What a person is like in the soul, you can't see with your eyes.
Santal is over the moon! After she found herself in the thick of the events of the Padawan Tournament, the Jedi Council, for showing herself, gives a guarantee that after the trials of the younglings, she will have a teacher. Dooku, in turn, apologizes for being rude to the child and offers additional classes with him. And the girl agrees.
The day when Dooku agreed to study with Santal additionally remained in the girl's memory forever as one of the happiest days in her life. Even happier than the day of arrival at the Temple. Santal has never been in such a good mood.
Literally the next evening, the girl, barely waiting for the end of classes, ran to Dooku's room and in five minutes was already hovering near the door, not daring to knock. I was so worried from anticipation and fear that, despite the apologies, the training would be tough.
—Come in," the magister's voice was heard outside the door.
Santal immediately exhaled and went inside and immediately began to study the senior Jedi's chambers with her eyes.
Master Dooku's room was decorated in blue and green tones. There was very little brown color. Only on furniture. And so — light green wallpaper. Blue bed linen. And the bed itself seems more comfortable when compared with the yunling room. Apparently, the higher the rank, the better the room. Or a promotion gives you the right to redo the room as you want. And there were two cabinets with holobooks.
Dooku himself was sitting on a round pouf and meditating. But when the girl appeared on the threshold, he opened his eyes and stood up.
— Just in time. Let's go.
The magister walked ahead with moderately long strides, and Santal trotted after him with her tail.
"Today's lesson will be held outdoors in the garden," Dooku announced.
Santal didn't mind. Moreover, the garden was one of her favorite places along with the library and the Hall of a Thousand Fountains. But, on the other hand, there was still unrest. Yes, Master Dooku apologized, but what if she messes up and starts all over again? Or because she showed herself, he will decide that it is necessary to be stricter?
— Don't worry. It won't be such a training," the magister apparently sensed her concern. "I know I was too hard on you last time. This time it will be different. Do you like to win?
"Only honestly," Santal replied, just in case.
Dooku chuckled.
Arriving in the garden, the girl immediately ran up to the pond to admire the fish again. But the master immediately ordered not to be distracted. So I had to postpone my favorite activity for later and sit in the lotus position. It's time to meditate.
— Did you know that there are several meditation poses? The magister suddenly asked.
- no. I haven't read about it," Santal admitted.
"Then I'll introduce you to one of them." Arch pose. Get on all fours and arch like a cat.
Santal did as requested.
— Over time, stretching will only get better. There is also emptiness meditation, moving meditation, flight meditation and healing meditation. They will teach you everything, but for now you should not try to jump higher than yourself. It was also my mistake. Therefore, you won't do the Laser pose yet, I'll just show you what it is.
The magister sat down on the soft grass and, rolling onto his neck and shoulders, stretched his body up, dropping his hands to the ground at his sides. Santal watched with admiration.
— As for the pose of the Arch, you can do it in another way. In the opposite direction, putting your hands and feet on the ground, push up and bend your body with a high, rounded arch. It will turn out to be a bridge," the master showed this exercise as well.
After meditating for another hour, Dooku moved on to simple hand-to-hand techniques. Santal thought that his decision was related to what happened yesterday. And asked:
— And what will happen to the one who attacked me yesterday?
Dooku was slightly surprised by the question, but still answered honestly.
— It all depends on his behavior. His attack, except for the two of us, no one saw.
— Maybe you shouldn't tell anyone about this? — Santal decided to show mercy. — In the end, he wanted so badly not to get into the Maintenance Building. You are welcome.
— Santal, try to understand. What happened yesterday should not be left like this. You were almost killed. This is all very serious. Such outbursts of aggression are unacceptable. And if I hadn't had time? You would have been maimed.
The girl understood that Master Dooku was right, she was offended for that attack. She didn't deliberately ruin the performance then. So what did she do to deserve the attack? But Santal still felt sympathy. And the master noticed it.
— I understand. Compassion is one of the most important qualities of a Jedi. What you're trying to do for the best does you credit. But in this case it is impossible to be silent.
The girl sighed and felt a little sad.
— Well, all right. Let's not talk about sad things," the elder Jedi smiled slightly. — It's better to repeat the last trick again.
So it went-it went. Since that day, Santal Sabura's life has changed a little. Her schedule of the day firmly included evening classes with Master Dooku, which the girl was looking forward to. As soon as the last lesson or meditation was over, she immediately hurried along the familiar route to Master Dooku's room, wondering what kind of training would be this time.
And the lessons were really different. Master Dooku not only meditated with yunling and practiced acrobatic exercises. He also taught her simple hand-to-hand combat techniques, and when the time came, even the simplest sword movements. As a variety and development of interest and to create additional motivation, the master even gave tasks like raising all the water from the glass, told something interesting from the history and culture of various races, including about Ryloth and Serenno. He even taught me how to distinguish between cutlery.
During this time, the relationship between the two Jedi has only become stronger. At some point, even Master Yoda called the former student for a conversation.
— Talented youngling Santal Sabura, — said the head of the Order after Dooku told about the success of the child. — She needs a decent teacher.
The Magister took the hint. He completely agreed with the former teacher. I even thought that she might be... chosen. Many people knew about the prophecy about the Jedi with the highest level of midi-Chlorians, especially the masters, especially the members of the Council.
So Dooku knew and was sure that Santal could be the One who would restore balance. He had been studying with the girl for a long time to draw such conclusions. She is a diligent child, always trying to please him. Striving for a better result.
Once in training, Santal did not get one exercise for a long time. And that made her very upset. The man tried to cheer her up, saying that sometimes you have to try for a very long time to succeed.
— But Master Yoda says what to do or not to do. There's nothing to try," the girl objected.
Dooku laughed softly and replied:
— He told everyone so and will continue to tell. And always these words will confuse everyone. Why do you think that is? — the master wanted to listen to her reasoning.
— Maybe because it's impossible to know if it will work without trying?
— Generally true. But the master meant that you should always be confident in your abilities.
He remembered Qui-Gon well, remembered how he saw his training, his full potential. The Magister put so much effort into getting him to be a padawan. A good student will glorify his teacher. If a student is talented, then others have a high opinion of his teacher.
Then Komari Vosa became his student. She was also capable, but one day she went missing. No one knows what happened to her.
And now Santal Sabura has appeared in his life. It's too early to judge whether she will be better than his students or not, but we can already firmly say that a bright future awaits her. And the most amazing thing is that they met partly thanks to a duel with Yoda. The old master knew that his former padawan preferred talented Younglings. And, probably, that's why I invited you to attend the Tournament. In the hope that someone will like him. And, ironically, he liked the one who did not participate in the Tournament at all! And initially, Dooku planned additional classes just to make amends. And then he suddenly realized that Santal's company was very pleasant to him. At least because she looks like him in some way. This is the desire to be the best, not to drop the bar. But unlike her, he and his fellow clansmen never got close.
But there was something he feared. For many years now, the magister had felt that darkness was coming to the galaxy. How exactly it would affect the galaxy, he did not know, but he felt that it would affect everyone to one degree or another. Including Santal, for whom he felt personally responsible, unaware that she had skeletons in her closet.
Two years have passed since then. Santal is almost seven now. A lot of things have changed for the better during this time. She learned a lot of interesting things about everything. Master Dooku turned out to be just a walking encyclopedia. When he told something about Ryloth, about his home planet Serenno, or taught something-for example, she did not expect to learn that there are several types of spoons and forks-she listened attentively, her mouth open in admiration, trying to memorize every word.
As a result, over time, the master became more than just a teacher for Santal. He became almost like a grandfather to her. She even dreamed that when her parents were found, they would become like one family. One day after training, the girl said:
— Teacher.
- Yes? — the master was not at all surprised by the appeal, because he was used to it. Once Santal called him that, he did not correct it. As a result, the girl got used to it, but the word got boring.
— We've known each other for a long time. And... as a sign of trust, I would like to tell you a terrible secret…
Dooku didn't expect this! No, he knew that many people had different skeletons in the closet, including him. But it never occurred to him that Santal Sabura is actually Santal Shan! Daughter of Basti and Adira! The Master even felt ashamed that he had not guessed. After all, if you look closely, you can find a lot of similarities with both parents.
So, all the more it is necessary to protect the child from darkness. At least for the sake of deceased friends.
But then everything changed. No, at first everything went fine. For example, Santal talked with Master Qui-Gon Jinn, an adept of the Living Force, whom she met relatively recently, thanks to Obi-Wan. One day the guy beckoned her with his finger and said that he would like to introduce someone to her.
—You know Qui-Gon's student, you know Qui-Gon's teacher, but you don't know Qui-Gon himself," Kenobi was saying.
Master Qui-Gon Jinn turned out to be a handsome man with long hair, a mustache, a small beard and piercing blue eyes. He was standing against the wall when Obi-Wan, holding Santal's hand, approached him. Santal was surprised. She thought men always had short hair. Unusual hairstyle.
"Teacher, I'd like you to meet someone,— Kenobi took matters into his own hands. — This is Santal Sabura. My friend.
— Hi, — the man smiled.
Santal, on the other hand, faded a little. As I always did when I first met any person or creature. Then, of course, she relaxed in communication.
— Z-hello, — the girl still managed to squeeze out a word, despite the excitement.
— Don't be shy. He doesn't bite," Obi-Wan joked.
— I'm sorry. It's not every day you meet a disciple of Master Dooku.
— Do you know my teacher? Qui—Gon Jinn was slightly surprised.
- yes. I study with him additionally after the main classes. He promised to take me as an apprentice," Santal said with a smile and pride.
—Well, well," Qui—Gon Santal's reaction seemed incomprehensible. He looked at her strangely, although he smiled at the corners of his lips.
— Is something wrong? — the girl was puzzled. It seemed to her that the master did not like the teacher's choice.
- no. Simply… I want to warn you. My teacher is wonderful, but he has one peculiarity.
— Which one?
"He has a habit of hiding information from his students sometimes," the older Jedi replied without rancor. — But despite this, he was an excellent mentor. He always praised me for my success. Although we had disagreements. For example, he didn't like that I had too much need for Manpower. And that I trust my friends too much. That I will always be alone, and betrayal is inevitable. But this is not the case. Jedi trust is necessary. This is the best and most valuable gift in the world, but it must be earned.
Qui-Gon knew what he was talking about. There were many trials in his life. He faced pain, suffering, betrayal. But I still didn't understand the teacher's lesson about the inevitability of betrayal and eternal loneliness. Although, it would seem that what he experienced should have convinced him that Master Dooku was right.
Since Qui-Gon became a knight, they had little contact, their relationship was strictly professional. He respected the teacher's lessons, except for the last one. Obi-Wan's teacher did not want to live without trust and friendship.
Then Qui-Gon decided to change the subject.
— But let's not talk about sad things. Tell me, how are you at the Temple? Do you like it?
Santal was already used to such standard questions and answered in the affirmative out of habit. She told me about her favorite places.
— You also talked about the Living Force, — the girl reminded. — What is it?
The magister satisfied the girl's curiosity. He told me briefly and as clearly as possible for the child. Of course, Santal did not fully understand the difference between the One Force and the Living Force, but she decided that she would figure it out later.
In general, the acquaintance was successful. Kenobi later told Santal that his teacher has a special view on many things. He has his own opinion on everything, which sometimes caused conflicts with traditionalist Jedi, such as Mace Windu. But despite this, they were friends, and Qui-Gon himself was a very respected Jedi.
"You're very lucky to have a teacher," Santal told a friend then.
And then one day it happened that Obi-Wan and his teacher went to Naboo to help the queen get to the capital of the Republic. However, in the end, they not only fulfilled their mission, but also brought a newcomer from Tatooine. A boy about nine years old.
That day, Santal was standing at the door on the other side of which Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were reporting on the mission. I waited for one of them to come out, offended that I couldn't eavesdrop. When Kenobi came out, she immediately started asking questions. That's when I found out the bad news. On Tatooine, the Jedi encountered a certain warrior in a black suit who fights like a Jedi and wields the Force.
—There's a chance he's a Sith," Obi—Wan was saying.
The last word made Santal shiver. She felt a little scared. The Sith are the oldest enemies of the Jedi. Very insidious and cruel. And no one has heard of them for a thousand years. And here's the news. If it turns out to be true… The girl felt uneasy.
— Don't be afraid. We'll find out the truth," Kenobi touched the girl's shoulder in a friendly way.
"I heard we got a new guy," Santal said.
- yes. We found a boy on Tatooine. We did a test and found that he had the highest level of midi-chlorians. More than twenty thousand. Even more than Master Yoda's! Can you imagine? The teacher thinks that he may be the Chosen One.
— By whom?
— There is a prophecy according to which a Jedi will be born with the largest number of midi-Chlorians. He will restore the balance of Power and destroy the Sith once and for all.
— Well, wow! Santal was stunned and even temporarily forgot about the hypothetical Sith.
Then Qui-Gon Jinn came out. The girl hurried to say hello.
— Hello, Master Jinn.
- hello. How long have you been standing here?
— Did you feel me?
— It is.
- yes. I found out about the newcomer and decided to find out more about him.
"You'll meet him soon," the Genie smiled.
The teacher and the student left. And Santal ran to class. And in the evening I accidentally overheard their conversation on the balcony.
"The boy won't get Council approval. Not that age," Obi-Wan was saying.
— Anakin will become a Jedi.I give you my word," Qui—Gon insisted.
"Are you really going to defy the Council, Teacher?" The padawan was surprised.
"I'll do what I have to do, Obi—Wan.
— If you hadn't violated the code, you would have already become a member of the Council. They won't let you down this time.
— You'll learn a lot more.
Santal watched as the two Jedi came close to the edge of the balcony and watched the sunset, and hurried away before they noticed.
When Qui-Gon was about to leave, the girl decided to ask him something:
— Master, I'm almost seven years old, and I've already met a lot of people. Tell me, please, did all these meetings happen at the behest of the Force, or were some of them a simple accident and could have been avoided?
— Santal, remember, nothing happens for nothing. It doesn't matter if something good or bad happened to you, every event has meaning. Everything that is done is for the best. It's just that you don't always understand it. But you'll understand in time. Sometimes even a nuisance can lead to happiness. Fate sometimes presents pleasant surprises when we least expect it. For example, the boy Anakin from Tatooine. Our meeting was predetermined by Force. And she changed the fate of one life for the better. Thanks to her, a new Jedi will appear in the Order. Perhaps one of the best. Any other questions?
— Aren't you tired of answering them? — the girl smiled.
— What are you, — the magister smiled, — senior Jedi are always pleased to answer the questions of the younger ones. After all, it speaks about their curiosity, the desire to learn more. The only thing I can advise you is not to get too carried away with knowledge. Find time just to enjoy the peace, chat with friends. While there is an opportunity.
Qui-gon was about to leave when he remembered something and turned around:
"By the way, I just talked to Master Dooku. He praises you. He says that you are making progress and taking an example from Bastian and Adira Shan. Well done. You made a good choice. They were my friends, too. My teacher introduced us. Even though we didn't talk much, I can say with confidence that Adira was one of the bravest Jedi I've ever known. And Bastian shared my teaching about the Living Force. And now it's time for me and Obi-Wan to go on a mission. Goodbye.
The magister patted the girl on the head, saying that she was a smart little girl, and went on his way. Santal continued to look after him with a smile.
That same evening she had a vision. Planet Naboo. There is a holiday on the square. A fat gungan is holding a beautiful purple ball. A little boy with a pigtail smiles at a girl in a beautiful white dress. Nearby are masters Yoda, Mace Windu, Evan Piell and others. Kenobi. Senator Palpatine, whom she once met in person.
It happened shortly after the incident at the Tournament. A man came to the Temple to see how different younglings train, including her. And then he left. It seemed a little strange to the girl. Come just to watch? Plus his sweet voice. Santal immediately remembered that uncle, whom she had almost managed to forget. He also talked to her in a friendly way and nevertheless decided to sell. So this senator could have had similar plans too? It's not clear. And now there is still the election of the chancellor, and the girl did not like that this Palpatine is a candidate. What for? She liked Valorum much better. At least outwardly.
Santal also didn't understand why Qui-Gon wasn't in the vision. Maybe it's standing somewhere in the back?
In general, it was her first vision after a long break. The last time she had a vision was after she told Dooku the truth about her parents. And then the truth about the kidnapper. That same night she had a dream about how she was sleeping. And suddenly, to the right of the bed, there is that guy in the hat.
— I knew you would deceive me. Why am I surprised? All Jedi lie. And she also swore that she wouldn't tell anyone," the duros stood and grinned.
And then he took and pressed a pillow to the girl's face. Santal started screaming:
— Excuse me! Please! Have mercy!
Suddenly there was a loud sound, a pain shot through my head… And then she woke up. Br-R. What a dream! The next day, Santal told Master Dooku about the dream. He listened to her and replied that she had nothing to fear. That she did the right thing. Santal seemed to understand that the master was right, but she was still a little afraid for a while. For a while she walked along the corridors, looking around and flinching at the slightest noise. And then she calmed down and even laughed at herself. Really, what should she be afraid of? The Jedi Temple is the most guarded place in the galaxy, where no one will get through. Especially some hunter. So Santal calmed down. This guy won't get into her new house!
Two days after Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan left, Santal was meditating in class when suddenly…
— NO-O! She heard Kenobi's scream in her head.
Yes, so loud that I fell on my back from fright. The other younglings and the teacher looked at her in surprise. The girl hurried back to her original position. The lesson continued.
But Santal was uneasy at heart. She remembered the vision of the holiday that Qui-Gon wasn't there. The girl began to fear the worst. Everything went cold inside. My heart skipped a beat.
When Obi-Wan returned to the Temple, Santal learned terrible news from him. Qui-Gon Jinn is dead! He was killed by that Sith. And Obi-Wan couldn't stop it. Santal hugged her friend, feeling his pain. The Padawan returned the hug.
"Why didn't the Sith kill you?"
— I defeated him by cutting him in half.
The girl was surprised. The Sith defeated the magister, but could not kill the Padawan.
— Will you be assigned a new teacher?
- no. I hope I'll be knighted. I'm going to have a student. Anakin.
— Why you?
"I promised the teacher that I would teach him," Obi—Wan said seriously.
Santal's gut told her that this would not end well. The girl didn't understand why.
— And now I'm going back to Naboo. There will be a funeral in the evening. And in the morning there is a holiday in honor of the liberation of the planet and the beginning of the union of gungans and humans.
— Can I come with you? This is very important to me.
— Aren't you early?
— Please, — Santal tried to make a pug, which she hadn't done for a long time.
—Very well. We're leaving in an hour. Don't be late.
Santal rushed to Dooku to tell about the incident and express her condolences. The master was not in the room. Then the girl ran to look for him in the garden. And I was not mistaken.
The Magister was standing with his back to her by a lonely tree.
—Master Dooku," the girl called.
The older Jedi turned around, and she realized that he already knew everything.
"I'm sorry," Santal said before she could think. Somehow it escaped by itself.
Dooku pursed his lips, said nothing and turned back to the tree. Santal stood for a few more minutes, not knowing what to say or do next.
"I brought Qui—Gon here when he was a boy," the magister suddenly spoke up. — He adored this tree. Born on Coruscant, the planet of steel and stone, he had never seen anything like it.
Clearing her throat, Santal plucked up the courage to say:
— The funeral will be held on Naboo. Will you fly there?
Thunder rumbled in the sky.
— I doubt they will be happy to see me there. Yes, and it will be unpleasant for me to see the lifeless body of a student. Qui-Gon Jinn became one with the Force. It's time to let him go.
Santal carefully began to leave when she heard a sob. She cautiously turned around and saw Master Dooku already sitting on his knees. His body was shaking. His left hand covered his face. The girl realized what was happening and hurried away.
The planet Naboo conquered Santal with its beauty. She even thought of going back there when she grew up to study it better.
In the evening everything was ready for the ceremony. Qui-Gon's body was lying on the table. Santal ventured closer to take a closer look. For the first time she saw a corpse, knew death as closely as possible. It was extremely unusual to see someone who had been talking to you recently. The one who recently had a sparkle in his eyes. And that sparkle went out. There is only a body that does not move, does not breathe. It seems like the Jedi is sleeping, but it's not.
—Yunling, step back,— Master Windu ordered.
Santal silently walked away.
"We are gathered here to see off Master Qui-Gon Jinn on his last journey. He was one of the best Jedi of our time. A great adept of the Living Force. And the first Jedi to encounter a Sith in the last thousand years. I think there is no greater honor than this," Magister—Korun finished his speech and set fire to the body.
Santal stood motionless, watching the flames devour the Jedi's body. She was scared. She was beginning to understand why Dooku had refused.
"The funeral pyre at the end is the fate of a true Jedi, Youngling," Windu said. "The death of any Jedi is sad, but Master Jinn is now one with the Force.
Then the magister came to talk to the Wisest. And Santal turned her attention to Palpatine. She didn't like that he was appointed chancellor. She liked his predecessor better. She didn't like his expressionless face. She didn't like not understanding the cause of the concern.
The next morning the vision came true exactly. But Santal's mood was by no means festive. Her friend's teacher died. Plus, thoughts of the new chancellor and the boy from Tatooine haunted her. It seemed to her that soon she would talk to them in person. The girl looked at Palpatine, who smiled at her. Soon the mood improved a little when the girl wanted to meet a girl in a white dress, who turned out to be Queen Padme Amidala.
When everyone returned to Coruscant, Santal thought that the misfortunes were over. But she was wrong. After Qui-Gon's death, troubles fell like a cornucopia. And they touched the girl directly.
After what happened on Naboo, Santal began to notice that Master Dooku began to behave strangely. Once she saw him, constantly looking around, going straight to the archive. The girl decided to follow, but the older Jedi noticed her, put his finger to his lips and disappeared through the door.
Also, Master Dooku stopped doing extra work with her. Santal once tried to stutter, but the master rudely replied:
— Later.
The girl did not understand what had happened. Was he so affected by the death of a disciple? A few days later, Santal, out of habit, went to Dooku's room after classes and knocked. No one answered. After waiting a little, the girl ventured to open the door and was stunned. There was no one in the room. Santal, perhaps, would not be surprised if the holobooks and other personal belongings of the master were not missing in the room. The room was empty.
"Maybe the master has moved? But why ? And why didn't you warn me?" the girl thought.
Then she ran to look for him all over the Temple. When I went into the library, I noticed that another rectangular stand was being placed next to nineteen bronze busts.
—Master Dooku became the twentieth lost Jedi," said Jocasta's favorite librarian when the girl asked her what happened.
Santal's hair almost stood on end. Is the Master lost?! And no one is looking for him? Did everyone give up?
The girl was firmly fired up with the idea of finding a possible future teacher. I ran to my room and started packing. I put everything I needed in my bag. Then, at night, she carefully got out of the Temple and ran through the streets. And suddenly realized that she didn't know where to look for Dooku. She even forgot to take his photo! What a fool! Although... maybe you can do without it.
— Excuse me, have you seen a tall man with a beard? — she started asking everyone.
It didn't work out.
"So. You have to think like Master Dooku. If I were him, where would I go?" — Santal began to reason mentally.
Suddenly it occurred to her that the magister might have gone home to Serenno. So, we should try to fly there. But as luck would have it, there were no direct flights for today. Santal was afraid to fly by transfers, she thought she might get lost herself.
The girl was desperate to the edge. Upset, she wandered around the city and did not notice how she ended up in a bar. Santal sat down at the table, put her head in her hands, not knowing what to do. Return to the Temple or continue the search.
Suddenly the girl remembered the advice of Master Dooku: "Trust the Force." Maybe that's what needs to be done now? Suddenly the Force will tell her who can help her? Santal closed her eyes and concentrated. Soon she felt something like a signal. The girl opened her eyes, began to follow the call that led her to the Mandalorian sitting at the counter. The man was apparently waiting for his drink and didn't pay any attention to her. Santal knew the relationship between the Jedi and the Mandalorians, but in this case she didn't care. She needed all the help she could get. And if in the opinion of the Force he is her only hope, then so be it.
The girl threw a cloak over herself to disguise herself. She walked up to the Mandalorian and lightly touched him. The man reacted instantly: his hand darted to the blaster, but quickly relaxed when his eyes realized that the creature in front of them was harmless and small. Santal immediately remembered that that uncle also reacted like that. And why is everyone so nervous?
— What do you want? The Mandalorian asked.
— My teacher is missing. He is tall, elderly. Please help me find him! You are welcome! Santal pleaded.
"What happened to him?"
— I don't know! He suddenly disappeared! I go to his room today, and he's not there! There are no things! So, will you help?
The Mandalorian sighed under his helmet and asked:
"Do you have a picture of him?"
There was no point in lying.
— Then I'm sorry, I can't help you. Anyway, I'm busy. I've already been hired for one job. Goodbye.
The Mandalorian was just about to leave when Santal blocked his way.
— Well, please, well, what should you do! You are a Mandalorian, you can do anything! Well, let's help me find a teacher, it's easy for you! Santal wanted to say something else, but she was interrupted.
"Listen to me, child. They tell you in standard galactic language, I'm in a hurry. And I have more important things to do than look for a person with scant signs. Without a photo, I can spend weeks searching. So get out of here," the Mandalorian turned the girl around and gently pushed her away from him.
Santal's eyes stung with resentment. Well, how is that?! Is he sorry, or what? The girl was absolutely sure that the Mandalorian had no business, he was just lazy.
Then she decided to put pressure on pity and howled in a plaintive voice:
— Please do me a favor! I am an orphan, I have no one but this teacher. I lost my parents very early! But I was picked up by a man who agreed to take care of me. You see, he's like a grandfather to me! The only native person! He disappeared a few hours ago. I'm worried! What if something happened to him? I'm going crazy. If he doesn't turn up, I'll have to survive on the street alone. We'll have to steal, live half-starved. You see, I'll become a criminal, and maybe I'll die soon! You'll be ashamed of yourself! You are no better than a duros!
— What kind of fool? The Mandalorian turned around.
Santal realized that she had blurted out too much, but it was too late to retreat.
— Once I saw duros on the street. He has a hat on his head, some hoses sticking out of his cheeks. And he had terrible red eyes! In front of my eyes, he killed a man who was so desperately begging for mercy! And now you are doing about the same.
— Okay. All right," the Mandalorian snapped irritably. — Come on. But first my job! It's small and short-lived, so I'll manage quickly. And then we'll see how to help you. Maybe we'll make a sketch.
Santal was immediately delighted and ran after him. At least that's it.
The Mandalorian's ship turned out to be very unusual. At least because in order to sit down next to the pilot, I had to, one might say, lie down.
Santal spent the entire flight on pins and needles. I was worried about Master Dooku all the time. What happened to him? She even thought, what if that uncle kidnapped him and is now torturing him about her? But if that's the case, why isn't he calling her?
When the ship began to land, Santal jumped up from her seat as if stung and ran to the exit. The Force sent her a signal again, much more powerful than the first one. As soon as the doors opened, the girl ran towards the signal. She was so focused that she didn't even pay attention to the gloomy landscape. She just ran to the castle until she was exhausted. Then I walked along the corridors, which looked the same.
Santal's attention was suddenly drawn to a door guarded by a one-eyed droid.
— Who are you? — he asked.
—Uh... Dooku's student," the girl said, nervous.
— In that case, tell him that after a few days, Bavo-6 has finally done its job.
Santal was surprised. Has Master Dooku opened his own hospital? Is that why he abruptly left? And his patient is outside the door?
"I was asked to come in and check," Santal lied.
The droid silently stepped aside. Santal walked in, and a room with a blue glow opened up to her eyes. In the middle, a half-naked man was in limbo. Some wires were attached to it. And in front of him was some kind of thing with various needles sticking out of it. Strange spherical droids of black color with red eyes were flying nearby.
"What an unusual treatment room," the girl thought.
Suddenly the man raised his head and, of course, noticed her.
— Girl, what are you doing here? Get out of here!
- why? — the girl was surprised. "I thought this was a hospital." And you're a patient.
— I'm a prisoner! Recently got here. I do not know how you got here, but please run! You can't save me.
"I came here looking for a teacher. The force tells me that he is here.
Suddenly, footsteps were heard.
— He's coming here. Hide! the man shouted.
The girl hid behind the device to which he was tied. And on time. Five minutes later, the door opened again. And Santal saw Dooku alive and unharmed!
"My spirit is broken, Count Dooku. I give up," the man said in a weak voice.
The girl was surprised. The Count? He's a master.
"I already thought we'd never get anything out of you, Silas," Dooku said, taking the man by the chin. — I have to admit, I'm impressed.
"The Mandalorians are ready for anything, even torture. We were specially taught to endure pain. But I can't do it anymore.
Santal stood neither alive nor dead, afraid to move. She didn't understand what was going on here. Therefore, I decided to wait and listen.
— All this can end right now. You know what I want," Dooku said in a cold voice.
"You just want me to betray the greatest Mandalorian of all time." Twenty years ago I almost died for Jango Fett…
Silas began to tell a story about some Django, Montross, Juster, which Santal tried to understand and which she found interesting, but at the same time incomprehensible. She raised a lot of questions.
Finally the man finished.
— It's all true. I swear," he said.
"I believe you, Silas. Your further stay will be painless," Master Dooku assured him.
"I can still tell you about the Jedi war.
— No, there's no need for that. I witnessed the massacre on Galidraan myself.
And then Dooku said something that Santal had a brain explosion.
— Stop his heart.
— Please don't tell Django! Silas began to cry big tears.
Then Santal could not stand this nightmare. Firstly, she could not imagine that it was possible to stop the heart with an ordinary syringe! Secondly, she did not think that Master Dooku was capable of such a thing. It seemed to her that she had been asleep for a long time and for some reason could not wake up. It's as if, from Qui-Gon's death to the present moment, it's just a nightmare.
Unable to think of anything better, Santal screamed as loudly as possible. And then she tried to break the syringe by force or just drag it away. Dooku jumped back in fright, and when he saw the reason, he stared at all, as if he had seen a ghost.
— Santal?! — the man couldn't believe his eyes.
— Magister... I found you.
— What are you doing here?! Dooku shouted.
"I've been looking for you," Santal squeaked. — You disappeared, and I…
— I asked, what are you doing in this place?! Who let you into the torture chamber?
— Torture room? I thought it was a hospital. The droid said that Bavo-6 had finally done its job. I thought you created a secret hospital and already have a patient. And Bavo-6 is a medicine.
— Medicine? Dooku almost burst out laughing. — Medicine? Bavo-6 is a poison that causes hallucinations, causing the victim to feel fear. Designed for torture! Understand?
— And what is torture?
Before Dooku could answer, a message came to him.
"Count Dooku, Jango Fett has arrived and is waiting for you at the agreed place.
Dooku growled and strode out of the room. Santal ran after him.
— Don't follow me! "Stop it!" he barked. "You've already seen things you shouldn't have!" How did you even get here?
—A Mandalorian brought me here.
—A Mandalorian?"
Dooku opened the doors. Santal, who looked out from behind him, once again had her eyes bulging. The Mandalorian who had brought her here was sitting at the table. This time he was without a helmet. The girl was amazed to see the same person as herself. Then it is all the more unclear why he refused to help her.
— You/You! Santal and the Mandalorian shouted in unison.
"So that's who brought her here," Dooku said softly.
"So you're a student of Tyranus?" The Mandalorian was surprised.
Santal did not know the meaning of the word, but being a well-mannered child and a devoted student, she hastened to intercede for the teacher.
"He's not a Tyranus. Why are you calling him a Tyrant? This is the master of the Jedi Order, Yan Dooku — suddenly the girl felt a strong compression of her shoulder, signaling that it was time to shut up.
"When he hired me, he was called Tyranus.
— Why?
—None of your business," Dooku snapped and switched to the Mandalorian. — Django, you arrived a little ahead of time.
— On the contrary, I thought I was late because I was looking for this fugitive. Who would have thought that we needed the same person.
Dooku also sat down at the table. He forcibly placed a lightsaber in front of Django. He, in turn, placed blasters in front of the Jedi.
"Everything is clear. The master has a mission to negotiate with a dangerous Mandalorian. Mandalore is a neutral planet. We need to convince her to join the Republic. But what does Silas, Montross and others have to do with it? I'll find out now. But I know what this Django Fett looks like," Santal thought.
— Let's get down to business. You've made me a generous offer, Tyranus.
"Nevertheless, you hesitate.
— I don't trust you. You are a Jedi. And the Jedi once killed all my people.
— I know. Halidraan was a disaster for all of us.
— You were there.
- yes. I was deceived. It was one of the most idiotic assignments I've done for the Senate and the Jedi.
"That doesn't sound like an apology!" Django somehow pulled the pistols towards him.
Dooku and Santal were surprised this time together.
— How?! I didn't feel the Power in you.
— With electromagnetic blasters and gloves, Force is not needed.
The girl realized that the situation was heating up. She knew she had to do something. She's a Jedi. Its task is to solve conflicts. And now the negotiations between her future teacher and an aggressive Mandalorian are under threat.
— A. Clever. You'll make an excellent donor.
— I haven't agreed yet. There is one more condition," said an angry Django.
"You're in no position to negotiate.
— I disagree. Besides, you're practically dead.
Santal's stomach turned cold.
— Interesting. Yes. I feel," Dooku touched his chest. — You infected my body with a dangerous virus.
Santal screamed in fright.
—The Karatos plague, to be precise. The spores were released from my armor as soon as I entered here. By the way…
Santal clutched her throat in horror. The Mandalorian turned to her and released a mini-syringe from his glove into her, which plunged into her arm with lightning speed.
—It's an antidote,— Django said.
"The plague is attacking my nervous system. I'll be blind in about forty minutes.
— And the brain will die in an hour.
— Watch out, Santal. It's unusual for mercenaries to tell the truth. Are you sure there's an antidote in there? Dooku asked sternly.
— Don't be afraid. I am not a child killer," the Mandalorian assured.
"Why aren't you infected, my friend?"
— Karato plague from Concord Down.
— And you were vaccinated as a child. Sure.
"But I have another antidote on my ship. Which has a self-destruct mechanism connected to a heart sensor in my chest armor. I would have given what's in the syringe, but I didn't expect there to be three of us. And since I'm not a child killer, I had to give the antidote to the child.
— Well thought out, Django. I'll give you anything in exchange for the medicine... and some information.
— What do you want to know?
"Tell me what happened after the Galidraan massacre."
— I should shoot you just for asking about it.
— What?! I'll kill you! Santal, startled, forcibly snatched one of the blasters from the Mandalorian's hand. — Give me the medicine immediately!
—Well, shoot," Django said calmly.
Santal opened her mouth in surprise, her hands were shaking. The Mandalorian sat down on one knee and said:
— Do you know the shooter's rule? Don't take out your blaster, but if you do, shoot without hesitation. Otherwise, I'll shoot first or someone else.
Then Django told how he was in slavery, escaped, defeated Thor Vizslu and became a hunter.
— Enough ancient stories. Your time is almost up, Tyranus. The Karato plague will kill your brain at any moment," Django announced gloatingly.
"Oh, I don't think so, my friend," Dooku sat with his legs crossed. — I haven't used Living Force for healing for a long time. But not that long ago. The plague is destroyed.
Santal looked complacently at the Mandalorian, saying that he had eaten?
— Now I'm impressed. But our deal is still in effect.
- of course. But what does Jango Fett want besides money?
— An unchangeable clone. No acceleration of growth. No change in behavior. No genetic interference.
— I didn't think you were so sentimental, Django. Do you want a son?
- no. Student. He will be Juster's legacy.
— good. You have passed all my tests, and I have no doubt that your clones will be the most formidable warriors in the history of the galaxy.
"That's what I'm counting on. Take me to Kamino, Tyranus, or should I call you "Master Dooku"? And make sure I get paid.
The two men shook hands. Santal breathed a sigh of relief.
— And now I will talk to the child face to face. Then you'll take her home. And don't be afraid, she will be silent.
When Django walked out the door, Master Dooku clarified:
— I hope you won't tell anyone what you saw and heard. Otherwise, the whole galaxy will know whose child you are. And that duros you told me about will find out where you are and that you have relatives," the Jedi said sternly... or not anymore?
Santal couldn't believe her ears. No. It's not Dooku. This is a clone of Dooku. What if the real Dooku was stolen or killed, cloned and this turned out to be the result? The real Dooku would never hurt anyone, would never make a deal with people like Fett, and would not do anything in secret from the Order!
— Magister Dooku, explain to me what is going on here?! Santal was on the verge of hysteria. — Why are you holding this Silas prisoner? What kind of clones? Where did this Django come from?
— I can answer the last question for now.
Of all that the girl learned, the most memorable thing was that Django had a family that was killed, and that he himself killed six Jedi with his bare hands. But she didn't believe it. And I thought it didn't happen that way. A Force-sensitive person cannot be stronger than a Force-sensitive person.
"You'll find everything else in my room. Now go away! And don't try to look for me anymore! — Dooku hurried Santal.
— no! I need more answers! When will you be back? The girl grabbed the Jedi's legs.
— You'll find out everything in a letter in my room! That's it! Go away! Get out!
Django ran in, grabbed Santal around the waist and carried her away while she continued to scream and kick her legs.
When they had already taken off, the girl said:
—Master Dooku is my Juster. That's why I wanted to find him.
Looks like Qui-Gon Jinn was right. Master Dooku likes to withhold information.
Suddenly Santal remembered her parents. My aunt said that they were, like, killed by mercenaries. She doesn't believe it, but if you check?
— Tell me, are you responsible for the deaths of Bastian and Adira Shan? These are two Jedi.
- no. This is the first time I've heard of them.
— Okay, I just wanted to know. Suddenly you had an order for them.
- no. If I had, I would have remembered that.
— And which of your colleagues could, in your opinion, do this? Do you know many hunters?
— A lot. There are men and women.
— Can I please meet some women I know?
— You can ask Aurra Sing. She sometimes comes to Coruscant.
— Okay. Is it true that you killed six Jedi with your bare hands?
— Really.
— You're lying! Santal shouted. — It doesn't happen like that!
— As you can see, it happens.
"You're not force—sensitive. And in general, the Jedi are invincible! Almost. Maybe you actually ran into two not-so-powerful Jedi. Maybe you thought it was six.
Django was amused by the statement.
— I'll grow up and beat you! The girl blurted out. — I will prove that even one Jedi cannot be defeated. Almost. And I'm also offended by you. You almost killed my teacher. And he, by the way, saved Silas.
The Mandalorian stopped smiling immediately.
— Come on, repeat what you said.
Santal, realizing that the man did not tell the truth, lied that Dooku was treating Silas after captivity. Django didn't answer anything, just apparently decided something for himself.
The girl calmed down a little and decided to change the subject.
— You know, I compare you all the time with that fool. And I want to say that you are different. Do you know him?
— I know. But I don't advise you. He is one of my most dangerous colleagues.
Santal spent the rest of the journey in silence, knees drawn up. In such a short time, she was hit by a sea of shocks. Apparently Django understood it too and didn't talk to her. Just before parting he said:
— Remember. Never mess with Cade Bane.
The girl reached the house, barely standing on her feet. She was very tired after so much time. I was just about to go to bed when I remembered Dooku's words and hobbled into his room. Fortunately, nothing has happened to her during this time. The girl searched the room and all she could find was a piece of paper with some object inside under the bed.
Already in the room, she found a note on the back of the sheet, and the object turned out to be a kayber crystal.
The note said:
Santal, if you're reading this letter, it means I'm already far away. I've been patient for a very long time, but I can't take it anymore. Qui-Gon Jinn's death was the last straw for me. I left the Order. I'm not a master anymore. I returned to my homeland and assumed the title of count.
Someday you'll understand why I did it. For now, I'll just say that I want to make this world a better place. To make the Order better. In the meantime, don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. I won't take you as an apprentice. So look for someone else. Maybe he'll be better than me. Goodbye.
Former Master, and now Count Yan Dooku.
After reading the note several times, Santal cried all evening. In the morning, all broken, she appeared to the eyes of her fellow clansmen. Who, when they saw her, almost strangled her. Then she was called to the carpet. It seemed to the girl that it was only thanks to Jedi endurance that she was not yelled at. Santal did not tell about everything, she said only that she was trying to find Dooku. Then she was told that the Lost Ones were the Jedi who left the Order voluntarily.
The girl was sent under the care of healers. And when she recovered a little, she was punished. Forced to wash the floor in one of the corridors. It took Santal all day to do this. Finally, the work was finished, the inventory was removed. The girl was already walking calmly to her room when she was called:
— Are you an Angel too?