Sometimes it's harder to accept help than to offer it.
A suspicious incident! The esteemed Chancellor of the Republic invited Santal Saboura to a tea party! And then he went down to the lower levels of Coruscant with her in order to see if she could be used for his own purposes. However, everything did not go according to plan. After a while, Master Mace Windu approaches Santal, wanting to ask a question...
"What kind of question?" Santal asked, looking up.
"Who are you?" The magister asked.
Santal found the question very strange.
"Doesn't he know my name?" she wondered. And then I thought that this was probably a philosophical question. And she replied:
— I'm Santal Sabura. A ten-year-old girl. Yunling. Originally from Ryloth. I'm studying in the Dragon Clan.
"Go on."
"A man." I do not know what else to say.
"You're not a Yongling anymore. Santal felt a chill in her stomach. Had he found out about the outing with the chancellor at the club? "You're my padawan now." The Council agreed.
Today, but a little earlier
On that day, the supervisors of the younglings submitted reports on their groups. When it was Terah Sainube's turn, he showed up at the appointed time and said:
— So, I am glad to inform you that almost everyone has passed the tests. I would especially like to highlight Green Pine, Landa Selmura, Max Navarre and Santal Sabura.
— Are you implying that...
— They are quite ready. I have complete confidence in them. Of the entire group, these four are the most prepared, both physically and spiritually. As their supervisor, I can assure you that although they don't know much, I have nothing to teach them.
Then the members of the Council began to think who should be given which teacher. The discussion dragged on for a long time. Choosing a teacher is not as easy as it seems. Too much depends. Teachers and students converged for different reasons. Sometimes a teacher might spot a potential student at a Padawan Tournament. Sometimes the teacher, wanting to find a pupil, asked his colleagues if there was a suitable one in mind. And sometimes the fate of the master and padawan brought together from early childhood.
But still, it was a Jedi Order that listened to the personal opinions of the knights. So, if a teacher chose a student, no one had the right to refuse him. Only as a last resort. Conversely, a student could either accept or reject an offer to become a padawan of a particular Jedi.
"I feel in the Force that the time has come for Santal Sabura," Yoda said, closing his eyes. — It's time for her to move on to the next stage. Follow the path as a padawan.
— Do you have any suggestions who might be a worthy teacher for her, Master Yoda? Ki-Adi Mundi asked.
"Don't forget that she might be... chosen,— Seshi Tiin reminded her. — So, it's worth taking this issue as seriously as possible.
"As far as I know," Plo Kun said, "there haven't been any problems with her lately.
—That's right,— Mace Windu agreed. — In this regard, she is much better than Skywalker.
"Nevertheless," Mundi added, "I must remind you that she was also noticed for serious violations.
"You mean her escape after Master Dooku?" Korun asked.
— Not only that. But of all her misdeeds, this is the most serious.
— That's why it's so important that the incident doesn't happen again. This girl definitely has a lot of potential that needs to be developed. She needs a strong and experienced teacher who will guide her and keep her in line.
"In that case, I'll be her teacher." Mace Windu stood up from his chair. — Who agrees?
As a rule, if a teacher wanted to take on a student, then no one could refuse him. So in this case, no one objected. The decision was approved unanimously.
—And now let's get to the point,— said Seshi Tiin.
A hologram of the planet was activated in the room.
"A high—frequency signal was received from the planet Nazuus last night. Anonymous message. Here, listen to this.
The Jedi pressed a button, and a quiet male voice rang out in the room. "Hello. Excuse me... I... don't know... How can I say... I really need your help. I can't tell you everything, but on the planet Nazuus, everything is not as you think. This is not a heavenly planet! That's a lie! Anyway, I can't say everything... I'm being watched. Oh, what is it?!"
Then a startled cry was heard. The recording stopped. The Jedi Council sat in silence for a while, apparently considering what they had heard.
— I feel despair and fear. We have to find out the whole truth," Yoda was the first to leave.
— I agree. That's why I'm going to this planet," Windu said.
— It's dangerous to fly alone. Take the Jedi who are free with you. Help would not be superfluous. And take your padawan with you.
—Magister, won't it be dangerous?" This is her first mission. And we don't know for sure what to expect on Nazuus.
"Don't worry. My Padawan will always be with me. If anything goes wrong, I will contact you immediately.
"Have it your way, Magister.
present time
"Padawan?" Santal couldn't believe her ears.
- yes.
—I... don't know what to say."
The girl did not expect this. No, she was sure that sooner or later this day would come. But for now... At a time like this... And this time, she didn't choose the teacher, but he chose her. He made the decision himself. And her right is to submit. Santal somehow doubted that she could refuse. Maybe he'll miss the chance. Moreover, Mace Windu is a member of the Council with training experience, and she also heard that he was friends with Master Dooku.
Apparently, the magister thought about the same thing and said:
"Well, from now on, I'm your teacher, and you're my student.
—I'm very glad,— Santal said, deciding that she needed to say something, too.
— Now get to the point. We have a mission.
Another surprise. Right away and into the thick of it. Mace Windu briefly explained to Santal what was going on. They have to fly to a distant planet to find out what happened. A signal for help was received.
It was decided to leave immediately. The newly minted teacher and student went to the Temple intendant, who gave them all the necessary equipment and equipment for all occasions.
Santal remembered from her lessons what every Jedi should always have with them. But it was useful to refresh my memory. For the trip, the girl chose a special backpack, where she put everything. She also received her first auxiliary belt, which included a comlink, grappling hook, breathing apparatus, portable holoprojector, holocards, A99, and a beacon transceiver. Also, a lightsaber, food rations in the form of capsules, a glowing wand or flashlight, and tools for repairing lightsabers were considered indispensable in any mission.
On top of that, Santal ran into her room before the mission. She attached a lightsaber created by her own hands to the left. Excited about her first task, the girl activated it, admiring the turquoise glowing blade. How beautiful he is! Looking at it, the girl remembered that she also has a memorable kayber crystal. A parting gift from Master Dooku.
Santal opened the desk drawer and pulled it out, carefully locked with a key in the casket. Tears welled up in her eyes. After looking at it for about five minutes, the girl decided to take it with her and put it in her pocket. Let it be her mascot. Until another sword is created. But it won't be soon.
Then she remembered about the hat she had bought, pulled it out from under the bed and put it on. The Jedi were forbidden to own anything special, so she decided to hide it just in case after the purchase. But now, while you have a minute, you can admire your reflection in the mirror.
The girl mentally digested her new status. Padawan Santal Sabura. It sounds more impressive. But she didn't feel like she was taller or more mature yet. Nothing has changed. But, apparently, everything will change after the first mission. Santal was nervous. She hadn't participated in missions before. The very word "mission" says that this is something important. But on the other hand, she has a teacher by her side who will protect her from everything.
Moreover, unlike other Younglings, she managed to visit some planets. No experience at all.
Santal automatically put her hat in her backpack and hurried to the teacher.
"I hope that the life of a padawan will teach you punctuality,— the teacher said sternly.
The girl was scared. Am I really too late?
"Come on."
Mace Windu led Santal to a hangar where there were various transport ships, starships, interceptors, and stopped near an ordinary shuttle.
— Since there are no flights to Nazuus, pilots hardly fly there, so we will fly there ourselves.
The teacher took the helm, and Santal sat next to him. The shuttle smoothly took off like a bird and flew forward.
It was going to be a long flight. After all, the two Jedi had to travel to the territory bordering the Outer Rim and Unexplored Regions. But everything is fine as long as there is hyperspace. That's what Windu did.
With a few hours left before boarding, Santal decided to study all the available information about Jesus and meditate to calm her thoughts. But if Santal coped with the first task perfectly, then with the second one she got a maximum of three.
The girl didn't stop being nervous. Not only because for the first time in so many years she flew to another planet legally and accompanied by an adult Jedi, but also because of that anonymous message. From the very beginning of the mission, she had a feeling of foreboding. She kept thinking that something was going to happen, something bad.
Strangely enough, the landing went smoothly. The Jedi ship landed without any problems. Santal was about to run out when the teacher stopped her.
— You can't just run out to a new planet. It's indecent. And dangerous, too. It was not uncommon for a ship to be blown up upon landing. Therefore, it is necessary to go out calmly, but not skipping or running. This way you'll attract less attention from outsiders. And don't let your guard down.
Santal slowly stepped off the ramp onto solid ground, not forgetting to look around. The planet they landed on turned out to be quite beautiful, but at the same time quite strange.
The first thing that caught the girl's eye was the outlandish structures in the form of cubes. And, apparently, they were made of transparent glass. Santal could clearly see the reflection of the outside world in the wall. Tearing her gaze away from him, the padawan scanned the surroundings. There was a kind of pond near the cube. And to his left is a sheer cliff.
It was only now that Santal noticed that they had not landed on the landing pad. Why was this done? Apparently, the teacher thought it would be better this way. And the girl is not used to arguing.
Santal turned her attention to the pond. There were a few greens floating in the water, but overall it was clean. At least that's what Santal thought. Although it was difficult to judge because of the fog that lay a meter above the ground.
"Teacher, what are we going to do?" Santal raised her head, looking hopefully at the teacher.
"Listen to me carefully, Padawan. Mace Windu got down on one knee in front of the girl. — I have no confidence in this planet. Like yours, for sure, too. Although some members of the Council were very skeptical about the anonymous message, I feel that it is not worth ignoring it. Now we're going to look for the locals. Anyone we meet can help us get to the truth. We will be very lucky if we can do this quickly. Forward.
The two Jedi set off. Santal huddled close to her mentor all the way, looking around every five minutes. It was too scary for her to walk through unfamiliar terrain. And in a blue-tinted fog. It won't take long to get lost.
The girl shivered. Well, no way. She's already been lost once. Enough. She sincerely hoped that the mission would go more or less smoothly, without stupid adventures.
Santal had a desire to take the teacher's hand more than once to make it easier. But she didn't dare. After all, Master Windu is strict. He is a lifelong member of the Council for a reason. And Korun must have sensed her excitement, since he decided to break the silence.:
— Tell me, did you study the information about Nazuus before we arrived?
- yes. But, unfortunately, there is very little information there.
"That's not surprising. The planet is located practically on the territory of the Republic, but its inhabitants keep to themselves. The anonymous message we received is their first contact in the last hundred years. There is a danger that this is a trap or a trap. But it's still very strange. And our goal is intelligence. Therefore, you should not attract attention to yourself.
After the briefing, Santal began to understand the situation better. Their task is to understand why the signal was sent. And in general, get fresh information about this mysterious planet. Well, this is her first mission. She'll do her best.
Thank the Force, the city was two kilometers away from their ship. The girl walked and was amazed at the sudden change in the landscape. There was just a natural landscape, and everything changed to a city. Nothing to do with Coruscant. It was completely covered with tall buildings, and nature was only in parks, but here it was just a vivid contrast. Although this is only her first mission, and who knows what outlandish worlds still await her in the future.
The teacher and the student entered the city, and Santal was immediately taken by the hand.
"I hope you won't get lost this time,— Master Windu said. "Otherwise, it'll be harder to find you this time."
The girl herself was glad not to leave the elder Jedi and even involuntarily snuggled closer to him. She was scared. And not because the city was scary, no. An ordinary city. Except that there are cubes everywhere, as if made of glass. Although, no, there were normal houses in the distance, more similar to Coruscant. First of all, Santal was afraid of the fact that the streets were completely empty. The city seemed to have died out. Although... maybe it's because they arrived at night, which means the residents are asleep.
— What are we going to do, Teacher? "What is it?" the girl asked.
— We need to find a place to stay.
Santal thought that the teacher would decide to find a hotel, but he decided to return to the ship. The man turned around and suddenly stopped dead, causing the girl to bump into his back. A girl stood in the middle of the road with her feet shoulder-width apart and her arms at her sides. She was dressed in a gray nondescript suit, had pale skin with a bluish tinge and very short black hair. Only the presence of breasts and a waist gave her away as a female being.
The girl was silent, her lips were compressed, and her light gray eyes expressed nothing, and this scared Santal off. The mysterious stranger walked straight towards them. The girl squeezed the teacher's hand harder, feeling the calmness in the Force in response. Like, don't panic, we still need to figure out who she is and what she is like.
Coming closer, the girl spoke in a slightly mechanical voice, which only made the horror worse.:
— Hello. My name is Vajunvi. I have been instructed to show the newly arrived guests to the Campus. As I understand it, you are. Please introduce yourself.
"My name is Mace Windu, and this is my padawan Santal Sabura. We represent the Jedi Order.
— Name the purpose of the visit.
— Did you say "newly arrived guests"? Did you know we were coming?
— Name the purpose of the visit.
— Establishing diplomatic contacts. Recently, your planet has become isolated from the entire galaxy.
"Everything is safe on Nazusa. Everything is for the common good. Security is a good thing. Come on, I'll give you a tour. And then I'll show you the house where you're staying.
Junwi led the Jedi to an unusual object. Also made of glass. And he was on wheels. It looks like everything here was made of this stuff.
During the trip, the woman was not silent for almost a minute. All attempts to tactfully interrupt her or change the subject of the conversation ended in failure. During the trip, Santal began to think even more that this woman was a robot.
At first, the girl honestly tried to listen with interest, but it quickly faded away when it became clear that her story, like the man, consisted of sixty percent water, and the lady was saying about the same thing.:
— Our planet has two main zones: the Green Wilderness and the Single City-State in which we live. It is through its streets that we are driving now. I'll show you everything. Cubes surround you on the left and right. These are homes for the simplest people, whom we call "ides". They made it out of Altrazanian glass, which is manufactured by the Altra Zanna company. The largest and only one on the planet. She makes everything here: furniture, dishes, houses. It was founded by our Benefactor. And
it was built by two hundred thousand ides.
— Why do you have such a shape at home? Santal asked, leaning forward.
The teacher looked at her. However, Junwi was not at all embarrassed and replied:
— That's what our Benefactor decided. The ruler of our State. He believes that houses should be ideal for all residents.
— But the houses here are different. For example, I see high...
— These are specialized buildings. In general, our city is divided into three main districts. There are additional ones, but I'll tell you about them later. So, the first district that we passed through is a Residential Area. The second district is the Educational and Consumer Zone, where all the important buildings are located. Shops, schools, universities, and more. They were made by order of our Benefactor. A hundred thousand Ides built them. Look, this is one of the tallest buildings on the planet — the Museum of Antiquity. It contains exhibits from the entire history of the planet! It took almost a hundred years to build it! It was made by order of our Benefactor. And finally, the third district is the State District, where the most important residents live. Including the Benefactor's House. But we're not going there.
- why?
— The Benefactor's house is closed to the public. Illegal entry into its territory is punishable by law. Now we will return to the first district, where I will show you where you will stay. I must warn you that men and women live separately in our country.
"She's my student. And it will be easier for us...
— Men and women live separately, regardless of their social roles.
I had to give in. Santal only hoped that she would not be placed too far from the teacher. But her hopes were poorly realized. She was moved out a few blocks away.
— I hope you like the accommodation.
— Yes, the house is quite cozy and spacious. Please tell me, can we talk to your Benefactor?
— Unfortunately, you can't just see the Benefactor. He's very busy. His task is to manage the best City in the world. Thanks to him, there is order and tranquility everywhere. Now get some rest. You must be tired from the journey. It's not breakfast time yet.
The teacher thought for a while and asked:
"Don't worry, Vajunvi. We are not tired. It will be much more useful for us to walk around the neighborhood. So we'd better explore the city.
— I will be happy to accompany you wherever you go.
— I dare to object. In this case, we will do without an accompanying person.
— Strangers on our planet are strictly forbidden to walk alone. Besides, I won't bother you. I just don't want to be a bad guide. What do you want to see?
Santal couldn't stand it and yawned. To tell the truth, she was already tired and she wanted to sleep. And Junwi noticed it and turned to Mace.:
— Maybe you'll rest after all? In the meantime, I'll show you your house. And then you can go to breakfast. The woman led the magister on.
So Santal was left alone. At the cube house. She felt creepy again, even more so than when she was with the teacher. Having no alternative and not wanting to get lost, she went into the house. She wanted to take a nap, but then she remembered what she was taught: first you need to study everything and look around. The importance often lies in the little things. Even a minor detail can give a clue. That's what she decided to do.
The house turned out to be unusual. Rather, relatively unusual. It reminded her of her room in the Temple. Here, too, only what is needed, and nothing superfluous. But there were differences. And the first thing that caught my eye was that everything was made of glass. Walls, floor, furniture. All. And that made the girl uncomfortable. The city was visible through the wall. On the one hand, this is good. You can study urban life from the comfort of your home. But on the other hand... you're in the palm of your hand. Everyone can see what you're doing. At least that's what Santal thought. If that's the case...
Going to the window, the girl noticed the curtains. Great, I can cover myself up somehow. Santal then went to the bed and sat on it. That's not very gentle. Although a Jedi's bed is not an airy cloud either. But it's still better at home.
The girl yawned and lay down. She couldn't find a blanket, but she didn't really need one. The climate was more or less warm.
Santal was very tired and finally decided to sleep for a couple of hours. She hoped that nothing would happen during this time, and if it did, the teacher would call her and warn her. Precisely! I need to get a comlink.
Rummaging in her backpack, the girl found what she was looking for, and lay down again, curled up in a ball, putting the communication device next to her and closing her eyes.
But I couldn't get enough sleep. Not only because of the bed, but also because the girl was nervous all the time. The feeling of danger did not leave her.
It seemed to Santal that about ten minutes had passed, and she jumped up. There was silence all around. Inside, everything went cold, shrunk.
The next second, there was a loud sound. The girl jumped in surprise. The sound was repeated. Bammm... Bammm... Bammm... the sound was quite ominous, cold, so Santal did not immediately realize that it was a watch. They beat systematically, creating a monotonous rhythm. The blows reverberated throughout the room, filling it with anxious anticipation. With each new blow, the tension increased, and the sense of danger became more tangible.
The clock struck seven. Immediately, a huge number of Nazuussians poured out of the houses. Santal was amazed at how much everyone was... the same. The same clothes. The same hairstyles, or rather the complete absence of them in men and very short, combed back without bangs, hair in women. Looking more closely, she noticed that all the residents were leaving their houses one at a time. It turns out that no one lives in houses in twos or threes?
Santal felt like she was about to burst. She was bursting with curiosity. She really wanted to talk to the teacher. The girl took the comlink and dialed the number. Fortunately, the teacher answered right away.:
"Padawan, how are you?"
— Oh, Teacher, I have so much to say!..
"Not here. I'll meet you outside at the following coordinates.
The teacher named the numbers. The girl took her things and ran to the right place. They were already waiting for her there. Mace Windu took the girl away from the residents and asked:
— So, what do you think about this planet?
— Everything is very strange. I have so many questions. What is this Junwi? Why is she acting like this? Why are houses transparent...
—Patience, Padawan. If you want to find answers, you need to be able to listen, see clearly, and keep emotions under control. Learn to observe. Sometimes the answer lies on the surface, sometimes you have to wade through a web of deception or distractions to see it.
"What are we going to do, Teacher?"
"As difficult as it may sound, we're going to have to split up. You try to clarify the situation among the children, and I will clarify it among the adults.
"But you said...
—I know,— the teacher interrupted. — But sometimes plans have to be changed. So, I'm absolutely sure that the guide was sent to us so that we wouldn't see what we shouldn't see. She's also obviously hiding something. Our task...
— Oh, you've already packed. How glad I am! — Junwi appeared literally out of nowhere.
—Yes, we decided to take a walk," Mace Windu, although annoyed, did not show it.
— I will be happy to accompany you anywhere. The girl bowed slightly.
"And your planet is very hospitable," Santal decided that such a phrase would be appropriate.
A wide smile spread across the guide's face. It was obvious that she was absolutely delighted. — We offer guests the highest level of service. So, first of all, would you like to eat? There's a canteen just nearby.
— Well, we won't refuse.
Junwi led the Jedi into a gray one-story building. It immediately became clear that children were eating separately from adults. The teacher and the student had to split up. Santal didn't like the idea very much, but finally the teacher gave her hand a little squeeze, which had a comlink on it. A little encouraged, the girl went to the table where children about her age were sitting. As it seemed to her.
I wonder how to get food here? Santal watched. It looks like the algorithm is the same as in the Temple. Is there a queue of children moving their trays along the serving line? But the Nazuusa canteen couldn't boast of a variety of food. Unlike the temple. On this planet, food fell out of the pipe, rumbling, and landed in small cubes on a plate. Solid geometric shapes! And the food itself is strange. It's not clear what it is. The color is also so nasty. Gray-dirty brown. What's going on? But everyone ate and didn't choke. Of course, they got used to it. Maybe it doesn't taste so bad?
When Santal sat down at the table, having received her portion, she picked up a piece with a spoon and put it in her mouth. And instantly regretted it. God forbid anyone should experience such disgust as the girl experienced! Ignoring the people around her, Santal spat back onto her plate. Only it didn't help much, because the sensation on my tongue remained.
We urgently need to eat something else to kill. But what? Santal packed a couple of candy bars, protein capsules, and, of course, water. But all of the above, as luck would have it, remained in the backpack in the cubic house. What should I do? Maybe we should wait until it passes by itself? I guess I'll have to. Or...
Santal gently patted her neighbor on the shoulder. — And here, besides... this, they don't give you anything else?
"Aren't you from around here?" — the boy asked in surprise and quietly, as it turned out.
With their clean-shaven heads and unformed bodies, it was very difficult to tell who was a boy and who was a girl.
Santal's neighbor carefully studied the girl from bottom to top and said, "Well, definitely not a local."
The other children also began to exchange glances. Apparently, they heard and became curious.
— Breakfast is over. It's time for class," a mechanical voice said.
A large gray droid with human proportions approached the table. Instead of eyes, there is a screen, instead of a mouth, there is a sound wave on the screen.
The children stood up in silence, formed up in pairs and headed, probably, to school. Santal tried to leave, but an iron hand suddenly grabbed her.
—Stand still. You have classes right now. Go to the classroom.
—P-p-wait... There must be some mistake. I'm not a schoolgirl. I'm a guest. My teacher and I have a mission...
— Don't try to deceive, — some kind of tip with a taser came out of the side of the droid and shot the girl. It didn't hurt much, but it was unpleasant. Santal hissed.
The girl tried to pull away once more, but the grip turned out to be literally iron. Then she looked at the children who were looking at her pityingly. And suddenly she had an idea. She stopped resisting and the droid paired her with the boy she was trying to find out about the food. This time, she noticed that he had a gold plaque on his shirt, about opposite his heart, with a set of numbers and the letter: L-69543609845. The girl was surprised, but there was no time to find out.
As the procession of children with the droid at their tail moved towards what appeared to be the school, Santal felt extremely uncomfortable, as if she was trapped in a box and the walls were shrinking by the second. She felt like she was being hammered into a coffin and nails were being driven in. With every step she took, she moved further away from the teacher. She's all alone. There's no one else to count on, and who knows if she'll be able to complete her mission. But they hope for her.
The Jedi ship stood unattended against the backdrop of nature. That's who wasn't afraid to stand alone far from the city. But is it just one?..
Burn! Someone flashed through the trees like lightning. Burn! A shadow passed by the stone mountain. Another shadow, another...
A hand in a black and blue glove rested on the raised ramp and began to feel how to open the entrance. Finally, the ramp descended.
A man wearing a terrifying mask decorated with a shaggy mane boarded the Jedi ship. Someone looked around and waved his hand. Two men dressed in a similar way, but with more modest masks, ran up to him. Then the leader gave a sign, and the two ran off in different directions. Obviously, they were looking for something.
The "masks" acted as quickly as possible. Finally, the leader got into the control room. He sat down in the pilot's seat and began to study the device. It's unusual, but you can figure it out.
The leader in the maned mask carefully studied the buttons and levers. The main thing here is not to make a mistake. Otherwise, you can turn on the alarm by mistake. It's better not to take any chances.
The leader took out a small device and ordered:
— The second one, how do you hear? Call the third one.
Two minutes later, both of them came running, one of whom began to "conjure" over the keyboard. Five minutes later, the ship rose smoothly into the air.