literature

Carth Onasi Comes Home ch13

Deviation Actions

UrbanPhotog's avatar
By
Published:
980 Views

Literature Text

Chapter 13
Revan

Sometime in the early hours of the new day Revan was removed from the kolto tank. Though weak she felt perhaps the worst of the illness had passed. With much of her conditioning wasted away however the Jedi Master found herself needing assistance to walk. Crossing the room was a challenge that left her dizzy. 

Any attempt to speak with the medical droid tending to her was brusquely dismissed with a preprogrammed response. She was in a medclinic somewhere on Gargon, but as for the whereabouts of the clinic or her Padawan, Revan was painfully in the dark. Irritation, and concern for Dustil, were mounting and she found herself debating the next course of action. She could disable the droid, slice any security locks on the doors and find the answers she wanted. But that plan belonged to a Revan who wasn't shaking just for standing up. 

Patience. There was no other choice but for her to wait. Something told Revan someone was going to be coming for her. So she remained on the examination table, closed her eyes and meditated. 

It wasn't long before someone appeared. The doors parted and Revan opened her eyes to see a woman, a Twi'lek with vibrant purple pigmentation, enter the clinic. She bowed to Revan who politely inclined her head in return. 

"You are ready to room?" the Twi'lek asked with faltering Basic. 

< I speak Twi'lekki, would this be easier for you? > Revan asked. The woman seemed embarrassed but gave her a grateful smile. 

< It would be easier, but my Master does not like me speaking it. If you insist - >

< I do. Who is your Master? >

The Twi'lek bowed her head, having realized she had spoken too much. < I am to bring you to your rooms. There is a private refresher, clean clothing and a fresh meal waiting for you. My Master bids me to bring you there. He will attend to you when you are fed and rested. >

Revan thanked her and with difficultly let her other questions go. This woman knew nothing that would help the Jedi. And anything Revan did glean from her, would likely result in her being punished. 

The Twi'lek slave helped her from the room with a strength that betrayed such a slender slender frame. This weakness Revan felt was a new sensation. She despised it as she found herself leaning more heavily on the slave than intended. Frustratingly slow they journeyed down the hall where an elevator waited for them.

< Not far now. > the slave assured her when the elevator opened on a new floor and a hallway stretched before them. Revan was grateful for that and they had gone only a little ways when the Twi'lek stopped. 

Sweating from the exertion of the trip Revan silently admitted she was looking forward to a refresher, even a simple sonic shower would be a treat. In the wake of this illness Revan was embarrassed to admit she couldn't remember the last time she'd used one. The Twi'lek touched the lock and the doors before them opened softly. 

The room beyond was blindingly bright. Revan squinted against the light as she was ushered inside. When her eyes adjusted she was startled to see how large of a room it was. There was a balcony on the far side and facing the open windows a large, ornate bed. Two other Twi'leks waited for her, and she was brought directly to the adjacent refresher. It wasn't a sonic shower waiting inside, but a bath of hot water fragranced with something sweet and floral. 

Two sets of hands went to work undressing Revan, discarding the thin hospital grade clothing she'd been given after emerging from the kolto tank. Without guilt Revan allowed them to help her into the bath. She felt the heat of it infusing her body and with a soft sigh she she closed her eyes.

You want me to think I'm a guest. But I'm not, and we both know it. A gilded cage is a cage nonetheless. I will play along, but only for so long.

- ~ -
Mission Vao

Mission nibbled on a protein bar and wandered into the crew cabin thinking she was the only one awake. So seeing Dustil Onasi sat by himself was a surprise. The young man didn't notice her right away and Mission hesitated at the door. She wasn't entirely sure of what to say and less certain of why she felt so nervous looking at him.

"Oh, morning," Dustil said turning to Mission. Her cheeks burned and she could only bite her lower lip as she waved in return. 

"You, uh, wouldn't happen to have another one of those?" Dustil asked looking meaningfully at the bar in Mission's hand. 

"Sure thing," Mission said, pulling a spare from her vest. She crossed to Dustil, handed him the wrapped bar then sat a short a distance away. His fingers tore into the packaging. Dustil then proceeded to finish off the dry ration bar in two large bites. Realizing what he'd done the Padawan flushed red and looked apologetically towards Mission.

"Sorry," he managed, swallowing the last of the bar with some difficulty. She laughed softly. 

"That's alright. I guess you really like those things huh?" 

"Eh, not really. Things have been a bit - sparse lately," Dustil explained with a rueful smile. 

"Oh, I'm sorry," Mission said feeling bad she had just laughed at him. She sat forward and pointed in the direction of the hold. "I can get you more."

"No, no, please. I really am alright," Dustil assured her quickly. Mission nodded, not sure what to say now. Dustil brushed the crumbs from his shirt. "So, you're Mission Vao right?"

"Yes," she said, smilingly brightly. 

"How did you meet Father?" 

"Back on Taris. Carth and Revan, well, no one knew she was Revan then, they helped me rescue Big Z from some Gammorean slavers. No one else on Taris would have done that."

"Master Revan does not tolerate oppression," Dustil acknowledged. "We ambushed a group of Czerka slavers about a year ago. Freed twenty kids who'd been abducted from their homes. Twi'lek girls actually."

"It happens," Mission said softly. Popular for their beauty it wasn't an uncommon fate for an orphaned Twi'lek girl. No matter what Griff's faults were, she was grateful her brother never let slavers get their hands on her. "It's a good thing you guys freed them. At least they had parents to go back to."

Dustil was looking at her curiously and Mission forced a smile hoping he wouldn't ask questions. As though sensing this, the young man leaned back and folded his arms over his chest. 

"I remember the Hawk was packed. There were kids everywhere. I don't think Master Revan was really prepared for all those over excited children. One girl in particular was really taken with her too. Master muttered something once about gizka being quieter. I never did catch on to that."

Mission exploded into laughter, clamping a hand on her mouth when she remembered others were still sleeping. Dustil was smiling but he looked at her with mild confusion. 

"On Tatooine, someone loaded a crate of those things on board by mistake. The little guys got loose and we had them all over the place pretty much everywhere," she explained. "Revan wouldn't let anyone hurt them, I think she was secretly feeding the little guys."

"No wonder those things hung around," Carth said then. Startled Mission looked up to see him approaching from the cockpit. The man yawned then and stretched his arms over head. "Any sign of T3?"

"Not yet," Mission said. Dustil swallowed hard and was staring at the bulkhead. She noticed he hadn't bothered to greet his dad. "I'll go and see if there's - It was nice talking to you Dustil. Let me know if you want any more of those ration bars."

"Thanks Mission," Dustil, said, nodding at her as she stood and left the room. 

- ~ -
Jolee Bindo

"You know Carth will never agree to that," Jolee told Bastilla with a heavy sigh. The old Jedi wished his younger companion would accept this. Carth Onasi was not going to remain behind on the Raptor when they confronted the Hutt. They'd been arguing this for several minutes now while standing in the engine room.

"You saw how easily he gave into his anger last night," Bastilla repeated.

"He's not a Jedi, don't hold him to our standards," Jolee said.

"I hardly think only a Jedi could resist beating a defenseless man like that!"

"A man who sold the woman he loves to a known gangster. And don't tell me he shouldn't be so attached to Revan. That's not the issue here and you know it."

Bastilla fumed silently, her arms folded over her chest. The only thing the pair did agree on was that this wasn't the time to make a show of muscle. Along with Dustil, the Jedi Masters planned on going to Sibba Motta's alone. Though Jolee knew they would have to make an exception for Carth. 

"We may only have one chance to resolve this peacefully," Bastilla said. "I think for the sake of that, we should ask Carth to stay here with the others."

"Fine. You tell him he's not welcome then," Jolee told her. She looked at him, her lips pursed tightly, thinking. 

"Very well," Bastilla sighed. "Though I still believe this is a mistake."

- ~ -
Revan

Following the bath Revan was wrapped in a robe of soft Lashaa silk. She'd been uncomfortable when one of the Twi'lek slaves started washing her. It was humiliating and Revan raised a protest which offended the other woman. 

Of course, she's been ordered to do this. With that realization Revan submitted, and despite herself, found she was soothed by the gentle touch. Scrubbed, massaged, then dried Revan allowed them to bring her onto the balcony where a table had been laid with food. 

At the sight of it all she felt a sharp pang of hunger. Whatever had made Revan ill had left her without an appetite. This was the first time in weeks she was going to eat, not because her Padawan was making her, but because she wanted to. 

< Go slow, you have lost much weight. > the Twi'lek who had escorted from the medclinic urged. 

< An excellent suggestion. Perhaps you would join me? There is so much here, and the company would be nice. > Revan asked with sincerity. She wasn't surprised when the slave looked surprised but emphatically shook her head in response.

< You are kind, but it would not be appropriate. I will return when you are finished. > the woman said, bowing and retreating from the balcony. Revan could hear them in the main room, talking softly and working at something. She reached for a pot of tea and filled the cup before her. Cradling the hot beverage in both hands Revan raised it and inhaled, Cassius tea, and she sipped at it. 

There was a variety of fruit, a few different cakes, and some unidentifiable dish of meat and eggs. Revan opted for a small serving of fruit and a few bites of the mystery dish. With small bites she ate slowly, giving her mind freedom to wander. 

They were spoiling her and she believed this was an attempt to trick her into thinking she was not a prisoner. Whomever those Twi'leks master was, they wanted Revan to think favorably of them. Revan speared the last piece of fruit from her plate. What she wanted to know was what this generous benefactor wanted of her. 

Revan was tempted for seconds, but she heeded the advice of the slave and laid her fork down. It had no sooner clinked against the plate and the Twi'lek was approaching. Again she provided Revan with assistance. Though the Jedi was beginning to feel her strength returning she accepted the help. For the time being she would let them continue to think her weak.

< We have a most beautiful dress for you. > the Twi'lek told her. 

< I would gladly wear the robes I had before I was brought here. > Revan protested. This was going too far now. But the Twi'lek bowed her head apologetically.

< I am so sorry mistress, they were sent to the incinerators.

Revan waved a hand to indicate it wasn't a problem even though she felt dismay blossom within. The Lashaa silk robe currently draped over her wasn't an option. The fabric was thin and it was immodest to wear beyond the bedroom. 

With no other choice Revan submitted again. She was stripped then dressed, and after her hair was styled into loose braids which pulled it away from her face but left it flowing down her back. The gown itself was a deep plum color and would have been more flattering if she hadn't lost so much weight. The slave women made final adjustments, showering her with compliments as they did so.

The purple Twi'lek made a gesture and her companions withdrew to the balcony where they began to clear the table. Revan looked at her. Sweeping her hand to the door she told the Jedi, < Our Master is awaiting an audience with you. Please, follow me.
Dustil and Mission talk while Jolee and Bastilla argue over what to do about Carth. Revan is showered with hospitality before being summoned before Sibba Motta.

Chapter 14: Carth Onasi Comes Home ch14Chapter 14
Carth Onasi
"When did you meet Revan?" Carth asked his son. They were alone in the crew cabin now. Carth had sensed Dustil's reluctance to talk and tried to make small talk. Finally he couldn't hold his curiosity back any longer. 
"Few years ago," Dustil replied shortly. He shifted uncomfortably, arguing some internal debate with himself. Carth knew to remain silent. It never helped to push Dustil into talking. When his son did speak again a look of chagrin crossed his face. 
"I walked into a trap, it was so obvious that now I can't imagine how I didn't see it. But Master Revan was suddenly there. The men who were attempting to mug me weren't ready for her."
Carth smiled. No one was really ever prepared to meet Revan in battle he thought to himself. 
"I was about to give the survivors chase, but she stopped me," Dustil said. He was relaxing now, opening up, the memory bringing a smile to her face. "It took me a second but I recognized her,

Chapter 12: Carth Onasi Comes Home ch12Chapter 12
Sibba Motta
Two of his hired Iridonian mercenaries practically dragged Tiru Varn into the room. In his current condition the man was barely able to walk. Motta was taken aback by the barkeeps injury. His nose was swollen, bent at an awkward angle and a shade of purple which complimented the carpeting. A crust of dried blood was flaking around his mouth and chin. 
"What happened to you?" Motta asked him incredulously.
"Your prize fighter," the Iridonian on the left said. They brought Varn before the Hutt and unceremoniously dumped him there. 
Following Dustil's victory at the arena the young man had disappeared. When a protocol droid delivered the news his fighter departed in the company of others Motta had felt furious. The plan had been for Dustil to sign a contract after he saw his mother receiving the medical care so desperately needed. The Hutt's first instinct was the young man had returned straight home. The injured Varn was enough proof
© 2013 - 2024 UrbanPhotog
Comments1
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
AnimeNoelle's avatar
Very Good! i like this one!