At last here I am again. These are coming less and less frequently I am ashamed to admit.

But still I press on. We're getting closer to the core of the story. Therefore it's getting more...serious...than I first hoped.

Hopefully you'll enjoy it !

And as usual, let me extend my special thanks to:

Brzenczyszczykiewicz (very difficult name to spell right, but I didn't cheat with a copy-paste) for following, favoriting and reviewing ! Glad you enjoyed the part with the mind, I think you may like the second part of this chapter ;) And, see, I have come through this time again !

Gamelord42 for favoriting this epic journey

Rainbow Prime and hplillybanks for following Firefly's adventures

And all anonymous readers who are passing by !

And now...action !

disclaimer[61]

Chapter 61 :
Double trouble

When I open my eyes there's a bright light shining directly into my face. I squeeze them shut again, mentally cursing the one who is responsible for those dreadful bedside manners. I hear a groan similar to what I'm feeling somewhere on my left. Bastila's not pleased either.

Someone snorts between Bastila and me. Mocking us, is he ? Irritating. I crack an eye open in his direction to shoot him a look.

So Jolee is now the target of two murderous glares from opposite directions. Pity. Were it someone else he or she might have cared.

But as it stands, the fossil merely snorts again.

« Well, aren't you two cute, he rasps. How're you feeling ?
-Fine. »

We snapped at the same time, Bastila and I. This is starting to be kinda fun. Jolee seems to think so too. He chuckles.

« Teaming up on me now, huh ? Blasted youth ! »

One of the monitors emits a « beep ». The old Jedi spares it a glance.

« Seems even the computer is on our side, I smirk. Which is : we're actually fine. So this is where I bid you goodbye. »

I sit up and swing my legs over the edge of the infirmary bed. I stand up more carefully than I make it look, take my stuff from the bed table, and make for the exit.

« How's Dantooine ? »

That makes me pause. Once again the old fossil knows more than he lets on. I look back at him, eyebrow raised.

But Bastia beats me to it.

« Destroyed. »

Matter-of-fact, emotionless voice. Good. I nod slightly at the Prodigy and leave.

Equipping my earplug I start talking.

« Well Chip, seems I once again gave out on you.
-That would come from your organic limitations, he snipes cheerfully. Rest assured that I most certainly recorded every available data on the phenomenon. My research on the Force is advancing.
-Glad to hear it. Listen, we need to get a move-on. How long was I out ?
-Three hours two minutes and thirteen seconds.
-Okay, so not as bad as I feared. »

I pop a blue pill into my mouth while pondering our next actions.

« We're going to Anchorhead. How's your research into Eleth Hopkick going ?
-Not as well as my forecasts predicted. According to the data you shamelessly stole from the Enclave he was a Jedi Padawan on Dantooine, recruited slightly older than average. He participated in the Mandalorian Wars from the bits and pieces I could correlate together, but his role remains unclear. Republic military records do not go beyond the moment when Revan's fleet went beyond the Outer Rim, and he apparently did not warrant any appearance either in any local news feeds or in gossip on the Holonet. In short, he seems just an average Revanchist.
-There's more to it, I mutter. Has to be. Did you access any records on his demeanour during his training ? Any particular character trait ?
-The Jedi keep their records very protected. As of yet I have not managed to push too far into the cracking of their encryption system. What fragments I have I have already given you. However if you wish me to investigate his training further I shall focus on that.
-Well it's a start. Good thing we downloaded all this data before leaving, right ? And to think you were disapproving of me then !
-It has been brought to my attention that such data mining is generally not considered good manners amongst you sentient beings. I was merely sharing my newly acquired knowledge.
-Hah, right ! You were just sore we had to delete your auxiliary sound library in order for the data to fit within your storage space !
-I do not understand your meaning.
-And anyway you didn't need to have thirteen different sound effects for « insect buzzing past » !
-Clearly my storytelling abilities are diminished by this loss.
-When's the last time you told a story ?
-Eleven months, four days, six hours-
-See ? Long time ago then. Obviously you don't need that on a daily basis.
-The probability remains non-zero.
-And you'll never be prepared for all the events with non-zero probability. So let's focus on what we actually do need right now, and that is more data on Eleth.
-Who's Eleth ? »

I narrow my eyes at Carth.

« No-one you should be concerned about, Captain Grumpy.
-Right. Who is it ? »

Damn his bigger frame ! Blocking the way quite efficiently there. And annoyingly too. I shoot him a challenging look.

« I told you. None of your business. »

He narrows his eyes and his faces loses all amiability.

« Okay Hopkick, he growls. I'll say it this way: you're not leaving here until you tell me every damn detail about that Eleth you're being so dodgy about. »

I frown. Reverting too much to smart Captain Paranoid to my liking. I pinch my lips.

« Fine. But not here in the corridor. I would prefer it if the whole crew didn't know. »

He remains suspicious. But I think he's buying it.

« Cargo hold? I propose. »

He watches me for a few seconds then his shoulder relax a bit. He lets me slip past him and follows.

Meanwhile I try to come up with a credible lie. I sure as heck am not revealing my lead until I know for sure the Republic isn't involved. Not that the evidence is overwhelmingly comforting in that sense.

No. Focus Firefly. Need something coherent and embarrassing. Shutting my ego down now.

We arrive in the cargo hold. As expected there's no-one there. Carth shuts the door and faces me.

« So ? What's the deal ? »

Think fast.

« Okay, look…you know I've been a scout most of my life right ? Well, there was this job, back on Pegasus Prime. Scientific expedition in the Fungic Hills, to study a very precise kind of ecosystem. I'd been working on the planet for a couple of months so I had a pretty good knowledge of the place, and I got myself hired as their guide. Four scientists, two gun carriers and I. Everything was going okay until I…well let's say I got er…distracted. Long story short I thought I was the only guy who outran the killer sheiros. They're bugs. Very territorial. And always up for some food scavenging. Anyway it seems I was wrong. Eleth, one of the gunners, managed to survive too. And he…well he kinda found my trail, Chip tells me. But you interrupted me before I got a chance to have more details. There. You happy? »

I for one am proud of myself.

« Wow, he chuckles half-disbelieving. Seems you sucked even at your real job.
-I hear we all make mistakes.
-That we do, he leans against the wall. But since that's the first time you ever admitted to one I'm curious…just how did you 'get distracted' ?
-Must you always ask the embarrassing ones ? I wince.
-Especially now I must, yeah, he smirks. »

I sigh dramatically.

« This stays strictly between us, okay ? »

Oh yeah he's got amusement written all over his face. I'm pretty sure just what he's thinking of and I'll be damned if I make any effort to change his mind.
He nods.

« Okay, I sigh. Well since you must know, I was distracted by one of the scientists. Kathley was her name. Sharp eyes, even sharper wit. Gave me so much sass…
-Figures, he snickers.
-Well she was fun, I snap. Damn shame she didn't make it.
-I'm afraid to ask, but did you even try to help her get out of the mess ?
-You wound me Carth ! I protest.
-Okay that wide-eye thing isn't convincing at all Firefly.
-Duly noted. Anyway there was nothing I could do. Little bastards were fast. And she made the mistake of trying to get dressed before dashing off so… »

I finish by a non-committal shrug. He sighs and shakes his head.

« Okay I get why you don't want people to know. Hadn't realized but…I don't know you at all actually.
-Well as this example shows, it might be for the best, I grin. Come, we need to get to Anchorhead now. Did the bolt-bucket make a list of what's needed ?
-But Firefly, we already have a list, Chip objects. We need not-
-Yeah it's on a datapad somewhere…here, Carth answers reaching into his pocket. But before that…what happened with you and Bastila ? Did you have another vision ?
-Yeah, guess you could call it that, I shrug. Malak and his fleet destroyed Dantooine. I suppose given Bastila's ties to the planet it made us both sick. »

The Commander's face turns ashen and he leans on the wall for support. I frown.

« Hey…you alright ? I ask clumsily.
-I…yeah I…well actually no, of course not ! he mutters. Poor Bastila, he adds with a sigh.
-Yeah, poor Bastila, I echo with little conviction. But she'll shake it off, and our problem remains. We need to go. »

I make for the exit. He doesn't even budge when the door hisses open, eyes lost somewhere in his thoughts. I amend:

« At least I'm going. You do whatever you want. Laters Nostalgia Commander ! »

Well I got the broom&lekku combo with me on this one. Juhani's sulking, Canderous is off hunting, Carth's still in need of a system reboot, and frankly bringing Jolee around would not have been an improvement.

At least Mission's as excited by my driving as I am.

« WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO! »

Ah, so young….naive enough to keep her mouth open during the ride…

Truth be told this is slightly more challenging than usual, because with Zaalbar on one booster and Mission on the other the balance is far from perfect. But we make do. And sure enough with only a few new scratches on the bike we arrive at the settlement.

As we dismount we attract quite a few curious stares. Granted, a Wookie with a blue Twi'lek and a dashingly charismatic midget is an unusual trio to drop by such a settlement on a race bike, but we've been around for some time now and so has Czerka. They could've become used to this by now. Oh well.

I start pushing the bike along as Zaalbar helps Mission cough sand out, wondering how I could shake the two tag-alongs for my…private order of business. As much as I hate it it's clear that there are still two leads to follow in this city. First one's the Twi'lek doctor's medical scanner, the other one is Trisha. She knows the real Eidan, and she might possibly have heard of Eleth. If they're related…

And bringing Mission along is out of the question. No-one can have this edge over me, and especially not that insufferable and loud brat.

« That was AWESOME ! Mission exclaims as soon as she is able. Right Big Z ? The wind and the speed, wow ! Gotta learn that, you'll teach me right Firefly ?
-Already tried as I recall, I mutter. Wasn't much of a success.
-Yeah but it was the first lesson in my whole life ! she argues. Nobody gets it right the first time ! Not even you I'm sure ! And I'm a quick learner !
-Well I'm a lousy teacher, I shrug. So you know. Not the guy for the job.
-Guess Carth'd be better to get the basics, she purses her lips thoughtfully. But he ain't gonna teach me the fun stuff ! »

I laugh at that.

« Nobody's gonna teach you the fun stuff, you have to figure it out on your own. That's the fun part !
-Yeah, neat ! It's gonna be awesome Z ! Oh ! But we'll need a two-people bike or something like that. Do they do that kind of thing ?
-I'm sure they do, Zaalbar reasons. But that sort of thing is expensive, maybe it would be easier to make one ourselves.
-Hm, maybe, she shrugs. Or to steal it.
-From the right person, that is, the Wookie points out.
-Yeah, from some slimy old rich guy who won't share with the needy, she grins.
-Lot of people matching that description, I remark distractedly. You may want to narrow your search to the harmless ones.
-Pf, where's the challenge in that ? she huffs.
-Finding such a perfect target on a not very secure planet and with still all of its belongings, I wager.
-Haha, right ! she giggles loudly. What's with all the stares ? she adds in a serious whisper. We hadn't gotten this much attention the first time !
-Agreed, I reply in kind. Stay sharp. »

And we're there. Yuka Laka's. I seriously hope he's got what we need.

The Ithorian seems even more servile and slow than the first time I was here, which is a feat in and of itself. He doesn't let me leaf through his inventory this time however, which makes the whole ordeal especially tiresome. It's as if with each article he is debating for what purpose I could possibly need it, and whether or not he should let me buy it. By the third part I'm already pissed off.

« Listen the question is simple: do you or do you not have a Dan VII carburator ? I grit my teeth. No need to speculate as if trying to solve the hunger issues of the universe !
-Yuka Laka is err searching the inventory. There are so many rows…
-Well have me search it ! Here, I can-
-I would not offend you this way ! he replies swatting my hand away. Trust me Sir I will give you full satisfaction.
-It's a tad late for that, I mutter. I'm getting the impression you're buying time, Yuka Laka. Why is that ?
-Yuka Laka is not ! he exclaims with a hint of panic in his voice.
-Then that you are unsure whether to cooperate with me. Who did you talk to, hm ?
-No-one ! Yuka Laka serves his customers well, see ! The part you are looking for, I have it, right here, see ?
-Took you long enough, I huff. Show me the goods, I need to see the state it's in. »

I follow the nervous Ithorian. I'm pretty sure he was hiding something, that something's upsetting him. Maybe it's because he sold HK-47 to that bounty hunter guy knowing how it would be used ? Possible, yet not so plausible. What assassin discusses his plans with a not-so-bright shopkeeper ?

Mission's caught up on it as well. She's watching the guy from the corner of her eye. Ah, if only she weren't such an insufferable sentimental brat. Perhaps then she would've been good for something. I also notice that we're still getting looks from the street. Some people are even stopping and whispering to one another.
And I don't get why.

This is irksome. So much so that I don't quite concentrate on the part Yuka Laka gives me to examine, and I almost drop it.

« Careful Firefly ! Zaalbar growls. This one is fragile ! »

He's not wrong. Although some of these can be quite tough, I remember how someone got smashed on the head with that by a Gundark and believe me it wasn't the part that gave in, no sir. Apart from the bloodstains it remained totally usable and, curiously enough, once powered up it started humming in a more…sardonic way.

Anyhow, Chip pulls the thing's datasheet and I compare the two distractedly, not noticing for a few blessed seconds that Mission started asking me stuff. For the next ones I choose to ignore her. I think in the end Zaalbar answers instead of me. All good.

I agree to the purchase but as we are getting back to Yuka Laka's counter I lead him to take a detour around the entrance, hoping to catch what the frack all the fuss is about.

And I'm not disappointed.

I hear only a name.

Trisha.

Just what I needed.

« Job, got a mission for you, I hiss.
-Ha ha, she rolls her eyes. Whatcha want, Smartypants ? »

I check that Yuka Laka's busy fetching me the « gift-wrap » I demanded. Anything to get him out of my hair.

« Need your streetwise skills, I say quickly. You noticed that everyone's watching me, and it has something to do with Trisha. Being the subject of the whole village's gossip is not good.
-C'mon what wrong can that do ? she retorts. So people gossip, they tend to do that, ya know ? You gotta live with it.
-Idle gossip can go a long way when you're in hiding Mission ! But you wouldn't know what that means I guess, what with the Hidden Beks' base being left in plain view and all. Guess they twisted your sense of what 'hidden' means.
-Don't talk 'bout the Hidden Beks you bastard ! she immediately flares up. They're all dead and it's because of you !
-Ah correction, it's Malak who gave the order and his minions that fired.
-Just…don't speak 'bout any of it okay ? she grits her teeth. Not you, not now.
-Fair enough, I shrug. Bottom line we need to know what the rumor says and who is listening to it. If we're not careful we may get very unwanted attention.
-Oh yeah, we need to protect our very secret presence, she arches an eyebrow. All the more secret with the fact that you're almost the champion racer of Anchorhead and we killed off a couple of Sith assassins a couple of blocks away. Masters of stealth here. »

Damn she's got a point. Okay, two. Won't be that easy to shake her off.

« Yeah well it can't hurt to be careful, I sigh. Look if you can't be bothered just say so. I'll figure out another way to get my intel.
-Hey I never said that ! she gets defensive. I'm just sayin', I'm not sure it'll help is all. 'Sides I don't wanna leave you alone. 'Cause, you know. Assassins…and ya ain't the most stable guy these days. Don't wanna have you fly off and leave us behind ! »

Ah, she seems to have finally learnt something. But one tiny tiny detail seems to have escaped her notice.

« The Hawk's in pieces, remember ? »

She chuckles.

« Yeah there's that, she admits. Okay then, I'll get your intel Firefly ! Anchorhead gossip, here I come ! You with me Big Z ? »

The Wookie looks at me. Takes me a while to remember what the dilemma is about.

« Go ahead, I smile. I'll be fine. »

And off with them. Yuka Laka's still not back from the storage. Did he succumb to a paper cut or something ?

I'm slightly puzzled when I emerge from the shop, carrying the repair parts for the Hawk. It seems I intimidated the shopkeep so much that he didn't dare to ask what a gift wrap was. I wasn't this hard on him, was I ?

« What is the next step now, buzzing light ? Chip enquires.
-Now my very electronic friend, we get some answers. First using some science, then using…whatever it takes.
-This is not very enlightening…
-I'm not very comfortable discussing the details when everyone's watching me from the corner of their eyes.
-Understandably so. You could switch to another language.
-Ah, now that's not a bad idea, I smirk picking Twi'leki.
-Not a bad choice, he comments. Mando'a might have also worked well.
-I think it's more likely to be at least recognized. That might have been more of an indication.
-Very well. So, what is the plan now ? »
I explain it to him. Two steps: first, I want to get a full medical check-up, including extensive imagery. I want to know what in space the Jedi put into my body and whether I can get it out without causing too much damage. That's where we're headed now. And secondly, possibly based on what I'll have found out, I'll have to see Trisha again. Know more about Eidan, and find out whether she knows something about Eleth as well.

I open the door to the clinic.

Hadn't expected it, but there are actually people in the waiting room. A couple of injured people who look like miners, a woman with a finely dotted kid, and a twitchy Twi'lek.

Guess picking Twi'leki as an unknown language around here was not my brightest idea.

That one retains my interest for a bit though, because his skin is a rare blue I have just managed to shake off in the form of Mission. Irksome.
His eyes widen just a little bit when he sees the blaster on my belt. Fellow coward, is he ?

This is annoying though. I don't want to wait till all of these people get served. And I especially don't want to stay in this closed space with the little one. Fortunately it is remaining tame for the moment.

The door to the doc's office swings open. Out staggers a Rodian with a bandage covering his whole face, leaning on the walls for support.

« Can't do more than that, the Twi'leki doctor says curtly. Have someone change the bandages twice a day, wash it with clean water before applying a new bandage. Take a seat here, I'll tend to one of your friends there and then he can help you get back home, okay ? »

The patient only nods slowly and obeys. The moment the doctor is free all the people in the room rush at her, each one arguing why their problem is more urgent than the other ones'. True to my scout mentality, I prefer observing at first and taking notes. I notice that the miners are showing her their datapads, and I overhear something about insurance. The woman on the other hand insists on shoving her progeny's skin condition in the medic's face. The Twi'lek has no datapad, but the ear-drilling pitch of his voice finishes to persuade me that this is, in fact, the infamous brother of my irksome teenager tag-along.

Frankly I'm surprised I haven't seen them together more often. She did talk about him a lot and she seemed to genuinely miss him. Something must have happened.

In the end no amount of whining on the mother's or the Twi'lek's part can compete with Czerka's money apparently, because it's one of the miners that gets chosen. As the rest is getting back to their seats defeatedly the doc takes a look back at the room and her eyes stop suddenly on me.

My level of discomfort just skyrocketed.

« Changed my mind, she snaps at the miner then points a clawed finger at me. He gets it first. »

I don't quite like how she puts it.

« I am left to wonder at this Twi'lek female's reaction towards you, my charismatic friend, Chip chimes in. My files on our last encounter with her do not justify such a strong reaction.
-That's what I'm worried about, I mutter. »

Nonetheless my wish not to be left standing here was granted. What more could I ask ?

I swiftly mask my unease behind a polite smile and follow her.

« Hello Doctor, I greet. Might I ask what prompted you to- »

I cut myself off mid-sentence when I see her face after she closes the door. She's positively studying me, practically glaring scalpels.

« Have I…done something wrong or…? »

She doesn't answer. The hostility is palpable. Though if she simply couldn't stand me she'd just send me away…right ?

I won't sink so low as to squirm under her scrutiny.

She turns sharply and goes to sit behind her desk, business-like.

« So what's wrong with you ? she inquires. »

I need a second to recollect my thoughts from the blaring alarms in my head.

« Um…I-I need a full checkup, I babble. »

She looks me in the eye and raises her eyebrows questioningly, waiting for me to elaborate. I take a deep breath.

« I want to see what's inside of me. »

Judging from her expression, she has a creative idea on how she could help me achieve such a feat. I narrow my eyes.

« Using your machines, of course.
-Of course. »

Now she's just messing with me.

« That's expensive, she snaps.
-How much ?
-Two thousand, now, cash.
-Two thousand ?! That's-
-That is ten times the normal rates for a standard scan such as this one, Chip completes in my ear. For a core planet clinic of course. However even for an Outer Rim planet have I seldom found even approaching prices.
-That's the price, she growls. »

Damn it. She won't budge. I guess that's where some Jedi mind trick could come in handy but…I don't know. I never really learnt to do that and if anything goes wrong well…I need her brain intact.

« If you pay now, you will be left with twenty-eight credits, Chip offers. You have been worse off; nevertheless I would be more partial to sparing the money and-
-Does the price include better manners ? I cut him off.
-…spend it on more reasonable-
-That's not for sale, she sniffs.
-Well, shoot, I huff. Here I thought I would get my money's worth.
-…expenses such as a neat upgrade-
-You want it or not ?
-…ignore me why don't you-
-What can I say ? I shrug defeatedly. Here's your money. »

I pile the credit chips on her desk.

« Now let's get to it. »

The doctor is deeply unimpressed. Unnerving. Her gaze slides on the money, which she counts quickly. Her claws grab the pile, and she guides it into a drawer on her side, which she swiftly locks before standing up and starts for the machines.

I follow her hesitantly.

« Hey Chip, I whisper. You uh…you know anything about these procedures ?
-It is…typical of you to only start wondering this now, he replies cheekily. My knowledge of course extends to medical equipment, for as you well know my curiosity is boundless; this knowledge is however purely theoretical.
-So, nothing of use.
-Not in your immediate predicament, no. There is however something I can do for you.
-What's that ?
-Wish you luck. »

I can't help but chuckle at that.

« Thanks bud. »

I can feel the smugness. Smartass.

The doctor is glaring again.

« Got someone on the phone ?
-None of your business, I snap back.
-Wrong. You hang up now, you switch all your electronics off, and you strip down to your underwear. You can leave your stuff in the box there. That includes your implants if you got any.»

Switch it off ?

« Why ?
-You really want to know or are you just being difficult ?
-Hm I'll settle for the first one.
-Anything you wear and especially any electronics may interfere with the procedure. Also I don't like it when there's a chance anyone is eavesdropping on what I do.
-Are you saying you don't want anyone to hear me scream ?
-Don't tempt me.
-…that's not what I was hoping to hear.
-Shut up and get moving already ! »

I don't think I ever got undressed this quickly. But I only start feeling really bare after having to shut Chip down. Now I'm truly alone with this maniac.
I could still grab all my things and get the heck out of here. Though then I wouldn't get my answers, would I? There's no emotion, there is rationalisation.

« Get in the cylinder, the Twi'lek orders. One you're there, don't move until I say you can.
-W-
-And keep your mouth shut ! »

Fine then. I cautiously look into the man-sized space I'm supposed to get in no questions asked. Not welcoming. It's made of cold metal I'm sure I'll have to get in contact with at some point judging from the rails it's mounted on. It's in good condition at least. I eye what looks like manacles on each side of the cylinder. Not putting my wrists in that.

I turn to look at the doctor. She's a second away from pushing me in. I obey.

« Hands in the bracelets, she barks.
-No way !
-Then no imagery. No refund too.
-Well since you put it like that… »

No choice, arguing is pointless.

Sure enough the bracelets ensnare my wrists, pinning me to the icy metal surface. I'll catch my death here !

Or on second thought, she'll provide it for me, judging from the predatory grin that just drew itself on her face. She walks over.

« Well now, Eidan, let's talk. »

Her tone chills me to my bone.

« I thought you wanted me to keep my mouth shut ? I quip tentatively.
- Stop trying. I want answers and I want them short, precise and truthful. If I'm satisfied, then I'll get you what you paid for. »

Intriguing. Where does that county doctor fit in the grand scheme of things ? I highly doubt she's an agent for the Sith or for the Republic. Some third party in the conflict ? The Exchange maybe ?

« What are you doing here ?
-Er…not getting a full body scan apparently ? »

She groans, then moves to a cupboard. She opens a drawer, takes something and returns, annoyance written all over her face.

« Okay. From now on, you make fun of this or stall for time, you get zapped. This is your only warning. »

Oddly enough, I'm relieved somewhat by this feeble threat. I guess the good doctor is not very used to this kind of thing. This tells me she doesn't really want to hurt me. So, not a professional interrogator.

And besides, if I really need out of this tight spot…I still have the Force. And a lightsaber tucked in my stuff there.

« Again, what are you doing here on Tattooine ? »

I'll be half honest.

« I have a job to do here. If all goes well, I'll be out of your hair - so to speak - shortly.
-What kind of job ?
-Treasure hunt, I roll my eyes. Listen, is this really what you want to- aaaaaAARGH !»

Damn, for a stick so small is sure stings like mad. My fingers are still tingling when she removes the offending object.

I'm sure my hair is all over the place.

I glare at her.

« I thought we were having a discussion ! I snap.
-Wrong again. Not a very good record for a genius of your caliber. »

I raise my eyebrow. This spite is getting ridiculous. I look her dead in the eye and drop by my control room. Time to do some Force-snooping. So, a couple of possibilities. Either I get her to talk about stuff and I merely monitor how she reacts, or I get more intrusive. Never really tried the second way, but it sounds appealing.

« What are your intentions towards Trisha ? »

Well it seems I don't need to snoop after all. Too bad, I was looking forward to it.

« Frankly the less I see her the better. »

She nods to herself, groaning.

« That's what I told her, she mutters under her breath in Twi'leki. Stubborn…
-I beg your pardon ? »

She shoots me a murderous glare.

« You hurt her, bad, she snaps. And you're going to fix it. It's your family, your responsibility ! »

Now where have I heard that one before ?

« I'm sorry but since when is any of this your business ?
-Since I'm the one who's curing her nervous breakdowns you sleazy sleemo ! »

I won't give her the satisfaction of an answer. I raise an inquisitive eyebrow. She looks appalled.

« You don't even care, do you ? »

Silence. She huffs, an expression of silent disgust frozen on her face, then casts her gaze slightly to my left.

« She told me you were strange but…but this ? She's your wife ! The mother of your kids ! How can you just toss her away like that ?! »

I hear there's no emotion and that there is peace. How I wish it were true right now. The spike of panic struck me right in the heart. Pang. My head starts swimming and the world gets fogged up. My flesh runs cold. But that is second to the onslaught in Mens. The floor is shaking due to the turmoil in my lower levels. Fear has gotten loose again. But I suspect that is not all. This runs deeper. I suspect some repressed memories are at work here. The emotional memory database has always been a force to reckon with.

I send all hands to work, to consolidate everything they can. I have no plan, just to somehow be faster and more endurant than what is happening. Though I doubt it'll be sufficient. I guess I'll have to go and see what's what myself.

I leave instructions with my barracks - Rocket was on duty, finally some good news - get my wits together and start the descent.
The tremors threaten my balance on the stairs. I finally manage to tumble down to the third level, where the stairway ends. A thick smoke is obscuring my vision. Some parts of the ceiling have already collapsed, leaking rays of light in the otherwise dark cave I'm in. I need to find the root cause of all this quickly, otherwise who knows what will become of my mind ?

I take off running. I lose count of how many times I stumble due to the uneven ground; soon my whole body bruises over from my untimely encounters with the various obstacles. I narrowly avoid breaking an ankle after slipping on an unidentified stain. No telling if I'm going up or down. I keep going though, pushing myself to go faster. If I'm late…

Finally I reach an end of the caves.

The opening is in a cliff towering over what looks like a lifeless desert. Dark rocks are protruding here and there from the crackled layer of dry mud; not even a dead bush to be seen anywhere. No wonder I never come down here.

A new tremor interrupts my musings. There ! I think I see the epicentrum, surely there's the root cause of all this agitation ! Bits of mud and rocks fly as the ground shakes, as if something were knocking on the surface from below - with a sledgehammer. I stop to think a bit. How in space am I going to do anything about this ? I mean, sure, this is my mind but…it's the subconscious ! I have very little control over anything that happens here. I observe more attentively the surroundings, but really it's all bare.

But if I do nothing then I surrender my control. And that's out of the question.

Climbing down is tricky. The surface offers few holds, and the frequent earthquakes are not helping. Suddenly, when I'm about mid-climb, one quake emits a different sound. My muscles tense. It was a rippling sound. For a few milliseconds I dare neither move nor look. The silence is terrifying.

And then…

*scritch*…

*crack*…

*crack*…

*crack* *crack* *crack*

*ripple*

*RUSH*

This time I look back.

An enormous geyser of oily black liquid is sprouting out of the ground, oozing through the scars in the mud, rushing down the canyon at an unrealistic speed. The information barely registers with me before I'm climbing back up again. I can't go fast enough though, I'm sure of it. I just hope I avoid getting caught on the flow.

A horrid smell of decay crashes into me, making my head swim. Glancing back I'm flabbergasted at the sheer volume of liquid storming down at me. My current height should be sufficient not to be caught right now, but only barely, and if the level continues to rise…

Painstakingly I push myself to continue to climb. My fingers are hurting, my arms burning. This is the most dangerous moment to control. I force myself to focus on the climbing then, and only that. It's easy. Find hold, shift my weight, stabilize, haul up, repeat.
The cliff shakes again, and Pandemonium breaks out. I stick to the cliff, holding onto the rock, running songs and poetry through my head to block the racket out.

The river hit the mountain. It's running right below me. I glance down at my feet. The surface is below me, about twenty centimeters. Good. I'm safe for the moment. I only have to wait for it to calm down…

Wait, something just moved. I'm…I'm almost positive I saw…

An arm. Grasping for a hold on the cliff. Can't be…

The bony fingers clasp on an asperity and the arm flexes. The shape of a head emerges from the black goo. I needn't see more. In a panic I try to resume my ascent despite the fury of the river's assault on the mountain. Rocks are falling around me, I'm fumbling for new holds, not taking the time to make sure they're reliable.

I really don't want to get caught by the zombie.

My foot slips. I'm now hanging by my fingers. Tears mix with sweat on my face. It damn hurts ! Methodically I probe the stone to regain my footing. And that's where fingers close around my left ankle. An electric jolt shoots through my body. Instantly I picture a face, an identity.
Trask Ulgo.

Really ? Wasting subconscious space on that idiot who got himself killed back on the Endar Spire ? I can't believe I got so scared of him !

I glare at him and aim a good kick in his now uncovered face. He's wearing the same stupid look he gave me when he first saw me fight. My heel connects with his nose. There's a crack, and down goes the zombie. Huh, not that tough nowwHAAAAAT ?!

Trask's body falls into a forest of flailing arms and emerging faces.

Now I'm in trouble. My mind races to find a way out. I can't outrun them. So my best bet is to take control, to conjure up some kind of help. I focus as hard as I can. I want to silence my fear, get my panic under control, cast it all aside. But the earthquake is too strong, the ruckus too deafening, the stench too invasive.

Despite my frantic defence I'm quickly outnumbered. Dozens of faces hit my conscience. Their names. Their deaths.

Most of them were Republic soldiers. Died in battle alongside me. Or in prison. Then there are more. The insurgents I had slaughtered when they refused to turn their weapons against the decadent Republic. Refused to become Revanchist.

I feel myself fall, brought down by the sheer mass of bodies grappling onto me. They plunge me into the black liquid. I gag and cough, flail around but it's no help.

Images of the massacre flash before my eyes. One by one these men are brought to their knees in front of me. One by one they defy me with their accusatory glare. And one by one I wave their lives off. The murky thuds of their heads are muffled by my righteous anger.

Betrayal I will not tolerate.

A strong grip grasps my shoulder. This one is a warrior. I see a mask. I see a purple lightsaber. I see how Mandalore got cut down.

A more gentle touch now. Meri-Wran. Jedi Padawan. Died in space battle. Then Nilfhir. Jedi Knight. Followed me right from the start. Died of wounds. More and more early followers spring to mind. Some got crippled. Some died more quickly. I remember vividly now.

The goo is sticking to my throat, it's like drinking glue.

Their whispers are soothing though. It's calm down here, below the surface.

My skin starts burning up. Something's grappling me ! Something strong and malevolent ! I struggle to break free. Elbow here, mean kick there, but every movement I make is rendered useless by the liquid's ability to slow me down. Without speed I simply have no chance. The creature's claws drill into my skull.
I expected pain. Instead I feel nothing. More exactly I feel empty. As empty and desolated as the world I see below our orbit. As with all my previous victims, this one I recognize instantly.

This one is Malachor V.

A wave of nausea washes over me. It's like vertigo, like staring into an endless abyss. Into the void.

And I created it.

Yeah. I did that. I decided to destroy that planet. Made it happen.

I didn't know one could feel so sick and so powerful at the same time. My mouth opens but I don't know if I'm laughing or retching. Unpleasant. Exhilarating. Addictive.

A new pulse runs in my veins. Burns like acid. Seeps in my flesh. Wakes it up. 'Tis the tickle of a new strength.

This is when I fell to the Dark Side of the Force. When I lost my freedom.

Never again.

A blinding ray of light cuts through the tentacled shadow that has wrapped itself around me like a bloodsucking medusa. I raise my arm to shield my eyes. It chills me to my bone, sending shivers down my nerves. The pulses become erratic, as if they were scurrying away in fear. My head is dizzy. I feel something closing around my wrist, and then I black out.

I wake in a violent jolt, my last images still vivid in my mind. The Jedi. Malachor V. That feeling of megalomaniac jubilation. And that mystical light, what has happened ? Alas, I find that I am in a hospital room, and a Twi'lek in a lab coat is examining me. There's an empty syringe in her hand; she uses her other one to catch me by the shoulder.

This is not what wanted to see right now. I want my answers !

She doesn't miss a beat. With precise movements she puts the syringe away and picks a tiny flashlight which she shoves into my face while pinning me to the operating table with her forearm. I yelp and squeeze my eyes shut. But she's undeterred and pries one eye open with her sharp fingernails. She mutters something. I don't understand. Don't care to. I need to go back to Mens. Whatever she injected me with is making it difficult. Paths are deformed, and the sensations I get from her medical examinations are intrusive. My frustration grows. My attempts are increasingly messy.

I glare at the medic, who has thankfully moved on from the study of my eyes to my pulse.

« Leave me be ! »

She ignores me completely with that air of superiority doctors have when they 'know what's best for you'. Anger surges. I wisk my hand away from her fingers.

« I said, leave me alone ! »

This gives her a slight pause and levels me with a pensive gaze. Pondering how to get me to 'be reasonable' no doubt. Not in the mood.

« You just came out of an hour-long state of unconsciousness, she informs me carefully. All your vitals shut down in that time. I need to-
-You need to back off, now, I growl. »

Her eyes widen slightly as she connects with my gaze. She's about to say something, but then she closes her mouth and steps back. Well, at least that worked.

After a few seconds she even turns around and walks to a desk. Good. I close my eyes again, even my breaths. Will the drugs to wear off, and let me back into my mind. Focusing on my heartbeat, slowly, I detach myself from my physical body.

And fall straight into a deep crevasse. No first level of consciousness, I'm getting right back to where it all went wrong. To the low levels.

The fall is painful. But a conscience can't break its legs, which is a definite bonus. I'm on an island, surrounded by the black goo. But more importantly, I am not alone. Another man is sitting nonchalantly on the ground, one arm laid on top of his knee, the other supporting his weight against the rock. He looks up.

My own face grins at me.

« Nice of you to drop by, he quips.
-Good stars, don't tell me you're a metaphor ! I groan.
-I prefer viewing myself as a hyperbole, I think I look the part, he shrugs. You on the other hand…
-These days I'm closer to the oxymoron, and yes, I'm keeping the 'oxy' on purpose.
-As long as you're not keeping the moron. Those people are tiresome.
-Quite. Look uh…this'll sound stupid but…who are you ?
-Oh just the guy who saved you from drowning in your old demons, he smirks. You're welcome by the way.
-But you're…me…right ?
-What makes you think that ? »

Wordlessly I point at my face.

« What, your nose told you ? he arches an eyebrow.
-No, we have the same face.
-So ?
-So unless you're my twin brother that got somehow into my mind, I don't think it's a coincidence a guy who looks exactly like me is here in my subconscious chatting with me.
-You would be right in that respect.
-Well then, are you me ?
-Come on, I'm smarter than that ! »

I pause a moment, to observe him attentively. This whole situation amuses him. Full of self-confidence. Smartass.

I match his smirk.

« Fine then, don't tell me. Won't help in your predicament though, you're stranded here, whereas I can leave whenever I like. You'll get bored quickly.
-Touché, he winces. If I tell you though, will you take me with you ?
-Where to ? I frown.
-The higher levels.
-And what will you do there ? I enquire suspiciously.
-Watch what's happening…walk around…even help out if you want ! he proposes. Got a very nice set of skills you know ? I am a genius.
-But how do I know I can trust you there ? »

He sighs.

« So suspicious ! Need I remind you that I am, and have been for a long time, a part of your mind whether you like it or not? »

I look him over once more. I'm not very keen on letting some guy from my subconscious out. Could get messy. He shakes his head with a smile.

« There, as a show of good faith I'll volunteer one info, he bargains. I'm not you. You, though, are me. »

I mull it over.

« But I'm not just you, am I ? »

He winks.

« Won't tell you more before you promise.
-Fine then. I promise I'll take you up from here.
-Hmm there's a loophole there, but alright, I'll trust you on this one, he grants graciously. Well then, big reveal coming up. Woo I'm getting nervous there ! »

He's sitting upright now, playing with his fingers. He's excited, that's obvious.

« Well, my name's Eidan Hopkick. I know, that last name smells worse than fried circuits with three-months-old cheese that stayed all this time in a bottle of Tarisian ale on them. And believe me I-
-…have smelt it, I finish. Once or twice.
-Quite. Bad news for you though, that name is also yours.
-Eleth, right ?
-And Eidan.
-Eleth Eidan ?
-Well mostly Eleth.
-Now I'm confused.
-You used to be Eleth. This, around us, is Eleth's body. Eleth's mind. The base structure is his. But…stuff happened. Some of it you saw down there. Some seeped into your dreams. Some you still haven't recovered.
-Bad then.
-You bet. And this structure got so damaged it could not be repaired. It would crumple or…get a…graft so to speak.
-A graft of mind ? How would that even work ?
-The Force, duh !
-You know of the Force ?
-Been around you long enough to learn a thing or two, yes. Besides, when weird things happen you can bet it's linked to the Force somehow.
-True. So what happened exactly ?
-I gather this place had been decaying for a while when it got critically damaged on the physical level. Meaning you got shot down by some massive weapon, almost direct impact, and the debris did the rest. Anyway, some badass Force user undertook to stitch your mind together, and for that he used a…very accurate memory you had stored away. Of me. I suspect it has also served his plans, for he did what he could to hide Eleth behind Eidan. Buried Eleth's darkness behind my oh-so-bright awesomeness. »

Ripples appear on the dark goo's surface whenever the name Eleth surfaces. This confirms the suspicions I've had until now. He passes his fingers through his flaming hair. My next deduction is now obvious:

« You're my brother, yes ?
-Yep, he chuckles mirthlessly. I was.
-You died on Dxun. »

His head spasms slightly.

« Let's not…dwell on that, he winces. »

I scramble to him but find that I am at a loss on what to do. Seek some contact perhaps ? To ascertain that he's really here if nothing else. I tentatively raise a hand. Lay it down on his.

My little brother.

« You…mourned for me, he murmurs.
-I did.
-You barely knew me anymore.
-Irrelevant.
-I barely knew you too. »

The agitation worsens. I smile.

« That was for the best. »

We stay like that silently. And as with all the people I've touched down here, I remember him.

Small Eidan. The only family I'd have left some day. That's what my…parents…used to say. I remember them too. And our ship. The Happy go lucky. The very image of my father. He was a scientist. Geologist. He was fascinated by every place we came across. To him each pebble had a meaning. As for my mother…
She never said. I knew though. I felt it on her whenever she took my hand, tapped my head. I heard it in her voice whenever she told me not to be afraid of monsters in the night. She reeked of death. But you get used to it.

I missed that smell after she left. Kinda missed the fights too. It was better than the horrible silence she left in her wake.

She and Eidan.

So when years afterwards he stumbled upon me I was…unable to take the emotion. Jedi training didn't help. So I did what I did best. I stored all the data in my most trusted hard drive, Mens, for further analysis.

And then he went on and died.

Fracking Mandalorians.

I raise my eyes to find his watching me intently. I arch an eyebrow.

« Soooo, starts with the beginning of a smirk, about that escaping these sorry dungeons ?
-Not quite yet. I still need to know some things.
-Lay 'em out then, he huffs. Don't get all sentimental on me though, you know neither of us is good at it !
-Good enough for you to find a wife though.
-Beg your pardon ?
-Trisha. What's the story ? »

His brow furrows. Intriguing. Not his wife then after all ?

« I…I don't seem to know about this, he finally says. Well, more precisely, you don't seem to know about this.
-Of course I don't, that's why-
-No, no, you don't get it. I mean to say, this information is not available in your recollection of me.
-Meaning that-
-If there was something…I never told you about it.
-I see. Now that is troublesome.
-I did however imply something of the kind. Yes I think I told you…I had something to show you on Alderaan. Something incredible. I think you-
-Even took some leave to come with you on the following week, I complete, recollecting the event. But alas in the meantime, you were killed. »

He shudders as I mention the event again. Shoots me a reproachful look.

« Sorry, I apologize. There's more though, I have it on the tip of my tongue.
-What would that be ? he inquires, his interest piqued.
-I was curious as to what that incredible thing was. And so, I investigated and…you know I think I found your Trisha's whereabouts ! »

My sister-in-law then, that's who she is ! And yes, I remember the dread I felt when I first discovered that, through little Eidan, I still had some family left. A sister-in-law, and a…a niece.

« What did you do ? Eidan asks.
-Most logical thing to do, really, I shrug. I made sure the widow of my brother would not go penniless. Got her a high pension. Sent her a message. But…
-But ?
-But I never told her who I was. Nor that she was held in special regard by the Jedi officer I was. I found it to be more prudent. Safer for them all, that is certain. Creating bounds then would have been senseless ! Especially considering-
-Considering what ?
-Considering what we were planning to do. I…the details elude me. Damn, do I still have more barriers in my mind ?! After all this ?! »

Eidan shrugs indifferently.

« Seems so.
-The box ! Perhaps this part is in the safe box !
-Which box ?
-The one higher up, it…never mind.
-I do mind ! he objects. I'm curious now, tell me !
-That's not part of our agreement.
-That's rude. Come oon ! I'm you, aren't I ? What could you possibly gain by not telling me ?
-We'll see. In the meantime, another question. »

He groans.

« Fine.
-How does Chip fit into all this ?
-Chip ? Ah yes, that would be my personal computer. Best friend anyone could ask for. You kept him then ?
-He's with me. But I don't think…he doesn't know my real identity then ?
-How should I know ? Ask him !
-Quite right. And…HK-47 ? Yours too ?
-Nope. Yours.
-But Chip said-
-Well I did create it. But you wanted it. Had fun working on that, yeah. Lots of cool new techniques and materials. Practically limitless funding too ! But man, programming a psycho AI ! I'd never do that again.
-And so…the vulnerability to a particular sound…
-Hey, I wasn't going to create the ultimate assassin droid without making sure I had the off-switch !
-Sounds reasonable. You do that every time ?
-Yup.
-Did you…do other things for me ? »

His eye twitches. New ripples form on the surface of the black goo. I frown.

« What's the matter ?
-I…I'm sorry I don't think this is the best moment…or the best place…to talk about that.
-Why not ? »

His green eyes flash me a warning glare.

« Just take my word for it ! he grits his teeth.
-O-kay…
-Good. Now, you got other questions or can we blast out of this place ?!
-Gee look who's all testy now !
-Circumstances sometimes call for such outbursts.
-So, I had it coming.
-Exactly.
-Fine, good. Yeah, so what's with this all being triggered by the mention of… »

I hesitate. What if the mere mention of the word breaks all hell loose again ?

« …of kids then ? »

I think I felt a tremor. All my senses are on high alert. Eidan puts his hand to his mouth in mock-horror.

« You said the word ! he whispers childishly. You shouldn't say such things ! I'll tell !
-Will not !
-Will too !
-Will not !
-Will too ! »

I briefly wonder if he's as stubborn as I am.

« Will not !
-Will too !
-Will not !
-Will too ! »

Of course he is.

« But why is it so bad ? I ask.
-Trying to reason with me now, are you ? It's just bad ! Reaaaaally bad !
-And whyyyyyy ?
-Becauuuse !
-But whyyyy ?
-Becauuuse ! »

It occurs to me that while he has all the time in the world I may not. After all the Twi'lek doctor may be trying to harvest my organs now.

I narrow my eyes.

« Seriously, tell me now. Time may be of essence.
-Oooo using such elevated words now, of course I must obey !
-I'll use whatever means necessary, words are just the beginning, I growl.
-Threats now, with your own brother ! I'm shocked !
-Said brother starting to be a real pain the ass, I think my methods would be justified. »

He sighs and hangs his head.

« Okay well since I've had a peek of what these 'methods' of yours imply… »

He motions to the black goo around us. I suddenly remember my nightmares and feel a spike of disgust. He arches an eyebrow at me.

« And seeing as I'm notoriously a coward, he adds, I guess I'll have to comply. »

Finally.

« Can you repeat the question ? »

I grit my teeth. Getting information out of him…! That is, out of me…out of us…insufferable, I tell you !

« What's our problem with kids ? »

He smirks.

« Oh yeah, that. Well I'm just the memory you have of your dashing brother Eidan, I'm not your psychiatrist. Or else I would already be charging you sithloads of credits after having provided exactly zero answers. »

I should've known. He bursts out laughing. I glare.

« You're not much fun, you know that ? he jabs. Come on, gimme a smile at least ! Man those responsibilities really don't do you any good !
-Which responsibilities ?
-As usual. Saving the galaxy. Well that's what you've always said at least, have you been putting me on ?
-What do you mean, « as usual » ?
-It's not that complicated. It means that as far as I know you are in the habit of claiming to be saving the galaxy. You're supposed to be the educated one, but I'm guessing it's more difficult without Chip supplying you with precise definitions.
-Walked right into that one, didn't I ?
-While remaining seated, quite a feat wouldn't you say ?
-I'm just that talented, I roll my eyes. Still, you're saying that I told you something of my occupation ? I was trying to save the galaxy ?
-You used to say lots of things, he shrugs. But you said you had your orders directly from the highest command. Directly from Revan himself. »

Thunder roars. Eidan frowns.

« I said something I shouldn't have ?
-I think that name is also a bad word down here. It is something I have…had experience with these days. »

His eyes focus now on me. I get now why people tend to give me odd looks whenever I concentrate on something. The stare is uncomfortable when you're not the one giving it.

« I see. »

I know he's reached a conclusion. I silence him with a gesture. I'm pretty sure he shouldn't say it out loud. Not now at least, not while Mens is so vulnerable. He frowns slightly but seems to trust me. Us. He hesitantly probes:

« You're being walked in Eleth's wake. That's bound to…disturb the status quo. »

Making me more aware of the underlying me below the…well the surface me. The Eleth below the Eidan. But I am Eidan. I'm not sure I want to be Eleth. I don't know Eleth as a matter of fact. Well, haven't met him at least.

« What was I like ? I ask.
-You mean to say what Eleth was like ? he corrects with a grin. I don't remember much of him from my childhood. He was like a fuzzy memory of affection somewhere in the back of my mind. I got to know him really during the war. He was…fun. For a while. I daresay in the last month I was one of the few people who made him smile anymore. Probably the only one with whom he laughed.
-Really ? What was the matter with me ?
-With him. Damn, you still don't get that you're neither him nor me but a hybrid between the two ?
-I get it I just…don't…quite…you know what it doesn't matter I'll get around eventually. What was the matter with him then ?
-Too far-sighted I guess. Nothing surprised him much anymore, it was like he knew what would happen every step of the way and he was bored in advance. He was tied down by all this. I told him he could fly off with me, that he didn't owe them anything. But then he used to start muttering stuff about duty and destiny and more Force-cryptic shizz. Jedi types. I'm still wondering how come they're not all depressive or mad considering the restrictions they put on their brains.
-They have awesome Force powers, I note.
-That they do. And now we have them too, he smirks. And we're not as stupid as to refrain ourselves from having fun with them, right ? »

In another life I would shout hell yeah and be off cackling with laughter. I'm surprised to see that it's not as spontaneous now. I have the feeling that, as with all things in this universe…it doesn't come no strings attached. Eidan of course catches on.

« Well look who's all wizened up now, he rolls his eyes. It's high time we team up again. So what do you say, are we good to go up ? »

I find I have no more questions. And I find I do not want to antagonise myself deep down in my subconscious. I help him stand up and off we go.