The surrounding darkness, despite expectations, seemed like an old, good friend.
It cradled, enveloped, and for the first time — warmed.
After everything experienced, the darkness no longer seemed like something terrible, frightening, or repulsive to me.
I stood in an indefinite void, surrounded by impenetrable matter that I could not touch. And at the same time — I was self-aware. Every bit of my body.
A strange, and simultaneously — exciting state. One in which it was not worth staying long.
"That was reckless," a voice sounded behind my back. Strong, demanding. Goosebumps ran down my body — it seemed that this phrase was pronounced by thousands of voices simultaneously.
"Glad to see you, Master," turning, I knelt on one knee before Vitiate.
As usual, in the guise of the Emperor of the Eternal Empire, he stood with his hands behind his back. His gaze was focused on something behind me. As if he were watching what was happening through the darkness.
"Under other circumstances, it would be mutual," the Sith replied. "But now, when you are on the brink of life and death…"
"… The Plan is even closer to its realization than before," I finished.
The ghost looked at me with some surprise. And — sly interest.
"To be honest, I thought the contents of my head were no secret to you."
"After the victory over the acolytes, I didn't think you still required constant oversight. Turns out, I was wrong."
"In no way, Master. Everything went in strict accordance with my designs."
"Was the coma also part of them?" The Emperor raised one eyebrow. This gesture made me somewhat embarrassed.
"Not exactly. I expected Palpatine would try to test my loyalty somehow, but that harshly… Here he outsmarted me. But, with your help, I will return consciousness to the body and continue my mission."
"Bane's spawn is strong, cunning, and infinitely cruel," the Sith reminded. "Do not be deluded about him. The sophistication of his mind is beyond any comparison with your own capabilities."
"But, only by getting out of the coma can I find out — whether I achieved my goal or not."
"Do not risk yourself unnecessarily, apprentice," Valkorion advised. "For that, you have your Hands."
"None of them can worm their way into the Chancellor's confidence," I countered. "And judging by his reaction, he was interested in my proposal."
"Tell me."
"However," a thought flashed. "Why don't you just look at everything in my head? Don't want to? Or can't you?"
"Palpatine didn't invite me to a meeting for nothing. He needs to understand who I am — in reality. A truly valuable resource or just a lucky dogmatist. In the first case — he will in every way facilitate my rise and push my proposals through the bureaucrats. In the second — a burden unworthy of attention, which he will need to get rid of a little later."
"Hmm… reasonable," the Sith commented. "Are you sure he didn't recognize your manipulations?"
"For a deeper analysis, he would need to open up in the Force. And all my proposals — are beneficial for him in the first place. Conduct a small reorganization to elevate a worthy and extremely loyal general. Bring him closer, bestow his attention — and Skywalker will just be foaming at the mouth to please him more than me. Since in the territories under my control order was established quickly enough, it would be perfectly logical on his part — to transfer another supersector under my command. He can come up with any justification for this. What's more important — by controlling the Outer Rim territories and the Hutt territory, I can increase the number of clones, which will allow getting rid of the Jedi in these sectors even faster. Well, and the fleet received for free from Christophsis, under the control of those same clones — is a nice bonus."
"And if he goes for it, then under your control will be two strategically important worlds," Valkorion narrowed his eyes. "Kamino and Rothana. Factories for producing clones, destroyers, and equipment. With the start of the Jedi Purge, taking them under your control will be even easier."
"Kamino is already in my pocket," I smirked. "And what I know about Rothana… Absorbing the territory of the 14th Sectoral Army will give me the opportunity to study their defense system — say, under the pretext of improving it. And then, the operation to conquer it will go faster than planned before."
"And saving Palpatine from a 'sudden' attack will give him reason to consider you loyal to him personally?" A smile appeared on the Emperor's face.
"At least — that's the calculation. He knows how to value the merits of his subordinates. I don't think that, in the end, he will decide to preserve my life within the framework of his Plan, but that doesn't particularly bother me."
"A risky game," Valkorion stroked his chin. "But, nevertheless, in case of success — justified."
"Glad you liked it."
"But, do not neglect your own safety," the Sith's parting words came out threatening. "In such a state, you can easily be exposed — without mind control, all your defenses are just a fiction."
Now that was unpleasant news.
"Does this mean my disguise is uncovered?"
"No. I turned my attention to you in time and was able to back you up. Right now, the Jedi are busy with your physical healing — even the Fire Crystals were put to use. A valuable artifact, by the way. My powers are great, but you shouldn't linger in this state. After our conversation, I will return your consciousness back into the body."
"By the way, where are we?"
"In the Abyss," the Sith said in a level voice. "Or Hell, as you prefer to call it. The dwelling place of dark entities of the Force. All Sith fall here after death. It took great effort to keep your consciousness from merging with the Force."
"Does it turn out that I died?" With effort, I had to swallow the lump that had risen in my throat.
"Yes," the Sith scorched me with an icy gaze. "You should be grateful to me for saving your consciousness for a second time."
"I am, undoubtedly, in great debt to you. But, since we can now talk freely, Master, I have a question for you."
"Are you sure you want to get an answer to it?"
"Yes."
"Then ask."
"I had a vision about that past life of mine," I didn't think lips got parched in the afterlife. "And I saw you — at the very beginning of my life. How is that possible?"
"For the Force, nothing is impossible, apprentice," Vitiate smirked. "Or did you think I chose the first soul I came across for the consciousness replacement? No. You — are the result of long observations. And, in case of your defeat — your place will be taken by another, just as carefully selected candidate."
"I understand," I had to swallow another lump. "But, then he will have to start everything from the very beginning — to control the increased level of midi-chlorians…"
"Limited Jedi nonsense," Valkorion said angrily. Judging by the tone, this topic frankly irritated him. "The Order understands the Force just as a person drinking water feels its taste."
"But water has no taste…," I countered, and then, caught myself, realizing what the ghost meant. "Then, what are these midi-chlorians?"
"Microorganisms that dwell in all the living world of our galaxy. The Jedi, having discovered them once, decided that the indicator of their numbers in the blood reflects the adept's greatness in the Force."
"And that's not the case?" I frowned. It seems a paradigm shift awaits me now.
"Only the mind and willpower determine your limits," Valkorion said instructively. "Every living organism has its own Force reserve, which can be used instantaneously. And this reserve inevitably increases with special training or when manipulating large volumes of the Force. Midi-chlorians are parasites that live off contact with the Force. The larger the reserve — the more of these organoids."
"Are they not symbiotic to their host?"
"No. They absorb a microscopic amount of the Force but give nothing in return. However, if you take for a benefit that they help to identify potentially strong adepts in the simplest way — yes, there is use for them."
"But the Jedi believe that the Chosen One — Anakin Skywalker — was conceived by midi-chlorians…"
"The beliefs of the Jedi interest me to a lesser extent, apprentice," Valkorion snapped. "For tens of thousands of years of wielding the Force, they have learned nothing. It's no wonder that time and again their teaching is on the brink of extinction."
A tense pause hung. The Sith was obviously in irritation, dissatisfied that his apprentice, like his predecessor, accepted on faith the Order's teachings about the Force. Which, it must be admitted, were very fragmentary and, for the most part, came down only to the dogma "Listen to the Force."
While Valkorion possessed an undeniable advantage — no adept known to me had been able to reach his greatness. Palpatine was taught by Plagueis, a Muun who experimented with midi-chlorians and, according to one version, created that very Anakin Skywalker.
Vitiate authoritatively criticized all teachings based on an understanding of midi-chlorians. And, unlike his opponents, he had studied the Force for millennia. And his mastery in using the Force spoke for itself — he did things that neither the Jedi nor the Sith even suspected. A pity he doesn't wish to share this knowledge — an understanding of the Force, undoubtedly, would give me much more power than I have now. No matter how many ghosts I consumed.
Stop. For ghosts — are pure Force energy. The consciousness of a deceased adept. Exar Kun was powerful, and consequently, by Jedi logic, where the Force directly depends on the number of midi-chlorians in the blood, it's logical to assume that by absorbing him, I should have absorbed part of the midi-chlorians inherent to him. If midi-chlorians ensure contact with the Force, then the appearance of a ghost is also connected to them. By absorbing him, I inevitably took the midi-chlorians that were in him. And if so, a new blood analysis will show their increase in my blood relative to the results available in the Temple.
On the other hand, if Valkorion says that the number of midi-chlorians depends on the internal Force reserves in the organism, which increase through training or handling large amounts of energy, then after all I've done — my internal reserve must have grown. And with it — the number of midi-chlorians.
A vicious circle. Whichever of the viewpoints above is correct, a new analysis will in any case show that there are more midi-chlorians than there were before. And by sticking my nose into this matter, I will only attract unwanted attention to myself.
Therefore, I shouldn't clog my head with garbage. I am Valkorion's apprentice, and consequently, while there is the opportunity — I should absorb his wisdom and adhere to his point of view. Until, or unless, the opposite is proven.
"Master, can you teach me techniques for increasing my Force reserve?"
"You're doing quite well yourself," did he just praise me? "Use the Force as much and as often as possible. Like training the muscles of the body, your reserve will expand. Had the Jedi known about this, even the lowliest of them could have become great."
"Does it turn out that even the weakest adept can use the most complex Force techniques?"
"Yes. All limits are in the head. Obsessed with their heresy with midi-chlorians, the Jedi and the Sith who came from them unconsciously lower their potential, believing that with a low level of midi-chlorians one cannot, for example, use Force Lightning or teleportation. A mind free of such dogmas, like yours, works completely differently, not looking back at viewpoints established over millennia. It just takes and does. Without doubts, without expectations of failure. You might have noticed with the example of your apprentice that Jedi training, consisting of complex, convoluted explanations, is difficult for perception and extremely irrational in the question of Force use. While the notes of the Hero of Tython, in which these same Techniques are described much more simply, in accessible language, give the same result, but with less expenditure of Force and other body resources. Bane came to the same conclusion while studying on Korriban, when studying archives gave him more than the instructions of newly minted Sith. In my time, the cognition of the Force was even simpler."
"But no one taught you, My Lord."
"Truly so. But I possessed a mighty mind and the Force did what I wanted. From birth, I subordinated it to myself, and the Force served me, not the other way around. Over the years, its understanding made me higher than any of my contemporaries."
"And how deeply did you cognize the Force, Master? Using the same analogy with drinking water."
"Deeply enough that I can feel every atom of the substance composing it," Valkorion smiled. Smiled very badly.
"It would be useful for me to adopt your view of the Force — not just the techniques, but the understanding itself…"
"In order to understand the Force as it is, I had to consume the population of an entire planet — and even then, there was some help from an ancient Iokath computer," for the first time I hear that Valkorion required someone's help.
"I have a drone from Iokath. But I know little about the planet itself."
"And I know everything about it," Valkorion seemed to gnash his teeth. "They — are the reason why an outside invasion awaits us."
"What?!" Now I understand what "hit with a dust bag" means. "Was it Iokath that fought the Yuuzhan Vong?!"
"Not exactly. The Masters of Iokath — real ones, composed of flesh and blood, not the mechanical servants they invented — are an extremely cruel and aggressive race whose meaning of life is total control over their entire habitat. Their society was divided into two factions that from the beginning of time competed with each other in creating the most perfect weapon for the destruction of any organic life. And any galaxy they visited was a test range. So it happened with the Yuuzhan Vong. Two mechanical armies clashed in an unceasing war for the amusement of their creators. Of course, side effects in the form of destroyed civilizations didn't interest Iokath. Zildrog — the computer that helped me consume life on Nathema — said that in the Vong galaxy, Iokath tested machines sensitive to the Force — with its help they hunted any intelligent life. And when it became too dangerous — Iokath fled to our galaxy, where it continued its black work — mindless destruction of life out of sporting interest. In the end, the Masters of Iokath finished each other off, and the planet fell under the control of their creations. The Hero of Tython managed to conquer the planet and achieve its entry among his supporters. Но, когда они были нужны больше всего — когда Республика объявила войну Альянсу, Иокат попросту сбежал."
"I thought they perished — the drone is certain of it."
"Oh no," Valkorion smiled. "They are somewhere out there, beyond the galaxy. Continuing the work begun by their creators. They won't return here — we don't interest them, as we will fight back. But the Vong… I don't know why they are flying here — in search of their home world or to take revenge on the Masters of Iokath — but they represent a mortal threat to the entire galaxy. Their scouts have already been here for more than a thousand years — and the sooner you take up catching and destroying them, the fewer problems there will be in the future."
"I remember that the Vong were looking in our galaxy for the seed of their home world — I think it's called Zonama Sekot. The Jedi found it and that helped end the slaughter."
"Of course, you can look for that little planet," Valkorion smirked. "The galaxy is so small, after all…"
"Perhaps it is worth looking for in the Unknown Regions," I voiced my thoughts. "But the Plan is more important. And I should return to its execution."
"Glad you understand that," Valkorion was right in front of me in a flash. Placing a palm on my forehead, he said:
"Don't you dare fail me, Rick!"
And everything faded before my eyes.
***
Another change of dressings was ending just as dozens before it.
Kayla prepared to leave the room, carrying away on a tray a heap of bacta dressings that were still necessary for healing the existing scars on the Jedi's body, when a beep from the equipment caught her attention.
With the spinning flywheel of the war, the use of bacta tanks for full healing of injured Jedi had been recognized as wasteful. Therefore, with the exception of the critically wounded, her charges were moved to hospital beds, and their minor injuries were healed with the help of local medical intervention. Applying bandages and dressings using bacta allowed for the conservation of the limited resources of the Halls of Healing — their seeming vastness proved insufficient for all those in need by the end of the first year of the war.
The beep repeated.
The girl approached the monitor, glancing at the indicators that had remained static over the past week. And just now, for some reason, they had changed…
"Great Force!" The girl shrieked, feeling through the fabric of her robe how a bandaged hand touched her.
The patient, a frequent guest in the Halls of Healing, by the way, lay on the bed, wrapped in bandages from head to toe. In the most problematic places — on the ribs, stomach, back of the head, both legs, and the left arm in a sling — there were deliberate gaps in which skin could be seen — at those moments when the bacta dressings were removed from these areas.
And now, this patient had managed to take her by the elbow with his right hand — the only limb that had not received fractures.
"Master Dougan, you've regained consciousness!" Joy sounded in her voice. No wonder! For the third time she was putting this Jedi on his feet, putting him together piece by piece. Few manage such a thing — three times to pull a patient from oblivion.
And she, you see, had succeeded. No wonder Vokara Che, as soon as she saw that the ill-fated Jedi was back in the Halls of Healing, ordered that Healer Omas should take care of "her" patient.
And this time, saving the general's life had cost her much more strength than the previous time. Healing trances, and even bacta — helped very little. Most of the internal damage the healers had to fix through complex and exhausting manipulations. But they had achieved their goal — the numerous bone fragments had been set, the wounds to internal organs had closed, and the patient's life was not in danger. Of course, if he came out of the coma. Which, essentially, had happened.
"Kayla…," he said hoarsely. "It seems it's time for us to stop meeting here."
The girl smiled, stifling a giggle.
Over a year, she had managed to heal many. And the omen — if he jokes, it means he's all right — had acquired almost a scientific justification within these walls.
"We were all so worried about you," she sighed, squeezing the fingers of his whole hand in hers. "You spent almost a week in a coma. Your heart stopped several times. And your bones… in general, there are practically no whole ones. Multiple internal traumas."
"No wonder I feel so lousy," a rasp came from the Jedi's throat. "How bad is it?"
"Um… in what sense?"
"Kayla, the fact that I can't move my neck doesn't mean I can't see that my whole body is in fixing equipment."
The girl wrinkled her nose.
Indeed, every movable fragment of the Master's body was fastened with massive structures ensuring the correct knitting of the bones. Even the neck — it was in a brace to prevent spinal cord damage by fragments of vertebrae that had knitted not long ago.
"Let's put it this way — if the Chancellor hadn't delivered you urgently to the Temple on a personal transport, we would unlikely be talking right now."
"Oh," was all the bandaged one said. "Why such an honor?"
"You saved his life, don't you remember?" The girl frowned. Short-term amnesia after a concussion is a common thing. The main thing is for memory to recover in the coming month — otherwise, unpleasant consequences can develop.
"No, that's exactly what I remember. And how is he himself?"
"Got off with a few bruises, abrasions. Was more frightened."
"We weren't alone there. What about Skywalker?"
"Everything healed on him like on a bantha," the girl grimaced. This patient had caused her a lot of trouble by trying to escape from Vokara Che's care in the very first days. But even the Chief Healer only managed to detain him for a couple of days — until a cracked rib healed. And as if nothing had happened, he rushed out of the Temple somewhere to the Outer Rims. "You shouldn't worry — you saved everyone."
"That's good," the man rasped. "Kayla, will I even be able to walk after all this?"
"Yes, why not?" The girl was surprised. "Since you've regained consciousness and no deterioration is expected, healing meditations can be applied to speed up recovery. But even without that — a few weeks and you'll be as good as new. Although…"
"What is it?"
"Your scars and burns," the girl hesitated. "Well, those that were left from last time…"
"Ah, those… I'd already forgotten about them."
"You have, yes. But Padawan Offee, when she saw you without armor, fainted."
"Offee? Is that the apprentice of Master Unduli?"
"Master Unduli," the girl corrected. "The Order recognized Master Kota as deceased, and Luminara became a new member of the High Council."
"Is that so," did she mishear, or did a chuckle sound from under the bandages? "It's good that her merits were appreciated. She deserves it. By the way, where is she?"
"I don't know exactly — we healers aren't told such things. But as you get better, you must definitely thank her Padawan — it was she who set the fragments of your cervical vertebrae in place. Otherwise, you would have been paralyzed."
"I definitely will," the Jedi promised. "And what about my equipment?"
"Your Padawan took everything," the girl spread her hands. "But you have no use for it now — a long recovery is ahead."
"Kayla," the Jedi swallowed hard.
"Yes, Master?"
"You'll be surprised how quickly I'll clear out of here."
***
Yoda received the news that Master Dougan had regained consciousness with relief. The brave Jedi, even in a coma, had not ceased fighting for life — the healers merely noted that they didn't even have time to do anything during the cardiac arrests before the organism returned from the Afterworld again. The young Master was saving himself from merging with the Force. Which could not but command respect.
Even Mace, upon hearing about this, only nodded silently. And refrained from any comments, which is unusual given his undisguised dislike for this specific Jedi.
Of course, a long recovery still lay ahead — and after it no less than a month of rehabilitation — Vokara Che insisted on this especially. Arguing with her is an extremely unrewarding task. In matters of healing, Yoda, although he possessed full authority in the Order, preferred not to cross the Twi'lek who possessed an exceptionally difficult character.
But the main thing is, he's alive.
Not that the Grand Master harbored any special feelings for Dougan. He had such an attitude toward all Jedi. Comparing their small society with the traditional institution of the family, Yoda noted that he had to be a "caring mother" for most of them. While Mace was the "strict father." The rest of the High Council members could be called "kind relatives" at a stretch.
But in the case of Dougan, everything was a bit different.
From the moment of his return from the Unknown Regions, the Master had looked anew at this boy — from the height of his age he simply couldn't call the young man otherwise. Of course, only in his thoughts — in speech he never allowed himself anything of the sort. Mutual respect is one of the postulates of the Order.
The return of the holocron of the ancient Jedi Ulic Qel-Droma, the same one whose ghost had helped Skywalker defeat the Sith weapon, became another breath of oxygen for the Order. The archives were replenished with another landmark of Jedi history. In time, it will be studied, and possibly new wisdom will be gleaned.
And then, Rick was increasingly making a name for himself as one of the greatest Jedi of modern times.
On the one hand, this was to be rejoiced at — the Jedi, completely unprepared for war, were becoming wiser in the conduct of war every day.
But, as is known, a Hutt has two sides.
Too often in the past, great Jedi have brought evil into this galaxy.
The Great Schisms, the fall of Revan and Malak, Kreia, the Brotherhood of Darkness…
Like many Grand Masters before him, Yoda made every effort so that the rising generation would know as little as possible about the temptations of the Dark Side. Therefore, there are only twenty busts in the Archive, not many thousands. Silencing the dark pages of history protected young minds from the temptation, like the perpetrators of the First Great Schism, to study the ways of the Dark Side.
Only matured and tempered minds are ready for the attainment of truth.
It's not for nothing that a proverb exists in the Order — "Your training begins only after you have become a Master." Hundreds of holocrons — Jedi and Sith — were stored in the Archives and were available for study only to a limited circle of people.
Walking slowly through the corridors of the Temple, Yoda wondered for a moment — is the chosen path correct? Perhaps Jedi should be prepared for the struggle with the Darkness from an early age, forced to face the dark episodes of galactic history? Change the training program, supplementing it with the sad examples of the Order? But will this not contribute to an even greater number of departures from Jedi teachings?
The path of reforms is dangerous, and therefore — postponed. For better times. Possibly.
After all, there must be a reason why in every generation the number of powerful Jedi decreased?
Studying the chronicles of the Order before and after Ruusan, the Grand Master could only note with sadness that the current generation is many times inferior to its predecessors. The glorious pages of Jedi history are unlikely ever to repeat themselves again. The times when members of the Order could dictate their will, resolving crises of galactic scale, have sunk into oblivion. Only the hope remained that the rising replacement — Padawans and younglings, among whom were promising candidates — would rectify the situation.
The elderly Master shook his head, banishing such thoughts from it.
No.
For thousands of years Jedi have learned the way it happens now — under careful oversight, surrounded by an aura of goodness and mutual understanding. Only after knowing all this in the Temple can they see all the injustice of the world beyond the Order — and fight it. The reason for "degeneration" is not in the training program — the world around has changed. And the wisdom of the Jedi is no longer as great as might be desired.
Intelligent beings have adapted to act independently, to solve the problems of their worlds without Jedi participation. And any intervention is seen as an undisguised intervention. Which went against the Order's policy. And inevitably led to a decrease in the influence of the gifted on the galaxy. Although it was wrong.
War has again allowed the Jedi to come to the fore in global politics. With fire and sword, they crushed the separatist pockets that were shaking the foundations of the Republic. So it must be — this is the destiny of the Jedi. To preserve peace and tranquility in the Republic. With all available forces.
The main thing is that upon completion of this war, Jedi with the worldview that Revan once brought with him do not return home. Yes, ultimately he returned to the Light — before his disappearance in the Unknown Regions. But his truth — about the Unifying Force — undermined thousand-year-old foundations. It's a good thing he was prudent enough to listen to the Council and not spread such heresy among others.
Over the years, dissent has arisen more than once among the Jedi — "gray," fallen, the teaching of the Living and Unifying Force, Potentium, Jensaarai. And after all, how many unique teachings are in the galaxy whose views differ from the opinion of the Order?
The Voss Mystics, who flatly refused any cooperation with the Jedi — even within the framework of a cultural exchange of views on the Force.
The Witches of Dathomir — descendants of the rebel Knight Allya exiled from the Order. Once, as on many planets throughout the galaxy, Kaan's Brotherhood of Darkness created a Sith Academy. And now, sacked and sunk into oblivion, this building only poisoned the minds of the local inhabitants. Therefore, the Order, after the crash of the academy spacecraft, was no longer interested in the planet, once and for all striking it off all possible recruiting directions.
Just as the Jedi were not interested in the Fallanassi — a small group of women secretly adhering to the teaching of the White Current. A peculiar view of the Light Side of the Force, but so one-sided that even the strongest adepts did not possess basic telekinesis skills. On the other hand, in the mastery of creating Force Illusions they had no equals. But they represented no value for the Order either.
The Order of Dai Bendu, whose monks in deep antiquity were considered almost the founders of the Jedi. However, through the millennia their wisdom was never cognized, remaining only a light touch of foreign ideology in the vast Archives.
And dozens of organizations like them were hidden in the expanses of the Republic, invisibly multiplying, understanding the Force in their sophisticated ways of perception. At times, this or that Jedi researcher brought back to the Temple rumors or snippets of information about new or long-forgotten teachings. But they did not receive wide distribution in the training program of Order members — one cannot introduce something into young minds before it has been studied by the wisest of the Masters. And to understand another's vision of the Force without a full and comprehensive study is impossible.
Snippets of others' teachings are dangerous. They lead astray, cloud the mind, shake faith. But increasingly, Jedi, one way or another, were learning something new for themselves. And, invariably — outside the Temple. And that was frightening. Uncontrolled Force — is a path of destruction.
Yoda listened to the Force, hoping it would give an answer — whether to expect such woes upon completion of the war. But it remained silent. The Dark Side steadfastly concealed the future. And from that it became unsettling.
Could the Sith in a thousand years have surpassed the Jedi, blocking their gift to see the future? No, they could not. There are only two of them — master and apprentice. Two can never surpass the Order, whose numbers ran into thousands of adepts.
Another thing was also alarming.
A Zabrak trained in the ways of the Dark Side was able to win in an unequal battle against Qui-Gon — an excellent fighter and experienced Jedi. Is it possible that over millennia of staying in the shadows, the Sith have become stronger than their long-standing adversaries? And if so, what will such a confrontation lead to?
And, what is important — Republic politicians have begun to show earnest attention to Jedi heroes.
The Chancellor is extremely positive toward Skywalker, for whom he has become a best friend. Dougan's rise — until now no Jedi has received the post of Moff, thereby acquiring political weight in the Republic's ruling circles.
Of course, the young Master is not the first Palpatine has brought close to him. Not a few Jedi have already been his advisors — for example, Master Jorus C'baoth, who headed the "Outbound Flight" project, from which there has been no news for a long time.
Palpatine, as that same Dougan correctly assessed him, is an extremely insightful and intriguing politician. He does not miss the opportunity to bring close those who are loyal to the cause of the Republic. And because of that — his own power grows. He seeks support, using members of the Order as walking advertisements for his rule. In this he can hardly be blamed — politics little interested the Order after the Jedi refused participation in governing the state, ceasing to promote their protégés to the post of Supreme Chancellor.
But the very idea — of a symbiosis of politics and members of the Order — seemed sacrilegious to Yoda. Unfortunately, the youth rarely shared his fears. They wanted glory — and war favored the brave. Of course, the Council managed to restrain such departures, but the latest attempt on the Chancellor had literally mixed all the political cards.
Dougan's self-sacrifice, as he repelled attacks on the head of state until the last, did not go unnoticed. Thousands of journalists tried to break into the Temple to get an exclusive interview. But the Gate Master remained steadfast.
And meanwhile, from the Chancellor's administration, they inquired daily about Rick's health. Of course, this is understandable — a Moff is a political figure, and the Chancellor needs to possess the full range of information. Even the temporary appointment of Master Unduli for the period of Dougan's recovery was received negatively by the Chancellor's cabinet. As if they hoped that a person in a coma could adequately lead an army.
On the other hand, the Jedi did not dare to refuse Palpatine himself.
In a week he had already twice visited the Halls of Healing — he visited Skywalker and Dougan floating in a bacta tank. Inquired about his health, offered the help of the galaxy's best doctors. Vokara Che with great difficulty chose her words, assuring that both Jedi were in reliable hands.
The second and last visit by the Chancellor to the Temple at the present time took place five days after the attack. And was a complete surprise — the administration did not bother to report this visit in advance. Naturally, no one hindered him. The Grand Master personally accompanied the former Senator from Naboo to the room where the Master, who had still not regained consciousness, had been moved the previous night.
There, in private, the Jedi leader and the Supreme Commander were able to talk without witnesses about the latter's new initiative.
Rumors reached the Temple that the Chancellor's administration had prepared and sent to the sectoral command a project for military reform. The Council did not know the details, but the general thrust was no secret.
The first year of the war cost the Republic dearly. Tens of millions of killed clones, thousands of Jedi. And huge expenditures on the military industry. The Chancellor was outraged by the mindless use of budget funds and huge losses in manpower and equipment. Hundreds, if not thousands of cases of blatant incompetence — Isard's agency scrupulously collected such "dirty laundry" before throwing it in the face of the high command. And Palpatine insisted, no, even demanded positive reforms from the military.
The proposal of the Chancellor and his supporters did not look like something outrageous. Along with defeats, successes were also correctly noted, as were the people behind them. The Nabooan resolutely promoted the idea of transferring command to the most distinguished officers. Among the two dozen Moffs heading the sectoral armies were both worthy and poorly performing individuals. Therefore, the Chancellor advocated for enlarging the spheres of responsibility of the former at the expense of the latter. The initiative was called "System Army."
The name seems self-explanatory, but the essence is completely opposite. Palpatine presented clear proposals about subordinating several sectoral armies to one commander — in such a case, the most competent intelligent being could direct the actions of those Moffs and system armies that were not coping with their duties.
Notably, Palpatine, contrary to Yoda's expectation, was advancing to such posts not army officers, but members of the Council. It was outstanding Jedi, who had more than once proven their valor, that he slated for such positions. The insightful Yoda immediately understood that such a step was a sign of gratitude toward the Order for saving his life. And the fact that the conversation was held in Dougan's room, and not in the Council Chamber — only highlighted to whom Yoda should be grateful for such a development of events.
Unlike his fellow Council members, Yoda could and knew how to not only listen but also hear. Therefore, he understood the Chancellor's words — and that which was not expressed aloud but was implied.
And in this lay the catch.
Palpatine did not say it directly, but he unambiguously hinted that it should be Dougan who commands the system army that absorbed the areas of responsibility of the 13th and 14th Sectorals. The Grand Master was too wise to argue with the Chancellor openly. Especially since right now the Jedi was in a coma and his further fate was known only to the Force.
Yoda had lived too long in this world not to understand — Palpatine was demanding much more than an appointment. He was dictating his will to Yoda. The bill provided that any of the ten system armies could only be commanded by a High Jedi General, and such could only be a Master of the Order. Shaak Ti, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon, Adi Gallia, Kit Fisto, Mace Windu — the Grand Master could send them to new appointments without any worries in his soul. But at the same time, Palpatine was "dragging" Dougan into such a post as well, although he was not a Master. Yes, and what can be said — he had received even the rank of Knight with a large, large advance, which he "had not worked off" until now, no matter how hard he tried.
Yoda mentally marveled at how well informed the Chancellor was about the internal affairs of the Order and the Council. For not a day had passed after the Jedi were forced to declare Master Kota as deceased. Further searches for him near Sith Space made no sense. Intelligence had already received information that numerous droid forces were operating inside. The CIS had gained a bridgehead in the north of the galaxy — and an effort will have to be made to dislodge them from there.
And, Palpatine voiced his "wishes" no earlier than the moment a vacancy appeared on the Council. The Grand Master resorted to a ruse, with quick manipulations introducing into the Council Luminara, whose faith in the Order's ideals was beyond doubt and whose candidacy was approved unanimously. Had Dougan appeared among the Masters, the Council would have turned into a battlefield between him and Windu.
Therefore, while agreeing with Dougan's appointment nominally, Yoda still deprived him of the opportunity to take such a post even formally. Instead, Master Unduli will command the system army.
Of course, this turn left the Chancellor and the Grand Master open to a confrontation of minds and ambitions — it's unlikely the former will forgive such a thing. Но и Йода должен был дать понять, что дела Ордена — не могут контролироваться из Сената. The Council itself chooses its members. Not Palpatine. And such will never happen.
It remained to find three more suitable candidates for the vacant posts, but the Grand Master did not intend to hurry yet. It seemed the bill would be passed at yesterday's reading by the Senate, but unexpectedly the opinion of the Loyalist Committee prevailed, thanks to whom the law had to be sent back for revision.
Upon learning of this from Mace, Yoda allowed himself only a sad sigh. Obviously, politicians will now try to supplement the simple law with hundreds of amendments and ultimately turn the current initiative into a ponderous paperwork that will be difficult not just to execute but even to read. A pity, but this time friends of the Order — Bail Organa and Padmé Amidala — in their opposition to Palpatine's initiatives, spoiled some of Yoda's plans.
Well, by the time the law is passed, he will already be sufficiently confident in the candidates. For now, each of the Masters was doing his own thing. Unduli, at Yoda's great request, had taken command of the "Iron Spear" — although there is a lull there now, preparations for an operation against the Ryloth and Geonosian enemy groupings were in full swing. Everything will go exactly as Dougan planned — if a plan is good, then why correct it?
Right now, something else entirely worried Yoda. Politics and war are current affairs.
But the Master who had come to his senses with non-trivial views and capabilities (The moments he had seen of the use of a Dark Side technique in the Petranaki Arena simply would not leave his head), whom Palpatine so clearly patronized — that is a primary task. Before the Chancellor manages to talk with his savior, one should manage to do it first. And understand whether it's only the Chancellor who is interested in promoting Dougan, or whether the latter is also subject to career ambitions.
The room in which Dougan was staying for the umpteenth time met the little Master with a typical "hospital" smell. Well, no matter how useful bacta was, the air saturated with it, unfortunately, did not heal.
"Glad to see you, Grand Master," it cost Yoda great effort not to pull his ears back as he did in deep youth when great amazement overcame him.
Vokara Che had reported that Dougan had regained consciousness yesterday, closer to nightfall. She forbade disturbing him before sleep, so the Master timed his visit for lunch. Characteristically — the food in the Halls of Healing was much tastier than that served in the cafeteria. And so it had been for hundreds of years. In his youth, Yoda had more than once come here to feast on "hospital" food. Enjoying universal love among the healers, he was never refused — all the more so since all his appearances here were made exclusively on business.
Even now, holding a small metal tray in one hand and in the other, leaning on his cane, he observed with well-hidden surprise how a man who had recently been on the brink of life and death looked completely normal. Of course, if one doesn't forget that his appearance is like that of a baked fruit.
However, contrary to the Grand Master's expectation, before him, sitting on a couch, was a young and full-of-life man who, smiling, with laughter, patiently waited for Healer Omas, from whose face the expression of complete concentration never left, to remove the remnants of bandages from his torso.
At the sight of Yoda, Dougan waved a friendly left hand to him. THE LEFT! The very one that just yesterday was broken in three places, and one of the fragments threatened to tear an artery.
Now, only the lower part of the man remained bandaged — around the legs fixing devices were still installed to keep bone fragments in their places.
"Hmm… you look hearty, Master Dougan," Yoda put the tray with food on the nightstand. It seems a situation was unfolding here that was out of the ordinary.
No living being could heal in such a short time — not even Yoda himself. And after all, the level of his knowledge many times exceeded what almost all members of the Order knew. Well, maybe Vokara Che knew more. And Jocasta Nu.
"Yes, Master," the healer, having run into the Jedi leader's worried look, hurried to leave the room. Smart girl. Understands when her presence is not desirable. Dougan, tracing this visual connection, only raised an eyebrow, running a hand over the numerous scars on his hairless head.
"A secret you have, do you not, Master?" Yoda pulled a comfortable chair toward him, positioning it so that it stood next to the patient's bed.
For a moment Dougan seemed confused to Yoda. His brows knitted, and his gaze fled somewhere to the side. One doesn't need to have a connection to the Force to understand — the person hesitated. As if he was trying to guess exactly which secret he was being asked about.
Yoda had spent long months trying to solve the puzzle named "Jedi Rick Dougan." But he could not get to the answer. He believed his observations and feelings — that the Jedi is loyal to the Light, and the Darkness that touched him is but a tiny imprint of the past that only tempered the young guardian of peace. And at the same time, Dougan had more than once demonstrated Force techniques that far exceed his own potential.
"Never before have I seen such rapid healing," finally pronounced the Grand Master.
"Ah, that," Dougan's face, despite its ugliness, expressed an extreme degree of relief. "I took advantage of some instructions from the keeper of the Qel-Droma holocron."
Yoda gave a barely audible grunt. He expected nothing else. Of course, the investigation of the holocron's knowledge was far from completion, but it didn't smell of healing techniques there. Qel-Droma had passed great wisdom to his descendants, but not secret knowledge.
Perhaps Mace is right that one should look more closely at Dougan. But until the investigation by the Shadows is completed, the Council did not intend to bring direct charges. It is easy to accuse, but hard to accept the consequences if irreproachable evidence of innocence is found.
At the moment, the Council of First Knowledge could not boast of anything compromising regarding the young Jedi.
Every world Dougan had visited, every action of his up to the return to Coruscant, was carefully investigated.
Starting from the Dark Side technique on Geonosis, the Shadows, like sand panthers, followed the trail with their inherent jealousy, investigating all possible leads.
That Dougan entered into collusion with the head of the Order's warehouses and obtained an ancient Order starship for personal use, of course, contradicts the traditions according to which Jedi should not own property or have attachments. Но этого было недостаточно, чтобы обвинить его в падении на Темную сторону. However, after the Jedi investigators sharpened their attention on the supervisor himself, many flagrant facts came to light. The misappropriation of one of the corvettes, the trading of some valuable objects from the warehouses, and the attraction of a specific crew of workers to fulfill the Order's orders. Despite the fact that Jedi Grie was a magnificent administrator, the Council exiled him.
The investigation on Kamino yielded no results.
Master Ti had a very thorough conversation with the Prime Minister of Kamino, Lama Su. To get to the bottom of the reason why he allowed the General to attach additional forces to the 204th Legion. The Kaminoan, of course, was frightened by the suddenness of such conversations bordering on suspicions, but he provided a fully substantiated answer. He was obliged to outfit the Jedi's unit. And he made up the shortfall with what he had. And, since these parts remained idle, he, like any other trader, gave the goods to the first one who showed interest. There was nothing to fault here — the Grand Army of the Republic had not achieved normal logistics even after a year of war.
The Shadows sent to Christophsis also returned with nothing. Not even a hint of the Dark Side, not even the Dark Woman found any. Although it was hard to believe, the fact remained — the residents honored a specific Jedi and did not seek to show loyalty to the others. True, Senator Isel's disappearance looked very suspicious, but the Elder who replaced him in this post and simultaneously headed the planet's government only spread his hands. He did not know the details of his nephew's death. On the other hand, the Dark Woman was able to get to the truth — he became a victim of an underground criminal formation "Hydra" headed by the former Captain of the Guard, Ptar. Whose fate, after this, turned out very, very sadly — no evidence of the Elder's direct involvement in this was found, but the fact that the group turned out to be completely destroyed spoke for itself.
The commander of the Christophsis defense fleet, Shirano, although he had previously been listed in the Rendili self-defense forces, felt better than ever on Christophsis. He, like many of his subordinates, had changed masters in such a difficult time, and the Christophsians paid excellently. Who can reproach an intelligent being that in such a difficult time he sought to earn as much as possible? And here no traces of Dougan were found.
Admiral Yularen and Commodore Krivs helped a bit more, telling the Shadows how the first battle for Christophsis began. But here, too, it was not possible to get on the trail of the mercenaries who helped him with sabotage on board enemy ships. Master Unduli, who had to inquire about them among the clones of the 204th Legion, was able to provide information that they were Mandalorians — even Commandos Alpha and Balda, who participated in that raid, could explain no more.
Yukio, Rodia, and Hutt Space also did not supplement the picture with anything new. Dougan was convincing and fully adhered to the Code. True, Mace still went berserk upon learning that he had accepted a gift from Jabba the Hutt — two slave girls. But here too the Korun was met with disappointment — both lived and worked on Nar Shaddaa. Completely free. And had heard nothing of Dougan after he had let them go, granting freedom according to all laws — Republic and Hutt.
The last and most desperate act in the "Sith hunt" for the Shadows was work at the Rendili shipyards, where ships were built that with enviable regularity were sent under Dougan's command. But here, too, there was nothing reprehensible — payment went from an account controlled by Elder Isel.
Sienar, at whose shipyards Dougan purchased "Marauders," despite his unwillingness to communicate with representatives of the Order, remained clean before the law. Every ship — both already built and under construction — was paid for from the fleet budget. And not a single datarium went past the accounting.
Rumors of Dougan's connection with an unexpectedly large purchase of ARC-170s from Incom also turned out to be completely legal.
Extremely curious was the information from Corellia. An unknown intelligent being had placed a massive order for the construction of long-obsolete but still serviceable XS-type freighters. However, the trail led to the Hutts — such ships were noticed in the work of one of their numerous transport companies. True, there was another noteworthy order, also on Corellia. Defender-class corvettes, like two drops of water similar to the one Dougan used… But the shipbuilders fulfilled the will of their unknown client, and establishing a link between these ships and Dougan failed. The Shadows, of course, continued the investigation, but anywhere in the known galaxy, these ships had not appeared.
The results of the investigation were not unambiguous and convincing, but Master Windu insisted on continuing the investigation. Well, although it didn't put the Order in the best light, Yoda did not wish to end the investigation either. A full stop in this "Sith hunt" could only be placed when the Sith himself is found. Whether it will be Dougan or not — only the Force itself can know beforehand.
"I heard that Master Unduli received a place on the Council?" the Jedi inquired.
"In a difficult time this decision was made," Yoda sighed. "Master Kota is recognized as deceased. But his body has not been found until now."
"How can that be? Is it not known where he died?"
"Exactly," the Grand Master looked out the window with sadness. "Neither from him, nor from the clones that were under his command, is there news. They disappeared without a trace in Sith Space."
"Hmm… and what were they doing there?"
"Master Kenobi was visited by a vision in one of his missions. That in the ancient homeland of the Jedi's enemy a threat to the Order is ripening. The Dark Side dwells in the Unknown Regions."
"Is that so? Then why not organize a cleansing of these territories with large forces?..."
"The situation is heavy on the front," another heavy sigh. "And the CIS forces in that sector are significant — and their number grows with every minute. I fear that the Sith may have seized ancient secrets of their ancestors."
"Wait," the Jedi stroked the back of his head. "How can anything valuable remain there if the Order has been fighting their return for millennia? I thought everything valuable was removed long ago and is reliably stored in the Temple…"
"The Sith know how to keep their secrets. You never know if there is something else in the tombs of the Dark Lords when you find something."
"Indeed.. and so, Dooku killed Master Kota?"
"We believe so. For who else, besides the Sith, can Jedi hinder?"
"Reasonable. It's not for nothing that they, according to you, are building up their forces there. Well, a truly sad time for a new appointment to the Council. Master Unduli is undoubtedly worthy of her new rank. Her wisdom is incomparable."
"She replaces you now, commanding the sectoral army."
"Few are up to such a task, but I'm sure Luminara will cope. However," the Jedi squeezed the fingers of his recently recovered hand several times. "I think I'll soon return to the execution of my duties."
"Not earlier than in a month," Yoda countered. "And then, only if your recovery proceeds at the same pace."
"Why take up space here for so long?" the man was surprised. "In a couple or three days I'll be fully healed and ready to perform my duties."
"Powerless I am here," Yoda spread his hands. "Vokara Che rules in the Halls of Healing, not I. And her decision should not be ignored. We care about the well-being of every Jedi here. Bodily wounds will heal. But they drag soul wounds behind them. And those bacta will not heal."
Dougan looked at the Grand Master with bewilderment, as if he wanted to ask something. Но, натолкнувшись на безапелляционный взор Йоды, лишь с шумом выдохнул.
"I understand you, Master. But sitting in the Temple without leaving is no good. If I am still to return to the army, then I wanted to be in the know about what is happening in the galaxy."
"If such permission is given by the healers, no one will hold you by force," Yoda smirked.
"Thank you, Master. May I ask a question?"
"If I can answer it, ask, Master Dougan."
"What became of Jedi Grie, who previously oversaw the warehouses. I wanted to return some equipment I received from him, but the droid told me he had left the Temple."
"Exiled he was," the Teacher of Teachers said with sadness in his voice. For whatever reasons Jedi had to break with the Order, he always felt partly guilty for it. Under-taught, didn't set on the right path, allowed seeds of doubt to sprout in others' heads. When you bear responsibility for thousands of intelligent beings in the galaxy, any loss echoes with pain in an elderly heart. "The Jedi Code he violated. Mired in corruption and bribery."
"Oh, even so," Dougan's eyebrows shot up. "A serious matter. I didn't know him closely, but he made the most decent impression. And no suspicions…"
"Indeed?" the Grand Master smiled slyly. "And what about his help in obtaining your ship?"
The question was asked without extra undertones, but embarrassment appeared on the Jedi's face.
"The Force called me on a journey," he said slowly. "And I thought the Order would unlikely help me in my search for myself, considering the war that had started. To be honest, I didn't think I would have to return. But…"
"Again the Force indicated the correct path?" Yoda smiled.
"Yes, something like that. The searches cleared the mind, and the holocron found served like a sign that I should return. So, in part, I would say that thanks to Grie's rule-breaking, the Order gained a valuable relic."
"A correct act cannot strike out dozens of wrong ones," the Jedi leader shook his head. "The Council was unanimous in its opinion. Grie no longer serves the Order — nor do his worker-accomplices. And this verdict cannot be changed."
"Oh, goodness, I'm not going to somehow ask you to bring Grie back," Dougan protested. "The Council is wise, and I see no reason to oppose its will."
"Fine," Yoda pronounced. He did not catch any hint of falsehood in the Master's words that could point to some internal motive for this interest. "But I also have a question."
"If I am in a position to answer it," the Jedi spread his hands.
"On Corellia ships were built, exactly like the one you have," Yoda narrowed his eyes. Cautiously directing the Force toward his interlocutor, he unobtrusively picked up his radiation. "Is this known to you?"
"First time I've heard of it," the Jedi shook his head. The Grand Master noted with internal satisfaction that Dougan showed nothing but sincere surprise. "I can only assume that someone found out about my having a Protector and ordered the same ships for their own purposes."
"We thought about that," the Teacher of Teachers admitted. "Suspicions there are that the Hutts are involved in this."
"The Hutts?" Another wave of surprise. "How are they involved?"
"Noteworthy is another contract on Corellia. Light freighters the Hutts ordered, in large numbers. They use them for transporting cargo throughout the galaxy."
"Hmm… haven't yet caught the connection in all this. I may be wrong, but it seems it's not forbidden to build ships en masse? Especially for trade purposes."
"Meanwhile, cases are known when their cargoes had bills of lading issued by your army," Yoda said significantly.
"Now that's interesting," Dougan straightened up. "What cargoes?"
"Unknown to us," the Master sighed. "Such freighters are not subject to inspection."
"Could this be a legacy from Moff Bailur?" The question sounded as if the Jedi were thinking aloud. "Or are the Hutts pulling something behind my back?"
"The Dark Side hides much," the green-skinned Jedi reminded. "But if you are right and our allies are planning something bad — it should be investigated."
"Indeed, it was naive to assume the Hutts would stop being sneaky at every convenient opportunity," Dougan said with bitterness in his voice. "I'll have to check on the issues of cargo transportation upon return to get to the truth."
"That is far off yet," Yoda reminded. "Meanwhile the Chancellor is interested in your health. Perhaps it should be reported to your new friend that you are on the mend?"
"Excuse me," Dougan frowned. "But since when is Palpatine my friend? And why is it he is showing interest in me?"
"Unknown to me are his true motives," the Grand Master said coldly. "But careful you should be in communication with the Chancellor. The Force tells me that not for nothing you were together at the moment of the attempt."
"I have the same thoughts, Master Yoda," for a moment a dangerous glint flashed in Dougan's eyes. "Exactly the same thoughts."