We spent about three taqedas on Chikaga. Still, things were getting messy, and without a third party, things could have gone the wrong way. No, in fact, we never interfered, everything was always resolved peacefully, we just witnessed the agreements between the parties. The teacher, though he still reminded me of the setup, but more in a joking way, back to my training.
As it turned out, Irbis was no ordinary master. He was personally trained by Tsikuna and had a specialised education from the Akar Kesh Temple, a temple of balance. Well... not surprising, given Irbis's temperament and his fixation on order. So, he showed me how to immerse myself in a special form of meditation and thus see beyond the edge. It was called foresight, and although all Je'daii possessed it to a small degree, only a few could truly foresee. Irbis was one of those who could foresee, but not too much. He tried to see for himself what was in store for him in my pair. As Irbis said, "Pain, humiliation, shame." Hurt, indeed, where had I wronged him like that? In response, he recalled our acquaintance. Mm-hm, yes, everything is present and in that order. Shit... I felt a twinge of conscience, it was embarrassing.
But then he confessed that, judging by the same foresight, there would be problems with me, but there would come a moment when I would save his life with a flaming sword, so, in spite of everything, Irbis didn't even think of giving me up to the council. He became strange abruptly, which scared me a little, but once the Force doesn't affect a reasonable person.
After that conversation, our relationship had mellowed a bit. At least we didn't try to screw each other up, and sometimes we even had good conversations. And back to the technique of foresight, Irbis, playing the role of a teacher, tried to inform me about it and how to use it.
What can I say? I'm a lousy soothsayer. Thanks to my mother and her game of "dodgeball" I already had the foresight, but specifically the blow, so I calmly dodged not even from the projectile, but from the trajectory on which it will go. It worked, however, only for three seconds ahead, and then - well, no way. I could not "tear the veil and see the future", and frankly did not understand how Irbis did it. I could not immerse myself in either the light or the dark aspect... But at least I tried! Sometimes. When I wasn't in a phlegmatic state. Sometimes, when I was really, really bored, I'd get so bored that I'd lie on the floor and stare at the ceiling during Hadiya's meetings and almost nothing could shake me. Unless someone tries to stab Hadiya right now, then yeah, I'm going to get up and show the bastard how wrong he is for distracting me from staring at the ceiling!
Speaking of Hadiya, I met her father the other day. Twi'lek's a hardened, hardened, hard-ass Twi'lek. He and I couldn't have a normal conversation. My "fuck" clashed with his "want." Hadiya had put up with my trait and just stopped paying attention to my behaviour, but her father couldn't. That's why after the first face-to-face meeting we never spoke again. Just occasionally, rarely, on the phone, and then only on business.
One thing was good, this type, as well as the daughter (or vice versa?) had a personal code, which he adhered to, so personally I could at least deal with him. What can't be said about the Ryo clan, who tried to hire me as a mercenary for personal use. At first I ignored it, then laughed, but when Hadiya came to me with a request to ward off impudent strangers, I had to explain to them that I was not a soldier, not a mercenary, and in general did not do business with scumbags. Yes, it turns out there are even bigger creatures on Chicago than the ones I knew about. But I'm not surprised, it's the culture, it's the people.
And that's where Hadiya stood out on the bright side. At least as far as I'm concerned. Yeah, the girl has a bit of a personality. For example, I've been poked once with a knife point, with a cute smile on my lips, when I started protesting against some very fierce game I refused to participate in.
«Hadiya... Let me remind you that I'm only keeping you safe. Nothing more, nothing less. And I think poking your friends with a stabbing weapon is a mauvais," I said with feigned indignation. The little one herself doesn't even have the slightest thought of actually hurting me. So it's a peculiarity of her upbringing.
«Are you really going to leave me to these dishonourable scum?
«You know... yes!" they took the knife away from me, crossed their arms over their chests, and gave me a judgemental look with a resentful frown. Oh... I love that face, who knew? - Physically you will not be touched, yes, but morally... Well, no, you will not drag me into this swamp, don't even hope.
«I wish I could. A personal Je'Daii, that's so prestigious.
«Isn't that a lot to take on? - I chuckle.
«Okay, let me rephrase that," she said with an impulsive wave of her knife. - A close friend of Je'Dayi's who is willing to stand up for him is a very serious argument in any negotiation.
«Don't try to appeal to my pity," I waved her off and turned around.
«Hey!
«What?
«Shade, they'll suck the life out of me," Hadiya jumped up, her eyes wide with devotion.
«What do you want me to do?
«I want you to scare them. Just a little. You see, the whole colour of society is going to be there.
«More like dirt," I snort.
«Say what you want, it doesn't matter. And of course they'll try to make eyes at me, I'm a favourable party, especially in view of recent events.
«И?
«She-e-e-e-e-e-aid, please, make it look like I'm a suitor, at least to get the others to back off. Please, please, please, please. I have no-one else to ask but you, you're the only one I trust like myself.
I'm standing there, looking into those eyes, and the funny thing is, I realise I'm not being lied to. Hadiya had never tried to lie after we met, and she'd even stopped understating things, no other way than by overestimating my trust.
Now she's just screaming her heart out. Also, I'm amused by the fact that she really looks at me as someone very, very close and important. I've even caught her doing my requests herself. Her father can't make her do anything against her will, she's too willful, but I regularly get "Sweet Joy" brought to me personally, along with a special brewed vork. delivered to my room in the evening before I go to bed.
«And Dad? - I raise an eyebrow.
«Well... I trust Dad too, but, in general - help me!
«What's in it for me?
«I'll kiss you!
«Grow up! - I flick you on the nose. - That's a start," I said, smiling as she wiggled her nose funny.
«What do you want?
«Do you know anything about the Stargazers?
«A sect of fanatics trying to escape the system by any means necessary. Escape, not murder," she corrected herself. - Why?
«I need information on them. Everything I can get my hands on. Who, where they're from, their leader, dates of creation. Anything you can dig up, even if it's crumbs.
«It's not going to be that easy," she pulled away, tapping the tip of the knife thoughtfully against her lips. - They're very... fanatical. We do business with them, of course, and they have branches in Chicago, but at the same time... Well, it's complicated. Why do you want to know?
«It's personal. My father's been missing for 20 years and this obscure organisation has something to do with him.
«Mm-hm. All right, I'll find out what I can. But I'll tell you right away, it's not gonna be quick. Very, very slow. They're paranoid as far as I'm concerned.
«It's okay, I'm in no rush.
«Mm-hmm. So what's the deal? I'll try to gather information on the cult, and you play my favourite?
«"Boyfriend," I correct.
«What's the difference?
«I'm not gonna let you hang all over me.
«Ooh, you're a bigger villain than I am! - They were indignant, but then they smiled. - I'm so proud of you.
«Hadiya. - I sigh. - I don't know how I got involved in all this.
So I had to play the role of Hadiya's suitor at one of the Chicago leaders' meetings. Which is to stand there, silent, exuding a dark aura and glaring angrily at anyone who dares to approach "my girl." I don't know if it was fortunate or not, but I did a hundred and ten per cent good job, I really wanted to send all those "creatures" to a private meeting with the Force. Irbis, the bastard, reminded me of that for a long time and teased me about it. And what's more, he started blackmailing me!
«Irbis, do you have a conscience? You're a Je'Dayi, after all!
«So what if I'm a Je'Daii? I don't know anything, and it's not for you to talk about my conscience.
«But if you dare tell Vessira, or even Mum, I'll give you an accident, I swear! - I'm going after that wrong J'Daye. I'm definitely a bad influence on him. Or is it the planet's influence?
«All right, all right, I was just kidding. I didn't see anything," Irbis raised his hands conciliatorily, backing away, but there's his face... So, where's the brick?
Apparently, sensing something like that, my "teacher", referring to urgent matters, preferred to retreat. But what I did not take into account is the resonance that will be raised in certain circles. The heiress of the clan has found her future husband, and he is JE'DAYI! What news, what passion, wow!
I didn't think that Wes and Mama... especially Mama (why should I?) would be so careful about it, and when the rumour reached them, I had to spend a long - a very long time - explaining the whole story to my hysterical beloved catgirl.
«Wes, look, it's just an act I've been asked to put on for the public to temporarily deter the zealous.
«Yoo-hoo," came a howl from the other side.
«Just listen to the rest of the play and then shout, okay? - Since I'm a bodyguard and spend a lot of time with Hadiya, they thought it would be logical to put out a legend that I'm her future husband. She herself will be able to marry only in a year... or a little less, I don't know, I don't care. Anyway, it's a bit of a slip of the tongue. And you, my sweet, kawaii wonder that I will never, ever leave behind. Irbis, come here! - I beckoned to the teacher standing next to me, with eyes full of genuine sympathy.
«Yes, yes, Vessira, that's right. I was one of the initiators of this idea. I apologise for not informing you, I didn't think not only of the necessity, but also of the fact that you monitor our news. I sincerely apologise!
Eyes wide open, I looked at Irbis in disbelief. This Nogri had just soared to unprecedented heights in my eyes!
«W-really?
«Yes, Wes, that's right, you know me, I've never lied to you in my life, and I'm just the way I am, brash, boorish, and a truth-teller. So please, just calm down. In fact, we're about to finish up here and go on another mission. Where are you guys now, by the way?
«Wes went to wash her face," came her mother's voice from the speaker.
«Hi, Mum," I sighed tiredly, rubbing the bridge of my nose. It's too bad that interplanetary communication is established only with the help of special spires, or bulky equipment. I'm afraid to imagine how Wes has worked herself up into a tizzy while we've had another pre-arranged communication session. Although, on the other hand, don't they practice harems? Right! Don't think about it! I'm a decent human... togru... half-breed.
«Hello, Shade. We're on Krev-Keur at the moment, a research team with one of the J'Daiyans is missing, so we're looking for them.
«Right. Mum, are you all right yourself?
«Yeah, more than all right. Here, I'm training your little Eeyore. You know, she's got talent.
«I don't even want to know," I mumble. - I've got enough maniacs here.
«Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! You think too badly of me," Mum laughed heartily.
«I know you too well. What about her?
«Well, as soon as she found out, she panicked. I consoled her as best I could. It helped. Now she's washed her face, cleaned up, she looks different. Yes, Vessira?
«Mistress Aala-ah-ah! - I heard an outrage.
«All right, I'll leave you...
Irbis also left the room, and we were able to talk in private. Having finally calmed down my favourite long-eared kitty, I took her thoughts to the side of business and further plans. If possible, we promised to cross paths, and there - as it turns out.
And after the end of the connection I thought sadly that we were flying through space, planets were colonised, but there was no analogue of the Internet. Moreover, even so, there are certain problems with communication!
«Irbis, - I call the nogri waiting for me outside the door.
«М?
«Thank you.
«What am I hearing... Or is my hearing deceiving me? - The bastard recoiled with a feigned recoil.
«Thank you, I say.
«Heh. You're welcome.
«But don't get proud, I don't like you anyway, and you can't make me follow etiquette!
«Oh, great power, I don't need to throw grits at the wall. Spare my nerves, Shade! - he smirked at me.
«All right, I will. Do you know where we're going afterwards? - I asked, walking out the door. - Thank you," I nodded to the dispatcher, which I received in return. When you have a big antenna in your own house, life gets a lot easier. Hadiya's clan had two.
«I have no idea. I wonder where they'll send me.
«Yeah.
But I didn't know how right I'd be with my words, "We'll be leaving soon." After only two taqedas we received an official confirmation that the task had been completed, and now we could leave. True no new assignment had been issued, so Irbis considered it a time to rest. A holiday from Chikagu and its madness, so no resort I could even dream of. Je'Dayam can only dream of a holiday.
It is even somewhat paradoxical. Those who cry out for peace and tranquillity are always very active. And so it is with us - Irbis has come up with a new activity for us... Or rather not for us, but for me specifically. And everything would be all right, but this mu...chitel is also distinguished by a good memory and decided to get back at me for all the good things. But I didn't know that yet, and there was one more challenge ahead.
«Shade!!! - Hadiya came rumbling into my room as I was packing up my small belongings.
«Hey, Sunshine.
«What do you mean you're leaving already?!
«Like this,' I shrugged and, taking a bite of my batochik, tied my bag.
Hrum-hrum.
«Task completed, now on to the next one.
«But I still need security!
«Hadiya," I sigh, turning to the anxious and even somewhat frightened girl. - Calm down. The Shea Clan is no longer a threat, they've been crushed and rolled on top of it, so everything will be fine now. And I... My services are no longer required, so I'll be going.
«Hey, why am I only finding out about this now?! - she jumped up and poked me with her fingernail, giving me a menacing look in her eyes.
«Well, the order just came in today. What do you care? - I took her hand and took it aside. You have your life, I have mine. I'm a stranger here.
«No, you're not!
«Are you?
«Yes! And whoever says otherwise will be talking to me! - and they even stomped their feet to prove it. Really, being in heels, it looked very comical and cute.
«I don't doubt it, but still, I really have to go.
«But, um.
«Hadiya, calm down. The system is small, we can always contact each other, or we can cross paths later. Besides, I still haven't got the information on the Stargazers.
«I'm sorry. There... there were some complications," the girl faltered. And then she cheered up. - That's right! Stargazers. Maybe you could stay a little longer? And I can tell you something about them?
«Sadly, no.
«Mm-mm," the little one pursed her lips.
«I've left my contacts, so you know how to get in touch with me. And if you have any problems, you can contact me.
«From now on, anyone who dares to cross me will be in trouble, I was promised. - And cross me.
«Is that a threat? - I raise an eyebrow.
«A statement of fact.
«What if I'm on the road?
«Then you'll get a lift," she smiled a little, flushed with embarrassment.
«It's not always what we want to happen," I shook my head with a sigh.
«Yes, but we can do some things. You'll stop by sometime, won't you?
«If possible," I shrugged. - I don't know how it's going to work out, but if I'm in Chicago, I'll be sure to stop by.
«Um. Ah..." she opened her mouth, but immediately froze.
«What?
«No, nothing.
«Suit yourself.
Putting my bag on my shoulder and fixing my swords, I went to the exit.
«Wait!
«М? - I turn round and find myself in a hug.
«Thank you. Thank you for everything, Shade. These few taqedas spent in your company have been the best of my life!
«Hey, Hadiya, what are you doing?!
«Shush, I didn't finish my sentence! - snorted at me, raising glazed but serious eyes. - I... realise you're a stranger here. You've never asked for anything, never even mentioned money. What's more, you've never flattered or tried to please anyone. With you, I could relax, realise I was behind a wall. You can't relax here. You can always be bribed, you can always be pressured, you can always be poached. But not you. You just came and helped. Just like that. Just because you wanted to. And you were there for me. Just because. It's hard for me to understand. It's still hard, even though I've tried! But thank you. For everything. And the next time you come here, I promise it will be different and you'll get a proper welcome.
«Heh, well, look. So I'll see you later, then?
«Mm-hmm. Now get out of here before I change my mind!
«Erm, changed your mind about what?
«So I don't leave you here," they mumbled, turning away.
«N-yeah... W-women," I snickered, adjusting my bag and leaving the room. Even so, I couldn't help but admit that if Hadiya were older, Wes would be worried, she was a girl after all. But as it is, she's just a little girl. When she's a year or two old, it'll be a different story. Age is a disadvantage that will pass quickly, but I think Hadiya will have a different life there, and I'll be somewhere in the past, in her short list of friends.
When I left the clan house, I met my teacher at the gate.
«Did you say goodbye? - Irbis asked with his paws folded across his chest.
«Yeah.
«She liked you, didn't she?
«I know she did.
«И?
«And what? I have Wes.
«Ah, first love, children's hearts..." He looked dreamily at the sky.
«Irbis," I squinted at him.
«I just wanted to express my opinion about this wonderful time, what's the big deal?
«Keep it to yourself.
«Are you sure?
«Positive.
That was the end of the Chicago adventure, and there were more to come.
«So, where are we going? - I'm looking at the teacher.
«Knox. I was warned that there are some strange movements there, and if it goes on like this, we'll probably have to fly there and see what's going on.
«What's the "stirring"? - I waved my hand uncertainly.
«The electronics shipments are being disrupted. As far as I understand, there's something to do with a workers' strike, or with resources... Anyway, we'll see what happens on the ground.
«That's if it doesn't work itself out.
«If you knew politics, you'd know it's not going to work itself out," Irbis shook his head as he followed the shuttle that had landed to take us to the transport ship.
Unlike later, we don't have liners shuttling between planets, nor do we have fast ships. For example, from Tython to Chikagu we flew a takeda and a half, and that's assuming the planets were in a row at that point. What if it's on the other side of the star system? That's the thing, space transitions here take a hell of a lot of time. It'd be easier if we had the internet, but we don't. Hmm. Can we do it? Like, I've got an idea.
«Shade!
«Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah?
«Were you even listening to me?
«Absolutely!
«Repeat what I said.
«You said there's trouble on Knox and we'll probably have to deal with it.
«You're the worst student I've ever had..." Irbis exhaled doomedly.
«Is that a compliment?
«Don't get too excited, it's five taeked to Knox.
«You'll have to see my face for five taqedas. I don't know how we got to Chicago without killing each other, and there's a number... bigger.
Irbis did not answer, only smiled at the corners of his lips, but gloating at his emotions for a moment. I don't get it... What's he up to?!
«Master?
«Oh, I'm already a master? I'm growing," his smile grew wider.
«Master, you're scaring me.
«Me? You? - he pretended to be surprised, and even rounded his eyes as he put his hand to one of the hearts. Just then the doors opened and the shuttle began boarding. - How is this even possible, Shade? Come to your senses, it's impossible! - He clapped me on the shoulder and walked towards the doors.
«Master, wait! I don't like the look on your face, what's waiting for us on Knox?
But I never got an answer. He just sits there, silent, smiling enigmatically. Vindictive, vindictive. And he's not even trying to hide his emotions. I even involuntarily shuddered, but Sweet Joy managed to cheer me up a little and calm me down.
And then, when we were already on the ship and the ship started to accelerate, THIS happened. Having flown first into the double cabin and having collapsed on a bunk, I began to wait for Irbis, who had been delayed in the communications centre. My gut was buzzing insistently about trouble, and I was already thinking about the ship being shot down when He walked in! Happy.
«Erm... U-teacher? - my voice quivered at the sight of such a strange sight.
«Well Shade, get ready, we're going to learn how to survive," and that mammal-eyed lizard grinned so gloatingly that I hiccupped involuntarily.
«Ick! In what way?
«Directly, Shade. Straight up.
«We're going back to Tython, aren't we? - I just said the first thing that popped into my head. - But we just got on the--
«No, not at all," he interrupted me. - We're still going to Knox, there's no change of plans.
«You want to throw me out on the planet and say, "You're on your own"?
«Again, no, but the idea's tempting.
«What, like outer space?
«Heh! Something scarier.
He's got a whole tome out of his bag.
«(O_O)
«Let's learn about the political part of our home system! Cause I reckon you've been skipping those lessons.
«Irbis..." I whispered, recoiling and turning pale. - Have mercy! Have mercy! I've had enough of Hadiya and her sick psychos, please don't kill me!
«That's nothing, it's just a textbook. I found it for you in Chicago.
-...?!
«And this, he's put a memory stick on the table. - the latest interplanetary trade and economic situation in the Tython system! I've specially updated it now. So you and I are going to devote these five takedas to geopolitics! And what negotiations are, how to negotiate, and where to start. And we'll touch on a little bit of culture, if possible, so to speak.
«(T_T) - if I could, I'd give you the spirit of doom.
«Be strong! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
«Noooooooooo... - a cry of despair broke out on the floor of the ship.
«Yeah!
«Whine, whine, whine.
Yes, Irbis's revenge was terrible and deadly... For part of the journey to Nox, I sat behind this talmud. And then I sat at my tablet, studying the latest bulletins. And then some more. And then some more... And at the same time, answering questions on the material I'd studied. And when the material required clarification, Irbis would give me a whole lecture on this or that topic, bringing out what was left of my brain.
And that's when I realised the real reason why Irbis was assigned to teach me. He's not a militant. He's a parliamentarian. And I'm not only an antisocial type who doesn't get along very well with others, I'm also a very one-sided negotiator. So when he assessed my level of knowledge and skills, he drew up a tentative programme - and took me seriously. And the most disgusting thing is that I could not object, because this insolent, nasty, nasty, vile, son of a bitch, pressed... Arguments. He realised that I didn't care about authority, but even I wouldn't go against logic and common sense, so I had to learn this rubbish while squeaking my brains, with tears in my eyes and pain in my heart.
«So, who rules Nox? - after another cramming session, I was interrogated by this monster.
«The board of directors.
«What's a board?
«Authorised people in charge of the main companies, appointed to their posts from different planets.
«All of them?
«No, there are exceptions. Two of the five have evolved to this state and, ex post facto, they are the ones who hold the most power on the planet.
«Further.
«While the other three have been put down, these ones themselves go in contact with the same Chikagu for special delicate problems and take certain favours there. They were also able to gain the favour of the Wookiee chief on Ska Mountain, causing them to have cover on both sides at once. Because of this, they have a secure hold on their position in society, and the same holds back those who dream of occupying these places. I don't care about the internal situation, Rancor himself would break a leg there.
«All right, what about Knox's trade figures?
«What can you take away from it, it's a cousin planet. Ecosystem's dead, everyone's living in dome cities. The planet is the industrial centre of the system and supplies a huge amount of goods to everyone, including Tython. Resources are brought in from planets such as: Sunspot, Maltera. It also uses the satellites of the gas giants: Maur and Aubrey. Food is shipped to the planet, as well as some others, from Ska-Gor.
«Well done, but who provides the transport of goods between planets?
«The main logistics hub is on Kalimar. It's also home to the Vortics centre for interplanetary shipping. Second on the list is the Hagarad Clan of Chikagu. The third company is also on Kalimar, called ExKalimar.
«Why Kalimar?
«Kalimar is the main trade and economic centre of our system, or, in common parlance, "the pearl of the system".
«What kind of centre is it?
«Religious. There are several movements on it, preaching their own non-Power direction. The planet is relatively peaceful, and all conflicts involving armed struggle, such as for company, take place outside of Kalimar. On the planet itself, the most that can happen is a contract killing, and that's rare. Those who might be ordered to do so are not fools, and they're security conscious.
«All right, who's our main shipbuilder?
«Uh-uh.
Boom! I got hit in the head with a textbook.
«I remember! "KnockIndustrialVertix. "Vertix is a subsidiary of them," I said, coming to life. Yes, Irbis could afford it, even though I cursed him, but he was a master of his craft, and that made me respect him.
«Well done! Let's move on..." Irbis said cheerfully, clutching his textbook.
Yes, he was taking off for everything, for all my sins and setups. Eh... And when the speech turned to the topic of negotiations, this psycho became completely mad and sawed me like a maniac, with a small dull hacksaw. Slowly. And painfully.
«No, Shade, Hadiya was good for bringing you the traditions of her world, but there are other ways to do things besides THESE," Irbis said in a lecturing tone. And the little book was lying next to him on the table, yes. - For example, how do you start a negotiation?
«With a greeting?
«Exactly. The greeting. From the first seconds, you have to get the right picture of you in the eyes of your opponent.
«I don't care what he thinks!
Boom!
«Got it. Got it.
«That's the basis for starting a negotiation. What's next?
«Depends on where you are. The roots are the same, but traditions are different from planet to planet. And it's up to you to decide how and what to say. First the traditional part, then you try to get to the topic you want.
«That'll do. - hummed Irbis. - That's a start. Let me remind you, Shade. You're Je'daii. You have the Force. What's more, you can sense the emotions of others better than some Je'Dayi. Then use it!
«I'm sorry, Master, but I'm afraid your efforts will go to waste," and I squeezed my eyes shut, preparing to be hit again, but no. No blow. I open one eye and look at the strange expression on Irbis' face.
«Why for nothing?
«Let's be honest, I'm a lousy parliamentarian. And it's not even you that's the problem, it's me. It's my manners. If I'm faced with a scumbag I'm supposed to be talking to, I'll just blow his head off without a word.
«You didn't swing a sword at Chikaga," Irbis said. But after a moment's thought, he added, "At least not at first.
«Well, I wasn't the one who negotiated. I was a scarecrow, nothing more. And I was always reaching for my sword. Or just to clench my fist and strangle someone, because I was so disgusted by their emotions. But Chikagu is not my world. It's Hadiya's world, and I'm a guest there. So I tried to restrain myself. If it was up to me and I was told to negotiate with one of the people Hadiya was talking to, I wouldn't be so ceremonious. Don't get the wrong idea, I'm not bloodthirsty, no. It's just that, as you pointed out, I'm much better at sensing others. And when I'm standing next to someone who's blatantly lying, trying to butter you up, smiling in your face while mentally cursing you... It makes me feel like I've been dipped in mud. Seriously.
«Mm-hmm.
«Another thing. One time I couldn't hold it in front of Hadiya. There was a bloke who, when talking to her, was attracted to her and was hinting at bedding her. Even though he knew I was her boyfriend! That is, this type is so fucked up that, not the least bit embarrassed by me, tried to dictate his own terms, mentally her in no way putting in anything and having in all positions. I almost smeared him on the wall! Literally," I screamed. Yes, at that moment I even felt like Vader for a second, when I took him by the throat, lifted him up and was about to strangle him. The client got lucky with the value of the pelt, Hadiya stepped in. He quickly came to his senses, apologised and took off. - It's not that I don't believe in Hadiya and her ability to stand up for herself, but at times like this I just... I don't know, I just hate this kind of behaviour. Hell, I'd rather kiss a flintlock and have a drink with it than let myself hang out with this kind of scum and socialise with them as an equal!
«Shade, I understand," Irbis said, raising his hands in a conciliatory tone. - But that's the job of parliamentarians. We have to communicate with such people and come to a peaceful solution, otherwise it will only get worse.
«Irbis, have you ever thought what would happen if suddenly we don't interfere in their affairs? If suddenly there's no third party to snitch on them both? No?
«I have," the teacher admitted grudgingly.
«They'll kill each other.
«Exactly.
«So what do we care? What do we care about idiots?
«Straight up, Shade. Whatever they are, they're descendants of the first colonisers, our distant brothers and sisters. We've protected them before, and we're protecting them now, including from themselves.
«And where does that leave us?
«No, it's not all bad. They're doing quite well, and the madness you describe is only in Chicago. Again, you've seen the upper class, but have you talked to the ordinary people? Ordinary citizens who are just living their lives?
«Not really.
«You know, a friend of mine once told me that when the big people can't agree, it's the ordinary people who suffer first. So you have to think we're trying to do it for them.
I just shrugged my shoulders. We sit, silent, each of us thinking about our own things.
«Shade, you didn't go to Padawan Kesh, did you? - Irbis suddenly changed the subject.
«and?
«How about I teach you how to hide your emotions? It's a useful thing, especially if you meet an enemy. Or he'll read you like an open book, hmm?
«Heh, come on.
So, to the programme, I've also added a lesson in hiding my own emotions. Yes, I knew how to hide in the Force, but it's not the same as hiding my emotions. So even though I'd missed the technique, I was making up for it.
And when we arrived on Nox, my happiness was unrivalled.
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