Tersik greeted them with a clear morning. Vell saw the planet that was to become her new home for the first time. Through the viewport, a rapidly approaching sphere was visible—continents covered in forests, blue lakes, white clouds drifting over mountain ranges. Nothing like the industrial worlds of the Core or the overcrowded planets of the Inner Rim.
"Beautiful," she said quietly.
"Yes," Alex agreed, standing beside her. "I was lucky to find and acquire this place."
The ship began its descent, and the details became clearer. The spaceport was located on the shore of a large lake, surrounded by hills. Several landing pads, hangars, administrative buildings—all new, modern, but organically integrated into the landscape. Vell noted the thoughtful layout, the absence of the chaotic construction characteristic of rapidly growing colonies.
The landing was smooth. When the ramp lowered, Vell felt the fresh air—clean, with a faint scent of pine and water.
At the ramp, they were met by a Twi'lek in practical work clothes. Tall, slender, with blue skin and elegant lekku. She smiled when she saw Alex.
"Welcome back," she said warmly.
"Verena," Alex nodded with a slight smile that Vell hadn't seen on his face before. "How are things?"
"Stable. Production lines are running on schedule, the new batch of colonists is adapting well." Verena cast a quick glance at Vell. "Is this Professor Vell?"
"Yes. Professor Vell, this is Verena—my chief assistant for all matters. She is very close to me."
Vell extended her hand, and Verena shook it with professional courtesy.
"Welcome to Tersik, Professor. I hope you'll like it here."
"Thank you."
Verena turned to Alex, took out a datapad, and showed him something. He scanned the contents.
"Good. I'll deal with it." Alex took the datapad, quickly reviewed the entries, and returned it. "Reschedule the meeting with the representative for the day after tomorrow. I need time."
"Understood." Verena nodded and walked away, saying as she left, "See you in the evening."
Alex watched her go, then turned to Vell.
"Come, I'll show you the colony."
They got into an open speeder, and Alex drove along the lakeshore. Vell silently looked around, absorbing the new impressions. The road wound between hills, offering views of the water and forests. Occasionally, they passed buildings—residential modules, small production complexes, research stations. Everything looked new, but not out of place.
"This is the residential sector," Alex indicated a group of modules on a hillside. "Most of the colonists live there. Further on is the production zone—factories, warehouses, repair docks."
"How many people are here?" Vell asked.
"About a hundred thousand in total on the planet. Most of them are local natives, they hardly participate in the colony's life. Another forty thousand arrived in the last year. Many engineers, technicians, scientists." He chuckled. "You'll like the company."
Vell nodded, continuing to look around. The planet was truly beautiful. Dense forests bordered the water, mountain ranges were visible on the horizon, and the air was clean and fresh.
"How did you find this planet?" she asked.
"By chance," Alex replied. "I was studying old star charts, looking for a place to buy goods cheaply. It was a corporate colony. But then they abandoned it."
"Why?"
"You'll be surprised, but it's a former mining world." Alex nodded towards the horizon. "Mining was conducted on the other side of the planet. This part is practically untouched."
Vell raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"A mining world? It doesn't look like it."
"It was poorly developed. Complex hyperspace logistics, unprofitable mining. The company stopped mining not long ago, and the planet was left abandoned." He shrugged. "And it all works out for me."
"And you built all this?"
"Not alone, of course. But yes, mostly my work. A colony with my capabilities is very profitable, despite the many credits I invest in it."
The speeder turned towards a small module on the lake shore, surrounded by forest. The building was modern, with panoramic windows overlooking the water. Around it was silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the lapping of waves.
"This is your module," Alex said, stopping the speeder. "I hope you like it. If anything needs to be changed, just say so."
Vell got out of the speeder and approached the building. Inside, it was spacious and bright—a living room with comfortable furniture, a bedroom, a study with a large desk and shelves. The windows offered a stunning view of the lake and forest. She stood by the window, looking at the water, and felt the tension of the past few years slowly recede.
But curiosity was stronger.
Vell turned to Alex, who stood in the doorway.
"Alex, all this is wonderful, but…"
He chuckled.
"You want to see the interface?"
"Immediately," she admitted with enthusiasm.
"Alright. The laboratory is ten minutes from here."
The research complex was located away from the residential areas, built into the hillside. Alex led Vell through the security system—biometric locks, scanners, security droids. Inside, it was cool and quiet, the sterile cleanliness of a scientific institution.
They walked down a corridor into an isolated laboratory. The room was shielded, windowless, with powerful air filtration systems and energy screens on the walls. In the center, on a special table, lay a device.
Vell froze at the threshold.
The Rakatan neuro-interface was simpler than she expected—about the size of a human head, irregularly shaped, as if organic. The metal of an unknown alloy shimmered with a dull light, and glowing symbols ran across its surface.
She slowly approached, unable to tear her gaze away. It was like touching history, touching technologies that had existed for thousands of years and still worked. Vell reverently reached out and touched the surface. The metal was warm, as if alive.
"Incredible," she whispered. "The preservation is perfect…"
"Yes," Alex agreed, standing beside her. "I have something to tell you. I've already used it."
Vell turned sharply.
"What?! You connected to it?"
Alex nodded calmly.
"I had to."
"That's reckless!" Vell couldn't hide her indignation. "You know what it can lead to! After what happened to Mara Sinn…"
"I remember," Alex said quietly. "But the situation was such that I had no choice."
Vell looked at him, trying to understand. There was no flippancy or bravado in his eyes. Only the weariness and determination of a person who had done what he deemed necessary.
"Where did you find it?" she finally asked.
"On an expedition," Alex replied curtly. "The details are not important."
Vell shook her head, but didn't argue. What was done was done. And since Alex was alive and sane, he was either lucky or knew more than she suspected.
"Alright," she said, returning to the device. "Tell me what you learned."
The next few hours were spent in discussion. Alex shared basic observations about the interface's operation, Vell took notes, asked questions, and formed hypotheses. Gradually, a picture emerged—a complex, multi-layered system created for interaction with consciousness through the Force.
"I need time to study it systematically," Vell said finally. "To perform scans, analyze energy flows, understand the architecture…"
"Of course," Alex agreed. "You have all the necessary equipment. And all the time you need."
Vell nodded, already mentally planning the research.
The first few days were spent in intensive work. Vell studied the physical structure of the interface, scanned it from all sides, analyzed the materials and energy flows. Alex assisted, helped with the equipment, and shared his experience interacting with the device.
Gradually, a picture emerged. The interface had a multi-layered access architecture—various "layers" of functionality, each requiring specific conditions for activation. Vell discovered that some sections remained closed even during active scanning, as if awaiting a special "key."
"It's related to the user," she hypothesized. "The system adapts to whoever is using it."
They conducted several experiments with volunteers—technicians and scientists from the colony who agreed to help. The results were telling: ordinary people, without Force sensitivity, received minimal response from the device. The basic interface activated, but the functionality remained extremely limited.
"It's like the system is running at ten percent capacity," Vell noted, studying the readings.
"Because they lack a connection to the Force," Alex said.
"Show me," Vell requested.
Alex put on the interface, placing his hands on the special contact panels. Vell activated all scanners and monitors, ready to record every detail.
When Alex connected, the instrument readings changed dramatically. Energy flows increased by orders of magnitude, glowing symbols on the interface's surface lit up brighter, and Vell saw additional system levels activate, inaccessible to ordinary users.
"Incredible," she whispered, looking at the screens. "The difference is colossal…"
Alex sat motionless, eyes closed, his face concentrated. Vell could see from the readings that he wasn't just connected—he was actively interacting with the system, navigating its structure, accessing data.
After a few minutes, he opened his eyes and disconnected.
"Did you see?" he asked.
"Yes," Vell nodded, still stunned. "It's a completely different level of access. As if you have a key that no one else has."
"Force sensitivity," Alex said. "The interface uses it as a data transmission medium. The stronger the connection to the Force, the wider the 'channel.'"
Vell thought, processing the information.
"Midi-chlorians," she said finally. "They act as biological transmitters. Force-sensitives have more of them, therefore, higher bandwidth."
"Exactly," Alex agreed. "The Rakata created this technology specifically to work with the Force. Ordinary sentient beings were… secondary to them."
Vell returned to the screens, studying the recorded data. The scale of the technology was astonishing. It wasn't just a control or communication system—it was a tool for direct interaction with consciousness at the deepest level.
"Alex," she said quietly. "You mentioned collective programs. I want to know more."
He silently took out a datapad and handed it to her.
"I've already studied this issue. Here's the data."
Vell took the datapad and began to read. At first quickly, then slower and slower, as she realized the magnitude of what she was seeing. Descriptions of mass influence, programs to control entire populations, techniques for shaping public consciousness…
Her face grew paler with each line.
"This is…" she faltered, searching for words. "This is terrible."
Alex remained silent, giving her time to process the information.
"The scale," Vell continued, looking at the screen. "They influenced entire planets. Billions of sentient beings. And it worked for millennia…"
"I've worked with these devices my whole life, and I never suspected anything like this."
She looked up at Alex.
"How long have these systems been active?"
"It's not precisely known," he replied. "But judging by the archives, since the creation of the Infinite Empire. Possibly longer."
Vell put down the datapad and walked around the laboratory, trying to calm herself. The scale of the discovery was overwhelming. Everything she knew about neuro-interfaces, everything she taught her students—these were just fragments, pieces of an ancient system that had shaped galactic civilization for thousands of years.
"I need time," she said finally. "To comprehend this."
"Of course," Alex nodded. "We'll continue tomorrow."
The next day, they returned to work. Vell was focused and collected, the shock of the previous day replaced by professional curiosity. If this system exists, then it must be understood. Completely.
"I want to study the documentation," she said. "If there is any."
"There is," Alex confirmed. "The interface contains extensive archives. Instructions, technical descriptions, examples of application."
"Show me."
Alex connected to the interface again, and the holographic projector began to display data. Vell saw ancient texts in the Rakatan language, which Alex translated using the interface's built-in functions. Page after page, section after section—technical documentation from millennia ago, preserved in perfect condition.
Vell read, took notes, and asked questions. Gradually, a complete picture of how the system worked began to form.
The key discovery was the section on influence mechanisms. Vell read it particularly carefully, comparing ancient terms with modern understanding of neurobiology and psychology.
"Look," Vell activated another projection, showing a diagram. "The interface scans the target's psychological profile. It finds existing beliefs, fears, desires—what they call 'points of agreement.' Then it forms an influence that appeals to these points."
"And the target comes to the right conclusion themselves?"
"Exactly," Vell nodded. "The influence works by amplifying existing tendencies. The system cannot force you to believe something completely contrary to your personality. But it can… guide your thoughts in a certain direction."
Alex pondered, processing the information.
They continued their study, delving into the details. The documentation described various influence techniques, methods of adaptation to different personality types, and long-term influence methods.
And then Vell stumbled upon a section that made her freeze.
"Alex," she called quietly. "Look at this."
He came closer, looking at the projection.
"Influence on Force-sensitives," Alex read. "Special protocols."
Vell opened the section, and they began to read together. What they discovered was disturbing.
The influence on Force-sensitives was orders of magnitude stronger than on ordinary people. The interface could penetrate deeper into consciousness, form more stable patterns, and create long-term changes in thinking and behavior.
"That's why the Rakata valued Force-sensitive slaves so much," Vell said. "They were the most dangerous, but also the most valuable. Because they could be influenced the most strongly."
"And the most dangerous thing here," Alex pointed to a specific paragraph, "is that consent is not formalized."
Vell read and felt a chill.
"It's just an internal intention," she whispered. "Not a conscious decision, not explicit consent. Just… a tendency, a readiness, a moment of weakness."
"And the system uses it," Alex finished. "It finds the moment when the target is internally ready to agree, and amplifies that intention."
Vell stepped away from the projector. It was worse than she thought. Much worse.
"Do you understand what this means?" she asked. "Any Force-sensitive can be influenced, without even realizing it. Because everyone has moments of weakness, doubt, internal conflicts."
"I understand," Alex said quietly.
Vell looked at him intently.
"You said you were influenced."
"Yes," he didn't deny it. "As were many in the galaxy. Perhaps all of us."
"And you want to learn to defend yourself against it."
"Exactly."
Vell nodded, understanding his motivation. If this system has truly been active for millennia, then anyone with the Force is potentially vulnerable. And the only defense is knowledge and awareness of the influence mechanism.
"Alright," she said resolutely. "Then let's continue our study. The documentation should contain protective measures as well."
They returned to work, methodically studying section by section. The Rakata, who created the system, understood its danger and developed defense techniques—for their rulers, for those who controlled the interfaces, for the elite who were meant to remain free from influence.
Vell took detailed notes, classified techniques, and adapted ancient methods to the modern understanding of the Force. Alex studied the materials, practiced basic exercises, and learned to recognize signs of external influence on consciousness.
"The key is awareness," Vell explained. "You must learn to distinguish your own thoughts from those amplified from outside. It's a fine line, but it exists."
"How does it feel?" Alex asked.
"According to the documentation, the influence feels like sudden certainty about something. An idea that seems obvious, natural, correct. But if you stop and analyze—where does this certainty come from? Why now? What is it based on?" Vell looked at him seriously. "If there are no answers, it could be external influence."
Alex nodded, memorizing.
"And if I realize an attempt at influence?"
"Then it loses its power. The documentation clearly states this—conscious resistance blocks the influence. But the problem is that most targets don't realize they are being influenced."
They continued to work day after day. Alex practiced mental defense techniques daily, meditated, and learned to sense the flows of the Force around and within him. Vell guided the process, corrected the approach, and monitored progress.
Gradually, Alex began to pick up subtle differences. The feeling of "alien" thoughts became more apparent, the ability to recognize influence attempts grew. It was like developing a new sense—vague and undefined at first, but becoming clearer with practice.
After two weeks of intensive work, they moved to the next stage—studying the historical context of the system's application.
Vell opened archival records about the Infinite Empire, and they began to review them together. Holographic projections showed ancient worlds, vast fleets, countless slaves. And everywhere—neuro-interfaces, integrated into the architecture, into control systems, into the very fabric of society.
"They didn't just use it on slaves," Vell said, studying the records. "Look—interfaces in administrative buildings, in temples, in residential complexes."
"A system for controlling their own population," Alex nodded.
"Exactly." Vell opened another record. "The network of interfaces covered the entire Infinite Empire. Every planet, every major city, every significant location."
"Was there a central control node?"
"No," Vell shook her head, studying the diagrams. "The network is decentralized. Each interface is autonomous but can interact with others. This made the system resilient—destroying one node did not affect the others."
Alex pondered this information.
"Mass programs to maintain social stability," Vell continued. "Influence on public opinion, shaping loyalty, suppressing dissident sentiments. All of this worked automatically, without direct intervention."
They reviewed records of the system's application on Force-sensitive slaves. Particularly harsh control, deep influence, and the forced use of their abilities. Vell saw Alex tense up as he looked at these records.
"That's why rebellions were so rare," she said quietly. "The system suppressed even thoughts of resistance."
"But the Infinite Empire still fell," Alex observed.
"Yes." Vell opened the last records. "Something disrupted the network's operation. The documentation doesn't give a clear answer, but it seems there was a mass failure. The interfaces stopped functioning simultaneously throughout the galaxy."
"And chaos ensued."
"Yes. Billions of sentient beings, living under influence for centuries, were suddenly freed. Social structures collapsed, and a war of all against all began." Well closed the projection. "The Infinite Empire fell not to external enemies. It collapsed from within when the control system shut down."
Alex was silent for a long time, pondering what he had heard.
"And now Palpatine is trying to restore this system," he said finally.
They were silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts.
"It's just a tool," Well said finally. "Like any technology. It can be used for control, or it can be used for protection against control."
"Exactly," Alex agreed. "Knowledge of the system is more important than its destruction."
Well nodded, understanding the scale of the problem.
"Then we need to continue our research. The more we know, the better we can protect ourselves."
The following days they devoted to studying not only the defensive but also the offensive capabilities of the interface. Alex insisted on this, despite the obvious ethical issues.
"I need to understand not only how to defend myself but also how the method of influence works," he explained. "To recognize its application, one must know all its aspects."
Well understood the logic and agreed.
They discovered that this particular interface had active influence rights – it could not only read information but also transmit influencing patterns. The range of action was one light-hour – a huge distance by planetary standards.
"Theoretically," Well said, studying the technical specifications, "this interface can influence any target within the system."
"But to do so, you need to tune into a specific target," Alex added, reading the documentation. "The system requires identification – biometric data, psychological profile, preferably direct visual contact at least once."
"The more information about the target, the more effective the influence," Well nodded.
They studied the techniques for forming influencing patterns, methods of adaptation to different personality types, and long-term influence methods. Alex did not practice this on living targets – only theoretical study, understanding the principles.
"I will not use this without extreme necessity," he said one evening when they were discussing ethical aspects.
"But you must know how if it becomes necessary," Well replied. "Knowing the techniques is both a defense and a deterrent."
Alex nodded, agreeing with the logic.
Well created detailed documentation of all the techniques studied – classification by type of influence, description of application, limitations, and risks. It was an extensive work, the result of weeks of intensive work.
"We must preserve this knowledge," she said. "But under strict control. If it falls into the wrong hands..."
"Only the two of us have access," Alex assured her. "And it will remain that way."
In the evening, a month after starting the research, they sat on the terrace of Well's module. The sun was setting over the lake, painting the water in golden and red hues. The air smelled of pine needles and freshness.
Well held a cup of kaff, looking at the sunset. Alex sat next to her, also silent and thoughtful.
"Thank you," she said finally. "For giving me this chance."
"Thank you," Alex replied. "For agreeing to help."
They were silent for a moment, enjoying the peace and quiet.
"What's next?" Well asked.
"We continue our research," Alex replied. "This technology is necessary for Tersik. Whether we like it or not, building an effective education system is impossible without it. I ask you to help develop the programs."
Well nodded.