My apologies for all those who were hoping for the quick update I promised. I cannot believe it has been nearly a year since I've posted here! I had not realized it had been that long. In any case, here's another installment, which I hope does not disappoint. If it is any comfort at all, we are very, very close to the end now, and my goal is not to wait another year to finish. Long suffering fans include Jedi Knight 13, Mystic Winter, Secret Places, jedi-josh and starwarsforever. New on board is JayneForester who just recently discovered this story and loved it enough to write a rave review. A big thank you, to all of you!

Character List

Ali-She – Physician, Resistance member

Ana-Bai (deceased) – still-born daughter of Sho-Wan and Ana-Re, Obi-Wan's sister

Ana-Re Kenobi (deceased) – Sho-Wan Kenobi's consort, Obi-Wan's mother

Ar-Taei – Head physician of medical center, Resistance ally

Chi-Na – Medical technician, Resistance ally

Col-Fre – Resistance member, one of Obi-Wan's rescuers

La-Me – Pi-Tong's granddaughter and contact with the Resistance

Li-Na – Leader of the Resistance, Obi-Wan's childhood caretaker

Li-ta – Little girl rescued by Anakin and Ferri

Lo-Pai – Sentry assigned to guard Sho-Wan

Nar-Pol – Sentry assigned to guard Sho-Wan

Nia-Wan Kenobi (deceased) – Sho-Wan Kenobi's sister, Si-Lon's mother

Ob-Wan Kenobi – Son of Sho-Wan and Ana-Re, Regent Heir by birthright

Pi-Sin – Young servant in the Royal Residence

Pi-Tong – Royal servant assigned to Obi-Wan and Zak, secret member of the Resistance

Po-Ku – Tai-Me Shenji's Royal aide, Xi-Lo's father

Quell (deceased) – Off-worlder who overthrew Sho-Wan Kenobi, dictator-ruler of Antagalia

Sha-Khan Marjinn – Antigalia's ambassador to the Republic

Schu-Lan – Head of the Royal Nursery, Sjo-Me's personal nursemaid

Shen-Grel – Leader of the Rebel faction, son of Quell and Ana-Re Kenobi

Sho-Wan Kenobi – Lord Regent of Antigalia by birthright, husband to Ana-Re, Obi-Wan's father

Si-Lon Shengi – Tai-Me's consort, mother of Sjo-Me, Sho-Wan Kenobi's niece

Sjo-Me Shengi – Prince Regent Heir, son of Tai-Me and Si-Lon

Ta-Ping – Sentry assigned, to guard Sho-Wan

Tai-Me Shengi – Prince Regent of Antigalia

Terra-Khai – Military leader of the Resistance, Li-Na's most trusted advisor, one of Obi-Wan's rescuers

Tu-Long – One of Antigalia's Senators

Tu-Shen – Shen-Grel's son and murderer, grandson of Quell

Ti-Lo – Po-Ku's wife, Xi-Lo's mother

Xi-Lo – Traitor executed by Tai-Me, son of Po-Ku and Ti-Lo

Chapter 46 – Almost Happy Endings

Admittedly, Si-Lon was not surprised when Sho-Wan told her that Po-Ku and Ti-Lo would be officially adopting Tu-Shen. But she could not pretend she was not more than a little pleased at the outcome. When he had returned to the Residence, he had sought out his niece, suggesting they talk over tea. Si-Lon sighed as she set her cup down, then smiled, "Sjojie will be beside himself when he hears." She said.

"Where is our little prince?" Sho-Wan wondered, "I thought he would be demanding to visit Tu-Shen."

"Ah, well, he decided Tu-Shen needed a present, and we spent so much time down at the stables, that he wore himself out." Si-Lon revealed, "But I am sure he will insist on visiting him once he wakes up from his nap."

"So he wants to give his friend a mount." Sho-Wan deduced, "Did he find one that pleased him?"

"Not exactly. Although the stable-master did help him narrow down the choices." Si-Lon answered, "He believes the final choice should depend on which animal Tu-Shen gets along with the best. Sjojie was not very happy about that."

"Because Sjo-Me wanted to pick one out himself; I can see why he was disappointed." Sho-Wan replied with a nod, "But I am afraid I must agree with the stable-master's wisdom. And I am sure it can be arranged in such a way that Tu-Shen will still be surprised and know the gift is from Sjo-Me."

"The stable-master assured him of this." Si-Lon confirmed, "And he agreed to it in the end."

"Well, he should not have long to wait. I am under the impression that Tu-Shen may be released as soon as tomorrow." Sho-Wan revealed.

"That is good news. Tu-Shen will surely rest more comfortably here." Si-Lon said.

"Undoubtedly." Sho-Wan concurred, "Which brings us to another issue I feel we must address."

Si-Lon leaned forward in her chair, "What is it, Uncle?" She asked, suddenly concerned.

Patting her hand, Sho-Wan smiled reassuringly, "Do not distress yourself, My Dear; this is a happy problem." He continued, "I would like to arrange for larger quarters for our newest family."

"Oh." Si-Lon responded, then laughed lightly, "I have been thinking along the same lines. Schu-Lan suggested the apartments across from the nursery so Tu-Shen and Sjojie would be closer."

Sho-Wan rubbed his beard, "I had thought to expand their current suite into the adjacent one, however, I believe your suggestion is a far more elegant solution. Not only will it save us from the mess of renovation, but it will bring him closer to Sjo-Me – a problem I had not even considered." He replied.

"Then with your approval, I will have their belongings moved as soon as possible." Si-Lon ventured.

"My approval you have, Si-Lon." Sho-Wan answered.

"I will take care of it." Si-Lon told him, "Oh, Cook would like to know if you have decided when to reschedule your baby's reburial ceremony."

"Yes, that. I would like to wait until Tu-Shen has been released and is able to be present." Sho-Wan answered, "It would be unfair to proceed without him."

"Of course. I told her that might be the case, but I wished to confirm it with you before giving her a solid answer." Si-Lon said.

"It all hinges on when Tu-Shen is released; I would like to give him at least a day or two to settle back in." Sho-Wan added, "Assure Cook I will give her ample time to prepare."

"She will certainly be relieved to hear that." Si-Lon replied with a smile, "I will let her know."

Si-Lon poured fresh tea into her cup, "I assume you know that Ling was laid to rest with Shen-Grel and the other insurgents." She said.

"Yes, at Tu-Shen's request." Sho-Wan confirmed.

"That much I learned from Terra-Khai." Si-Lon replied, "I must admit, I was surprised when Po-Ku decided to give Tu-Shen the opportunity to make the choice. He appeared to be completely against it when I spoke with him."

"Well, he wanted to do what is best for Tu-Shen." Sho-Wan said, "His first instinct was to protect him from being hurt again."

"As any good father would do." Si-Lon responded.

"Yes." Sho-Wan agreed, "But I think he must have realized that Tu-Shen might just benefit from being allowed to choose Ling's burial place, as long as he was not pressured into making that decision. And then when Tu-Shen himself questioned him about what would happen to Ling, he knew it was the right thing to do."

"It says a lot about Po-Ku that he admitted he was wrong." Si-Lon pointed out.

Sho-Wan nodded, "It is not the first time he has done so." He replied, referring to his very public confession following Tai-Me's downfall, "He is a man of great character."

"Which makes him the perfect father-figure for our Tu-Shen." Si-Lon concluded.
"Indeed." Sho-Wan concurred.

XXX

"No, no, not karmon berries." Cook admonished, "Where did you get these?"

"In the pantry." The kitchen worker answered.

"Well, he doesn't like them, that's why they were not in the recipe." Cook informed her, "Follow the plan, Par-Ki."

"But..."

"Yes, I know it's on the list Tan-Li supplied, but there are plenty of other things on it that Tu-Shen does like." Cook explained, "There is no reason to force him to eat what he doesn't like simply because it would be good for him when there so many other choices. Especially on his first day home."

The kitchen assistant disagreed, "If Tan-Li included karmon berries, he must think Tu-Shen needs to eat them." She argued.

Cook folded her arms across her chest and huffed impatiently, "Oh, so now you are an expert on this, are you? Tell, me, Par-Ki, how many of Tan-Li's special diet lists have you handled?" She questioned.

The assistant's face reddened, "Well, none, really, but..."

"Then you clearly do not understand Tan-Li's logic when he puts one together." Cook stated curtly, "It's a guide based on the dietary needs of a particular person. Tan-Li doesn't always know what that person likes or doesn't like, so he makes a list of all foods in each category that would fulfill their needs; he never meant for us to use everything on the list. Now, if you look farther down the list of fruits, you will find the prickly berries I wrote into the muffin recipe because I know Tu-Shen likes them."

"I don't think..." Par-Ki pressed.

"Obviously, you don't. Use the prickly berries or get out of my kitchen." Cook ordered sternly, "And don't be changing anything else without my knowledge."

It was Par-Ki's turn to huff, but, wisely, she chose not to continue arguing and followed Cook's instructions (although she briefly considered adding the karmon berries when Cook wasn't looking before deciding against it). She did, however, intend to take the matter up with Tan-Li. He should know what Cook was up to.

Satisfied, Cook turned her attention to the next station, "Nice, very nice. Just a bit more seasoning." She advised.

"Yes, Cook." That worker responded.

Par-Ki glared after her superior; the second worker leaned over to whisper, "What's the matter with you, Par-Ki? Why are you questioning Cook? Do you want to lose your station?"

"I just don't think she has the authority to change Tan-Li's instructions." Par-Ki answered softly so that Cook could not hear.

"She isn't changing anything." The second worker countered, "It's a guide, just like she said. You can confirm that with Tan-Li himself if you want."

"Oh, I intend to." Par-Ki retorted before turning her attention back to her work.

The second worker shook her head as she resumed her own duties, wondering just how much longer Par-Ki would last in the kitchens with her current attitude.

Cook continued her rounds and was just about to start at the beginning again when Si-Lon entered the kitchens, "Milady!" She greeted, dipping her head in respect, "To what do we owe this honor?"

Si-Lon smiled, "I just wanted to tell you that Tu-Shen will most likely be coming home within a few days; possibly as soon as tomorrow." She said, "But Lord Kenobi would like for him to settle in another day or two before we hold the reburial ceremony."

Cook nodded, "Well, that should give us plenty of time to prepare for the banquet afterward." She replied, "I will start putting a menu together tonight."

Si-Lon glanced around the bustling kitchen, "Putting a menu together? What is all this then?" She asked, gesturing toward the busy workers.

"Oh, just a few things for Tu-Shen's homecoming." Cook said, smiling, "It being a special occasion and all."
"Ah, I see."

The smile faded, "I'm sorry. Perhaps I should not have assumed..."

"On the contrary, Cook; I am very glad you did. We should make an occasion of it." Si-Lon assured her. "Will everything keep for an extra day if necessary?"

"Not to worry. I was not sure myself just when our boy was coming home. If he is not released tomorrow I will just flash freeze everything we make today and take it out to thaw on the day he is. Then all we will need to do is reheat whatever should be served hot. Once Tu-Shen's feast is finished, we can start again on the banquet." Cook answered.

"You never cease to amaze me, Cook." Si-Lon told her, "And all this on top of your normal duties. What would we ever do without you?"

"Oh, Milady," Cook mumbled, blushing, "Just doing my job."

"Well, you do it very well." Si-Lon said, "Do you need any extra help?"

"No, I think we have everything well in hand." Cook answered.

"Good. Then I will leave you to it." Si-Lon replied, taking one last look around at the kitchen staff - who had, by now, stopped working to stare at the royal official - before departing.

Noting the silence, Cook turned, fists on hips, "Well, what are you staring at? Back to work!"

XXX

Gazing out the window, Tai-Me watched as the sun sank below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the river below. The scene was breath-taking. Once again, he wondered why he was here when, by all rights, he should be languishing in the mines; when he had been taken from the Residence dungeon he had fully expected to end up there. But instead, he had been brought here, to the manor he had intended for Si-Lon's exile. Granted, he was still a well-guarded prisoner (and rightly so), however, he wanted for nothing. It still amazed him that the Lord Regent had been so lenient with him after all he had done. Behind him, his servant coughed discreetly and Tai-Me turned to find his evening meal laid out for him. He smiled as the servant stepped back, then rubbed his temple to ease the nauseating headache that had plagued him for the better part of the day. Truthfully, he had no appetite, but he seated himself anyway and began to pick at the food before him.

"Is it not to your liking, My Lord?" The servant asked.

"No, it's fine, I am just not very hungry this evening." Tai-Me replied.

"Another headache?" The servant guessed then shook his head as Tai-Me nodded, "This is the fourth in as many days, My Lord. Have you considered something could be seriously wrong?"

Tai-Me sighed, the actual number was considerably higher, so he had already accepted the seriousness it signified, "The thought had crossed my mind." He admitted.

"Then we should tell the warden, so that the Lord Regent can be notified. Surely, he will not deny you a medical examination." The servant protested.

"I see no point in that." Tai-Me responded dismissively.

"But, My Lord, surely..."

"I said no!" Tai-Me snapped, causing the servant to step back in alarm.

The former Prince Regent sighed heavily as he closed his eyes and massaged his forehead, "Forgive me, I did not mean to be so harsh." He said quietly, "I fear this headache has shortened my temper."

"I am only concerned for your health, My Lord." The servant told him.

"I know you are." Tai-Me acknowledged, "But I would rather this remain between us."

The servant, however, was persistent, "May I ask why, My Lord?"

Tai-Me considered the request for a moment, "Yes, perhaps you do deserve an explanation." He conceded, "If, as I suspect, these headaches are a symptom of serious illness, and, considering all the pain, suffering and death I have caused, would it not be justice for me to die this way?"

An awkward silence followed until Tai-Me spoke again, "You do not agree, I take it." He surmised.

"I do not, My Lord." The servant answered.

"If someone had committed the atrocities I have under my reign, the sentence would have been slow death." Tai-Me admitted.

"That may be true, My Lord, however, you no longer have the power to make those decisions." The servant pointed out.

"Not even when it comes to my own fate?" Tai-Me questioned.

"To a certain extent, we are all in charge of our own fates, My Lord." The servant replied.

"If that is the case, my choice is to allow this illness to run its course." Tai-Me said.

"And if you die of this malady without having been treated, what will the Lord Regent think of me if I tell him I did not notice you were so ill?" The servant asked, "What will Lady Si-Lon think?"

"Then tell them I did not wish for them to know." Tai-Me suggested, then turned away, "My death would probably come as a welcome relief." He added.

"Your death will plague their consciences." The servant countered.

"I think not." Tai-Me disagreed.

The servant shook his head, "Believe what you will. But know that if you bind me to this promise, you lay a heavy burden on my shoulders." He stated, "Are you so willing to force such a fate on me?"

Tai-Me closed his eyes and massaged his temple, "I...had not considered that." He said, "I see now that it would certainly be unfair of me to ask this of you."

"Thank you, My Lord." The servant replied, obviously relieved.

Sighing, the former leader continued to rub his temple, "And perhaps Si-Lon has a right know." He continued, "I leave the choice up to you."

"You are looking very pale, My Lord; maybe you should retire early this evening." The servant suggested.

"Yes, I believe I will." Tai-Me decided.

"Would you like me to help you?" The servant asked.

Tai-Me started toward his bedchamber, "No, I can..." He began, then lurched suddenly and would have fallen had the servant not stepped forward to support him, "On second thought, I think I will need your assistance."

Obligingly, the servant helped Tai-Me into the bedchamber, lowered him onto the bed and then bent to pull his boots. Tai-Me laid back, one arm across his face, waiting for the throbbing pain in his head to subside. The servant laid the boots aside and proceeded to undress the stricken prince, first removing his breeches, "My Lord, you must sit up so I can remove your tunic." He instructed.

With a pained moan, Tai-Me pulled himself up raising his arms so the servant could pull the tunic over his head. The servant replaced the tunic with a nightshirt and helped Tai-Me lie back down, then lifted his legs onto the bed and covered him with a quilt from the rack against the wall. Tai-Me dug the heal of his hand against the side his face, and moaned again. The servant retreated to the bathing chamber and returned with a glass of water and a small capsule, "Perhaps this will give you some relief, My Lord." He said, slipping the capsule into Tai-Me's mouth and raising his head enough for him to drink.

After a few minutes, Tai-Me felt the pain begin to dissipate. He opened his eyes and spied the servant, still holding the empty glass quietly observing him, "Thank you, my friend." He murmured thickly.

"Is there anything else I can do for you, My Lord?" The servant asked.

"No, not tonight, thank you." Tai-Me answered.

The servant nodded, dimmed the lighting and slipped out. Tai-Me sighed, rolled over on his side and closed his eyes.

As for the servant, he wasted no time, heading quickly for the warden's quarters.

XXX

The warden's comm came just as the Lord Regent was sitting down to take the evening meal with his son and the other three Jedi. Excusing himself, he instructed them to start without him and headed out to take the communication. When he returned a short time later, it was clear the news was not good. He sat down heavily, "What is it, Father?" Obi-Wan asked.

"The uh...warden tells me that Tai-Me is ill." Sho-Wan revealed.

"Seriously ill?" Obi-Wan queried.

"Quite possibly, I am afraid." Sho-Wan replied, "We will not know for certain, however, until he is examined properly."

"It must have been very sudden; didn't you just receive a report from the warden last week?" Ferri questioned.

"Well, apparently Tai-Me has been suffering from headaches for some time. He just chose not to tell anyone." Sho-Wan explained.

"Until now." Zak added.

"Until now." Sho-Wan confirmed.

"But...why now?" Ferri asked.

"He could no longer hide the symptoms from his servant." Sho-Wan said.

"Has a physician been called in yet?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Ar-Taei. This is her field, after all." Sho-Wan answered, "She should arrive tomorrow."

"Si-Lon will need to be told." Obi-Wan said.

"Undoubtedly." Sho-Wan agreed wearily, and then pushed himself up.

"No, Father. Eat, I will go." Obi-Wan insisted, laying a hand on his father's shoulder.

"Where are you going?" Si-Lon asked as she entered the hall.

Sho-Wan smiled wanely, "To look for you, Si-Lon, My Dear." He greeted, "Sit. Please."

Si-Lon took one look at their faces and felt a prick of dread, "What is it? Has...has someone died?" She asked, "Please, tell me it is not Tu-Shen..."

"Please, sit down, Si-Lon." Sho-Wan repeated.

"You are frightening me." Si-Lon responded apprehensively, "Just tell me what has happened."

Zak appeared next to her and guided her to the nearest seat, "We have received a message from Spring Valley." Sho-Wan began.

"Spring...Oh no. What has he done now?" Si-Lon asked.

"He is ill, Si-Lon." Obi-Wan told her.

"Ill?" Si-Lon echoed, "How...I...don't understand..."

Taking a deep breath, Sho-Wan repeated what he had learned from Tai-Me's warden.

Si-Lon digested this information for a moment, and then glared angrily at her uncle, "How could they not have known? Are they completely blind, or did they just deliberately..."

"Si-Lon..." Obi-Wan interjected, laying a hand over hers.

Quickly jerking her hand away, the former consort turned her anger toward him, "How can you defend what they did?" She demanded.

"I am not defending anyone, Si-Lon. Tai-Me hid his illness from everyone. Even his closest servant did not know until the symptoms became too great to mask. And even then, he tried to persuade the servant to say nothing." Obi-Wan said, "No one at Spring Valley can be faulted for this."

"But why? Why would he do that?" Si-Lon questioned, tears flowing freely now as her anger cooled.

"Only Tai-Me can answer that question." Sho-Wan replied, "I assure you though, everything that can be done for him, will be. Ar-Taei is already on her way to examine him. And once we have her report, we will decide what to do next."

Si-Lon dabbed her eyes and cleared her throat, then inhaled deeply, "My apologies, Uncle. I was not thinking clearly." She said, "Would you grant me leave to visit him?"

"Well, apology accepted, but there is really nothing to forgive. It is very upsetting news, and your reaction is understandable. And of course you may see him, My Dear." Sho-Wan assured her, patting her hand, "You may go whenever you wish."

"I suggest you wait until we hear from Ar-Taei." Obi-Wan offered, "She may want him moved to the medical center immediately, and then you would be traveling to Spring Valley for nothing."

Si-Lon nodded in agreement, "And it may turn out to be not as serious as we fear." She added hopefully.

"Possibly." Obi-Wan concurred, though privately he was not so optimistic.

"Mama!" Sjo-Me shouted, announcing his presence as he danced away from Schu-Lan and plopped himself down in the chair nearest his mother.

"Well, hello, Baby; did you have a nice nap?" Si-Lon queried, wiping the last of her tears away and smiling at the little Prince.

"Schu say we go see Tu-Shen now." Sjo-Me continued, ignoring her question.

Si-Lon lifted the boy into her lap, "That's right. Mama promised didn't she." She replied.

"Yep. Pwomished." Sjo-Me repeated.

"And have you had your evening meal yet?" Si-Lon asked.

"Uh huh, with Shu." Sjo-Me answered.

"Well, that's good. I suppose we should get going then." Si-Lon said, "Terra-Khai has arranged a transport for us."

"Good." Sjo-Me responded, suddenly somewhat distracted, he reached up and touched Si-Lon's cheek, "Mama, you sad? You eyes leakin'."

Si-Lon forced herself to smile, "Oh, Mama just got a little bad news." She said lightly, "Nothing for Sjojie to worry about."

"But I'm sorry you sad, Mama." Sjo-Me persisted, "Can I make it better?"

"I wish you could, Baby." Si-Lon replied, hugging him tightly.

"You crushin' me, Mama." Sjo-Me complained after a moment.

"Sorry, Sweetie." Si-Lon said, releasing the toddler and lifting him off her lap.

As soon as his feet touched the floor, Sjo-Me took her hand and pulled, "We go now, Mama?" He queried, "Please?"

Si-Lon allowed her son to pull her up, "Alright, Baby." She conceded.

"You are not going without escort, surely." Sho-Wan questioned.

"No, Uncle." Si-Lon assured him, "Terra-Khai will be accompanying us."

"And Schu." Sjo-Me added.

"And Schu-Lon, yes." Si-Lon confirmed with a nod.

Sho-Wan nodded in approval, "Very good. Be sure to tell Tu-Shen we will come to see him again tomorrow." He said.

"Of course, Uncle." Si-Lon replied, as Sjo-Me tugged on her hand again.

"Mama, come on." He insisted.

Si-Lon sighed and then rose from the chair, "As you wish, My Prince." She responded and allowed her impatient son to lead her out.

When she was gone, all eyes turned to Zak, "What is your feeling on this, Zak?" Obi-Wan asked.

Zak shook his head, "I think this thing will kill him." He answered.

"Do you have a sense of how much time he has left, Zak?" Anakin questioned.

"That isn't clear." Zak said, "But I feel that it won't be very long."

"I feared as much." Sho-Wan responded, "When I sent him to live his days out at Spring Valley I never thought there would be so few of them."

"If Zak's hunch proves to be true, Si-Lon may wish to spend those last days with him." Obi-Wan said.

"You may very well be right." Sho-Wan concurred, "In which case, I wonder if it would be better to move him back here."

"Possibly." Obi-Wan agreed, "And it could give Sjo-Me a chance to know his father."

"Yes." Sho-Wan nodded, "However, I will wait until we have heard Ar-Taei's prognosis before making any decision."

XXX

Tu-Shen had already eaten his evening meal when Si-Lon and Sjo-Me arrived at the medical center with Terra-Khai. Leaving the two boys to talk and play together under Schu-Lon's supervision, Si-Lon, Po-Ku and Ti-Lo retreated to a nearby waiting area where Si-Lon's news of Tai-Me's possibly serious illness overshadowed the joy of Tu-Shen's pending adoption. Po-Ku urged the former royal consort to remain optimistic until after Tai-Me's examination. No point, he told her, to lose all hope yet. Si-Lon found Po-Ku's words comforting and encouraging.

By the time they returned to Tu-Shen's room, the pair had engaged both Schu-Lon and Terra-Khai into their game. They watched the game progress for a little while, then Si-Lon announced it time for them to go. Sjo-Me was reluctant to leave, but then Tu-Shen's nurse appeared to ready her charge for the physician's evening visit, putting an end to any protest Sjo-Me have mounted. And so, Sjo-Me said goodnight to his friend, promising to come again the following day if Tu-Shen was not released by then. Ti-Lo and Si-Lon exchanged hugs, Ti-Lo whispering encouragement regarding Tai-Me's diagnosis.

Not long after their departure, Pan-Luk appeared to evaluate the swelling in Tu-Shen's broken fingers; carefully unwrapping the bandaging that held the temporary splints in place, the physician gently prodded the tender digits and nodded in approval as he replaced the splints, "Well, what do you think?" Po-Ku prompted.

"What do I think." Pan-Luk repeated, rewrapping the bandaging that held the splints in place.

"His fever is down, the swelling in his fingers is nearly gone and...take a deep breath, Tu-Shen." He instructed as he ran a scanner down Tu-Shen's back, "Good, very good. And his lungs are clear. At this point, I see no reason why we cannot set those bones in the morning before his orthopedic evaluation."

He smiled down at his patient, "With any luck, Tu-Shen, you will be sleeping in your own bed tomorrow night."

"Will...will it...hurt?" Tu-Shen wondered apprehensively.

"Not at all, I promise." Pan-Luk assured him.

"Will you be giving him something to put him to sleep, then?" Ti-Lo asked.

"I'd rather not because he will need to recover afterward and probably miss his appointment with the orthopedist. I'd rather try a localized pain blocker first." Pan-Luk answered, "But if you would prefer him to be anesthetized, that would be your choice. I would just advise against it."

"Well...I just thought...with all he's been through...it would be best..." Ti-Lo responded.

"Would that mean he would have stay longer?" Po-Ku questioned.

"Possibly. Depending on how he is affected by the anesthesia." Pan-Luk guessed, "And, of course, he will more than likely need to return for that evaluation unless you wish to keep him here until it can be rescheduled."

Ti-Lo sighed, "I don't know..." then turned to Po-Ku, "What you do think, Dear?" She asked.

"Personally, I don't think it..." Po-Ku started.

"Mum, can't I..." Tu-Shen tried interject.

"I just don't want him traumatized again." Ti-Lo stated firmly.

"With all due respect, Milady; I don't think he will be traumatized if I set those fingers when he is conscious." Pan-Luk said.

"Excuse me, can I..." Tu-Shen tried again.

"I'm not sure I agree; he watched Brune break those fingers." Ti-Lo argued.

"Oh, Ti, the circumstances are completely different. I think Tu-Shen can figure that out for himself." Po-Ku countered.

"Umm...do I have..." Tu-Shen attempted once again.

"And I assure you, Milady; if it appears Tu-Shen is in any way uncomfortable or frightened, we will sedate him." Pan-Luk added.

"Mum, really, I'll be..." Tu-Shen started one last time.

Ti-Lo shook her head, "Why put him through..."

"EXCUSE ME!" Tu-Shen shouted, finally gaining the attention of three adults.

"No need to raise your voice, Dear." Ti-Lo reprimanded.

"Sorry, Mum." Tu-Shen responded, ducking his head in shame, "But it just seemed like you all forgot I was here."

Po-Ku smiled and raised the boy's chin, "We did, didn't we. We also forgot that you should have some voice in this matter since they are, in fact, your fingers." He admitted.

"I'm not scared; Pan-Luk said it won't hurt." Tu-Shen stated boldly, "And besides, I'd..kind of like to...watch."

"I do not think that is such a good idea, Tu-Shen." Ti-Lo countered.

"Why?" Tu-Shen challenged.

"Well, I just...think..." Ti-Lo started uncertainly, then turned to her husband, "Po-Ku, help me here."

"I can't, Dear." Po-Ku said, "Because I don't see any reason for him not to remain awake if that is what he wants."

"And anesthetics are always harder on the patient; the recovery period is long and most patients experience hallucinations of some sort." Pan-Luk added, "If you are concerned about him being traumatized when I set his fingers, you might consider how much more traumatized he will be by the after-effects of the anesthetic. Are you really willing to subject him to that unnecessarily?"

Tu-Shen, who had listened to the exchange with comment, now turned to see what Ti-Lo's response would be. Ti-Lo reached over and brushed the hair off Tu-Shen's forehead, "I just want what is best for our boy." She told the physician.
"I believe that is what we all want, Lady Ti-Lo." Pan-Luk assured her.

"Very well, do what you think is best, then." Ti-Lo finally conceded.

"And I assure you, if I see he is becoming too fearful or anxious, I will sedate him." Po-Ku promised as he made several entries in Tu-Shen's data chart.

Then he smiled and tousled Tu-Shen's hair, "Get some rest, Tu-Shen, because I will be back early tomorrow morning." He concluded, then turned to Ti-Lo, "And you must not worry, Milady. I do not expect the settings will take any longer than an hour or so. And, of course, you and Lord Po-Ku may stay with him if you wish."

"Thank you, Pan-Luk." Ti-Lo replied, "And I apologize for questioning your judgment; It's just that he has been through so much the last couple of days."

"It's alright, Milady; I understand." Pan-Luk said, smiling, then shook Po-Ku's hand, "I will see you in the morning, then."

Po-Ku gripped the hand in response, "Thank you, Pan-Luk."

Pan-Luk nodded to them both, patted Tu-Shen on the shoulder, then departed.

Putting an arm around his wife's shoulders, Po-Ku whispered, "Don't worry, Ti; it will be alright."

"I know." Ti-Lo sighed, "I know."

"I'm not scared, Mum, so you don't need to worry about me." Tu-Shen added.

Ti-Lo smiled as she bent down to kiss his forehead, "You aren't are you, my brave little boy." She said.

XXX

As her shuttle made its way toward Spring Valley Manor, Ar-Taei studied the notes regarding what was known of Tai-Me's illness. Personally she had never liked or trusted the former Prince Regent even before the Resistance had finally ousted Quell from power. But the Lord Regent had personally requested this examination, and she could not allow her personal feelings affect her judgment; besides, Tai-Me was her patient now, and it was her professional duty to treat him as she would any other patient no matter what her feelings toward him might be.

She sighed and shook her head as she reviewed Tai-Me's symptoms; the severity of the headaches concerned her in particular. While there could be any number of causes, the most common of them did not bode well for Tai-Me's recovery. However, it would be premature to make any diagnosis based on symptoms alone. She gazed out into the darkened landscape for a moment before she leaned back into her seat and closed her eyes

"Pardon, Madam Healer, I am on way back to the galley, is there anything I can bring you?" Her copilot asked from the cabin doorway.

Ar-Taei smiled, "Thank you, no." She replied, gathering up her files, "I think I will try to rest for a bit."

The copilot nodded, "Shall I wake you when we are close to docking?" He asked.

"A warning would be nice, thank you." Ar-Taei answered as she placed the files back into her valise.

Again, the copilot nodded and turned toward the galley. Ar-Taei selected the sleep option on her seat and sighed heavily as the seat back lowered and the footrest rose to allow her to rest more comfortably.