Chapter Forty: The Prudish Meatbag

Now:

Our top story this hour, Commodore Carth Onasi is set to be released from Medical Module oh-eight-seven tomorrow morning. Physicians say the commodore’s condition has improved dramatically over the past few days, despite the kolto shortage. The commodore will recover at his home here on the Citadel until physicians indicate he is ready to return to active duty with the Republic military.

As we showed you this afternoon, Commodore Onasi’s son, Dustil, was apprehended in Residential Module oh-eight-nine by Jedi Liana Suul and her companions, thus lifting the TSF lockdown order on Citadel Station. As seen in this amateur recording, Jedi Suul and her companions were jumped by bounty hunters shortly after Dustil Onasi was located. Jedi Suul managed to defeat the bounty hunters, who were shortly afterwards arrested and detained by Telosian Security Force officers for carrying illegal weapons. Dustil Onasi is currently in Jedi Suul’s protective custody.

We here at Citadel Holonews would like to say that we’re deeply grateful that Dustil Onasi has been found unharmed, and we wish him the best of luck with his recovery as he journeys to Coruscant to join the Jedi Order. May the Force be with him.

When Revan returned to the hospital, the first thing she heard was Mission trying to talk Carth out of something. It was the middle of the night; what were they both still doing awake? She sent calming thoughts through the Force, adjusted the strap on the bag slung over her left shoulder, then turned the corner and walked into his room.

“Good!” Mission declared. “You talk him outta it!” She huffed, crossed her arms and stood next to Revan.

Carth, seated on the bed, still in his hospital gown, legs dangling over the side of the mattress, shook his head. “She doesn’t scare me.”

Revan sighed. “Over half the galaxy thinks otherwise.” She turned to Mission. “He wants—”

“—to go home now,” the teenager finished. “Not tomorrow morning. Now.”

Revan frowned. “When I was last here—”

“Yeah, well, he changed his mind,” Mission said.

“I’m fine,” Carth insisted.

“Plus,” Mission continued, ignoring him, “he hasn’t fully healed—”

“I’m fine,” he said again, his tone annoyed.

Mission pointed to the knee brace on his bare right leg. “Walk,” she said. “I dare you.”

Carth muttered under his breath and didn’t move from the bed.

Mission looked at Revan. “See?”

Revan signed. “Okay. You—” she pointed to the Twi’lek “—go play with Zaalbar. I’ll have a word with your patient.”

Mission smugly smiled at Carth then left the room.

Carth shook his head. “Whatever you have to say, Beautiful, you’re wasting your breath. Mission’s already told me.”

“Then you’re ready?”

Carth blinked and met her eyes. “Ready? For what?”

“Well, I was originally going to convince you to leave, but since you want to it’s less work on my part. But if you’ve changed your mind a third time…”

Carth was confused. She tossed him the bag in her hand. He opened it. Inside were clothes and a pair of shoes. “I’m… actually leaving?”

“Unless you’d rather stay here and face the holonews tomorrow morning when they’re outside filming your every move.”

“I don’t think I could take another minute of Mission the Nurse let alone a squad of reporters.”

Revan smiled. “She cares about you, you know. Despite her attitude, she views you like a father.”

Carth stared at the floor. “I’m not exactly a good role model,” he whispered. Revan sensed regret and guilt from him, most likely directed at the way he’d been treating Mission before Dustil awoke. He owed the teen an apology—more than one, most likely. She sensed hesitation from him, as well, telling her he had no idea how to even broach the subject with the Twi’lek. Add Dustil to the mix…

Revan turned to close the door to his hospital room. “Here,” she said as the door clicked shut. “Let me help you get dressed.”

“I can manage,” he said. He reached behind him to untie the gown, then winced in pain.

“All the medical advances in the universe,” Revan said as she walked over to help, “and they still haven’t made a better garment to replace this.” She untied the flaps and helped Carth take it off. Carefully she helped him get dressed into loose-fitting pants and a tunic, a task that proved difficult due to his uncooperative muscles.

“And we’re just going to waltz out the front door?” Carth asked, steadying himself by holding onto Revan’s shoulders as she helped him put his boots on.

“There’s a back entrance reserved for important people and high profile patients,” Revan explained. “There’s a shuttle waiting to bring you directly to your quarters. T3 will come with us. I’ll have Mission and Zaalbar meet us there later.”

“No front door then?”

“If we did, it would give the press what they want, which is exactly what I’m hoping to avoid.”

Carth frowned. “That bad?”

“You have no idea.”

“Let the media speculate.”

“And continue to harass the Jedi Council for confirmation on our relationship?”

Carth paused. “Oh. That bad.”

Revan stood up. “Yup,” she said, then reached to gather the bag she’d arrived with. “Can you walk?”

“I can barely stand in one place.”

Revan smiled. She looped the bag handles through her left arm and hung it from her shoulder. “You’ll be fine once you back to your place.”

“Our place,” Carth corrected, pain in his eyes.

Revan didn’t hide her confusion. She felt pain and sorrow from Carth. Was he upset over her word choice?

Carth sighed. “I don’t know how many times I have to tell you I’m sorry.”

“And I don’t know how many times I have to tell you there’s nothing to be sorry about,” Revan replied. “Everything is fine. We agreed to take it slow, remember?”

Carth gestured to her tight-fitting green tunic. “That’s what you wear when you’re taking our relationship slow?”

Revan adjusted the top of her tunic so not as much cleavage showed. “It’s traditional Telosian design.”

“It’s alluring.”

Normally she’d be flattered. “You were naked a minute ago. You didn’t try to jump me then.”

“Kolto hasn’t kicked in. Hurts to move.”

“Good answer.”

Carth wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close into an embrace. What would have otherwise been a romantic gesture had him wincing in pain.

“You deserved that,” Revan said. “Now, are you ready to stop this and head back?”

“I’m trying to apologize and be romantic here,” he said. “Cut me some slack, sister.”

Revan changed the topic. “Come on, let’s get you back to Dustil.”

That ruined Carth’s mood. “Is… How is he?”

“Nervous.”

“Just… nervous?”

“And annoyed that Canderous won’t answer any of his questions.”

“Questions about what?”

“Anything and everything,” Revan said. “I told your son how we met—how most of us met, actually. How—”

“Did you tell him about us?” Carth asked.

“He already knew.”

“What about… your past?”

Revan shook her head. “That’s something we do together.”

“How does he feel about you now?”

“Indifferent,” she answered. “He doesn’t like the fact you’re with anyone let alone a Jedi. I think he’s scared, too.”

“Of Canderous?”

“Dustil didn’t know I killed Malak,” she explained.

Carth didn’t reply. Revan sensed Carth’s anxiety and fear. She wasn’t sure specifically what he was nervous of, but her presence had made him feel more at ease. She wrapped an arm around his waist. “Come on. I’ll help you hobble back. We’ll see how the media spins this one.”

“Spins?”

Revan adopted her best broadcasting voice. “Jedi Liana Suul was seen entering the medical module this evening but was not seen exiting. It’s highly possible she is spending then night—”

“Let’s just get home,” Carth interrupted with an air of annoyance. Revan said nothing else.

After collecting T3, the trio walked towards the back exit of the medical bay. Revan signed Carth out, then they stumbled down the back hallway, T3-M4 wheeling ahead and making sure the hall was empty. They stopped every now and then for Carth to rest his tired muscles. Fortunately they didn’t have to travel far. A private, unmarked shuttle, courtesy of Lieutenant Grenn, was waiting to take them directly home.

The shuttle dropped Carth and Revan off at the transparisteel balcony. Nal rushed over to help Carth climb out. Carth had no idea who Nal was, but accepted his help after Revan said she’d explain it all later. She guided Carth back to their bedroom then eased him down on their bed and slid his boots off. “Can I get you anything to eat?” she asked as she drew the blankets around him. “Real food, perhaps?”

“I’m fine.”

“Get some rest, okay?”

“I’m not tired.”

Revan shook her head. “Get some sleep. I’ll be in the living area if you need anything.”

Carth reached over and held her hand. “Stay a bit.” He paused. “Please?”

Revan hesitated. “We agreed—”

“I just want you to stay.”

Carth needed to know she wasn’t going to leave; she could see it in his eyes. He was still trying to fully comprehend all that had happened, and one soul-searching conversation wasn’t going to solve everything. Revan still believed they needed time, even though it had only been two weeks since they’d been to Korriban.

Carth was waiting. Revan was careful not to sigh in defeat, certain he would misinterpret her action. Instead she closed the bedroom door and turned off the lights, sending the room into darkness. It took a second for Revan’s eyes to adjust as she made her way back to the bed. The lights of Citadel Station’s exterior shown through the transparisteel windows as Revan made her way to Carth’s side and sat down on the corner of the bed. She sensed his disappointment she wasn’t laying next to him, but Revan still wasn’t sure if it was healthy acting like nothing had happened.

“So,” he whispered, reaching over and holding her hand, “who is that blonde guy?”

“My smuggling partner.”

Carth paused. “I see. No. Wait. I don’t.”

Revan smiled. “His name is Nal Simer. He’s a smuggler. Harmless, dumb, entertaining, scared of me, HK, Canderous—”

“Does he—”

“—know who I really am? Yes.”

Carth hesitated, clearly not expecting that answer. “And?”

“He tried to kill me.”

“He has terrible aim.”

“I have an excellent Mandalorian body guard,” she answered with a smile. Revan began relaying the tale of how she met Simer and their adventures with Wayt. She neglected to mention the kolto shipment was destined for Citadel, instead focusing on other details, like Canderous luring them to Tatooine. The story humored Carth, and he admitted to being jealous.

“Of what?” Revan asked.

“You and I never had pirating adventures.”

“No, we just stole the Ebon Hawk from a crime lord and smuggled gizkas across planetary borders.”

Carth smiled. “Well, when you put it that way.”

“Get some rest, Flyboy. I won’t run away with Nal while you’re sleeping.”

“Good. Don’t need Mission yelling at me again.”

She shook her head. “Sleep. Jealous talk later.”

Carth smiled. “Yes, Beautiful.”

Revan stood outside on the transparisteel-enclosed balcony just off the living area. She’d been there for hours, it seemed, leaning against the railing and staring out at Telos IV. Her wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, and every so often Revan would twist a random lock around her finger, continuing to stare at the planet below.

It was driving Canderous crazy.

He’d watched her since she emerged from her bedroom. At first he thought she couldn’t sleep, but she’d been standing out there far too long for a case of restlessness. Plus she was still wearing the green tunic outfit from before; if she had tried to sleep, she’d at least be in a nightgown. It was close to morning and the others would be waking soon. If Canderous was going to talk to her and see what was up, now was the time.

Canderous got off a chair in the living area and headed out to the balcony. Revan didn’t turn to look as he approached. He leaned against the railing next to her, lacing his fingers together in a similar stance.

“Can’t sleep,” she said without looking at him.

“I know,” he replied. When she said nothing else, he asked, “How’s Carth?”

“Sleeping.”

There was another long pause. “Am I only going to get fragments out of you?”

Revan looked at him. “Since when were you one for small talk?”

Canderous shrugged. “Bored.”

Revan smiled, then turned away again.

“How’s Sith Junior doing?”

“He’s not a threat,” Revan said. “Right now, anyway.”

“He didn’t come out to greet his father when you two arrived.”

“He didn’t know I was taking Carth away from the hospital in the middle of the night,” she said.

“No one knew, actually.”

“It was impulsive,” she said. “After that holonews broadcast… When they discover Carth’s already home, they’ll be camped outside our door.”

Canderous snorted. “Just what we need.”

“I’ve already made arrangements with TSF. They’ll make sure the reporters keep a safe distance.” She looked at Canderous. “We’ll be heading to Coruscant soon. You can leave for Dxun whenever you want.”

“As long as that kid is here, I’ll be close at hand.”

“Don’t think I can handle him by myself?”

“I don’t think he can handle you. Remember what happened when Nal found out.”

Revan turned away. “Nal didn’t do anything.”

“Because he had to go through me to get to you.”

Revan knew better than to question Canderous’s loyalty. She made no comment about not needing protection or queries about his bodyguard appointment. He promised her that he was her man until the end, and after the incident with the bounty hunters, he owed her. Again.

“I never thanked you for saving my life,” he said.

“It was a flesh wound, you were fine.”

Revan was playing it off and Canderous appreciated the free pass. The blaster bolt had done some otherwise fatal damage, and she knew that, but respected his honor enough to keep silent. “We both know the truth,” he said instead.

Revan looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “Mandalore admitting to weakness?”

“I trust you to keep this between us.”

Revan smiled, then turned and looked back out at the view.

“It’s curious, though,” he continued. “You were able to fully heal me, but with Carth—”

“I sped up your implant’s healing ability,” Revan quickly answered. “It did most of the work.”

Canderous waited for her to elaborate. When he realized she wasn’t going to speak any more on the subject, he carefully asked, “So how are things with you and Carth?” His question was met with silence. He turned towards her in case she hadn’t heard and was surprised to be met with a look of curiosity and confusion from Revan. “Since he’s gotten back, you’ve been with us more than you’ve been with him,” he explained.

“I didn’t think the ins and outs of my relationship with Carth were of any interest to you.”

“Everything that happens in this apartment affects us all. I need to know what I’m dealing with.”

“A good warrior is always prepared?”

“Something like that.”

Revan sighed and turned away. “I… I don’t know where we stand right now.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and said nothing else. Listening to Revan prattle on about Carth wasn’t something Canderous enjoyed. But then again, he didn’t need the Force to know something was wrong.

“Just remember Republic’s got trust issues,” Canderous said when she wouldn’t elaborate. “And I’m sure this situation has stretched his trust as far as it’ll go.” With that, he turned and left the balcony, leaving Revan alone with her thoughts.

Canderous was no sooner inside the living area when he was jumped by Nal. “Is she okay?” he asked.

Canderous frowned. “What are you doing up at this hour?”

“You’re stalling.”

“Leave her alone,” he said as he made his way towards the living area. As he walked, he heard sounds from the kitchen. A quick glance told him Mission and Zaalbar were awake, as well, and Canderous reasoned it was later in the morning than he thought.

“She really loves that guy, doesn’t she?” Nal continued. He followed Canderous yet kept his eyes on Revan standing alone. Canderous said nothing. He waited for the smuggler to leave the room, but Nal was more interested in small talk. “So what’s on the agenda for today?”

Before Canderous could reply with a witty comment, there was a ring at the door. HK-47 approached the entrance to the apartment and opened the door. A TSF officer jumped back in shock as the droid raised his rifle. He spoke in soft, panicked whispers to the droid who, in turn, looked towards Canderous.

“Statement: The prudish meatbag is here to see Master.”

Canderous groaned as a familiar female voice called: “I am not prudish!”

Nal frowned. “Who’s that?”

“Let Bastila in, HK,” Canderous said. He looked at Nal as he got up and headed back towards the balcony to inform Revan of their guest. “Already this day is off to a fine start.”