Knights and Eros Bound

Chapter 24

Kampher paused as Gris came into view. Although her back was turned, Kam found herself mesmerized by the sight. Gris was an Eithorian. Her skin was snake-like, with luminescent patterns that covered her arms and exposed shoulders. Her hair, normally pulled back in a harsh braid, hung loosely over her shoulders. Like her skin, its color was smoky and varied, and the dim light gave it an almost ethereal quality.

Gris had spoken to her, and Kampher, who had been captivated by merely seeing her again, was shocked into silence at her words. Surely she had misheard...

"Perhaps I should rephrase that," Gris said smoothly, not turning around. "I asked you which one had bedded you, or perhaps was it both?" A stream of heavily scented smoke drifted towards the ceiling. 

"Gris…" Kam whispered, unsure what else to say.

Gris held out her hand entreatingly, and Kampher took it, allowing herself to be guided to a seat. Gris signaled to a waiter and spoke to him in a language that Kampher didn't understand. He bowed nervously and hurried away almost fearfully.

Silence ensued for a moment as Gris closed her eyes and took another thoughtful pull on the water pipe. Kampher resisted the urge to send a com message to Anakin and sat still instead, waiting.

After what seemed to be an eternity, the waiter brought their drinks and Kampher took a cautious taste.

"It's not drugged, if that's what you think Kam," Gris said as she opened her eyes. They were cloudy with her intoxication, yet sparkled with amusement. "I know better than to try to deceive a Jedi, much less a healer."

"What do you want, Gris?" Kampher asked quietly, trying to regain her composure. She finished her drink quickly, suddenly anxious to be gone.

"It's not what I want any more. Kam," Gris smiled, but it didn't touch her eyes. She leaned over to Kampher. "It's what you need…"  She took Kampher's free hand into her own. "Come with me," she hissed. "There's a small room in the back, we can… talk… if you like."

Without waiting for a reply, Gris led Kam into the back room as she waved to the waiter once more.

"I should go back," Kam told her meekly, and a part of her knew this to be true but Gris's pull on her hand, and on her heart, was too strong. She reached for the com once again and this time sent a quick 'check in' message to Anakin before turning it off. Gris was behaving oddly, but perhaps a more private  discussion would ease her mind. She had to believe this. As a gesture of trust, she placed the com on the table.

As if she could read Kampher's concerns, Gris paused and smiled, this time really smiled, at Kam.

"Don't worry, love," she said gently. "When they come, we'll discuss what is right, and what must be done, but for now, we need to discuss things between ourselves."

The room was small, yet comfortably furnished, and Kam carefully took a seat. All of her senses were alert, yet oddly muted here, but Gris seemed determined to put her at ease. Putting on a brave face, Kam  took the drink that Gris offered her, once again carefully and discreetly using her senses to detect any abnormality. Finding none, she drank.

"You've found someone to replace me then, Kam," Gris said softly. "I can see it in your heart."

"Gris…" Kam murmured quietly. "I don't know what to tell you, its…"

"No matter," Gris replied as she sat down across from Kampher, never taking her eyes off of her. "There are other things that are more important for now. Larger things."

Kampher shook her head. Suddenly she felt… out of sorts. Out of touch.

Gris appeared not to notice as she continued her narrative. "The Republic is dying, Kampher. I know it, you know it… even Anakin knows it to be true…"

Anakin… Kampher tried to call out to him through the bond, but realized that she couldn't. She felt weak, woozy.

"Gris!" she cried out. Suddenly she realized the truth. "What did you do to me?"

"I lied, a little." Gris acknowledged. "The first drink wasn't drugged, but only contained a base. The second drink had the catalyst…"

"Why?" Kampher moaned softly. She was loosing her grip on consciousness but fighting it with every breath.

"I knew you wouldn't come to us willingly if you thought you knew everything." Gris drew herself closer. "When I spoke to Anakin this afternoon, I realized that I no longer had a choice. You won't listen to me…"

"You saw Anakin?" Kam exclaimed. Now, she was winning the fight against the drug, but trying not to show it. She allowed herself to sink a little more into the chair, trying to preserve the illusion. In a moment, she would have the strength to fight back.

"Yes I did," Gris replied. "Actually, he was rather interested in what I had to say." Suddenly, her tone became serious. "And now my friend, I'm afraid this little charade of yours is at an end." Gris produced a hypo spray, and slowly made her way over to her now captive companion. From a few feet away, she levitated the piece and pressed it against Kampher's throat.

"I'm sorry my dear, but our friends will be here soon, and you need to rest."

As Kam slipped into unconsciousness, she cried out once more through the bond.

Schurke, I'm sorry…