Coincidences:
Chapter 19: Hunting Memories
It took Revan several hours to gain enough control over herself to even move towards Malak. He hadn't moved the entire time. She moved towards him slowly, staying low to the floor as if afraid to rise. When she'd gotten as close as she dared, she noticed the blood now caked on his neck and shoulder. Also the scent of alcohol seemed to come off him in great waves. He was drunk. Was this the reason he'd acted the way he had?
Shaking her head, Revan recited the code several times before she stood and put on her robes. Quickly she crossed the room to where the table was and replaced her mask before placing the device holding her lightsaber on her wrist. Several small clicks told her it was in place.
Slowly Revan turned to Malak and looked at him for several long moments. If she left him there he might bleed to death, but she really didn't want to go near him. Swallowing, she recited the code once more. This was ridiculous she had to get him to a medic. Revan shouldn't have been scared of going near him. This had never happened before and it would never happen again. It wasn't in Malak's character.
Revan straightened before she crossed the room. Taking his arm, he groaned. At once Revan leapt back, half expecting him to rise, but he didn't. What was wrong with her?! Slowly Revan took his arm again. He didn't move this time. Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, she began to half drag half carry him to the med bay.
It didn't take her long to get there. As soon as she entered several medics rushed forward. "What happened, general?" asked the woman who Revan knew had to be the lead medic.
"He got into a fight, I think," she lied, keeping her voice steady and calm. "I did not see it, only heard a crash."
The medic nodded, barking several orders to the men around her. They came forwards and took Malak towards one of the beds. "Can you tell me where you found him, General Revan?" the medic asked, turning back to Revan.
"Near the cantina," Revan replied without pause. She had thought on what to tell them before entering. This was as close to the truth as Revan would ever get. "Is that all?" Revan knew she was being impatient but she didn't want to stay near Malak a second longer. At least he hadn't woken when she'd carried him here.
"I'll be sure to give you the report when we know what's wrong," the medic said in way of telling Revan it was all right to leave.
"Thank you," Revan bowed her head before she turned and walked out of the med bay. Stopping part way down the hall, Revan suddenly knew she didn't want to head back to her room for any amount of rest despite the fact she hadn't slept at all. Revan started off down the hall, taking no particular path. It wasn't until her head started to throb she even noticed she was at the back of the ship. The place she'd come to would be empty until mid afternoon or so she thought.
It wasn't until Marth and Link where nearly upon her she sensed Marth. Whipping around, Revan watched the pair of them near. Just as Marth looked up from speaking with Link Revan turned and raced off down the hall. She didn't need to speak with someone right then. She needed to be alone. To be away from it all!
She heard the footfalls behind, then Link called, "Revan, wait!"
No, she – Revan skidded to a halt, realizing this really wasn't like her. If she kept this up then people were bound to discover she wasn't in her right mind. "Yes, Link?" she turned to him, her voice even and calm.
Link had to rock back on his heels to keep from bowling into her, "Well you just kind of bolted and well…I was a little concerned is all." Link said it uncertainly, his lip between his teeth.
"I am fine," she lied, keeping her voice calm. "I will speak with you and Marth later," Revan turned and started back towards her quarters. "May the Force be with you both," her voice softened as she said this.
xxx
Link watched Revan walk off, Marth coming up behind him. He let his brows draw down, his lips turning into a frown. Revan wasn't acting like herself at all. He hoped something bad hadn't happened.
He felt a twinge of pain in the fingers of his left hand, but dismissed it. Turning to Marth he said, "I think we should go see Sighta. Something's up and I want to know what."
Grabbing Marth's hand, Link led Marth through the halls, quickly coming to Sighta's door. Letting go Marth's hand, Link knocked on the door politely.
A shout sounded from within the room followed by the thud of someone hitting the floor. Soon the sound of scrambling feet came to Link's ears. The next moment the door was opened by a bleary eyed Shicar. She was dressed in the light tan robs but they were wrinkled and she was bare footed.
"Y-y-yes?" she tried and failed to stifle a yawn, rubbing her eye.
"Shicar?" Alek appeared behind Shicar, fully dressed and looking as if he had been up for several hours. "Ah, Link, Marth, what brings the two of you here?" he smiled at him, his blue eyes wary.
Link smiled back at Alek, while Marth gave him a small bow. Link ran a hand through his short hair, "It's about Revan. She's acting very strange and I'm worried about as to why. We were hoping Sighta could give us some insight."
"She's asleep," Alek said a worried glint in his eyes as if she had only just fallen asleep.
"No I am not!" Sighta's voice came from within the dark room. The next moment the sound of a cane on the ground came out to them. "Invite them in," Sighta said. Alek hesitated, looking over his shoulder at her. After several long moments he stepped aside, pulling his padawan away from the door. The poor girl looked as if she had been up most the night.
Link came in, with Marth trailing along. Link waved at Sighta, "How are you this fine morning?"
"Fine," Sighta said with a flick of her wrist. The lights turned on followed closely by a heavy sigh from Alek.
"Is it really necessary to turn on the lights with the Force?" Alek asked. "I was already up," he pointed out, "there was no need to show off."
"Show off?" Sighta cocked an eyebrow. "If I had been showing off I wouldn't have moved at all, but," she shrugged, "have it your way." At once the lights turned off and Shicar let out a little shout of surprise.
"Now you're just showing off," muttered Alek. The lights turned back on when Alek hit the button to do so.
Sighta was sitting up on the edge of her bed, smiling at Alek, eyes sparking with laughter. "You are certainly fun to tease, my son," her smile vanished as she looked at Link and Marth. "I know you didn't come to ask on my health. What is it you wanted to know about Revan?"
Link scratched at his chin, "She's acting strange. Almost like a cornered animal. She seems distressed about something."
Marth nodded in agreement and added, "She ran away from us earler."
Cocking her head, Sighta gave a slight shrug, "If you came to me to get an explanation of this behavior, you're not going to get it." She raised her hand to stop protests, "It isn't because I don't wish for you to have the reasoning and more of the fact I don't remember anything from the time my older self appeared in this time… Sorry, I appeared in this time. More than likely because I wiped the memory of myself, Malak, and I don't believe Marth was there…" she lapsed into silent thought.
"It would explain why he's held a thirty-five year grudge," muttered Alek so low only Link could hear him. Louder he asked, "Any guesses on why you're younger self is acting like a caged animal?" Alek gave Link and Marth a side long look.
Sighta held up a figure. "Ye—" she cut off, her eyes becoming unfocused. At once Alek leapt forwards seconds before she would have fallen from the bed.
"Mother," his voice was soft and filled with extreme worry.
Sighta shook her head. "Sorry," she looked at them. "Perhaps there are romurs of slavers around," she spoke in a faint voice, her skin unnaturally pale. "Otherwise, I would advise asking Mala—" she cut off again her eyes unfocusing once more. Alek hadn't released her. Several moments passed, Sighta looking more like a rag doll than a person. Finally she moved. "Revan's moving away," her voice came out as barely more than a whisper. "If… moves further…" at once Sighta's eyes rolled and her body went completely limp.
Alek's eyes widened. "Mother? Mother?!" he shouted, fear now plain in his voice as he tried to wake her.
Eyes wide, Link watched Sighta black out before, sighing, "Revan's done something crazy again. Told you she was acting like a caged animal." He turned to Marth, "We should probably go find her before she kills herself and Sighta both."
Marth rubbed at his head, mumbling, "It just seems wrong for me to be butting into General Revan's business."
Alek stood, gently placing Sighta in the bed. "I'm coming," he said before turning to Shicar. "Watch Master Sighta," Alek ordered his padawan before gesturing to Link and Marth. As the three of them left the room, Alek said, "We'll need one other's aid if Revan has left the ship." He gave Marth a side long look, "I doubt you were trained to pilot a shuttle, most Jedi aren't." He stopped partway down the hall, "We'll need Lieutenant Onasi's aid in this. Out of all the pilots on this ship he's the only one who could find and rescue a shuttle before anyone noticed it was missing."
Link smiled at him, "Lead the way then."
It didn't take Alek long to find Carth in the off duty lunge. The pilot was in one of the chairs speaking with a few members of his squadron. The sounds of their conversation were plain in the near empty room. "I swear if the Jedi general has do another drill, I'm going to go insane," stated the woman in group as she leaned back looking exhausted. "When's our next run scheduled, Lieutenant?" she asked, looking at Carth with one eye only half open.
"In a few hours," replied Carth with a small smile. "More than enough to sleep if you wanted, Ensign Berker," he picked up his drink, but luckily it only looked to be water.
"Ha," Ensign Berker snorted, "as if I could get any shut eye with the famed general on the same ship as me." She leaned forward giving Carth meaningful look, "We've only seen the general twice and both times were brief. I wonder if there would be anyway to see her again or General Malak. You know what they say about General Revan, right?" she looked at two men closely, but didn't wait for a response. "The general has single handily turned around this war just through her ingenious tactics," she sighed, leaning back in her seat and placing her hands behind her head. "I wonder what it's like to be really needed by the Republic and respected on such a high scale."
"You sound jealous, ensign," teased the other man. "Personily I wouldn't want to be in the general's shoes no matter how much you paid me. Imagine being hated by the very Order you were raised by or even being raised by such people as the Jedi," he shuddered. "Sure the perstiage is good where she is, but I don't think the general is going to be able to return to the Jedi Order at the end of war or any of the Jedi for that matter. What do you think, Lieutenant?" asked the man.
Carth shrugged. "It's none of our concern. This is a matter only for the Jedi and we really shouldn't interfere with it. Beside," he gave them a small smile, "nearly all of Lance squad as some leave coming up soon. Thinking on this instead of Jedi would be better," he smiled on this.
"Oh, yeah," Ensign Berker straightened, "I'd almost forgotten." She gave Carth a small smile, "I bet I can guess where you're going, lieutenant. You'll be heading back to Telos to see your wife and son, right?" she asked before looking away. "I, for one, don't envy you. I think I might skip leave this time just to see what happens. The general's been drilling all the squads hard and I want to see our work pay off when we reach the front."
Alek shifted, glancing at Link and Marth before he stepped forward. "Pardon the interruption, but might I have a word with you, Lieutenant Onasi?" asked Alek, not looking disturbed at the fact Carth had a wife and kid.
Looking at the others, who were all looking at Alek with wide eyes, Carth nodded. "Sure, Master Jedi," he stood and gestured for Alek to lead the way. Once all four of them were out in the hall, Carth asked, "What can I do for you?"
"We need your help with a matter," stated Alek, flicked his hand in Link's and Marth's general direction. "One of the higher up Jedi have gone off the ship, but a malfunction occurred in the systems of their shuttle rendering them unconscious. The ship large enough to get this shuttle back aboard this ship requires two pilots and you are one of the few skilled enough to grapple this ship before it drifts further from the ship. I would be honored if you would aid me in the task," Alek bowed his head to Carth.
Carth stared at Alek for several long moments before he nodded. "Sure. I can help there," said Carth, looking at Alek slightly confused. The two of them really did look like father and son. It seemed Carth had noticed this as well, despite the fact Alek looked more like Revan than Carth, he still had the same body structure as the pilot. "Lead on," Alek set off down the hall at a quick pace, Carth following close behind with Link and Marth just behind him. Several moments passed in silence. At last Carth asked, "Aren't most Jedi taught how to pilot a shuttle at the very least?"
"No," Alek replied without pause. "Most Jedi, including some of the greatest masters, never learn even the most basic controls. There are only a handful in the Revanchists who can pilot a shuttle and only one who can pilot a fighter. Malak, Revan, and Darious are the only three officially part of the Revanchists who know how to pilot. I'm not officially one of them," Alek said as explanation. The Jedi Knight's voice was steady, betraying none of his worry. "The only reason why I know how pilot is because I begged by parents to teach me before joining the Jedi Order," Alek smiled slightly at the memory.
They'd reached the hanger. Alek made for one of the larger ships which would be able to grapple the shuttle Revan had taken. On entering the vessel, Carth took the pilot's seat and Alek the copilot's.
"Marth keep your senses alert for her life Force, be sure to focus on the exterior of the ship so as not to confuse her life Force with Master Sighta's," Alek spoke as he and Carth began to power on the controls. "Systems are in the green, Lieutenant Onasi," Alek said as he scanned the system with a practiced eye. "We're ready for take off."
Carth nodded before he stirred the ship with extreme ease. The skill with which he handled the vessel made Revan's piloting look like a sloppy mess. From where Link watched, it seemed the ship was more an extension of Carth than just a machine.
As they exited the hanger, Alek scanned the blackness of the space before them. He looked extremely pale, but it was hard to tell if this was from worry or not. "She's entering a danger zone. Her heart will stop and start soon," Alek spoke in barely more than a whisper. As time lapsed on, the Jedi Knight was growing paler and paler and it seemed his concentration was slipping. On several occasions he only just made a correction in time for Carth's piloting.
Link, observing Alek, muttered under his breath, "Farore's tits, she better hope we get there before time decides it's had enough."
Marth, eyes closed to help him focus on Revan's presence, spoke up, "We're getting close. The General is up ahead."
"General?" Carth looked sharply at Marth. He turned to Alek, narrowing his eyes, "You didn't say it was General Revan out here," Carth frowned, returning his attention to the controls just as a smaller shuttle came into view. Quickly Carth typed out a sequence and the vessel jerked as they grappled Revan's shuttle to it. Skillfully Carth maneuvered the vessel and headed straight back from the Revenge.
It took them twice as long to return to the ship as it had to get to Revan, but by the time they had landed in the hanger, Alek's face had a little more color to it. The older knight stood as soon as the vessel had docked and raced from it, heading straight for Revan's shuttle.
When Link followed Alek into the shuttle, he saw Revan slumped over in the pilot's seat, one hand limply at her side and the other on the control panel. Alek moved straight to her side. Gently he maneuvered Revan's limp form from the pilot's seat and laid her on the floor. Pulling off one of her gloves, Alek checked her pulse and breathed a sigh of relief.
"What happened?" asked the lieutenant who had followed them aboard the ship.
Alek didn't look up from checking Revan to make sure she would make it. "As many would say, she did something crazy, again," Alek shook his head. "Guess insanity comes with being a genius and Force prodigy." He paused, "We need to get her to the med bay. I have no doubt her heart stopped a few times, which means she's going to need oxygen. Link," Alek looked at Link, "can you head back and get Master Sighta. She'll need treatment as well and Shicar can't carry her to the med bay. Marth," his eyes turned to the padawan, "help Link. It might take the both of you. Lieutenant," Alek hesitated, looking from Revan's limp form to Carth, "I'm going to need your help getting Revan to the med bay."
Slowly Carth nodded; a look of surprise on his features from being asked to help with the Jedi general instead of Marth or Link. Quickly Carth moved to help Alek sit Revan up before pulling one of her arms around his shoulders. The two men lifted Revan off the floor.
"Go, Link, Marth, the longer they're without treatment the worse this will get," Alek looked at them, his light blue gaze betraying the worry he felt for his mother and younger self.
Link scowled, "Don't need to tell me that." Then he raced off, Marth on his heels. It only took them a couple of minutes to reach Sighta's quarters. Link didn't even bother knocking, just threw the door open. They were greeted by the sight of Shicar hovering anxiously over Sighta's limp, pale body. Link waved to Marth, indicating that he should try and reassure Shicar, adding, "I can handle Sighta on my own."
Marth's look was dubious, but he did as suggest, going over to whisper quietly to Shicar, drawing her away from Sighta. Link, coming over to the side of the bed, scowled and scanned her up and down. Then sighing and muttering, he sketched a symbol in the air which hung there and glowed a bright, luminous green. Sighta's body lifted from the bed, hovering an inch above it.
Marth and Shicar watched surprised, their eyes wide. Then Marth asked, "Link…what are you doing?"
Link rolled his eyes, "I'll tell you later. Go open the door."
Shicar did it instead of Marth, worry stealing over her face. Link, expression intense waved his hand, making Sighta's body float from the bed and hover before him. Then he began walking, not even bothering to tell the others to follow. They didn't speak for the entire trip to the med bay. Upon entering, a medic came over, caught sight of Sighta and said, "Bring her over here."
Both Knight Alek and Lieutenant Onasi were already there, but neither of them could see Revan. Curtains were drawn around two of the beds and one of the medics was drawing a curtain around another bed. "Place her here," she called over to them. Turning to Alek, the medic asked, "Do you know where Master Nava or Knight Aryncca are?"
Alek shook his head. "If this is about finding a Jedi healer, I am capable of healing. I studied from one of the greatest healers in the Order for five years," he explained.
The medic paused, a glazed look in her eyes as she debated on what to do. Slowly she nodded, "See to General Revan until one of the female healers arrives. She'll need an—" the medic cut off at the sight of Alek grabbing all the materials needed before vanishing behind on the curtains. "Smart kid," she mused, turning to Link the medic walked over to them. "It looks like she has similar symptoms to General Revan, hmmm." The medic walked off to gather the appropriate materials.
Link grumbled under his breath, "It's because they're the same damn person, and I warned her what would happen. But no, don't listen to the person whose been doing this for most of his very long life. I'm a Jedi, I know everything."
The medic, hearing only the very last part of this frowned. "Revan normally isn't reckless, but she did bring in Malak this morning," she nodded to the third bed. "He has a bad head injury and still hasn't regained consciousness. For as long as I've known those two, they've been good friends. Many who have known them longer than I state they've been friends for well over fifteen years. Revan might have reacted poorly to him being injured," the medic explained as Link placed Master Sighta on the bed.
"Wait, Malak's in here?" Link asked, incredulous before looking at Marth.
Marth's brows furrowed in concern, "Something strange is going on."
The medic nodded as she placed a breather over Sighta's face. "When General Revan brought him in she told us he had gotten into a fight near the on aboard cantina. If his blood alcohol level hadn't confirmed this I would have stated it was a lie. Hell, I hadn't even realized Jedi drank," she shook her head. "With the amount in his system, I'm shocked he was able to make it out of the cantina at all. Unfortunately Revan left before we could ask her more. She did seem rather brisk this morning," the medic frowned in the direction of Revan's bed.
Just then Nava entered and raced over to Revan's bed. Alek slipped out from behind the curtains and exchanged a few quick, hushed words before he walked over to Sighta's bed. "How is she?" Alek asked.
"Not good, but I still don't know that much," the medic replied. She smiled at Alek before turning to Link and Marth, "The three of you should go. I'll be sure to contact you when Revan, Master Sighta, or Malak awaken."
Alek hesitated, looking down at Sighta before he gave a curt nod. Walking over to Shicar, he led his padawan out of the room.
Link followed behind him, Marth at his side. Marth, running a hand through his hair, laughed tiredly, "Eventful day so far, huh?"
"No," Alek muttered, stopping in his tracks and looking at Marth. Eyes hard and expression grim, Alek didn't look remotely like himself at the moment. "Eventful is being attacked not having the entire command of the Revanchists in the med bay along with the future grand master."
"Future, grand master, what are you talking about?" Alek's eyes widened as Carth caught up to them. The lieutenant looked at all of them, his brow furled in confusion.
Link dropped his face into his hand, "Nayru, Farore and Din."
"You heard right!" exclaimed Shicar cheerily. "My master, my self, and Master Sighta are from thirty-five years in the future! It's so strange seeing you so young, Mas- sorry, I mean Lieutenant Carth Onasi! It's even strange to see him young," she jabbed her thumb at Marth. "I'm used to the both of you having tones of grey in your hair!" She spread her arms wide, eyes just as wide, at this.
"Dear Force," muttered Alek, placing his head in his hands. "I think next time the council asks me to become a master to a padawan I am declining."
At this Carth laughed, "You're padawan sure has a vivid imagination." He grinned down at Shicar who glared up at him.
"I'm not lying!" she shouted. "I'll prove it. The orange visit you have on was given to you by your wife. You were born on Telos IV thirty-two years ago. When you were fifteen you rescued a small, black haired girl from a burning building. At the age of twenty you enlisted in the navy. Over the past few years of the mandalorian wars you've been assigned to the bridge of the admiral's flag ship but were demoted for letting former Padawan Zayne Carrick go because he was falsely accused of the padawan massacre and helping the mandalorians. The admiral gave you the nickname fleet because of how skilled a pilot you are and you have a son by the Dustil Onasi." Her face fell, "I miss Master Dustil," she murmured.
Carth stared at her with wide eyes, his mouth slightly open while Alek shifted, looking rather uneasy. "H-how did you know that?" asked Carth after several long moments of silence, his voice cracking with shock.
"Because," Shicar started, exasperated, "I'm from the future! I know way more too. Like how Telos—"
Alek clapped his hand over his padawan's mouth. "That's quite enough, Shicar." Leaning over, he hissed in Shicar's ear, "Didn't Master Sighta tell you not tell anyone where we are from?"
"I can wipe his memory if you guys want?" Link piped up.
"What?" Carth looked at Link, his hands hovering close to his two blasters.
"No need, Link. I think it would be better if we just told him," stated Alek with a low sigh. "Just not about the closer future," he glared at Shicar, who gave the smallest of nods. Slowly Alek released her, "It's true: Master Sighta, Shicar, and I are all from the future. Shicar and I were carried back here by Link and Master Sighta followed a Sith Lord back through a rip he made through time. We know you because in our time you are a member of the council." Alek seemed to purposefully leave out the part of Carth being his father.
At this Carth cocked a disbelieving eyebrow. "It's true," stated Shicar. She looked at Link, "Tell him it's true, Link, please."
Link nodded slowly, "It's true. Everything. And trust me I know how crazy it sounds." Link, removed his gauntlet and showed the back of his left hand to the group. A symbol was etched into it, three triangles stacked so that they would form one large one. The triangle on the bottom left glittered golden in the light, "This gives me special abilities, much like the Force does for Jedi."
Looking at Link's hand, Alek placed his hand on his chin in the same fashion all but Carth had seen Revan do. "Interesting," he muttered before turning back to the hall, eyes glazed in thought.
"I hate it when he gets like this. At least with Master Revan it can only take a few minutes," Shicar clapped her hand over mouth as she suddenly realized she'd called Sighta Revan. At once Alek's head snapped up and he turned to stare at Shicar. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she hurriedly said. "I didn't mean – I wasn't—" she clapped her hand back over her mouth, eyes wide as she glanced at Carth.
Slowly realization dawned on Carth's face. "Sighta and Revan are the same person, aren't they?" he asked his voice barely more than a whisper.
Slowly Alek nodded. "Much changed over the course of the years. In the next six the Order will somewhat forgive Revan for going against them. In the next twelve she will become the leader of the Jedi council. A lot changes," Alek's eyes were filled with sorrow as he looked at Carth.
Link, looking at Shicar, let a smile steal over his face, "She is just too adorable!"
Marth rolled his eyes, and jostled Link with his elbow. Link turned and asserted, "Well, she is!"
Unexpectedly they heard the sound of Alek hitting his head against the wall. "Now I know how mother feels," he muttered.
"Master?" Shicar asked, looking at him worriedly. "You okay?" She took a tentative step towards him.
"No, no I'm anything but okay," he started, not turning from the wall. "At least you haven't had the awkwardness of meeting your parents." At his words Shicar shuddered as if picturing meeting her seven-year old mother. In a calmer voice he said, "Excuse me," bowing his head to them, he walked off. Still pale from the days events.
"I don't think he's feeling well," stated Shicar as she watched her master vanish. "He's never reacted that way before." Her eyes widened as she looked at Link, "What would happen if Revan or he," she jabbed her thumb at Carth, "died? Would my master die too?"
"What the hell do I have to do with this?!" exclaimed Carth, taking a step back from Shicar.
Link waved his hands placatingly, "Okay, let's just take a deep breath now everyone. Carth, just know that some things you don't need to know ahead of time. Shicar, yes your master would die and then I would have to go and fix everything up."
Shicar's eyes grew wide, "You can do that?!" She smiled, "I'm glad you could stop him from dying, I don't want to lose another father." A pained look flashed across her face and she looked back at the med bay, "I hope Master Sighta and General Revan will be alright." Her eyes grew wide again, "What are the Revanchists going to do with their leaders out like this?!"
Marth spoke up then, "That is a good question."
Link rubbed his chin, "I suppose the captain and others will have to handle things for themselves for awhile. And if we need to I can work some healing spells on them."
Just then a medic appeared in the hall and blinked as he caught sight of them. "Good you're still here. General Malak has just woken and wants to know what happened to General Revan," the medic explained. His eyes narrowed as he noticed Alek's absence. "Where's the knight who was with you earlier?"
"He left to clear his head," Shicar replied.
Link nodded in agreement and said, "Tell him that right now none of us know what happened to her." Then he winced and pressed a hand to his chest, "I think I'm going to go lie down for awhile. See you all later."
Then he trudged off towards his quarters, shoulders slumped. Marth watched him leave anxiously before turning to say to the healer, "I'll go talk to Master Malak and tell him everything we know so far."
"As will I," stated Shicar, smiling at Marth as if telling him there was no need to go alone.
xxx
Nearly an hour later Alek had finally found peace once more. The shaking in his hands had stopped which told him Revan would make it but he still couldn't tell if his mother would. He had kept his Force sight trained on the room since he had made it back to the quarters he shared with his mother and Shicar. He had made it back just in time to see Marth and Shicar speaking to Malak. At one point Shicar had touched the older Jedi and her features had gone pale.
The door slid open and Shicar slipped into the room. "Master?" her voice was filled with fear and something close to disgust. Opening his eyes Alek gave her a small smile to show he was listening. "I-I saw something when I touched Malak," she whispered, not looking at him. "I think it was his memory right before he was knocked out and he wasn't anywhere near the cantina. The memory was blurred, but," her eyes widened as she looked at him, "I saw Revan in it and he-he was kissing her. I've never seen Revan look so scared in my life master," her eyes grew wider at the mere thought such an occurrence was possible.
Alek felt the full impact of what Shicar had seen hit him. What had happened between Revan and Malak could just destroy the entire future. Revan couldn't lose herself this early on, not until Telos was destroyed at the very least. "Don't worry Shicar," he gave his padawan a small smile. "I'm sure you only really saw a dream Malak had." Tonight he would wipe Malak's and Revan's memories of the day. Malak should be staying in the med bay and Revan hadn't woken yet. It would be a simple enough matter to sneak in.
x – Later – x
Alek hesitated at the entrance into the medical bay, waiting for the medic on duty to move away from the three Jedi. Quickly Alek raced across the space slipping behind the curtain around Malak's bed. Alek moved to Malak's side and placed his hand over Malak's head, fingers on one temple and thumb on the other. Malak didn't stir. Quickly Alek dove into Malak's mind.
It didn't take Alek long to find the memory and gently pull it out. He also went deeper in. It was impossible to make Malak feel differently about Revan but Alek could erase the memory of the man ever discovering his best friend would have kids and fall in love. This would set Malak's and Revan's relationship right once more.
Once he had finished with Malak, Alek moved to Revan's side. A chill raced through him at the sight of Revan's features. It was still unnerving to see her without a scar marring her features. The scar had been there for longer than Alek had been alive and it had been impossible for him to imagine her without it until now.
Slowly Alek placed his hand in the same position on Revan's head. Closing his eyes, he delved into her memory of what had occurred, going a little further back to when she had seen all those visions of the future. Carefully he took these memories from her, leaving only the memory she had been in her room the night before. He even took the memory of today's events from her as he had done with Malak.
Alek moved to his mother's side after finishing with Revan. A small smile appeared on his features. "I'm sorry I had to do this, mother," he whispered. As he looked at her the memory of when he had discovered she had been Revan slowly surfaced. Alek pushed this away.
As soon as his task was completed, Alek fled the med bay without anyone being the wiser he had been there. He made it back to the quarters and slipped into bed. The second he closed his eyes the memory came forth once more.
"Kullen, I really don't like this idea," stated Alek as he followed her into the large room. "Mother didn't seem too pleased when you said you wanted to meet the rest of her family. I don't think she wants to be here," he glanced over his shoulder at their mother and father. Carth had his hand on Sighta's shoulder and was whispering to her so Alek and Kullen couldn't hear what they were saying.
Kullen looked at Alek, rolling her eyes at the ceiling. "Oh, lighten up," she stated, "we're nearly twelve and we still haven't met our uncle or his kids. It'll be great, you'll see!" she grinned before running off into; she headed straight for a group of strangers, standing around a table. It was obvious to see why. At the table was a tall man, wearing the uniform of an admiral. His short black hair and dark blue eyes made him look almost like Sighta; the only differences were the shades of his eyes and hair.
"Kullen!" Carth shouted after her. The shout drew the man's attention to them and Alek saw him frown at the sight of Carth.
Wayro, who had been speaking with the man, smiled at the sight of Kullen. The retired senator and former supreme chancellor looked worn and drawn. His white hair was still done nicely but his eyes seemed distant even as he knelt to meet Kullen. Beside Wayro, Viya stood, smiling at Kullen and casting a worried glance at the admiral. Her long grey hair was pulled back and eyes extremely worried.
Next to the man, the aunt who Alek knew very well stiffened at the sight of her sister, Sighta. Alek had always like Aunt Rayra; though, he admitted she could act violently at times. Her four children were great as well, only a few months older than Alek and Kullen. Rayra stood only an inch shorter than Sighta, her hair worn shoulder length was auburn and eyes darker than the night.
Quickly Rayra crossed the room and hissed at Sighta, "What are you doing here?" Despite the fact Rayra's voice was low; Alek could still make out every word. "You said you weren't coming again this year. What will happen when Ray recognizes you?" she demanded.
"Kullen insisted on coming," Sighta replied in just as quiet of a voice but far calmer than Rayra's had been. "I know full well what will occur if Ray recognizes me," she paused, looking at Rayra evenly. "Wayro hasn't yet told him, has he?"
"No," stated Rayra, eyes narrowing as she looked at Ray. "You should go before he realizes wh—" she cut off as Ray crossed the room towards them. His dark eyes were shrewd as he stared at Sighta. There was a coldness in the way he moved and it looked as if he was going for his blaster. "Ray," Rayra stepped forward, "the three of us should talk."
Before either Sighta or Ray could protest, Rayra led her younger siblings from the room. Alek looked at his father and noticed Carth didn't look pleased. Unease prickled at Alek and he watched the door closely. After several long moments Ray reappeared and walked back over to Wayro, not even bothering to look at Kullen. Wayro and Ray moved away from the table out of earshot of the others. After several long moments passed, Ray lashed out, hitting Wayro squarely in the jaw. Whipping around, Ray stormed from the room.
Just then Rayra reappeared and Carth walked over to her. "Where's Sighta?" he asked, his voice calm despite the fact Alek could see the fear in the way his father moved.
"She went home," Rayra replied. "I don't think she liked the idea of ruining the reunion." Looking around, Rayra winced at the sight of Viya beside Wayro who was staring off in the direction Ray had stormed off in. "I take it Ray hit him," she stated with a sigh. "Well, he did deserve it, hiding the fact Ray had a twin for so long," she shook her head. "Can't blame them though," she looked at her four children, eyes soft. Alek followed her gaze and noted all four of them were playing with Ray's older two.
The rest of the night seemed to pass slowly. Each passing moment made Alek feel more and more out of place. It was more than obvious Ray's two children really didn't like Alek. They had accepted him only because Kullen was fun to play with.
Near the end of the game, Alek asked them what the point of was to it. "Point?" the boy stared at Alek. "Why do games need a point? You sound like an adult," he laughed. "You have a strange brother, Kullen."
The younger boy glared at Alek. "If you don't like the games then don't play," he stuck his tongue out at Alek before stalking off with others. Kullen hesitated, looking from Alek to them.
Sighing, Alek gave her a small smile, "Go on." Slowly she nodded and ran after them, shouting for them to wait up.
Alek watched her go, a hollow feeling in the pit of his stomach. He'd hoped there had been someone like him among the other third of his family, but he'd been wrong. It had been like this at school as well. For as long as Alek could remember he had felt as if he didn't belong here, but Kullen did and he liked to see her happy.
Slowly Alek walked off, heading for one of the balconies off this room. He stopped just by the ledge and looked up at the night sky. "You, you're one of her kids, aren't you?" Alek jumped at the sound of the voice. Turning he saw Ray standing in the shadows.
"Yes, I'm Alek Onasi," he assumed Ray was talking about Alek's mother. "What do you have against my mother?" he asked calmly.
"What do I have against her?" Ray snorted, his eyes narrowing at Alek. "Do you even know what your mother is?" he asked, stepping out of the shadows. "What you're father is for ever falling for her? They're traitors!" he spat at Alek's feet.
"My parents aren't traitors!" shouted Alek, glaring up at Ray, jaw set. "My father is a decorated war hero from the Mandalorian and Jedi Civil wars. He was a fleet admiral!" How dare this man call Alek's parents traitors when they clearly weren't. "My mother served the Republic in both wars, that's how they met," he added defensively.
"You're mother started the Jedi Civil War," snapped Ray. "It's because of her so many are dead. She's Darth Revan, the Sith responsible for this world having to have been rebuilt!"
Alek stared at Ray. The name seemed to echo through him. In class he had learned Darth Revan had been a tryant but had redeemed himself at the end of the Jedi Civil war by killing Darth Malak. "Revan's a guy in history," Alek whispered unable to find anything else to say.
"Ha," Ray laughed, "your mother hasn't told you then? She is Revan. She is the Dark Lord of the Sith, the traitor of the Republic!" With that Ray turned and walked back into the room.
Alek stared after him. The words slowly sunk in. Shaking his head, he tried not to think on it, but he couldn't stop. Now he thought on it, this explained so much, like why his mother was gone so much and news of the Jedi Master only ever came while Sighta was gone. It changed who she was, right? Revan had been working hard to restore the Republic. She wasn't a bad person!
It wasn't until late evening that Marth got the chance to go check up on Link. He had been kept preoccupied with all manner of tasks, but his mind had stayed glued to memory of the exhaustion painting Link's face when he'd gone back to his quarters. And now as he stood looking down at him, Marth felt a niggle of worry worm through him at the sweat coating Link's face, pasting his short hair to his scalp.
But if he was truthful with himself, all of this was probably just because of all the activity that had been happening on the ship recently. Link was probably just worn out; what with being tied so tightly to the time-stream he probably was experiencing the stress from having two Revan's in one time.
Marth shook his head, sure that he was just over-reacting, being a worry-wort as Link had said earlier. Bending over, he pressed a light kiss to Link's temple, brushed Link's hair back and whispered goodnight. Then he silently left the room, making his way to his own quarters. It would probably be a good idea if he was where others would expect him to be this evening.
x – The next morning – x
Link's body shook with the force of his cough, causing his body to double up and him to crash to his knees. Pressing his hand to his mouth, Link squeezed his eyes shut and let the cough run its course. And when it finally released him, he sighed deeply, bringing his hand away.
The glint of deep red caught his eye as his hand moved through the air. Link stared in horrified fascination. The blood that he had expelled dripped slowly down his palm, staining it red.
He couldn't process the fact that he'd just couch up blood. He had only ever done that when severely injure, but right now there was absolutely nothing wrong with him. Shakily he stood and went to his bathroom, washing off the blood in the sink. And as it swirled away down the drain, he let any fear he felt drain away with it.
He was fine. This was just a fluke, and it wouldn't happen again.
Shutting off the water, he walked back into his room and continued getting dressed. And once he pulled his hat snuggly onto his head, he exited, going in the direction of the cafeteria. He hadn't had anything to eat yet, and he was feeling famished. Heck, even rations sounded good right now, that's how hungry he was.
On his way there, he stumbled upon Marth in one of the halls, muttering to himself under his breath. A smile stretching his lips, Link snuck up behind the padawan, got on tip-toes and husked into Marth's ear, "You lost, little boy?"
Marth jumped a foot in the air, and whirled around, his arm out to strike. Laughing, Link ducked under it then came in close to Marth, wrapping his arms around the raven's waist. Recovering from his start, Marth dropped his arm and glowered down at the blonde, "What do you think you're doing?"
"Link nuzzled Marth's chest, "Just having a little fun is all."
Marth scowled, rolling his eyes, "You have a sick sense of humor." Then he gestured meaningfully to his hair which still had streaks of pink in it.
Link smiled innocently, "Come on Marth, laugh a little. It's good for you."
"This coming from the guy who thinks blowing things up is fun," Marth scoffed.
Link shrugged, let go of Marth's waist and grabbed one of his hands. He started walking towards the cafeteria once more, "Let's go get something to eat."
"I should have guessed that's where you were going."
Link twisted his torso, sticking his tongue out at Marth. Shortly they arrived at the cafeteria which was fairly empty at the moment.
As the two of them entered the mess hall, Link caught sight of Alek sighting alone at one of the tables. The young man picked at the small amount of food he had been given as if not hungry, light eyes glazed in thought as he rested his cheek one hand. Alek looked up, his eyes locking on the back of a young man no older than nineteen, sitting at a table close by. The man had short black hair and wore the uniform of a navy lieutenant. He was deep in conversation with a boy and girl around his age.
The girl leaned in towards the black haired boy and whispered to him. She pointed in Alek's direction and smiled. The boy let out a bark of laughter, but didn't look at Alek. The other boy in the group, a short, blond haired boy, shot a glare of distain at Alek which clearly said "stay away!"
Alek sighed, seeming not to really care what the others said. As Alek looked away he caught sight of Link and Marth. Straightening, he waved them over after they had gotten their small amount of food. "Good morning, Padawan Marth, Link," Alek greeted them as the pair of them sat down side by side. Alek's face was ashen as if he hadn't slept well the night before. More than likely he'd only been worried about his mother.
Marth spoke up first, "Good morning, Master Alek."
Link smiled at him, "Rough night?"
"I'm not a master, Marth, so please stop calling by the title of one," stated Alek, looking at Marth evenly. Turning to Link, Alek gave a slight nod, "Still no word on how Master Sighta is," he told them, looking down at his food. "I dropped in earlier this morning, the medics say Revan will make it and have only just discharged Malak," worry clouded Alek's eyes as he looked at the rations he'd been given. Suddenly he pushed the tray towards Link and Marth, "Here, split this between the two of you. I couldn't eat even if this was my last meal."
Shrugging, Link took the tray, not even considering giving any to Marth. Marth, pretending to ignore Link's hogging, rubbed at the back of his neck, "Sorry, Alek. I'm just used to addressing most of the Jedi on this ship by the title of master. Habit can be a hard thing to break."
Link, sorting his food, said, "So Revan's going to be fine. That's good news. But I'm sorry about Sighta. I could take a look at her with some of my spells if you would like me too. Maybe I can find something the medics can't." He looked up at Alek, cocking his head, "I may not look it but I'm a fairly good healer."
Shaking his head, Alek said, "She'd never forgive me for permitting anyone aside a medic or doctor to heal her. She's strong, I know she'll make even if it doesn't look good at the moment," he gave them a rueful smile, eyes anxious as if he didn't believe this himself.
Just then the girl at the other table stood and walked over to them. "You're Knight Alek, one of the Revanchists, right?" asked the girl, looking at Alek as she nervously rung her hands. Her brown gaze looked from Alek to Marth and then to Link.
"In a manor of speaking, yes," Alek said politely giving the girl a slight bow of his head. "Why do you ask?" he looked up at her, one eyebrow cocked in question.
"I," the girl straightened, giving a savage look at the two boys at the table she'd just left, "we were just wondering why you looked so much like Ray, sorry Lieutenant Ray FireForce."
"We were not!" Ray shouted incredulously, dark blue eyes flashing as he half rose. "You and Carr were, I had nothing to do with this!" he shot Alek an apologetic look. Standing, he walked over to them, "Now come on Ensign Ceira Sarvar we're on duty soon," he took her arm, half dragging her towards the door.
"Let go Ray!" she snapped pulling her arm free. "You're on duty soon. I don't start for another few hours!"
Alek blinked before he stood. "I think it best if I take my leave. I might see the two of you later. I'll be in the practice room if you like to join me there," with a bow of his head, Alek left them to finish their small meal in peace.
Link, watching Alek leave, blinked, "I think we just missed something." Then he started to munch on his food.
Marth shrugged, "Probably. They do look a lot alike though."
Link, looking over at the Lieutenant, cocked his head, "They do. But it could just be a strange coincidence."
Marth brought a hand up to ruffle Link's hair, "I haven't believed in coincidence since you dropped onto ship."
Link glared at him, but there was no strength behind it, "Whatever. You better hurry and eat your food otherwise I'm going to steal it."
Marth laughed, shaking his head, "Alright, alright." He picked up some of his own food and began eating. The rest of their lunch was finished in a calm peace. Once they threw away their trash and put away their trays, Link asked Marth, "So do you want to go train with Alek? Or should we go check on Revan and Sighta first?"
Marth, cupping his chin, hummed then said, "I don't think the medics would appreciate me dropping in again. I've already been today. So I guess we should go train with Alek."
Link nodded and led the way to the practice room, well-satisfied with his full stomach. Marth once they were alone in the halls came up beside Link, slung an arm around his waist and pulled the blonde close to him, "Are you feeling better today? I think you had a fever last night."
Link smiled up at him, "I'm feeling fine. Nothing to worry about."
Marth smiled gently down at him, "Good," He leaned down and gave Link a quick peck on the lips. Then he let the blonde go because they had reached the training center.
On entering it was easy enough to spot Alek and Shicar, seeing as they were the only group without a crowd around them, cheering. Shicar watched her master thoughtfully. Alek's light eyes only flickered once to the door as Marth and Link entered, but it was so brief Shicar hadn't had time to react to the distraction.
At once Shicar leapt towards her master, sending several waves of the Force towards him. Alek easily deflected the blasts as his padawan charged towards him, lightsaber in hand. Quickly he flipped as she leapt over him, her lightsaber missing his stomach by inches. As he moved Alek grabbed hold of her wrist, pulling her with him as he fell towards the floor. In one quick movement he had pinned Shicar to the ground.
"Better," he nodded approvingly as he released her. "Much better," standing, he added, "in few years you might be ready to take on a Kath Hound." His eyes sparked as he teased her. Shicar's shoulders slumped as he said this. "Come now, it was only your second time implementing the move. You will get the hang of it."
Link coming over, said, "Alek's right. Practice makes perfect. And you're much better than I was at your age."
Marth said sarcastically, "I thought you still were her age."
At this Alek gave a small smile and inclined his head to the two of them. "I'm glad you two came." He looked them, hopefully, "I was hoping Shicar could have some practice with tag teaming. If one of you are willing…" he trailed off, a soft, sad smile on his features
Link punched the air in excitement, "I'd love to. I got to stay in shape somehow."
Marth chuckled, "We'd love to help Shicar."
"Well then," Alek's smiled broadened, "seeing as both of you are willing I will have Shicar team up with Link first. That is," he cocked an eyebrow at Marth, "if you are content to watch a few rounds?" He turned to Link, "I assume you're more experienced than Marth and it would be harder on Shicar to team up with someone closer to her own age," he gave Marth a small smile, showing he meant no offense by this and telling him that he would be able to get on the practice floor soon enough.
Marth smiled back, letting him know no offense was taken, "I'll just head over there then."
Link, grinning, turned to Shicar, "We'll make a great team. I have experience running out my ears."
Rolling her eyes at the ceiling, Shicar grumbled. Alek silenced his padawan with a quick look. "Shicar, fetch Link two practice vibro blades, then I'll give you both the point behind this exercise." When Shicar had returned with the blades, Alek gave her a small smile before saying, "Link the point of this isn't for you take me down but try to complement Shicar's weaknesses and help her to get in close enough to take me down. If successful we will try a few more times then switch out with Marth," he gestured at Marth who had seated himself on the bench at the edge of the mat.
Link saluted him, "Got it. That shouldn't be too difficult." Then Link took the practice blades from Shicar and spent a minute getting used to them. Once he could spin them deftly over the top of his hand, he grinned at Alek and nodded, "Alright, I'm good to go."
Nodding, Alek held the hilt of his practice 'saber in hand as he dropped into a ready stance Link had seen Revan use from time to time. "Ataru, more commonly called form four. An acrobatic form which relies heavily on using the Force to maneuver," Shicar told Link in an undertone. "My master isn't taking this training lightly if he's using his favorite form. Be careful, this form is the best for consulars because of the fact it relies on the Force for its strengths, but," she smiled, "it's also a weakness unless you're Revan."
Link nodded, his eyes already assessing everything about Alek, "So we have to watch out for him using the Force. I'll let you decide how we attack then."
Slowly Shicar nodded and gave Link a silent signal to attack her master. The glint in her eye told him not to pin Alek or try to win the bout only to distract him.
Smirking, Link darted in; bring his practices blades up in a crossed, overhead slash. Quicker than a blaster shot Alek leapt nimbly aside, activating his blade just in time to block Link's blades. Thrusting out his hand, Link found himself blasted back. In that instant Shicar leapt at her master from behind. Alek spun on his heel, narrowly avoiding his padawan's blade before she found herself blasted away from him as well.
But Link had already recovered, flipping in the air and sprinting back at Alek, his blades coming low, hoping to take Alek off his feet. The Jedi Knight was faster still. With speed blurred even to Link, Alek leapt into the air flipping as he nimbly dodged both Shicar and Link. Without warning Shicar rammed held long into Link.
"Sorry," she muttered, blushing with embarrassment.
Link smiled at her, telling her with his eyes that they needed to get back in the fight. Then he spun, blocking Alek's attack, his other practice sword whipping out in an expert thrust.
Alek used the Force to block Link's attack before vanishing from Link's sight. Shicar leapt at her master who had appeared behind Link. Faster than she could ever move, he flipped around, taking hold of her robes and placing his 'saber at her neck. He released her and signaled to Link the fight was over.
Panting, Alek grinned. "You did well Shicar. If I were a mandalorian I wouldn't have stood a chance," he leaned over panting just as appaulse sounded from near Marth. Everyone, including Marth, looked around to see General Revan standing only feet behind Marth.
"You seem to excel in ataru and it is not an easy form to learn," her voice betrayed only her praise towards Alek, but Link could see her hands shaking and it was apparent by this alone she shouldn't have been out of the med bay. "For a new padawan, you excel at your chosen form of niman," she gave an approving bow of her head in Shicar's direction.
At her words Shicar seemed to glow with pride at the unexpected praise. "Thank you, Master Revan," Shicar gave her a low bow, grinning widely.
Link, smiling, straightened from his crouch, "I'm glad to you're alright Revan." Slapping a practice sword against his thigh, he took a step towards Marth and Revan. But then his face froze in an expression of agony. His left hand dropped it practice sword, coming up to clutch at his chest, over where his heart was.
Faster than any of them could react, he collapsed unconscious to the floor.
Alek watched as Link collapsed, unable to move. At once Marth was on his feet and at Link's side, shouting at someone to act and not just stand there. This jolted Alek back, but before he could move, Revan started forward, a pronounced limp in her right leg. She stopped then straightened as if shocked and continued forward without limping.
"Alek, you are a healer, are you not?" she asked, kneeling beside Link. There was an odd note in her voice which he knew hadn't ever been there. Well, not in the nineteen year old Revan, but he couldn't place it. "I dare not heal him," she stated, turning her masked gaze on him.
Quickly Alek raced to Link's side and placed his hand over Link's back. Closing his eyes, Alek allowed his mind's eye to enter Link's body. Quickly he jerked his hand away, shouting, "We have to get him to a medic, now!"
Revan took Link's arm and pulled him to his feet, Marth leapt forward, helping her. Together the two Jedi began to half carry, half drag Link towards the med bay. As they left the room, Revan staggered, nearly falling. Alek was about to offer to take her place but the general just kept going, keeping pace with Marth who looked as if he wanted to race through the halls.
Between the two of them, Link hung like a rag dog, blood beginning drip from his nostrils. Marth, his expression grown even grimmer, mumbled, "I should have never let him convince me that he was alright."
"It was not your fault," stated Revan. Alek could have sworn he had heard her snort in indigence, which was so unlike the general. "No one could have foreseen this occurrence, no matter who they are." It was then Alek knew Revan was really off. The way she spoke sounded more from experience than logic, as it should have, he stared at her, only just remembering to keep walking. This wasn't Revan; at least it wasn't her mind. There was no way it could, there was just no way.
As they entered the med bay, Revan let Marth take over and backed off as the medics raced over to help Marth. "Shicar," Alek looked at his padawan, "stay with Marth and Link while they are here." Out of the corner of his eye he saw Revan slip from room without notice from the medics. Not waiting to see if Shicar had agreed to his order or not, Alek followed Revan. He caught up to her in seconds and moved to block her way. "What's going on?" he asked as evenly as he could.
"Oh, come now, surely you of all people have noticed, Alek," she seemed to laugh at him in, his eyes widened, but it couldn't be.
"Mother?" he asked in barely more than a hiss.
Revan gave a flick of her wrist, "In a manor of speaking, yes, and no. This is the general's body but my mind. It happened shortly after we passed out. In order to keep her heart beating long enough for you to find her I linked minds with her. I meant to sever the contection when I was sure the medics had left, but," she paused, her masked gaze on him, "you intervened in that plan."
He gaped at her. "But, how did I intervene?" he couldn't stop himself from asking. His eyes were wide as he stared at her. No wonder she had limped at first when she'd moved forward. After a year with a limp it had to be strange having two good legs again, and a healthy body and mind.
"When you wiped her memory of what occurred night before last," she stated evenly. "Fortunately I had not seen the memory, though I am grateful to you for wiping it, whatever it was it had disturbed her greatly. Though wiping her memory at the exact moment you did made my consciousness stuck here from the time being."
"What about your younger self?" Alek asked trying to follow how this possible. He was only just starting to wrap his mind around this. It just felt so impossible.
"Still unconscious, but not in my body," she gave a flick of her wrist back towards the med bay. Alek felt the blood drain from him. If her mind wasn't in her own body then wouldn't she die. "Oh, no, I will not. The mind still has basic function, such as the heart and lung control. One would be an utter idiot to take all their control into another's body," she paused, "not that it would be possible unless you are the person you intend to control, anyhow."
Slowly Alek looked at her. "So you and she are sharing a mind and body at the moment?" She nodded, "But what will this do to the Revanchists?"
She held up her hand, stopping him from continuing. "Nothing," she told him, her voice taking on a stern note. "Once it is safe to do so, I will return to my body, but I must sever the connection and doing so might prove fatal to her and, in turn, me. It will take time for me to figure out a way to do so. After all I have no wish to kill her," she paused, "oh, eight people excluding myself and younger self. Four of which have not yet drawn their first breath," she shrugged. "Now, keep this matter to yourself, no one can know there is a difference. Malak is bound to notice some odd change in personality as you did, but I will try to make it harder for him to see. This means you will have to call me Revan and not Sighta or master."
"Wait," Alek cut her off, holding up a hand in confusion, "you said eight, but Kullen only has two kids?"
"So she does," Revan started off down the hall, repeating in a softer voice, "So she does."
xxx
Anxiously, Marth stood there watching as the medics hovered around Link, talking to each other. The blonde's face was unnaturally pale under that deep tan of his. And sweat was beading on Link's forehead, just like last night when he'd gone in to check on him.
Unable to stand it any longer, Marth cautiously caught one of the medics by the sleeve and asked, "Do you know what's wrong with him?"
The medic, glancing back at Link, replied, "It appears that he's suffered a heart attack. As to the cause for this we're still not sure."
Marth let the medic return to their business, backing several feet away. He could feel his hands shaking, but he refused to break down this time. No, this time he would remain in control of himself, so he could be there to help Link when it was required.
Unaware to Marth Alek slipped back into the med bay. "Master!" Shicar exclaimed, drawing Marth's attention to the fact Alek was there. "I thought you'd followed General Revan?" she titled her head to one side in confusion, blinking innocently up at her master.
"General Revan?!" demanded one of the healers not going over Link. She seemed to bristle with rage as she strode over the Alek. "Where did that damned woman get off to? We expressly told her not to leave until we were certain a reoccurrence wouldn't happen!"
Giving the medic a bow of his head, Alek spoke with a hint of a smile, "Once General Revan has her mind set on a task there is no placating," his voice held a hint of humor. He looked towards Marth and then at Link the smile dying away. "Besides, you have other matters to attend to," he nodded dismissively to her before walking over to Marth. "You don't need to stay for this," he told Marth, coming to a stop beside him, "in fact it would best if you don't linger too long here. The medics will save him," the tone of his voice made it absolutely clear they would save him. "Besides we will be rejoining the main fleet in a few minutes and I believe you will be needed in the ensuing battle."
Marth reluctantly nodded, giving Alek a weak smile, "You're right." Then he followed Alek from the med bay, forcing himself to not look back.