The gloom that thickened in the small room seemed not only to accentuate but even amplify certain features of its occupant. Though not critically important, the news that had come could not help but disturb — to tell the truth, He was poorly informed about Set Harth and would hardly have ever considered him an equal. After those tricks that Jedi had pulled in the Harth mansion, the Muun had carefully studied everything he had on the long-lived Baneite. And had concluded that this hedonist was unlikely ever to challenge the title of Dark Lord. But something didn't add up. Darth Plagueis — for it was indeed him — ran his gaze once more over his notes, which contained his views on the concept of the Unifying Force, developed over many long years… Something didn't fit. It would seem — live your worthless life, clone yourself as much as your heart desires, and transfer your mind from clone to clone, except…
Plagueis carefully reviewed all the available information about one of Darth Zannah's apprentices and concluded that something incredibly valuable had driven that womp rat out of its hole. And that something greatly intrigued him: if there was something for which Set had not feared exposure, then He had to know the reason. He absolutely had to. He could, of course, capture that Jedi Shadow who had attacked and defeated Harth. Plagueis didn't know the Shadow's name or appearance, but he could certainly strain his connections, bring the Shadow into the light, then capture him and extract the necessary information through torture… But the game wasn't worth the candle — trying to kidnap this knight was quite risky: he had already shown his abilities, and Set was no weakling. Undoubtedly insignificant compared to a true Sith Lord, but certainly not weak. Nor should it be forgotten that the incident on Royiss had drawn too much attention, and the sudden disappearance of the main participant in the event could raise a fuss, risking exposure. Risk The Grand Plan over important information? Again, how important that information actually was — He didn't know. What were the chances that Set Harth considered important something that was actually worthless? Fairly substantial. If there was anything Damask was interested in, it was immortality — true immortality of his body, not mind transfer. He wanted immortality for himself, wanted to break the shackles of the mortal body and turn the laws of life and death to his advantage! To become a true sith'ari, to rule the Galaxy! According to The Grand Plan in Plagueis's own revision, the Rule of Two was to become the Dominion of Two. His apprentice would play his part in His plan.
And here he was… The door opened, revealing to this world Darth Sidious, who wore the customary Sith attire: a scarlet robe with a deep hood. The apprentice knelt in the center of the room.
"Master," Palpatine said.
"Apprentice," Plagueis nodded. "I was expecting you."
"I assume this concerns the incident on Royiss-VIII," Palpatine speculated. "I probed the situation as you requested, Master. Master Even Piell is currently in charge there. He has confiscated all of Set Harth's treasures, including those belonging to the Dark Side of the Force. And even that technology for detecting ships with Stygium coating."
"Not the most pleasant news," considering that some of his elite mercenaries flew ships with that coating. "But not critical. What is being said in the Senate, my young apprentice? Are your contacts reporting anything interesting?"
Plagueis intended to compare the information he had received through his own sources with Palpatine's, who was so far disappointing Him, having missed a whole array of political positions. Extremely important positions. However, his latest initiative of joining the "Legislator's Apprentice" group was quite promising.
"My source in Senator Vidar Kim's circle claims that at one of the receptions, this event was discussed," Sidious reported. "Unfortunately, my 'teacher,'" he stressed the last word, "is more interested in the circumstances of the Trade Federation's dealings and the Planet Naboo than in what matters to us."
"That is quite logical for him," Plagueis closed his eyes.
"Will we use this incident politically?" Sidious asked.
"Yes," Plagueis nodded. "But carefully." His aurodium eyes looked at Palpatine. "We cannot launch too active a campaign. The Jedi Order will certainly prepare campaigns to whitewash their knight, including in the Senate. If we are too zealous, we will attract unwanted attention. And we should not attract that," his voice went cold on the last words, though, it seemed, how could it get colder? Sidious shuddered. "Until we have our own representative in the Senate. Or even after that. I will speak with some Senators regarding these circumstances. Fortunately, they too don't particularly like this behavior from the Jedi. And I am curious to know who that knight is who decided to challenge Harth. He is a Shadow, and the Order will not disclose his identity. But… He is strong. He defeated Set Harth in direct combat. He is unlikely to become dangerous and rise above an ordinary Master, but we must consider all possibilities. He has thrown a wrench in our plans and perhaps shaken up the swamp that the Jedi Order has been becoming lately. We don't need unnecessary risks."
"As for who it might be," Sidious said. "When I was on the cruise aboard the Sineve Alderaan, I encountered two Jedi there. One was clearly resolving a conflict between the Organas and the Antilles. But the second… He was working on Antilles. I couldn't understand the essence of his mission, but judging by his skills, he could well be a Shadow. His name was Taivi Lanian."
"We need to look into who that is. Find out everything about this sentient. Though… It is likely an alias. If Taivi is indeed a Shadow, you won't find anything by his face on a holophoto. Not even in the Order's database. The identities of Shadows are simply… erased from all Galactic databases. Even records of where and to whom they were born. And… is finding him even that important to us?" Plagueis pondered. "Perhaps it would be good, but right now there is a more important goal: work with the Senate." Plagueis pointed his hand at Palpatine, and purple lightning did not hesitate to strike the man, causing him to writhe in pain. "Once again, you show astonishing incompetence, Sidious. Do you truly want the Plan to succeed? The group you are currently in," Plagueis stopped the Force Lightning, "is your last chance. I don't need to… tell you what will happen if you fail… again, do I?"
"No, Master."
"Then go," Plagueis waved his hand. "And prepare. Since you are here, we will do some training. Meanwhile, I need to speak with some Senators."
* * *
Yes, I had been through a lot lately, and much more still lay ahead. I had no intention of lingering in the Temple: after completing all the necessary procedures, including the psychological stability tests specially designed for combatants, I began developing new training methods. What exactly was I going to train? What the Jedi Healer had advised me. In her words, there was a chance — zero point one percent, it seemed — that I could develop my abilities without special training, but that was clearly just talk, reeking of shonen… Though, perhaps I was wrong, since heroes who get all the perks without much effort are rare even there.
I can confidently say that I achieved my current strength through training, and that it was precisely that which helped me defeat Set Harth. And with the same hard, persistent work, I would be able to master a new technique. I had invented it, after all… Now it was time to refine it to the level of "can use in combat." Honestly, I saw simply incredible tactical potential in this ability. Teleporting by swapping places with something or someone… I wondered, could I place a mark on a living object too? I always thought that Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto/Boruto hadn't fully unlocked the potential of this ability. Though, it wasn't certain that I would either. For now, it was barely accessible to me and served as a last-resort weapon. Against Ezar, I used it when I was cornered, and even then, I couldn't maintain consciousness for long. There was a high chance that next time, I might not survive. So right after the trial, I started working on appropriate methods and new training.
What did I intend to do next, after leaving the Temple? This time, they decided not to give me a special mission in my field, meaning I could either stay peacefully in the Temple awaiting a mission or embark on a journey through the Galaxy. Fortunately, I had things to keep me busy. The medallion on Sernpidal had been sitting idle… I wanted to summon someone as soon as possible and use their knowledge… Tulak Hord, for instance… Though it was worth understanding that Tulak was a Sith, one of the most dangerous, an exceptional swordsman and master of Force use. I could, of course, practice on someone harmless before summoning Tulak, but then — who was harmless? Neither a Jedi nor a Sith would likely appreciate being summoned from beyond the grave using some artifact. What else did I intend to do? After going through the Alderaan University under the guise of Taivi Lanian, I realized I lacked experience not only in politics. In the future, I would probably have to fight, both in space and on planets. That meant I needed military training.
In my first life, I had dodged the army with spectacular success. And what would I have learned there anyway? How to properly peel potatoes and make a bed? Fortunately, I had acquaintances who had served. One of them told me that their commander's favorite film was Full Metal Jacket… I think I don't need to say who the commander's favorite hero was. Except that the film's hero, through his mockery, made the unit form into a full-fledged fighting force, if I remembered correctly. The essence of such leaders was — through humiliation, as ridiculous as it sounds — to make the collective hate him and, through that hatred, unite them while simultaneously training them. Whereas in the army my acquaintance served in, people just came to hate their commander, learned to scrub floors, did a bit of shooting, and painted the grass. Though, maybe somewhere they do train real warriors and soldiers — who knows. Life taught me not to judge what I don't understand.
But I'd better return to my new life. I dodged the army in that world because I simply couldn't see myself in that structure… Except that some semblance of army discipline might have helped me lose weight. Now, military training was a necessity. And the Republic had several institutions that trained specialists in this field. That said, the training there was quite… specific. Why? First, let me explain what military education in the GFFA looked like in 53 BBY: first of all, each planet could have its own defense forces — some better, some worse. Each planet could also have its own institutions to train the specialists they needed. Some places had a conscription system, after which sentients were offered courses at local military educational institutions. However, the elite among all military education institutions were considered the Academies. There were only three of them: Corulag Academy, Carida Academy, and the Anaxis Citadel. Each of them trained officers for the Judicial Forces. There was also a nuance: nowadays, military education in the Republic was not held in high esteem, and the Judicial Forces were frankly weak — everyone knew that, so serving in them was rarely a privilege… Unless you wanted to make your fortune off smugglers of various kinds. Thus, the fate of Academy graduates was unenviable: either their homeworlds' defense fleets, or the Judicial Forces — if they wanted to work in their field. Or wealthy corporations could buy them out to fill their own defense forces.
In short, Academy graduates weren't particularly valued, despite these institutions being the elite of elites, with a rich history boasting many famous admirals and generals who were once their alumni. As far as I understood, the whole problem was that the Senators were afraid — and I'm not exaggerating. Most of those sitting in the Senate genuinely feared that the military would scratch their heads — or somewhere else — and say: "Listen, we've got a disgrace here, not a government! Let's restore order." And such situations had happened… Though they ended with the bought-off higher-ups of such Judicial Forces commanders sending their proactive subordinates to some galactic backwater on the Outer Rim "for combat duty." There, hot hearts were cooled by the surrounding reality, and after fifteen or twenty years, the once young and ambitious captain of a patrol vessel with a heap of ambitions in his fine brain transformed into a corrupt official as jaded as his superiors. The changes were noted, and he was transferred closer.
No, of course, there were sentients whose ideals wouldn't be broken even after such abuse. But let's be honest — such sentients were few in all worlds. To believe in your ideals despite everything and always follow them regardless of the situation was something only a madman, a fanatic, or a sentient with truly unyielding will would do. I, by the way, didn't consider myself any of these, because I revised my ideals and plans every chance I got. Even knowing the entire history of this Galaxy inside and out, I still doubted many things and asked myself questions. So… I planned to get a military education. The problem was that there was almost no time left until the canonical events I planned to participate in. Of course, there were loopholes, and I planned to use them. I didn't need ranks or an assignment to some service. I needed only one thing — knowledge. Knowledge and understanding of the army and fleet. From the histories of the many wars I had read about in the library and in the intervals between adventures, I had learned a lot, but it wasn't enough. But what could knowledge give? The thing was, along with the decline of military education in the Republic, the Academies had introduced so-called "correspondence education," which more closely resembled distance learning. The study materials were sent to the enrolled student, and they were given access to simulation applications for the computer. All that was required of the student was to study the data and pass the exam, thereby demonstrating their knowledge. Did this replace classical education? Both yes and no… On one hand, in a face-to-face format, you could talk to a smart officer who would point out your mistakes. On the other hand, military disciplines were purely applied sciences, meaning they had to be learned through practice. Theory was secondary here, because one mustn't forget that pitfalls were still possible, and a plan was far from a panacea. So I saw no problem in getting a military education through such a bastardized method.
I still wouldn't be able to consider myself a captain — the rank given to Academy graduates, including from the Anaxis Citadel — until I myself led a ship of at least cruiser class into battle. Though in that regard, the GFFA had taken care of me. So my next actions were clear as day. First — go for the medallion. And, preferably, take it with me and find some remote planet where I could dedicate myself to training. Second — start learning military disciplines. It wouldn't hurt to understand the logic of warfare in this Galaxy. That left the question… Where to go? Hmm… I needed to review the plan again: refine the Heavenly Hand; study the medallion, for which I had made so many sacrifices, and calmly study the material from the military Academy's correspondence course… What planet could I do this on?
I activated the datapad and brought up a map of the Galaxy… Ah, and it would be good to find the source of Set Harth's information. Unfortunately, figuring out its current location wasn't possible, though I had leads. The signal, it seemed, came from the north of the Galaxy, but there were many inhabited worlds there. Two important trade routes crossed the North — the Perlemian Trade Route and the Hydian Way. Searching for someone there when I only knew the direction? That smacked of a particular kind of masochism. Hmm… I zoomed in on the map of the Outer Rim in that region of the Galaxy… Hmm… Sernpidal in the north, the source in the north. Maybe base myself on Sernpidal? A planet in the Outer Rim… I wasn't going to dig into a dark artifact on Tustr, was I? Though… Sernpidal was a densely populated world. Better to find a planet with fewer sentients. And then my gaze caught on one of the planets in the Outer Rim, in the northeast… Drongar. Something familiar… Drongar… Drongar…
"Drongar!" I said out loud. Of course! That was where the valuable bota grew — a special plant that could help a Gifted better unlock their potential in the Force. Right now, no one knew about that property; otherwise, everyone would rush there and fight over the planet. For now, only its healing effect was known… But there was a problem. Drongar had problematic flora and fauna. The spores of some plants growing in the planet's atmosphere were especially concerning… Though they would only concern me if I didn't have the Matukai techniques, which allowed one to learn to better control one's body. And although the technique from the planet Tsai was gone, destroyed by Theodor Loy, I could resist pathogenic influences by controlling my body with the Force. Another problem was the increased oxygen content, which increased the corrosion rate even for such a sophisticated ship as the Star Trek. But there was a way out: I could land on the planet and send the ship into orbit under BB's control. Then, when I finished my training, call the ship back for me. Communications wouldn't be down there. Touch wood.
Also, on Drongar, there was an outpost of the criminal organization "Black Sun": they controlled the supply of bota to the Galactic market. So, summing up what I would get by going to Drongar: first, I could focus on training and quiet study — the Black Sun station on the planet was fully automated, controlled by droids, because no one wanted to breathe in pathogenic spores, and hiding from machines wouldn't be too difficult for me. They wouldn't be able to purposefully block communications, so I would be able to both take exams and stay informed of the main Galactic news. Second, the signal from Set Harth's informant had come from the Galactic north. So I could also deal with that problem. If anything came up, I could drag that useful agent into the light. Third, I would improve my connection with the Force. Fourteen thousand midi-chlorians was certainly very impressive, but I could do better. Of course, compared to Ani, I was as far off as another Galaxy, but to Yoda's level... Though why guess — I'd be happy with any outcome.
Based on available data, the Black Sun base not only grew bota there but also froze it in carbonite before sending it to a distribution point. There was also a defensive station in orbit, but flying past it with Stygium coating would be a piece of cake. And I needed to remember to load the Star Trek with camp deployment supplies, including an encrypted relay, so I wouldn't be detected on the planet.
* * *
This time, Yoda decided to speak with me in the meditation room, where the Master liked to spend his time.
"Please sit," Yoda said, pointing to a cushion opposite him.
"Grand Master," I said, sitting down and bowing slightly in greeting to the old Jedi.
"Light," Yoda opened his eyes and looked at me. "Good to see you in good health."
"You wanted to see me, Grand Master."
"Hmm," Yoda frowned. "Wanted to see you, yes… Wanted to ask you something, Light…"
"Whether the events I experienced could have changed something in me and my… worldview?" I interrupted Yoda. The Grand Master kept looking at me, though this time, it seemed to me, a hint of surprise touched his wrinkled face. "That's a logical question. First I encountered a sentient who, in my opinion, could well claim the title of Sith Lord, and then — the betrayal of a Master of the High Council, my direct superior." In such situations, many might lose faith in their organization and leave it — hello, Ahsoka Tano, as they say.
"This mission has taught you many things," Yoda said with interest. "I remember you differently. It is not the first time this has happened, yes…"
"It's hard, you know, to stay the same after all these events, Master Yoda. Who but you would know that — you taught so many Jedi, saw so many destinies…"
"I agree with this entirely — one who does not move forward fades into the Force. Though it must also be acknowledged that we must remain ourselves in any situation. Unchanging views are the essence of a true Jedi."
"That is possible," I replied, "if you clearly know what you want. But this statement also has a downside — unchanging leads to stagnation, stagnation to dogma, dogma to convictions, and convictions to fanaticism. And fanaticism, as can be seen from history, has never led anyone to anything good. Look at Jonal Ezar, for instance. He never changed his views and never accepted half-measures or compromises, but what did it lead to?"
"Hmm... hmm... You're right and you're wrong at the same time. Isn't strength of spirit an essential part of being a Jedi?" Yoda asked me.
"Of course it's important," I nodded. "But you have to understand that not only strength of spirit matters, but also the path you choose. Yes, strength of spirit will help you stay on the path, but if the path itself leads into an abyss... what then?"
"You're saying you can now see diverging paths?" Yoda inquired curiously. "Separating what leads to prosperity from what leads to decline, correct?"
So that's why he called me for this conversation. Wise... His main goal is to make sure I haven't started judging beings' views on my own and passing sentence on them. Jonal also believed his path was the only right one, but in the end, it was his path that everyone else deemed mistaken. Well, let's check...
"Is this conversation about whether I've started adopting Master Jonal's convictions?" I asked Yoda directly.
"That too," Yoda replied.
"Tell me, Master... All of us — knights, masters, grand masters — have our own established views and beliefs that will differ in some way. But who among us has the right to decide which ones are correct and which aren't? Those sentients in our Order who judged Jonal?"
"I agree with you, Light," Yoda said after a moment of silence. "Each of us has our own view of a single problem. Even in the Jedi Order. The problem is that we should judge actions — not views and beliefs."
"But actions are an extension of beliefs, Master. Few people think one thing and do another."
"This is an interesting topic for reflection," Yoda finally said. "I understand much regarding your current thoughts. And what do you plan to do? Will you leave the Temple now, or wait for a mission?"
"I intend to leave the Temple and fulfill my goal. All these events have raised many questions for me. Especially the views and actions that Jonal Ezar carried out. I think I'll find answers to them in a solitary journey."
"And where will you head, hmm?" Yoda asked with curiosity.
"To the Outer Rim, Grand Master. I'm thinking of traveling through the North of the Galaxy — but first, I'll probably visit Tustra, to see my family... You could say I've missed them."
"Hmmmm... I will be glad to see you again, Light. Perhaps next time you'll take a Padawan."
"Wouldn't that be a bit early for me?"
"And next time... when do you think that will be, Knight?" Yoda asked me. "I sense you want to know something, hmm?"
"Master Yoda, it's about Harth... Does anyone besides the Council know who killed him?" Actually, I'd wanted to ask this question back then, in the Halls of Healing, because it really bothered me that Rela had managed to recognize me in the video, but... it only came out now.
"Hmm... We kept this news quiet — no one besides the Council should know. They may guess, but not know. Anything else?"
"The Holocron. Did Master Piell find it?"
"I've read that he couldn't find it. Either the Sith kept it separately, or he hid it securely... The Holocron can be considered lost."
"Thank you, Master. May the Force be with You."
"May the Force be with you..."
Leaving the room, I breathed a sigh of relief. Yeah... That was a pretty strange but interesting test, one I'd passed successfully. Yoda had always been known for being able to draw unconventional conclusions even from completely ordinary conversations. And those conclusions actually work! Anyway, I had a plan... First Tustra, then Sernpidal, and finally Drongar. Time to hit the road...