The Great Leap Forward/Chapter Six

The Great Leap Forward

Chapter Five

Blue Light monastery, City of Tal'adin, six months earlier

The antique-style computer had been surprisingly easy to adapt to, with the exception of all the manual typing. It had taken me a few days at first to get used to the operating system, but the experience was worth it in the end. While Laera and the Eldarch had meditated together, or else exchanged bits and pieces of Sa'ari lore, HK-47 and I had developed a cordial, if somewhat cool, relationship. I was pretty sure that the blasted thing would have happily gutted me if it weren't for her direct order to "treat that Bothan as you would treat me, or I'll rip your limbs off and use them for a chair." This, at least, had made him stop calling me “meatbag,” though the thought of being master to an assassin droid was not altogether pleasant.

When not exploring the T'lessian land-locked and two-dimensional version of the HoloNet in an effort to learn more about the planet and its people, I socialized with a number of the initiates and what they called "illuminated learners"&mdash;their term for Padawan, near as I could tell. Everyone at the monastery was very friendly, and they were eager to hear tales of the outside galaxy. They, in turn, informed me of various efforts by different Sa'ari groups to develop spaceflight technology. By the time we'd gotten there the natives had already visited both moons, dubbed T'las and T'lec, and had set up a network of communications satellites in orbit. The Tal'adin authorities had quickly salvaged the shuttle, and two months after our arrival, the entire planet was abuzz with the prospect of having efficient, low-cost and easy-to-produce "landspeeders" within the next couple of years.

HK-47 and I had also worked to decipher the native language, so that the droid could serve as a translator if the occasion warranted it; indeed, it was only through his help that I was able to browse the wider info-entertainment network to learn more about the native culture. Laera was learning by different means; apparently the Sa'ari could project information into a willing mind, provided the bond between the two is strong enough, and even then it's exhausting work&mdash;or so Laera claimed. There were instances when I wouldn't see either of them for a week at a time or more, and though the general environment was pleasant and most of my needs were attended to, being holed up in the monastery had begun to grate on me. On those occasions when we had time alone together, we mostly talked about our impressions of the Sa'ari. We wondered how they might integrate into the galaxy at large if someone else with a working hyperdrive happened along, or they developed FTL travel on their own. Occasionally we discussed our relationship, but we decided early on that we'd wait until rescue to undergo any formalities. That, of course, hadn't included denying ourselves the pleasure of each others' company.

Approximately eleven weeks after our arrival, we were finally permitted to roam the streets of Tal'adin, the largest city and seat of the planetary government. Accompanied by Eldarch Bellinega and two "lighters" (their equivalent of Jedi Knights&mdash;they generally work with local police on high-profile investigations or in delicate situations), Laera, the assassin droid and I walked one of the capital's vast indoor marketplaces. Laera wore a standard lighter's uniform&mdash;azure tunic and pants with maroon utility belt and cloak&mdash;which she'd been given not long after our arrival. I, on the other hand, had had to contend myself with walking about in my armor's black body glove until a tailor could figure out how to create clothing for someone who possessed more, but also less, in terms of biological equipment. Still, what they came up with was workable enough.

There was no hiding the fact that we were different as we strolled through the various venues of the high-class shopping mall. The reactions of the denizens of Tal'adin ranged from mild curiosity to something resembling abject terror, though the latter was only apparent when Laera made note of it, having adapted her abilities to the vagaries of the Sa'ari zeitgeist and mental shielding. The majority of natives, however, regarded us kindly, though everyone gave HK-47 a wide berth and I swear the droid enjoyed his not-so-subtle threat display. Though I figured we were safe enough, Laera had given the assassin strict orders to only employ his blaster carbine's stun setting should anything go awry. Despite all this I thoroughly enjoyed the day trip, wishing only that I'd had some local currency so as to purchase an excellent portable massage unit for sale at a gadget store.

That evening, we were asked to attend a special session at the Foruma Lawyteret T'lessia to address the planet's governing body. The hall was a vast, round chamber filled with tiers of seats, and served as the place of business for some two hundred twelve delegates; the various Sa'ari republics sending two apiece to debate matters of global importance. Since our arrival was quite possibly the single most important event of that year, we were ushered to the speaker's podium to address the assembly. The audience level was packed with blue people, many of them holding cameras of some type, but all of them paying rapt attention.

Bellinega insisted that Laera stand at the podium, which was fine by me, and I was content to linger in the periphery next to HK-47, between the two lighters, and behind the Eldarch, well-hidden from the audiovisual recorders. The crowd of delegates and watchers alike ceased their chatter and gazed upon the human woman occupying the dais, waiting for her to speak, but it was Bellinega who started things off.

"Translation: Good people of T'lessia, I thank you for your generous hospitality," the droid muttered just low enough for me, and me alone, to hear. "We of the Blue Light have stood alone for so long, aware that one borne of the Stars may one day come to us. There are those of us who embrace the possibilities she would bring, but there are those who fear what they do not know, and this is understandable. We know each other intimately, a gift of the Blue. But this new arrival is of the Blue as well, and yet she is not blue, nor are her companions."

She turned briefly to gesture toward Laera, then to myself and the droid in turn. "These Starborne Ones are stranded here, yet they have made no effort to interfere with our way of life. Instead they wish to learn as much of us as possible, and they freely discuss from whence they have come. I pray that you understand that this is a rare gift, one that must be cherished and nurtured, so that one day the Starborne Ones can return to their place in the heavens, and we can become part of a greater galaxy as a united people."

The Eldarch stepped aside and bade Laera to speak, and I watched with misty eyes as she addressed the assembly in the native tongue, dutifully translated for my benefit by HK-47. "People of T'lessia, it is a privilege to be here addressing you directly. When first we arrived on your world we were greeted by armed police, but we hold no ill will toward you for that. Indeed, where we come from, that would be the same response to an unannounced crash-landing."

There was a small outbreak of lighthearted muttering amongst several knots of delegates at that, with Laera continuing on once the conversations had died out. "You have been generous to us, and you deserve an explanation for how we happened to come to T'lessia.," she continued, her words becoming more emotional as she gesticulated passionately. "We came here by accident, in a ship that was damaged while fleeing a terrible battle many light-years from this solar system. The galaxy is awash in conflict, but this world is an island in the storm, a safe harbor in which beings of light seek refuge, share companionship, and trade knowledge. Working together, I feel that we can achieve much, including bringing the Light of the Blue to the rest of the galaxy and showing them how to live in peace and harmony. Together we can bring about a golden age of exploration, seeking out new worlds and new life, boldly going where no one has gone before.

"Your world is truly a marvel. It teems with life on a scale rarely witnessed, so much so that it calls out to me as does a long-lost home. I have spent the last twenty-six years of my life in martial training and combat, and it is truly a relief to be here, now, enjoying a small measure of peace and reflecting upon the Blue and its many gifts." Laera then glanced at Bellinega, who nodded her assent.

Suddenly, my love's hands were in the air, and from each palm jets of glittery golden dust shot into the chamber and began to whirl amongst the gathered throng. The starry streamers wove intricate patterns in the air over the heads of the delegates, shifting this way and that like extremely long serpents. Everyone present began gasping in awe; scattered applause broke out, and soon everyone was standing and clapping wildly. The show went on for five whole minutes, at the end of which Laera called the dust back to her and presented the bag from where it had come back to the Eldarch. The appreciative noises of the crowd gradually faded away, with delegates and audience members resuming their seats in anticipation of what would happen next. But I could see the subtle signs of exhaustion in Laera's body language; the display had taxed her abilities close to their limits.

Fortunately Bellinega seemed to notice this as well, for she then returned to the dais. "Truly my friends, this is an auspicious day for T'lessia. The Starborne One has shown the Order of the Blue Light many things, which we can now pass along to any who are willing to learn. Yet I still sense a delicate trepidation within some of you. We must not let ourselves succumb to fear of the unknown or what might be, we must not allow this fear to cloud our judgment. It is only with clear heads and glad hearts that we can continue further along the path of light."

The Eldarch's words trailed off, leaving the chamber echoing with silence as many hundreds of bare, ridged blue heads looked at one another. Moments passed into minutes as the assembly contemplated what had been said and done. Finally, the elder Sa'ari spoke again. "There are no more words to be said by us this night. I leave it to this august assembly to decide how best to proceed in shaping the future of our world. May the Light guide you all."

&mdash; &mdash; &mdash;

"That was an impressive display, Laera," I remarked with a wink. "Was that on impulse, or did the Eldarch put you up to it?"

Guided by a young page, we were leaving the Foruma by the VIP entrance, again escorted by Bellinega and her lighters. The elder Sa'ari was bringing up the rear of our little parade, speaking in an undertone to a politician I didn't recognize. The lighters, however, were taking it in turn to glance at the two of us as we talked, though I tried not to let this bother me.

"It's actually a traditional greeting ritual," she explained, and I could hear the tiredness in her voice. "Whenever the leader of one of the republics visits the capital to address the Lawyteret, they bring a small bag of gold dust and basically do what I did. The more elaborate the display, the more credence is given to the speaker and what they have to say."

"Ah, I see," I replied with a smirk. "Like plumage on a bird of paradise."

"You could say that," Laera sighed. "It was Bellinega's idea, and I had to have a few tries before I could keep up the display for the expected amount of time. Gold dust is not easy to clean up, especially on carpet."

"I take it the Eldarch had to loan you a bag," I replied, trying to cheer her up.

"Yes, it was the Order's own supply, for whenever the Eldarch wants to address the Lawyteret. Probably worth a mansion on the lakeshore, which meant that every time I spilled the lot while practicing, I had to make sure and get every bit back into the bag."

Bellinega's private discussion finally ended as we crossed the threshold of the Foruma building and began to make our way back to the monastery. As we walked, she made her way to the head of the small procession and held up her hands to motion for a halt. "Thank you for your efforts tonight, Starborne One," she said, and I could hear that she, too, was nearing exhaustion.

"Please, just call me Laera."

The Eldarch seemed to consider this for a moment. "Very well...Laera," she said with some hesitation. "Though I believe the Lawyteret is duly impressed with our words and sincerity, I fear it will take much hidden effort for T'lessia to truly unify as you suggest."

"Is that what you two have been discussing these past few weeks?" I asked, taken aback. "Laera...did you really suggest that?"

She blinked, looked about the deserted, dimly-lit street, then nodded. "It seemed like the best way to fulfill this prophecy of theirs."

"Have you even read the full prophecy?" I protested, a sudden and horrifying thought occurring to me. "Laera, I know you about as well as I do anyone in the galaxy, and I know for a fact that you're no diplomat or politician."

"And I suppose you are?" she retorted, nettled.

"Love, I'm a Bothan. Politics and diplomacy are as natural to my kind as the Force is to the Sa'ari, even if I'm a Marine. Why else do you think the title of Commandant has been held by members of my species for so long?"

"Politics amongst my people are slightly different," Bellinega put in. "When we vote on a measure, we do not waste time counting. When debate is done, we open our minds to one another and come to an agreement. This takes but a moment, and most are quite happy with the results."

"With all due respect, Eldarch, it's still the same," I replied deferentially. "Public discourse is just the topmost layer. Wheels upon wheels in a great mental machine is the way of all sentient minds. As you say, it will take a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work to meld the various Sa'ari republics into one global entity. To be completely honest, however, I'm not sure that this is the best course of action."

"What do you mean?" Bellinega asked, an odd look in her eye.

"I've spent the last ten weeks absorbing as much of your culture as possible," I continued. "Though I am the only male on a female world, your people are not so different that a basic understanding is difficult to attain. Your social habits, your outlook on life, your cultural ethos, even how you've already developed a binding planetary authority, all point to the core strength of your political system. To try and change it now is foolhardy; there are many worlds in the Republic that function similarly to T'lessia, and they do quite well in interstellar matters."

At that point, a large groundcar approached, stopping a few meters short of where we stood debating. A liveried driver then exited, stood, and beckoned us toward the vehicle as the doors on its right side opened. With HK-47 and the lighters keeping watch, Bellinega, Laera and I took the middle row of seats, with our protectors and the droid taking the rear bench. Laera, who was sitting between myself and the Eldarch, fell asleep almost immediately, her head falling onto my shoulder. As I gently rubbed my love's upper back I gazed into Bellinega's eyes to let her know how I felt: that she was making a mistake in attempting to fix what wasn't broken.

After all, the best way to let a Force-user see the core truth of one's self is to look them in the face and empty your head...

&mdash; &mdash; &mdash;

The pounding on my door jolted me awake; a glance at my chronometer (adjusted for the twenty-six hour T'lessian day) indicated that it was very early in the morning. Groggily I rose from bed, padding to the entrance as the pounding continued. Opening it a crack I caught sight of a flash of auburn hair and a frantic-looking blue eye, which prompted me to swing it wider. "What in blazes...?"

She jumped into my arms, oblivious to the fact that I was clad only in skivvies, sobbing all the while. "Laera, what's the matter?"

"The voices&mdash;I can't keep them out!" she gasped, then began sobbing into my shoulder. "From all over T'lessia, the Sa'ari are calling to one another!"

I guided her to the small bed and we sat together, tears streaming as she buried her face in my chest and wept. For as long as I had known Laera, I knew that she possessed a special gift: the ability to sense the presences of sentient beings at astounding distances, and to see their minds as auras that broadcast their thoughts and emotions. I also knew that this world was home to nearly three billion Force-sensitives, and if they were all communing at once...

"Laera, focus on me," I ordered, pulling her away and, holding her face in my hands, looking directly into her eyes. "Focus yourself onto me, and me alone. Link your mind with mine and read me as you would read yourself!"

While I stroked her cheeks with my thumbs she complied, and I suddenly felt as though I were being scrutinized by a gargantuan electron microscope. My mind began to fog over as her presence wafted over me, tentative at first, but with a gradually-increasing intensity. A buzzing in my ears followed as she probed deeper, and I drew her into an embrace as she slowly reasserted herself. Several hours had passed by the time we broke apart, and I caught a glimpse of the dawn's early light through the nearby window.

"Thank you, Silas," Laera said gratefully, her voice hoarse as she whispered into my ear. Tear tracks marred her otherwise beautiful visage, and my heart swelled with joy at having been able to offer some measure of help. "That mental shroud, I think I've got the hang of it now."

"I'm glad," I replied. "You had me scared for a minute there."

She giggled weakly, her hands fidgeting slightly. "Burning skies, I'm a mess," she muttered ruefully. "Forty-three years old and I'm blubbering like a baby."

"Not your fault," I said bracingly. "I may be the only Force-blind being on this rock, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that a lesser mind would have been utterly destroyed by what you've just endured."

"That's kind of you to say," Laera replied, rubbing her eye and offering a watery smile. "You know, I may have saved your life several times, but that's twice now you've saved my sanity. Having lost the former once already, I'd rather be dead than lose the latter."

It took me a moment to figure out what she was trying to say. "You never did tell me how you died," I replied. "But I figured you'd let me know if and when you were ready, not that the details are important."

"It's not that, Silas. It's this whole thing with the Sa'ari. You were right: I caused all of this."

"How can you say that?"

"Because of the voices," Laera explained, the blue of her wide, frightened eyes twinkling in the low light. "While I couldn't understand the words, the sentiments behind them were clear: they're confused and upset. A lot of them feel as though I've asked them to abandon their beliefs outright, while others see this as an excuse to go to war! Silas, I've thrown their entire society into chaos!"

At that very moment, the door swung open again, revealing the disheveled form of Eldarch Bellinega. Laera, who was still fully-dressed from the night before, stood between us in an effort to preserve my modesty, a gesture that was unnecessary but no less appreciated. "Thank the Blue I've found you!" she exclaimed without preamble.

"What's going on, Eldarch?" Laera asked as I instinctively lunged for my body glove and began to hurriedly slip into it.

"I've just received word from an Order monastery in the Hiltone Republic," the elder Sa'ari replied in a rush. "Their military has rebelled, and the elected government has just been violently deposed! The new...what is the word...a 'junta?' has declared war upon the Starborne One, and seeks to isolate our people from the rest of the galaxy!"

Laera and I exchanged horrified glances as I zipped myself up. "Isn't Hiltone the second-largest nation-state on T'lessia, aside from Tal'adin itself?" I asked, more calmly than I felt.

"It is, but their alliances with other nations through the Lawyteret have given them control of a majority government. If the junta manages to convince the other delegates to back them..."

There was no need for Bellinega to finish the sentence. Our eyes locked and I felt, for the first time, that we were both thinking precisely the same thing: if Hiltone got the Lawyteret on their side, they would surely get rid of us&mdash;after having put us through an elaborate show trial&mdash;and then begin interdicting their own world.

"We're in trouble," Laera remarked in a would-be casual voice. "I just felt a disturbance in the Force&mdash;they're not bothering to wait for a vote. We have to get out of here, the sooner the better."

"Come with me, then," the Eldarch replied. "I know a means of spiriting you both from the city without arousing suspicion."

"We should secure our weapons, armor and gear first," Laera said. "With our Marine training and what we've got in our utility belts, we can survive in the wilderness until things have calmed down."

"Agreed," I said, tacking on my own equipment with practiced speed. "Someone should secure the droid as well; we can't very well take him with us and it's better if he doesn't go shooting up the place."

The three of us exchanged nods, the two women departing as I whipped out my comlink. "HK-47, this is a direct order," I said into the mouthpiece. "Shut down all systems and put yourself on lockdown, authorization code 'Bothawui Agamar,' matched to either my voice or Laera's."

"As you desire, Master," the assassin droid replied in its raspy hiss. "Shutting down all systems and locking this unit under direct voice-print code protocols."

The comlink went dead, and I replaced it on my utility belt. Now fully armored, cradling my helmet in the crook of my left arm as my right hand rode the pommel of my sidearm, I looked out the window. The sun had risen fully now and T'lec was beginning to dip behind the far horizon, and I found myself watching a lone helicopter as it buzzed slowly toward the Foruma. Though primitive by galactic standards, these craft nonetheless had an elegance about them. Relatively slow, compared to contemporary airspeeders, their twin rotor-pods allowed them to accomplish maneuvers that the more advanced craft couldn't hope to match. The vehicle I was observing had begun its descent and was about to vanish from sight when the Eldarch and Laera returned, the latter now clad in her own battle armor.

"I've given HK-47 the order to close up," I said as I joined them. "Eldarch, you'd better keep him here, but if anyone comes looking, let them have him&mdash;not too easily, of course. They'll have no chance accessing any of his systems now that he's in lockdown."

"I will do so," she replied. "You must depart now, before today's session of the Lawyteret begins."

"We're ready to leave," Laera said before we both donned our helmets. "Please show us the way."

Bellinega did so, and we were soon leaving the familiar halls and open areas of the monastery behind and continuing quietly down dimly-lit corridors that looked positively ancient. As we descended a level by a well-worn set of stone steps, we were intercepted by a shadowy figure. She held up her cloaked arms in a nonthreatening gesture, then bade us to join her. Though her face was hidden, Laera's body language seemed to indicate that this particular Sa'ari was vaguely familiar to her.

"I must leave you now," Bellinega said regretfully as she handed Laera a large, carefully-wrapped bundle. "The Order has managed to procure some items from your ship that you may find useful. For my part, there is still much to be done to ensure that your escape is kept secret for as long as possible. I believe that you are already acquainted with Officer Pelenora?"

Laera nodded, but I could do little more than stare at the three women. When the cloaked figure pulled back her hood, however, I nearly went for my blaster; her green eyes and subdued crimson facial markings were identical to those upon the constable who had made first contact with us nearly three months prior.

"I will guide you the rest of the way," she said in passable Basic, though the melodious accent of the Sa'ari language was evident. "We must hurry, though, or I will be missed."

"Wait a minute," I interjected angrily, drawing my weapon and pointing it at the policewoman. "First of all, I want to hear that damned prophecy. Second, I want to know what the hell she is doing here!"

Bellinega looked momentarily taken aback, but the shock faded as she realized that I was quite serious. "Very well," she said sadly.

The Sa'ari stand alone, gazing at the sky; They watch and ponder, seek and strive; To reach the stars and to spread their wings; Hoping to find their universal connection.

Beings, like them but not, will arrive; Bringing promises from the vast cosmos; Their presence may help or they may hinder; And the Sa'ari will either prevail or perish.