Chapter V
Wild Nomad, 214 ABY
Bao was lying down on the biobed, dealing with Emdee's latest physical scan. He had already been through a series of tests, mainly examining his reflexes. Now, this was the last part of his bi-weekly examinations.
It was a long process to wait through, particularly for Riko as he stood just outside the medbay. He had decided to turn this into a lesson about patience, and had waited there, for the past…
Riko sighed.
"How long have we been waiting, Niner?" He whispered.
"One-hundred-fifty-two seconds," Niner reported.
Riko quickly did the math in his head. He couldn't believe that he was already bored.
"Boring," Niner commented, "Maybe we might leave?"
"Maybe," Riko replied.
"Scan complete," Emdee finally reported, "You Trandoshans have a remarkable physiology."
"What's your diagnosis?" Bao asked.
"I would recommend you try to avoid extreme exertion for at least another thirteen days," Emdee responded, "But I believe you are well enough to leave the ship. You may still experience pain in your chest and abdominal regions. Just be careful, you've only been walking for a week."
Riko had been waiting long enough.
"Hi Bao!" Riko eagerly walked into the doorway.
"Can you please inform me next time you want to visit, Riko?" Emdee asked.
"It is alright, Emdee," Bao assured her, "Let him in."
Riko walked into sickbay, Niner in tow.
"Actually," Emdee said, "Riko, while you're here, can you assist me with something?"
"Sure," Riko responded.
"There's been a slight outbreak of Rodian flu on Ambria. It's nothing serious, but I would prefer to handle this problem preemptively."
"Alright," Riko agreed.
Emdee led Riko to the other biobed.
"Roll up your sleeve," Emdee requested.
Riko reluctantly obliged, shaking slightly.
Niner rolled up to Riko's left and extended his hand. Riko grabbed it, breathing heavily.
Emdee moved to his right arm and dabbed it with a cleansing cloth, causing Riko to wince.
"This will only sting for a second," Emdee assured him.
Thankfully, Riko's fear wasn't warranted, the process was over in five seconds.
"You're a good patient, Riko," Emdee complimented, "Thank you."
"No problem, Emdee," Riko replied. His right shoulder only stinging slightly, he moved back to his feet and faced his master.
"I hear you've been busy, Padawan," Bao commented.
"I just wanted to get some more practice in," Riko explained.
"I've heard that Val's started teaching you unarmed combat," Bao responded, "You're more resolute than ever."
"Thanks," Riko commented. He turned to Emdee.
"Can we go?" Riko asked.
"If the patient agrees," Emdee answered.
Bao, Riko, and Niner walked––or in Niner's case, rolled––out of sickbay and down the ship's hall.
"You have a natural way with droids," Bao commented.
"I always have," Riko glanced at Niner.
Bao didn't respond.
"How has your training progressed today, Padawan?" He eventually asked.
"I've had a productive day," Riko began as he opened the cargo bay doors, "I've started practicing Form Six…"
Riko's words ceased as he saw Jade on the floor, clad in loose clothing, bathed in sweat, completing a round of sit-ups. She quickly and gracefully moved to her feet and faced the duo, breathing heavily. Riko was dumbstruck.
"Bao, can I talk to you for a second?" Jade asked, "There's a request I would like to make."
"Jade," Bao said, "You are making an amazing recovery. But you're not ready to go on missions. We need you here."
"Bao..." Jade was speechless, "Bao, I'm all healed up. I've been stuck on this ship for weeks. I need to get out, to do something! You're stuck here too, I thought you of all people would get it."
"I am here because I am healing. As are you."
"My arm's better," Jade retorted, flexing her hand, "All of my fingers are working. I'm fine. I'm ready to get out there."
"Then why are you still covering that scar up?" Bao replied, "Jade. You're restless. Anxious. Clearly, you haven't allowed yourself to process what happened…"
"I'm done reflecting!" Jade yelled, "I've waited long enough."
This was enough to make Bao pause. Jade seethed as the Jedi Knight contemplated what he should say next…
"A Jedi must always be aware of themselves and their actions…"
"I'm not a Jedi."
Jade didn't wait for Bao's response. She just walked out of the cargo bay, ignoring Bao's feeble attempts to convince her to come back.
She had tried to find a more useful role for herself, but it didn't work. They didn't listen. Jade would continue to be trapped in this tin can as they continued running around the galaxy…
Jade… a voice whispered in her head.
Jade cried out as her mind recoiled from the brief mental touch. A horrible pallor filled her mind: flashes, imprints of pain, fear, and horror…
"Please, don't…!"
"Finish me!"
"Jade Skywalker is gone…"
"Jade, please…"
"This isn't you, this...!"
The moment passed. Jade leaned against the wall, breathing heavily.
"Jade," Riko asked, quickly moving towards her, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Riko" Jade replied, crossing her arms.
"Jade," Riko replied, "Something felt...wrong. Are you sure you're…"
"I said I'm fine," Jade insisted. Before Riko could respond, she stormed off to her quarters, quickly sealing the door behind her.
Her mind was still silently processing what had just happened, but the experience had felt fragmented, disoriented, chaotic.
She couldn't help but focus on the trigger: a voice that brushed up against her conscious mind. It reminded her of the mental bond she and Riko had once shared, back before Asharr had…
Jade reached into her pocket and pulled out a green lambent crystal she always kept on her person. It was a relic from her childhood, and had once powered one of her lightsabers.
Jade rubbed the gem in her hand, using its smooth surface as a source of comfort.