Star Wars: Galactic System - CH6

[Sion Wells. POV.]

I woke the next morning with a start, the first rays of sunlight streaming through the window of my room at the inn. My stomach rumbled, reminding me it had been too long since I had a proper meal, well… since last night that is. After scarfing down the complimentary breakfast of toasted bread and jam that Innkeeper had left at my door, bless her heart, I hurried to get dressed. 

Today I would find the library in this strange city and finally learn to read. 

I couldn’t really just use my knowledge of English to go by.

I needed to be able to understand shit around beyond just… well, what I knew.

[New Quest: Learn a New Language!

Objective: Learn a new language.

Reward: Skill Book.]

A skill book?

Well now I’m even more interested.

Wait, now that I think about it. English is not a thing in Star Wars… So I wonder what language others think I’m speaking.

‘System, what language am I speaking?’ I asked the system, mentally.

[Galactic Basic Standard. 

Galactic Basic Standard, also known as Galactic Standard, is a constructed language, inspired largely by the languages of the various founding species of the Galactic Republic: the Humans, the Duros, and the Bothans. It’s the lingua franca of the galaxy, and almost all Humans speak it instead of their historical language.]

That explains why I haven’t had a problem communicating thus far.

I suppose I might as well learn how to read Galactic Standard, at least before embarking on a whole new language.

Well, time to leave.

————————————————————

The streets of Naboo bustled with activity as I stepped outside. Merchants hawking their wares, children laughed and played games, droids whirred by on important errands. I walked briskly, eager to begin my quest yet taking in all the sights and sounds that surrounded me. My eyes scanned the buildings, searching for any indication of a library while avoiding colliding with passersby. 

After several blocks, I paused and asked a shopkeeper if he knew the way to the nearest library. He pointed down the road and said, “Keep going that way, you can’t miss the big building with the columns out front.” I nodded my thanks and continued on. The city was like a maze but at least now I had a direction. 

Before long I stood before a massive structure of stone and marble. A weathered sign above the entrance held a book, so I imagined this was it. I hurried up the steps and pulled open the large wooden doors. The aroma of aging paper and leather bindings greeted me. 

I stepped inside the library, eager to begin my quest to learn to read. The interior was just as imposing as the exterior, with towering shelves packed full of books that seemed to stretch on forever. Intricate murals and elaborate chandeliers adorned the ceilings. It was unlike any place I had seen before.

It was almost… alien. Pun not intended.

Sighing, I approached the front desk where an elderly woman with spectacles sat reading. She glanced up as I drew near.

"Excuse me," I said. "Could you help me find some books to learn to read?"

[Mora Sayd - Naboo’s Librarian.]

The woman peered at me with confusion over her spectacles for a moment before breaking into a warm, grandmotherly smile. "Of course, young man. Right this way."

She led me past rows of shelves to a section she said was for beginners. I wasn’t surprised to see simple books were meant for children, with colorful pictures and large text. Though I was eager to dive right in, I felt a pang of embarrassment at having to start with such basic… material.

No matter, I thought. If this is where I must begin then so be it. I selected a book, found a table nearby, and sat down. Running my fingers over the smooth pages, I slowly sounded out the first word. 

This was it. The start of my new journey into the world of reading.

I struggled through the pages, mouthing each word silently before attempting to say it aloud. My lips felt clumsy forming the simple sounds and sentences. I traced my finger under the text, linking the letters together into meaning. Sure, the words once spoken had meaning seeing I could understand them… but God, their writing system was confusing as fuck.

Apparently they used something called the Aurebesh script. Which felt like it came from a pyramid somewhere in Egypt. 

Occasionally the librarian would walk by, giving an encouraging pat on the shoulder as I wrestled with a difficult word. I was determined to push through, if anything to improve my chances at survival. Eventually, the stories began to take shape before me.

"I’m learning… a bit too fast, aren’t I?" I muttered, happy yet confused at how fast I was advancing. I couldn’t help but wonder if it had anything to do with the system and my stats that made it easier. Perhaps absorbing information was part of the entire thing?

Pushing that thought aside, I continued reading.

Hours passed in focused concentration. The sun shifted across the big library windows, casting angled afternoon light on my table. Other patrons came and went, most of them looking at me funny for being in the children’s section, but I remained anchored to my task. 

I was so absorbed in my reading that I didn't even notice the librarian approaching until she gently placed a hand on my shoulder.

"You must be famished, dear," she said kindly, setting a sandwich wrapped in paper down next to my book. My stomach growled loudly in response. 

"Thank you," I said sincerely, giving her a grateful smile. She patted my hand and walked back to her desk. And just like that, the librarian was the nicest person I had met thus far, she must be protected.

Grinning, I wolfed down the sandwich, suddenly realizing just how hungry I was. The short break to eat and rest my eyes was a welcome reprieve. But I was eager to return to the pages. If I continued at this pace, I would learn how to read fluently in just a few hours of work.

Right now, I was deeply engrossed in a tale about a young boy who discovered he could fly, however, as soon as I grabbed the book a flicker of movement outside caught my eye. I glanced up, drawn momentarily out of the story. Through the window I spotted a familiar face passing by on the street outside - Palpatine. 

My breath caught in my throat at the sight of his sinister features, hidden beneath the guise of a sweet kind hearted old man. What was he doing here?! My heart pounded as I watched him stop and peer into the library, his eyes narrowing as if looking for something. 

Was he looking for me?

No, that couldn’t be.

I hadn’t done a thing to get the attention of the Sith Lord.

In the great scheme of the plot, I wasn’t even a speck worth considering.

I expected a bounty hunter to come for me, but Palpatine was well out of my league, if the movies were anything to go by, a simple blaster would not be enough.

Then again, maybe he wasn’t looking for me, right?

I mean, he’s keeping the guise of a wise old man, maybe part of his persona is coming to the public library to teach others how to read. Kids maybe, it would certainly help his image.

I shrank down in my chair, hoping the stacks of books around me would shield me from view. But it was too late. His gaze fixed on me, his mouth twisting into a cruel grin. He had found me.

[Quest Failed: Avoid Sheev Palpatine!

Objective: Avoid Palpatine during your stay in Naboo.

Reward: 175,000 credits, ???.

Penalties: ???]

[Sheev Palpatine - Darth Sidious.]

"The children’s section?" Palpatine said, with a warm smile that chilled me to the bone as he approached. "A fitting place for a learner, wouldn't you agree?" His voice was honey smooth, dripping with such innocence that anyone who didn't know better could be easily fooled.

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. "Just learning to read, sir."

"That's good, very good," he replied, his gaze sharp despite his benign words. He glanced at the book I had been reading. "A fascinating tale, isn't it?"

I nodded nervously, not trusting myself to speak. My mind raced for a way out of this situation. But there was no way out. 

That being said, I knew he had to keep his cover up, so if he was planning something… he wouldn’t do so with so many witnesses.

"He's a good hero," I replied, trying to sound casual and keep my voice steady. I pointed to the book. "The boy, I mean."

Palpatine nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. A story of courage and determination. Very inspiring."

His words sounded sincere, but his gaze was sharp as a knife. He was hunting me, like a cat hunts a mouse, taking pleasure in the chase before going for the kill. But this was not the moment for that kill.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Would you like any help, young one?" His voice oozed concern as his eyes shrewdly studied mine. "I just happen to teach people like you how to read, amongst other things, usually they are kids, but one is never too old to learn."

"Thanks, but I couldn’t possibly impose such a task on your person," I replied with my best attempt at a polite smile. "You must be busy."

"Nonsense," He chuckled warmly, "it would be my pleasure."

[New Quest: A Tutor From Hell!

Objective: Get through this unexpected lesson without blowing your cover.

Reward: ???

Penalties: ???]

Fuck…

"Well, then," he said, gesturing to the book in my hands. "Show me what you have learned so far."