
«We barely overpowered one, and you want to kill seven more.
«Ugra-a ar ar argra-a.
«If you're so clever, go and beat them, and we'll see, - the wookiee looked back, and immediately increased his pace.
«Kar-ru-ra a-ru-u.
«What? Change your mind? That's right!
«Guys! - I call out and point to a group of fighters flying towards us.
When they reached us, three fighters opened fire on the lizards, killing three of them and scaring the rest. We, on the other hand, finally stopped and dropped to the sand. Soon the aircraft landed, and we were approached by....
«Master Ga-a-a-aro-o-os," I said happily, without a trace of humour. I never thought I'd be happy to see this sly-ass bore.
«What are you doing? - he exclaimed.
«So it's... We were doing your errand," I answered for everyone.
«Tell me honestly, are you idiots?
«Э?
«Your target is ten kilometres away from here, and it's in the safe lands of the temple, - we looked in the direction where he was pointing with his hand. Oops... - But okay, you're bad at geography, answer me please... WHY did you go camping at night?????
«Well.
«Whose idea was it? - he looked at our group with a menacing stare. Everyone sat with their heads down, not daring to look up. - You're lucky it was only the Flintstones. Who is the "genius" who came up with this "bright" idea? - Yes, the sarcasm and sarcasm in the voice of the master was overflowing... Looking at my comrades, I sigh:
«Mine, - I answered, getting up from the sand and shaking off my trousers. The others immediately raised their heads, especially Wookiee, whose eyes read: "What?".
«Yeah, who else would have thought of that," he said. - And it would be all right for you, but where are you going? - He turned to the others. - Ramira. You're a clever girl, you didn't have to go with them, you've got your punishment lifted, why did you go?
«Because they're friends. And classmates. I wanted to help. In case someone got hurt.
«Yeah, well, it could happen to them," the Master nodded.
«Gu-r-r-r-ra ar-r-r ra-r.
«Gris? What are you talking about? - The Master frowned.
«'Nothing, he's just a silly furry mat who can't keep quiet,' I interjected, crushing the Wookiee with a glare. Yeah... Giving Wookiee a stare, good joke, but it worked nonetheless.
«М? - now the master looked at me.
«Master Gris, I'm the fool who dragged the whole group out into the desert at night. I took them to the wrong place. I admit my guilt, and I'm ready to be punished.
After these words, silence fell. No one said anything, and I looked expectantly at the master, and he respectively at me. If I hadn't messed up in the temple, we wouldn't be here at all, and Gris... Everyone makes mistakes. Besides, I'm kind of the team leader... Was. And I was the one who made the final decision. I knew about those things, but I also knew that our target was on safe ground, so I agreed to go at night. I had no idea that we could accidentally enter the wilderness, so... No matter how I look at it, it's my fault.
«What am I supposed to do with you guys?
«They'll understand and let them go, and I'll be reprimanded," I shrug.
«And you won't even resent it? - He was surprised.
«It's for the cause.
«And you are not hopeless. Well, if that's the case, then everyone load into the hold," he pointed to his ship. The group of tired students got up and headed for the car. - And you," his gaze returned to me, "will continue with your assignment. The safe zone is over there," he pointed in the direction. - Can you get there by yourself?
«Mm-hmm.
«Any questions?
«No questions.
«All right! What are we doing?
«Ehhh..." I sigh heavily, adjusting my swords and heading towards the temple. It's going to be a long night.
***
I didn't return to my room until two days later. I had to keep my vision of the Force as wide open as possible the whole time to find the damn kaiber crystal that had been purposefully thrown out in the sands. The silent desert absorbed not only sounds but also the Force, so I had to work doubly hard. Why is it that the Je'daii can navigate it so well? Because they use Force vision, which is a different thing. I use waves for vision. And given that the sand absorbed the waves perfectly, I had to scan everything within a twenty-metre radius, or to put it simply, I had to check almost the entire territory, and where I found the stone, I had already passed it three times before and didn't find it. There was nowhere to eat, of course, but thanks to the Force, Je'daii were much more resilient than others, and I had water with me. (Yeah, to go into the desert without water, you'd have to be crazy.)
The crystal itself was a completely white, uncut stone. Master Garos, seeing my diligence, allowed me to keep it as a trophy, no other than taking pity on my agony... and gave me some tips on its use. It turns out that such crystals are not at all uncommon on Tython, and are used extensively in any kind of machinery or device. Kyber crystals are excellent at focusing the Force and are used to create ship reactors, weapons, medical equipment, and more. They are also used for direct use of the Force. Clothing with a kaiber crystal does a pretty good job of enhancing the wearer's connection to the Force. What's also interesting is that crystals are sentient. At least that's what it's believed to be. It turns out that if you meditate on one crystal for a long time, and let your energy flow exclusively through it, the stone will listen only to you. Well, at least that's what they say, but that doesn't stop people from shoving these stones wherever they can and can't.
So, some clever people have made special blasters for themselves. Others have made gloves that can take or deflect enormous pressure from the Force. Like ball lightning. J'dai has to work hard to stop it. But if he wore such a glove, the kaiber crystal would do the work of its owner, dissipating the lightning's energy. All it takes is a small pulse, and that's it.
Also, the personal character of the creature is affected here. Depending on what emotions the host is feeling, as well as his personal qualities, the crystal can change colour. For example, if you have fallen to the dark side, then want - do not want - but the crystal will be coloured red. But this is only if you have a connection with it. If it's yours, so to speak. So I guess I'm kind of lucky. I got an intact crystal. On the other hand, it's a reward for the victor. Under ideal circumstances, the punishment we were going through was considered a test for the older groups, and people didn't think I'd be stubborn enough to actually find it.
Taking a glimpse of myself in the mirror before heading for the shower, I'm forced to admit, I don't look much like my old self. My black hair is shaggy, and I'm so dirty that in some places you can't see my characteristic "predatory" and "pointed" pigments. My clothes are not better either, my waistcoat is torn, as well as my sleeveless T-shirt, I'm not talking about my trousers, they are just for rags. One good thing is that my shoes are intact - if I'd lost or damaged them, Mum would have been very offended. Such aby-here do not get that boots have fastenings on the bend of the joint and do not interfere with mobility during acrobatic stunts. And they don't fall off during them. Okay, enough looking at myself, it's time to shower and go to bed.
When I got to class the next day, I was quietly shocked. The guys were sitting sour and sour, and they were looking at me... Well... I don't know. I would call that look hunted, or guilty... In the second degree. The highlight was an emotion that gave me goosebumps. Not a very pleasant sensation.
«What are you doing?! - The surprise was more genuine than anything else. I really didn't understand what they were doing, because I'd gotten myself into trouble, and I'd cleaned it up myself. Maybe something happened while I was away?
«You're not angry? - Lina was surprised.
«At what?
«Well... We left you there, and you... for all of us... served your sentence," Ramira mumbled, surrounded by the twins. The boys have been looking after the girl like the apple of their eye lately.
«It's not really your fault," I shrugged. - If I hadn't made that scene, everything would have been fine. I have to apologise to you for involving you. And I'll have to check on the technicians, because it was really uncomfortable.
«But you stood up for us! - Feng howled. - Rias was all over us, calling us weak and telling us what to do. But then you showed up... with a kick, sending him into the workbench. And then it was a smash-and-grab. And anyway.
«What the hell's going on? - I'm interrupting the bastard. - We Taitons are a free people. We decide for ourselves what to do, how to do it and when to do it. Besides, I can't stand it when important people think they're better than everyone else. If you're strong, good for you. But if you bend others, there will be someone who will bend you. That's the way it's always been, always will be. We were the first to occupy that machine, and even though he's almost a graduate, that doesn't give him the right to bully us.
«That's why we're apologising," Wes said. - You're always sticking up for us, helping and getting, and we...
«Forget it," I waved her off and turned back to my desk. When I get there, I fall back in my chair. - We're friends, after all. I know I can count on you in case of anything, and I don't need more than that. - I smile and look at the guys. Mum was right, my entourage appeared on its own, I just had to wait a bit. Ramira cried in general, jumped up sharply and ran up and hugged me. - So, come on, everyone is looking at us! - I exclaimed, pointing at the giggling group.
«No. Let everyone know how shy you are," Wes sang out, settling herself right on my desk. Her pose was so provocative that my self-control wavered. Her lush breasts, slim figure, and shooting eyes worked for this cat. And this was my second year, after all, I could feel the hormones kicking in. And I can't deny that this cat is very pretty.
«Oh!" Ramira exclaimed, inadvertently stumbling into the aftermath of my reaction. - Why...
«OK, OK! - I shouted, hitting the table and throwing Ramira off. Weight and she jumped up in surprise.
«PHa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha..." the guys laughed, while Wes leaned over, licked my cheek and walked back to her desk, leaving me in a silent stupor.
So... Is that what that was about?!
***
«...and I'm telling you, there's no use cutting that thing. It has no blood. You have to chop it up!
«But something's coming out!
«Yeah, sand and dust.
«But it can't keep coming out forever.
«Are you sure?
«What are you boys arguing about? - Ramira hangs between them with her arms round each of their necks.
«About the flintknapper. - I answer calmly, and then I add. - You boys are both wrong.
«What?!
«Ouyr-r-r-r-ri gr-a-o.
«Yeah, a blow to the head with a hammer will do no-one any favours!
«Ga-r-r-r-r u-u-i-r.
«And the axe. And a rock. And any heavy object, and if that object is spiked, then....
«Anyway, lads, if we ever see one of these things again, we hit it right on the forehead with a heavy object. Any questions? - The twins shook their heads in denial. - All right!
«Y-ieo-ey-oi.
«I don't disagree, trophies are a sacred thing, but who's going to carry them?
«R-r-ri ar-rg u-u-r.
«Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.
«I don't care if it's ten! As long as he does.
«This one will," Wes stated. The Wookiee himself was smiling with a full-mouth grin.
«All right, guys, come on. I still have some work to do for Master Garos.
«For what this time? - Lina asked mischievously.
«"Misbehaviour in the presence of elders," I put the quote in inverted commas. - The usual.
«All right, see you later.
«See you later, Lee.
«Gra-i-i-i-i.
«Bye Gris," I got a hug.
«Zeng, Feng, Ramira," I give a slight bow to the three Zabrakis.
«Come on Shade," they bow slightly as well. It is interesting that each nation has its own kind of greeting and farewell. The Zabrak have a slight bow, the Wookiee have a handshake, or if you're a close human... creature, they'll give you a hug. With the miraluk, it's an obscure hand pass, which I've turned into a high-five. But that's only with Lee, with others it's "tradition". But with Wes...
«Good luck," she whispered, and licked my cheek, then turned around and, walking from the hip, led the others. And her tail is scorching. From side to side, in sharp jerks, one, one, one. Heh.
In fact, every goodbye or meeting with her turned into a mini game, as they call it: "Lick Shade." I've been meaning to make a note to myself for days now, to see for once what this action means, because I can't believe it's just a 'gesture of friendship'. But every time I either forget, or I'm too lazy to go and ask. Especially after I've done the work. Or extra classes. Or all of the above. And she just shoots her eyes and doesn't say a word. I tried to find out from our guys, but some of them shrug their shoulders, some of them don't say anything, and some of them blush suspiciously. Eh... Well, what did the master come up with today? There's something new every day.
«Master Garos? - I call the Zabrak. Wait... Why is he so happy?
«Ah, Shade. Master Tzikuna was looking for you," this... this... this... GAD!
«What?!
«She's in the next room. Also, you'll be practising with her, good luck, my best student! - And the face, what a face... Give me a brick! Or at least a lemon. A whole one.
«Master Garos! Do you have a conscience?
«Why?
«Instead of sympathising with your favourite student, you mock him!
«You're the favourite?
«You're so fond of giving me detention. Especially at your place. Besides, you're the one who said I'm the best!
«The best? Maybe. From the end.
«That's a shame," I grumble.
«And that's a good thing. - He raised his finger.
«What about the workouts? И...
«What else to do when others complain about you? - he interrupted me. - No, just think about it... - he took out a sheet of paper from behind his back and read it out. - ... "Broke my desktop..."
«That wasn't me! It was me.
«... "Cussed at meditation"....
«Eloquently expressed his opinion.
«"Broke the horns of a Devaronian traveller."
«without using the Force!
«... "Drove Master Rune into a psychosis," he paused. - HOW?! How did you do that? He's a Talid! And he's a monk! They have a racial mental stability honed by many spiritual meditations, HOW did you throw him off balance? - I had a pile of papers shoved in front of my face.
«Why did he tell me I was the dark side of the force? All I did was prove him wrong!
«You showed me how right he is! And I agree with him completely. What's more, he's started drinking with Master Uval, whom I won't even mention. But what kills me the most is..." he glanced at the sheet. - "Asking questions in the wrong place at the wrong time." What is that supposed to mean?!
«What am I supposed to do if the masters are running away from me?
«That's why they're running away from you, cos they're fed up with you. They don't want to take you on as a labourer, as long as they don't see you. But no, you'll get them from under the ground. The only one who's happy to take you on is Master Drags.
«But I'm interested! - I'm indignant.
«How, how can you have so much energy? Even Aala was more restrained than you..." He remembers something. - Although, almost all the guys in the neighbourhood were running away from her, but she was scaring them away, but you... You cling like a parasite and won't rest until you suck out the information you need!
«Don't exaggerate. I'm persistent, but I'm not that persistent.
«Tell that to Master Rune," he snorted.
«Okay. I'll tell him when I see him.
«NO! Don't! In fact, don't go near him.
«But you--
«That's it! That's enough. Go on. I'm already talking to you.
Before I could get a word in edgewise, I was out the door. Yeah. That was awkward. But nothing, nothing, she'll go away a little, I'll come back with something tasty, apologise and make up. I guess so. Maybe.