The rakghouls surrounded us. I moved closer to Celeste, standing side by side. Behind us was Dreypa's Oubliette. They were pinning us against it. I needed to finish this here quickly. Yes, Heavenly Hand had recharged, but the problem was that I had exhausted myself too much fighting Revan. The former master hadn't held back during his exam, so the battle hadn't been easy at all. Perhaps I should use Heavenly Hand, swap places with the main rakghoul, and have Celeste attack me at the same time. But would her speed and reflexes be enough? Would I waste the technique? Besides the charges of Heavenly Hand, I had to remember my overall stamina... Either I could use the exhausting Heavenly Hand technique one more time, maybe two, or I could still fight classically, using a cocktail of enhancements for close combat.
I couldn't be sure Celeste had recovered enough. Even though she showed decent coordination, I didn't want to use my trump card now. One mistake and this ancient being, who hadn't crumbled to dust, would latch onto my neck and try to take over my body. Try to fight Karness Muur, one of the strongest Sith in their entire history, for my own body? Though I wouldn't say he's one of the very strongest, he could definitely make the top twenty. I didn't want to let it come to that at all... No, for now it was better to study his abilities in the rakghoul's body, along with the rest of the pack. For now — the rakghouls were under his control. Which meant their behavior would become more conscious.
"Ryyyarr!" The rakghouls attacked simultaneously from all sides. They weren't coming one at a time, which was unpleasant, though I had to admit it was logical. I flung three of them away with telekinesis at once, while Celeste lunged at one rakghoul, first cutting off its right arm, then slashing across its chest... But the wound wasn't deep. The yellow lightsaber left something like a scratch. The monster jumped back. At that moment, two monsters attacked her at once; I pinned one to the floor with telekinesis, and she, dodging the second, finished off the one I had pinned. HK opened fire, making sounds like malicious laughter. Four leaped at me at once; I shot into the air using the cable, then spun around, taking off all four heads. Behind me? In the air, just above and behind me, I sensed an enemy.
"RYAAA!" I spun around sharply, rotating myself with the Force, and cut off the rakghoul's arm, but with one of its 'legs' it struck me in the face, leaving a scratch. Didn't want to kill? It seemed to land a deliberately slowed attack to avoid killing me. Jumping down to the floor, I felt red blood trickling down my right cheek.
"That's it, boy," Muur said. "Do you realize what that scratch means?"
"This scratch?" I asked Muur. "It just scratched me." I threw my lightsaber from my left hand at the landed rakghoul, and it split its head. Returning the saber, I looked at the rakghoul-Muur.
"The rakghoul plague spreads through bites and scratches from my beautiful creations!" Muur snarled. "If you don't kneel and surrender — I won't interfere, and it'll take six to forty-eight standard hours for you to transform into a rakghoul!" Of course, given the talisman's close proximity, the transformation could happen much faster.
"Yes, becoming a mindless monster is unpleasant, and an ally could turn against me," I looked at the heavily breathing Celeste Morne. She still hadn't recovered all her strength after the coma. For her as a person, it might have felt like a few moments, but for her body, it was four thousand years of cryo... On the other hand, she had managed to push Vader around after waking up. But then the talisman had been around her neck... Morne even looked away. She probably remembered how she'd killed a sentient who had also been wounded by a rakghoul... But why was I so calm, even now? Because I was prepared. The Matukai techniques I had studied not only taught me to accelerate natural regeneration but also to control the body's internal environment. I could even boost the body's natural immune system. If I had been fully rested, after the fight with the nekghoul-Revan, none of these rakghouls would have ever touched me. And Dreypa's Oubliette wouldn't have gone anywhere. I couldn't be that stupid... But even so, I could suppress the disease. Immune cells, stimulated by the Force, had already produced antibodies to the pathogen and started destroying it. Celeste looked at me warily, while HK had taken a break from fighting. The rakghouls had stopped attacking.
"What?!" the rakghoul-Muur said in surprise. "Why... Why don't I sense any traces of..."
"Traces of your viruses, Muur?" I interrupted him. "I'm a collector of useful knowledge, and not long ago I came across the Matukai. I did them many useful services, and they gifted me their techniques. I didn't get the highest technique, but what I have is enough to send you and your viruses packing. I'm fine, Celeste Morne," I addressed her. "I'm fine now and will stay fine. Let's continue the fight... HK, you too."
"Satisfaction: as I always say, my master couldn't possibly die from some scratch. Observation: the only one who can kill my master is me."
I charged into the attack, making Karness Muur my target — specifically, the rakghoul with his talisman. Other monsters blocked my path. To my left came the sound of Celeste fighting monsters. She seemed to perk up, learning that I could suppress the disease. After taking off three rakghouls' heads, I closed in on the main one. He pointed his claw at me and flung me back with telekinesis. Two auras appeared behind me; I spun around and cut down two rakghouls. Muur pointed both claws at me and one at Celeste... I felt the dark side of the Force churning around him... The rakghoul's body erupted in wounds; apparently, using the Force through an unintelligent rakghoul created from a non-Force-user was draining the body itself. Revan could control that process, probably due to his experience and vast knowledge, but Karness Muur apparently never even imagined he would end up having to occupy a slave's body. Nonetheless — purple Force Lightning erupted from his claws... He showed no mercy to us or the rakghouls. I saw the streamers from his right claw reach Celeste; HK was knocked back by the lightning, while Celeste was trying to deal with another rakghoul. He literally destroyed his own creation, and the lightning was about to hit Celeste, but she raised her lightsaber in front of her and tried to move closer to me.
All because I concentrated and answered Muur with emerald lightning. The monster's eyes, containing the spirit of the ancient Sith, widened when they saw a Jedi using Force Lightning... We managed to deflect the strike, even though I was dead tired. I needed to finish this... We had reduced the number of rakghouls, worn out Muur, and now I was also confident in Morne's abilities.
"Let's do this, Celeste," I addressed the girl.
"Do you have a plan?" she asked when Muur attacked us with rakghouls again. From using Force Lightning, his main body was now exhausted, and it seemed he had called a replacement in the form of another rakghoul.
"Yes," I cut one of the monsters in half. "When I give the order — attack me with intent to kill. Cut about twenty centimeters above the top of my head..."
"Are you serious?"
"Just do what I say!" I said sharply. "Now!"
She dodged a rakghoul's swipe, jumped onto its arm, and then attacked the point I indicated. Perfect... Heavenly Hand. I swapped places with the main rakghoul. I sensed surprise from Celeste, and she wavered just slightly; on top of that, Muur quickly oriented himself and managed to shift just a little. So the former Jedi of the Covenant's Shadow didn't cut through the talisman, though the main body was destroyed. Hutt... Was he going to merge with Celeste? If he joined with a Force-user again... Cursing mentally, I used the last charge of the Heavenly Hand technique, swapping places with the rakghoul from whose arm Celeste had pushed off to attack me. I intercepted the talisman with telekinesis right at her neck; she had no time to react... Just as I raised my lightsaber to strike it, the Sith predictably begged for mercy.
"Stop! Stop, Jedi!" Karness Muur said. "Stop... Don't kill... Do you have any idea what knowledge, what power I can give? What I can teach?"
"I can imagine, Karness Muur," Celeste stood behind me, covering me from the remaining rakghouls. "So what? Do you seriously think I need your knowledge, considering the risks your existence carries? Yes, you can do many things, but your ambitions would cause far more problems than benefits. This isn't just about the desire to destroy the Jedi's ancient enemy, Karness Muur. It's the sane part."
"And would a Jedi kill an unarmed man?"
"I don't know where you got that nonsense from. You're a Force-user. For a Force-user, the weapon isn't a lightsaber. For a Force-user, the weapon is the Force. Even fighting without a lightsaber, I'm still a Force-user, a wielder of the Force... The Force is stronger than most existing weapons in the galaxy. And those that will exist. No matter what technological horror is created — it's nothing compared to the power the Force can grant. So I don't buy that you're unarmed..."
"But you wouldn't want to kill Celeste Morne," the Sith persisted. I looked at the Jedi woman.
"What do you mean?" Morne asked him.
"Don't you feel it? Over all the time I've spent with you, a strong Force Bond has formed. Stronger than between teacher and student, stronger even than what could arise between lovers. My destruction would harm you severely, up to coma and death..."
"But you wanted to kill her," I noted. "That seems inconsistent to me, I think."
"Correct," Muur smiled. "But who am I, and who is she? For me, breaking such a bond poses no danger."
"Which proves once again what a scumbag you are," I remarked.
"If it kills you, Muur, I agree to take that risk. Kill him, Light Flyingstar! It would be a relief not just for the galaxy. I'm willing to give my life, since it's nothing compared to what this monster could do..."
"You don't have to die," I sighed. "After all — I have enough Force to become the one who replaces Karness Muur in that bond with you."
"What?" came from Celeste.
"I'm saying I'll create a Force Bond with you, so..." I swung my lightsaber, destroying Karness Muur's talisman. "Farewell, Sith Lord."
Karness Muur's ghost screamed as if in pain, then suddenly exploded, throwing me and Celeste backward. I withstood the blast and immediately turned my attention to Celeste Morne. The girl fell onto her back, breathing heavily. So he wasn't lying... It seemed to be a precaution of his; he was preparing something like a resurrection technique... Making her body into a talisman 2.0. Because his essence had woven itself into her body too deeply, and since he had never finished preparing her as a new talisman-vessel — even as late as 140 ABY he hadn't completed the preparation — he didn't revive in her body. But his final death hit her hard... She might recover, possibly. The parasite — and that's what Karness was to Celeste — had woven itself into her too deeply, and now that it had been forcibly ripped out, she was struggling.
"Observation: master, there are still five forms of these leather bags left here."
"I'm leaving them to you, HK. Have fun with them however you like." I myself leaned over Celeste, taking her hand.
"Kh... I'm satisfied... For the first time in so long..."
"However," I noted. "He was too deeply woven into your spirit, so to speak. And the abrupt loss of life has caused your personality to suffer."
"Though I should feel relieved, happy that Zayn actually sent someone..."
"Kerik didn't send me," I shook my head.
"He did. How else would you have gotten information about this place..." the girl said with a sad smile.
"Yes, I did. All right, no more defeatist attitude. Celeste Morne," I channeled the Force into her. "Since you had a Force bond with Karness and lost it, I'll now take his place. We'll form a bond, however weak. But I can't let you die, considering I could have saved you. So..."
I felt my Force flowing into her. After Muur's death, it was as if wounds had opened inside her, and they were filling with my Force and healing. The girl shuddered in my arms. I held her close... Her body was fairly warm, probably heated from the fight. A moment later, she lost consciousness. I pressed my right hand to her neck and felt a steady pulse. Alive... And I could feel that a bond, however weak, had formed between us through the Force... Muur had fused with her through the Force, twisted her. After I tore him out by the roots, she might have recovered... She might have lived, but not for long. Now I had replaced Muur for her.
"Query: Master, are you all right?"
"Thanks for asking, HK. I'm tired, terribly tired..."
"Observation: There is blood coming from your eyes."
"Yeah," I wiped the blood from my face with my hand and touched the scratch. "Blood..."
"Query: Do you plan to open any more containers holding such dangerous creatures without resting first?"
"I know I was foolish, to some extent. Anyway, water under the bridge. Time to get back to the ship. Celeste needs to rest somewhere proper. Let's go, HK."
* * *
"Ugh," Celeste Morne slowly opened her eyes and looked around in surprise. She was in unfamiliar surroundings, though she could probably guess where she was. "Where am I?"
"On my ship," I said, drawing her attention. After standard sanitation procedures, I had settled the girl in an extra cabin. The procedures included blood tests and disinfection. "We've already lifted off from Jebble and are in hyperspace now. I'm heading to Coruscant to give a more thorough report on what we've been through. And to present this to the Council."
I showed her the small fragments left of Muur's talisman. Even in this ruined form, they radiated darkness. My spirit-summoning medallion seemed like a harmless toy in comparison.
"What?" she looked under the blanket. "Did you change my clothes?"
"Change your clothes? No, I performed standard disinfection procedures when I brought you onto my ship. You spent thousands of years in stasis, alone with the spirit of a Sith who once created one of the most dangerous plagues in the galaxy. I had to make sure you wouldn't bring some nasty disease onto my ship."
"I see," she lowered her gaze. "And what will happen to me?"
"Whatever you want," I replied calmly. "Truth be told, I bound us together through the Force. When Karness died..."
"I remember," Celeste said. "That bastard was too tightly bound to me, and his death..."
"Yes, it could have led to your own death. As I said, he was too fused with your personality, body, and Force. He noticed that himself, but I had enough strength to replace him. Where my skill falls short, I brute-force things... As you might have noticed, my affinity with the Force..."
"Is anomalous," Celeste finished. "As a former agent of the Shadow of the Covenant, I have decent sensory abilities and can make assumptions about a Gifted One's innate potential for Force development. You had high potential from the start, and with training... You're frightening when you don't hold back. Are all Jedi nowadays such monsters?"
"Hey, hey, I'm not a monster. And don't judge me by my example. You said it yourself, I'm an anomaly. As for the other Jedi in my time—can't say they were any different from yours. There are outstanding individuals and there are ordinary, average Knights," I put the shards of Muur's talisman back in my pocket. "But let's get back to you, Celeste. You lived all that time as a Sith's jailer, but now you're free. Even though we're bound by the Force, I won't keep you with me by force. We'll drop out of hyperspace a couple more times before Coruscant. You're free to leave on any planet you wish..."
The girl closed her eyes, taking a few seconds to think. Her black hair seemed to stir slightly. Was she entering meditation? Through the Force bond, that special "line" connecting us, I felt a strange warmth emanating from her.
"First," she said, "I'd like to trim my nails and wash up. But what I'll tell you, Light, is that I have no intention of leaving your ship. You're heading to Coruscant? To the Jedi Order?" I nodded. "Excellent. I am Celeste Morne, Shadow of the Covenant, a faction within the Order that was discredited and disbanded. Yes, that's true... But that doesn't change the essence. I am still a Jedi Knight. And I want to return to the Order."
"Seriously?" I chuckled. "You realize this is a completely different Order, not the one you knew."
"I realize that," she nodded. "But it doesn't change the essence, as I already said. Now, may I freshen up?"
"This cabin has a shower," I opened the door to the bathroom with the Force. It was modestly equipped. Most of the money went to the captain's quarters, which were mine. That room was decked out in style. "The protocol droid is called HK-47. He's been ordered not to attack you. As you might have noticed, he's not an ordinary protocol droid. The round droid, which is an astromech, is called BB-7. He's very cute, when you think about it. I'll be in my quarters."
"Thank you," the girl said to my back as I was leaving the room.
"It's my job, after all. Even if I am a pretty lousy Jedi."
Leaving the guest's cabin, I returned to mine... I hadn't expected her to want to stay. No, there was a reason, of course. Celeste was a Knight loyal to the Order. But four thousand years had passed. Not only the Shadow of the Covenant, but also the Jedi Order itself could have changed. Maybe the reason she decided to stay was the Force bond... Honestly, maybe I was too hasty in bonding with her? You can never trust a Sith's words. It's in their nature to say one thing, mean another, and do a third. You might try trusting those who are Sith warriors, but even then—with great reluctance. How did Celeste Morne die in the original history? In the New Canon, Force forgive me, she didn't exist at all. But in the True Canon—she was more worn out by the connection with Muur and restraining him. At least that's how that moment could be interpreted. I made a mistake and bound myself to her... Perhaps. In the end, I need to gather allies before the Clone Wars, not when things get hot... Alexi became my temporary ally, whom I sent to spy on Black Sun and Kabra. But I need permanent allies and supporters... But would Celeste become one? There's room for doubt.
She's a Shadow, like me, if you recall the classification. And Shadows rarely play their own game by joining Order factions. Jonal was more the exception than the rule. Her faction was also more of an exception. Usually, Shadows are the ones who root out darkness without stooping to all those squabbles between possible Jedi currents—or rather, stooping only when the High Council might order someone to be cut down. But there's no more time to think. Did I save her on the spur of the moment? Quite possibly... The fact is, I have to deal with the consequences until the end.
We arrived at Coruscant a couple of days later. Celeste watched the Republic's capital with curiosity. During the flight, I explained some nuances to her, including the Ruusan Reformation, at which the girl, without any embarrassment about the fact that I was a Shadow and, technically, could "cut her down for criticizing High Council decisions"obligated, though not in all cases—cursed and swore a little.
Though Revan's reaction was even more expressive. He spoke in the same tone as Geralt in that well-known game: "You don't learn a fucking thing, do you." He apparently saw my training as a chance to influence something for once.
We were met in the Temple hangar, which was noisy as usual, but the welcoming party was a squad of four Temple Guards. They were dressed in hooded cloaks. Their clothes were somewhat similar to mine. Also white, also hooded cloaks. Except I didn't wear a mask covering my entire face.
"Hey, guys," I greeted the guards. I had sent a report about Celeste and Karness to the Order. By the way, this time they didn't contact me via holo-transmitter but simply summoned me to the High Council chambers. Apparently, the Council was tired of my "games" and decided to talk face to face... Though I didn't particularly stand out from the ranks of those not-so-ordinary Jedi Knights who could and did stir things up. The Guards treated Shadows a bit more friendly than everyone else. After all, we're doing almost the same job. The diplomats from the "Jedi Consular" class treated us slightly worse. And the worst treatment came from the Guardians. Because it's the classic underestimation and a sort of contempt from those who, like a knight without fear or reproach, charge to the front lines almost everywhere, sabers drawn, while someone like me and other Shadows sneaks around like a "rat." But come to think of it, most of them, one way or another, were mature sentients and were above all sorts of "petty squabbles" about being "dishonorable," "stabbing in the back," and so on. "Nothing's changed around here as usual?"
"Light Flyingstar," one of the Knights said. "The High Council awaits you. And Celeste Morne as well. Celeste Morne," he addressed the girl walking behind me. "Hand over your weapon," he extended his hand. "HK and BB will have to stay on the starship."
"Returnable," Celeste said, handing her lightsaber to the Guard in such a way that the blade, if activated, would be pointing toward the girl. It was a kind of etiquette and a demonstration of friendly intent. The Knight nodded, then waved his hand. The Guards, along with me and Celeste, moved toward the hangar exit. I had to admit, our procession drew looks. Naturally—Guards usually just guard, not escort someone. Passing through all the required corridors, catching all the required curious stares, we took the lift up to the High Council Tower. And the Council was in full attendance... I also, informally, introduced each of the present to Celeste. The Guards didn't stay in the room. Did they even need to be here? Even if Sidious himself came here, with Plagueis in the flesh—the Guards wouldn't do much, because the Magisters present would handle the Sith in no time. There's no need to say the Order has declined... It has declined, that's true. But I had no doubt about the combat prowess of everyone present. With all my desire, I could only defeat a Magister either on "my turf" or one whose "combat specialization was so-so."
"Magisters," I bowed slightly, greeting the Council.
"The Council greets you, Celeste Morne," Grand Master Yoda began. "Surprised we were by the reports of our Knight, Light Flyingstar, about whom he encountered."
What did I send to the Council? An edited story. I wasn't going to claim that I used a Sith medallion to summon the spirit of Revan himself and studied under him for a year. No. The report detailed a whole saga, as a supplement to how I discovered HK on Mustafar. Allegedly, HK contained information left by Revan, and I followed its trail. But I found much more than I could have imagined.
"To be honest, I was surprised too," the Jedi woman said. "I was placed in Dreypa's Oubliette four thousand years ago... roughly. And I woke up now."
"What about Dreypa's Oubliette, by the way? Light mentioned it was destroyed, is that right?" asked Jocasta Nu.
"Yes," Celeste nodded. And why was she asking her? Unfortunately, remnants of Karness's Force lightning hit Dreypa's Oubliette, so yes, that device was lost. After all, the Force lightning of such a Sith.
"And was the spirit of Karness Muur destroyed?" asked Dooku.
"All that's left are the fragments of the talisman," I replied, taking them out of one of my bags. "Karness's Force ghost—or rather, his spirit—is gone. I no longer sense his presence."
"Undoubtedly these fragments belong to a dark artifact of great power," Yoda noted.
"Using the artifact, Karness could spread the rakghoul plague. On Jebble, in the cave I visited—I ran into a nekghoul. It's a rakghoul, by classification, that can manipulate the Force. I destroyed the monster, then opened the Oubliette and found Celeste," I looked at Dooku and levitated the fragments to him. "Karness tried to take over my body, then summoned the frozen and preserved rakghouls in the cave. Under his control, the mindless monsters acted in unison and were too dangerous. But we managed to overcome him."
"These are good tidings, well done," Yaddle praised me. "You are to be congratulated. Not everyone can stand against someone so powerful and survive," gratitude emanated from the woman. She sincerely appreciated my significant contribution.
"However, we will have to keep this operation classified," noted Tera Sinube. "And also send a research mission to Jebble. There might be more information about the rakghouls and Sith left there."
"The Mandalorians conducted a nuclear bombardment, esteemed Magister," Celeste noted, looking uncertainly at the Kiffar.
"Given that you and the Oubliette remained intact even after that," Even Piell interjected, "something might very well have survived. We must explore all options. You've already missed the expedition. It's been dispatched. If you have anything to add to the information about Jebble, you can write your report," the Lannik looked sternly at the girl. "And now we must decide what to do with you, Celeste Morne. After so many years of imprisonment, you have come to the Order, although, I assure you, we would hardly have gone looking for you, even if you had not wished to return and present yourself before us, as long as you, of course, didn't start causing trouble."
"I understand, esteemed Magister," Celeste bowed slightly. "Thank you for your honesty. For four thousand years I was a Jedi... And no matter how many years pass, I will always remain one. Therefore, I would like to request—to return to the Order."
Some of the Magisters even showed surprise.
"Do you realize that this is no longer the Order you remember?" asked Yoda. "Changed we have, after the schisms that followed your time."
"Perhaps," Celeste agreed. "But, one way or another, I am a Jedi. I belonged to the Jedi Order and know no other life. And I doubt I would want to know one."
"Those are fine words," said Dooku; the remains of Muur's talisman rested on the arm of his chair. "However, we must take into account that you have awakened in a completely different galaxy than the one you lived in."
"A companion you need, one who can help you acclimate to the galaxy," said Yoda. "And a candidate we have," Yoda looked at me meaningfully. A quite predictable, troublesome job. The girl turned her head toward me.
"I take it this is my new mission—to help Celeste acclimate."
"Correct you are," said the one who might become Lord Tyranus. "The Council will accept you into the ranks of the Jedi Order... Or rather, reinstate your membership, Celeste Morne," Dooku continued. "However, without an understanding of current realities, it would be dangerous to send you on missions. For many sentients. In the end, we have all changed, but you have not."
"I understand," she nodded. "And I was about to ask Light for something like that."
But I really didn't want to babysit her. How was I supposed to track down Tulak Hord and summon him when I had a Shadow beside me who was trained to eradicate the dark side of the Force? Yes, I intended to finish the saga with this medallion. The advice of such a master of the blade—and he was a master not only in fencing—would help me on the path to becoming a strong combatant. Whatever anyone said, personal strength in this galaxy could also decide a lot. You could gain supporters by pressing certain points at certain times. I had already started doing that... And strength is developed through training, both practical and theoretical. Even what can be found in "Star Wars""understanding of the Force" and so on—clearly smacks of some Chinese cultivation doctrine. But that's how it is... Tulak Hord is an incredibly dangerous Sith, in the category: "before studying, make sure he's without arms and legs." But at the same time, studying his abilities is a necessity. I don't intend to become a Sith under his guidance; I only see him as a combat unit, a warrior who can give a few useful tips... Would he want to work with me? And who's asking him? As Sith-like as that sounds, I couldn't care less about Tulak's consent. The medallion contains so-called "restraining constructs," designed to prevent the summoned from attacking the summoner, but the summoner must activate them himself. This is done by simply channeling the Force and a mental command. However masterful Hord might be, my thought and use of the Force would be far faster. And into this equation steps Celeste Morne. Unpleasant... But not critical. She's a grown girl and could, for instance, go on a solo mission.
"What will my duties entail? I've already started telling Celeste about the galaxy."
"To oversee her first assignments," Yaddle answered me. "We must ensure that Knight Celeste organically 'returns' to the Order," she clasped her hands in front of her. "You must observe, point out errors, if any arise, in her perception of the surrounding galaxy."
"And eliminate her if things go badly," I noted.
Celeste radiated caution. Even considering her contact with Karness, as well as her innate talent and skills she had developed—she was no match for me.
"I don't intend to let the Order down."
"It won't come to that," Yaddle said confidently. "I am certain Celeste Morne will become a worthy Jedi Knight."
"I accept the Council's will on this matter," I couldn't refuse anyway. To some extent, I felt sorry for her. Though I could have pressed the fact that I had formed a Force bond with someone essentially my peer, which in theory could create attachments that might to some degree lead to a fall. But there were also pluses—I could observe Celeste and was the ideal candidate. I'm sure the Council ultimately decided that the one who saved the girl from being possessed by Karness Muur, destroyed the one she had guarded for so many years, and freed her from suffering—was an excellent observer, because she would surely remember the service I had done for her, so to speak. And I am a member of the Jedi Order. Therefore, a sense of duty toward me could grow into a sense of duty toward the Order.
"Excellent," Jocasta Nu noted. "In that case, Celeste Morne still needs to go to the medical wing for an examination. And you should also get checked, Knight Light."
"We will follow your advice, Magister," I bowed slightly. "If that's all, may we go? Magisters?"
Yoda nodded.
"That is all, Knight Light."
I turned and headed for the exit. Celeste followed.
"You know, I felt like something broke in you when I was assigned to you," the girl said as we rode the lift down. The Force bond?
"Well, I had a couple of ideas for a new, big investigation. This time concerning a much earlier era, the one you came from. Honestly, the Revan era was an accident that formed from a desire to study someone more ancient. Will you mess up my plans? We'll see, Celeste. I can only say that I walk on the very edge, on thin ice between methods permissible for Shadows and those that are not, for which they'd be happy to cut me down," I looked into her blue eyes. "And how will you perceive them? I've only known you for a couple of days. Yes, I saved you from a terrible fate. But I'm just like you. I was trained as a Shadow. And my specialization is in many ways similar to what you did as a member of the Shadow of the Covenant organization. That's why I'm thinking about what to do. Postpone the searches along the leads I've gathered? Or continue, bringing you into my activities? But will you keep silent, or try to eliminate me? Or maybe expose me before the Council? The lightest punishment is exile, and the heaviest: imprisonment. Though... I wouldn't say I'm doing anything ultra-dangerous."
What was the advantage of the lifts in the Temple? There were no cameras in them. Because Jedi—every now and then—would jam the cameras with ionization. It annoyed many that you couldn't even talk about something in the lift. But just to be safe, I also maintained a Force barrier against eavesdropping. It completely excluded all sound. Only Celeste could hear my words.
"Hah," the girl smiled. It was a beautiful smile. "In four thousand years, you've done far more than the entire Order. So I believe Zayn sent you. And I'll be glad to help you with something, but I don't feel I'll follow you completely. If you fall, rest assured—I'll be the one to kill you."
"We've been through this, don't worry."
We reached the Order's medical wing. The Jedi healers emitted a special aura of kindness, or something. We were met at the entrance to the healing ward assigned to Morne. Before us stood a middle-aged Zeltron woman. She looked confident and, to some extent, authoritative, dressed in the usual beige Jedi robes, which clashed with her blue eyes, pink skin, and blue hair.
"Knight Light, I presume," the Zeltron looked at me. "And this girl is Celeste Morne," she focused on Celeste. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Healer Akara. I have been ordered to conduct an examination of Celeste Morne. Come along," she turned and walked into the ward. "Your presence, Knight Light, is not recommended. I think I don't need to explain why."
"Yes, I figured," when we were younglings, exams were every six months. And girls and boys were always separate. Of course, later we all studied the reproductive systems of different species, including the girls of the species we studied with, but the teachers were so strict and set such an atmosphere that no one even snickered obnoxiously in the back row. Though I had slept through biology, as well as xenobiology. Or rather, I meditated, developing my talents in the Force. What was there for me in biology? Even in my first life, I had everything a man could want. Not for very long, but still. "I'll be waiting for you here. How long will the examination take?"
"About forty minutes, I think," Akara said thoughtfully. "I need to conduct a complete analysis of all organ systems. Both with the Force and using technology. The High Council has instructed me to keep you informed regarding the health of... hmm... This is not your Padawan, considering how you found her... Let's call her: 'your temporary charge.' So I'll inform you of interesting points, and the boring ones will go into the report."
"As you wish," I nodded to the healer, then looked at Celeste.
The girl smiled at me and walked forward. About forty minutes, huh? And what to do in the meantime? Meditate? Wait, that feeling... I spun around sharply and noticed Master Yoda.
"Heightened your senses have, Light," Yoda noted with satisfaction.
"Not enough, since I only noticed you just now. Have you been following us this whole time?"
"Following you I have not, following you I was. Time Celeste Morne's examination will take. Good at her work Knight Akara is. During this time we will talk. Somewhere I must take you..."
"Something interesting?"
"Yes," Yoda nodded. "To the training hall."
"You want to fight me? But I won't be able to give you a decent fight..."
"Too humble you are with yourself," Yoda snorted. "Who underestimates himself—foolish and weak. Who overestimates himself—dangerous and foolish. Underestimate yourself you do. But no, combat not what interests me. I want you to see someone."
"Someone... Training hall... Are you trying to give me a Padawan on top of Celeste Morne?"
"Perceptive you are," Yoda noted.
"With all due respect, I'm not ready..."
"An illusion that is," Yoda said. "Come. Time we have."