Meanwhile, in an area away from all conflict inside the Felucian mushroom forest.

Two lightsabers collided with their classic sizzle. Shaak Ti was probing Icarus, wanting to find out if he could sense the Force in the droid through combat, but nothing particularly appealed to him.

The super tactical droid wasn't exactly a warrior, and its body wasn't designed for combat. His joints were stiff, and his limbs heavy and slow in comparison to any Jedi. Due to his build and heavy metal body, he could not cartwheel or follow Master Yoda and his agile movements of Form IV, Ataru. However, it had other advantages in its favor.

Icarus had a reaction time far superior to that of any organic, and his movements were precise. In fact, it seemed to consume the minimum energy needed to attack or defend. And while Shaak Ti could have sliced ​​him in half just by wanting to, he decided to test the droid's full limits in combat.

First a basic lightsaber duel. The togruta tried to make quick thrusts, but the Icarus was able to deflect them by twisting his wrists with speed, without even having to move the rest of his arm. Very similar to the style General Grievous liked to wear. Then, he tried powerful blows from the sides, but in terms of physical strength, the togruta couldn't outmatch the droid. Then he added footwork.

It was then that Icarus began to have difficulties. While she could dodge blows, Shaak Ti was much faster, and the droid didn't have a chance to even reach her with his lightsaber. On the other hand, it was not very difficult for the togruta to be placed on his back, since Icarus could not turn his body with such speed. There the teacher saw a weak point that the droid had to strengthen. Later, the pirouettes and somersaults were added.

Although not an expert like Yoda, Shaak Ti knew the principles of the Ataru and used it in combat. It would leap between trees and giant mushrooms, appearing when the droid least expected it. Icarus could react to such movements that seemed completely disorganized, but little by little, the droid began to see a pattern in the togruta's movement. After about five minutes of practice, Ícaro was able to figure out the teacher's way of moving.

First a quick back, a jump to the right, he leans on a log and jumps over the droid, then... From behind! Without having to turn around, Icarus raised his lightsaber and blocked a slash from the master at his six. He didn't see it, but he just sensed that this would be the most logical move to attack, and he was correct. Shaak Ti stepped back and thought for a second what to do.

The togruta had an idea, a technique many fall for, but with the droid's slowness there wouldn't be much trouble. Shaak Ti charged forward, and Icarus got into a fighting stance, waiting for what he was going to do, but unexpectedly, the togruta leaped high above him, then slashed at him as it landed behind him. Just like Obi-Wan Kenobi did when he defeated Darth Moul, or what Anakin Skywalker (already turned into Vader) tried to do against Obi-Wan on Mustafar. But to his surprise, the droid did something completely different from what Shaak Ti expected.

Knowing that he couldn't turn around fast enough, and that if he did it was unlikely that he would be able to stop the lightsaber, Icarus lunged forward, fast enough that Shaak Ti's blade only found air in the air. his trajectory. The togruta was impressed, because it was not what she expected, but without a doubt, the decision she made was the right one. Then he stood up, and switched off the lightsaber.

Shaak Ti: - One last test. -

The togruta closed its eyes and raised its arms with open hands. Around her, dozens of small stones began to levitate, and Icarus braced himself for whatever the Jedi attempted. Shaak Ti held out her hands, and one of the stones flew at high speed towards the droid. It's hard fragment was as fast as a blaster, but to his surprise, Icarus was able to interpose the lightsaber blade between himself and the path of the stone. His reaction time was instantaneous, and he could predict the trajectory of projectiles without even having to use the Force. That droid was nothing like what Shaak Ti had seen, but the test was just beginning.

The togruta began to throw each of the stones with the same speed at different angles, sometimes two at a time, sometimes three. But Icarus was able to deflect all of them. When no stone remained, the final test came. Shaak Ti levitated at least a dozen rocks around the droid using the Force, and that's when Icarus was overwhelmed. Not being able to feel the force, he was unable to predict which of the stones would attack first, and ten of the twelve stones hit his metal shell hard. The droid was only able to block two of them.

Icarus: - Is this a common training for your padawans? - He asked somewhat surprised.

Shaak Ti: - No. Haha. How do you think a child is able to fight on par with a Jedi knight? -

Icarus: - For a moment I worried about his methods. -

Shaak Ti: - Unlike you. We organics grow as we gain strength and stamina. Training must be a daily task, to adapt our body to the use of the Force and the lightsaber. -

Ícaro: - But... That doesn't happen with me. -

Shaak Ti: - No, it doesn't. And you have no idea how many Jedi would be jealous to see your abilities without even having to go through rigorous training. But like everything, your body has many disadvantages. - He said as he sat in the form of meditation. - Come. We have a lot to talk about. -

Icarus extinguished his lightsaber and tucked it into his forearm compartment, then sat down in front of the togruta. The droid was very curious about what he was going to say, as that information might never be heard again, since they were well-guarded secrets by the Jedi. Without a doubt, each of the teacher's words could be worth its "weight in gold."

Shaak Ti: - As a Jedi. We learn different combat styles, until we find one that best suits us and our philosophy of life. Unfortunately for you, you don't have that option. -

Icarus: - I'm listening. -

Shaak Ti: - To generalize, there are seven forms of combat. Although there are many variants and personal styles. The Form I, Shii-Cho. This form you seem to master, and in a way, is very similar to the style used when wielding any other sword or club. It is based on the basic movements of attack and defense. The Form II, Makashi. He specializes in lightsaber dueling. You still have a lot to learn to be able to face an experienced duelist, so I recommend that you avoid direct combat with any other force user. Whether it be the inquisitors or the Sith lords. Form III, Soresu. Specialized in defense using short and static movements. Given what I was able to see in the duel, I think this form is the one that best suits his characteristics. -

Icarus: - But, I couldn't block all the stones in the last test. -

Shaak Ti: - Honestly, I think no common Jedi could have done it. - Those words gave the droid some encouragement. - Form IV, Ataru. This one is definitely not for you. - The Jedi laughed a little. - It consists of many acrobatics and aerial movements, something that your body will not allow. The V form. This may be very useful for you. The Shien variant specializes in blocking blasters and returning them to your enemies. The Djem So variant relies on physical strength to knock down the opponent. And that is something very few organics will be able to beat you at. However, I don't usually recommend it to any Padawan. -

Icarus: - And what is that due to? -

Shaak Ti: - It is an overly aggressive fighting style, and tends to push its users to the dark side of the Force. Although... I couldn't say if a droid is capable of falling to the dark side. -

Icarus: - That's impossible. As a droid, I know my goals and purpose very well. I don't suffer from emotions like organics, and I don't think that will change. -

Shaak Ti: - I hope so too. - He paused to think a bit. Then he continued with the lesson. - Form VI, Niman. This form is more diplomatic, and I really don't think it's something you should train in. And finally, form VII, Juyo. It is the most complex of all, and only a few were able to use it. It requires a lot of will and self-control, otherwise the combat form itself will tear you apart from the inside, although if it can be controlled, it could be the most powerful form of all. -

Icarus: - If it's the most powerful, and I'm not without weaknesses... Wouldn't this be the most suitable way for me? - The togruta did not respond immediately, and took a few seconds to think about it.

Shaak Ti: - Unfortunately, that is something you must decide on your own. -

After the small theoretical class, the combat exercises began. For Shaak Ti, it was somewhat depressing to see how the droid was able to copy each of the movements perfectly from the first try, after all, he only had to observe and imitate them, because as a machine, he could copy them perfectly. To think that all the years that the Jedi had to train to improve her Soresu, her Shien, and her Djem So, and the droid was able to imitate all of them in just thirty minutes, without a doubt, made all the Jedi's efforts worthwhile. vain. The only form of consolation he had, was that his body allowed him better agility and speed, and his creativity helped him create new techniques. Something that Icarus lacked. And so, barely an hour after starting, they both retired towards the Village.

Icarus: - Is something wrong? She's tired? I see her head down. -

Shaak Ti: - It took me years to learn those movements... And you did them in less than an hour. How do you think I feel? -

Icarus: - That's completely logical. My optical sensors are capable of capturing their movements and my processor controls my joints at the... -

Shaak Ti: - Yes... Yes... Yes. I know that. You're a droid and I can't deny that. But it's still a bit frustrating. -

Icarus: - And what about strength? -

Shaak Ti: - I... - He made a long pause to think. - I do not know what to tell you. Usually the Jedi improves his connection to the force through meditation and training. I don't know if that works for you. -

Icarus: - Well... I guess I won't get the answer so easily. -

The duo walked for a while, until they finally reached the entrance of the Village, where Icarus decided to ask the togruta one final question.

Ícaro: - I know this could be strange but... What are midichlorians? -

Shaak Ti: - How do you know that name? - She said surprised.

Icarus: - To be specific, my core... - The droid was interrupted by a Felucian who was approaching them at great speed.

Feluciana: - ¡Maestra! ¡Maestra! -

Shaak Ti: - What happens? -

Feluciano: - They attacked the refugee convoy. We've lost contact with the advance unit and the rest. -

Icarus: - How long ago!? -

Feluciano: - Ten minutes ago. On the border of the northern part of the planet. -

Icarus: - Damn. - He turned on his communicator. - Typhoon and Lance Units. Do you receive me? - The beeps of the Vulture droids responded to his call. - Head to these coordinates immediately. -

The droid turned and hurried toward the Kestrel Nova, having no time to waste.

Shaak Ti: - Icarus! - The droid turned suddenly when he heard his call. - Remember! Using a lightsaber will only attract the attention of enemies you can't defeat! -

The droid nodded, and desperately went back on its way to save its companions.