"I did it, Master," the blue image of Master Jonal Ezar was transmitted through my ship's holoprojector. "We have the information. Our enemy had some loose connections with the Antilles."
"Hmph, only took you two years," Jonal snorted, folding his arms. "I've received the data and already started analyzing it. Yes, it's all connected — the Antilles aren't just some pirates you can hire. He could have involved the House Security Service. They're not Jedi intelligence, of course, but they can do some things. And from there, they could have brought us in too. In short, he decided to disclose a lot more information. I've already issued requests for some Shadows to check certain points — some of which might be his transfer hubs."
"I just hope they don't go alone," I said.
"Don't teach your grandfather to suck eggs," Jonal looked at me. "Of course they won't. In groups — two or three beings."
"What about me?" I asked Jonal. "Should I leave Alderaan? Maybe help C'baoth with his mission? Or join one of the groups?"
"Jorus can handle himself. Besides, he's not even in our Corps — Shadow help isn't needed there," the man said importantly. "It's better for you not to move anywhere for now. The target's still on your back. I wouldn't want to lose someone like you. I sense a great future awaits you… But only if I help you grow. Unfortunately, you haven't grown yet."
"Are you going to tell my mother I've grown up too, Master? And when will that be?"
"Your humor is inappropriate," he said, "and quite stupid. Also — I thought you enjoyed being around the local aristocrats. And even some… aristocratic women." Though his face was hidden behind a mask, I could literally feel his piercing gaze. "I hope I won't have to remind you not to get attached to her?"
He knows? How? Maybe Jorus told him?
"I remember, Master," I nodded, pulling myself together. "I remember. Don't worry — it's nothing more than a mission fling."
"A mission fling? Like you had with Mila Karnur? Don't play games, Light. A Jedi must stand above attachments. How can we build justice for other beings if we sin like they do? You need to understand — behavior like yours is unacceptable. We Jedi are the Peacekeepers of the World. Peace, you should know — is a state where you can influence something so that people don't go to war. But wars start for various reasons — including women. Do you understand the point?"
That's twisted logic. War because of women? Besides, in the Galaxy Far, Far Away, wars mostly start either over resources and influence, or over differing views on political structure. Wars over women are rare in this world, if only because every race has its own preferences in that department. Even humans from one planet and another can have completely different views on beauty. Honestly, I think someone here is into an alternative interpretation of the Jedi Code. Above emotions? Hah.
"And isn't it because love can easily turn into passion, and passion — well, that's more the Sith's domain?" I asked the Master.
"That is our way of fighting over a woman. Here — I'll tell you to kill Amella," I flinched. "Because she's a threat to the Jedi. Would you do it?"
I stared at Jonal with alarm. A silence hung, broken only by the hum of the holoprojector.
"You see?" Jonal summarized. "Emotions shouldn't interfere with the job. Your feelings must not become an obstacle. That's why a Jedi must renounce worldly things. Not do what you're doing, Knight. Flinging with one girl, and now seducing a second one — an Alderaanian aristocrat."
"What can I say," I smirked. "I'm pretty. To some."
"Trying to joke again. I thought you'd joked yourself out, boy," Jonal's tone turned icy. "Your mentor is dead. And you're still joking. Never mind. For now, stay on Alderaan. If we can't find him, we'll move to Plan B."
"And what's Plan B?"
"In short — I have a whole list of Jedi who've gotten in our current enemy's way one way or another. You're among them. We'll send them out on missions, give them extra cover, and catch him with live bait. It'll be hard for him to beat — as I see it — five elite Shadows specialized in killing Force-sensitives."
"Why can't we do that right away?" I asked curiously.
"Risk," Jonal shook his head. "If you can solve a problem two ways, choose the one with the least risk of failure. Exceptional Jedi have managed to get on his bad side… And losing any one of them would be a loss for the Order. Such an operation multiplies the risk and pushes our Order further from justice."
Justice? Jonal is literally fixated on all this. Denial of emotions, Jedi justice. If you ask me, he's even too radical.
"Fine," I smirked. "I'll stay on Alderaan, as you wish. Though, I admit — I'm interested myself."
"Enjoying studying?" Jonal asked me. "I saw your grades. The Temple instructors noted you have excellent aptitude in theoretical disciplines. But you chose to develop in the combat aspect, preferring meditation, Force technique mastery, and swordsmanship over diplomacy lessons. And now you're studying diplomacy… The circle closes, Light. The circle closes. Or is it because of Amella?"
"You can get my grades from Aldera University. It's never too late to learn. As for the combat aspect — it's justified itself completely. Of course, I've heard the story about some nerd fighting off a band of pirates with programming lecture info chips. But first — he was still Force-sensitive and had mastered telekinesis well. Second — the pirates were definitely on spice. And diplomacy wouldn't have helped me in the early stages of my padawanship under Master Lorm. I'd have laughed if you tried to persuade a green dragon from some planet — a monster whose scales even a lightsaber couldn't penetrate — to just let you go peacefully. And I've seen creatures like that. Not just them either. As for now… This is the right time to learn the theory I disdained back then. Now that I'm already formed, I can understand it better."
"Hmph," Jonal snorted. "Do what you want. I'll deliver instructions for your new mission when it's formulated. For now, don't leave Alderaan."
* * *
As I delved deeper into the jungle of studying these disciplines in the context of the Galaxy Far, Far Away, I analyzed the democratic-republican system I so loved. The very idea of a Republic and democracy always appealed to me… Giving different interest groups the chance to have their say on any issue. Resolving matters collectively, trying to find compromises, rather than by the will of a "single, ultra-wise regulator." One who might, sometimes, lose touch with reality and embark on some foolish adventure that could quickly lead to collapse.
Though, studying the Republic's current political system — and democracy in general — I can say this: the Republic is weak. The current Republic, because it has no room for centralized control. Many wealthy sectors couldn't care less about the Senate's decrees. And the Senate itself often lobbies the interests not of the people, certainly, but of massive financial groups that push their laws through while cackling evilly in the background. Why does this happen? Democracies — like any other type of state, in principle — can be exceptionally strong within their territories. Only a handful of short-sighted people believe autocracies have a monopoly on strength. In reality — with proper resource allocation, you can make a Republic work correctly too. But why doesn't that happen?
And I saw a very simple answer. What is the most important attribute of any state — democracy, autocracy, even theocracy? Taxes? Its own currency? Social services? No. The most important thing in a state is the monopoly on violence. That is — the army and the police. When only the state is capable of waging serious war, other groups — even financially powerful ones — can understand perfectly that all their credits mean nothing if the power structure can find their dirty dealings and send a contingent after them. They can, of course, go underground, but there — with a strong state — you can't do much. Unless, of course, the underground operatives have plot armor.
And the Republic squandered that very monopoly on violence from its very founding, during the Ruusan Reformation. It took away the Jedi's right to use force — and fine — but it never started using it itself. Back then, the Republic was still held together by memories of the wars with the Sith, the Brotherhood of Kaan, and so on. But later, everyone who was interested noticed that the Republic — in the person of the Senate and the Chancellor — had established a kind of Status Quo for itself. Which, for some reason, didn't include having a monopoly on violence. The space fleet's ships were either dismantled or sold off. And off it went — with each passing decade, powerful groups grew bolder and bolder. Kuat even built a couple of dreadnoughts, as if the Republic was some kind of joke to them. And the Senate turns a blind eye.
Naturally — those at the center got the best profits, the greatest strength and power. While those on the periphery got scraps, or nothing at all, and started getting squeezed by the central regions. This will eventually boil over into war — the so-called Clone Wars. So the Republic turned out weak. That, in general, doesn't prove the weakness of the democratic system the Republic represents. Just like it doesn't prove the strength of an autocratic one, considering autocracies could also suffer humiliating defeats — and did. The point is simple — it doesn't matter what system a state has; what matters are the cogs in that system. If the cogs and the mechanism itself are rusty, then whether you have an Empire covering, say, a sixth of the land, or a Republic with incredible development potential… A fact is a fact — something has rotted, and it will soon show. What matters is only who represents the system. If an Empire has excellent officials, united by the right idea and properly motivated — it will be an effective Empire. The same goes for Republics.
And all that talk about how something is ineffective because it's a democracy/autocracy — pick one — is mostly spread by short-sighted idiots who don't understand: the form of government isn't important. What matters is: the one who holds power, and those who help him exercise it. And I still believe something can be pulled out of democracy. At least — I felt that I would keep going until something worked out. Either I'll die along the way, or I'll build something. And then we'll see what I build. On the other hand… What should I build, and how? Who will listen to me? At what cost will my building happen? I used to think that once people witnessed Palpatine's rule, many would rush to those who offer an alternative — including me. So should I let Palpatine's rule happen? All those meat grinders he'll set in motion for his power? Or on the contrary — protect everyone I can from him? And should I protect them at all? Palpatine's Empire certainly wasn't some hellhole. He accomplished a lot during his reign — a lot that Mon Mothma and Borsk Fey'lya later managed to squander somewhat.
No… One thing is clear to me now, after all this time studying the disciplines—I even dug into subjects they hadn't started teaching yet, thinking maybe I could pass everything as an external student. The current Republic is unviable as a state. It needs to be remade, and that's not even an opinion, it's a fact. Many realized this by the end of the Clone Wars, and Palpatine took advantage of it. You can't reform such a state with reforms—it needs… an iron hand, one capable of completely reshaping all centers and poles of power. Who's the best at that among us? Certainly not me—I assess my abilities objectively. I'm unlikely to develop extraordinary charisma, oratory skill, and the art of intrigue now, or even later. Maybe I'll develop it over time, but I definitely won't have it by the time it's needed. Besides, Palpatine did it perfectly. He gave the Galaxy a shake-up, gave the Jedi a shake-up. So… It's decided…
I walked over to the window of my room—I'd returned there after my conversation with Jonal—and looked out at nighttime Aldera. The Galaxy needs that shake-up, not so that sentients realize how much a strong hand can suffocate them, no… But to completely reformat the centers of power in the Galaxy. Maybe it sounds naive, but to use Palpatine's labors after his death for the good of building a new state… But even to achieve something like that, I need to study a lot, fight a lot, before I can show a worthy result. Fortunately, I've never been used to loafing around, perfectly aware that no one's likely to give me a third life.
For a couple of months, I fell out of Jedi life again. The second year of study at the University began; the subjects got harder, the teachers meaner. Though I won't hide it—I was interested in studies leaning toward politics and economics. I alternated attending classes with training sessions with my new friends, as well as dates with Amella. The latter often ended in stormy nights. The woman seemed to take out on me all the ignoring I'd subjected her to. But I didn't mind, and I was already taking out on her even more for my not-so-successful first life among the fairer sex. After all—what geek didn't dream back in the day of getting reincarnated, becoming an overpowered isekai protagonist, and gathering a harem of a bunch of beautiful girls? Personally, I won't lie, I dreamed about it… Until I became an isekai protagonist and realized that I could just as easily die somewhere, despite all my power.
So the harem flew off into the distant realms, but the plan to become strong didn't go anywhere—it just kept growing more detailed. Besides, if I've understood one thing—relationships with girls are a pain. With Mila it was easy because of the Force Bond; I seemed to intuitively understand what she needed, when, and how to talk to her. But with Amella there was no such thing, so sometimes we'd get hit by arguments. And naturally, the fact that I was a match for such a girl couldn't help but catch the eye of some alternatively gifted individuals. Some were gifted by the Force… And some by a lack of brains. Though I'm sure I've had flashes of the second trait too. I confess, I was naive, maybe stupid, or maybe I thought too much that my knowledge of the canon was a cure-all.
One way or another—the attacks from some aristocrats got to me, plus I discovered a huge amount of untouched nature on Alderaan where I could fully devote myself to training. But one circumstance got in the way—I was still a student at Aldera University. I decided to deal with this circumstance in the most radical way: pass everything as an external student. Which I set about doing, passing the exams for the second year by the middle of the second semester of my second year, and then solemnly promised the teachers that I'd also pass the third year the same way.
* * *
"Well, you're a monster, Taivi," a light summer breeze brought pleasant freshness. Exams for the first semester of the third year, and externally at that. Bail was practically burning with envy. "Honestly, I don't even understand you."
"True," came from Amella's side. My friends were meeting me in the University courtyard after the exam. "Why do you want to finish University so quickly? Why?"
The others also looked at me curiously.
"Don't tell me you want to leave Alderaan, so you're trying this hard?" Delon asked. "I thought you liked it with us."
"I can't tell you everything," I said—though I'd returned to my Jedi training, it still wasn't the same. I knew exactly what would make me stronger. Even if I couldn't go after the locket now, or to some remote planet to level up alone, like faithful Chinese cultivator stories—facing danger after danger, which, by the way, did work here; danger and meditation really did temper you. But here, on Alderaan, I could truly become stronger. I couldn't waste time simply, so I studied the theory of the specialty I'd enrolled in intensively, so that after I'd learned it to a decent level and demonstrated that knowledge to the teachers, I could focus on practicing the Force. Then my attention was drawn to a tall man with golden hair and green eyes. And not just my attention—after all, not all sentients would carry a glaive the size of themselves on their back. Some students even glanced at Amella—he looked like her. Except the eye color was different…
"I was waiting for you," he said, heading toward our group.
"Sheygen," I recognized the guy.
"You know him?" Rulana asked. "Who are you?"
"He knows me," the Matukai nodded at me.
"Right," I confirmed. "And you said you were waiting for me. Why? And how did you track me down, Sheygen?"
"I didn't track you—my mentor did," the Matukai grumbled. "He thinks you might be able to help us."
"Master Theodor? Is he here? Then I'll address that question to him. Where is he?"
"Taivi?" the aristocrats looked at me.
"Taivi?" Sheygen looked at me questioningly. "Never mind," he waved his hand.
"Is that so? Interesting—in what way?"
"Let's just say my mentor thinks he's found the trail of whoever gave the orders to Lothar," I looked at Sheygen in surprise.
"Lothar?" Since I reported to Jonal about the Boss Lothar affair, there'd been no news. I didn't know what the Master had planned; he hadn't contacted me for almost a whole year. The last time I got instructions from him was about two months ago—he said they'd carried out raids on the enemy's bases but found nothing. However, that didn't mean we were starting Plan B; he still demanded I stay on Alderaan… Which is pretty strange, actually. "Why is Theodor so sure of that?"
"You should talk to my mentor about that, Taivi," Sheygen smirked.
"Looks like these holidays will be much more interesting than the last," I grinned. Yeah, the political crisis on Alderaan had been building up for a long time, then quickly fizzled out. As soon as the betrothal of Breha Antilles and Bail Organa was sealed. Now both families were like cats that had found a century's supply of sour cream. The Organas weren't pushed away from the feeding trough of power, and the Antilles got their share of power and calmed down.
"Taivi? What are you going to do?" Amella asked me.
"Well, let's just say," I said, "some interesting information has come up regarding some of my affairs. But honestly, I have no idea why you're not trying to contact the Order? Leave aside Master Jonal," I stepped close to Sheygen so that few could hear me, and asked quietly, "but Yoda might have listened to you."
"Talk to my mentor about that. He only told me that someone in your Order might not be clean-handed."
"Are you hinting at a specific person?" I looked the man in the eyes.
"You should talk about that with Master Theodor, not me. All conjectures are his prerogative."
"Oh yes, I'll talk," I promised. "And I agree to check your teacher's concerns. But I also want to ask—how in the Force's name did you find me here? And not just that."
"Then come alone," Sheygen said, "this evening, to the Pika restaurant. They have private booths for negotiations. Ask for the master, they'll escort you."
Sheygen turned his back to me.
"Have a good day, Taivi."
"And you, Sheygen."
The teenager left, and some of the aristocrats became very interested in what was happening.
"Taivi…"
"Later, Amella, everything later," I bowed slightly to my friends. "Alas, I must leave you. Matters of incredible importance have come up."