Shade:
«Phooh! - Shaking the sweat off my forehead. I didn't know running away and hiding from a katara was so hard, even if it was a half-breed. Their sense of smell is considered one of the best, as well as their hearing. Their stamina and agility I'm not even talking about. So hiding in the Force didn't help me at all.
Stop! I feel a hesitation behind me. I turn around, but they swoop down on me and immediately clamp their hands on my chest.
«Gotcha!
*Aah!
«You can't run now! - Weight was breathing heavily, but a victorious smile played on her lips.
«How?!
«Force jump," I shifted my gaze to the end of the corridor. To overcome my locator, she had to move much faster than we'd been taught. Concentrating on the emotion in that face, I realise HOW badly I'd been hit. Her instincts kicked in again, causing her to hunt me like a cat hunts a mouse. It was a process she enjoyed immensely, and now that I was caught, she wasn't going to stop. And considering that she has no brakes now, and won't have any in the next few days, I'm really getting scared.
«Shade? Weight? - Zeng asked, standing a metre away from us. Looking up, I notice Ramira next to him. On the other side was Feng, with a Twi'lek behind him. Lina was standing next to them, accompanied by some guy who seemed to be from an older stream.
«Guys, guys, guys... - I was glad to see them, as if they were my relatives, - Save me! I'm about to be killed! - I shouted for help, but as soon as the twins made a step towards me, Wes looked up at them. The boys were stunned, then took the same step back.
«Oh, Shade, I just remembered, there's a show we're supposed to see. It's in an hour in the main square, if you want to come," and they left.
«Traitors! - I'll remember that!
«Well, darling, here we are alone again, - she licked my lips, and her free hand reached for my buttons. Okay, I guess we have no choice.I gave a light pulse of Power, and Wes landed on my chest without feeling. Thanks, Mum, for the lessons... Who knew how I'd apply them.
«Phooey. I feel like it's going to be a long fortnight," I comment, taking the girl in my arms. How did she manage before? Although... I think I saw her taking some pills. Hmm...
Shaking myself out of my thoughts and turning my attention to Ves herself. Instincts overlaid on her own feelings and fuelled by teenage hormones... Brrr... A terrible cocktail. And she could really throw herself at the guys (I mean, remove an obstacle) and then continue her business with me... right in the corridor.
«No, no, no, no! I'm shaking my head again. No way! No way.
But I've made a note for the future. In the next two weeks... No, three, no such jokes, or she'll go off the rails again, and not necessarily with her. I'm not an iron man either, and when you have a treasure like that in your hands, all sorts of bad thoughts come into your head, whether you want them to or not.
«Fuck the division!
That bloody girl has finally snapped my self-control. If until now I was still holding on, thanks to training, now... Well, it's a natural process, and almost... No, just positive. Yeah. That's different, let's look at it that way.
Besides, you've got to be honest with yourself. I liked her! I really liked her. The other thing is, I've been pushing myself too hard. Mm-mm, n-da.
***
«Where's Wes? - Lina asked me when I got to the guys' house.
«He's resting. She was a little tired," and I could see the picture of her reaching for my hands even when she was asleep, and if she did, she was squeezing them so tightly that it was hard to tear them off. Although, I must admit, when she sleeps, and with such a smile, the kawaii counter is steadily creeping up.
«R-our? - Gris shook me by the shoulder.
«It's all right. Just a little stuck.
«I have no idea what that was about," I looked at that satisfied face and for some reason I wanted to punch it, "Ouch!
«Thanks, Rami.
«You're welcome, - the girl smiled radiantly, but the guy pouted defiantly.
«What kind of a performance is this?
«Ir-iru ea-e-ur.
«You don't know, do you? Well, well, well.
«Shade, what's that "Dick" thing you always say?
«It's a vegetable, all-knowing.
«Actually, we have Masters from other temples here. Each of them will be demonstrating their skills," Lina said.
«How do you know?
«I asked," she shrugged her shoulders, "it's unexpected, isn't it?
«Indeed.
The masters at the performance they showed us were really respected. The master from Vur Tepe showed the audience a blade made of a special steel and how to wield it. The master from Kalet showed a unique knowledge of the history, tactics and teachings of the ancients. Few appreciated it, but I could clearly see the great value of this knowledge. Not even that - this knowledge was priceless! History teaches, and they are the ones who can help with that. Old teachings can reveal some details of current issues, and tactics - the ability to plan a series of correct actions that will lead you to victory. In short, it develops the mindset.
I made a note to myself that I should definitely visit Kalet in the future. I wanted to go to the Old City, I wondered what my father had dug up there. And the Order of Stargazers was worth looking for: though the Taitons didn't like them, and their dislike was reciprocated, they might have some special knowledge. Father didn't just hang out with them for no reason, did he?
The next speaker was a master from the Bodhi Temple. The temple of art. He had a group of boys and girls performing various dances to music. To be honest, this one was a crowd pleaser. The guys were drooling over the women's part, the girls were sighing at the sight of the "matured" guys. Their movements were mesmerising, creating the illusion of a single living... mechanism? Mmm, more like a figure. And it was amazing.
I could see with my own eyes how a pretty chit girl chanted to the rhythm of drums and strings to the ancestors, putting the Force into every word. It flowed around like an invisible light breeze, penetrating into the deepest depths of the soul and stirring them. I caught myself that goosebumps were running down my back and a slight smile shone on my lips.
Then there was another performance... Although, to be more precise - an exhibition. On it to music they showed works of art created in the walls of Bodhi temple. Here I could not stand it and was among those who gave a standing ovation to the masters. Elegant white sculptures, made with filigree precision, perfectly repeated the contour of the body. Both female and male. Everything was within the bounds of decency, but great Power, some of the sculptures were on the verge of being overtly erotic. Particularly the female ones.
The paintings, on the other hand, had a greater emphasis on history. They depicted scenes of the past recreated from chronicles. Professionally recreated, I must say. And all of this goodness had some degree of Force phonation. Mmm, I don't think I could achieve that, I'm not an artist after all. But I'll definitely rewrite a couple of motifs, like that hard rhythm on the drums with the strings - chic-a-aren, you could march to that.
Next up was the master from Enil Kesh. the Temple of Science. He demonstrated unique Force techniques and explained on his fingers how they are developed. Showed some interesting mechanisms, such as the mobile holodrone. It's a small balloon that flies where it's told to go and then plays a holo-message. The temple also works with alchemy and various living creatures.
He even brought a couple of creatures with him, just to show what kind of monsters these science maniacs could make. And, of course, they were krakozabras, the likes of which were to be found on Tython. I wasn't expecting anything else, not enough animals.
The representative from the Mahara Kesh Temple came out next. The Temple of Healing. This individual, right in front of the crowd, healed a number of mortal wounds from the chimera provided by the previous participant. Afterwards, he gave a long and tedious speech about the value of the Power of Healing. Everyone got into it, especially Ramira. She was eager to go to the temple, though she was understandable.
Stav Kesh. A temple of martial arts. The master from this temple demonstrated to the guys a whole complex of martial arts techniques, both hand-to-hand combat and with weapons in their hands. And although they performed spectacularly, but I was not particularly impressed. What they showed in the performance, let's say, "mediocre" techniques. My mum taught me to shoot to kill. If not to kill, at least to incapacitate. So if I ever get in, I'll be right out of basic training. Minimum. And in general, much more interesting look the same healers, because the opportunity to heal themselves on the battlefield - priceless. Or a temple of knowledge? Hmm...
The last speaker was a master from Akar Kesh. The Temple of Balance. The Master from this temple didn't perform any special tricks. He didn't put on a show or make a big speech. No. He simply and bluntly told us that the Force is not to be trifled with. And then he explained the consequences of going deeper into one side or the other. He explained it clearly, with examples on the holoprojector. Even I got a kick out of it, even though I knew about the consequences of using only one side, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.
As it turned out, those who would go too far into the light would become phlegmatic vegetables who wouldn't care about anything, and those who would go into the darkness would turn out to be real maniacs whose bodies would decompose right before their eyes. As it turned out later, the master started from the last stage and then slowly demonstrated the process of changes, making stops on details, by which you can understand how far this process has gone and whether it can be reversed. What is interesting is that on all points it appeared that I had gone far into both darkness and light. Paradoxical, isn't it? The guys realised it too and looked at me suspiciously, but kept silent.
After the performance, our group approached the master to clarify this point.
«Master Yum!
«Yes? - He was distracted by our group.
«Tell me, what if one creature has a part of the listed traits from each side? - I asked him.
«It doesn't happen like that, - he assuredly answered, but seeing our faces, clarified, - Or do you know something like that?
«The thing is that one of our acquaintances can very easily get angry and slap in the face. Also he is not distinguished by a mild temperament and sometimes it is very difficult to have a conversation with him, especially when he is not in the mood, but fortunately it is rare. But at the same time, he will help someone in need without charge and will never refuse to help someone if asked," Feng explained, "And his calmness is also something to be envied. On very rare occasions.
«How interesting... But is that a problem? Is he changing? Does he have circles under his eyes, or has his voice changed? What's wrong with him?
«No, Master. He is still himself," Ramira said, "His voice is sonorous, melodious, which is nice to listen to, especially when he swears in his mother tongue," she chuckled and the boys smiled. I was slowly starting to blush, -The face is beautiful and the character stays on the same level.
«Then you have nothing to worry about. Your friend is just being himself. He's not trying to build someone else up, he's just showing his real self. That's all. And the sharpness is probably due to age," he looked round at our company and smirked. - If that's all, I'll be going. Have a good day.
The Master bowed slightly, and we did the same.
«Thank you.
«Good day, Master.
«Good luck, Padawans," he winked at me and left.
«Well, are you satisfied? - Lina asked.
«Yeah. All right, let's go, shall we?
«Grooo, i-auu.
«Yeah, Gris, we could use a snack too," I led our group into the dining room. Too bad Wes couldn't see it, it was a really interesting show.
***
A little later in one small cosy women's room:
N-da-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a. Who would have thought. No, well honestly, I wouldn't have believed the sincerity of Ves' complexion in my life if I didn't know the reason why.
«And then..." she squeaked softly.- And then you reached for the fasteners on my clothes in the corridor, and I had to disconnect you.
After these words, crimson, like a boiled cancer, and ruffled Wes finally crawled under the blanket. I melancholically unwrapped a chewy bar. Why? Because I was carefully restraining my inner mirth!
In general, this dialogue began with the fact that Ves did not appear in class for three days, and I, alas, do not possess telepathy. At least, not as well as she does. Ramira-asshole was silent, but she looked at me askew. So I made the most banal but necessary decision - to visit her. But, to my surprise, I found her trembling, pale and frightened. After I managed to bring her more or less to herself, I heard so much self-criticism that I was worried about her mental balance. And then I heard her ask me to recount all the things she'd done. just to make sure. So I did. Now I'm looking at the aftermath.
«What a shame... - she whispered from under the blanket for... for the hundredth time. No. It's not gonna work like that.
«Shame? - I wonder melancholically and take a bite out of my candy bar. I know it's good to be self-critical, but there are limits. And I'm not going to let her down.
«Aren't you offended? - I sounded surprised.
«At what?
«Well... I... You... So, from the start... Literally forced me. And then... Chased you... And almost in the middle of the corridor... - the last was said quietly. If I didn't have the Force, I wouldn't have heard it.
«To be honest, it's a good thing it got to you," I admitted honestly, looking at the candy bar enigmatically. This sweet stuff helps me to collect my thoughts, because if I look at it now, I'm sure I won't be able to stand it and start squeezing this incarnation of kawaii.
«Hmm? - A pair of tearful eyes appeared from under the blanket, in which there was a glow of hope. No squeezing! No squeezing, I said! Shade, control yourself.
«As much as this may sound..." I swallow another bite and set the sweetness aside, "But I don't just like you. There's more to it than that. So no hard feelings are out of the question," I squint at her, stroking her cheek automatically. - Can you call it love? I don't know. But in any case, I wouldn't even admit it to myself, let alone to you.
«Why not? - she exclaimed in surprise, climbing completely out from under the blanket.
«Because I wasn't joking then. I really don't know how to get along with girls. Being friends and dating are two different things. And I feel kind of awkward when it comes to that kind of stuff.
Yeah, a girl comes up to you and you say you'll be dead in two years and there's no point in having a family. Fucking awesome! That's fucking great! I think I've got some kind of moral trauma or something. Or am I just consoling myself?
«He confessed to me!
«Because you started it. And you did it in such a way that I couldn't say no. I didn't want to.
«And now?
«And now I don't want to! Am I a fool to turn my back on such a treasure? - Sincerely indignant, I turned fully to her, and, grabbing the handles, pulling her closer, - In that race, you showed the real you. The one you tried to hide under the mask of a calm and firm lady. Playful, frisky, but at the same time soft and so sweet that I could squeeze you.
«Cuddle? - Wes raised her eyebrows in incomprehension.
«Yeah. Here, look, - and having laid this miracle on my lap, I demonstrate what I said in practice. Ka-a-a-a-a-a-a-ayf... What a thrill it is!
«As I see, you like it so much, - I nod accordingly, continuing to smile stupidly, - Well, that's enough, - she intercepts my hands, rises herself, and looks into mine with her eyes, - Are you sure you're not offended? - she asks, coming almost close, -It's such a shame.
I just licked her nose silently, then got up and headed for the door. Man, this thing is contagious!
After my action, Wes gave me an amused and surprised look, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud. It wasn't until I got to the door that I realised I'd forgotten the bar!
"Okay. I've got ten minutes before the bell rings. I think I can make it..." - "I nodded to my thoughts and rushed off to my stash of Sweet Joy." And I mean "Sweet Joy" in the literal sense, because that's what these children's bars are called.
Vessira:
I stared silently at the closed door that Shade had just stepped through. Expecting anything from him, up to and including a scandal, I was genuinely shocked at this reaction. Ever since I was a child, I'd been raised to keep my emotions to myself, to show only what was necessary, nothing more. I was taught to keep my instincts under tight control. I was told that in order to preserve my honour and find a good husband, I must not let my instincts run wild. Unless in battle.
But Shade... From the beginning, he was himself. He was real. Sincerely laughing, arguing, and worrying... It was all real. And when he's around the guys, he becomes even more uninhibited. His jokes take on more meaning, and he allows himself to fool around. He lives each day as if it's his last. You can tell. Another thing is that if you sit down with him one-on-one, you see a completely different guy. Calm, collected, the kind of guy who hides all his pain deep in his heart.
Maybe something happened to him. Maybe he was on the verge of death, but he survived. It could well have happened on Tython. And if so, that would explain a lot of things. Especially those... hidden deep down feelings. But... Why did he take my breakdown so lightly?! I embarrassed myself and almost embarrassed him for the whole Temple, and he's... Just glad! Or does he not care at all? Ah-argh, it's so hard!
But... I did have a lot of fun. Maybe that's what I've been missing. Being able to be myself? Not being afraid to show it, not being judged by others. Just like Shade, he doesn't care what anyone thinks.
Suddenly that candy bar caught my eye. That's weird. It's supposed to be for kids, and Shade's with them all the time. Mum said snacks like that shouldn't be worth my attention. Not anymore. Hmm... Out of interest, I pull the candy bar towards me, then sniff it carefully. There's nothing wrong with it. It smells nice, sweet.
I take a bite and immediately freeze.
«M-m-m-m-m-m... - oh, how delicious! It melts right on my tongue. That's why Shade's so keen on them. Togrutians, like Cathars, have terribly sensitive taste buds, especially when it comes to sweet and sour foods. I want more!
«Mm-mm-mm-mm.
More!
«Yum! Yum, yum, yum, yum.
Yeah. He's right. You can't ignore little things like that. They're definitely more fun to live with! And tastier, too.
«Ouch! - I don't realise I've finished the last bite. - Ooh!
It's delicious. And so little. Where can I get more? You can't get them at the temple, and they're rare on Tython in general, at least I've only seen them a few times in my life. Hmm... But Shade gets them somewhere, right? Yeah!
«Shade!
***
A few days later. Canteen.
Master Irbis of the Nogri race:
I leisurely walked away from the serving area with a full tray of food. How long had it been since I had been in this place? Five to six years. And despite that, nothing had changed. As before, groups of apprentices, along with masters, trackers, and wanderers, are sorting out their lunches. Some of them are in a hurry, others, gesticulating vigorously, are sharing their impressions.
«Nostalgia," I whisper, remembering my training. I wonder, how is Master Tsikuna? Where is she? I came to meet a new student and she's not here. Well, who am I to judge her?
I wonder who they'll give me? I hope someone calmer, because then I can teach him a lot, especially in terms of meditation techniques. Ooh! The first student... It's exciting. It seems like it was only yesterday that I was learning from Master Qiquna myself.....
I shake myself up and head along the tables, looking for a seat, as my eye suddenly noticed an anomaly: a half-breed Togrut was sitting alone at one of the tables. Surprisingly familiar pigments on his face just shouted that somewhere something similar I had already seen, but where... And there were not so many half-breeds among them... Hm....
The guy's face expressed such a universal sadness that I wanted to wonder why. But that wasn't what was strange. The strange thing was that all the students were walking around him in a wide arc, and only a few of them were greeting him as they passed by. And those were the apprentices. The masters stayed even further away from him and tried not to meet his eyes at all, and that was really strange.
If this half-breed had gone to one side of the Force, he wouldn't be sitting here. If he'd done something out of the ordinary, again, he wouldn't be here. On the whole, he didn't seem like a bully or a scoundrel, but rather the opposite: he had a rather charming appearance. So why was he so shunned?
Curiosity got the best of me, so I walked towards him. As soon as I approached him, one question became more. The guy smelled of sadness and unhappiness, and the conclusion was that he either didn't know how to shut down his emotions (which was unlikely, because they taught him that in Padawan Kesha), or he just didn't want to.
«May I? - I draw his attention and point to the seat across from him. The half-breed nods slightly, not taking his eyes off his plate.
Sitting down, I put the utensils in their places and get down to business, watching my opponent carefully. But after a few minutes I can't stand it and ask....
«Padawan, what happened to you, why are you so sour?
«I was eaten... - he answered monotonously.
«What?!" my eyebrows went up. He got eaten? How?! Did I just hear that?
«I've been devoured of my favourite candy bars, my entire tuckade. And this one person emptied it in one sitting. Where is justice in this world?!
Boom! He hit his forehead on the table.
«So you're so upset about some candy bars? - I couldn't believe my hearing aid. To be THAT upset about... about... candy bars?!
«They're not just candy bars! - He suddenly exclaimed, jumping up, "They're Sweet Joy bars!" My favourite treat! Who are you, anyway, uncle?
О. The guy's not so simple. He sees the Master sitting in front of him, but he's completely oblivious to it.
«Firstly, calm down. You're getting too emotional right now, and that's not good. It could lead to--
«I don't care! Who are you and why are you picking on me?
What? How can that little brat raise his voice to Master Jedi?!
«Okay," I put the cutlery aside and use the Force, "I take it you have no education at all. So, stop! Where?! - I was genuinely taken aback when this misguided padawan just packed up and walked away.
«I don't talk to jerks.
---- silently gasped, amazed at the delightful insolence and incommensurate rudeness of this padawan! And, apparently catching on to something like that, he stopped and gave an explanation:
«I asked, please note, twice, who you were and the reason you were picking on me. And instead of an answer, I hear some bullshit!
«Because if you'd learnt the code, you'd know that when talking to an elder, you have to introduce yourself first! - I'm jumping up from my seat.
«Where's the senior? Point your finger, I can't see it.
«You-you-you-you-you-you-you.
«I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I. You reptile.
«Mammal!
«Whatever. I don't like you. So back off," said this... It... I just didn't have the words for outrage! - And yes, it is forbidden to use the Force against an opponent in the temple," he added calmly, turning away. But he was right.
Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and bring myself back to normal.
«Here's the deal. Listen to me and remember, smart-ass, or else..." I opened my eyes to judge the insolent man, but I saw his fist. A moment, and it made contact with my forehead, knocking me to the floor.
«It's forbidden to use the Force. But you can use physical force," he added, kneading his fist. And I don't know what struck me more. The fact that a Padawan attacked a master(!), or the fact that I didn't feel him coming(!). Is he really a padawan?!
Meanwhile, this guy calmly picked up the empty tray and headed away.
«Stop right there! I'm not finished.
«But I am.
«I'm done with you! - I flew up, and immediately found myself beside him.
«Mr Master, don't you have enough? - He asked me with an obvious sneer.
There was a dead silence in the room. No one dared to intervene.
«Oh, I'm looking for you," said a painfully familiar voice. Turning round, I saw Master Tsikuna walking straight towards us. Judging by the half-breed's face, he's as surprised as I am," I see you two have already met.
«Э?
«What?
«Let's go," she turns around and takes a couple of steps, but... "What are you doing?
«Master Tsikuna, who is this individual anyway? - asks the padawan bluntly, pointing at me.
«How dare you talk to Master like that....
«Later, Shade," the Temple Master waved me off. What?! She wasn't paying attention?
«Master Cicuna, ah... - but she raised her hand.
«Later! Come, both of you. I'll explain everything now," she said, glancing at the padawan with unfriendly glances, and we followed her in silence.
In a couple of minutes in the private office of the Master of the Temple:
«So. I am very glad that you have met and even found a common language, - she began. Shade, you know that the practical classes are coming up soon, right? - Padawan nodded, "Well, let me introduce you to Master Irbis. He's the one you'll be travelling with on this journey." The boy started cursing quietly, and apparently not in Togrutian. "Master Irbis, I present your new apprentice, Shade Aero. You will take over his training from me in Takeda," he said, strangely enough, but for the first time in such a long time I felt like swearing too.
«But Master! - we exclaimed.
«It was not my decision, but the Council's," we froze with our mouths open. - Well, you, Shade, can go to class, but you, Master Irbis, I'll ask you to stay.
«Of course. Good day, Master Tsikuna," the padawan bowed courteously and walked out the door. I don't get it, why is that brat acting like that? Is he sucking up? It doesn't look like it. Maybe she has leverage on him. That's more likely. But that doesn't sound like Master Qikuna herself.
«Irbis? - I was called out when the door closed.
«Master, if this is a joke, it's not funny. Where did you even find this wretch, who couldn't possibly be a Padawan? - Strangely, there was a bloodlust from somewhere outside. And, remarkably, my blood.
«Irbis. First of all, I strongly advise you not to talk about him that way for your own safety," my eyebrow went up in surprise. Is there anyone the Master of the Temple would fear so much? - Secondly, do you remember Aala?
«Hmm... Your friend? Of course I do! She's the first Je'dai I've ever seen eliminate a threat so drastically. Brrr... I wouldn't want to meet her.
«That's unlikely, since her last name is Aero.
«So? Wait!" I realised, "That guy's name is Shade A... ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah! - my face slowly stretched out.
«Yeah. That's her son. And the only one, I might add," I turned pale. Now the questions regarding the lad's behaviour are cleared. Remembering Aala, I can safely say that he is still well behaved, she almost dishonoured me. How did he find that nutcase to marry her?
Never mind, I'll think about it later. What worries me now is why they decided to attach this creature to me. That's what I asked Cicuna about.
«As I said, it's the Council's decision. You are to take him into training for a year to two years. It'll be a field job for him. And don't give me that grimace. Shade's not as bad as he looks. Yes, he's brash, a little aggressive, opinionated, but he's also a kind and helpful kid. And if you're an authority to him, he'll listen.
«But how to become an authority when he sends you to Saaral's mouth?
«That's up to you, but I'll give you a hint. He does not divide creatures into any categories, but always looks at your personality and draws conclusions. So I suggest you temporarily put the Codex aside and try to talk to him at least as an equal.
«But he's a Padawan!
«You've only recently attained Master status yourself, so....
«Yes, Master.
«But in general... He's a very interesting Togrut to look up to, Irbis. His views and aspirations are worthy of being noticed. Now go. If you wish, you may stay in your room, it is still vacant.
«Of course, Master. Have a good day," I bow and leave her office. To think, the first student, and who? The son of the most headstrong Togruta in the world. It seems the Force has decided to test me. Well, we'll see.
***
In the study after Irbis left:
«I still think this was a very stupid idea. They'll kill each other before they come to an agreement," a new voice came into the room, a little snarling.
«Maybe," came the calm reply, "But nothing depends on us now. It's their way. Maybe they'll find common ground after all.
«We'll see. Tsikuna, who was that girl chasing Shade again?
«Vessira. From his stream. Calm, quiet, caring...
Togruta raised an eyebrow.
«...At least that's how the Masters describe her," the Sith added immediately.
«Interesting. Has she been assigned a mentor yet?
«No. Not yet.
«Then they have," the Togruta nodded seriously, "Tell me more about her.
---
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