"Do you want to try to calculate a hyperspace jump with data that is several thousand years old?"
"You can't just point at the nearest star and go?"
"The stars you see are all moving. The closest star even only a light year away is at least year out of place from where it is currently. Short jumps are required. The first got us out of the system, the second to the comet sphere of the system. Once clear of that we are hopefully going to arrive in the out part of the Bosthirda System, then on to the Horuset System."
"I just thought this was much faster."
"It is when we are on the super hyperspace lanes like the Hydian Way. Even then we have to stop so often and gain updated data."
"So not many people come out this way?"
"We will find out more near Bosthirda." So I learned a little bit more on traveling through hyperspace and it took three more jumps to get to the outer edge of the Bosthirda System. I would not have minded getting closer to the planet, but the beacon gave us very little data other than it was abandoned. I felt that this was a lie as I could feel the life on the planet. It had a small dark spot and long range sensors picked large chunks of space debris around the planet like Dromund Kaas. The data we picked up made it slightly easier to travel to the Horuset System. It took two jumps instead of six.
"The original home system of the Sith."
"Yes, and such a long time it has been. I am barely picking up any traffic though there is an active hyper relay. I suggest we stay until the Navicomp is fully updated."
"I can feel the power the darkside has enveloped this system. Even stronger on the planet Korriban."
"Master, it would seem that there is an active space station and a city near the former academy grounds. Dreshdae is listed as the only city. Shall we land?"
"It has only been less than a day. If we jump again how much farther will we get?"
"As soon as the update is finished we can jump to the Lianna System on the Perlemian Trade Route."
"Where does the computer show any points of interest?"
"The ships logs were a jumbled mess when Lord Scourge acquired the vessel. Once unlocked it had traveled extensively between Dantooine, Korriban, Kashyyyk, Nar Shaddaa, Manaan, Onderon, Taris, Tatooine, and Telos."
"That is all over the place."
"There are other systems that were visited and nearby."
"Okay show them all on the map in the lounge." I felt the galaxy was at my fingers and once the Galactic map was showing I literally wiggled my fingers in it. I would point at a system and it would grow bigger giving basic data and if I tapped it again it would give even more. I giggled with delight of all the systems I could possibly go to. Many of the worlds that had the most information were the worlds that fell under the Sith Empire's control. Then worlds that were attacked or taken over during the Galactic War or worlds that were of interest. However, as many lead to the core along the many attack routes a few went to other places. Nar Shaddaa was one of them and Tatooine another, but why? Nal Hutta happened to be the system capital of the Hutt Cartel and the general status of Hutt space being neutral in the war. This did not explain the reason for Tatooine being on the list. When in doubt ask so I did.
"Masters of all the places this ship has been why Tatooine?"
"That system was a place of many battles between the Jedi and the Sith and far in the Past control by the Rakata. Many relics were ripped from its sands." Bogan Guide replied first.
"It was one of the planets that lead to the discovery of the Sith Empire and the Home world of the ancient Rakata Empire. It allowed for the discovery and later destruction of the Star Forge." The Bendu Guide adding before looking to the Ashla Guide.
"I never got the chance to go to Tatooine during my quest to find out what happened to the Jedi. The navicomp was locked for me until Nathema."
"Should I go there?" All three thought for a moment, and then answered together.
"Is the Force guiding you there?"
"I don't know."
"Then meditate on the answer. You have millions of systems to visit. Do not limit yourself to just one planet."
"I do not plan to. I am sure to see several before I even get there it is half a galaxy away." Zerdy came up behind me with Arnine behind him.
"Hyperspace if used correctly is sometimes faster to go from one system to another then it is to land on system from the hyperspace entry point into a system."
"Who was she talking to?"
"Those holocrons only seemed to be usable by those that can use the Force. My programming has long ago adapted to such impossibilities."
"Where are we going next?"
"Our end point will be Tatooine then maybe Nar Shaddaa."
The trip will take some time but it will give you plenty of time to learn about the current galaxy." I would have frowned but I was thirsty for the knowledge the galaxy contained. Following the Triellus Trade Route took us down the outer edge of Hutt Space. The precious metal funds and the cargoes we took on paid for our fuel. I traded out the ancient rations for fresh ones as I sampled the cuisine of different spaceports. The ancient Alderaan wine, Tarisian Ale, and Corellian Whiskey paid for several upgrades to the ships BoSS records making the ship legal for the current age. It also gave me a Galactic ID which the Republic would not question though they may search my ship more often as it was from Hutt authorities. At least that is what I was told. It was amazing what you could get if you pushed someone's mind.
Jenica turned fifteen Galactic Standard the day she set her eyes on Tatooine. Though her document said she was fifteen a small twist of the truth. He goal here was just to say she had been to the planet. Several of the planets she had visited had such different flavors in the Force. This planet gave her the impression of being very old. She browsed the local news net not seeing anything of particular interest. Several settlements doted the habitable areas of the planet that should have been abandoned millennia ago. Though an announcement of a Pod race popped up on the boards in Mos Espa in a few days time. Now that sounded fascinating.
"We're landing. Contact Mos Espa control if they have one or one of their landing bays." I moved to the cockpit as the two droids piloted the ship in. I knew enough now to put the ship into a dangerous spin, but not enough to get out of it, so they still flew. My skill with the speeder was nearly instant, but the ship refused to surrender so easily. Entering the atmosphere was smooth until the entire board suddenly lit up.
"Fasten yourself down, the inertia dampeners have failed. Zerdy please go check the engine room." The droid rushed out of the cockpit faster then she had ever seen the droid move.
"I knew we should have procured the assistance of an astromech droid." This made me agree as I was not going to be blamed for this.
"I have been following the maintenance manuals to the letter."
"Master Jenica it is no fault of your efforts this craft is just that old." The craft bucked and shook like a tin can with a rock in it.
"But it sat in vacuum the entire time, Arnine."
"That brings with its own issues. Some parts are not meant to be left unused for so long." The ship finally smoothed out and the droid talks to another droid that guided them to a landing bay nearer to a parts dealer. Without the inertia dampener they would never be able to do the maneuvers needed in space let alone enter hyperspace. She had a feeling the Force didn't want them to leave for a while.
"So do I explore or figure out what parts we need?"
"Buy an utility repair droid first. I will make a list of the most common parts that we may need that I am sure we do not have. That is if they exist. If not we will have to repair the parts ourselves."
"That means me."
"I am sorry I truly lack the more advanced repair programming. If you have to sell me I will understand."
"No Arnine you are a good pilot and I some of the meals you have prepared. Though Zerdy's name really is Food."
"I would wear a full cloak over your body suit and maybe not the full armor one. Your body will cook in the temperatures this planet has."
"I have looked at the common wear, and have planned on taking my cloak. Now let's look at this damage." Seeing the smoking mess of wires around the units that controlled the inertia dampeners was not something I had expected, but it would not be the first time I had in replacing wires but it had been on the practice droids and not the ship.
The heat hit like a Tuk'ata that was happy to see you, and I was glad I had put my red hair up. Getting access to the holonet opened up a lot of information. Getting exposed to several different suns coming from a near constant cloud covered planet has changed my complexion from a normal near white to a reddish brown, more red than brown. Finding out normal humans have hair on their brows was interesting. I moved to the being that was the only one inside the landing bay.
"Chowbaso."
"I do not understand Huttese."
"Bay costs one hundred..."
"I need hypermatter and regular fuel. The last twenty five planets have charged a set rate. Try to swindle me and you not see another tomorrow. If you do not like it I will go to the next bay."
"Hypermatter costs more and is separate from fuel, child. Minimum of five hundred wupiupi." I dropped twenty five trugut in his out stretched appendage.
"Call me a child again and you will not see the sun set." The being did something strange which felt like laughter.
"If my tanks are not topped off when I get back I will be the one laughing."
"I said five hundred."
"You have your five hundred." I pointed at his hand,
"I have my five hundred." He turned as he walked away and then tripped before getting to his office. I smiled as I had done this successfully seven out of eight times. The one time it didn't work the being was a Toydarian. Luck was with me and I bought and old utility droid not far from the landing bay. It was a good deal I think as it made the seller happy and the droid might just be old enough to have no issues with the ship. I sent the T5-M8 up the ramp before going through a half dozen shops before coming to Watto's Junk Shop.
I had never seen so many pieces of junk, he had a treasure for my people if this was only on my world. The owner of such a place would be easily a chief or branded as a witch to steal everything. Standing near was a tall lanky being with these huge ears, and two humans. A boy around ten seasons and a girl around fourteen. The boy was intently focused on the girl and the girl felt curiosity.
"Are you an angel?" I saw the sudden confusion of the girl.
"What?"
"An angel. I've heard the deep space pilots talk about them. They are the most beautiful creatures in the universe. They live on the Moons of Iego I think." I giggled before the girl could answer.
"Sorry I didn't see you there."
"It is okay. Say isn't Iego near the Jabiim System."
"I don't know. I just heard they could make the most hardened space pirate cry."
"I bet they would you little flirt." The boy opens his mouth to reply but keep it open as he turns red. The girl also blushes.
"He is just being a funny boy."
"To a girl soon to be bound to her age mate?"
"Age mate? No I am too young to get married." Her face was now even a brighter red.
"So little kid you got any of these?" I placed the box next to him on the counter. "It is the..."
"Inertia dampener control module."
"For a Dynamic class freighter?"
"We got plenty of those not sure if we have one for a Dynamic."
"How do you know so much?"
"Since I was very little, three, I think. My Mom and I were sold to Gardulla the Hutt, but she lost us, betting on the Podraces, to Watto, who's a lot better master than Gardulla, I think."
"You're...a slave?" The girl looked completely shocked. The boy glares at the girl defiantly.
"I am a person! My name is Anakin."
"I'm sorry. I don't fully understand. This is a strange world to me. My name is Padme."
"This place is not strange. Gamorr is strange they have a calendar of when to go to war. Rishi has bird like people who are pirates."
"You are a strange girl to me." The long eared being made some droid come alive and he jumped back knocking other things around and so did the droid.
"Hit the nose!" And the startled being finally did closing the droid back down. We all laughed a the dumb being. As our laughter dies the girl starts fixing her brown hair as I let down my hood.
"Your eyes are gold."
"And yours are blue." I frowned as he couldn't seem to decide who he wanted to stare at.
"I am making my own droid." I sense a presence just before this tall man with long hair and a beard storms in reflecting the gray blue of his eyes. He scans the room and his anger vanishes as he looks into my eyes and my face.
"We're leaving." He spits out as we have locked eyes. I felt him strongly in the Force and I was sure he felt me as well.
"Why?" My asking him stopped him in his tracks. I was sure he was wondering why I would even care.
"This shop will not take Republic credits."
"I am heading into Republic space eventually. Maybe we could trade fairly."
"I would be interested, but I highly doubt you would have enough for a hyperdrive generator."
"I am a ship captain and didn't anyone tell you not to judge a book by it cover?"
"A ship captain. I doubt you have enough then to buy fuel." Watto flew in the shop glaring at the tall man.
"Another one? You need to leave."
"I need parts and I am not leaving until I have them."
"Better have something other than Republic Credits."
"Peggat, Trugut, or Wupiupi?"
"What do you need?"
"An inertia dampener control module for a Dynamic freighter." I hold up the module.
"Dynamic, Dynamic, oh now that is an old ship. Don't matter, they made most ships use the same module."
"Oh and that hyperdrive thing he needs."
"Girl, I don't think your master..."
"Do I look like a slave to you?!" I wiped my cloak t other side as I placed my hand on my blaster. I felt the Force spike behind me.
"No, but you're too young."
"All you care about is money and on this world the Hutts place a value on life. I am a ship captain and a free trader and you just assumed I am a worthless slave on top of making an assumption about my age."
"How was I supposed to know?"
"Did it really matter? I was going to offer you 15,000 wupiupi, but now I think you'll take ten." I popped the strap free of the firearm. Watto just squinted at me and then looked at the tall guy.
"Thirteen and I am not making much."
"You would have gotten that much but you still have not apologized. Still, ten or should I just kill you and take it?"
"I will not accept something that has been taken by force."
"Relax old man." I nudged him with the Force and he looked suddenly surprised.
"I apologize, really I didn't mean it that way."
"Fair enough I won't kill you, yet." Watto did not miss the last word even with the pause. I let go of my firearm and settled my cloak back around me.
"Twelve thousand and you get your parts for free."
"Fine, but if the inertial dampener control module doesn't work I can swap it out."
"No deal." I shifted my cloak. Which got Watto to fly backwards a few feet.
"Fine, one time."
"Good get the part ready for the tall one. Anakin can you find me a dampener that would work?"
"Sure."
"Great." I watched him run out into the yard as I felt the tall one probing me.
"Did you forget something old man."
"Excuse me." I moved closer brushing up close to him as I got on my tip toes before whispering.
"You have to ask for my permission before feeling me up." I pushed him out of my mind as I probed his shields and I think we both got nowhere.
"Do not try to make this any more puzzling than it is."
"Then stay out of my head. I'll go get the Trugut he will need and I expect you to stay here."
"I can not get into your head and I have not agreed to allow you to buy the part for me."
"Who said I was? I buy the part, you buy it from me, 19,000 dataries." I pushed away from him as Anakin came back in struggling with the modulator. I took it from him and walked out of the shop.
"You haven't paid for that."
"He said it was free. I'll be back." The part was heavy, but the Force made it not so difficult to carry. This was truly going to be an interesting planet. I left the junk shop wondering about all the other planets or spaceports I had explored. Sure she had felt a flicker of the Force in someone here or there, but to see two in one day in the same place surprised her.
Was this a good thing or a bad thing? It made me wonder as I went back to the ship unable to hold back as I open myself to the Force. On Dromund Kaas it was hard to do this to feel everyone and every thing as it had been so dark and the animals and tribes struggled to survive. Here you could feel this struggle. Some fast and bright, and others a slow grind to survive, and then the predators that prayed on them both. Yet this desert planet felt more alive than the jungle she grew up in. I made it back to the landing bay and handed over the part to Arnine.
"Most excellent and that T5 droid is a very good purchase as well. Said he was programmed originally to work on Dynamic Corps vessels, but he will need a thorough maintenance inspection.
"Good to hear. This planet is fascinating. I am going to do some more exploring. Maybe bring some local foods back."
"I am sure Zerdy will be most interested in preparing a meal." I gathered the needed coin and drove my speeder with a hover sled back to the shop feeling out for any trouble and nudging them in the Force to go away. That avoided any curious eyes or glances. Watto looked surprised as he said something to a device in his hand that had to be a comlink as some spoke from it. I pulled out several Trugut and laid the value of 185 trugut or nearly twelve thousand wupiupi on Watto's counter.
"I have a speeder and a hover sled if you need help with moving your part."
"I believe you have been generous enough." The tall guy handed over several chips worth the 19,000 dataries. Watto had his droids move the parts to the sled as he said something to the boy. This made him happy and he cheered and his joy echoed in the Force brightly. This boy was stronger than the tall man and stronger than I was I was sure though it felt different, odd even. I walked out of the shop to make sure the droids tied it down correctly.
"I do have to thank you. I did not expect to receive any help on this planet from a fellow Jedi."
"Jedi, so that is what you were trying to hide? The boy noticed your hilt, but I am not a Jedi."
"Your presence is that of most Jedi I know, but I am unfamiliar with you. I am Master Qui Gon Jinn."
"Jenica Lour."
"Would you consider coming to the Jedi Temple with me?"
"Sorry not into old men."
"I did not mean it that way and you know it."
"If you reacted then I would know you lie. I doubt your Jedi Temple would take someone in like me."
"Why would you assume that?" I shrugged as I changed the subject.
"Why not. The wings are not the most comfortable to ride on or you can ride on the sled but you will get more sand on you. Princess you can ride with me."
"I am not a princess." Artoo was put up on the sled.
"Okay angel." She did not hesitate in getting into the cockpit of the speeder as Jar Jar sat on the one wing. Qui Gon sat on the opposite wing and froze as he felt the Force roll under his touch. The speeder was a mix of the light and dark side of the Force. He also got the impression this machine was ancient. The speeder started to move and Jar Jar nearly fell off.
"Fall off and I will not only keep going but circle around so I can run you over again!" The Gungan suddenly gripped the handles properly.
"You don't have to be so mean."
"That is how some listen. The being is a clown pain is the only thing it respects."
"How can you say that and why are you helping us?"
"Why not? Not like anyone else is going to help without an ulterior motive. My one guide told me a man always wants something from you if he helps you. My other guide told me always figure out what the politician can gain from you and to weigh the cost against what they promise you, and their promises are worthless. As a politician will just take from you to get what they want and make you think it was your idea. My last guide told me just to kill both of them if you don't get what you want."
"That is not something that should be done."
"A man always will want to have sex with you and a politician will use you even worse."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"I don't know. I think the Force is telling me to. So you like Anakin."
"He is just a boy."
"He likes you a lot, and boys grow up fast. Next time you might see him he will be taller and covered in muscles."
"Ewe, I would never."
"Do you like girls?"
"No, never."
"Oh so you don't like either."
"I like boys, just I don't have time to think of boys."
"Oh is that your ship?" I shifted course a bit and pulled right up to the ramp as two men came out of the ship. One who radiated the Force a bit stronger than the old man Jinn and another who from his stance was a warrior. He was a bit more than that when he helped Padme out of the speeder. I looked the young Jedi over and he was about 22 to 25. His hair cut did not suit him at all. Still, he radiated worry with confidence and he did not stop watching me for a second as Jinn and I removed the straps holding the hyperdrive part down.
"Do you want to move this inside or should I do it?"
"What do you mean, Jenica?"
"I'll do it then." I looked at the parts and they moved into the air with the raising of my hand. I felt the utter shock from the guards and Padme like she had never seen something like this before. The shock the other Jedi felt was more disapproval whereas Master Jinn looked calmly impressed. They follow behind me and I hear them whisper.
"Where did you find her?"
"She found us, Obi Wan. Have you ever met a shadow by the name of Jenica Lour."
"No. I am not familiar with that name, master."
"Neither am I. She is very skilled. As if this takes little effort."
"Who trained her?"
"She would not tell, but I did not think she was this strong." I stopped and looked at both of them as I held the parts in the air.
"You done discussing me or should I just drop this thing?"
"No, no bring it over hear or just set it down very carefully." The lone tech got over his stunned condition. With a bit more effort I got it to the place it needed to be for the time being. As I could feel the younger Jedi probing me. I smirked that he had a more subtle touch as he caressed my thoughts instead of straight forwardly touching. I made a point of rolling my neck and head before looking back at him straight into his eyes. His mental touch vanished as he tried to block his next thoughts as I brushed his mind and he failed to hide his reaction. Though I knew what he could have though the reality with his feelings was a bit more than I expected as my face heated up to match his, but I had to go farther.
"You can caress me any time like that, Obi Wan." This made his skin turn even redder and Master Jinn to frown at him in severe disapproval. I giggled to hide my own reaction. He was not bad looking once you get passed the hair.
"Are you really like this?"
"I don't know. I mean I was alone for six years. Now you have your part and I have my credits. See you around, Jedi."
"I think you need to explain a few more things. That is not something you can learn without a master."
"You're right I have three guides, and you are wrong, I have no master."
"You really should come to Coruscant. I do not think you would be rejected."
"Master Jinn I am my own person and I feel the Force is warning me about your Jedi. Plus I am not one to follow the orders of another. The will of the Force is such that it is much more interesting to follow."
"I will leave the invitation to you. Here let me give you my comlink address."
"I would rather have his."
"My padawan's you can have as well, but I doubt he would return your interest." I pouted while I tapped on my comlink to sync with theirs. It did and I added my ship address as well.
"I have a full holocom suite so call me any time." I turned and walked right up to Padme. I tapped my comlink and she looked a bit confused.
"Sorry don't have a comlink on me."
"Then how am I to get a hold of you?"
"Let me." Another girl suddenly appeared and other than outfit she nearly looked the strangely the same. "I am Motee, one of the Queen's handmaiden like Padme."
"Handmaiden, I thought Padme was a princess." I thought her being called a handmaiden felt off as she had a more authoritative feel to her. She could very well be a princess or even this queen.
"I should be going."
"The Queen would like to thank you."
"Thank me for being a credit exchange?"
"Without you we would be forced to seek other solutions."
"I do not need to be thanked and I feel I must get going or I will be stuck." I bowed and rushed out of the ship. The sand stung a bit as the wind had picked up a lot. Obi Wan followed me off the ship.
"You should really stay. A sand storm can kill you if it does not get you lost."
"My speeder can out run it." I moved to the speed flipping switches before I even got in. Once I was inside Obi Wan was in the way.
"I do not have a good feeling about you going in this storm."
"Awe, how sweet, but you would not like me if I turned sullen." The speeder lifted up in the air putting our eyes at the same level.
"Stay."
"Only if you kiss me." His eyes tried to go wide and snapped shut as they got sand in them. I boosted the hover height and pushed the throttle to max in the direction of the City of Mos Espa. Being chased by a storm was something exciting and terrifying at the same time. The good thing was that the Speeder had a canopy which was getting scratched by the sand to the point it was a good thing the city was right there. As soon as she made it to the edge of the city the Sand storm over took her forcing her to stop in this courtyard. Opening the canopy caused it to suddenly get ripped off with the force of the winds. With a quick flip of the switches the speeder dropped to the ground as she pushed the sand away with the Force to the point it visibly created a shield around her.