Happiness is never sad or cheerful.
It is simply happiness.
***
The hologram of Master Windu turned toward me.
"…Then, Knight Vect, go immediately to Master Luminara's aid."
I nodded silently, though deep down I mentally spat. Well, here we go again. Go there—I don't know where. Bring that—I don't know what. I understand that the last assignment was just like this, but could you be a little more specific this time? Luminara is in the Wild Space now, and there aren't even hyperlane relays everywhere there, let alone the HoloNet. And the space out there is… vast. You could search for her until the cows come home. So it would really help if someone explained things properly.
Apparently, the Force heard me, because the Council did not disconnect the communication session. Instead, Even Piell muttered:
"We are sending you instructions. Pay special attention to the files 'Aurek-¼/16/64' and '24-Dorn-1/6.' In short, you are to arrive at Nubia, receive new ships and units under your command, and then advance along the Corellian Route to Christophsis. From there, you will proceed to assist Master Luminara."
Well, that's another matter. Instead of the usual 'stop there, come here.' Windu really doesn't know how to communicate properly with intelligent beings. And he's the one in charge of politics in the Order. No, everything is perfectly clear—there's a war going on, about seven thousand Jedi are fighting right now, and it would take more than a day to speak to each of them—but it's still worth maintaining some semblance of sanity.
"As soon as I review the files, I will immediately begin the assignment."
I felt a little more cheerful, so my mood lifted. I especially like the part about the new ships and units. You can't win much with just one ship.
"May the Force be with you," muttered the Lannik.
"Master Secura, there is also a new assignment for you. The details are in the file we will send," Shaak Ti said, addressing Aayla, who was standing beside me.
The Twi'lek asked, "Where am I being sent?"
"To Denon, arrive you must. Under your command, the 327th Star Corps shall be. From there, to the Kira system your path lies. The zone of the 17th Army, it is. Planets of this system, reclaim you must. For the Republic, vital are the mineral supplies from its asteroid fields."
"I will hurry, Grand Master," Aayla assured Yoda.
With that, the communication session ended.
"I think it's time," Aayla said, turning to me.
"Yes. The shuttle should be at the landing pad."
Activating my comlink, I called Blam. It was time to return the clones to the Acclamator. The troops for the local garrison had not yet arrived, but they were already on their way to Devaron, so there was no need to leave anyone behind. In any case, I wouldn't have left anyone behind. I need my own troops. Actually, Tra'Saa alone is more than enough here. I had seen the results of her work in the hangar. After Ahsoka's enthusiastic stories, I couldn't help going to take a look myself. Well, what can I say… Yoda, with his "no weight," was nervously smoking on the sidelines. And it was unlikely that anything would change significantly in a couple of hours.
"Blam, this is Vikt. Pack up our stuff," I said into the comlink.
"Roger that, General. In… half an hour, all units will be on board," Blam reported.
"Excellent."
***
Once aboard the shuttle, Aayla sat down opposite Vikt. From there, it was more convenient to observe him. And his lightsabers.
In the heat of battle, she hadn't paid them much attention, but now… Hmm. Until that moment,I didn't notice his sabers before. That's right—he was hiding them under his cloak. The young man apparently noticed her intense gaze, leaned forward, and asked:
"Is something wrong, Master Secura?"
"I wanted to ask… how long have you had a blade… of that color?"
"Not long."
"We were on Ilum," Vikt's Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, who was sitting next to her, joined the conversation. "We took the younglings on a field trip. And, well, we found ourselves some new crystals. I made myself a shoto."
The Togruta unclipped her weapon and proudly showed the hilt of her lightsaber.
"What color is your blade?" Aayla asked.
"Yellow-green. And my Master's are both orange."
"Both?" The Twi'lek looked at Vikt.
He unclipped the hilts from his belt. Almost identical in design, they differed only in length. And then… the Jedi calmly joined the pommels end to end — a quiet click — and gave a twist to the newly formed… staff, most likely.
"Quite… unusual," Aayla said slowly. "I don't remember anyone else having one like that—except Master Krell, but his are more traditional double-bladed lightsabers. And here… And the colors, too. Although… it suits you."
"What's wrong with the color?" Ahsoka asked, looking at her intently. "Master says the color of the blade isn't important—what matters is who holds it in their hands."
Aayla narrowed her eyes. A strange point of view. Very strange. And such reasoning is somewhat unusual for such a young Jedi. Even I haven't really thought about it like that. Still… there's something to it.
"Nevertheless, the color of a blade says a great deal about its owner—about their character, inner world, principles, and actions."
"Tell me!" the Togruta demanded ultimately.
"You have a persistent padawan. How do you cope?" Aayla smiled.
"Usually, I answer her questions," Vikt smiled back.
"Well then." Aayla interlaced her fingers. "In the past—thousands of years ago—the Jedi had blades of many different colors. Now they are mostly blue and green, less often yellow, and their shades. But there are other colors as well. Each has its own characteristics, both positive and negative."
Glancing at the girl, Aayla sighed resignedly—the Togruta's enthusiasm hadn't gone anywhere, and even "smart" words couldn't cool her ardor. I think it's too early for me to take on a padawan.
"For starters—blue. This is a concentric color. It devotes everything solely to itself. Positive characteristics: organization, intransigence, idealism, strength of spirit. Negative characteristics: fanaticism and subordination. This color has 'no bottom'; it never ends, it draws you in, intoxicates you. At the same time, the power of the color is often underestimated. Blue is constancy, persistence, perseverance, devotion, selflessness, seriousness, and strictness. Jedi who prefer this color strive to put everything in order, to systematize."
"You have a blue blade, right? And Master had a blue one too!"
"That's right. In the past, Jedi with blue blades were called Guardians," Aayla nodded. "Next—green. It symbolizes prosperity and new beginnings. It comes from the fusion of blue and yellow. Positive characteristics: stability and reliability. Negative characteristics: selfishness. Green always holds the potential for life; it does not radiate outward energy, but it contains potential energy within. It does not rest, instead reflecting an inner state of tension. Green neutralizes the effects of other colors; it helps dispel negative emotions. It brings calm and peace, helps with concentration and decision-making. Jedi who prefer this color usually see both sides of a situation, know how to weigh and evaluate the chances of a favorable outcome, can suppress others with authority, and are highly efficient."
"Well… I have a green blade… and so does Grand Master Yoda!"
"Yes. Usually, the blades of Jedi Consulars—that is, diplomats—are green."
Vikt chuckled.
"And you're not particularly diplomatic, are you, Snips?"
"No worse than you," the girl made a funny face. "Master Aayla, please continue!"
"Jedi Sentinels have yellow blades. The color yellow spreads in all directions, symbolizing the mind and the influence of the dominant. It is the most flexible color: it penetrates everywhere, helps overcome difficulties, and promotes concentration. Under the influence of yellow, decisions are made quickly and carried out immediately. Jedi who prefer this color dislike fools, fight others with words, and hate being cornered. They are characterized by high self-esteem, self-confidence, and activity. Yellow symbolizes intuition and quick-wittedness."
"What about purple?" Vikt asked.
"Exactly. Master Windu's blade is purple. It is the color of idealism and helps increase self-esteem. Its positive characteristics include dexterity, quick-wittedness, receptivity, honesty, and self-confidence. But do not forget the negative aspects, because purple is made from blue and red—it inherits the negative traits of both colors: causticity, sarcasm, treachery, absent-mindedness, excessive criticality, intolerance, and a tendency to judge others."
"That's for sure," muttered Vikt, and Aayla understood him perfectly—Mace Windu's character was far too peculiar.
"Do you know about Sith blades? The red ones?"
"Red blades are exactly what the Sith are about. This color always attracts attention; it is demonstrative. Red crystals are rare in nature, so most Sith use artificial red crystals… The essence of this color is leadership, persistence, struggle, creation, dynamism, perseverance, and a pioneering spirit. Red would be admirable if not for its downsides: it signifies violence, lust, intolerance, cruelty, destruction, bloodthirstiness, stubbornness, and greed. Red embodies power, breakthrough, and the will to win. It is always in motion, always a source of energy. Red likes to be first—but cannot always be. It is practical, does not beat around the bush, never persuades—it comes and takes. Red seeks justice, but is satisfied with only its appearance. In a positive aspect, it is a wise soldier who gives their life for a cause; in a negative one, a tyrant and a murderer. All Sith use blades of this color."
"What about orange?" Ahsoka asked, nodding toward her Master.
"Orange is the color of warmth, bliss, and intensity, yet at the same time it is the soft glow of the setting sun. Its positive characteristics are strength, inexhaustible energy, love of freedom, excitement, and tolerance. This color dampens the aggressiveness of red. But it also has downsides: indulgence, ostentation, and inflated self-esteem. Orange is tied to the fulfillment of various abilities, constantly keeping one in tone; it has all the capabilities of red, but without aggression. Its power acts very softly. The influence it exerts is warm, joyful, and stimulating.The vital energy of red allows orange to displace other colors. This color is associated with the striving for self-affirmation."
"That's almost spoton, Master," the girl said, looking at Vikt. He only shrugged.
"But," Aayla went on, "you shouldn't take it too literally. Intelligent beings are far too different; no two are ever alike."
"Sir, we are approaching the Akagi," the shuttle pilot reported.