Yes, they have a serious approach here. They've taken us under their wing. Although I still don't quite understand what all the fuss is about.
"Knight Vikt. Before I treat Ahsoka, I need to know what happened to her. It will make it easier for me to… treat her. And… about you as well."
The Twi'lek stared at me intently.
Hm. And what can I say?
"Ahsoka was wounded by shrapnel from an explosion—that's one thing. And she also had to face Dark Jedi."
"Who?" Vokara asked grimly.
"Zule Xiss. Ahsoka… well," I gathered my courage, "she fought her and… accidentally killed her. And… the war. She's been through a lot."
The Healer muttered something under her breath.
"And what about you, Mikore?"
What—lie? No, that won't work. There's such a "check" here that we never dreamed of. One miraluka is worth a lot, a walking X-ray, damn it… and the other one is probably working on the mental part... No, Vokara Che clearly figured it all out at first glance, no doubt about it. And, what do I have to lose? Maybe doctor–patient confidentiality applies here? Besides, who knows—maybe they'll give me some useful advice.
"Well… aside from the fact that I was shot with a blaster, then stabbed with a sword, and had my arm cut off…" I exhaled slowly. "I thought I… In short, the prospect of ending up on the Dark Side was very real for me."
After a long silence, Vokara finally spoke.
"So. They'll take care of you. I'll meet with you later and inform you of the results, as well as the duration of your treatment."
"Um… probably the Council—" I began.
"I'll speak with them myself."
Well, that certainly makes things easier.
"Relax," Kelesia commanded.
I obeyed, slipping into a meditative state—though I still felt the girl's palms resting gently against my head…
***
It took at least four hours—probably more—before the "procedure" finally came to an end. To be honest, I didn't feel much different, but both Healers looked exhausted. Perhaps the effects would manifest later?
I had barely managed to pull on my sleeveless shirt, and the droid had just finished installing the external components of the prosthesis, when Vokara peered into the ward.
"Finished? …Excellent. Please wait outside. Your Padawan is already waiting for you."
"All right."
I stepped out of the ward. Ahsoka was sitting on a bench near the entrance.
"Well?"
"I don't know yet. They told us to wait, so we'll wait."
Ten minutes later, the Twi'lek finally deigned to appear.
"So, Mikore. Ahsoka. I strongly recommend rest. That means no war, and in general, it is highly undesirable for you to leave the Temple for an extended period of time. You are both severely overstressed."
The Healer waved her hand expansively. "Additionally, you must come in for these procedures every day for two weeks."
"That long?" Ahsoka asked sadly.
"This is not up for discussion. I'll notify the Council."
"Well," I sighed, "if it's rest, then rest it is. We'll just pick up our things from the ship."
"Very well. I'll be waiting for you here at noon sharp."
Ahsoka and I bowed in unison and left the Healing Halls.
There were slightly fewer people there now. Apparently, most of them—like us—came only for the "procedures" and spent the rest of their time within the Temple. Some clones and other organics were still present; others had apparently gone home or to the Coruscant Galactic Hospital—or whatever it was officially called?.. I'd forgotten the exact name. But I did clearly remember, however, that the Temple was connected to it by special turbolifts, capable of transporting patients between the hospital and the Healing Halls in a matter of minutes.
Once we exited into the corridor, the Togruta spoke:
"Well… now we're stuck here."
It wasn't hard to guess what she was thinking. I didn't even need to use the Force.
"Do you think the war will end before we get back?"
"Well…" Ahsoka shrugged. "Actually, yes. Look—Master Kenobi will soon take Muunilinst, and that's one of the main worlds of the CIS…. Do you think otherwise?"
"This war isn't going to end anytime soon."
"How long do you think?"
"What do you mean—how long?" I asked.
"Months," Ahsoka clarified.
"Months, you say…" I shook my head. "I'd say several… years."
I shouldn't be exposing myself like this, but… I can't lie to her. I just can't.
"You really think so?"
"Yes."
"Well, I don't know," the Togruta snorted. "Anyway, two weeks is a long time."
"Look at it from another angle. Any amount of time can be put to good use. Especially since your studies are somehow been neglected. So we'll…" I paused. "Train."
"Lightsaber training?" Ahsoka asked eagerly. There was a considerable amount of enthusiasm in her voice.
To each their own…
"And in fencing, too," I confirmed. "Now let's fly to the ship, pick up our things, check on our people, and then find ourselves some rooms. By then, the day will be over. And tomorrow morning, we begin training."
"Yes, Master. Can I pilot the airspeeder?"
She gave me an innocent look.
I still want to live.
"All right. Just don't… do anything crazy."