Knock, knock, knock!
«Weight? - peeking into the room.
«What is it, Shade? - The katara sitting reading the manual she was handed out turned around.
«I need to talk to you.
«About what?
«Wes, come on. First of all, you and I are connected. Secondly, your thoughts and desires give me the creeps. What are you, like you're off the chain?
«You don't know," the katara snorted and turned away.
«I know," she snorted and turned away. "I know perfectly well," I closed the door and walked forward, hugging the catgirl sitting with her back to me. - That's why I came here, to avoid any misunderstandings. And to comfort and cuddle her. Um! - A little bite on the ear. Just a little bit, just a little bit, just with my lips.
«Oh, Shade! - Vessira blushed, jumping up. - Okay, okay, just don't bite.
«Well?
«It's just... I'm stressed out about Hadiya. I'm not jealous of you, I'm sure of you, and what's more, I know you're not satisfied after a night with me, and as I said before, some Cathars have multiple girlfriends....
«Weight," I glanced disapprovingly at her.
«Wait, let me finish. Well, it's the norm, it's physiology and there's nothing you can do about it, even my dad has several wives, so I was subconsciously preparing and waiting for someone else to show up.
«But you didn't, did you?
«Yes, I did. You might be looking at her differently..." she looked at me, "at least you're trying, but she's definitely not. And what's more, she has her own plans for you, and you can say what you want, but I'll never believe you didn't realise it.
«Yes, I did," I sighed, and moved away from the edge of the bed, resting my back against the wall. - When we first met, she tried to show signs of attention. But it was difficult then, and she didn't have time for that... But she tried. I jokingly said: "grow up first."
«Ahem... Grow up," Ves smiled, pulling her legs up under her and turning fully towards me.
«Sort of. Anyway, I know about her hints. But like I said before, I wouldn't trade you for anyone. And I certainly don't want you to be jealous.
«I'm not jealous.
«Then what is it?
«She pisses me off! - slammed her fist on the bed with Wes. - She just pisses me off. She's an arrogant, spoilt bitch who's used to getting her way no matter what!
«And she knows how to get it for herself, mind you.
«Yes! But it doesn't change the fact that she's a bitch. And the way she sent me off... it's... just... the height of insolence! Even you have boundaries, and she has no boundaries at all! And she looks down on us. If we weren't your friends, she wouldn't even dignify us with a look. And her cunning and her cunningness and her cunningness. She could use us in her games and we wouldn't even realise.
«She won't use us," I smirk.
«How do you know?
«I just know.
«I don't care! I can put up with another girl. Yes, I won't deny it, not without a squeak, I'll have to get used to it, but I realise it and I've already accepted it, it's just a fact.
«Ooh, someone's got themselves in a tizzy.
«Shush! I got a flick on the nose. - I'm not finished.
«I'm not saying a word.
«And this girl, she's not gonna share, she's not gonna favour you, she's just gonna take you on and be like that! And you, for all your pussyfooting around, clearly sympathise with her.
«Without that, I wouldn't have got involved in that story at all," I nod.
«There. And she can and will use it.
«She will. - I nod again. - But in moderation. You see, Wes, Hadiya wouldn't dare even think about hurting me.
«That's how you know that?
«Because I'm the only person she trusts more than she trusts herself. Then, that day, I could have turned her in. I could have got a lot, but I not only didn't turn her in, I stood up for her and helped her. And then again. And again. And I didn't ask for anything in return. And I saw the way she looked at me. You see, before she met me, she thought there was dirt and rot because she just didn't see it any other way. But then I came along. And I told her straight out that it wasn't all rotten. Of course, she didn't believe it, but as time went on, it just didn't work anymore. In the end, I had so many secrets in my head that she'd probably forgotten. It would be logical to kill me for any of them to keep me from blabbing, but that's not going to happen. Just because I'm trusted.
«Mm-mm... - Wes was not on a joke from such revelations, thoughtfully putting her finger to her lips.
«Also, when I found her, I saw her as just a scared little girl who was on the edge. She didn't believe in good intentions anymore, but I was able to make her believe. And now - we have not a tyrant, but a more or less adequate girl... As far as it is possible for Chikagu, since the planet there is a sick in the head.
«I know. I remember. I've been there. - answered Wes slowly, minting each word.
«So my company has affected her a lot, and, to my surprise, for the better. Though I've become a bit calloused under her.
«So, do you trust her?
«Her, yes. Everyone around her, not so much. - I shake my head. - But Hadiya knows what she's doing. She knows how to pick her people. She has a few confidants who are really... Well, more or less, loyal to her. When I was still her bodyguard, I pointed those guys out, and she got them into the right positions. But, again, I trust her. And for the record, you hit her and she swallowed it. Trust me Wes, she's willing to erase, concretise, or vacuum for far lesser acts. So the fact that you were forgiven such audacity, albeit not without my interference, already says a lot.
«I hadn't thought of that.
«Yeah, Hadiya's a girl, but she's an insider. And she's got your back if you need it. Even if she swears at you. And the way she talks. Well, where does she live?
«Yeah.
«Look at your mum, she's sharp, too.
«By the way, just now I noticed it, - smiled Vessira. - They do have some things in common.
«There you go. So everything is fine. Another thing is that you're jealous.
«I'm not jealous..." she looked away, but under my indignation she gave in, "if only a little. But," she looked away, but under my indignation she gave in, "if only a little. - That doesn't mean you'll pay for it. So, as soon as you look for someone else, I won't mind. Just make sure you consult with me. And only one!
«Eek.
«That's it. And that's out of the question.
«...
«Because what is it, a girl's no good and a man hasn't even been there yet?
«You're exaggerating.
«Shut up! I said it," she crossed her arms over her chest and fell backwards on me.
«You need wings," I whispered softly into her ear as I nuzzled her nose into her hair.
«А?
«You'll be an angel.
«What are angels?
«They're holy creatures. Pure. The purest in the world, compared to the kindest, most selfless, most holy.
«No, I've killed.
«OK, avenging angel, then.
«Hee. You got it.
«Yeah. I had two teachers. Hadiya was number two.
«There! Take that to her! - Ves fussed and raised her head a little, looking at my face.
«Oh, you... Kisa," I kissed her nose.
«Yeah. Y-y-y-y-y-y-y.
«My-my-my.
«Shall we continue? - I've been licked.
«I'm sorry. I have to get to Hadiya's.
«Are you going to go tell her where she belongs right now?
«Come on," I flicked my nose, which made Wes wiggle unhappily. - No, just so we don't have to have any more trouble tomorrow. Also, it's about the very thing I asked you to do.
«What kind of request?
«It's about my dad. I asked him to find some information.
«Oh.
«Okay, I'm gonna go. Good night, kitty," I kissed Wes goodbye and reluctantly crawled out of bed. The rooms here, by the way, are very similar to Qigong Kesh, and quite warm, which is not the case with the corridors.
Except, just as I'm about to leave Ves's room, I run into one of the Masters doing his rounds.
«Hey, you!
«Damn you all," I exhale, turning round. I forgot to check the situation again. You can use your radar round the clock.
«What are you doing here, and even so late? - A Miraluk came up to me.
«I'm taking virginity of girls, what else," I muttered unhappily, putting my hands in my pockets. And looking at the choked master, I add: - "Well, what else am I supposed to do in the women's room?
«Aero! - hissed the miraluk.
«Oh! Do I know you?
«I saw you at the test.
«Oh, I see.
«You don't know the shores of insolence at all?
«Why not? I know. But, actually, even if it were true, and I did seduce the girl, - I nod at the door, - what difference does it make if it's allowed for travellers?
«There's a regime in place here, you idiot! - growled the miraluk.
«Quiet, you'll wake the people. Why are you shouting?
«...
«Okay, thanks for the warning.
«Where are you going?!
«Hadiya's. I have to seduce her.
«...
«Don't look at me like that. I may not be able to see your eyes, but I can feel your gaze.
«A-e-r-r-ro.
«Don't growl like that, you're a Miraluka, not a Katara or anything. I'll be back in the room, but later. I've got a couple of things to sort out with her. Good day, Master," I bowed and walked past one of the on-duty masters, who was dazed and in no hurry to come to his senses. Yes... Tomorrow, of course, there may be some minor problems, but against the background of one active twi'lechka, they don't matter at all.
Hadiya herself was stationed on her ship, so to get to her it was a bit of a hike, then outside, then back to the ship. Except...
«Um... Mr Shade? - One of the guards asked uncertainly.
«Yes, why?
«Mrs Hadiya went to see you.
«Shit. We just missed each other. Okay, thanks, guys," I nodded, but just in case, I sent out a wave of Force to scan the ship. Hadiya wasn't on board, so I had to take the same route back to my room.
When I got to my own apartment, hiding from view in places, I made my way into the room. Hadiya was indeed inside. Sprawled out on my bed with one leg over the other and her hands under her head.
«No, that's really cheeky," I shook my head, closing the door.
«I brought you a vorku," the twi'lechka said, pointing to the drink on the table, which had already cooled down a little. - The one you like, with a spoonful of shaley and milk.
I walked over to the table and took the drink, not without a smile. Yes... This thing was invented by Hadiya in an impulse to please me somehow, and in all my wanderings I've never seen it anywhere else. Taking a sip, I smile wider. That's the one.
«Am I forgiven?
«You are.
Pulling out a chair with the Force, I place it with its back to Hadiya and sit backwards.
«Shade.
«М? - I took another sip, glancing at the twi'lek. She wasn't the Queen of Chikagu, she was just an ordinary girl. Though she wasn't her yet, I had no doubt that time would come. Hadiya has strength, charisma, zeal, and talent. That's what she's all about.
«Tell me honestly, don't you like me?
«Hadiya. That's not the point.
«What is it?
«I told you before. I have Vessira. And I do have feelings for her. Bright and strong, and I wouldn't trade her for anyone else.
«But I'm not nothing to you either!
«M... Now I understand those who called me a clever fool," I hum. - Hadiya, you're not nothing, but listen to what I have to say. Yes, I like you. I liked you then, I like you now, and with the way you've grown, then... I can't lie to myself, and you really are very beautiful, and what's more, I might even have a relationship with you.
«But then...
«But I have Weight! I wouldn't give her up and I wouldn't trade her. You see... These are the very ideals that you're attracted to in me. They're one of them. And I'm not gonna do anything about them.
«So I don't stand a chance?
«I don't think you want to share," I snicker.
«Э?
«Here's the deal. I will never trade Vessira for anyone. Full stop!
«Wouldn't it be too much for you to have two at once? - she immediately realised, with an indignant frown and a tilt of her head.
«I don't care, I'm just telling you what I have. And then you decide for yourself whether you need it or not. I've been honest with you before, and I'm still honest with you now. In case you didn't know, Cathars have a physiology. A special physiology. And Wes is always bitching about it. That's why it's normal for them to have more than one girl for every boy. I don't see it as a bad thing or a good thing, I just don't care.
«Expectedly," Hadiya chuckled.
«'About you, though... Yeah, I like you. A relationship? Maybe. But I'm not leaving Wes. That's a fact. If everyone's happy with it, I'll just accept it. If not-- Well, I've been honest with you.
«Mm-hmm.
«My advice to you is don't look at her as competition. Not for me, for yourself. And the others in my company, too. Gris, Zeng, Feng, Ramira... They're all very good guys, we grew up in the same field and ate enough salt together. By the way, Feng is a free guy," I winked, "and as good as me.
«Oh," Hadiya rolled her eyes. - Shade, don't do that, eh? It's a shame you think of me that way.
«I don't think about you like that, I say what I have, and you will think.
«It's good that you don't, I don't care about those sissies.
«Trust me, they're not sissies," I hum, remembering our past sins.
«So be it. But I've known you a long time. This is the first time I've seen them. Do you know how worried I was about you?!
«I know. I feel it. And I apologise. I really got caught up in the moment. Besides, you can't answer, or I'm offline, or whatever... But that's in the past.
«Mm-hmm.
«No offence, Hadi. I really wouldn't choose between anyone. You're a cute and sweet girl that I don't mind taking care of. But that doesn't absolve me of any responsibility I already have, much less my desire to be with Wes.
«I get it, Shade. That's what I like about you," the future queen smiled sadly.
«And anyway, all this public attention and your behaviour. Just so you know, she's not jealous of you. If only a little.
«Oh, yeah?" Hadiya's eyes widened.
«You're just pissing her off with your behaviour. One, she has confidence in me. And two, I've told you before, she's been putting her own spin on things for a long time. If anything, you can talk to her, and if you two can work things out, I'll be happy.
«Okay, I'll talk to her," Hadiya nodded happily.
«But not in the way you like and know how. She won't understand that.
«Shade, who do you think I am? - I was the only one who opened my mouth," No, don't answer that. It's a rhetorical question. Anyway, I heard you and I get it.
We're done. I'm looking at this quiet face with a very suspicious look.
«Somehow I feel like we don't understand each other.
«I understood you!
«Did you hear me?
«I heard you," I nodded.
«Then why do I get the feeling that somewhere I'm being quietly and blatantly deceived?
«No, you're imagining things. You trust me, don't you?
«Oh. Okay. Can we get back to business now? - Hadiya raised an eyebrow. - 'You were talking about finding something on stargazers?
«Huh? Yeah," Hadiya instantly pulled herself together and stepped forward. - 'Basically, it's a fanatical sect led by Dalien Brock. Do you know who that is?
«I have no idea.
«He's an ex-Je'Daii.
«Oops. A colleague of mine?
«Sort of. But... Let's just say he refused to use the Force and left the Order, believing it to be, if not evil, then close to it. - Khadija took out her modex and began to twirl it habitually in her hands.
«This is what my father was in contact with?
«Wait, I'm just getting started.
«I'm sorry.
«Dalien Brock is technically listed as either dead or missing, which is sweeter than the other, and how hard it was for me to get that name out is another matter.
«I can imagine.
«Yeah. Now, about the Stargazers themselves. They truly believe that there is other life outside our star system.
«It's foolish to believe otherwise. The galaxy is big. Our ancestors came from somewhere else, didn't they?
«That's what they believe. Since our ancestors were transported by the Tho Yors, the Stargazers consider their true home to be the place they came from in the distant past and seek to return there by any means necessary, regardless of the methods or the possible outcome. Emphasis on that, Shade: ANY way.
«I was beginning to regret asking you to find out about them," I pulled back a little.
«That's not even close. Further, the members of the sect belong to the most different races and sexes, they are, in fact, everywhere, just hiding, as the organisation is formally considered criminal.- To hear you talk about crime, that's worth a lot," I grinned.
«Shade, these people have outdone us. Twenty years ago, these guys stole an entire Sleeping Ship, and guess who they stole it from?
«Je'Dayi? - Hadiya nodded.
«Yes. But we'll get to him later. The members of the sect worship their leader Dalien like... Well... Like you do the Force, I guess? I can't be more specific. But they believe that as he looks up at the stars, the luminaries speak to him and show him the right path. The information, while delusional, is accurate. I've spoken to one myself.
«Heh, all for me?
«All for you," Hadiya smiled as she continued to twirl the weapon in her fingers. - In general, they believe strongly... If not obsessively. And it's allowed them to form fanatical devotion to the point of forced suicide.
«Like what?
«Going to storm a vault full of Ancient artefacts, knowing that two-thirds of them will be left lying there. Would that work?
«Bummer.
«By the way, I was a little hasty on the Chicago branch. On closer inspection, they were just offices - filters for communication with the sect itself. Dust. The sect itself sits very quietly and very deep, having many, many smeared small points all over the system, and instead of a base they have one old Sleeping Ship converted for these needs.
«Seriously encrypted, I can tell you that.
«What do you think? These guys are very careful. Despite their reputation, they have their own sources of funding, which allows them to have places for large gatherings, conduct research, and get their hands on some pretty advanced equipment, as well as artefacts and weapons. And on Kalimar, they are a peaceful organisation, which, technically, has no wrongdoing behind it. True, again, the official branches there are not real, screens, so...
«I get it, mysterious and cryptic guys.
«Yeah. Now, about that ship. As soon as I got on it, I tried to put my man on it. I did, and this is what he found: 20 years ago, a cult found a mysterious artefact here on Tython.
«What kind of artefact? Where was it dug up?
«I don't know what the artefact is, that information is only available to the very top of the already fanatical structure. But it's something very important and extremely valuable. So much so that the entire Order has begun to work solely on it. And they found it here on Tython.
«Eh? - My eyebrows went up, and Hadiya nodded in agreement.
«Yes, I was surprised, too, especially since Stargazers are not allowed to go to Tython, and you told me yourself that even if you come here, it's very difficult for non-powered people to survive.
«Impossible. Unless you're being mobbed by armed military, backed up by tanks and aircraft.
«Right, so it was the J'Daii. And they were digging in Old Town. Do you know anything about it?
«I've heard rumours that there's some ancient ruins of a past civilisation or something.
«It's a real ruin, a real ancient civilisation, Shade. And the cultists found something in them. You get the point?
«Something smells like fuel.
«Yeah, yeah. And then things took off. Almost immediately, a new colony was established on the Sunspot. Huge sums of money were invested in an obscure, but very important project, which was being worked on by a very narrow circle of advanced scientists, gathered, by the way, from all over the system.
«Whoa!
«Shortly before that, a Sleeping Ship had been stolen and properly equipped. It was led by one Saros Aero," she paused.
«My father," I nod.
«And almost as soon as it was ready, the ship left for space, with barely a sixth of the crew. It's not a resettlement, but rather an expedition, because they were travelling for a specific purpose. But for what purpose? At first I thought it was an escape, but then I rejected it. It's an expedition.
«What makes you think that?
«The documentation was preserved. I copied all the paperwork - deliveries, orders, shipments, everything - and analysed it. Somebody put the pieces of the puzzle together quickly, piece by piece, and sent it on its way.
«My mum said that my father promised to come back," I thoughtfully run my fingers over the back of my chair.
«That's what I'm talking about. But what exactly they found and what the project was, I never found out.
«Mm-hmm.
«But I did find out where the answer to that question can be found," she turned to the table, where a suitcase was lying, and opened it and pulled out a map. - Here.
«What is it?
«It's a schematic representation of the Old City. It marks their find. Elevation from sea level, and location.
«Half a kilometre underground?!
«Yeah, yeah.
«They've done some digging.
«Nah, if they did, they didn't dig much. There's mines and tunnels that have been there since time immemorial. Another thing I was able to find out, right after this discovery... some powerful and wealthy individuals immediately funded the Stargazers beyond measure. This coincides with the events when special goods came through Chicago, and in large quantities.
«You know, Hadiya, I shudder to imagine the work you've done in all this time," I glanced at the monster with the elegant figure, graceful legs, and delicate hands with the short manicure.- I'm not going to fly empty-handed," she said. - And besides, I tried for you.
«Thank you.
«You're welcome. And don't worry about your father. I got him through my channels, he became an exile under some strange circumstances. Oddly enough, although he was in contact with the Stargazers, he wasn't in a cult. I don't understand what made him want to get involved in this fight in the first place.
«That's a very good question," I muttered under my breath, looking at the map. - One that we're sure to get an answer to. Later.
«Yeah. (chuckles) But I'm not done yet.
«М? - I'm looking away from the map, at that happy-go-lucky face.
«They're doing something big right now. Well, not right now, but in the near future. Their target is this place," she stepped forward and tapped the marker, looking at the map. - Actually, that's where the map is from.
«That's interesting... And how serious is it?
«So much so that they're arming themselves like they're going to war. They want to take control of this place in the future. Ideally, it'll go quietly. But if it doesn't, they'll still be there.
«I don't like this," I rub the bridge of my nose. - How much time do we have?
«About two years.
«How long?
«I'm telling you, they're just getting ready. As soon as I got the map, as soon as I got a lead, I flew to you. And like I said, they want to do it quietly, quietly and quietly. Armed conflict is a last resort, but they'll fight back if it gets tough.
«I see. Hmm. Old Town is not far from Vur Tepe. We could stop by on our way there or there and stay a while.
«I'll tell you in advance, it's very dangerous.
«What kind of people live there?
«Mostly bloodsuckers.
«Fucking hell. I twitched. - How did the Stargazers not die there?
«Somehow," she shrugged. - Apparently... Not without casualties.
Oh. The presence of bloodsuckers in the ruins made things much more complicated. Just for the sake of understanding, bloodbruisers are small, nasty creatures that fly silently, like creatures you'd rather not hit, immune to Force suggestion and its forms. They fly very fast, in large swarms, inflicting many small bleeding wounds on their prey. All in all, some of the nastiest creatures you can run into on Tython. The only good thing is that it takes a lot of effort to stumble upon them, as they are terribly afraid of light and are not found everywhere.
«Wait, how do they live there?
«There's a power source.
«The source of the Force? - I raise my eyebrows. - What kind?
«I don't know. Just a power source, that's all I know.
«Shit," I put the map aside, rubbing the bridge of my nose.
«What does that mean?
«М?
«Chhurt. You keep saying that word in a different language. It's also your "sun."
«Yeah? I hadn't noticed. Well, the sun is a star. Bright and beautiful," Hadiya smiled. - 'And a devil is a creature. A very bad creature. It can be compared to a pest, has mystical origins and usually brings trouble.
«I see. In short, it's something bad.
«Exactly. And I have to admit, right now I'm not even sure if it's worth it. I mean, why would I want to risk myself when I'm doing so well?
«To live not only well, but also in peace? - Hadiya tilted her head. - Your father is, in fact, a renegade and a traitor.
«But Mum always spoke very highly of him. And I don't think she'd want to be with a psycho. So, something is wrong here... - I tapped my nails thoughtfully on the backrest. - Okay, it's late, and we have to get up early tomorrow for training. Thanks again, Hadiya. I had no idea you'd bring so much," I reassessed the map and the amount of information Hadiya had to find and analyse. It's basically a short summary of the key episodes. I don't even want to think about it.
«So I deserve a kiss?
«Hadiya!
«Why? I'm entitled, and you're not getting off on my age! Or about Vessira, if she's okay with it.
«Ugh. Who am I messing with?! - I'm raising my eyes to the ceiling.
«Do you want me to answer that?
«Don't!
«So... Can I get a reward?
«OK, I put the card in the case and close it. - Um?
«Let her stay with you. It's safer and more secure.
«OK.
Rising from my chair, I duck down to kiss Hadiya on the forehead, she wouldn't give me the details, but I was outsmarted. As soon as I got close, she put her palm around the back of my head and tried to kiss my lips. As ineptly as possible, but very, very diligently.
«Mm-hmm..." I pulled away, looking at the satisfied bitch. - I take it that was your first time?
«Mm-hmm.
«Well, I can be proud of myself then. Okay, Hadiya, now I'm gonna ask you to leave my room.
«You're gonna kick me out this late into the cold and gloomy corridor? - She's making eyes at me.
«Yes! Because it's my room!
«What if there's a murderer waiting for me in there?
«Then I'll shake his neck myself.
«Well, why don't I sit on the chair here then?
«Hadiya.
«They crawled off my bed, but they didn't leave in a hurry. - Please, I won't bother you, honestly. I don't want to go anywhere.
«The Force is with you, stay," I waved them off, pulling a camping bed out of my bag.
«Um?
«Lie down on the bed, I will.
«But I thought...
«You'll be fine!
«Hey, Shade, are you okay with your orientation?
«?!
«Well, it's just that a beautiful girl wants to lie down next to you, and you....
«Hadiya.
«All right, I'll shut up," she immediately bounced away from me like a fire.
I'm standing there, glaring at her and stupidly realising that as soon as I more or less relax, they'll just and brazenly crawl over to me like they did two years ago. So, sighing and shoving the recliner back into my bag, I fall onto the bed. Hadiya immediately lands next to me, resting her chin on my chest and looking into my eyes happily.
«Say anything and I'll kick you out the door for sure.
Morgue morgue.
Hmm... Maybe I should move in with Gris. He's right next door... Ah, fuck it, my brain's already leaking out of my ears to worry about something else. Let's just relax and enjoy the company. Yes.
```
patreon.com/posts/started-in-star-129917731