Star Wars: The Ancient Force

C H A P T E R . 1 6 -- Unspoken

AN ILLUSION IS CAST. Terra appears to be wearing sunlight rather than cloth, in the way the sun hit his golden-yellow cloak. The sunlight parts to fall behind his shoulders, revealing soft whites and yellows that were rich yet easy on the eyes, welcoming their gaze. His clothing consists of expensive materials found only on Coruscant, yet aren't accompanied by any designs or decorative accessories or even grooming styles, like most living there. The tailoring is a simple, casual sharpness, such that any Coruscanti would be jealous to look so good with yet be so comfortable. He presents as a modest, humble diplomat with an air of friendly invincibility. A man looking no older than 50, poised as if he has known all emotions, all people, all worlds. One that would take no issue over whether he died now or lived forever. One who's warm smile pacifies any concerns.

One who looks genuinely happy to see them.

"But I doubt you will be happy after our conversation," Terra says. "It would do us both good if we ended this conversation now."

"Why?" Luke asks, concerned yet respectful.

Terigo shows her embarrassment and says to Luke, "That's an incredibly disrespectful thing to ask someone hundreds of years older than you, at least like that, rather than assuming they know better and merely ask for enlightenment."

Luke looks to Terigo and—

I don't mind, coming from him. He's being very respectful for someone being raised out here.

—and jerks his head back to Terra.

Luke thinks, Were those my feelings or his?

They were Terra's, mine, Terra says with his mind and an amused grin, like he were seeing an infant take his first taste of sweetcake. Terra had sent, not words, but feelings and concepts to both Luke and Terigo. It had happened in about half the time that it would've taken to translate those feelings into speech, but twice the amount of time it would have taken if Luke had been reading Terra's mind too. Luke notices the subtle warmth of someone else's essence in his own: Terra's connection; and he would notice the pulses of extra warmth when Terra sends his thoughts.

The man that speaks without a mouth, Luke recalls. He had forgotten all about what the child at the mines said.

Terra lets Luke's surprise settle before telepathing again. I do hope you come to enjoy this form of talking, like we do, we meaning Terigo. It's by far more accurate and efficient, and just simply feels better. Everyone else in the galaxy seems to find it strange or invasive. Understandable considering how desperately independent and antagonistic everyone is out here. So I'm glad I get to enjoy this moment with you two. It's refreshing. You'll certainly aide my powers of Light when I remember you two children are out here growing amongst trials harder than what our people could ever offer.

Terra had used no hand gestures, only eye movements, facial expressions, and natural body language. None of these were deliberate gestures, just the natural movements caused by thoughts. Luke wouldn't realize for years that Terigo actually did use gestures when telepathing. She did for two reasons: her younger skill level in it, and years with the Sith & Imperials where she needed to rely on only gestures. Luke thinks, I guess gestures wouldn't be needed to help illustrate a point, would they, because he had felt something like textures or flavors to the feelings and images that were sent to him. These were all the subtle associations Terra had with each word. These faint feelings were like the subtle flavors of gourmet foods that Luke had been treated to since his fame; the smoky wood flavor of that Larlox steak; that one drop of lemon in his tea. They're illustrated perfectly with pure thoughts. It is efficient... and beautiful, in a way...