Burning Shadows
Chapter 3
After studying focus with Master Orgus Din and constructing her own lightsabre, Yumikaya slept for the night and most of the morning.
When she woke up, Kalina was talking with Master Orgus and One of the pilots was walking towards her.
" Alright kiddo. Ready to fly this crate? " The pilot smiled and tussled Yumikaya's hair gently.
" I was born ready. Please show me how. " Yumikaya smiled as they walked back to the cockpit. She waved happily to Kalina and Master Orgus as she walked past them.
Once they reached the cockpit, The pilot sat Yumikaya in the copilot chair and started to explain the controls. " This ship is a Wanderer-class transport with some modifications. It has extra engines, a few extra turbo-lasers and a small hangar that houses a few Flash-Fire scout ships but nothing dramatic. Its not too difficult to maneuver under normal circumstances but gets a bit sluggish in combat. Take it a for a spin but take it slowly until you get the hang of it. "
Yumikaya looked puzzled. " Aren't wanderer-class transports usually crewed by Republic Military? "
The pilot smiled. " Normally yes but the captain has a commission as a Republic Privateer. Part of agreeing to flying for the Republic was that he got a ship worth flying. Its not the best ship around but she does the job. "
After roughly an hour of the most in depth explanation of the ships controls and handling possible and Yumikaya almost falling asleep several times, The pilots decided to let Yumikaya pilot the ship on a very low engine speed. After twenty minutes of flying the ship on long turns and slow manuevers, Yumikaya was starting to wonder why they weren't already in hyperspace.
" Say um...shouldn't we be orbiting Ilum by now? How come we aren't in hyperspace? " Yumikaya looked strongly puzzled.
The pilot looked slightly saddened at first but then smiled slightly. " Our hyper-drive was damaged in our last landing and we haven't had the time to fix it but we are doing everything we can to find the problem. Think you can help with it? "
Yumikaya looked a bit stunned before speaking. " I don't know if i can help but ill give it a try. I met a lot of spacers while i was a slave due to often being forced to serve drinks. But I've never had the chance to fix machines or anything. But maybe i can find the problem with some help from Master Orgus and Kalina. "
The pilot smiled brightly. " If it means we can get underway in less than the next three weeks, Take all the time you need kiddo. "
Yumikaya smiled before running off to find Kalina and Master Orgus. After finding them and explaining that she needed help to try and fix the hyper-drive, The three of them walked to the engine room to try to fix the hyper-drive. One of the engineers was waiting for them with the necessary tools. After examining the hyper-drive exterior, Kalina told Yumikaya how to check the parts for damage.
" So the first parts we should check out are the Hyper-drive motivator, regulator and the inhibitor. If there's no damage to those parts we can check everything else. " Kalina started explaining how to check for damage while Yumikaya got to work. Master Orgus sat silently and observed as Yumikaya started checking the various parts.
" The motivator looks fine but the power coupler looks like it's never been replaced. Put that on the list of replacement parts. " Yumikaya finished checking the hyper-drive motivator as the engineer wrote what she said into his datapad.
" The regulator looks ok but the repulsor-compensator is broken. We won't be going anywhere until that's replaced. The inhibitor looks fine so once we replace the compensator and power coupler we should be good to go. I'll double check the other parts but it doesn't seem anything is wrong but i'll double check anyway. The only part i can't check is the core. I'll leave that to Kalina. " Yumikaya stepped back so Kalina could get a closer look.
" Yumi is right about the power coupling and compensator but there's a bigger problem. The hyper-drive core is inoperable. Simply put, It's easier to just get a new hyper-drive. It will be pricey but quicker than trying to replace the core. " Kalina sounded surprised that the core could have been damaged in a landing so asked how it happened.
" There isn't much chance of breaking the hyper-drive core in a landing. How did it happen? " Kalina crossed her arms and looked at the ships captain in a way that said she would not back down until she found out what really happened. After following the captain back to the cockpit, The captain gave up and slowly explained what actually happened.
" Alright.. We were sabotaged by one of the passengers during our last journey but we didn't know the extent of the hyper-drive damage. Wheres the nearest place to get a hyper-drive? " The captain sounded unhappy.
" Well we haven't left the Nar Shadaa system yet so we can circle back and get one there. The black-market should have plenty available. " Kalina spoke plainly but tried to keep the captain calm.
The captain sighed. " Not like we have many options. " He turned to the pilot." Take us back to Nar Shadaa. "
The pilot nodded and turned the ship back to Nar Shadaa as the captain turned to Kalina. " Can you help the engineers install the hyper-drive once we get it to the ship?"
Kalina crossed her arms again. " I can and will. But only if you consider teaching Yumi everything you know about ships while i go find a hyper-drive. I'm not sure how long it will take to negotiate with the black market dealers for a hyper-drive. They can be very difficult. "
" Agreed. Take one of the wrist communicators so we can keep in touch. I'll also supply you with any credits you need. " The captain returned to his quarters to get the credits together and enter the situation into the captains log.
Kalina turned to the pilot. " How can he afford to simply give me any credits i need for a hyper-drive? These dealers could charge any price they wanted and he just happens to have the credits? "
The pilot shook his head. " The captains parents were nobles on Alderaan and left him a rather considerable fortune. That's why he became a ship captain. Growing up on Alderaan in a life of comfort didn't feel right so he left when he came of age and joined a smuggler crew. He flew with them for years before signing with the Republic as a privateer. They supplied the ship and we supplied the crew. Captain wouldn't have it when they tried to land him with a military crew although he let them crew the engineers and technicians from military personnel but everyone else isn't military. They let us do our own thing as long as we don't do anything to spoil the Republics reputation. We transport anything that doesn't classify as contraband or illegal items. Like spice for example. We never transport spice. The Republic usually pays for repairs or replacement parts but the captain keeps the family fortune stashed away because he doesn't like asking the republic for help every time we need something. He paid for most of the ships modifications. Hes an independent and hard headed bastard but there's no better captain around."
Kalina smiled. " Makes sense. But still, it doesn't bother him that it could cost that entire fortune just to replace it? "
The pilot laughed. " Oh it bothers him but he seems to trust you. Are you honestly gonna accept just any price the dealers throw at you? "
Kalina shook her head before walking to the mess hall for some food. After a few hours, the ship landed back on Nar Shadaa. Kalina got plenty of credits from the captain and left to negotiate with the black-market dealers. While she was gone, The captain introduced himself to Yumikaya.
" My name is Larkan but my crew call me Joystick. It's a weird name but it kinda stuck so i got used to it. These days i kind of like it. " The captain smiled and sat down.
" Why Joystick? You got a knack for rolling the ship or something? " Yumikaya looked puzzled.
The captain laughed heartily. " Actually the crew gave me that name because when I take the helm, I fly like a smuggler in a war-zone. Full speed ahead, no hesitation and nothing held back. Guess they think I'm the craziest pilot around so they call me Joystick. "
Yumikaya giggled softly. " Kinda suits you doesn't it captain? "
Larkan smiled. " Actually now that i think on it, It does suit me pretty well. So now that introductions are out of the way lets get down to you learning everything i know. It took me years to learn it but i didn't exactly have a teacher so it might be quicker for you. That being said, the best way to learn is from experience. Seeing as you, Kalina and the Jedi are my only passengers, I'm sure we can spare some time to stop for a bit and let you go for a fly. See if i can't get one of those old Flash-Fire scouts in the cargo hold working. I'm sure they fly but i haven't used them since we got them. Haven't needed to so they may not even start but we will see. You gotta learn from me before I put you in a cockpit rookie. "
Yumikaya saluted playfully. " Yes sir! So...um...what do I learn first? "
Larkan stood up and walked over to a small footlocker in the corner of the room. After getting a small holodisk out of it, he sat back in his chair. " While I go and help my crew get that junk hyper-drive off my ship, You are going to sit here and study this holodisk. It contains information on flight dynamics and ship manuevers. Study it thoroughly. You gotta learn what a ship is all about and how to handle her before I put my knowledge into your head rookie. "
Yumikaya pouted slightly but nodded and smiled before Larkan left. Yumikaya put the holodisk into the projector before activating it. Spending the better half of nearly four hours studying the information on the holodisk, Larkan returned to check on Yumikaya.
" Hows the study going rookie? " Larkan smiled as he entered.
" Nearly done captain. " Yumikaya smiled but didn't take her eyes off the holo.
" Good. Come find me when your done. " Larkan patted Yumikaya's head gently before leaving again.
Yumikaya continued to study the holodisk contents for another twenty minutes before finishing the holodisk and going to find Larkan. After finding Larkan, Yumikaya was told that pilot training would need to wait because Master Orgus wanted her to do some combat training with a practice lightsabre. Yumikaya was excited to do some more Jedi training but felt nervous as she entered the room and saw several small Remote training droids floating around the room.
Master Orgus smiled as he handed Yumikaya a training sabre. " To start your combat training we will teach you the first form of lightsabre style known as Shii-Cho. Before we begin..." Master Orgus handed a helmet with dark eye shielding to Yumikaya. " Put this on. "
Yumikaya nodded and put the helmet before realising it blocked all angles of her view. " But Master Orgus...I can't see anything with this helmet on. How am i supposed to defend myself? "
Master Orgus smiled. " Honestly I would have been surprised if you hadn't asked. To defend yourself you need to learn to see without your eyes. Open your mind to the force and let it guide you. Let the force be your eyes and listen to your surroundings. "
Yumikaya nodded hesitantly before activating the training sabre and concentrating as best she could. Although she managed to deflect a few bolts, Yumikaya ultimately got frustrated and almost screamed in irritation. " I'ts not working! I'm trying to focus and open my mind to the force but I can't concentrate for long enough before being hit. It might be low power but it still really hurts..."
Master Orgus placed a hand on her shoulder. " I know it hurts. Every Jedi trains the same way you are now and many of them say the same thing that you just said. Take a few moments and centre yourself. Once you are calm, we will have another go. "
Yumikaya nodded sadly and sat down before closing her eyes and focusing completely on the force. After several minutes, Yumikaya stood and turned to Master Orgus." I feel a bit better now Master Orgus. I'll give it another go but I'm not sure i'll do much better than before. "
Master Orgus smiled slightly. " Do your best Yumikaya. You are only limited by the trust you have in yourself. Believe that you can do it and you will do it. Now focus and prepare yourself. "
Yumikaya nodded and put the helmet back on. " I'm ready. "
Master Orgus simply nodded before activating the Remote training droids again. This time Yumikaya managed to block at least half of the bolts, But still took a lot of hits. After about an hour of training, Yumikaya fell to her knees.
" N..no more...I can barely stand.. " Yumikaya handed the training sabre to Master Orgus before wincing slightly from the pain of the amount of blaster bolts she was hit with. Even at a low power setting, The amount of blaster bolts that hit her caused considerable pain. Master Orgus helped her up and took her back to her room.
" Rest now little one. We will continue your training when you recover. " Master Orgus patted Yumikaya's head gently before leaving as Yumikaya fell asleep.
Three Days Later
" Excellent. You aren't taking even half of the amount of hits you were a few days ago. I'm very impressed but you must continue training. Do not become overconfident. A Jedi must always hone the skills they learn. " Master Orgus tussled Yumikaya's hair gently.
" I'm not getting overconfident Master...I just..." Yumikaya looked at the floor sadly.
" You want to use your lightsabre. I haven't seen it around. Where is it? " Master Orgus looked at Yumikaya curiously.
" I...I asked Kalina to put it somewhere safe so i wouldn't be tempted to use it before I'm ready. I didn't want to hurt anyone or myself so..." Yumikaya couldn't finish her sentence.
" So you removed the temptation entirely. I'm very proud of you Yumikaya. It takes a lot of wisdom to know when you are not ready but it takes courage to admit it. You have removed the temptation of your lightsabre and have learned that pride does not make a Jedi. Jedi are renowned for they're compassion, humility, kindness and patience. To become a Jedi you must learn these things. You are already learning patience and humility but you must learn compassion and kindness. " Master Orgus smiled as Yumikaya looked up at him.
" I know about kindness but what does compassion mean? " Yumikaya looked puzzled.
" Compassion means that no matter what the situation might be you will be-able to show sympathy, pity and concern towards the suffering of others. That you will be-able to show mercy when it is needed. Compassion is a key trait in a Jedi Knight. " Master Orgus smiled.
" I think i understand. Its' about helping people that need it and putting other people before myself. Right? " Yumikaya looked hopefully at Master Orgus.
" Correct. It is really something you must experience to fully understand but in time you will learn. For now focus on your combat skills. You are doing well but there is still a lot for you to learn young one. Now back to your training. Kalina should be ba..." Master Orgus was cut off as Kalina , Larkan and several engineers entered the room, very slowly pushing a large and heavy looking hyper-drive towards the engine room.
Larkan looked slightly upset. " I'm happy with the cost but did you have to get the heaviest blasted hyper-drive on Nar Shadaa?! "
Kalina kicked his leg gently." I would have gotten a smaller one if i knew your ship didn't have a cargo crane! "
Larkan sneered at Kalina." I would have one if I didn't have OTHER concerns! "
Kalina growled slightly as she pushed the hyper-drive as forcefully as she could. " Oh just shut up and push you blasted fool! "
Yumikaya turned to Master Orgus. " Is there a way we can help them? "
Master Orgus watched as the group stopped pushing the hyper-drive so they could catch they're breathe. " I'm not sure if your force power is ready but it can't hurt to try. Just focus completely and let the force flow through you. "
Yumikaya nodded before closing her eyes as if she was meditating. After a few moments, Yumikaya reached out her hand in an attempt to lift the hyper-drive with the force. At first the hyper-drive didn't move, But after several moments, The hyper-drive lifted slightly and grinded along the floor before stopping and landing with a loud thud a few meters away from where it started.
Yumikaya fell to her knees, panting heavily. " It's...It's too heavy...I can't lift it..."
Master Orgus helped her to her feet gently. " Not yet but getting it to move at all shows progress. You must keep practising and when you fully understand that the force is your ally, You will be surprised with the kind of objects you will move. "
As Master Orgus finished speaking, Kalina walked over to Yumikaya and hugged her gently. " That was a great effort Yumi. I know it's heavy but keep trying and you will move it. Even little bits at a time is excellent progress. "
Yumikaya leant against Kalina for a moment before closing her eyes and concentrating again. This time the hyper-drive moved slightly further but again Yumikaya fell to her knees." I can't...Its just too heavy..."
Master Orgus stepped forward and concentrated for a moment before stretching out his hand. After a moment, the hyper-drive lifted off the floor and floated towards the engine room with Master Orgus walking behind it.
Kalina helped Yumikaya up and held her gently as Yumikaya breathed slowly. " It's so exhausting..."
Kalina smiled before hugging Yumikaya gently. " I know Yumi. But when your training is complete, I'm confident that there is nothing you wont be-able to do. We will train together when we get to Ilum. All of us. Your father, mother and sister...We will all help you train. "
Yumikaya leant against Kalina as Larkan walked over. " I didn't thank you for getting the hyper-drive Kalina. I don't know anyone that could've gotten one for the price you did. "
Kalina smiled but spoke plainly. " Well it wasn't all bartering. One of the dealers owed me a favour so i got a fifty percent discount. Even without it though, Fifteen thousand credits was a great price for a hyper-drive. "
Larkan patted Kalina's head playfully. " Either way, I'm happy, So lets get this thing installed and get to Ilum "
Kalina punched Larkan's arm playfully. " Don't pat my head I'm not a kitten...even though it does feel nice but still...don't. "
Kalina winked playfully and ran off to the engine room to install the hyper-drive. Larkan stood speechless and smiled while shaking his head before walking back to the cockpit.
And that's Chapter 3!
Yumikaya's training begins and new skills are learned.
What new obstacles await?
Read on to find out!
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