Another week later:
Training. Training. And some more training. Alone or in small teams. Flying or on the ground.
That's basically all he was doing, since ever he woke up in that tank with tubes in his mouth, nose and all over him. He felt more fit and more sportive than ever but he was training almost nonstop with just a few breaks for sleep or hitting that Tank again. Also he didn't have much memory from before he woke up in said tank.
The only things he sure knew off were that he was from Germany on the planet earth and his nickname. Most of his other memories felt strange and like they weren't natural.
He knew things about this galaxy and warfighting, being a soldier and a starfighter pilot and all that, but all that felt like it weren't his own memories. But somehow training to fight and to fly felt right. And he especially enjoyed the flying. He felt so free and fulfilled when he was up in the sky or even space.
But Kyp Durron and the other trainers were harsh with him. From Emergency Eject Maneuvers in Space, to 40 km long forced marches with 40kg of payload, Stealth Exercises over to endless CQB and Range Drills and Sword Drills with Jedi, he done it all in the last fourteen days. Sometimes he really wondered if he ever slept or had a real break in these three weeks. Sleep depriviation was really horrible but sometimes the Jedi Trainers would use the force to revitalize him and that at least helped. Why was everybody so busy shaping him to be combat ready?
They also teached him some breathing techniques for better concentration and focus. He couldn't use the force much, although both Masters Cilghal and Durron insisted that he was force-sensitive. He could sometimes feel a strange tingeling sensation when he was really concentrated, an invisible power, a binding that controls and flows through the universe but he couldnt really really grasp it. The Jedi insisted on him doing exercises in the force nonetheless though and kept telling him to keep them up after his training as well.
They also made him the pilot of a one of a kind, modified A-Wing Snubfighter, which was painted black on the outside with anthrazit stripes used in the middle, in the usual two-tone pattern for A-Wings. Better in any ways than a regular A-Wing, it was great to fly, rather planetside or in space. Even faster than a regular RZ-1, although that seemed careless given how fast A-Wings already were, more powerful in all aspects including better shields, sensors and weapons plus lots of other modification like a self defence blaster or a small bomb bay. It even had the ability to house a second seat for a passenger in the cockpit, ready to transform into a Twoseater and back with just the click of a button.
The Fighter was a slight bit bigger than the usual A-Wings, which made for better comfort. Even with two people in the cockpit it was still narrow or uncomfortable. With one seat activated only, the pilot could even comfortably lay down and sleep in the cockpit. That sure would come in handy for long travels through the galaxy. On top the Fighter had some storage space and cargo compartments for Gear and luggage, or for weapons and Armor, if needed. The ship would make a great shuttle for one additional passenger and was very versatile in his use all in all.
One day Master Durron pushed him from Kamino to Sullust as fast as the small Ship could do. Although the record breaking time it took would have made even Han Solo proud, SunTzu was not too keen on being used as a Space Taxi. But he loved flying in Space. He really enjoyed the vastness and beauty of it, with thousands of stars and suns filling the dark void of the galaxy. It calmed him down immensly. His first time flying in outer space left him breathlessly staring as one would expect from someone who never traveled through space, although his memory told him he has been to space countless times already.
The most interesting and outstanding Feature of the A-Wing was something else although. The ship was outfitted with an Onboard-AI, way more capable than any Astromechdroid, including the capability of flying, landing and even fighting on his own, it was also capable of communication like a Droid. Called AICA, meaning Artifical Intelligence Controlled A-Wing, the Artifical Intelligence took a lot of weight from the pilot and the flight crew and also helped immense in combat. It even learned and adapted on his own.
AICA was pretty unique in her social behavior also. Somehow she acted quite sarcastically and even a bit human tempered. Because of his loneliness and the fact that he was not doing anything other than fighting and training and barely having conversations about something else with his trainers and superiors he was happy to have someone to talk to and he spent the last few weeks talking personal stuff and feelings just with his Starfighter. He sometimes felt a bit lost in between exercises and sometimes even felt panic regarding his unknown future quell inside him. Unusally the ship seemed to latch onto the social Interaction and just after a few days they were taking like friends and even shit-talking to each other than rather acting as Ship-Computer and Pilot.
The ship just wanted to fly or be flown all the time and SunTzu was more than happy with that. Sometimes he even let the ship do the basic flying from and to training while taking some rest or conversing with it.
Right now he was getting ready for a last round of combat exercise. He was told he was competing against a real Starfighter Ace, since they even granted him six hours of sleep it seemed like a real big deal but he almost felt regenerated. This time the exercise was actually taking place on a starfighter base on Tatooine, somewhat outside of Mos Eisley.
The base was pretty new and housed an XJ5-X-Wing-Squadron from the GA's RASP Force, defending and pacifying Tatooine and it's system, trying to bring some stability to the outlaw desert planet. Near the runway a tribune had been built for various spectators, including his Trainers and Master Durron.
He was told that he would meet with the leader of the planet he was supposed to be deployed after the battle too, so he imagined that him or her was watching the spectacle too, giving him a kind of insecurity because he didn't want to fail in front of his new superior.
Thinking about his new superior, it was actually everything he know about what was lying in front of him and a new superior was the only and first information he heard about plans regarding his future. And AICA's Future, his superiors and trainers insisted, was that he would stay with the wayward Fighter from now on. Regarding how he started to take liking in the unsual machine he was very glad about that. After all it felt like it was the only one to talk too.
His Callsign was SunTzu, he couldn't remember his real name anymore but that name stuck in his head, so he used it as his new name.
As he was inspecting the outside frame of the Fighter, with the Fighter itself protesting why this was actually not necessary, because she, she insisted to be a female Entity, was completely able to do all pre-flight checks on her own.
"You know, that i could just take off with out you right now, take three rounds around the planet and land in the same exact place within the same exact orientation without any of your doing. You don't trust your own ship?", the Starfighter's Computer was complaining.
"Will you shut it please? It's my last Flight Excersise and i don't want to fuck that up", he answered with a sigh.
As he was inspecting the right Laser Bank a guy in white and blue Pilot Suit with the helmet looking like a Cowboy Head came around the Fighter.
"Howdy Cowboy, so you're the Greenhorn that has to fly against me today?", the Cowboy Pilot said.
He looked up and gave the Cowboy an estimating look.
"Name's SunTzu. So you're the Ace that's kicking my butt today then?" he said with a hint of sarcasm. Honestly the sarcasm was rather played as he really was not sure how he would perform against someone with real combat experience although he spared against Master Durron in the Simulator a few times and didn't do as bad as expected. One time he even scored against his Mentor.
"Aye Partner, Name's Colt. I'm with the Star Sheriffs over at 7th Fleet and i'm the fastest Gun in the whole New Frontier".
SunTzu extended his Hand and the other guy shook it. "Nice to meet you Colt."
"Ah a Guy with Manners, same. That's a beautiful fighter. I heard she has all the right features too".
"Bet I have Cow Herder. Can't wait to make your day", the Ship answered on her own.
Colt took a moment in surprise and looked at the ship. He let out a whistle.
"Didn't expect that, the Lady can even talk. I guess this really will be an interesting match. May the best one win so."
"May the best one win, see you in the Sky." SunTzu said and the other Pilot went off again.
"Listen AICA, you have to start to be more nice to people. Next person you talk too might be high ranking officer or our new Employer."
"Yeah, yeah. I just wanted to put that Cowboy in his place already. Are you still not ready yet?"
„I guess we're good to go" he answered.
Although it was just morning the twin suns already were up high and burning down, with the planet heating up swiftly.
He closed down his Flight Suit that was Black-Anthrazit like AICA too and climbed up in the cockpit, sealing it after taking seat.
"Damn, this planet is too hot for my liking. I hate the desert." Saying that he took a sip from a bottle of water that was lying in the cockpit. After that he put the bottle in a small storage department to secure it, strapped himself in and checked the preflight status.
All systems were good to and he was waiting for the beginning of the exercise. While waiting he took a glimpse of the tribunes and he saw some people sitting there but couldn't make out much details. But he was pretty sure that Master Durron was already sitting there with some of his squad mates from Kyp's Dozen, Durron's Jedi Starfighter Squadron. All of them very capable Pilots, he spared against some in the simulations.
A few dozen meters away from his landing spot he could see the ship of Colt. A slick and rather compact Snub in silver Color with some blue and red lines and a prominent and rather big red cockpit hood.
"Any Intel we got on that ship or that guy AICA?" SunTzu asked the AI.
"Checking. Callsign Colt, Star Sheriff. Real big deal in the New Frontier up in the Western Wild Space. Pistol Marksman and seasoned Fighter Ace. The Ship is called Bronco Buster and known for Speed and agility. Not as fast and agile as me of course. Sports a nasty Blaster-Shock-Cannon and was retrofitted lately with formidable Shields and Hyperdrive. I'm not worried but this will be something else than blowing up Tie Droids or fighting against Z-95s."
SunTzu listened closely as the ship gave out the data.
"Well, we better look out for that Cannon. Lasers might be toned down for training but I don't want to find out how strong they still are."
"Awww, you are afraid something will happen to me. Thank you." the A-Wing squeaked playfully.
"It would be pretty boring without your sarcasm around when they would bring you to general overhaul after this. Who would complain about my German correctness when doing Pre-Flight" he said ironically.
"That was not what I wanted to hear. But what did I expect. And trust me, I know you would die of Loneliness without me." AICA answered him.
"Maybe you're right. Probably."
After a short pause he asked:
"Any news from Flight OPs? About getting going?"
"Negative. We're playing another round of the much-loved waiting game."
"Great. Can you cool it down a bit more in here? This planet wants me to be become a baked potato."
From his place he could see that another group of spectators arrived at the tribune and sat down, but he couldn't see who it was.
"Of course. You want a Frozen Mango Daiquiri and a foot massage too, Master?"
"If you ask me like this…"
Suddenly the Outside Communication System awoke to Life.
"Flight OP to Contestants, prepare for Take Off. Parameters for each Assembly Points are getting send over to Navicomputers. Check Weapon strength again."
SunTzu checked the Weapons again, as the new data came over.
"SunTzu copy. Laser's on T One-Zero. Ready for take off."
Both pilots took off and after passing by the tribune and the spectators flew in different directions of each other, parallel to the small landing strip the airbase had.
Out of his back mirror SunTzu could see that the Bronco Buster was quite fast. After arriving at the gathering waypoint, both Spacecraft hovered around a few dozen meters above the ground and turned around to face each other.
Flight Control came over the radio again.
"Standby. Exercises begins in 3… 2… 1… Go, go, go!
Both Fighters immediately speeded forwards and closed the distance between them fast.
"Coming to get you Greenhorn!" Colt announced over the Radio
"He's probably trying to hit us up front in the first encounter to end it quick. I got a plan! Let's see how maneuverable he is" SunTzu told AICA
Just after a few seconds both fighters came into weapon distance over the Base. Colt immediately fired at SunTzu but the Rookie pushed into steep climb and gave full thrust.
"Nice try but not enough Rook", Colt let SunTzu know as he too gave full thrust and followed him.
SunTzu and AICA climbed high with Colt in hot pursuit. Later was already shooting his Canon at the A-Wing and the shots got closer and closer because he was getting more near. SunTzu started jinking around to get less likely hit while climbing straight up in the cloudless Sky of Tatooine.
"I hope you know what you doing, his shots are getting closer!" the A-Wing let it Pilot know.
"Trust me, I have a plan. Just give full shields on the back. And shoot back for fucks sake" SunTzu replied.
"Is it too late to get trust issues?", the A-Wing answered.
The Laser Cannons of the A-Wing were 360 Degress rotatable on their pylons and AICA turned them around and returned fire.
Colt reacted to this with spinning to make hitting him harder
As the Bronco Buster's Shots got dangerously close and one already hit the shield and none of the A-Wings Shot really came close to hit the pursuer, SunTzu completely stopped the A-Wing and turned it on it's back, falling down and completing a 90 degree turn, now facing the ground front forward, he waited a few Moments, pushed the machine that was falling like a stone on a straight base and accelerated to max again.
Colt, whose ship was not as maneuverable as the modified A-Wing needed some seconds to get back to parallel course which SunTzu exploited for a sharp turn to catch the other Fighter.
"Not Bad Partner, not bad. But you're playing with the big boys here!" Colt called challengingly into the comms systems.
The Cowboy punched into a reverse looping trying to intercept the faster A-Wing that was rushing towards him.
Down on the tribune the spectators were following the fight.
A group of four woman, one of them being the blonde-haired woman with Crown, again sporting a beautiful white dress, discusses the fight.
"That looked pretty good, what do you two as professionals think?" the Crown-wearing woman was asking two of her companions that were sitting on row behind her, both young woman although a tad bit older than her former escorts, one with tomboyish short blonde hair and the other with shoulder long teal colored hair.
"I can imagine, letting the fighter fall off like that is pretty excruciating, so the pilot either is already at his last or ready to give everything. Last one would be a big plus if he could keep it up In combat." the green-blue haired woman said.
"He's not at his last, that whole action was planned. He knows that his rival has the bigger guns and more experience so he's looking for an advantage on his own. Explains the fast change into attack too. He's not running away. I'd say he's quite capable. Not as good as me of course." the short haired woman let the others know, sitting cross armed.
Both fighters dodged each other and span into a dogfight with neither of both gaining the upper hand although both were very much trying to get the other. What SunTzu lacked in Experience AICA made up.
After another lengthy spinning around each other, Colt's voice came in over Intercom.
"You're way better than I thought Partner. What about if we finish this as sportsmen in a good old face to face duel. No Shields. Just who's the better shot."
"Yippie-Kay-yee on that Cowboy, let's finish this." Said SunTzu to accept the challenge.
"Okay here's the deal, back to the start and then we get at each other frontal."
Both fighters aborted their actions and made their way back to their respective starting points.
"What are they doing now? They just stopped and parted?" the crowned Woman asked.
"They saw that they're at pretty equal strength and decided to finish this the old fashioned way I guess. This will be fun to watch." the short haired Blonde replied.
SunTzu made his way back to the gathering waypoint and swung around, hovering there, waiting for the signal to start.
When both were in position, they turned off their shields. Colt announced another challenge on top over the comm system.
"What do you say we make this even more entertaining with a little suicide pass before shooting each other. Loser pays drinks."
"Gotcha!" SunTzu replied to the other Space Jockey.
He tilted the A-Wing's Cannons on 90 Degrees upward to show he was not going to shot. On the other point, Colt let his retractable Cannons go back into his Fighter.
"Okay, now I really have trust issues! Do you have any idea what you're doing?", AICA asked SunTzu.
SunTzu just agreed to a game where two pilots fly frontal towards each other, the faster the better and the one that turned away last won. It was a very risky game, which already costed countless of adventurous pilots life, especially giving that both pilots were flying such fast space crafts.
SunTzu felt panic quell in the reasonable part of his mind, while his guts and pride told him, he did the right thing in accepting the challenge. For a split second he was unsure to not cower back but his instinct won. It was crazy tho and even if he and AICA already flew some harder simulated dogfights they never risked so much.
Both Pilots counted down from three and on the count of zero put their machines into
Full throttle forward. Both passed the sound barrier in a mere seconds, racing towards the respective other.
"This is insane. Do you want to know the possibility that we will die?" his Starfighter asked SunTzu.
"Not now AICA, I'm a bit busy right here." He said through clenched teeth while he shoot towards the base.
The Spectators were onlooking with binoculars, which wasn't easy giving the speed both Spacecraft were rushing towards each other, when the short haired blonde commented that both Fighters were rushing at each other with deactivated weapons and that they probably were having a quite suicidal dare.
"Those two sure know how to entertain a crowd. This is more than risky!"
The leading woman seemed to be a bit shocked about this, it seemed insane at this high speed to even try it.
She interlaced her fingers and sent a small arrow prayer to Heaven that both pilots wouldn't be harmed in their risky dare. All the onlookers held their breath as the fighters boosted into the Base's Airspace.
It felt like Time stopped. As he was speeding towards his contrahent it felt like he could see and feel everyone's energy on the base a few dozen meters before him. He could feel Masters Cilghal's and Durron's and even the other on the tribune assembled Jedi's Power as a Light. He could feel an immense Light, stronger than the others in Base's Tower, next to also strong, fiery glowing light power, and a mixture of both nearby, although not as powerful as the original ones. There was also another Power, not light but rather dark and consuming and almost as powerful as the lightest one in the Tower.
He knew it was the force he was feeling, the bindings of the universe. And that he just completely became a part of it.
But above all shone one light, stronger than all the others, on the tribune at the place the last group that arrived went. It was different, not the force but something different but feeling even more powerful than the force. Around that Amplitude of Light three other shining lights, although less radiating were feelable. He also could feel Colt, hard minded and not ready to loose this challenge, risky as it would be, pressing towards him in the Bronco Buster and he Instantly knew how he had to maneuver to not go down in blaze of explosive glory. Feeling AICA is she was an extension to himself he more precisely maneuvered the A-Wing than ever before.
Time came back but it felt like Slow Motion, the following few seconds both fighters first steeply descended down on the landing strip , just a few metres above ground, heading towards each other at insane speed. None of either wanted to lose. Both ships turned a bit too the side to pass each other side ways just a few eye blinks before crashing into each other, their wings a mere few decimeters above ground and they passed each other so near that their shields would have actually collided if they were activated, both looked at the other's face, they were so near that they could see each other's faces through their cockpit hoods.
They passed each other and both threw their fighters into a steep climb.
The people on the tribune let out their air again as the fighters parted. Some of the Jedi Pilots, the short haired blonde and Kyp Durron cheered as the Pilots exited the base. The whole thing lasted just a few seconds.
"Yeehaw! That was something else! Even closer than the one I did with Fireball back then! You got Cojones, Rookie!" bursted Colt out of the comms.
"Phew… That was… exciting. I never thought anyone would fly me like that you maniac, you!", even AICA let out an surprised comment.
SunTzu just grinned. He still could feel the force flowing through him, although he was not so focused anymore and his sensations were pretty much back to normal after his concentration slipped slightly after actually pulling this stunt.
"What about we count this as draw and make up the winner with our guns?," Colt supposed over the Radio.
"Affirmative, try, come and get me!" SunTzu told him.
"Dear AICA, would you please be so kind and activate the guns again? It's time for the grande Final" SunTzu told AICA. The Ace Pilots respect boosted his confidence that he was able to bring this one home.
"Alright, Guns activated and rotating back to front. After him!" AICA let him know.
Colt also activated his Cannons again also and both Pilots threw their machines into Immelmann Maneuvers to get back at each other.
"Wow, that was crazy, I never seen this pulled so close," the short haired blonde stated. "And now those two maniacs will finally finish this!"
Both fighters were racing towards each other again in a similar manner but not as fast as before, trying to get a good shooting position, to finish finish the duel.
A few moments later both were over the Base's Airspace again, aiming but not shooting at each other yet. Both pilots wanted to end it with one clean shot. The spectators held their breath again and just a few heartbeats later, not even fifty meters apart from each other both fighters opened fire.
Both pilots were sure that they shot beforehand the other but actually opened fire in the same mere moment.
The victory confident grin of both vanished instantly when both heard the hit alarm in their cockpits. Flight Control declared a draw while the two parted once again.
After the first few curse words being yelled inside their ships about the absurdity of the result, they opened comms again.
"I underestimated you rookie, that was some great flying. Congratulations to almost beating me."
"Thanks Cowboy, congratulations to a fair draw too. Almost got you there!"
Flight Control ordered both of the Fighters back to land and on ground the spectators discussed what they just saw. All of them were pretty impressed.
"I'll take him, if only to have someone to keep her grounded!" the teal hair colored woman said, pointing her finger on the tomboyish blonde next to her.
The short haired woman sourly expressed her opinion that she doesn't need someone to keep her in line but also let the other women know, that she definitely would take the pilot as Comrad.
The fourth woman, a tall, exotic looking dark green haired woman, a few years older than the others gave her opinion on things
"He seems to be a solid warrior and pilot but don't you think he could also mean trouble for us? Just pulling this actions like this one right now?"
Oh, trust me, i'm sure he will be Trouble. But it's up to us to make sure he'll be trouble for the enemy and not for us." The Leader paused and nodded.
"Good, thank you all for your input, I made up my mind. We'll take him, let me talk to the Jedi. I want him on Earth by me talk to Grandmaster Skywalker about this." the Queen of the Sol System announced.
The pilots landed their fighters on their assigned spots near the runway.
After shutting down the engines and taking off his helmet, SunTzu took a big sip of the Water he stored earlier.
AICA was still jabbering about the fight and how much fan she had.
He was just smiling and nodding while listening to her.
He let out big sigh, and said:
"Thank you AICA, we either would be Debris on the runway or the laughingstock of the whole Base without you."
"Wouldn't be still here without your great flying today my dear", the ship answered flirtatious.
He smiled and knocked fondly on the console.
"You already know you're the best."
"Stop, you'll make me blush," the Artificial Intelligence answered.
"Flight Control to SunTzu, precede to Landing Spot 16 after Dismount." the Tower came in over the Voice Comms
That was probably his new superior waiting for him to introduce himself. It was about time and he was excited to see his new CO.
"About time we find out, where and to whom we move next. Do the after-flight-checks, I'll be back", he ordered AICA.
The Ship opened the canopy, he strapped out and climbed out of the fighter.
As he was about to walk off to the other end of the runway where Landing Spot 16, Colt came up to him, donning his real Cowboy-Hat instead of the helmet again
"That was one wild ride Partner! Are you sure you don't have any combat experience? I definitely wouldn't think you're a Rook if I wouldn't know," the Star Sheriff said and walked over.
He extended his Hand and SunTzu and him traded a firm handshake between two even opponents.
"As far as I know, never. But I had some help from the force I guess. Great flying from your side. You almost had me in the beginning." SunTzu told him.
"Ah, You're a Jedi so? Explains a lot." Colt answered.
"No, not a Jedi. Just been told I'm force sensitive. Whatever that means." SunTzu told with a shrug.
"I see. Anyways, since we both lost I think we both have to pay each other's tap. Unfortunately I just got told that I need to go back to the New Frontier immediately. Something is brewing up there. But if you ever come around let me know. We could use some guys like you up there." Colt told him.
"Trust me, I'll holla should I get there. Right now I don't even know where I'll be going next." SunTzu let him know.
"Till next Time SunTzu, take care!"
"You too, see you around Colt."
Colt tipped his hat then walked off. SunTzu turned and walked off the short distance to where he was ordered to go.
On his way he could identify a beautiful Royal Nubian Yacht, shining in bright silver, parked at Landing Spot 16. There was a group of four people waiting in front of it.
He could spot that there was a young, elegant dressed woman with long blonde hair standing in most front.
A few steps behind her three other woman in short Sailor themed Dresses of different colors were standing. The tallest was holding a long staff.
He closed the distance and could make out that the woman in front was also wearing a crown together with her white and golden dress and he figured she was not only the leader but probably his new superior as well. He started wondering from which system they came from.
The other three woman looked sort of a security detail and he figured that they were exactly that. All four of them were very attractive in their own way, even the short haired blonde Tomboy in the Middle.
He stopped a few steps in front of the leading woman and saluted in a formal manner.
"2nd Lieutenant SunTzu, reporting in. I was ordered to this Landing Spot Ma'am. How can I be of Service?"
"SunTzu so. Let us introduce ourself. We are Neo Queen Serenity, Leading Ruler of the Sol System. It applies, we are your new Superior, Lieutenant." The Queen introduced herself.
Regarding that his new superior was Royality, SunTzu was thinking hard how to make a good start and so he curtsied and replied.
"I'm sorry your Highness, I didn't know you were a queen. I am honored that you chose me for duty in your Stellar System."
"Oh, a Man with Manners. We are delighted."
She held out her hand and he gave her a kiss on the hand. She blushed slightly and when he saw that he immediately pulled back. He was really hoping that he didn't overdo the formal stuff but he never stood in the face of royality and was navigating pretty blind through the etiquette.
The three other woman exchanged amused looks but remained quiet.
"Allow us to introduce my accompanying Guardians.
"Sailor Neptune", the teal haired woman nodded with a slight bow
"Sailor Uranus", to where the short haired in the Middle just nodded slightly.
"And Sailor Pluto." The tall woman wielding the staff, which held a Garnet Orb at the top nodded also.
"You'll be given the coordinates to your new post subsequent to this meeting. Be there latest by tomorrow noon Coruscant Standard Time and we will discuss the rest including your role in our kingdom." the Queen let him know.
"Yes Ma'am, I will be there on time your Majesty", SunTzu replied, standing in Attention.
"We will part now and await your and your ships arrival. May he have a pleasant flight." She said.
"Thank you your Royal Highness. May your return be pleasant too." He saluted again.
The Queen turned around and left for the ramp of her Yacht with her Guardians falling into step after nodding one last time to SunTzu, which he replied with a slight bow.
As they were out of Earsight, Sailor Uranus approached Serenity and quiet but asked amused.
"What the fuck was that Usagi. Why were you talking in third person about you?"
"This is how a real Queen behaves my dear Uranus. With Grace." Usagi answered in a formal tone.
"We'll you blushed with grace at that hand kiss." Uranus stated smiling.
Usagi held up a hand in a silencing manner but walking up the ramp into the Yacht she suddenly slipped and would have fallen if Sailor Uranus wouldn't have catched her.
"As you said my Queen. With Grace." Uranus told her Queen, suppressing a laugh. The other two Senshi also had to cover their mouths not to laugh.
"As I said. Trouble." Pluto stated.
Fortunately for Usagi, SunTzu didn't see her almost fell because he already was on the way back to AICA to tell her, who their new superior was and that they'll be leaving soon.
He was around half way when Master Durron closed in to him.
"Good Job out there SunTzu. You held your own pretty good. And I felt your awakening in the force, can you still feel It?" The Jedi Master asked his Protege.
"It was there Master and I felt every being and the bindings of the universe but I almost lost it completely shortly after again. Guess I'm not made to be a constant in the force." SunTzu explained.
Durron put both his shoulders on his neck.
"I know the last three weeks were hard and you got so may questions. But trust me, that these will be answered in time. The force works in mysterious ways so don't give up believing in it and do your exercises. Every step is a step. Don't overpressure yourself with this. Rushing the ways of the force leads into Darkness, I speak out of experience. Everything will fall into place when it is it's time.
"Thanks a lot Master, trust me i'll take it to heart. I promise I'll try my best."
"This I know SunTzu. I'll see you later over at mess, the Dozen wants to lunch with the crazy rookiee pilot that almost beat the best pilot in the new frontier."
"It will be my pleasure Master. See you later."
Master Durron left again and SunTzu continued his way back to AICA.
"Yo, rocket-powered Chess Computer, I found out where we going next. Their Queen just told us to be in Sol System by tomorrow." He let the Starfighter now, joking around a bit because he felt great about how things were going.
"I pretend I didn't hear the Chess Computer Part my dear Meatbag Boss but for real. Queen? Do you still you need a Starfighter or rather a Mace?" the Fighter Craft replied.
"Yes Queen, Neo-Queen Serenity of the Sol System. And damn, if all the woman in the Sol System are as beautiful as she and her Guardians I'm gonna do my job just for bord and lodging." SunTzu was swarming.
"Bord and Lodging won't get you far with woman. Or Tibanna Gas. And don't forget who was the only female that was there for you the last few weeks." AICA complained playfully.
"Awww AICA, you know you will always be the Numero Uno."
"Really hope so. When are we leaving?"
"We have to be there before tomorrow noon Coruscant Standard. I'm going to get the ground crew to fill you up and grab a bit with Master Durron and the Dozen. I was thinking to leave after dinner." He told his starfigher.
"Flight Plan will be ready but make sure the ground crew shows up before. This girl needs her tank full." AICA answered.
"I'll get over there right now. Be back soon."
He walked off and made his way to the ground crews quarters to get someone to fill up the A-Wing.
And he had to get out of those Twin Suns, the heat they emitted began to really get exhausting.
SunTzu had a extensive lunch with Kyp, the 13 other Pilots of the Jedi Master's squadron and his other Trainers that also joined the group. His draw against Colt was the talk of the day and a lot of the pilots asked him to spare against them too. SunTzu had to politely decline the offers because of his new orders tho.
After Lunch SunTzu said his goodbyes and left back for AICA. Master Durron accompanied him and told him some small tricks for meditation and Force Training which he could do on his own.
"I'm sure you will make your way in the Universe but never forget that the force is boundary less and leads us where we need to be. And don't forget the easy way is not always the way of the Light. Sometimes we need to suffer to grow stronger in the force. Oh and regularly do these breathing exercises I showed you. You need to focus more." Master Durron let him know.
They arrived at the Starfighter and watched the ground crew finish their work with filling the A-Wing up.
As soon as they finished, AICA opened the cockpit and declared that she was getting ready for Take Off.
A small group of people approached them.
He turned and saw that it was Master Cilghal, a Woman in the Uniform of the Galactic Alliance Intelligence Service and the first Grandmaster of the New Jedi Order himself.
Even with his force sensitiveness toned down again, SunTzu could feel the sheer energy in the force Master Skywalker was emitting. He bowed down slightly and greeted the group.
"Grand Master Skywalker, Master Cilghal, Ma'am. It's an Honor, Master Skywalker."
"That was some pretty good flying Lieutant. And I felt you tapped into the force. How did it feel." Luke asked him.
"It felt… it felt right. And expletive, like something that comes natural and always should have been. I could feel the bindings of the universe." SunTzu answered.
"The Force is flowing through all things. That's why it feels so natural." Luke paused.
"You're heading off to the Sol System now? The Neo Queen is a very visionary Woman and I feel she will be very important for the Galaxy's Future although Terra seems rather unimportant on the Galactic Scale now. Take good care of her and her Guardians."
SunTzu bowed and replied "I will do my best Master Skywalker."
"Special Agent Wong has a Gift for you," Luke said and made a gesture to the exotic Woman in the Intelligence Service Uniform
The GAIS Member stepped forward, she seemed very familiar to him, so he asked.
"Have we met before? You seem familiar." SunTzu asked her.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I think we never had, Name is Ada Wong." She replied with a smug grin and shook his hand.
"Take this chrono, it has an built-in communicator, including the ability to communicate with your ship. A gift from the Galactic Alliance for passing your training. Furthermore, I'll be your and Terra's contact person with the Galactic Alliance Intelligence Service Headquarters, so let's keep in contact."
He took the watch, examined it shortly and put it on his wrist.
"Thanks a lot, I'll do." He said with a sincere smile.
"I'll be your contact within the Order, so don't mind to contact me whenever you feel to or need help regarding your Force Training," Master Cilghal told him.
"Thank you Master, I'm sure I'll contact you soon." SunTzu said with a nod.
"You should get going now." Luke told.
He shook everyone's hand and told:
"May the force be with you."
Luke answered while the rest nodded respectfully, "May the Force be with you Lieutenant, always."
SunTzu boarded his A-Wing and closed the Canopy.
"Are we ready AICA?"
"We are ready, clearance for Take Off has been granted" the AI answered
"Thank you. Let's start our new journey the ". He turned on the Repulsorlifts and took a last look at the small group that bid him farewell. After giving a last salute he took off.
The A-Wing took off into the searing air of Tatooine and speed into the sky.
Soon they made the jump to Hyperspace and SunTzu pulled his seat a bit back and got laid back a bit. He took a look out into the stars and closed his eyes to relax them a bit. Tatooine's Climate was demanding. And using the force drained a lot of energy out of him too.