Author's Note: Yo! We're on chapter 50 already?! Half way to 100! Woo! At any rate, enjoy this special milestone chapter on today, the two-year anniversary of this story!
-Chapter 50: You and Me-
Location: Jedi Temple/The Dominance
"Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart."
In the office of the Supreme Chancellor...
"So The Wraith managed to evade you..." Palpatine mused in summary as Corsair finished delivering his report. With him was a holographic render of Commander Thrawn, the Chiss strategist still on Takodana.
"Yeah, 'e did. But not befor' we pumped 'im fulla' slugs. I guarantee, Chancellor, ya won't be seein' him on tha battlefield any time soon." Corsair replied.
"But he was not defeated permanently, as per our contract." Palpatine continued with disappointed look in his eyes. Corsair went unmoved, reading the Chancellor's body language like a holotext.
"I know what yor thinkin', Chancellor. We didn't delivah as promised, I'm all blustah and no results, and the like. But this kriffer ain't yor average target. He's no businessman or politician, he's a damn supah-soldiah for Force-sake!" He responded. "We didn't quite know what we was gettin' inta. But now that we do, we'll gladly hit 'im again when 'e rears 'is head again."
"If that is your plan, then you will have to do it on your own time." Palpatine stated. "You failed to deliver according to our deal, therefore you will be paid half of the original price. Our business is concluded." Anticipating a reaction, Palpatine's hunch soon proved correct as Corsair responded to his words of termination. He walked right up to Palpatine and leaned over his desk, a very serious look on his face.
"We ain't goin' nowhere, Chancellor." The Titan leader bluntly stated. "That kriffer cost me resources. I got unfixable droids and three o' my men are in sick bay 'cause a' him. This was just business, Chancellor... but now 'e's made it personal." He explained. Palpatine simply nodded at his words. "We will be tryin' again... with or without ya." Corsair declared.
Palpatine smiled.
"I understand your dedication... and it has given me the evidence I needed." He said with a smile. Pulling a datapad out of his desk, he slid it across to Corsair. "Instead of completing our original deal, I would like to offer you an open contract to fight with the Galactic Republic. The Titan Conglomerate has proven their invaluable worth in their ability to outthink and outfight The Wraith, two qualities we have been missing up until now. Commander Thrawn has already vouched for your prolonged employment and highly recommended your company to me." He informed him. Then, leaning forward, he continued in a far more inviting tone. "If you do agree, I can promise you a very modest, if not extremely generous, rate of pay." Corsair straightened up, thinking over the Chancellor's offer. He pulled a fresh cigarra from his vest and lit it, taking a few puffs and blowing a few smoke rings before he replied with a smile of his own.
"Where do I sign?" Gesturing to a spot on the datapad, Palpatine watched as Corsair completed the deal, sealing it and binding the Titan Conglomerate to the Republic's service. "Much obliged Chancellor, and to you, Commandah." Corsair thanked them, leaving with smug look on his face. Palpatine and Thrawn watched him go, their own thoughts on the matter in mind.
"Although their work did not provide the results we all desired, it was, nonetheless, a victory." Palpatine determined, turning to the Chiss. "You were right to recommend them, Commander Thrawn." The Chiss tilted his head in silent recognition.
"I thank you for being willing to give them the opportunity they needed, Chancellor." He calmly replied. "I'm sure that they will prove to be most beneficial against The Wraith and his schemes as the war continues. But to that end, I have a favor to ask of you, Supreme Chancellor." Thrawn continued, quickly switching from praising reports to business. "I would like to request your permission to send an auxiliary fleet to Kamino immediately and ask that I oversee operations there." Palpatine was taken aback and for good reason.
"Whatever for, Commander?" He wondered.
"It is to be where the Separatists shall strike next." Thrawn simply stated, surprising Palpatine even further.
"But our intelligence operators have had no word on an impending invasion or planetary assault. Not since the last one that was helmed by General Grievous." He replied, attempting to find the folly in Thrawn's deduction. But the Chiss was adamant in pursuing this course of action.
"I know it is a lot to ask for an outsider, Chancellor. But if you will trust me, I do have a plan in mind." He calmly responded.
Elsewhere in the galaxy, aboard the Dominance...
Striding through the halls of the Dominance, Count Dooku moved at a quick and determined pace, proceeding straight to the heavy cruier's medical bay. He had received a report from Doctor Scipio and was determined to be here in person in order to follow through.
The information he was about to receive would determine how the Separatists proceeded next in the Clone Wars.
Stopping at a door, the twin panels slid open to reveal a spacious room containing a multitude of scientific equipment and a bed surrounded by the Pau'an doctor as well as Admiral Sereva. In the bed, was a heavily bandaged Wraith, still recovering from his fight on Takodana. His face concealed by heavy wrappings around the left side, Wraith certainly didn't look as fearsome and intimidating as he normally did. Turning to see Dooku enter, Wraith weakly raised an arm in salute.
"Sir... I'd sit up, but I barely have the strength to." He greeted. Dooku excused him with a passive wave of his hand.
"That is quite understandable, Wraith." He replied, approaching the foot of the bed. "It pleases me to know that you have survived the encounter. However, I must ask that you tell me whatever you know about these assailants that attacked you. I do not ask for a full report, just whatever information you can give me." Wraith gave a small nod.
"That won't be too hard, sir." He softly replied. He went on to recount his story to him as best he could, most of the far more 'impactful' moments from the encounter fresh in his mind. He told them everything he could remember, but his information was hindered by his limited vision and hearing throughout the night. He told them what he could, Dooku nodding and listening to his every word, a curious Scipio and Sereva also attentive to a report which, up until now, they did not fully understand. Then Wraith looked up with a far more determined fire in his eyes. "I think I figured this all out." He stated. A curious Dooku nodded for him to continue.
"Go on, soldier."
"There's only one reason why the Republic would supplement their forces with such mercs: they're running out of Clones." Wraith stated, revealing his deduction. Dooku paused and grew thoughtful, considering this new development. If it proved true, there could be startling ramifications for both sides depending on how they responded to such information.
"Which would mean that the most prudent course of action is to attack Kamino." Dooku determined. Wraith gave a nod.
"My thoughts, and recommendation, exactly sir. Without more Clones to replace those lost to us, not even a mercenary band can stop an army." He replied. After a few more moments of careful consideration, Dooku nodded in approval.
"A prudent insight, soldier. I commend your forward thinking in spite of this trial." He said. Wraith tilted his head in acceptance before leaning back and into the soft bed behind him, rest his weakened muscles while the Sith turned to the Twi'lek by his side. "Admiral Shak, I need you to come with me." Sereva moved to obey, following Dooku out into the hall and knowing her bedside manner came second to the will of her leader.
"How may I serve you, my lord?" She politely inquired.
"We shall heed Wraith's advice and seek to attack Kamino at once. I am putting you in charge of the fleet and the preparation of the invasion force. Feel free to make use of one of the Subjugators and prove their power over the Republic forces." Dooku informed her. Sereva agreed and bowed.
"I will go at once, my lord." She stated. Upon rising, Sereva quickly noted Dooku's furrowed brow and realized that something seemed off with him. "Does something trouble you, sir? You look troubled." She wondered. The Count looked to her.
"My trouble, Admiral, is that Wraith claims a simple mercenary group cannot defeat an entire army." Dooku replied. "And yet they managed to defeat a one-man army with relative ease."
Back on Coruscant...
Within the halls of the Senate, Ahsoka Tano sat by herself near a window, bathed in the mid-day sunlight. Her expression was downcast, one of solemn reflection. Her gaze was turned downwards to her hands, where a single communicator lay cradled.
It was the communicator Wraith had given her on Wasskah.
Convinced of his death via the horrific vision she'd experienced, this was all that Ahsoka had left to remember Wraith by. His simple gesture of attempting to reach out to her and help her... now a memento of the man who used to be.
She was waiting for Anakin to arrive so they could speak with Chancellor Palpatine. But in silent, quiet moments like this one, Ahsoka grew forlorn and quiet, her depression no longer suppressed as when she was around others. It was her true self, the part of her hidden beneath a mask of youthful courage and attitude she dared not let anyone see past. In moments like this, all she wanted was to be alone so she could wallow in her suffering.
"Ya really thought that you could get 'im ta turn?" A startled Ahsoka looked up to see Corsair leaning against a nearby doorway. "Sorry luv, but Wraith already spilled too much blood fer that ta happen." He continued. Ahsoka was momentarily dumbfounded by his words.
"W... What're you-?" Corsair smirked and approached her.
"It's alright, luv, yor secret's safe with me. I know all about yor effaht's to try and 'redeem' The Wraith." The merc revealed, surprising Ahsoka. How did he know about this. Sure her belief in his salvation was known by the Jedi, but not her attempts. That was something she had only ever shared once with...
With Commander Thrawn...
"But ya can take it from me, sweetheart, no one evah really changes. They nevah do. That sad excuse of a bugger is only interested in whatevah's undahneath that skirt a' yors. If ya truly believe that 'e really feels anything for ya, then yer an even bigger fool 'n 'e is." Corsair crudely remarked. Ahsoka felt a fervor burn within her, scowling at the Titan leader. She wouldn't dare share with him how she knew of Wraith's death, but was still determined to defend her choices.
"Let's get one thing straight, you kriffing sleemo! I know what I've seen under Wraith's helmet, and I know that there was a man who needs help." She retorted, hands balled into fists. "The fact that he feels-... felt something for me that went beyond what his superiors dictated was evidence enough! And before you call me a fool, the only fool here is the one who believes people can't ever change!" Corsair calmly listened as Ahsoka continued her tirade, arms crossed and a smug look on his dirty face. "I don't care what you've gone through to get to this point, but keep your foul thoughts to yourself! Your job is to fight, not give your smoke-addled opinion!" Ahsoka exclaimed. Corsair couldn't help but chuckle at her irritated state, more than ready to mock her.
"Of tha many things that kriffer is, a good man was nevah one of 'em, and the only 'help' 'e needs is some medical attention..." He stated, then paused, reconsidering his choice of words. "Scratch that, 'e's prolly dead on the floor by now." Ahsoka winced. He had no idea. "And even if he ain't, by some miracle, I guarantee that ya'll be disappointed when Wraith shows 'imself for the damn bastard 'e truly is. Jus' remember that when 'e bends ya over. It's best ya just rip that bandage off now." The Togrutan stood speechless, aghast that this human would so willingly resort to crude, lowlife-level terms. With his spiel completed, Corsair made to leave. "You'll thank me latah." He called over his shoulder.
"No I won't." She quietly growled, glaring daggers at Corsair's back as he left.
Later that day...
"Well, the scars will be permanent, just like all the others." Scipio mused as he studied his work. "That and I've had a moment to examine the remains of your armor and tech. None of it is salvageable, I'm afraid. It's all been completely trashed."
"Hmph." Wraith grunted, begrudgingly accepting the fact he was no longer symmetrical.
"Oh don't be so sour." Scipio chided him, putting his data away and helping Wraith off the bed.
"A harder task than you realize, given how I feel." Wraith replied, tentatively feeling the bandages wrapped around his face.
"That is fair." Scipio mused, sizing up Wraith's stability and wanting to make sure he didn't fall. "I've done what I can. What you need most is some rest. You can take those bandages off in an hour, your body should be almost fully healed." He stated.
"I hope so." Wraith rumbled, hissing in minor pain as he stretched his legs and raised himself to full height. He'd made remarkable progress in terms of overcoming several of his wounds, Project Phoenix the likely reason for that. But now his body needed to work on overcoming his other injuries. Scipio had done what he could.
"Do you need help, my boy?" The Pau'an wondered as he came alongside Wraith, taking an arm over his shoulder.
"Yeah... That'd be safest." Wraith agreed and allowed the doctor to help him out of the medical lab and down the hall to his room. It was slow going, mostly due to Wraith's increased size, inability to move fast due to his pain and Scipio's smaller, slightly-less supportive body. But they eventually did arrive in Wraith's room and the Pau'an eased his super-soldier down onto his bed. "Thanks Doc." Wraith replied as he removed himself.
"Don't mention it, my boy." Scipio replied as he made to leave. "Now get some rest."
"Don't have to tell me twice." Wraith mumbled as Scipio left. Laying down on his bed, Wraith allowed his muscles to rest and closed his eyes, quickly falling asleep.
An hour later...
After a rather fruitless talk with Chancellor Palpatine about the prolonged stay and extended use of the Titan Conglomerate, Ahsoka returned to her room in the Jedi Temple and promptly plopped down on her bed with a sigh.
Things weren't going well.
The Republic seemed to have reached an all-new low. Not only did Chancellor Palpatine approve of these lowlife mercenaries, but he had just granted them a long-term contract as well! Meaning that foul-mouthed Corsair and the rest of his ilk would be sticking around a lot longer than both she and Anakin would like.
That and their roles as the Republic's new 'Wraith hunters', a fact that she would never be on board with... not that it mattered now. Wraith was dead, she watched him die, and that was something she would have to live with.
Ahsoka sadly sighed at the horrific memory, another one of many nightmares to continually plague her. Although she'd rather not bring it up, Wraith had become quite the integral part of wartime life that it would be hard to not refer to him. And Ahsoka knew that, any time she or someone else did, she would be the only one to feel regret and despair.
Alone again... naturally, so it seemed...
Then Ahsoka felt a sudden sensation through the Force, like she was no longer alone and looked up to see another portal had opened up to reveal a darkened room she was fairly familiar with.
It was Wraith's room.
At first, the teenage Togruta looked on with sadness and a sort of bitterness towards the Force for opening this up to her, wishing not to be reminded of the man she believed was dead. But then her hearing picked up steady, rhythmic breaths, rising and falling in a common pattern. Squinting her eyes, Ahsoka peered into the darkened room and quickly picked out the shape of a bed... and a body on it.
Hope fluttered within her and for a quick moment Ahsoka wondered if this was indeed The Wraith, contrary to her vision, not dead.
"Wraith...?" She hesitantly wondered in a soft, weak voice like she wasn't quite willing to submit entirely to her feelings and held on to the notion that this might be teasing her, tormenting her about what had been. The body stirred and a pair of glowing, amber eyes turned to her, causing Ahsoka's heart to momentarily skip a beat.
"Ahsoka?" Wraith asked in his own soft voice. Ahsoka gasped in surprise as the super-soldier in question slowly lifted himself up.
"Wraith, you're... you're alive!" She exclaimed.
"Yes... I am." He slowly replied.
"I watched you die! I saw it happen in my mind! It was like a... a-a-a-a vision, but so much more intense!" She quickly explained, tripping over her words in her hurry to tell him everything. "I felt you die, I could just... feel it, deep in my heart." Wraith paused where he sat, dwelling on her startling words.
"That sounds just like what I experienced on Celanon." He quietly mused, a little disturbed by the fearful symmetry of both their visions.
"It was so believable, though. After having seen you so wounded and hurt... it was easy to think those slugs had been the death of you." She quietly added with a distant, sad look. Wraith chuckled.
"If an orbital bombardment couldn't kill me, I doubt this could've." He remarked, standing up.
But Ahsoka didn't find his words nearly as funny.
"Wraith, I'm being serious!" She exclaimed with a slight frown, her tumultuous feelings suddenly flaring up.
"I'm... I'm sorry. You're right." He apologized. Ahsoka accepted his apology and simmered down, realizing she had let her peronsal stake in this take far too great a hold of her.
Such was not the Jedi way.
"Are you okay?" She wondered, changing topics to a far more important subject. Wraith' did answer immediately and, instead, reached up to his face and began to unravel the bandages wrapped around it. Ever so slowly, swaths of cloth fell to the bed as they was peeled away from his head. Scipio had said he could take it off after an hour, he supposed now was as good a time as any. With the last of the bandages removed, Wraith straightened up and breathed deeply.
"I've been better." He whispered. Rising from his bed, Wraith walked towards Ahsoka and into the light. His lean and chiseled face was revealed to her once more as were the two new scars, the ones Corsair had given him, that cut broadly from the corner of his left eye down to the corner of his mouth, stretching across his entire cheek. Two red marks that stood out in contrast to his pale skin. He wore a loose-fitting, white shirt, where bulges of bandages stuck out from underneath. In all honesty, Wraith was not fond of his scars whatsoever.
But to Ahsoka, well... they had a very... one might say, moving effect on her. She felt a fluttering in her stomach as she took in the sight of Wraith's handsome face with the addition of these scars. Something about them made him look even more rugged and manly, enough to stir some deep-seated emotions Ahsoka had never really dabbled in. "Could be worse... I guess. But these are some... permanent features I'll have to get used to now." He quietly said. Ahsoka watched him speak, taking in the sight of the real, true Wraith using his own voice... and swallowed nervously. His good looks combined with his deep, masculine voice and he had what it took to make her melt. Ahsoka felt her face warm up a little as she realized this, her montrals unconsciously turning a shade darker. Wraith looked up, his amber gaze meeting hers, seemingly waiting for her to respond. "You were expecting something more... grotesque?" He wondered.
"W-What? No, I... I, um... W-Well..." Ahsoka stammered, tripping over her words as she was shaken from her reverie. Wraith lightly chuckled.
"It's okay. I get it." He assured her. Stepping even closer. It was his turn to ask. "How are you doing?"
"Okay, I guess. The past while has been... pretty rough." Ahsoka slowly answered. Wraith nodded.
"I understand." He replied. The days after his vision of Ahsoka's own apparent demise had been dark and depressing, weighing heavily upon him. He wondered just how similarly Ahsoka felt... "How about your... 'other' issue?" Wraith asked, choosing to broach a far more sensitive topic. He had to wonder about Ahsoka's emotional response to her vision, considering her current struggle and how prevalent it seemed to be. The teenage girl seemed to freeze and she stammered out a partial reply,
"I'm... I-I-I... Well..." Wraith's honed intuition led him to deduce that Ahsoka was fumbling for an answer, her expression very telling of her quandary of whether she should lie to him or not. He took the initiative and got right to the point.
"You cut again. Didn't you?" He quietly asked, his expression neutral, denoting neither disappointment or any other negative emotion. Ahsoka did not say anything, looking away as her eyes denoted her own disappointment in herself. As much as she wanted to hide it from him, her guilt was all too obvious. "I do not look on you with condescension or judgement, Ahsoka." Wraith whispered in encouragement. Ahsoka made no move to accept his words, still ashamed to even discuss this with him. "Show me." He quietly asked, determined to help her without being too overwhelming in his approach. After a moment of hesitation, Ahsoka stood and reluctantly pulled off her gloves to reveal her bandaged arms, splotches of dried blood staining them in areas along the length of her forearm. Evidently they were fairly fresh, given the presence of blood, meaning it hadn't taken long for her to spiral into a depression. Giving his head a slow sorrowful shake, disappointed that he failed her, Ahsoka started speaking.
"I... I thought I failed you." She softly said, her voice threatening to break. "The pain I felt in that moment was so overwhelming... I couldn't bear it." Wraith stepped as close as he thought he could to her, desperate to offer her some comfort in some form. He knew what he desired, but that seemed to be an impossibility...
"I just want to hold you..." He whispered as he reached for her hand, half expecting his to pass through her...
But then, having drawn close enough, he felt her skin instead.
In that instant, Ahsoka was no longer in the Jedi Temple but there, in his quarters. To Ahsoka, Wraith was no longer on the Dominance, but right there in her room in the Jedi Temple. Both of them were immediately with each other, no longer separated. Ahsoka gave a quiet gasp of shock and looked up at Wraith as she felt his hand against hers.
"Wr-Wraith?" She stammered, both awed by his sudden presence and the startling transition. Wraith said nothing, but his expression denoted his own surprise. After taking a moment to get over the sudden change, the super-soldier realized he could now act on his desires and slowly drew Ahsoka into a hug. The surprised Togruta gave in without resistance, meekly becoming enfolded within his arms and pressed up against his chest as Wraith hugged her close. She could feel warmth radiating from his body, a lot of it in fact, something that surprised her.
He felt so... organic... and normal...
"You needn't be ashamed of yourself, Ahsoka." Wraith whispered, lightly stroking her back. The closeness was comforting and a welcome change from the typical at-arms-length cold professionalism the Jedi often practiced. Although Anakin might've pushed the rules to try and form a bond with her, such open affection was... really appreciated. Guiding her face towards his, Wraith continued speaking, "Please... don't ever hurt yourself on my account. Okay?" He pleaded with her. "I'm here. I survived. I'm alright." His hands rose until they were cupping her face. Looking into his scarred appearance, Ahsoka couldn't help but feel that flutter in her stomach again. To see him whole and healthy again... it awakened something in her that she couldn't deny. Her emotions swelled and she felt an unstoppable urge to act on her feelings. Wrapping her arms around Wraith's neck, Ahsoka reached up on the tips of her toes and kissed him without hesitation.
Much like how he'd surprised her with a kiss on Lola Sayu, now it was her turn.
A surprised Wraith closed his eyes and reciprocated her affection, until Ahsoka pulled back with a rather breathless look. Wraith could feel his heart absolutely racing in the aftermath. Ahsoka had initiated a kiss with him!
"That was... unexpected," he softly whispered, a grin growing on his face, "but not unwelcome." Ahsoka, however, suddenly appeared hesitant and regretful of her actions.
"I-I-I shouldn't have done that..." She stammered, "I'm sorry." She apologized as she made to pull away from him.
"Ahsoka," Wraith's grip tightened a little, keeping her close, "it's okay." He said.
"But... B-But I'm a Jedi! I can't just give in to my feelings like that." She retorted, trying to make him understand where she was coming from.
"You needed an outlet, you couldn't keep it bottled up. I understand." Wraith replied. "I won't fault you for giving in-"
"Wraith, you're bleeding!" Ahsoka suddenly interrupted, her gaze drawn to his shirt. Wraith looked down to see patches of dark crimson starting to form along the length of his body, his blood evidently having seeped through the bandages... from wounds that Scipio had claimed were healing.
"Indeed, I am..." He observed, keeping calm. He looked up to Ahsoka. "Do you still have the communicator I gave you?" He asked. She nodded. "Call me if you need to vent. I want to help." Wraith told her. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to tend to this." Ahsoka watched him take a step back and make to leave and, just like that, he vanished. Ahsoka blinked and looked around in confusion, Wraith nowhere to be seen.
She really needed to figure out what this was between them...
Sensing a familiar presence walking past her door, Ahsoka hurriedly threw her gloves back on, left her room and quickly caught up to Anakin.
"Hey Master!" She called, gaining his attention. The Knight slowed down as she came alongside him.
"What's up Snips?" He wondered with his trademark grin.
"Have you ever heard of other Jedi being connected across space/time?" She asked, getting right to the point. Anakin raised an eyebrow and gave her a slightly befuddled look.
"That's a pretty specific question, Ahsoka." He replied.
"Yeah I know. But I read about it in the archives and I got really curious." She explained, quickly forming an excuse. Anakin seemed to readily accept it and continued.
"As far as I know, that's part of a Force bond." He told her. Ahsoka was immediately rooted to the spot and worked very hard to hide the absolute astonishment she felt.
"A... A Force bond?" She repeated.
"It's a kind of connection between two Jedi's Force sensitivities that allows them to see and feel what the other is thinking." Anakin explained. Ahsoka seemed distant, clearly dwelling on what he had to say. "Does that answer your question?" He wondered.
"Yeah. Thanks Master." Ahsoka quickly replied. Anakin nodded and continued on his way, leaving Ahsoka alone with her shock and surprise. "A Force bond...?" She repeated. Putting two and two together, she realized that there were, potentially, ramifications that could change the entire landscape of the war... and maybe even the future of the galaxy. "Does... D-Does that mean...?" She wondered to herself, trailing off.
Walking through the halls of the Dominance, Wraith was determined to get some answers from Scipio. The Pau'an had claimed that Project Phoenix had initiated the healing of most of his wounds, many of which were located around his torso. For them to open up so suddenly and after such a potent concoction had been applied, Wraith couldn't help but question if something was-
You know, back there, would've been the perfect time to tell her. Voice interrupted.
"Leave my feelings to me, voice." Wraith replied.
Don't I get a say? I mean, this is my body to, and I also find Ahsoka to be a real looker... that and her tenacity and wholesomeness are quite attractive as well. Voice stated. Wraith snorted.
"Perhaps you and I are not so different after all. Although perhaps you failed to notice her immediate remorse after kissing me in your examination of her form...?" Wraith shot back.
Baby steps. She doesn't know how you truly feel about her. A little genuinity can cure a ton of uncertainty. Voice informed him.
"Well... it is a matter for later." Wraith declared, turning aside and entering, Scipio's lab. "Doc?" He called, not immediately seeing the Pau'an. "Hey Doc!" He called again. This time, Scipio rounded a corner with a questioning look.
"Wraith? My boy, what are you doing up and about like this? You should be resting." He stated as he walked over.
"And I would be, if it weren't for the fact that I'm still bleeding." Wraith informed him, gesturing to his red-stained shirt. "See?" Scipio looked closely at his wounds and his expression changed from curiosity to concern.
"Those wounds should've healed by now."
"Yeah, I know. But I'm not healing." Wraith agreed. Scipio fell into a thoughtful state as he pondered this worrisome development. Project Phoenix should've cured those by now. To see them open again was cause for concern. "You think one of those slugs might've been laced with a neurotoxin? Like a blood-thinner?" Wraith theorized. The notion sparked a fresh curiosity in the doctor.
"I don't know. But such a phenomenon is worrying." He mused, turning and walking to a nearby table where he fetched a syringe. "I'm going to run some tests." He informed Wraith as he took a sample of blood and moved next to a machine, where the sample was inserted and the contents analyzed. Both super-soldier and doctor waited patiently for the results to come in, and were rewarded when a nearby datapad pinged, the results having been uploaded.
"Well, Doc? What's the word?" Wraith wondered as Scipio took the tablet in hand. Scrolling through the findings, Scipio's scientific eye quickly noted the familiar chemical compounds.
"There is definitely a neurotoxin in your system... and it does indeed appearance to be a blood-thinner." He confirmed. Wraith nodded in acceptance, proud to see his hunch proven correct. "I'll see if I can pin it down exactly and then whip up a-" Scipio started to say, but trailed off as he continued to read the results. Revealed to him were numbers so striking that it caused his jaw to drop and his face to turn ashen as a new worry totally consumed him. Wraith took note and leaned over, curious himself.
"Doc? What is it?" He asked. Scipio turned to him with fear and dismay written all over his lined face.
"My boy... your body is deteriorating."
Author's Note: Just want to take a quick moment to celebrate this story's second-year anniversary, and thank all of you for your support over the past two years. This story would not have come this far if it wasn't for you all and I strive to put out a story everybody can get behind and enjoy. I write for you, just want y'all to know that. So why don't you all sound off and tell me what your favourite moment has been so far, I'm curious!
Extra special shoutouts go to: SAK-96 for all the conversations and hundreds of ideas, Baraqel for reasons yet to be seen (unless you've read his story :), my Dad for all his contributions and reinforcements, and to everyone who has favourited and followed this story. You all ROCK!
Stick around, the summer's just getting started and Wraith's tale is far from over!
