Waking up in the company of a beautiful and slender brunette is good. For my personality, in my first life not spoiled by attention from beautiful women — it's downright wonderful. To be honest, I've read many works of varying quality, from the level of "complete crap" to "well, okay," about how geeks similar to me, having ended up in a fantasy world, in various ways — started fucking everything that moved and "resembled divine beauties." To be honest — I would have been that way too, if I hadn't met Mila Karnur. I managed to form a Force bond with her, and so our feelings became sharper for each other. However... the "hormone dance" and "psychophysiological euphoria" didn't last long.
Mila died, and I immersed myself more in working on myself. Though I did have sexual relations, with the same Rivi, for example. But not as serious as it became with Celeste Morne... Eh, I remember her depiction in the comics; she was drawn extremely... Well, I don't know... Some kind of idiotic style... The only normal image of that person I saw in comics with Cade Skywalker. In real life, she looked... many times better than they drew her.
And now, carefully removing the brunette's leg from myself, I frantically tried to think.
"Hmm... And who is Celeste to me?" I muttered quietly. The woman, by the way, needed even that to wake up.
"Are you musing aloud about another woman while lying in bed with yet another woman?" inquired the maid — that's what I called her in my thoughts.
"You're not sleeping," I looked at the beauty.
"Mmmm... Haven't been asleep for about five minutes," she crooned. "And I'm very grateful to you for helping me at the reception. I really didn't want to end the evening with someone who started vomiting."
"Perhaps you went too far with your gratitude," I noted.
Instead of answering, she pressed her lips to mine.
"Not a regret," she replied, ending the kiss. "Not a single drop of regret. In my life, there are rarely men like you," she touched my chest with her fingers and smoothly moved to my abs. Not that I was a super-jock, but my muscles were visible. And this was especially noticeable not under clothes, but under the Admiral of the Judicial Forces uniform, which was tailored exactly to size, or when I was naked. "Usually it's various swine, fat freaks who are good for nothing. There have been nice chubby guys too, who took not so much with skill as with charisma. I even liked them in some way... But you."
"Spare me the details," I grimaced.
"Oh, what a grouch," the woman giggled. "But admit it... You liked it, didn't you?"
"It would be stupid to deny it, however... This doesn't solve my problem at all..."
"What to tell the beautiful lady named Celeste?" the woman sat up, dangling her legs. The room we were in was quite spacious. "Hmmm... Yes, that's a difficult question. I'm afraid I can't help you there."
"Are you serious right now?" I asked her.
"Of course," she nodded. "You are far more to blame for what happened than I am. You're a Jedi, after all. What stopped you from pushing me away with your Force? Besides, you're also physically stronger... You could have pushed me away even without the Force... Or suggested to me that I could go find another partner. But instead, you gave in to temptation and thoroughly," she got out of bed, showing all the advantages of her slender figure, "fucked me. Which makes me happy," the woman turned around. Her breasts were a solid three; Celeste's were a bit larger... Grrr... I shook my head. Damn... I'm acting like a teenager who screwed up. Wavering over what and whom to say... I'll say it as it is. I could, of course, hedge. But why? "Maybe you'll visit me occasionally? Especially since if your beloved finds out about your little sin, Master Jedi — she might leave you. And that doesn't work with me. You can sin with anyone you want, any way you want, I'll accept you however you are."
"You know, we've had our fun, that's enough," I got out of bed and started gathering my equipment, first putting on my bracers. "I have no desire whatsoever to see you again."
"Well, if you don't, then you don't," the woman shrugged, pulling on her underwear. "Just remember, if Celeste does send you packing, don't forget my offer. I'm Shira Bitha, easy to find."
"Yeah, I noticed," I snorted as I continued dressing. Shira was clearly going to use the shower. And knowing women — that would take time. Time I didn't want to waste. So, fully arrayed in the admiral's uniform, and after disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling my lightsabers, completing my so-called morning ritual, I also checked the coils of wire for the "cat bracers.".. And then headed for the exit, seriously thinking about how exactly to tell her the truth. Yes, it would be nice if she accepted a harem entirely. Not that I intended to create one for myself. But I know myself... A lecherous dog... By all signs, I'm a dog, by all except loyalty.
And such an attitude on my part could deeply wound a woman, especially one who is serious... Eh... The main thing is not to drag out the sentimentality... I have the fate of the Galaxy looming before me, and I'm here being all dramatic... Yes, calm down, Light... As soon as I stepped out of the elevator and headed for the exit, I was immediately photographed.
"Perfect," a female voice announced. I looked toward the speaker. A brunette, pretty face, ordinary clothes... But most importantly, I would recognize those tattoos anywhere.
Trinka Padaunete.
"I presume you can give a few comments, Master Jedi," she approached. "The great 'Savior of the Republic' is having fun in a hotel with a whore."
"Mmm?" I looked at her with irritation. "I thought my private life was my private life," I looked into Trinka's gray eyes, then shifted my gaze to the camera. "Republic law doesn't forbid me from relaxing the way I want. But it does forbid insulting individuals."
"I didn't insult you, Jedi."
"But you insulted the charming lady, Trinka, with whom I spent a wonderful night... Heh-heh, and now you've just recorded evidence of that insult on your own camera... I hope," I nodded at the hovering droid, "at least it's not a live broadcast. I'm afraid if there's anyone with a legal education on your page, a couple of your salaries will go to compensation."
"It's not a live broadcast," Trinka hissed.
"That's wonderful, so you can delete the incriminating fragments, as you like to do..."
"How dare you! I'm a journalist!"
"Journalists are sentients who try to show events, not push a certain agenda. Those who push a certain narrative are not journalists... They are propagandists," I smirked. "And since you can edit your fragments — don't worry, I'll gladly contact the hotel security service; they'll provide our actual conversation... And I also have my own mini-camera, which I activated the moment you approached me with your question. Now imagine... The Hero of the Republic published a recording in which a 'journalist' insults a citizen of the Republic. A 'journalist' who is known for her negative attitude toward the Order to which the Hero of the Republic belongs... Interesting, isn't it? What will your followers from the 'People's Inquisition' think?"
The woman folded her arms across her chest and stared at me, biting her lip. Apparently contemplating options for future action.
"What do you want?" Trinka finally asked.
"Oh, a constructive, and most importantly, a well-thought-out question, Trinka," I clapped my hands. "Very little. You disappear from my life once and for all. And never again try to ask me your obviously stupid and discrediting questions. Otherwise, I assure you... I'll mix you with such shit, drag you to such a bottom," I stood close to Trinka, put my right hand on her shoulder, and looked into her gray eyes. "That you would spend a hundred of your lives just to half-clean your reputation. Am I making myself clear?"
"Yes," she hissed, abruptly turning around.
"Trinka," I called after her. "The droid."
She ordered the hovering droid to fly over to me, and I was able to activate a memory wipe on it, and also loaded it with a spy virus. It'll be useful to know what these fringe types talk about.
"Thank you... Have a nice day."
"I can't wish you the same," the woman snorted, leaving the hotel lobby.
"How cute," I noted. "She's definitely gotten smarter today," I chuckled. My mood lifted a little. Leaving the hotel, I immediately called the local equivalent of a taxi. The taxi driver arrived in seven minutes, during which I even managed to meditate a bit. The taxi driver turned out to be a Twi'lek.
"Welcome to Krantol Taxi," the green-skinned man smiled. "Our taxi is in the top 1000 taxis of Coruscant in terms of service quality. Your destination... the Jedi Temple?" he looked at his speeder's console, then glanced at me and began studying the admiral's uniform.
"Yes, the Jedi Temple," I replied, sitting down in the speeder. "Can we fly already?"
"Y-yes," the taxi driver closed the speeder, sat down at the controls, and finally took off, heading for an overpass, a special lane along which Coruscant's aero-speeders traveled. Only after receiving special permission from the government could one fly outside the overpass. By the way, I have one. To get it, I had to pass a series of simple exams. Theory and practice. Although most Jedi were given it for free, especially those with a pilot's license. After all, giftedness helps us much more than many know. And the few — who sit in the government — understand that a number of exams for obtaining pilot licenses for "aero-speeder operators" are unnecessary for us. The Order will train us, and they just need to nod and issue the proper permits. "And you..." the taxi driver began. "You're Light... Light Flyingstar."
"Hmm?" I turned my attention to the man. "Suppose I am. So what?"
"Well, I just didn't expect to meet you in a place like this, let alone be giving you a ride."
"Is it such an honor for you?" I asked the taxi driver.
"Naturally! I served in the Judicial Forces, Admiral, although that was a long time ago," the Twi'lek sighed. "But I saw your speech in the Senate. You said the right things... The most right things in the last five years."
"I just said everything I saw on Troiken," I replied to the man.
"That's what many appreciate," the taxi driver told me. "Yes, many like the freedom that appeared after the Ruusan Reformation. There hasn't been any serious galactic war for so long. But you know, they appear... Yes, so far the Republic has coped, but each time — by a miracle. Now, thanks to you... But you are one, and the Galaxy is huge. And I always believed that not only Jedi should step up for us... That's why I enlisted in the Judicial Forces."
"I assume your fellow servicemen didn't particularly value your opinion..."
"Some did, some didn't. I was kicked out not for health reasons, Admiral, but because of a denunciation. I stopped one asshole from wasting our equipment. They sent him to command a 'remote garrison'; in fact, they didn't even fire him and formally 'promoted' him, but me, a simple sergeant — they just tossed out."
"Sad," I noted.
"Yes, but it showed me what a mess we're in," the man agreed. "And your speech... And at such a level, and from such an organization... It was like balm for the soul. The way you put those idiots in their place, who are willing to suck up to anyone and tolerate any lawlessness, 'just so there's no war'... Nonsense."
"Actually, I don't want war either," I said. "But there are things that cannot be stopped. They will happen, one way or another."
"You know something," the Twi'lek said.
"Correct," I nodded. "And I suppose you understand the situation too."
"You bet," he snorted. "Considering everything I've studied — all these little wars are a prelude to a huge bloodbath. And the Republic isn't ready for it... Eh, if I were in charge," he sighed, justifying the funny saying from my past world that "taxi drivers know best how to run the state.".. Here, by the way, it's a debatable point. You could say "democracy, and all that," the power of the people, and give the taxi driver power. But in reality — whether he has sufficient competence — that's what matters.
A couple of minutes later, we landed at the Jedi Temple.
"Thank you," I nodded to the taxi driver. "For the conversation, and for the pleasant ride."
"Thank you," the man replied and drove his taxi to another order. I entered the so familiar building. My uniform attracted even more attention today than yesterday. After all, yesterday I left in the evening, and now it's the first half of the day. In the corridors were knights, younglings...
"Well, well, if it isn't little Light," a loud voice rang out. "Long time no see."
I looked closely at who was calling me. It was Roan Lancestfield, a Jedi Master responsible for physical and combat training... At least, when I was studying, he was responsible for those aspects. The man was still tall and broad-shouldered, but years take their toll. Roan is human, which means he lives, give or take, as long as a human does. Of course, active physical exercise, constant at that, and the Force — increase a Jedi's lifespan. But you can't jump above your head anyway. So Roan already looked older than his former self. His hair had lightened, his face had become more mature.
"Oh, how you've grown... Actually, you haven't grown much; you were small, and you're still small."
"And you've gotten older," I noted.
"That happens when you don't belong to a long-lived race," Roan chuckled. "However, I see you've become quite important. Admiral of the Judicial Forces, even if it was given to you under the influence of the moment, you proved you're at least a rear admiral."
"They gave me full admiral," I noted.
"The main thing is not to get proud, boy," the man smirked. "I've known many excellent Jedi who became proud and fell... Some not only to the dark side, whom you, by duty of your service, are supposed to cut down," his tone changed slightly when he said "my service."
"You don't approve of my choice of the Judicial Forces?" I asked Roan.
"You were a kind and naive boy, regardless of whatever abilities you demonstrated. You even chose a defensive combat form; I thought you'd become a good diplomat once you socialized," the man crossed his arms. "But the 'field work' steeled you too much. And you became a killer. Not that I approve of such a choice... But at the same time, you became an excellent and strong Jedi who managed to leave a mark. You're someone to be proud of."
"It's still too early," I noted. "It's still too early. But I have to go, Master Roan," I nodded to Lancestfield and, walking around him, headed to my quarters. Inside it was quiet and calm. Jaro, judging by the messages on the datapad, was in the hangar and preparing to fly to Ryloth. Celeste, on the other hand...
As soon as I entered the rooms, a bottle flew at me — one containing water... cold water.
"Here, drink," came Celeste's voice. "You had a rough night."
The woman was sitting on the couch, her legs on the table, phlegmatically studying the news on the HoloNet.
"Aah... Thanks," I opened the bottle and drank almost half of it.
"Hmmm... I sense guilt from you... Even too strong... Get it off your chest, Light," the brunette looked at me. "I can see something is gnawing at you. Did something happen at the reception?"
"No," I shook my head. "It was an ordinary reception. Aristocrats, senators, the wealthy, high-ranking Judicial Forces officers... Though I was almost the star of the show. You could say I fit in organically." I sat down across from Celeste. "I gave Octavian a mostly symbolic gift — I had a model of the Dreadnout delivered to his address and let him know about it."
"But if it was an ordinary reception, then what's eating at you?" Celeste asked. "I could feel... you were too comfortable there... Mmm..."
"Yes, too much..."
She sniffed, then stood up and came almost right up to me.
"Oh, I see, so that's where the wine came from," she sighed, and immediately sat back down, closing her eyes and falling silent... She stayed quiet for about three minutes, and I couldn't bring myself to continue the conversation. Yeah... This is starting to feel like madness. I've been through so much in this life... achieved so much. And I'm afraid of a woman's reaction to infidelity? Why? "And why are you tormenting yourself so much?" Celeste suddenly asked. "Afraid I'll get angry?"
"Well... yes," I answered. "You're, like, the woman I've been in a relationship with for a long time, and this... this kind of thing..."
"Indeed," she snorted. "You're right about what absolutely any normal woman might feel."
"And you're not just any woman, and not normal?" I asked sharply.
"Oh, there it is," she nodded. "You're almost back to yourself. The sharp tongue is back. That's good," she admitted.
"So what now?"
"Nothing," she shrugged. Her Jedi robe even slipped a bit. "Or have you forgotten? I was doomed to a terrible fate if it hadn't been for you. What would Muur have done to me? What would he have done to the Galaxy? But you not only saved me — you gave me a second chance. I'll say this: no woman in this world would put up for long with what you did tonight with that 'servant girl at the reception.' No one but me... I don't have the strength or the desire to be angry with you over that."
"Are you even normal?" the words escaped me. If someone had been hitting on Celeste, I'd have broken a few of their bones... But here she is... Just saying there's nothing wrong with what I did.
"I'll say it again. You. Saved. My. Life. You. Gave. Me. A. New. Life. Do you understand?" she looked into my eyes. "Besides, I know you. You're not the kind who just chases after every skirt. Maybe that's your influence. I lost my pride and decided I'd always be by your side in this unnaturally long life of mine..."
"Well, you definitely have issues with pride..."
"And your problem is that you overthink every little thing," she stood up sharply, took my right hand, and pressed it to her chest. "Can't you feel my emotions? You may not be an empath, but we're close, we're bound by the Force. You should understand what's coming from me to you. Ever since you saved me, I've always felt this was something more. Not the kind of thing you find in those dumb, pulpy romance novels about candy, bouquets, and all that nonsense. I'm yours on a higher level..."
"So you're saying I can do whatever I want, but always come back to you in the end — is that what you're telling me?"
"Yes," Celeste nodded. "Call me crazy if you want. It's hard not to go crazy in this Galaxy. Especially with our kind of life. Don't you think?"
"I do..."
"Good," she concluded, pulling my hand away. "But..." She swung and slapped me. "Still, I can't just let this slide. And your guilt needs some kind of relief."
"That hurt," I said, turning my head back to its normal position.
"That's only what you think, and only you feel it," Celeste replied. "But now... I want you to make it better for me than you did for that servant. Come on, let's go to the bedroom."
"But we're in the Temple..."
"Light, you hacked all the surveillance around your room ages ago," she smirked. "Let's go. And honestly... why should I have to convince you to have sex?"
Yeah... Everyone has their own cockroaches in their head. They're different... But her cockroaches are just insane. And the most important part... Soon I'll get used to this and consider everything that's happening normal! Then again... Can I really complain? The main thing is not to let myself slip completely... Women are women, but remember the Galaxy and what's coming...