Book Two: Chapter Five

Adrina picked her duffel bag off the dirty permacrete landing platform and slung it over her shoulder. She had packed as lightly as she could, bringing only her duffel bag for clothing and toiletries, and the musette bag slung across her chest, which she had stuffed with extra medical supplies and rations.

The setting sun glinted off the metallic hull of the MedStar-class frigate as Adrina strode up the ramp with her orders firmly in hand. She immediately set out to find the commander of the Shining Star. Already familiar with the layout of the ship, she quickly made her way to the command room. Soldiers scurried about the ship, though the healer did not know what they were doing. Adrina stepped confidently into the command room and looked around, shifting the weight of her duffel bag.

"Only authorized personnel are allowed on the bridge."

Adrina turned to face the stern male voice with a slightly raised brow. "Chief Medical Officer, Healer Skywalker reporting," she glanced at his insignia, "Captain. Pleasure to meet you."

The man's answering frown accentuated the age lines of his face. His eyes skimmed over her body. "You are mistaken. A child would never be placed in charge of a medical frigate."

"No, they wouldn't." She smiled. "Captain Endhal, if you have questions regarding my assignment, I encourage you to discuss them with the head of my Order. I am sure they could assuage any concerns you may have. In the meantime, if you will excuse me, I have duties to attend to."

Pursing his lips, Captain Endhal dismissed her with a grunt and a wave of his hand. Bowing politely, Adrina walked out of the command center with her head held high. She shook her head with an amused smile. It had been several years since an accusation of childhood had been leveled at her. She would have to ensure Maelle, who truly did appear to be a child, kept a wide berth from the surly captain when she joined them after her recovery.

Adrina stopped briefly at her quarters to divest herself of baggage before continuing on to the heart of the ship. As a medical frigate, the ship would be equipped to handle the soldiers wounded too severely for the RMSUs to handle, as well as serve as a rehabilitation facility. According to the paperwork provided to her as the CMO, two clones were certified surgeons and four as nurses, but medical droids covered their deficit. Adrina shook her head with an amused smirk; she would be the only woman on the whole frigate for a few weeks.

"You must be Chief Medical Officer Skywalker."

Adrina's heart seized when she heard her father's voice. Only, she reminded herself, it was not her father that approached her. She forced a broad smile. "That's me. I was just inspecting the facilities. I'm impressed."

"She's brand new, sir." Pride rang clear in his voice. "200 beds, fifteen bacta tanks, four operating theaters, and all equipped with the latest and greatest."

"Good." Adrina nodded decisively. Clones were too often viewed as lesser beings, in Adrina's experience. It warmed her heart to see that they would be receiving the best care possible.

"I'm CC-3348, but you can call me Patches, sir. Pleasure to be working with you."

Adrina recognized the insignia as one of the surgeons. "The pleasure is all mine, Patches. Do you know where CC-4780 is?"

"Snatcher? He's conducting an inventory with Blues and Grime. I can take you to them, if you would like, sir," Patches said.

"You can call me Adrina, if you like, or Skywalker. I'm not much for formality." Seeing Patches hesitate, Adrina chuckled and said, "Sir works fine if that is what you are more comfortable with."

"Thank you, sir."

"I would like to meet the others, though, thank you."

Patches snapped a salute and led Adrina down the corridor to a supply closet. Three identical faces turned to her in unison when the door slid open. The sight jarred her. Patches identified the men in turn.

She rallied. "Good morning, gentlemen," Adrina smiled. "How are we looking in here?"

"Well-stocked for now, Healer Skywalker," the man Patches identified as Snatcher said, offering the data pad in his hand.

"As I told Patches here, no need for such formality. Adrina or Skywalker suit me just fine." Adrina smiled and accepted the data pad. Skimming over the inventory, she nodded in satisfaction. "Let us hope we can continue to be so well equipped."

Blues and Grime glanced at each other and Adrina grinned wryly. "Yes, I know. That will hardly be the case."

The men shifted on their feet. Her heart clenched. Even in their brief interaction, Adrina recognized shadows of her father's mannerisms.

"Well," Adrina drew herself up with practiced cheer, "It was a pleasure meeting all of you, Patches, Snatcher, Blues, Grime." She nodded at each man. "I must complete my rounds before we leave."

The men snapped to attention. Adrina responded with a deep bow.

Continuing down the corridor, Adrina ducked into the bacta room. Gazing down the rows of empty bacta tanks, she wondered how long it would be before they were all occupied. War had broken out across the galaxy and the Shining Star belonged in the thick of it.

These men would not be the first victims of war she treated; she had participated in many relief efforts for war-torn planets. But this time - this time - it was personal. This time Anakin was a soldier. Obi-Wan was a soldier. Adrina smiled at a passing clone. The clones. Adrina exhaled slowly. She would have to dissociate her patients from her father. They may share his face and voice, but they were not her father. Her father lay dead on the Geonosian sand.

Taking special care to memorize the names of the troopers she met, Adrina ended her inspection of the frigate at the bridge. "Everything to your liking, girl?"

Adrina stiffened at Captain Endhal's mockery. She raised an eyebrow and glanced at her data pad. "Interesting; your medical file indicated that you have perfect vision. It seems I should contact your optometrist since your vision is obviously heavily impaired."

Endhal scowled. "What are you talking about?"

Adrina stepped closer and locked eyes with him. "My name is Healer Skywalker, Captain."

Endhal held her gaze for a moment before grunting. He turned back to the data readout. "Get your men ready. We're leaving for the Tion Cluster. The Separatists are attacking Rhen Var."

"Yes, Captain. We are ready."

0

Adrina gripped Bolt's hand tighter, willing him to live. Her heart hammered. "Come on, Bolt," she whispered. She felt Patches' eyes on her. "Keep fighting."

"He's hurt too bad, Doc," Patches said softly. "You know that."

Adrina ignored Patches' comment. "You can do it. You can make it. I know you can." But despite her tightening grip on his hand, his breathing became increasingly shallow. "Don't do it," Adrina begged, a tear making a wet trail down her cheek.

Her pleas availed nothing. Bolt's force signature flickered and disappeared. Adrina stared down at Bolt, not believing her own senses. She immediately jumped up and began resuscitation attempts, hollering for a medical droid.

But despite her best efforts, Bolt's heart remained still.

"He's gone, Doc," Patches said. He gently pulled her away to allow room for the medical droids. "You know what his injuries were. Even if you could bring him back, it wouldn't be for long."

Adrina bowed her head.

"You did what you could."

"I know, Patches." Adrina swallowed hard. She hid her clenched fists behind her back. "I just wish it had been enough."

Patches frowned. "Hey, didn't Snatcher relieve you an hour ago?"

Adrina looked back at Bolt. "He did."

"Ah."

Adrina smoothed the wrinkles from her pants and exhaled. She rubbed her forehead with the back of her hand to dispel the stinging behind her eyes. Her throat clogged. "I'll be…." She couldn't finish her sentence.

"Copy that, Doc." Patches' worried gaze followed her out of the room.

Adrina's footsteps echoed softly in the hallway as she blindly walked back to her quarters. Silence had fallen over the majority of the Shining Star; it was, after all, in the wee hours of the morning with only a skeleton operation staff awake.

She sank to the floor as soon as the door slid shut behind her. She leaned heavily against the door, drawing her knees to her chest. She swiped angrily at the tear that danced down her cheek. "This is ridiculous," she muttered. "I am ridiculous."

Bolt was not her buir. She knew this. She knew this. Her father was dead - had been dead for weeks. So why did it feel like she had failed to save her father?

Adrina wallowed in the darkness until the darkness grew to oppressive. Pushing to her feet, Adrina straightened her tunic, rubbed her cheeks, and headed to the Mess.

The Mess was gloriously empty, as she knew it would be.

Forgoing food in favor of juice, Adrina slid into the nearest chair with a heavy sigh. She passed the mug between her hands several times before finally taking a sip.

Bolt was not the first patient she had lost since she joined the MedCorps, but he was the first trooper to die under her personal care. She sighed and ran a hand over her frizzy hair, grimacing when she caught a whiff of her own stench. When had she last showered? Before they arrived at Raxus Prime, but that was almost 3 days ago.

The mess hall door slid open. Adrina glanced up. "Captain," She acknowledged with a nod.

Endhal stopped in his tracks with arched eyebrows. "What are you doing here?"

Adrina glanced around. "Well, as this is the mess hall…" She held up her mug.

Endhal scowled.

Adrina could not bring herself to regret her sarcasm. The captain had snarked and derided her at every turn and she simply was not in the mood to tolerate his condescension. Still, she took a deep breath and tried to control her frayed temper. "How long until we reach Kamino?"

"Don't worry," he sneered. "You'll have plenty of time for beauty sleep before we arrive."

Adrina sighed. "What is it about me, Captain, that offends you so deeply? Is it my age or my sex?"

Endhal drew himself up stiffly. "My opinions are of no concern to you."

"You have been downright uncivil from the start and it must stop," she said firmly. "If your goal is to create a hostile work environment, you are succeeding. But a hostile work environment is counter productive to what I would like to think is our mutual goal."

"Preposterous," Endhal spluttered. He raised his chin. "The delusions of a woman."

Adrina arched an eyebrow. "Oh, I am a woman now, am I? Just yesterday, what was I? Oh, yes, I remember: a wet-nosed infant. You should contact the science academies. That must be the fastest human growth ever seen."

Endhal's eyes narrowed. "Watch your tongue, girl!"

Adrina snorted. "I have done my best to be professional, Captain. But I am in no mood to put up with your attitude any longer. Have a good evening." She twisted deliberately in her seat, staring sightlessly into the vast space.

Endhal grabbed a mug of caf and stormed out of the mess.

Adrina gave a small sigh of relief to be enveloped in silence once more. She glanced up when the mess hall doors slid open.

"That was some fancy work in there, Skywalker."

"Not fancy enough."

Patches slid a fresh mug across the table towards her as he sat down opposite her. "Don't worry. It's just milk." Adrina murmured her thanks. Patches sighed as he settled, taking a long drink.

"So, think we'll get some sleep tonight?"

Adrina snorted. "Maybe, but only because we're en route to Kamino."

"Yeah." Patches shook his head. "Never thought we'd be headed back home."

Adrina stared down into her mug, tightening her grip. After the long week they had endured in the wake of fighting at Rhen Var and Raxus Prime, the warm milk soothed her frayed nerves. "I wish it were under better circumstances."

Patches shrugged. "It was bound to be a target sooner or later. Just makes sense."

Adrina nodded.

"Two months this conflict has been going on," Adrina said. "Two months too long."

"Yeah, but there is no end in sight."

"No," Adrina whispered, taking another sip. "No, there isn't. And supplies are already hard to come by."

"We'll make do. We always have." Patches regarded her for a moment. "You mind if I ask you something?"

Adrina shrugged.

Patches leaned back in his chair, considering his words. "You took Bolt's death hard."

Adrina haunched over the mug. "It's hard to lose a patient. Never gets easier."

"Yeah," Patches agreed. "It's like looking in the mirror for us, but what about you?"

"You're sentient beings," Adrina said softly. "That is reason enough." And it was.

Patches tilted his head, a sure sign he was unconvinced.

Adrina sighed, rubbing her temple. "Does it matter?"

Patches shrugged. "Just curious is all."

Adrina propped her elbow up on the table. She considered telling him the truth. Patches was a friend - he was trustworthy. But she feared the vulnerability honesty would bring; she feared damaging their friendship. How would he - or any of the clone troopers - react if they knew her father was their template? Patches wouldn't care, she decided, and it would help him understand her struggles of late. She had certainly caught his worried looks.

Adrina opened her mouth to spill her well-kept secret and her comlink beeped. Sighing, Adrina answered. It was a false alarm, but the moment had passed.

Patches waved his hand. "Anyway, you should hit the sack. Rest up before you overwork yourself at Kamino."

Adrina grinned ruefully. She pointed a finger at him. "Two months and you already know me too well." It was too easy to let her guard down around Patches. At first, it was almost like having the relationship she wished she could have had with her father - a relationship that they never would have had when he was alive. But she was gradually finding it easier to truly comprehend what she knew: these men were not her father, but each wonderfully unique.

Patches shrugged unapologetically.

Adrina stood with a sigh. "Alright, Patches. You win this time." He gave her a mock salute. "See you in a few hours."

0

Fighting only escalated after the Separatists unsuccessful attack on Kamino. The Shining Star provided relief at Ohma-D'un and Munnilist before continuing on to Lianna. Adrina sighed, studying the readout; the casualty rate on Lianna was already the highest they had seen. She pulled the inventory up again and sighed heavily.

"I hope there are fresh supplies on Lianna," Adrina commented to Snatcher as he approached. "But I doubt there will be many. The fighting has been going on there for a month."

"We need more hyperspace lanes," Snatcher said. "We have supply issues nearly everywhere."

Adrina closed the datapad. "And it will only become worse, I'm afraid."

"We'll just have to get creative is all," Snatcher grinned. "I always did like a challenge."

Adrina looked up. She frowned and glanced at her chrono. "We just dropped out of hyperspace. We weren't due to arrive at Lianna for another two hours." Her comlink beeped.

"Skywalker, come in." Endhal's voice crackled over the comlink.

"Skywalker, here. What is it, Captain?"

"Report to the landing bay immediately." The link ended.

Adrina exchanged glances with Snatcher. Grabbing her musette bag and a mobile bio bed from the Infirmary on the way, the pair hastily made their way to the hangar bay.

The airlock doors hissed open just as they arrived. Adrina's eyes widened. "Master Mundi!" Her eyes darted over his shoulder. "Anakin!" Although their clothes had seen cleaner days, neither appeared injured.

Wordlessly, Anakin ducked back into their shuttle. He re-emerged moments later, half-carrying a haggard and barely conscious Obi-Wan Kenobi. Someone had cleaned the dirt from his face and hands, but dirt caked his clothing and there was a hollowness beneath his beard.

Adrina rushed forward. Snatcher quickly assisted Obi-Wan onto the stretcher. Adrina held her hands over Obi-Wan's chest and exhaled slowly, allowing the Force to flow through her. Through the Force she could see the very fibre of Obi-Wan's being. The Force flowed through him with a familiar shimmering beauty.

"No bones are broken," Adrina murmured. "But many bruises and lacerations. He was tortured." She frowned. She breathed out and opened her eyes. "I sense the remnants of the Dark Side. What happened?"

Obi-Wan's eyes fluttered open. "Adrina, how good to see you."

Adrina smiled lightly. "Looks like you've been through quite the ordeal, my friend."

"Oh, you know me," Obi-Wan coughed.

"Mm, yes." Adrina glanced at Anakin. "I was just asking Anakin and Master Mundi what happened."

Obi-Wan grimaced. His eyes closed.

"Well," Anakin began haltingly. "We thought he had been killed when his walker exploded. Turns out Dooku's assassin kidnapped him and Alpha-17."

"She used a Sith Torture Mask," Master Mundi said.

"He escaped, but he was in bad shape when we found him."

Adrina nodded. "Let's get him to the Infirmary," she murmured to Snatcher.

"We need to know if the Mask did any permanent damage," Master Mundi interjected as they began to move Obi-Wan.

Adrina gestured Snatcher on ahead with Obi-Wan. "He is alright, in that regard," Adrina announced to relieved sighs. "The last visages of the Dark Side will fade. I will monitor him carefully over the next few days, but he should not suffer. I am relieved he was not injured further. Sith Torture Masks have a nasty reputation for a reason. You were right to be concerned."

"That is good news indeed," Ki-Adi-Mundi nodded.

"Obi-Wan is strong." Anakin's voice trembled. He cleared his throat and drew himself up. "It will take more than Ventress to take Master Obi-Wan down."

"What of Alpha-17?" Adrina asked, glancing around.

"He's inside," Anakin jerked his head to the shuttle.

Adrina called for another stretcher as she ducked into the shuttle. She knelt down beside Alpha.

"He's beat up - that's for sure," Anakin said, coming up behind her. "But Obi-Wan seems to have taken the brunt of it."

Adrina stood. "He has a dislocated shoulder. They both need plenty of rest and fluids. They're severely dehydrated."

"Thank you, Healer Skywalker," Master Mundi said, bowing slightly.

Adrina smiled. "I am glad to be of assistance. Patches will be coming with a stretcher and one of our medics; we'll get them both good as new."

Adrina began to reach out to touch her brother's arm before withdrawing it with clenched teeth. She shook her head. Skirting around Anakin, she exited the shuttle. Adrina cast a lingering glance at her brother before hastening out of the hangar bay.

0

Obi-Wan blinked against the harsh light.

"Good to see you awake, Obi-Wan."

The corners of Obi-Wan's mouth tipped upwards, hearing Adrina's pleasant lilting voice. "It's good to be awake and not in that awful place."

"Yes, I would imagine so," Adrina murmured. She made quick notations on her datapad before returning it to her belt. "How are you feeling?"

Obi-Wan breathed deeply. "Better." By the looks of it, he was in a private room on a hospital frigate. He vaguely remembered Anakin hauling him out of a shuttle. Had he met Adrina there? He thought so.

"Good." Adrina nodded, satisfied. "I recommend meditating for a bit. That will help soothe your mind. The Mask has not damaged you permanently; do not be afraid to connect with the Force."

Obi-Wan nodded. He looked away. "I can still feel the Mask," he admitted.

"That is normal," Adrina assured. "Meditating will help."

Obi-Wan pushed himself up onto his forearms. "Jabiim - what was the outcome?"

Adrina sighed. "The Republic was forced to evacuate. We suffered heavy losses."

Obi-Wan fell heavily back onto the bed. He rubbed his face. He had feared that outcome, but nothing could be done about it now.

"We are about to arrive at Lianna. There, we will rendezvous with another frigate that will take you back to Coruscant. I believe the Council has another assignment for you and Anakin," Adrina said. "Rest while you can."

"Speaking of Anakin-"

Adrina sighed and raised a hand. "He is still avoiding me."

Obi-Wan sighed. "So stubborn."

Adrina folded her arms. "Yes, he is."

Obi-Wan arched an eyebrow. "As are you."

Adrina merely shrugged.

"Go on," Obi-Wan said. "I know you have work to do. I will meditate until we rendezvous."

"Very well." Adrina moved towards the door. Something in her eyes softened. "It is good to see you again, Obi-Wan. Do try to stay out of trouble."

Obi-Wan chuckled. "I do what I can."

0

Adrina paused outside Obi-Wan's room to finish her notations. Eyes still on the screen, she continued on her rounds.

"Adrina?" Anakin's hesitant voice stopped her mid-step.

Adrina turned with a guarded expression. She closed the screen and held the data pad to her stomach.

"I wanted to talk to you."

"Obi-Wan is doing well."

"Oh," Anakin scratched the back of his neck and shifted his weight. "That's good. But…." He dropped his hand. "Is there somewhere private we can talk?"

Adrina pressed her lips together and nodded. She jerked her head. She silently led him to her quarters.

"I… I wanted to talk to you," Anakin began haltingly when the door shut behind them. "About what you said about me and Padmé."

Adrina crossed her arms. "I meant what I said, Anakin," she said quietly. "And I won't say anything different now."

Anakin grimaced. "I know. You always mean what you say."

Adrina raised an eyebrow.

Anakin sighed. "I wanted to apologize. I was angry, but that's no excuse. You've always looked out for me and… and I take you for granted. I haven't been a good brother."

The haunted echo of his voice gave Adrina pause. She nodded slowly.

"You were - are - right," Anakin forged ahead, unable to meet her eyes. "We didn't know each other well and we acted rashly. But I-" He grimaced.

"You continue to lie to those you profess to care for," Adrina kept her voice whisper soft.

Anakin stepped forward. "I did talk to her about it." His earnestness nearly moved Adrina. "About leaving the Order."

Adrina looked pointedly at his Jedi robes.

Anakin nudged the floor with his toe. "She persuaded me to stay," his eyes widened and he hastened to add, "Just until the war is over!"

Adrina pressed her lips together. She contemplated her words. "I see," she said finally.

"I'm needed here. You know I'm needed." Petulance creeped into his voice. "I need to do this."

Adrina sighed. "What do you want me to say, Anakin? You already know how I feel."

Anakin crossed his arms. He ducked his head, but not before Adrina saw vulnerability shimmering in his unshed tears. "I don't know. That you're proud of me. That you love me."

"Oh, Anakin…" Adrina closed her eyes. "I will always love you. Alright?" She reached up and hugged his neck. She pulled back and smiled. "Always."

A tentative smile tugged at Anakin's lips. "Yeah?"

"Yes. Even when I don't approve of your choices."

"After the war," Anakin repeated. "I'll make it right."

Adrina thought the better of commenting, instead wrapping him in another tight hug.

"Are we okay?" His vulnerability cut Adrina's heart.

"We're okay," she whispered. She looked up at him. "You know I still don't approve. I'm not happy with your choice. But next time, use your words. We're both adults. We can have honest conversations without screaming at each other. And don't shut me out." She nudged his arm, softening her words with a smile.

Anakin nodded. "I'll do better, I promise." He threw her a grin over his shoulder as he left with a bounce in his step.

Adrina folded her arms, not quite able to feel the same lightness. She rubbed her forehead. "What a mess."

0

Adrina's eyes swept across MedBay. Every last bed was occupied and dozens more men on Lianna still waited for evacuation. Her heart sank. Rubbing her temple with her knuckle, Adrina pulled out her datapad once more. The casualties were worse than expected. Her blood still boiled, recalling Commander Ply's broken account of the battle and General Krell's needlessly aggressive strategy.

"Hey, Doc, we got a problem over here."

Adrina quickly made her way to Patches. "What is it?"

Patches handed her the patient's chart. "His temperature isn't decreasing and he just vomited."

Adrina frowned. "Look at his abdomen. It's bloated. But his injuries were to his arm." She touched the soldier's arm. "Glee, can you hear me?"

Glee moaned.

"How do you feel?"

"Ache," Glee wheezed. "E'rywhere."

Adrina exchanged glances with Patches. "Glee, we're going to run some tests to figure out what's going on, okay?" Adrina pulled Patches away and spoke quietly, "Check the other patients."

"You think it's a virus?"

"Or a chemical weapon. Perhaps." Adrina exhaled. "Let's not jump to conclusions."

"But it is a concern," Patches persisted.

Adrina nodded. "It is a concern," she admitted. "Didn't Commander Ply report heavy resistance from the local population? Droids aren't known for using biological warfare - but the populace might."

"I don't know, Doc," Patches hesitated. "Our helmets have air filtration and we always cleanse local water before we drink it."

Adrina sighed. "That is true." She shook her head. "Check the others here; I'll contact the RMSU on the ground. One of the meddroids can run some tests."

"Sure thing, Doc," Patches snapped a brief salute and immediately began fresh rounds.

Adrina gave orders to the first meddroid she saw and stepped into the hallway to alert the RMSU. Six patients on the ground were exhibiting the same symptoms as Glee; Adrina ordered them to immediately relocate to the Shining Star.

"Doc," Patches gestured her over the moment she returned to MedBay. "Found three more. Fever, ache, chills, bloating." He handed her the charts.

Adrina crossed her arms. "That makes ten."

"RMSU reported some?"

Adrina nodded. "They're on their way here. Let's establish quarantine protocols, just to be safe. This is too many to be a coincidence."

"I know that look." Patches raised an eyebrow. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm not sure," Adrina said slowly. "These men were all in the same two platoons. Whatever it is, they likely contracted it at the same time. But according to Commander Ply, the platoons did not serve together, and not every trooper is exhibiting symptoms. I don't think it's chemical warfare."

"Could still be biological," Patches mused. "I'll pass on word to monitor the other men."

"Good. Let's run tests on some of the non-symptomatic troopers for comparison."

"Already ordered 'em."

Adrina grinned. "Good man." A sudden thought occurred. "We need to know exactly what, when, and where the patients ate and drank."

Patches frowned. "Surely they were smarter than to eat unfamiliar food."

"I would hope so," Adrina sighed. "But a bloated stomach tells me they likely ingested something."

"Let's get to work."

0

"Hey, Doc."

"Good morning, Grime," Adrina murmured, not looking up from the readout.

"Patient blood work, eh?"

"Mhm."

Grime eyed her. "How long have you been awake?"

"What?" Adrina blinked. "That isn't important."

Grime arched an eyebrow. "Doc," he shook his head.

"I know what it is," Adrina continued grimly, rubbing her temple. "Sort of. Whatever the toxin is, it is prohibiting their cells from making proteins."

"That's good for us. We have treatments for that."

"We do," Adrina cautiously agreed. "As long as the toxin isn't resistant to them. I was about to order the first round of medication."

"We know the point of contamination now. Analysis confirms the troopers' report," Grime held up his data pad. "The water the Liannan rebels gave them. But we also know it wasn't eliminated by the purifying tablets and we know it isn't contagious."

Adrina sighed. "What concerns me is that we still don't know what the toxin is. There is no record of it in our databases. The question is: who contaminated the water and who was the intended target?"

"The Liannan villagers are unaffected by it. We should get a sample of their blood. The key might be there," Grime suggested.

"Good thinking," she agreed. "The Liannans should be on alert, to be safe. But first we need to make sure this treatment is effective."

"Locals are adamant they don't know what could have contaminated the water."

"Of course." Adrina pursed her lips.

"But, they did say that less than a rotation before our boys showed up, they saw someone sneaking around the well."

"Guessing they don't know who it was."

"They think it was a droid, but it was dark."

Adrina rubbed her cheek. "I'll inform the Council; it's looking more and more like the Separatists are developing biological warfare." She sighed.

Grime nodded.

"We need to know what it is and why your purification tablets didn't eliminate it."

"One battle at a time. I'll brief the others."

Adrina sighed, leaning back in her chair once she was safely alone. "At least it isn't contagious," she murmured.

0

"How are you feeling, Glee?" Adrina pulled her stool next to his bed.

"Better. Whatever you gave me seems to be doing the trick."

"Good." Adrina smiled. "All your tests came back with good results."

Glee tried to push himself up onto his elbows. "And my brothers?"

Adrina smiled and helped him into a sitting position. "They are also on the mend."

Glee huffed. "Good."

"A shuttle is due to arrive shortly." Adrina tugged the blanket higher over Glee. "It will transport you and your brothers to Kamino for further examination."

"Aw, Doc. C'mon. We're fine. Look," Glee flexed his arms.

"Well, I won't complain about the break," Stymy piped up from the bed over. "The food'll be better."

Adrina grinned. "That's the spirit! Enjoy some for me." Her comlink beeped.

"Report to the Bridge." Captain Endhal's voice crackled over the link.

"I'll be right there," Adrina acknowledged. She smiled and stood. "Blues should be coming around shortly, but I'll be there when the shuttle arrives."

"Hey, Doc," Glee's voice stopped her on her way out of the room. She turned. "It's an honor serving with you."

Tears pricked her eyes. For a moment, she imagined it was her father. She blinked. Taking a deep breath, returning to reality, she smiled. "The honor is all mine."

Adrina strode down the corridors towards the Bridge. With any luck, Endhal would have word on Maelle. She nodded a greeting to Commander Ply as she stepped onto the Bridge. Captain Endhal ended his hologram transmission with Mace Windu and turned.

"Good afternoon, Captain Endhal."

"Healer Skywalker," He inclined his head. "The Kaminoan transport will be docking momentarily. You will be accompanying the clones to Kamino. When your business there is concluded, you will join the Shining Star on our mercy mission to Christophsis."

Adrina frowned. The troopers' conditions hardly required her presence. Still, questioning Endhal would be fruitless. She would contact the Temple herself. "Very good, Captain." She paused mid-turn. "Did Master Windu indicate when my assistant would be arriving? She has been scheduled to report for two weeks now."

"No," Endhal said.

Bly exchanged glances with the trooper next to him. Adrina nodded. "Alright. Thank you, Captain. I'm sure you'll keep me informed." She would have to reach out to the Council herself.

Bly intercepted Adrina before she reached the door. "They're trying to send her," Bly murmured. "But with the Seppies controlling most of the hyperspace lanes, we are virtually cut off from the Republic; we're stretched thin. That's why our supplies are running low. General Windu promised she would be on the next transport."

"But they don't know when the next transport will come," Adrina sighed. "I suspected as much. Thank you, Commander." She glanced at Endhal, who watched the pair through narrowed eyes. "I wish I knew what I have done to make him so….hostile."

Bly shrugged. "Don't pay him any mind. He's just grumpy. Besides, the men love you."

Adrina's smile softened. "It is an honor to serve them."

Bly snapped a salute and resumed his position at the monitor.

Adrina returned to the Infirmary. Studying their inventory while they awaited the Kaminoans, it was more clear than ever that the Republic needed more trade routes if they were to have any hope of victory against the Sith and Separatists.