Burning Shadows
Chapter 12
As Yumikaya and IK-TO walked through the tunnels, IK-TO detailed The Equilibrium's capabilities and size.
" The Equilibrium is a Star Dreadnought that is exactly twenty thousand metres long. It has thirty primary Ion Engines and twenty secondary Ion Engines. It is equipped with a class one Hyperdrive with a class three backup Hyperdrive. It uses an Advanced Navicomputer, Prototype Verpine Deflector Shields, Heavy Durasteel hull plating reinforced with Mandalorian Iron plating, Prototype Holotrancievers, Advanced Guidance Projectors, Advanced Target Tracking systems, A one of a kind Force Energy Absorption Converter and is armed with a large array of weaponry. " IK-TO spoke almost excitedly as they entered the training cavern.
" So it was designed for a purpose? " Yumikaya spoke softly as IK-TO beamed with pride.
" Oh yes. The Equilibrium was designed for the singular purpose of the total annihilation of Revan and The Republic. A purpose that was not achieved sadly. However I am positive that you will discover your own purpose for it. " IK-TO once again seemed to beam with pride as the Priestesses appeared.
" Welcome back little one. Are you ready for more training? "
" Yes Priestesses. I am ready. " Yumikaya bowed politely before IK-TO spoke.
" If I may be of any assistance during your training please do not hesitate to ask. Also there is currently a battalion of Drahr Jurkad Beskar'ad ready for service. If you would like to make use of them for combat training please say so. I can have them here within the hour. " IK-TO bowed deeply to Yumikaya as she spoke.
" Dragon Assault Droids? What are those? " Yumikaya looked puzzled as IK-TO sighed in admiration.
" They are the epitome of advanced combat protocols and are designed to hunt even the most difficult targets. They are the main force of The Equilibrium's ground combat production facilities. Designed to be either dropped directly into combat zones via orbital deployment pods or delivered via transport ships. They have a left shoulder mounted Mandalorian heavy repeating blaster carbine and are armed with a melee weapon that contends with a lightsabre to near overwhelming proportion. " IK-TO spoke calmly as Yumikaya thought for a moment.
" I suppose it would be useful to know how to fight them if I am going to command them. I don't need an entire battalion though. Four or Five will do. " Yumikaya spoke softly before IK-TO responded.
" Shall I have them come directly to this cavern or shall I meet them outside to avoid hostility from the other humans? " IK-TO spoke calmly.
" Meet them outside IK-TO. Make sure my mother doesn't try to break them before I can train with them. " Yumikaya spoke calmly before IK-TO bowed deeply and walked back into the tunnel leading to the entrance.
" A good decision little one. A proper opponent will be highly useful in your training. Now then, We observed your use of magnification yesterday. Your application of speed through the Force was impressive. We have decided to allow you a break from lightsabre training and will teach you some Force Techniques until the droids arrive. We shall start with two basic techniques. Meditation and Telekinesis. Telekinesis can be gained through Meditation so we will start with Meditation before teaching you how to use Telekinesis. Please sit and breathe. Allow the Force to flow through you. "
Yumikaya sat down and closed her eyes slowly. After several minutes, Yumikaya began to relax.
" Good. Relax. Breathe and let the Force flow through you. " The familiar feminine voice echoed through the cavern as usual.
" Not to be rude or anything but you give me advice and yet I don't know who you are... How do I know I am not imagining your voice? " Yumikaya opened her eyes slowly.
A tall woman with blonde tied back hair and long white robes on with a soft blue glow outlining her body smiled down at Yumikaya before speaking.
" Is this better? My name is Meetra Surik. I was known more commonly as the Jedi Exile. " Meetra Surik spoke softly as she sat down in front of Yumikaya.
" So your not..." Yumikaya reached out her hand and gasped as it passed through Meetra Surik slowly before she spoke.
" Not alive. No... I died a long time ago. But I remain within the Force. Now continue your meditation. I will be here with you while you do. " Meetra Surik smiled as Yumikaya closed her eyes slowly and continued to breathe.
As she breathed slowly, Yumikaya relaxed more and more. After what felt like an entire day, Yumikaya opened her eyes slowly. As her eyes opened, She saw several small rocks floating in a circle around her. As she gasped, They fell to the floor.
" Your Meditation is excellent. So much focus. And you were so calm and peaceful. Now you can learn how to use Telekinesis. See that boulder over there? " Meetra Surik pointed to a large boulder on the far side of the cavern before Yumikaya nodded.
" Good. Lift it. " Meetra Surik smiled before Yumikaya spoke.
" WHAT?! But it's huge! How do you expect me to lift something that heavy? " Yumikaya had a look of shock on her face as Meetra Surik smiled and reached out her hand towards the boulder.
The boulder shuddered slightly before lifting into the air and turning gracefully before slowly descending back to the ground.
" I expect you to focus and reach out with the Force. It is heavy... But it is not impossible to move things larger than yourself. Focus and reach out. " Meetra Surik sat quietly and watched as Yumikaya stood and reached out her hand slowly.
As she focused, The boulder shook but refused to lift. The harder Yumikaya tried the more frustrated she became. As she sighed heavily, Meetra Surik spoke.
" No. Do not give in to frustration. Remember, Balance. In all things. " Meetra Surik stood and moved to stand next to Yumikaya as she spoke.
" Balance..." Yumikaya sighed softly and breathed slowly. " Balance in all things. "
Yumikaya breathed out slowly as she once again reached out her hand. The boulder once again shuddered but this time it slowly floated into the air. After several moments, The boulder fell back to the ground with a loud thud.
" Much better. Always remember that you are the line between light and dark. You are both yet neither. Balance. " Meetra Surik sat down again slowly as Yumikaya smiled.
" Thank you Meetra. I appreciate your help. " Yumikaya smiled as the Priestesses entered the cavern.
" Very good little one. Your Meditation and Telekinesis are coming along nicely. Continue to practice and when you have had enough, Go and rest. We will teach you more later. "
Yumikaya bowed politely to the Priestesses before returning to her Telekinesis training. As the hours passed, Yumikaya felt the weight of her training as her muscles began to ache. As the boulder fell to the ground with a thud one last time, Yumikaya walked down the tunnel that lead to the warm fire. Before falling asleep, Yumikaya sighed softly as her heart ached to go home to her family.
The Next Day
Yumikaya awoke slowly and stretched out tenderly. As she stood, Meetra Surik's soft voice greeted her.
" Good morning Kaya. Sleep well? " Meetra Surik smiled.
" Yeah I slept ok. " Yumikaya spoke softly before walking down the tunnel leading to the cavern. Upon walking into the cavern, Yumikaya saw IK-TO standing in the middle of the cavern with five very tall droids that had long red capes on and were holding very large curve bladed weapons. Yumikaya walked towards IK-TO as he bowed and spoke calmly.
" Allow me to present the Dragon Assault Droids. These five droids should be-able to meet all of your training requirements. Until you need them i will have them wait in sleep mode to preserve they're power. " IK-TO turned to the droids and spoke in Mandalorian before the five droids moved to the side of the cavern and powered down.
" They are... Wow. " Yumikaya watched the droids as IK-TO spoke.
" Indeed. These droids are programmed with the most advanced armed and unarmed combat protocols available and are equipped with heavy armour, personal shield generators and wield a prototype variant of cortosis weave vibro-axe. They are also armed with a shoulder mounted Mandalorian Heavy Repeating Blaster Carbine. " IK-TO bowed deeply as Yumikaya walked over to one of the droids and ran her hand along the armour plating gently before walking back to stand beside Meetra Surik.
" They are magnificent. I cannot wait to see them in action. " Yumikaya spoke happily as IK-TO chuckled softly.
" They should provide quite the challenge. Even for you. " IK-TO spoke confidently as Yumikaya giggled.
" We will see. Now what am I learning today Meetra? " Yumikaya looked up at Meetra Surik excitedly as she spoke.
" Two techniques. Force Cloak and Force Speed. You used Force Speed against Orgus Din but as impressive as that display was, Your technique and application need refinement. Both can be difficult to learn and require great concentration but I am confident you will manage. Now then.." Meetra Surik sat down slowly. " Let's start with Force Cloak. It is a technique that allows you to bend light around yourself to appear almost invisible. Focus on the Force and concentrate on hiding yourself. " Meetra Surik watched as Yumikaya closed her eyes for moment and concentrated. As Yumikaya concentrated as hard as she could, It appeared that parts of her were disappearing. Her hand would disappear for a moment or her leg would disappear.
" Good. You almost have it. Your concentration is good but you aren't focused. You can do this. Focus on the Force. " Meetra Surik watched carefully as Yumikaya sighed softly and relaxed. After several moments, Yumikaya's body began to vanish. Starting at her feet and slowly moving up, Her body was disappearing inch by inch. As Yumikaya disappeared completely, IK-TO sighed in admiration and Meetra Surik giggled happily. " Yes! You did it Kaya! "
" I did? But I... Whoa... " Yumikaya looked down slowly and could only see the snow she was standing on. " This is awesome! "
Meetra Surik smiled as Yumikaya slowly reappeared. " Well done. Keep practising. When you master Force Cloak, I will help you refine your speed. "
Yumikaya practised for hour after hour until she could use Force Cloak with relative ease. As she reappeared for the final time, Meetra Surik spoke softly.
" Very good. Now we will refine your speed. Do you remember what it felt like? " Meetra Surik spoke with curiosity in her voice.
" It was like the world around me was slowing down but I was moving normally. My muscles really hurt afterwards. " Yumikaya smiled slightly before Meetra Surik spoke.
" Good. Remember that feeling. Remember the world slowing down around you. Focus on it and let the Force flow through you. " Meetra Surik sat quietly while Yumikaya focused on the feeling of the world slowing down. After several moments, Yumikaya vanished. Meetra Surik looked around for a moment as Yumikaya whistled softly beside her head playfully before vanishing again. This time, Yumikaya had climbed onto one of the Excalibur Assault Droids and was giggling mischievously.
Meetra Surik giggled for a moment as the Priestesses appeared and spoke.
" Much better. Your speed was unrefined and instinctual when you fought Orgus Din. But your speed just now was graceful and much more refined than before. Continue practising. "
After hours of practising, Yumikaya fell to her knees slowly as her entire body ached. " Why... Why does it hurt to use Force Speed... "
" It hurts because you are magnifying the physical attributes of your body. Force Speed quite literally forces your muscles beyond their natural limitations. Also you will be.." Meetra Surik paused for a moment and giggled as Yumikaya's stomach grumbled. " Hungry. Which reminds me, You haven't eaten anything since you came down here have you Kaya? "
" Uhm... No I haven't but I haven't felt hungry either. I have been breaking pieces of ice off the walls of the tunnel and sucking on the pieces so I have water but I've been wondering why I wasn't hungry..." Yumikaya spoke softly as she placed her hand on her stomach gently.
" You were not hungry because you have subconsciously been drawing upon the Force for sustenance. It is an ancient and in many ways forgotten technique. It was often the point of much controversy with the ancient Jedi. It requires a great amount of concentration and practice to master effectively... Yet you use it subconsciously. Curious. Are you still hungry little one? "
" Yeah but it's... Weird... It's like..." Yumikaya sat down slowly as she spoke.
" Like you just ate but it still feels like your stomach is empty. Yes it is a curious technique but very useful indeed. Rest now. Your muscles won't be so easy to remedy. "
Yumikaya bowed politely before walking through the tunnel and laying down in the warmth of the fire. As she slowly drifted off to sleep, Meetra Surik spoke with the Priestesses.
" Do you think she is ready? Her lightsabre techniques are beautiful. Her Force Powers are developing faster than we can teach them to her. Surely she is ready? " Meetra Surik looked at the tunnel that Yumikaya walked through before turning back to the Priestesses as they spoke.
" Perhaps. Perhaps not. Teach her some more Force Powers. Then we will see how she handles opponents that have no fear, no mercy and do not give up or surrender. Those droids will push her beyond her limits. If she survives... Then we can discuss whether or not she is ready. "
As the Priestesses slowly disappeared, Meetra Surik sighed softly. " Maybe they are right... Maybe she isn't ready yet.. "
Meetra Surik sighed once more before fading back into the Force as Yumikaya slept.
The Next Day
Yumikaya awoke slowly and sat up tenderly as her muscles ached. While stretching out slowly, Yumikaya could hear IK-TO speaking in the cavern. When she arrived, Yumikaya saw IK-TO arguing with Meetra Surik.
" I realise that it is important for her to go to The Equilibrium but she is not ready to leave the cavern yet. " Meetra Surik spoke plainly before IK-TO huffed impatiently and spoke.
" It is more than just important. The Equilibrium cannot function without her Force Energy. If she does not come to the ship then it will never leave this pl... "IK-TO stopped speaking as Yumikaya spoke.
" Not that it is going anywhere until I go to it. Right? " Yumikaya smiled as IK-TO sighed.
" Yes that is indeed correct. But you must understand.." IK-TO spoke bluntly but Yumikaya cut him off by raising her hand.
" I do IK-TO. I really do but I must finish my training first. I promise that I will go with you to the ship the moment my training is complete. " Yumikaya smiled once again as IK-TO sighed softly.
" Very well. Once your training is complete we will go to The Equilibrium. " IK-TO pointed to Yumikaya with a serious tone in his voice. " And not one minute later. "
Yumikaya giggled softly and bowed as IK-TO walked over to stand next to the Dragon Assault Droids. As IK-TO sat down to watch today's training, Yumikaya turned to Meetra Surik and spoke calmly. " What will I be learning today Meetra? "
" Think fast. " Meetra Surik spoke as the Dragon Assault Droids suddenly powered up and opened fire at Yumikaya with the repeating blaster carbine on they're left shoulders. All five droids took a step forward as Yumikaya dodged behind a large boulder.
" If you want to survive against heavy fire and large numbers you will need to..." Meetra Surik stopped speaking suddenly as her jaw dropped.
Yumikaya had lunged out from behind the boulder as her marks started to glow. Upon landing, Yumikaya threw her hand forward as the blaster fire appeared to ricochet away from her hand. Yumikaya focused as hard as she could and concentrated on protecting herself as a soft pink barrier formed in front of her. As the droids continued firing, Blaster bolts were hitting the barrier and bouncing off of it with no damage to the barrier.
Meetra Surik sighed softly and motioned for the droids to cease fire. As their repeating carbines stopped firing, The droids stepped back and powered down once more as Yumikaya fell to her knees and her marks slowly dimmed.
" You see? She just used Force Shield instinctively. If that doesn't mean she is ready then I don't know what will please you. " Meetra Surik turned as the Priestesses spoke softly.
" Indeed. Most impressive. I agree. However there is one thing we need to check. Ignite your lightsabre little one. "
Yumikaya took her lightsabre off her belt and ignited it. The unique sound of her lightsabre igniting filled the cavern as the deep ice blue blade slowly extended from the hilt.
" Until that blade matches her Force Energy, She is not ready. "
" So I need to attune my crystal to my Force Energy? Because I have never done that. " Yumikaya spoke softly as the Priestesses motioned to leave but turned to face her as she spoke.
" Never? Not even when you first got it? " Meetra Surik spoke with surprise in her voice as Yumikaya nodded.
" An un-attuned crystal? Hmm.. "
" So there is a chance she is ready but her crystal doesn't reflect it because it has not been attuned to her. Take the crystal out of your lightsabre and sit with me Kaya. " Meetra Surik sat down slowly as Yumikaya deactivated her lightsabre. After twisting the hilt gently, Yumikaya very carefully took her Permafrost crystal out of the hilt. After gently twisting the hilt back into position, Yumikaya returned the hilt to her belt and sat down in front of Meetra Surik.
" Your crystal is rare and is drawn to you. Place it on the snow. " Meetra Surik spoke softly before Yumikaya placed her crystal on the snow slowly and carefully. " Good. Now close your eyes and focus on your crystal. Focus on the Force flowing through it. Feel it pull you. Feel it's energy. Now concentrate on your own Force Energy. Feel your magnification flow through you. Now let your connection to the Force bind your crystal to you. Let your crystal absorb your energy. Let it flow from you and into your crystal. " Meetra Surik spoke softly as Yumikaya's marks began glowing slowly. As Yumikaya sighed, Her lightsabre crystal floated up from the floor slowly and hovered in front of her before glowing softly.
The crystal turned slowly as Yumikaya concentrated. As it turned, The colour of the crystal slowly shifted through deeper shades of blue and then through shades of purple. As Yumikaya's marks stopped glowing and she opened her eyes, Her Permafrost crystal hovered in front of her and was glowing a soft shade of pink. Yumikaya took her hilt off her belt and twisted it gently. The Permafrost crystal slowly floated down and settled into it's place inside the hilt. Yumikaya once again twisted the hilt and ignited her blade. This time, The sound filled the cavern but had a soft musical tone to it. The core of the blade was a pale icy blueish silver as the glow of soft pink emanated around it. Yumikaya stood slowly and deactivated her lightsabre before returning it to her belt.
" Now she is ready. We will return to the wellspring to replenish our energy. We will check on you soon little one. Go now and continue your training while you adventure among the stars. "
The Priestesses vanished slowly as Yumikaya bowed deeply. As Yumikaya straightened out and smiled, Meetra Surik spoke. " I am so proud of you Kaya. I knew in my heart that you were ready. It was just hidden from us. Before you go... There is something I want to ask you.. "
" Of course Meetra.. Anything.. " Yumikaya sat down slowly as Meetra took a deep breathe.
" I have been adrift in the Force for a very long time. I have learned so much and enjoy that I can still live on through it's energy. But I am alone in the Force. I died many years ago... But.. I don't like feeling alone. I would ask that you allow me to bind myself to you. That way I will always be with you and will always give you training, advice and offer as much help as I can. If you let me do this, I won't have to be alone anymore. I beg you.. Please let me accompany you..." Meetra Surik bowed deeply as Yumikaya spoke.
" But how does that work? " Yumikaya tiled her head in confusion before Meetra Surik explained.
" To put it basically, I bind myself to you. I become a part of you and you a part of me. I will remain a part of you until you die. " Meetra Surik explained bluntly before Yumikaya responded.
" Ok and the not so basic explanation is? " Yumikaya spoke curiously as Meetra Surik sat down.
" I bind my energy within the Force to yours. We become entwined within the Force itself and are bound together by it. Not only will I be able to manifest like I am now but you will also be able to draw from my Force Energy. I will be able to communicate to you through the Force without being visibly manifested and others around you will be able to see me when I do manifest if you wish it. " Meetra Surik explained to the best of her ability as Yumikaya thought for a moment.
" Are there any... Well.. Downsides? " Yumikaya spoke cautiously before Meetra Surik giggled.
" Not that I am aware of Kaya. It will be a bit like a Force Bond but different in that a Force Bond does not make me a part of you. " Meetra Surik smiled as Yumikaya nodded.
" Ok. Yeah I agree to binding yourself to me. " Yumikaya smiled as Meetra Surik smiled happily. " But how do we do that exactly? "
" Stand up and reach out to me with the Force. I will do the same. By doing so we will become one. " Meetra Surik Stood slowly before they both reached out to each other through the Force.
Yumikaya groaned softly as the pull of the Force nearly swept her off her feet and she closed her eyes and focused on Meetra Surik as much as possible. After several minutes, Yumikaya fell to her knees as a large ripple echoed through the Force.
Meanwhile
" Did you feel that? " Zanira stood up rapidly and looked to Satele Shan quickly.
" Yes... It came from the caverns. " Satele Shan spoke softly as Yumitaya ran over to Zanira.
" Mom! It's Kaya! Her energy just... Changed.. It's like there is someone else with her.. " Yumitaya spoke nervously as Zanira looked back to Satele Shan.
" Is it possible.. " Zanira started but Satele Shan finished her sentence.
" That a spirit within the Force has bound itself to her? " Satele Shan looked stunned for a moment as Zanira spoke.
" But who would it be? And how is this possible? " Zanira looked very confused before Satele Shan spoke.
" I don't know but there is much about the Force and the ancient Force users that we still do not understand. Perhaps there was a way for it to be possible a long time ago and that knowledge was simply lost throughout history. We can ask Kaya when she returns. " Satele sat down and began meditating as Zanira nodded and sat down as well.
Caverns
" Can you hear me Kaya? " Meetra Surik's voice echoed through the Force and into Yumikaya's mind as she slowly recuperated from the binding.
" I hear you Meetra.. I'm so tired... " Yumikaya stood up tenderly before walking to where she normally slept and collapsing.
" Sleep now Kaya. We have all the time in the galaxy to talk now.. " Meetra Surik fell silent as Yumikaya drifted off to sleep.
Meanwhile
" Mom... I don't want to panic you but... Kaya's signature is moving. " Yumitaya was meditating at the entrance to the tunnels that lead to the caverns.
" Moving? Moving where? " Zanira walked over quickly and knelt beside Yumitaya.
" Moving deeper into the caverns. Mom I'm losing her signature! " Yumitaya opened her eyes quickly and looked up at Zanira with sadness in her eyes.
" Losing her signature? But with your bond that..." Zanira stopped and had a look of horror on her face as Satele Shan finished her sentence.
" It means that someone is hiding her presence. We will not be able to sense her now. " Satele Shan spoke sadly as Yumitaya stood up.
" Am... Am I going to see her again mom? " Yumitaya burst into tears as Zanira pulled her into a hug gently.
" We will find her sweety. I promise. Now come inside. It's past bed time. " Zanira held Yumitaya lovingly as she carried her back inside in tears.
The Next Day
Yumikaya groaned softly as she woke up. Her body ached like someone had thrown her down a flight of stairs. As she stretched slowly and tenderly, Yumikaya looked around and noticed that her surroundings were not ice and snow. She was in a large white room. In a very comfortable bed. As Yumikaya started to panic a little, IK-TO walked into the room.
" Good morning Kaya! Did you sleep well? " IK-TO bowed politely and dimmed the lights. The abundance of white in the room slowly dimmed and Yumikaya realised that the room was actually a deep grey with red markings on the walls. " I apologise for the lights. They help with recovery. "
" Lights can do that? " Yumikaya looked at the now dim lights in astonishment.
" Actually yes. These lights are used to accelerate hemostasis for sealing of open wounds. They also assist in reducing inflammation, Stimulate cells for recovery and repair and also triggers the self defence mechanisms of the body. Causing it to produce antibodies to combat any disease or bacteria that might be within the body. " IK-TO spoke calmly and informatively as Yumikaya slowly got out of bed and realised she was only wearing her underwear. After screaming and yanking the sheet off the bed, Yumikaya looked at IK-TO as her face slowly flushed red.
" WHERE ARE MY CLOTHES? And actually... Where are we? " Yumikaya wrapped the sheet around herself and held it tightly as IK-TO spoke.
" Ah yes I do apologise for that. But you hadn't bathed since you began your training so.." IK-TO was cut off by another panicked scream.
" So you undressed and bathed me while I was unconscious? ARE YOU SERIOUS?! " Yumikaya blushed brightly although it was clear she was also quite upset with the idea.
" Perhaps I should clarify... I personally removed your armour and robes for cleaning. Your undergarments were not touched and you were given a sonic shower. So technically yes I undressed you but no you weren't completely unclothed and no you weren't "bathed". Technically. " IK-TO bowed deeply before continuing. " But I do deeply apologise Kaya. I meant no disrespect or invasion of your personal privacy in the application of your care. "
Yumikaya pouted slightly before taking a deep breathe and talking calmly. " I suppose it's ok... I wasn't naked and I really did need a sonic shower... But please... Ask my permission next time ok? It's kind of unnerving to find out I was undressed while unconscious. "
" Of course. Again my deepest and most sincere apologies. Oh and as for where we are... Welcome aboard the Equilibrium. If there is anything you need or anything I can assist you with please do not hesitate to ask. Your armour and robes will be available shortly. " IK-TO bowed politely before leaving the room.
Yumikaya sat down slowly before realising how worried her mother and sister would be. Yumikaya closed her eyes and reached out to her sister. " Taya? Can you hear me? "
Meanwhile
" Taya? Can you hear me? "
Yumitaya awoke suddenly with a loud gasp that made Zanira rush into the room.
" Taya? Are you ok sweety? " Zanira sat on her daughters bed and stroked her hair gently as Yumitaya spoke.
" I swear I just heard..." Yumitaya stopped suddenly.
" Taya? "
Yumitaya gasped suddenly shutting her eyes and focusing on her bond with Yumikaya. " Kaya? It's so good to hear your voice.. DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED WE HAVE BEEN?! IDIOT! "
Yumikaya giggled for a moment before responding. " I'm sorry little sister. I didn't mean to worry you. But I have great news. My training in the caverns is finished! "
Yumitaya opened her eyes and smiled brightly at Zanira. " Kaya's training is done! " Yumitaya closed her eyes again. " Kaya are you coming home now? "
" Sooner than you think little sister. I have a surprise for everyone. See you soon. I love you. "Yumikaya opened her eyes slowly as IK-TO walked in with her armour and robes. After getting dressed, Yumikaya walked to the bridge with IK-TO at her side.
" Is the ship ready to leave? " Yumikaya spoke softly as she stepped through the door and into the massive bridge of the Equilibrium.
" Indeed. The Equilibrium is ready. We can take off upon your command Kaya. " IK-TO stood proudly as the various monitors and consoles around the room activated.
" Excellent. Prepare for takeoff. But do not take us into orbit yet. We will fly this magnificent ship above my mothers house and let them get a good look before we go into orbit to wait for them. " Yumikaya brightly and happily at the thought of how surprised her family would be.
IK-TO bowed before walking to a nearby console and conferring the command into the ship systems. " Until we can crew the Equilibrium, I will issue your commands directly into the ship's systems. It will calculate the best way to complete those orders without any direct input. "
Yumikaya's jaw dropped slightly before speaking. " The ship can fly itself?! "
IK-TO chuckled softly before walking back to stand beside Yumikaya. " Oh yes. The navi-computer and guidance projectors don't just chart courses and track projectiles. Oh no. They are also key components of the autopilot feature. It cannot fly itself for long but it will get us to your mothers house with no problems. All systems are currently operational. It will take roughly two hours for the engines to fully activate. Once take off procedure is complete and we are ready to depart I will let you know via the ship's intercom system. Until then please feel free to explore your new vessel. There is much to be discovered aboard the Equilibrium. Might I suggest some food first? We currently have several food synthesizers ready for use in the mess hall. Would you like me to show you the way? " IK-TO chuckled as Yumikaya's stomach growled and she nodded happily. " Please follow me. "
Yumikaya followed IK-TO for what felt like forever as she looked around and took in the beauty of the Equilibrium. All through the ship the walls were covered in Mandalorian artworks, Runes, Stories, Records, Trophies and even weapons and armour from before the Mandalorian Wars. Yumikaya stopped every so often and examined the gorgeous artworks that adorned the walls throughout the corridors. Every detail of the art was so intricate and told a story of the planet Mandalore and even the ship itself. Even the paintings of clans and Mandalorian's in regal looking armour had history within the paint itself.
After what felt like hours just examining all the pieces of history decorating the halls of the Equilibrium, Yumikaya followed IK-TO into the mess hall and ran over to one of the synthesizers. After requesting a large amount of food, Yumikaya happily sat in the hall and imagined how nice it was going to be when it was full of her family, friends and people to crew the ship. As Yumikaya sat and ate happily, IK-TO returned to the bridge to oversee the systems startup. After eating all her food and walking contently back toward the bridge with a full stomach, Yumikaya noticed a large door down a side hallway. The door was black and had red trimming with bright gold runes all over it. Yumikaya walked over to a nearby intercom and messaged the bridge.
" IK-TO? I found a large door with gold runes on it. What is inside? " Yumikaya let go of the intercom button before IK-TO responded.
" Ah yes. That would be the quarters of Mandalore. Or in this case.. You. I'll unlock the door for you now. Enjoy your quarters Kaya. " The intercom beeped softly as a command code came through and the large door opened slowly. As Yumikaya stepped in, Her eyes widened with wonder. " These are my quarters? Oh... Oh my... "
The room was adorned with the most lavish furnishings Yumikaya had ever seen. The furniture was trimmed with gold and the carpets were all soft and fluffy. The finest pillows and sheets adorned the bed and around the room were several bookcases filled with books on everything from farming to warfare.
Yumikaya fell to her knees in astonishment as her eyes darted around the room wildly. " Wow... just... WOW... Whoever the Mandalore was in that time... I have to give them credit for the taste in furniture and decoration... Wow... " Yumikaya stood up and ran to the nearest bookshelf and examined the books on it carefully. For something so old it was in remarkably good condition. Yumikaya still handled it extremely gently as she sat down with a book documenting Mandalorian sparring techniques and reading quietly in her new quarters.
The adventure soon begins. What awaits around the turns to come?
Continue reading to find out!
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