FORSAKEN II - Eternal Dawn

CHAPTER EIGHT

The Outcast flew through hyperspace by a route plotted by Syrran's precognitive skills. The route, and the ship's modified CRC H2-1 Class 0.6 hyperdrive, would cut the travel time to Lah'mu by three cycles. As the ship's engineer, Gorin had been busy during the team's stay in Kijimi. Taking advantage of their contacts with the Corellian's Merchant's Guild, he ordered original parts for the YT-1300 from its manufacturer, the Corellian Engineering Corporation. Gorin connected the dorsal and ventral turrets so they could be operated from the cockpit if needed. But most of the changes were done to the living spaces.

In the right cargo deck—now designated the "common deck"—Gorin built a terrarium for Theleema, a proper dojo, an area to play music, and an entertainment center. He also turned the crew cabins from triple occupancy to comfortable single rooms, with extra-wide bunks, desks, and ample storage spaces. In case they ever had passengers, Gorin moved four of the single bunks with two refreshers and sonic showers to the back of the common deck, and stacked them over each other on both sides. Inspired by the high-definition screens that served as viewports for the cockpit and cannon turrets, he placed sensors on the hull to provide outside vistas into the crew quarters, sickbay, right deck, and the walls and ceiling of the crew lounge without compromising the armor's integrity.

Also on the common deck, Syrran and Elynn played the seven-string halliksets—he, the silver one and she, the red. Much like his swordplay, Syrran's playing was technical, precise, unique, and performed with a surprising amount of feeling—especially for a Chiss. Elynn was a new player, more eager than skilled, but with an innate feeling for the instrument and a Master who liked to surreptitiously turn everything into a training opportunity.

Syrran used their Force bond so Elynn could feel him playing, which synchronized their fingers. She couldn't believe the first time she played an entire song without making a mistake. The challenge came when Syrran improvised, making Elynn do the same without breaking the bond. The goal was to train Elynn to focus on different things at once—not unlike using the Force when engaged in lightsaber combat.

"You were jamming," said a proud Syrran, placing his hand over his strings to stop them from ringing when the song ended.

"I can't believe I did that," said Elynn, excited. "I can't wait to play with everyone else."

"Thanks to this, soon I'll be able to start teaching you Vaapad."

"Really?"

"Being in tune with your feelings is the first step." Syrran placed the hallikset on a stand.

"When we fought the Haxion Brood, I sensed what you wanted me to do—our Force bond... I never felt so close to anyone before."

"Masters and Padawans share a special connection."

"Is that what Lum does when we play?"

"That's different. It's an ability that goes by many names, the Avar Kriss' network, Force meld, battle meld, Jedi meld—"

"That's a lot of melds."

"Ilum's species link with each other naturally. That's why we can coordinate so well together."

"Huh... when we were playing—you were thinking about Quinlan?"

"Your feelings serve you well."

"Why don't you call him Master like you do Aayla?"

"She was my Master. Quinlan just finished my training."

"I don't see the difference."

"Quinlan wasn't looking to have a Padawan and I certainly didn't want a new Master."