"Why did you come to find me?" Sheldon asked.
"Does that really matter?" Sheldon retorted, his expression indifferent.
"Alright," Taidor said. "The secrets of our Order are of paramount importance. Someone is slaughtering the Matukai and plundering their artifacts and knowledge. We followed the clues to several hideouts. Your Shadow Warriors joined the investigation, and we coordinated our efforts to comb the Outer Rim. Eventually, we discovered an abandoned monitoring station."
He paused before continuing. "It was a relay station. The enemy failed to completely destroy the information there, perhaps because we found three charred, unrecognizable corpses of Jedi Shadow members. Though we arrived three days too late, we managed to recover an information chip."
"Oh?" Solo asked, his interest piqued. "Any clues about the enemy's identity?"
"Unfortunately, most of the data was destroyed," Taidor said, shaking his head. "This chip is unique. We entrusted it to a female... a close acquaintance of Sheldon's for analysis."
Sheldon gave an awkward smile. Only then did Solo notice a barely visible cut beneath his left eye.
"Living life to the fullest?" Solo took a sip of Botavian Sweetwine, surprised by its unexpectedly pleasant taste.
"It's not like we're stopping you from fraternizing with women," Sheldon snorted.
"Getting to the point," Taidor interrupted their banter, activating the data pad on his wrist. A galaxy map projected in front of Solo. "We discovered from the chip that someone has access to a vast amount of Jedi information—missions and destinations of the Shadow, actions of the Consuls and Guardians, virtually everything! Much of the Warrior Order's operational data has been compromised, but we've roughly deduced the logic behind their movements. Please observe."
Solo stared at the star map. "Which galaxy is this?"
"Wild Space," Sheldon answered. "This galaxy doesn't have an official name; it's on the border of the Unknown Regions, but it holds immense significance for the Matukans."
Solo chuckled. "I knew it had something to do with your heritage."
"Indeed," Taidor nodded. "One of the planets in this galaxy may be the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Zai, said to have been founded by descendants of Zailin, the founder of the Matukans."
"Oh? So the Matukans' founder finally has a name?" Solo had always assumed the Matukans' Chinese-style culture made them more akin to the Yuuzhan Vong.
"Exploring ancient tombs always brings surprises," Taidor said with a laugh. "Before this, we didn't even know the Founder's name, let alone seen a holographic image of them. And I assure you, her hologram is definitely worth a look."
"Old pervert," Sheldon muttered under his breath.
"Shut up," Taidor snorted, tapping a few commands into his data pad. A holographic image of a beautiful woman in red robes materialized before them.
She had black hair and blue eyes, a slender figure, and wore a light, dress-like garment. Her upper body was covered by a chestplate that barely concealed her breasts.
"Indeed, she's a beauty," Solo nodded. "I'd say her fierceness level is a Fourth."
"She was a combat master, achieving great things while maintaining such a feminine figure—no signs of hormone imbalance whatsoever. That's even better," Taidor added. "I'd say she's a Fifth, Warrior Victor."
Rick Dagon, who had been silent until now, choked on his drink and burst into coughs.
Sheldon was also dumbfounded.
Is this really the time to be discussing the Founder's... measurements?
"Fourth," Solo insisted.
"Hey!" Sheldon couldn't contain himself anymore. "Don't argue with the Master about this! You're a Jedi, for crying out loud!"
"Truth becomes clearer through debate, my eternal apprentice," Taidor instructed. "Truth often lies in the middle ground, rarely discovered by a single sentient being alone."
"Don't turn this into a lecture!" Sheldon shouted.
Taidor ignored his disciple and turned to Solo. "Do you think an experienced sentient being like me can't tell the difference between Fourth and Fifth?"
"An old horse knows the way," Solo sighed. "But an old horse can also be misled by vision and physical condition. My Self-Light is clear; I've specifically trained it. That's why it's Fourth."
"It seems you're very committed to your judgment." Taidor stared into Solo's eyes for a few seconds before finally sighing. "That suits you well."
"Founder, please forgive these two..." Sheldon clasped his hands together, pretending to pray. "I'll become stronger in your name and beat this foolishness out of them! Both of them at once!"
The young Matukai solemnly swore, his naivety endearing.
"We'll continue our debate later, young Solo," Taidor said, returning to the serious topic at hand. "We've come to you because we've discovered data about you at this monitoring station—and... we need your help. The Hunter is undoubtedly heading for that Wild Space galaxy, toward the capital planet."
He glanced at Shadow Warrior Mo, then zoomed in on the image of the fourth planet in the galaxy. "You'll help us, won't you? In return, I'll give you the Order's advanced Force techniques—not just part of the Founder's research, but almost everything we possess. Additionally, I'll translate all the data we discovered on Zhai Planet for you."
Solo's thoughts scattered. The monitoring station had data about him, shrouding everything in mystery once more.
Moreover, he was primarily interested in Force enhancement techniques. He didn't care about the Order's philosophy or such things. In a low voice, he said, "On the condition that this is truly Zhai Planet."
"This information comes directly from the monitoring station's data. I'm certain he's heading there to investigate," Taidor said with conviction. "This is our best chance. If we leave now, we can arrive before him and engage him on our terms. You can eliminate the enemy threatening the Warrior Order and gain body-enhancing techniques—in techniques that won't wield a lightsaber for you, but will allow you to withstand more, like walking into a village ravaged by a lethal epidemic and emerging unscathed."
"It seems he's truly struck a nerve," Solo remarked. "So, who is he?"
"He's struck a nerve with everyone!" Sheldon slammed his fist on the table, his voice sharp. "We don't know his identity or how long he's been alive, but for years he's been hunting the legacies of Force-sensitives across the galaxy. Anyone who obstructs him faces his slaughter. To stop him, even if it means allying with the Jedi Shadows—or even the Sith—we, in the name of the Force, would willingly do it!"
"I agree to ally with you, Taidor, Sheldon," Solo said, having downed his third cup of sweet wine. He stood up. "When do you plan to depart? What are the hyperspace jump coordinates? Do you have a rough flight plan?"
"Good. We're ready to depart at any time," Taidor also stood up.
"Excellent." Solo walked toward the door. "I'll order the robots to prepare the ship for departure. The journey to that galaxy will take approximately four days. Have you arranged your entertainment?"
Taidor replied gravely, "Of course. We need to finish our earlier debate."
Sheldon covered his face with a groan.
"Then prepare yourselves. I have no intention of backing down," Solo said with a smile.
Jedi Knight Mo rose silently and walked out.
Rick Dagon moved his mechanical legs and silently walked out.
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