So this is the Dagger. It looked exactly like I had seen in some comics and in The Phantom Menace. An elongated nose with two missile launchers. According to the schematics my father provided, there is a missile storage compartment in this location. It carries four missiles for each launcher, plus one missile is already loaded initially. A total of five on each side. The nose widened towards the stern in a spherical shape, to which panels were attached. The stygium coating is the lion's share of this ship's cost. It's simply made for sabotage and infiltration. But even if it's detected, it can still upset someone. With missiles, of course, and four turbolasers attached to the ship's panels. In total, there are six turbolasers. Two more look backward, covering the ship's rear. And four look forward.
They are installed not so much in the panels as in a special turret analog, which allows them to change the gun's elevation angle on the go. The ship also has an improved reactor capable of powering all this magnificence, a more powerful engine, and the same hyperdrive. Second class. Hyperdrives are divided into many classes. And it's a bit non-standard, I would say. For example, a second-class hyperdrive is better than a third-class hyperdrive. And this logic applies to all. But the most important thing is that starting from the second class, hyperdrives are used only for military ships. Or for those who had the audacity, connections, and resources to buy them. That's why the military eyed my ship...
But I've already decided that I won't give it to anyone. A modified ship, for that much money? Plus, it has a successful design, excellent speed, stealth... Regarding armament, any admiral would be dissatisfied. But for them, the more, the better. They'd want a Star Super-Destroyer, and more of them. My ship is for infiltration. It had its downsides too. For example, I once saw a diagram of Maul's ship by compartments. In the nose, Maul had a full cargo hold, according to that diagram. In this modification, it was packed with missiles. And this space is completely lost. Immediately behind it is the maintenance space, where all the important nodes of the ship converge, as well as in the next room.
Next, a long corridor leads to a spacious hall, by ship standards. To the right is the combined storage and kitchen. Yes, it combined everything. There's enough space for one person. At a rough estimate, there's enough space for training, not for everyone, but for some. To the left, directly opposite this storage, are two cabins. The captain's, large and comfortable. And a "guest" cabin. With a hard bed, minimal amenities, in short, furnished in a Spartan style. Not only a wall separates these cabins. Directly between them is an elevator leading to the second deck, which is only in the sphere. On the second deck, the first explorers of the ship were met with a surprise. It was there that the self-destruct system activation was located.
But it was successfully hacked, and my ship was saved... The front part of the second deck is essentially the Captain's Bridge. It housed all the ship's control systems, from its movement to attack and defense. Directly in front of the Captain's Bridge, on the outside, was the shield generator. Not very strong, good for a couple of hits from a frigate or corvette. Inside, as I already said, everything related to ship control. The helm consisted of two connected levers resembling a steering wheel. They also controlled weapons. Missiles and turbolasers. If desired, the rear turbolasers can be entrusted to the computer. It will cover the rear itself, while the pilot can open fire on the course.
Behind the Captain's Bridge, on the same deck, was another storage area. An arsenal, according to my father. Rifles, blasters, grenade launchers... Even a disintegrator! The mercenary was a serious person, and according to intelligence gathered after the King's commotion, which searched all the places where Dol Agid was noted, he was involved in the murder of Jedi, numerous sabotage missions, and two political assassinations, ordered by unknown parties. He would have successfully kidnapped me too if I hadn't resisted. He infiltrated the palace due to the negligence of some employees, who were fired and then taken to the dungeons of the PST. The Public Safety Service of Tustra. Alaric is indeed an excellent ruler, but sometimes bureaucrats spoil even the systems of rulers like him, as I was explained.
It turned out that Kaji had won several card games against the Head of Personnel, Niroli. And his boss, thinking he had nothing better to do, hired the recommended person, bypassing checks. He claimed that Doli, as Agid introduced himself upon hiring, had been in several hot spots and knew how to fight. Niroli also liked him. Of course, the position was a regular one. For non-regular positions, there was a queue of aristocrats until the Second Coming on Earth. But Dol was satisfied with that. He quickly managed to find me; I wasn't particularly hiding on Tustra. It's a stable and prosperous world with almost no crime. No one lays hands on the children of aristocrats. Peace and quiet... And he tried to kidnap me...
"Light, lunch is ready," my mother called me, after which I went from the hangar to the kitchen.
I was dressed in light, casual clothing. My belongings were already packed in my room; I was being prepared for departure to Coruscant with Yoda. Lately, I've been feeling a bit melancholic. I just didn't understand why I felt so sad when I looked at the house where I had lived for the past few years, when I looked into my room, when I looked at my mother and father. Both of them were sad, just like me, most likely. I entered the dining room, noting that Mayla hadn't taken off her favorite maid outfit. She preferred to wear it at home too. On the table was my favorite dish, vaguely resembling pizza. It consisted of a pancake and baked pieces of meat with it.
Dennis was already sitting and eating calmly. I joined him for lunch, starting with an imitation of tea. Sephi brewed green leaves of Lindrum, the most common plant on Tustra, and made a good tea from it. Invigorating and moderately tasty. My mother sat opposite me with a sad smile, studying me with her eyes. If before this made me uncomfortable, now I was used to it. However, this time Mayla's eyes were moist, I would say wet. Yes, my mother's love for me is incredible. My... I had long ago removed the words "this" and "that" from my vocabulary. My parents are Dennis and Mayla Flaingstars. No one else. Perhaps I underestimated my attachment to both of them. Now, realizing that I would be flying to distant Coruscant, to the Jedi Temple, this very evening - I felt a vague anxiety and sadness.
After finishing lunch, I moved to the living room, where I simply sat on the sofa and sank into thought. Not meditating, just thinking. What was I doing? I had found a new home, a loving family. And now I was going to give it up to become a monastic Jedi Knight? Fly away from my beloved mother, who always helped me, from my father, who tried to teach me? From my friends, who were not just my friends because I showed them my tricks. It was... just hard. With a heavy sigh, I activated the holoprojector, on which were displayed holophotos of our family... Walks in the parks on my birthdays, excursions. The Flaingstars took my upbringing seriously...
"It seems you are deep in thought," a male voice said.
I looked up, seeing a tall man. Dressed in a classic and favorite suit, which was a size too big, Haji looked at me with interest. Uncle's hair was down to his shoulders; he, like me, didn't really appreciate or like Sephi's signature hairstyle.
"Uncle..."
"In the lives of men, dear nephew," he sat on the sofa, studying the photos, "there is always room for choice. Sometimes it is insignificant. And sometimes it can affect everything. You and your loved ones. I suppose you are facing something similar now. Perhaps you think you can change everything and not go to Coruscant with Yoda."
"Yes," I nodded grimly, "perhaps."
"You are smarter than your peers, Light," my uncle said, looking me straight in the eye, "this is your advantage, but it is also your disadvantage. For intellect is nothing, as my grandfather used to say, alas, I realized this too late myself. The main thing is wisdom. What is the difference between intellect and wisdom?"
"I don't know," I sadly shook my head.
"Intellect," Haji explained, "is just knowledge. You can know the structure of a blaster down to every screw. But that won't make you wise. Wise is one who also knows how to use his knowledge. But you don't have that; not every intelligent being is wise at the same time. You are not wise, so you think for a long time and don't know what to choose. That's why I came to help you."
"How will you help me?" I asked Uncle Haji. "Will you go to Coruscant for me?"
"Not a funny joke," my uncle chuckled, "perhaps your talent for humor hasn't awakened. I will help you make your choice, Light," the uncle explained. "Despite all the elitism of becoming a Jedi, I know perfectly well that flying with Yoda is only your choice."
"I've packed my things..."
"That's not enough," my uncle interrupted sternly. "It's not enough to pack your things to take the first step. It's not enough to pull the trigger to kill," his face transformed, becoming stern, I would say - cruel. "You are ready, materially and possibly physically, but not morally. Morally, you are as if between land and water, not knowing where to move. To go on land or surrender to the water? You have not yet chosen your path with your heart and mind. And don't look at me like that; not only Jedi can philosophize. Live a little."
I thought, closing my eyes. The Force... It called me forward, as if a mother was leading a child by the hand across a pedestrian crossing. Where would it lead me? And do I want that?
"I see my words have fallen on fertile ground, like seeds," Haji smiled. "That's good. Since you have more intellect than feelings, I'll say it directly. If you stay here, you will live an ordinary, mundane life. Even becoming a Guardsman or a soldier. You will get married, have children, and perhaps, like me, remain alone forever. Billions of Sephi live this way... But by going with Yoda, you will enter a wonderful and incredibly dangerous world. A cruel and terrible world. You have already entered it, but only partially. What do you prefer, Light Flaingstar? Do you want to become someone higher than your current self? Someone who will be above billions of others, or is your goal as ordinary and simple?"
Thoughts swarmed in my head like bees in a hive. The question I was asked... Or rather, the answer to it - will affect not only my destiny. But also the destiny of many sentient beings, even the Galaxy potentially! Who was I all this time? Leonid Ivanov... "Lyonya." He wanted an ordinary, mundane life... Perhaps it would have bored me. But... A long time ago, like all men, boys, Lyonya dreamed of achievements. He had neither character nor strength. But, like all boys, he imagined himself strong both externally and internally... He had no talents, or he neglected them. But now I am not him. I am no longer Leonid Ivanov, I am Light Flaingstar... The Light of the Flying Star. I have the mind of an adult, with my own views on many things, I have talents that I did not ignore this time. I have opportunities that Lyonya could only dream of! So is it worth living another ordinary life? Is it worth remaining that same "Lyonya"? I don't want to... No! I am not Lyonya Ivanov. I am Light Flaingstar! I have a lot, and I must achieve more!
The Force purred approvingly, like a contented kitten. I felt several times lighter. As if glass had shattered in my mind with a crackle… Yes… There's no point in dreaming about what I've already achieved and experienced! I have many ideas, many questions. Desires! I will change and become better, better than Leonid…
"It seems," my uncle smiled, "you've decided something for yourself. You're older than you seem, which is why I posed that question to you."
"Yes!" I smiled back. "I've understood a lot. Or, I think I have."
"That's good," Gadji nodded.
The day slowly transitioned into evening. My mother was in my room the entire time, constantly thinking of what she could and should put in my bag. This morning, she had rushed to all the elite shops in the Palace Quarter and bought the best clothes not only for my age but also for when I grew older. She also wanted to buy me a protocol droid, distinctly resembling C-3PO. What was it, besides its color, that differentiated it from other droids? To my innocent joke that the only protocol droid I needed was HK-47, Yoda seemed to freeze, just like my father, who grumbled something, saying along the lines of "request accepted, await response from a competent specialist." That was this morning; I next saw my father at lunch, and even then, he was silent. It seems I said something I shouldn't have.
***
The star of Tustra would soon set beyond the horizon. The last rays barely illuminated the Palace Hangar. The crew and passengers of the CR70 corvette were preparing to depart the planet. Besides the crew, the departing passengers included: three diplomats from the Senate Commission, who had concluded some contracts with the sector's government; the new senator of Tustra and our sector – Navi Sefitres, nephew of King Alarik. Oh, Navi was glowing like a bright star. No wonder, he's the new Senator, flying to Coruscant, where the Senate is. And he will be one of the leaders of the Republic. Unlike him, the diplomats from the Senate Commission exuded their usual, cold calm, typical of all diplomats and Jedi. Statistically typical. The only thing that caught the eye was the beautiful Twi'lek, Vaila, who was drilling me with an examining gaze.
Yoda stood beside me, and nearby, conversing with Yoda himself, was Alarik Sefitres.
"The new specimens are truly beautiful, my friend," Alarik said. "I promise you, on our next visit, I will obtain some specimens from the expansion region that were promised to me."
King Alarik was a true botanist, who loved growing plants. His garden was enormous, and he loved tending to it.
"I will be glad to see the new specimens, my friend," Yoda said, leaning on his staff.
You wouldn't say he was particularly mobile. But… Master Ataru! How did it go? "Judge me by my size, do you, hmm?" Well, Dol Agid also judged by size… Or not. He probably realized he couldn't escape Yoda, so he decided to go all-in, although the Master later told Gadji that Dol wanted not so much to kill Yoda himself as to ensure I was within the blast radius of the explosives. Thank the Great Master Yoda… It was he and his Tutaminis that protected me; this technique has just moved to the category: learn it first.
"Pre-flight preparations are complete," the Captain in his flight suit interrupted us. "Please board."
"Good… Very good," Yoda was the first to head towards the ship's ramp. "You must say goodbye," he said to me without turning around. "A long journey you begin."
I glanced towards my parents, who stood at a respectful distance from us. Alarik caught my gaze, then, turning, stepped aside, nodding for my parents to approach. Although they could have been near me earlier, they were waiting for the King's permission. Mother rushed to hug me…
"Light," she whispered in my ear. Her hot breath burned. "Always eat well and a lot, don't quarrel with anyone."
"Fly back when you can," my father added.
"Remember, we will always love you, no matter who you become, no matter what happens to you," Mother squeezed me until my ribs creaked, as usual.
"Mom," I hugged the woman, the only one who had become my mother. My eyes automatically welled up… That's it. Soon I will finish with them, once and for all. Jedi must know how to restrain themselves. Therefore, I must learn and dedicate time only to this. I must learn to control myself. So much has happened due to a lack of self-control.
"Next time you fly back, I'll feed you your favorite dishes," she promised. "You can always get anything you ask for from us, Light. And…"
"Next time I'll meet my little sister," I continued, for her. I felt a strange structure at my stomach level, another living being. My senses hadn't developed that well; I could simply feel the auras of sentient beings by concentrating. And I knew my mother's aura too well not to feel the changes.
Mother just smiled warmly.
"Mom… Your smile… It's so beautiful," I said shyly, which made Maila smile even more, and then she kissed me on the forehead. I, slightly detached, rubbing my forehead, watched as my mother stepped aside. Eyes… Stop crying immediately!
"Time," Denis reminded us, glancing towards the ship, then looking at me. "Learn, son," he said. "I hope you'll come for your ship."
"Dad," I hugged my father. "Star Trek," I whispered in his ear. "Its name isn't 'Bloody Blade'," Dol Agid so tastelessly named this ship, "but 'Star Trek'." (Author's note: translated into English as 'Star Trek'. And yes. I'm not familiar with this universe, only heard of it a couple of times. It's just that for Light, it's the most logical name, I think. Starfly – literally 'flight of a star' (not a star fly!). And the ship is 'Star Trek').
"That's a beautiful name," my father said. "I'll make sure they change it. And I'll prepare that astrodroid you talked about."
No matter how much everyone loved the famous R2-D2, I didn't want an R2. I found the BB-8 design more successful. The only character in the New Canon of Star Wars that I don't want to kill off as unnecessary. He's faster than a regular R2. Besides, BB-8 wasn't even designed. I drew this droid as best I could in the local equivalent of Paint. My father himself, using his engineering talent, began to think about BB's configuration. True, I didn't want to change the canon much. There's no need for others to use my BB droid. Let everyone use R2 and similar models; I want BB only for myself.
"Thank you, Dad. I'll become better… or die."
"Yes… And about HK-47," my father said with a stony expression. "I'll think about it too."
"Uhh…" I froze. "Dad… Maybe you shouldn't? HK-47. I just… Well, it's…"
"Yes," my father nodded. "I don't know where you learned about the HK series droids. But it might be useful in your life. What kind of father would I be if I couldn't help my son as much as I can? Maybe I can't hit a credit from fifty meters with a blaster shot, or wield a lightsaber. But I'll create an assistant for you who can help you in the future. I promise."
It seems I underestimated not only Maila Flingstar's love. Dennis, considering he's a man, loves me too. He loves me as a son. He even promises to make an HK-47 for me. I hope he's not serious… I'm not sure, despite the future, that I'll need such a companion, one that mows down "meatbags" left and right.
"Alright," my father hugged me, kneeling down. "It's time to say goodbye. Gadji told me about your conversation. You're not doing what's exactly right, but you're doing it like a man. I didn't have the courage in my time for something similar." According to my mother, my father wanted to become a mercenary in his youth. And he would have, but he ultimately chose an ordinary life. "Farewell, my son," he kissed me on the forehead, just like my mother did.
I walked towards the ship and went up the ramp. Before it closed, I watched my parents hugging.
"Cautious you must be," Yoda said. "A dangerous path you tread, much you must understand, boy."
"Yes, Master Yoda, I feel this is the beginning of something new…"
"The same I feel, as if something in the Force has changed," the old Master nodded. "Glad I will be if these changes are for the good. Not only for you, but for the Order and the Galaxy."
"I will also be very glad, Master," I said, turning away from the ramp and walking deeper into the ship.
The ship's interior was ornately white, polished almost to a shine.
"Master Yoda, now for you I am, all younglings I teach and you I will teach. Until a worthy master for your training we find. A great Jedi you can become," Yoda said, walking alongside me. "The main thing is not to stray from the path…"
The corvette's deck shuddered. The engines lifted the vessel into the air quite smoothly and carried it upwards, towards the stars.