thefinaljedi | Appointments

I am aware, Adele. It always struck me as odd, though. There aren't too many people who'd wish you harm here from what I've seen. Those that would are intelligent enough to realize that you are well protected. But I never really wondered why you are so paranoid.

Why is that, my dear friend? You've said that you are going home to die, but what has made you so afraid that you feel the need to carry knives at all times?

[He squeezes her into a one armed hug again, almost like he would Mara or Jan, a trusted friend.]

I'm not accustomed to having protection. For years I have had no one but myself to rely upon when it comes to my safety. I could not always carry a gun- knives are easily hidden. When one works with criminals? It pays to be paranoid. To expect an attack. And I have been working with them for the better part of the past seven years. Such habits do not change quickly or easily simply because I am here.

[She scrubs her face and sags against Luke.]

For a time I was more comfortable, but. As much as I trust you, and trust Ben, Lupin, Rems- those I live with? I do not trust the Malnosso, or those that would work with them.

I am in complete agreement with you, Adele. The Malnosso are not our friends. I agree with Ami's assessment, that they are our enemies.

But, if I may ask, what honestly is going on at your home? Why do you choose to work with criminals? With your skill and intelligence you seem like you could work anywhere on Earth.

...It is a very long, very drawn out string of events that I, honestly, do not want to go into at the moment in great detail. But. I will give you the short version, yes?

[For that? She'll need another glass of wine. This one was empty. She reaches over and pours herself another, stares out at the shore. Sorts her thoughts, pares everything down to the barest skeleton before speaking.]

My ex-husband was a gambler. I wasn't aware until he'd already put the both of us into very steep debt with men that have...particular reputations. Without means to pay it off with what I earned as a legitimate surgeon, a mentor and trusted associate of mine offered me an opportunity for extra money on the side.

Not everyone that needs a surgeon is able to go to a hospital for whatever reason. Usually because they are...criminals.

That sounds most...unfortunate, Adele.

[He pours another glass himself, staring out at the sea as he does so.]

The underworld on Earth sounds every bit as seedy as on Nar Shaddaa. Why is it that wounded men can't visit a hospital though? It seems strange to think of men being unable to go to a house of healing for...healing.

They would go straight from the ER into custody of the authorities. If they wish treatment, and to remain under the radar of the local police force- they call me.

[She snorts a laugh and shakes her head.]

They dial the 'Curator', Bartholomew, to make an appointment. He checks their backgrounds and makes certain we're not keeping serial murderers alive. Then he sends one of a few under the table surgeons. I have never met them, and I only know them by their handle. Mine is. Well. Angel.

That is a most curious arrangement, Adele. Truthfully, I know little of the underworld back home, but I know most criminal rings keep doctors and medical droids on hand. Though, having bacta around makes treatment a lot easier.

[He sighs as he sips more wine, then laughs a bit]

I suppose you got into a bit of trouble, then?

Luke, need I remind you of what waits for me upon my return to my world?

[It's not spoken unkindly. Honestly, it's almost funny at this point.]

'A bit.' of trouble is something of an understatement.

You don't, but you know something? I don't entirely believe that its true. Something...doesn't feel quite finished with you, Nomi tells me.

[Luke smiles mysteriously now]

You've got a thread of destiny that neither one of us feels is...quite complete.

Perhaps I've important work yet ahead of me here. I doubt anyone will find me in time to prevent my dying, Luke.

[She shrugs and looks back out to the ocean. Pours a glass from the bottle of brandy and offers it to him.]

Who knows? I may yet learn to hope to return to something. Perhaps not. But while I am here? [She pours herself a glass.] I will make the most of it.

That's what I'm saying. Your thread is far too long to be cut so young. At home, or here. Though nothing is final here.

[Luke takes her glass and takes a sip. Its good. Strong and sweet, and he's beginning to feel a little warm inside. Not drunk, or even wobbly, as he's constantly suppressing the aftereffects with little effort]

This is good. What...is this?

Wouldn't that just be the thing they'd do to punish us. Stop reviving the dead.

[She doubts it'll ever come to pass, but. Adele shrugs off the morbid line of thought in favor of the nostalgic.]

Apple Brandy. It was my father's favorite. If he ever made a promise between friends or a deal between business associates, they were sealed with a glass of this. I thought it might be appropriate.

I gather that they don't have much control over the cycle of rebirth. There were points where dead people appeared outside the enclosure, so I think that theory is correct.

[Luke sniffs the brandy approvingly]

Your father was a man of good taste.

He was indeed. Discerning taste in literature, art, music, brandy- and an avid fan of Star Wars.

[She huffs a soft laugh.]

He wouldn't know what to do with himself if he met you.

Probably laugh and snark just like you, Adele.

[Luke grins]

In seriousness though, this battle...is going to be a big one. Have you found a place to lay low?

I do not know. I was under the assumption I would be needed for some portion of this plan but that does not seem to be the case.

...

I do not want to have to watch you or Lupin die, Luke. I do not think it will come to that, and I know both of you take the risks willingly but I simply don't. Want to know how erribly helpless I am, here.

Adele, you don't have to worry about that. I do not intend to die. And if I do, well...I have spent many, many years practicing a ritual. There will be no body, I will become one with the Force.

[And Luke offers that same mysterious Jedi smile, as his eyes swirl and become a familiar shade of green]

And I won't let him, Miss LeBlanc.

[It'll never be not unnerving. That second set of eyes, that other soul living within Luke. She manages a very faint smile all the same.]

I...thank you. It is a comfort to know this.

You do not have to be so unnerved. Nor do you need to worry. I've started gaining some of my own powers back. Skywalker's limits will not be taxed.

[In Adele's mind, Nomi projects an image of herself]

And perhaps you'll be a bit less bothered, knowing what I look like.

[That...made things worse, actually. Adele almost drops her glass as she scrambles back from something that isn't actually there. Blinks out at the horizon for a moment and scrubs her face, trying to lose the image.]

While the ...gesture. Is appreciated. I would thank you to ask before doing so in the future, Madame Sunrider.

[The image fades out within the span of a thought]

Calm yourself. I apologize, I guessed you would be more used to such oddities, with three Jedi for friends, and sorcerors for housemates.

[The image reappears, this time an illusion sitting in Luke's place]

Is this better?

You are altering my perception without my consent.

[Luke, Anakin, Ben. She knows them well, trusts them, Nomi? She doesn't know. Doesn't trust.]

I would thank you to ask, or stop. You've done neither.

Actually, I'm not.

[The construct takes a step sideways, leaving Luke there, smiling and separate. It picks up a glass and smiles.]

I'm merely projecting myself. As I said, my powers are returning. I am as physical as you are now, not some optical trick.

...that is so much more comforting. You've no idea.

[Very flat, fairly deadpan. Adele managed to blank her face as well, but. With a Jedi that counts for little.]

I apologize if my presence bothers you, but your comfort is not my primary concern. Skywalker's mental well-being is. I dislike being here as much as any of you, and I do not wish to burden Luke with my presence.

I am unarmed and incapable of hurting you. Why must you allow your fears and insecurities to prevent us from speaking cordially?

Edited 2012-06-25 04:02 (UTC)

Appointments

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