Slowly the fog of her dreams dissipated, leaving only lingering memories of soft caresses and loving words. She had felt safe within the arms of the person she had learned to love but when she opened her eyes, the security was washed away almost instantly. She was still lying in her hospital room and she still felt drained.

Get. Up.

Liz frowned at the voice she heard in her head; her own voice. She didn't want to get up. Everything seemed to hurt no matter if she moved or not and there was no way in hell she would be getting up any time soon.

Get. Up. Now.

There was a sensation as if someone or something was nudging her; Liz frowned and took a look around the room, feeling very silly while doing so. It was obvious she was alone but the nudging in the back of her mind was getting stronger.

Get up before it's too late.

Her own voice was laced with fear, with anxiety; slowly Liz sat up, swinging her legs over the edge of her bed. Confusion and uncertainty mixed into a headache and she wondered if she was completely losing her mind.

With every passing second the headache grew stronger and she hissed between her teeth as the stinging cascaded down behind her eyes. Her jaw locked as she held back a moan and then the voice returned with urgency.

He needs your help.

The voice was accompanied by images of the hospital. As if she were circling the building from above, the image shifted to the back, to a small garden patch with a round pond. It was a beautiful work of art, a tall statue standing in the middle on a small island. Stones littered the grassy ground, a decoration of sorts that made the scenery look asymmetric and yet beautiful. And then she saw a little boy; and he fell and hit his head on the base of the statue. There was blood seeping into the water, the clear liquid tainted with light red.

Liz sucked in a breath and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to push the images from her mind. The voice came back with such urgency, she began to tremble.

Hurry. Go now.

She didn't know what it was she needed to do but she dropped her bare feet to the cold floor and steadied herself with one hand propped on the mattress. She scowled at the tube still protruding from her arm and with a tug, she ripped the small needle from her vein. There was a single droplet of blood but she ignored it, moving around the bed to open the door to the corridor. For a moment she wondered how long it would take for the nurses to realize she had gone; she peeked around the corner to the turbo lift.

She wanted to run, to hurry. But days of not having used her muscles made tendrils of pain run throughout her body. She limped forward, shoving through a group of beings who stood scattered in front of the lifts. Maybe it was just pure luck but as she pushed herself forward rather roughly, the door to the lift right in front of her opened soundlessly and she hurried in, ignoring the looks the other people gave her at her rudeness.

And just as the lift doors closed, she heard an alarm go off and Liz knew they'd soon be looking for her.

One more reason to hurry.

-------

Kyp paced up and down the dim lit hallway, his dark cloak wrapped around his body as if to ward off the cold. His gaze lingered on the tiled floor as he walked, as he waited for Corran to return his call. He heard Nikk talking in hushed tones to the Security Guard, letting him know that the Jedi needed a recess. They both wanted to have a talk with Corran before they continued with the questioning.

His com link chirped and with a sigh, he closed his eyes before answering, "Durron."

"Things not going well?" When Kyp recognized Corran's voice an unwanted anger rose within him, anger pointed at anyone and anything crossing his way at that very moment.

"They're being set free?" He forced his voice to seem calm, although he was living a whirlwind within him.

"The place was completely clean, Kyp. Besides the girl we got out, everything was clean." Corran cleared his throat, "The girl told as everything she could and all we got were the prints of that guy you'd already taken care of."

"But we know they all –"

"We can't keep them locked up without evidence. I'm sorry, that's the way it goes." Corran's tone was dark, a mere few notches away of being utterly infuriated.

"What about Tye?"

"The only way we can keep him is if Liz presses charges. You'll have to talk to her about that." There was a slight pause and then a sigh but Kyp cut Corran's next words off with a harsh question.

"Kyrian's staying?"

"Yes. We have more on him than first expected. But I don't want to go into details over the com line. Keep up the questioning. Most of the suspects don't know that they'll be getting out yet. We need as much info as we can get."

"We've already got a name." Kyp said, dragging a hand through his dark hair, "Lassiter. Could you check if there's something you can find out?"
Corran whistled between his teeth, "I'll see what I can do. It'll be a hard search with just one name."

Kyp nodded, "I'll keep you posted with what we find out."

"Alright. And I'm sorry there isn't any better news concerning Tye." Corran said and Kyp knew he meant it.

"Thank you." Kyp cut the connection. He moved to lean against the dark grey wall, closing his eyes for a few moments. How was it possible to let these people go even though everyone knew they were guilty? He understood the concept of having to need evidence to prosecute but this was just too easy. He wondered if this Lassiter person was behind everything? Was Lassiter the one leading? And how could anyone get Kyrian to talk about him?

The only answer Kyp came up with was forcing Kyrian to talk but he didn't want to go down that road. It went against his nature to harm another being for his benefit. Never again.

"You okay?"

Kyp turned his head towards Nikk and nodded slowly, "I'm fine."

"Listen, we have until this afternoon. You should take a break."

Was that worry he heard in Nikk's voice? Or perhaps guilt? Kyp didn't really care; there was an emotional turmoil going on and he needed a while to sift through it. One or two hours would do and he could at least think clearly without having to ask too many questions without receiving answers he so desperately wanted.

"Call me before the next suspect is brought in for questioning." Kyp moved away from the wall and with slow steps he made his way to the exit, not once looking back to acknowledge Nikk.

He kept walking without paying much attention to his surroundings. He didn't care where he ended up, all he wanted to do was walk, to feel his legs move, to feel his feet touch the ground. It seemed like very long minutes before he finally stopped and realized he'd walked towards an empty lot, in which the weekly market was held. Usually he'd see a bustle of beings surrounding various tiny shops but today everything seemed empty, vacant – hollow.

Kyp shifted his green gaze to the sky, watching as traffic passed overhead. Dark clouds obscured the view to the golden disc that was the sun and a cold breeze tugged at his cloak. It felt as if the planet had decided it needed water and before Kyp could even finish the thought, he felt the first few drops of cold rain touch his face. The pearly droplets ran down his cheek, caressing his skin with delicate care.

He closed his eyes as he listened to the raindrops touch down on the ground with force, a splattering sound emanating from all around him as the few drops turned into a downright shower. Within minutes he was drenched from head to toe and he savored this moment. For a little while he felt free. Even among the tall buildings, among the vehicles above him, among this technologically advanced world, he felt free.

But his thoughts began running amok in his mind, as they had a brain of their own. He thought of his past, he thought of the present and for a moment he allowed himself to think of a future. But he settled with the present, again asking himself in which chaotic world he lived in? A world in which criminals were sent free? Where did justice lie in this case? Where did it begin and where would it end?

Justice – a ridiculous legislation to be regarded as fair. Fairness was something Kyp didn't want to deal with because to him it simply did not exist.

-----

She stepped onto the wet grass and for a moment she didn't want to move. She wriggled her toes and smiled as the sharp green straws tickled her bare feet. But the voice kept growing louder in her mind and she walked on.

She was hurting now, her muscles burning from the strength she had to muster just to go ahead a few steps.

Liz squeezed her eyes shut as the cold rain ran down her face, soaking her. Dark hair lay plastered to her head as she forced herself to walk on. She then heard the boy she'd seen. He wasn't much older than maybe five years old and he was laughing as he danced in the rain. Holding his small arms up to the sky, it seemed to Liz he was welcoming the rain, beckoning the water to fall faster. It was a wonderful image but one that would not last long if she kept staring instead of hurrying to prevent injury or perhaps even death.

Liz called out to the boy but he didn't hear her. His laughter drowned out her voice and she hurried her steps, even though her body screamed out in pain. It was hard to breathe suddenly, her breaths leaving her lungs in short and forceful gasps. She ignored it as best she could, forcing her legs to go even faster.

The boy twirled on one leg and Liz saw his foot slip on a wet stone. For a moment she thought she wouldn't make it; but before the boy could fall and crash into the water, Liz caught the hem of his shirt and pulled him back. Together they fell onto the wet grass, Liz gasping for air and yet not the least bit afraid.

She'd saved this boy's life. She'd known that he'd be in danger and she had been there to prevent it.

Liz heard the boy's voice but it seemed to be coming from so very far away. She smiled then as she gazed to the darkening sky, feeling pellets of cold rain run down her face, down her throat. She had always loved the rain and what better way to fall asleep than lying in the grass, under a beautiful sky of water?

Darkness engulfed her in mere seconds.

-----

Hera sat in the corner of the small hospital room, long legs gracefully draped over the other and her back rigid. Infinitely dark brown eyes scanned the area, taking in all the details her brain could handle in such a short time. And her mind could handle quite a lot, she thought with a smirk.

Wearing a perfect black, tailor made business suit, Hera seemed to have jumped right out of a banking clan of sorts. Her straight black hair was carefully swept back and bound together at the nape of her neck; there was no doubting she was a tough and imposing figure. Hera counted on others being afraid of her and during the years she had even become accustomed to it and at times, enjoyed her person being the cause of fear.

But not today. Today she sat with her own fear and worry buried deep within her heart. Because today would show how much her daughter already knew. So she waited.

-----

When Kyp entered the hospital room, he was surprised to see a visitor. At first he thought the elderly woman to be a colleague from the social service center but as she got to her feet in a fluid and graceful motion, he immediately caught the resemblance.

The same dark eyes, the same curves along the mouth, the same high cheek bones.

The woman came forward and extended a hand, "I am Hera. And you are?"

Arching a brow, Kyp took her hand and shook it gently, probing the area with the Force; he could feel apprehension and concern. But not the sort that one would usually expect from a mother.

She was a little smaller than Kyp but stood with pride seemingly etched into her very bones. She held her head high and within her eyes Kyp recognized stubbornness as well.

"I'm Kyp Durron."

Hera surveyed him from top to bottom, her eyes first lingering on his sandy brown Jedi robes and then on his silver lightsaber, dangling from his hip. Even though it was only a quick movement, Kyp caught Hera narrowing her eyes and he heard a slight intake of breath. But she stood firm yet again and smiled just slightly, overplaying the first moment of muted shock, "Are you friends with my daughter?"

Kyp nodded once and keeping his ever-so-polite smile in place, moved forward to stand beside Liz; he felt Hera's penetrating gaze on his back but he chose to ignore it. He couldn't help but wonder why she was even here. According to what Liz had said their relationship wasn't the best. Kyp assumed it was hospital protocol to inform relatives – he didn't believe Liz had called on Hera on her own.

As he reached out to sweep a dark strand of hair from Liz's closed eyes, his forehead creased into a frown. Her skin was cold and clammy. It was obvious she was coming down with something – when he'd left earlier it was blatantly clear – but something told him there was more to her current situation than met the eye.

"What happened?" he asked as he turned around to face Hera. He didn't know how long she'd already been here but he was certain the Doctor had already given her the facts.

"It seems Eliziya was hallucinating." The slightest of shrugs. "The nurses found her in the gardens by the pond, mumbling about saving a boy."

Hera's voice was the coldest Kyp had ever heard. She talked in facts and numbers, no emotions whatsoever.

"She will recover." Hera added as she recognized the look on Kyp's face to be worry.

"Did they tell you anything else?"

Hera shook her head, crossing her arms in front of her chest, "She will be monitored henceforth. And once she is fit to travel, I will be taking her back with me to Chandrila."

It took a short moment for Kyp to completely comprehend what it was Hera had just said. He straightened and cleared his throat, "I beg your pardon?"
"Obviously she is not receiving the needed attention she requires. I have a group of specialists standing at the ready once we arrive. I am certain she will then make a full recovery."

"Has she agreed?"

Hera's eyes widened just a fraction, "It is not her decision to make."

Kyp arched a dark brow, "How so?" He took a quick glance at Liz's unmoving form before moving a step forward to face her mother, "She is no longer an adolescent. You can't just take her against her will."

She cocked her head to the side for a moment as if revising the situation, "She is in no condition to make decisions. She has been seeing things that aren't there and it is not yet certain if this is a danger to her. According to written law, I as her mother, am authorized to facilitate proper medical care, which she will receive on Chandrila."

"Is it certain she was hallucinating?" Kyp asked in a low voice, pushing back his rising anger at this utterly controlled and cold human being.

"There was most certainly no boy when the nurses arrived. And no eye witnesses. Her scans indicate a slight abnormality, which indicates hallucinations."

Kyp clenched his jaw as he stared at Hera, his thoughts whirling around within his head how to solve this growing problem, "I don't believe she was hallucinating." He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for just a moment. Reaching out with the Force he touched Liz's mind; their personal link was still active and he pushed forward –

He felt her immediate response, a fleeting gesture as if she'd gently stroked his cheek.

Smiling he turned away from her, ready to go on a verbal attack with Hera when she suddenly backed away from him with fear in her eyes. She swallowed a few times before forcing a strained, little smile, "You must forgive me. I do not trust Force users."

Kyp wondered how Hera had known he'd drawn the Force around himself but dropped the thought as he focused on her voice: low, laced with anger and fear Kyp could not and did not want to understand. "Is it your daughter's well being that matters most to you?"

"Of course." But he caught the lie before she even uttered the words.

"We have a Jedi healer who will be able to help her. It would be wise to accept her expertise instead of wasting time with Doctor's who have no idea what it is they're dealing with."

Hera's almost black eyes narrowed dangerously and the tone of her voice returned to ice, "How dare you question me?"

"I will not let you take her against her will." Take her from me.

There was the slightest smirk on the older woman's face as she came closer, "Is that so? And what do you intend to do about it?"

"She is under the protection of the Jedi due to classified incidents. She cannot and she will not leave."

Hera stood rigid and Kyp could feel anger emanating from her little body. He knew she was not one to mess with but there was no way in hell he was letting this woman get away with taking Liz against her will, "What are these incidents you refer to?"

"I did just say classified, did I not?"

Hera crossed her arms in front of her chest and Kyp noticed a silver bracelet dangling from her narrow wrist. The inset jewels reflected the light from the ceiling, catching his attention for just a moment. It was a beautiful work of art and somehow… wasted on such a cold person.

Seconds passed by in silence as the two of them stared at each other. Kyp arched a brow as if to motivate her to continue questions he would not answer. And then the young Jedi suddenly caught flickers of emotions he hadn't expected from her. Reaching out with the Force, he focused on the older woman – alarm, deceit, and fear for herself touched with sadness.

"All I wish to do is help."

"Help whom?"

Taken aback by his question, Hera raised her dark eyes to the Jedi Knight, slowly letting her arms fall to her sides, "Help my daughter, of course!" Her voice dropped to almost a whisper, "She is my first priority. Do not ever think otherwise."

Kyp smiled slightly, "I'm not buying it." His tone was curiously cheerful.

"Be that as it may," she cleared her throat and directed her attention back to her daughter, "I am worried for her. I do not want to see her die. There have been enough deaths in our family."

Kyp was positive Hera was hiding something; hiding something meaningful, significant. Just as Kyp wanted to broach the subject, there was a slight groan coming from the bed. Slowly Liz opened her eyes, the dark pupils moving back and forth as she tried to focus on her surroundings.

Kyp was at her side in an instant, taking her hand in his yet again, gently stroking his thumb along her knuckles, "Hey." He whispered and smiled as she turned her head towards him.

Her voice was raspy, as if she hadn't spoken in days, "Hey there handsome."

Chuckling, Kyp reached out and tucked a few strands of dark hair behind her ear, "How are you feeling?"

"Horrible." She closed her eyes for a moment, taking deep breaths to calm herself and then she frowned, "I – I went outside, didn't I?" She paused for a moment, "What happened?"

"I don't really know yet. But I'll find out."

"You were hallucinating."
Liz didn't move an inch when she heard the chilling voice. For a long moment Kyp thought she hadn't heard – Hera's voice was rather low – but then she cleared her throat and turned her head. She sat up suddenly, hastily pushing up against the wall, "What are you doing here?" There was definite fear in her eyes, shocking surprise at seeing her mother and deep anchored anger.

And then she remembered the words Kyrian had spoken before he'd plunged the needle into her skin: She didn't tell you that she had your powers blocked. She had your mind violated as a girl, dear sister…

"I was contacted when you were hospitalized. I came here as soon as I could."

"Why?"

Hera blinked and her eyes widened a fraction, "Because you are hurt, Eliziya. I wanted to see for myself if you are being properly cared for."

"You never cared." Kyp was surprised that Liz's voice could mimic Hera's almost exactly. The same coolness, the same chilling tone. He didn't like it at all.

"You are mistaken. I have always cared for you. You are my child, my flesh and blood."

She had your mind violated as a girl, dear sister…

Hera cleared her throat and clasped her hands behind her back. She stood straight, the suit fitting her short form perfectly, "And as so I have decided to relocate you to a decent hospital on Chandrila. They are waiting as we speak."

Kyp felt a moment of shock from Liz but she didn't let it show on her face. Instead she only raised a brow and shook her head, "I'm not going anywhere."

"On the contrary. According to your Doctor, you have been hallucinating. As such, you are not fit to make decisions on your own. Those decisions have been laid into my hands due to the state of your mind. We will be leaving once you're healthy enough to travel."

"Get out." Liz said between clenched teeth, barely controlling the anger coursing through her, "Get out now before I call security."

Hera nodded once, "I shall return in a few hours. I suspect you'll have come to your senses until then. We will talk later."

She turned on her heel and left the room without a further word or glance back towards her daughter.

Liz was shaking beneath Kyp's touch and he could feel her fury as if it were his own, "I won't let her take you, alright?" He said, his tone soothing.

"She can't do this, can she? This isn't happening." Liz dragged a hand through her disheveled hair, "What the hell is she doing here anyway? She never cared!" She swallowed. "And I wasn't hallucinating." She stared at Kyp, her eyes glazing over with tears, "They kept saying I was seeing things but it's not true." Shaking her head, she grabbed for Kyp's hands, "Please, believe me. I was not hallucinating! I saw the boy and he would have drowned –"

Kyp pulled her close and she leaned her head against his chest, "Hey, I believe you." He kissed her hair and gently ran a hand up and down her spine, "Calm down."
After several minutes she pulled back and swapped at the tears on her cheeks, "I don't trust her, Kyp." Liz lowered her gaze to her hands in her lap, "Kyrian said –"

She stopped then and swallowed, shifting her eyes to the viewport. It was still raining, the sky darkened by grey clouds.

"What did Kyrian say?"

"He said she had someone tamper with my mind." She kept looking out the viewport, watching drops of rain run down the transparasteel in awkward movements, "She knew about this Force sensitivity stuff and had someone block it." Again she rubbed at her eyes, "I don't know if he was lying, Kyp. I don't want to believe my mother would do a thing like this but –"

She drew her knees to her chest, "But what if Kyrian was telling the truth?" Kyp had to strain to hear her, her words were so low. He didn't answer her question, because there was no decent answer to give.

He gathered her up into his arms and held her instead. Silent minutes passed in which Liz thought about her dysfunctional family and imagined what her life would have been like if her parents – specifically her mother – had been totally different people. There might have been more laughter, more smiles and nice words. And maybe Giulian would not have walked the path he did and maybe – just maybe – he'd still be alive today.

"Get me out of here, Kyp."

He kissed her forehead, "I intend to."