Chapter 82: 82. Chapter: (Shared universe 24.)

-From the perspective of Nizzal-

---

Meanwhile, on the surface of Coruscant, in an idyllic, peaceful atmosphere, Nizzal was spending her time in the company of her old friend, Hava the besalisk and her restaurant server Kate, the human woman with warm brown hair. They have shared stories of how they managed to get away from the palace. Of course, Nizzal didn't tell the specific details of her escape, since that would reveal some of her more guarded secrets. She liked Hava, but they were not exactly that deeply connected to sharing such information. It would only bring trouble over her friend's head and would lead to even more questions. 

For that exact reason, Nizzal fabricated a minor story of her lucky escape that used the jedi as the main protagonists who had come to her rescue and saved her life from certain death. It was easy to do as the jedi's involvement was well known among the public of Coruscant. The jedi didn't really try to hide their attempts, to pacify the Zygerrian queen, but they have denied all accusations of supposed assassination attempts.

Hava and Kate have listened to my story with interest and I have fluently showcased my well-practiced power of imagination. In less sophisticated words, my ability to lie with a straight face. It was kind of amusing. Anyway, the three of us have spent a large quantity of the morning hours in such a manner. 

Hava was the chief cook here, therefore she could leave most of the actual work to the others and there were more than enough servers in the restaurant they could spare Kate's help for a little while at least. It was Kate's reward that she managed to accidentally bring such an old friend into the arms of Hava. 

She was more than elated to hear that and even got the chance to eat Ava's specially prepared meal. She was practically beaming with happiness as she ate the delicious food while listening to the exciting stories of this supposed young jedi.

Time flew by quickly as their conversation became heated. They laughed and smiled a lot at the unexpectedly good company. After a few hours of continuous chitter-chatter, the conversation came to a content halt. So many things were talked about, and the brain could conjure only so many questions and answers at one time. 

Nizzal was actually beginning to feel her tongue becoming tired and heavy. She couldn’t remember when she had to speak so much in one go. She also realized that it could be the result of her self isolation while she meditated over days and weeks to regain her sight at will. All for naught, as she seemingly wasn't closer to the answer by a single millimeter. 

It was probably only the child speaking from her, as she had done similar things in different lives for much-much longer times. It was not that unusual per se, and she was over the initial sense of panic. Now she kind of got used to this new vision of hers... It was still impossible to walk around in a completely unfamiliar place that was not strong with the force. She would be hit by a car or a hovercraft in a few minutes, and she would probably die pitifully.

That would be something... I bet I would become the second most retarded archivist in the history of the order. Exactly after Cil-Cil Muz. Probably I shouldn't think about that right now. 

Nizzal heard a slight movement happening next to her. She also felt that Kate was moving on the seat, which they both shared.

When she heard that she was a force user... aka jedi, as in Kate's belief there were no other sort of force users, she immediately changed seats and sat next to her. Leaving Hava to take the entire seat across from them, as the besalisk woman was still quite a large thing, in her whole glory. 

A few seconds later, the slight movement abated, and another voice filled the room, one that seemed to appear in the middle of a sentence. 

-the Galactic Senate has brought together an emergency in the early hours of this morning. We just managed to get some information and, as we had expected, the meeting was concerning the irregular activities of the clone army. Which has, to the shock of trillions of republican citizens, unleashed a cruel backstabbing assault against all jedi in the galaxy. This attack is the cause of the battle that erupted around the Jedi temple of Coruscant, one that has yet to come to a conclusion. 

All three of us were shocked by the news that were currently broadcast by the holo vision device that Kate just activated. The report was still far from complete, and we listened carefully to the rest of it.

-One of our informants asked a special police member about the incident of the Kaminoan representative's sudden imprisonment and interrogation. He stated that the kaminoans were denying any sort of misfunction, or internal genetic manipulation of brain matter in clone troopers. Saying that the units were following the orders of the chancellor, and therefore they have no responsibility in betraying the jedi order. 

Hava couldn't hold back his words anymore as she exclaimed in disbelief. 

-What the fuck is going on here?

Kate was frozen rigid in her seat, and she was shaking slightly from the shock and uncertain fear of what was becoming of this already terrifying war. She didn't say anything, though, and we continued to watch the news. 

-The police didn't seem to be amused by the statement of the kaminoan representative, in the first place, how would the chancellor be able to give out such an order, without the discussion of the rest of the senate. Such important decisions were not something one man could deci-... 

The report was cut suddenly, as a new reporter appeared in the hologram. 

-We have just received special news about the Senate standpoint. The clone army has been declared a rogue army with unknown goals. The Galactic Senate orders all loyal clone troopers to put down their weapons and turn themselves in for further biological analyses. If the scans showcase any internal manipulation, then they will be absolved from their crimes. Those who fight against the forces of the Republic Senate will be executed by military standards. The Senate orders all reservist soldiers to report on duty as fast as possible. We have also received video footage caught on camera by a viewer that shows that a large force of senate guards and other none clone military personnel have come to the aid of the Jedi Temple led by Master Windu.

-The situation since then has escalated to an all out war between clone troopers and Senate forces. Through this live drone footage we can see that the jedi temple is on fire at multiple places. There are clones and senate forces battling it out in the streets around the temple and in the air as well. I would say that it is clear that the Republic will pay no more credits for the kaminoan clone factories. Especially as there seems to be no answer from Kamino explaining the sudden madness of the clones turning on their own commanders. We advise every civilian personal in the area to stay in their home, as that is the best way to avoid possibly fatal bodily harm.

-Our informers state that the where being of the former chancellor is still a mystery. Some people have begun to believe that the chancellor was killed and that his authority was used in his place. Other, more radical theories have also appeared, stating that the harmless old chancellor was actually a Sith lord trying to take over the galaxy and drive the Republic into a collapse. While that is indeed an interesting idea, I wouldn’t give it much credibility. We will show some of the people's reactions to the raging debate currently going on around the chancellors’ mysterious persona. 

The camera changed to a pink skin colored twi'lek woman in tight-fitting clothes, showing more cleavage than some would think to be decent. 

-I never liked the old fart. I bet he got his hand on one too many death sticks! His eyes were always creepy as fu- zzzZZZ.

The screen changed back to the earlier reporter. 

-Cough, cough. Unfortunately, it seems that the connection was lost. We will change to other news until it is repaired.

There was an awkward silence filling the room as we listened.

In the meantime, I was having a small scale enlightening moment. I felt a bunch of force disruptions over the hours of this morning. Neither one of them felt particularly connected to me. I was having a good time here, so I tried to shrug it off, as if it was a headache induced by the changing weather. At least now I know what was causing it. 

A sudden shriek filled the room with a high-pitched voice. I reached up to my ear, protrusions covering them from the unexpected shout. My ears were extremely sensitive to such noises, especially since I had become somewhat blind. It was not that my ears became accustomed to such things in the mere few weeks since this new condition started to bother me. It had more to do with me, using the force to pick up the smallest of sounds in my surroundings. 

I winced while covering my ears, not knowing what had caused them in the first place.

Then I heard a quick series of movements as Kate fumbled to turn off the holo device. Was she afraid of me seeing the jedi temple attacked and probably half destroyed at this moment? Well, not that I could see anything but hear. Well, it is possible... After all, I just lied that I was with a jedi for some time now. I mean, it's not a complete lie. There was Anakin and Ahsoka... she must think that I treated them as my new family. 

Truth be told, I couldn't really care less about what happens with them. They treated me like shit. It's not that I am that angry, maybe a little... More like, I don't know; I guess I just don't care. Ahsoka is safe, and I don't really have any other friends from the jedi. Come to think of it... she would be completely crestfallen if she heard about this. 

Following that line of thought, my expression turned ugly.

Oh no, she is going to hate me if I didn't do anything after hearing this... and, and it's not like I can lie to her... if she senses that I am dishonest, she will grab my head tails, and force it out of me... Damn girl, she knows that I am way too kind to my friends, the few I have anyway...

Even so, I can't do anything. I can't exactly risk my life as an archivist and the grandmaster for no reason. It would be extremely risky in my current state... and anyway, it seems the people of Coruscant are not on the train that would let the jedi fall so easily, and I only got the news now, when most of the action was already over.

Yes... that should be a sufficient reason to not go there... I don't plan to be captured by them one more time. They would surely misunderstand my presence there. There is simply too much to lose with such a stupid decision. I won't go there after all, sorry Ahsoka.

While I was lost in my thoughts, a loud argument broke out in the room. 

I raised my face after I stopped spacing out and listened to the other’s argument.

Kate was saying this in a sad and frustrated tone.

-What will happen to us if the clone army turns against the Republic? There are too many of them... and they are well equipped. There is also a Separatist army that we have to face on top of that. We are going to be obliterated!

Hava shouted at the panicked girl.

-Calm your tits, Kate. Instead of throwing around wild ideas in the blind, you should turn on the device once more! Why did you even turn it off!? 

-It's because of Nizzal, of course! She is too young to see such things... 

Hava smirked loudly, then probably made a deadpan face at Kate. She knew me better than to be afraid of such things. 

-Nah, turn it on, she is a jedi, and a former slave... Do you seriously think she didn't see and experience enough dark things in her life to not be shocked by a simple news report?

-Well, if you put it that way... 

There was a moment of hesitation, then Kate reached for the control panel and reactivated the holo vision device once more. Then we continued to listen to the news, but there was nothing interesting said at the moment. There were just three people sitting in a studio, discussing current events, but it was more of a superstitious guessing game than anything meaningful. Our interest quickly abated. 

I was thinking about what to do now, as I was not interested in going back to Unity just yet. If I do, I will be forced to meditate in isolation for who knows how long, and it was getting ever clearer for me, that through simple meditation I won't get the answer I am looking for. Not even speaking about the fact that I actually can't go home from Coruscant. It was a one-way trip from the start.

I don't have credits on me, and I would rather avoid stealing from people. Through the smart use of force techniques, nothing was ever easier than stealing money. You can simply suggest it with a relatively easy mind trick for weak-minded people to give their money to you, and they will do happily. Alas, that feels just wrong... There is a certain pride to be an apostle, you know, and a grandmaster too. 

For that matter, I turned towards Hava and asked.

-I know it is kind of unexpected to say, but can I stay here with you for a while? 

My story of being with the Jedi seemed to work in my favor. Now I don't have to figure out a believable lie to explain why I am homeless. That was actually quite the relief.

Hearing my hesitant request, Hava stood up, walked over to my side, lifted me out of my seat as if I were some sort of plush animal waiting for a cuddle... uh... I-I kind of like this to be honest...

I found myself being squeezed once more between her large arms as she said in a warm, almost motherly voice. 

-Of course, sweetheart. You can stay as long as you like. You probably couldn't see this, but this place is a hotel and a restaurant at the same time. I have a permanent room here until I work here, that is. It is large enough for both of us. I would never throw you out in such a situation. You can even help out as a server in the restaurant. That way, your presence here won't be suspicious. We don't know yet how things will turn out, eventually. You might need to hide for a time, as a jedi padawan.

I was honestly touched hearing and experiencing this reaction. I was ready to be rejected, even if that was somewhat unlikely to happen knowing Hava's personality. Hiding someone who could be easily associated with the jedi, in a time where jedi might become hunted, was not something I could expect from other peoples to do so readily.  

Aside from that, it felt really good to be accepted with open arms. I will have to pay this back to Hava in one way or another. For that reason, I nodded and hugged her around her neck. I was feeling blessed. It seems I have managed to make some reasonable friends in the end, not just stupid sods like Anakin who left me on the street while being blind. Thinking about that fool just makes me want to break something. I shook my head slightly, chasing away the annoying thoughts. As I focused on the present, I felt my leks ends curling upward. I was back in a good mood. So I smiled and said. 

-Thank you, I will help out wherever I can, Ava... You can count on me. 

I was squeezed once more, and couldn't help but giggle loudly. I can't seem to remember a day when I was hugged so many times in quick succession. This seems to be a good day, after all. 

At least the child buried in my subconsciousness was certainly having a blast with it. I closed my eyes while a contented sensation washed over my body and filled my soul. I was relaxed, truly relaxed. Since I became a grandmaster, I have been extremely stressed with things, especially with my new eye condition. 

The moment I opened my eyes, my body went rigid.

My... my eyes? They turned back? I can see again... but why did this happen, what caused it...

Sensing the tension going through my body since she was still holding me, made Ava stop, as she looked into my face with a worried expression. My eyes turned towards meeting hers, and we looked into each other’s eyes. 

Seeing her dark green skin color, with the familiar brown eyes and black hair still put into the same single low pony tail style.

There was a moment of confusion crossing her features. She was looking into my eyes with deep scrutiny. As I sensed her glare, I looked into her eyes, which caused her's to take up the shape of large saucers.

I felt her jovial mood take a strange turn as she held my body a bit harsher and held me further from her chest now with two arms, while the other arms took up an intimidating position on her hips. 

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A sense of worry went through my body. Is... is she angry, but why all of a sudden? 

I had an urge to get away, but I was literally hanging in the air... I mean, Hava was about two hundred and ten centimeters tall and strong like a bull, and where would I go in the first place? My eyes could literally turn back at any moment. Come to think of it, why did it change back right now? Was it because I felt happy... then why didn't it turn back when I was playing around with Ahsoka in the forest a few days ago... or on the practice field... No, something else must be the reason... but what?

I couldn't think about it right now, as the towering figure of the alien woman was looking at me even more annoyed.

I heard her speak with a fickle amount of anger.

-So... did you just pull a joke on me with that blindness young lady? I hope you didn't, because if you did, then you will have to wash every plate in the kitchen for a week.

I swallowed, feeling a sense of dread creeping over my back. She knew that washing plates was the thing I hated the most back in that damn palace. Even then, it was more of a punishment, as I was not expected to wash plates in my position, but wherever the queen wasn't satisfied with me, she sent me to wash plates in the kitchen as a punishment.

-I... Ugh, I told you that I am not blind... didn't I? My eyes simply changed... and I can't control it just yet? Please... don't make me wash the plates... 

I felt her anger subside considerably. 

-Hmmm... you did indeed say that, but you could have explained it more clearly. It's not like I know anything about your so-called force thing... I simply thought that you were delusional, or just trying to cheer me up with a white lie. 

-Hey! That's... kind of rude to assume...

On the other hand, it made sense... I guess I was too used to being in the presence of force users to take that into consideration.

-So you can see now? 

She asked after a moment of pause. 

-Yes, at the moment... but I still don't know what caused it to change back... from what I know, it could change at any moment. A technique without proper control that changes one's vision is extremely dangerous. That is why I wasn't supposed to be out of the temple until I learned to use it properly.

-So... how come you are here? The temple is pretty far from this part of Coruscant. You couldn't wander to this place by just a mere accident. 

-Ugh...

I accidentally told her more than I meant to... Now what am I supposed to say...

She saw me becoming hesitant; she put me down on the floor finally and said once more. There was a seething anger under her smiling expression that spelled doom. Luckily, it wasn't directed at me. A mischievous idea popped into my mind. I guess it was payback time.

-So?

I acted shyly while fiddling with my feet. 

-Spit it out, girl... I will handle the rest.

-Well... 

I looked downwards to the side to hide my breaking smirk.

-My master left me... and he rushed away somewhere... I don't know where... Probably back to the temple... 

There was a sense of foreboding, as the besalisk woman neared a state where she might just burst with anger. She walked a few times left and right, striding across the room in a few gigantic steps. Then she said with a somewhat calmed demeanor. 

-I can understand why he left in such a rush... seeing the news and all. However, it is still unforgivable to leave a blind girl on the street to fend for herself. What would happen if someone with bad intentions appeared, or you wouldn't have met with us by sheer luck?

I would probably use a stronger mind manipulation on them, sending them on their way to think over their life choices.

Hava finally managed to calm herself down after saying this. 

-I will have to speak with his head when he finally comes back to pick you up. 

I smiled, already imagining the scan. Unfortunately, Ava caught on to my suspiciously elated smile and made her own smirk while slowly patting my head.

-I am not done with you either. You made me worry for no reason, just because you couldn't care less to explain properly why you can't see!

The smirk immediately disappeared from my face. As my pink eyes widened with a sense of fear. She hit the nail on the head with that! Did she read my mind?

I saw her expression becoming somewhat annoyed, seeing my surprise. 

-I know you more than enough to figure out such things, but I saw enough lazing around for one day. You said you would help, yes? So go with Kate to the restaurant and take up some orders. This will be your punishment for your lack of explanation.

I nodded quickly, seeing that she was not in a joking mood anymore. And I could use some walking after consuming all that food... I must have missed her cooking more than I realized. My stomach is about to burst... Oh boy, if I eat like this every day, my leks would grow ten centimeters a week! Then I wouldn't be able to lift my head eventually from the extra weight. That would be way too ridiculous.

It was time to move a bit. That should help me avoid that outcome.

With that, we headed towards the restaurant where, under the careful supervision of Kate, I began to help out and serve some of the customers. Half an hour later, I was already used to the basics. It was not a complicated thing, really. To my surprise, my eyes didn't change back, but I was too occupied to think about that in detail.

I was just bringing the food to one of the tables when I heard the doorbell ringing, signaling the arrival of another customer. 

I turned towards the door with a natural curiosity to see who had come in. Then, seeing what I saw, I almost dropped the damn plate that I was currently carrying. Luckily, my gray Jedi Training activated in time, and I managed to hold on to the plate thanks to my trained reflexes and sense of balance.

One of the customers, seeing my quick save, clapped his hands in amused delight, but I couldn't care less about that. My jaw dropped to the ground as a single name left my lips in an unconscious wonder. 

-Hondo?

The eyes of the infamous pirate captain turned towards me with a spark of curiosity.

-Oh-my, oh-my? Do I know you, sweet young lady? You seem familiar, but I can't exactly place where we met. Would you tell me your mother's name? That may help me remember... 

... did he seriously forget about me? And what does he imply about my mother... oh wait, ah! I... I see... this bastard never changes...

Wait... that is actually a reasonable thing... I look literally the same as two years ago, since I was frozen on ice most of the time. He wouldn't expect me to look the same way.

I gathered myself, pulled my act together, and said. 

-I... never knew my mother... I am an orphan.

I played the part seamlessly; it wasn't that hard, since it was a solid truth to begin with.

He changed his act as well, just as fluidly saying in a milder tone.

-Oh, sorry. I wouldn't wish to remind you of such sad things. But, tell me then, where do you know my name? I am not exactly famous around here. 

He was looking at me suspiciously now.

-Well... I didn't know that it was you... people talk and your description was very similar to what I heard about a certain pira-... uhmmm?!

In less than a moment, he jumped closer to me and forcefully covered my mouth with his hand while chiding me. 

-Alright, alright... I understand, my name must have reached far and wide in the known galaxy after all.

In a silent whispering tone, he added.

-So... do Jedi have to work in part-time jobs nowadays? I don't know why you look the same as two years ago, but don't think that you can fool me girly. You were the kid that scared the crap out of some of my men. First of all, I would like to say that it was nothing but an unfortunate misunderstanding. I have no beef with you anymore, so what do you say, we pretend to not know each other and everybody goes his and her own way. 

I nodded at that. I didn't want to cause any trouble in the restaurant, and Hondo wasn't exactly the type of person you could deal with without causing a huge ruckus.

He let go of my face, acting as if he was simply cleaning my mouth. From some leftover food stuck to it... what a shameless bastard.

I whispered back to him.

-Don't mention so casually that I am a Jedi, you fool! Don't you know what is going on? The clones turned on the jedi everywhere... Even the temple is under siege!

There was a shocked gasp appearing behind Hondo, and I looked up, surprised to see that a bunch of other people had come into the hall. I saw a greenish yellow-skinned mirialan woman covered in black clothes from head to toe. She stepped forward with a strict demeanor and demanded an answer in an authoritative tone from me. At least she had the brain to whisper.

-You... you are a padawan?! And you work here, while being friends with this two-faced shameless man? You should be ashamed of yourself, girl... More importantly, what was that you said about the clones and the temple being under attack? Tell me at once.

My face was turning ever paler as I understood that the person in front of me was a damn Jedi Master... I don't know her personally, but it was obvious from her way of speech and the reaction she showed just now.

I took a moment for myself and looked over at the newly arrived company.

There were two unfamiliar weequay men. There was Claire, seemingly still scared of me... Hondo, another woman that was glaring daggers at me and Anakin's wife, injured and half unconscious... 

...Hold on...

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