______They didn't talk about her mother. In fact, they hardly spoke at all, simply preparing for the next experiment in silence.
______Aeon placed the sensor leads on her forehead, and glanced over at the scientist busy calibrating the monitors. He looked up, and she turned away quickly.
______She had never felt awkward in his presence. On the contrary: she'd always felt special around him-like a favorite student. Now she knew why.
______Was he treating her like the daughter he wished he'd had?
______It was hard to believe that he and her mother had been together. It changed everything, and yet what did it change? Everything was the same as it had been two days ago when she knew none of this.
______There would be no dramatic revelations: Kavolo wouldn't turn out to be her real father. Revel Quatorz was her father, and her mother was still her mother. Kavolo was just her friend.
______But still, she couldn't quite shake the feeling that, at some level, they'd deceived her.
______Lom? she asked, breaking the silence. He looked up from the monitors hesitantly.
______Yes?
______I wanted to ask you, she began. About something Tam said. He appeared relieved. He said that he was angry that Cammie had found me when I passed out here. He was upset that he wasn't the one who found me.
______Why is that? she asked curiously.
______Kavolo smiled. Because he's a boy, he told Aeon.
______She didn't quite understand what he meant, but she nodded like she did. While smart for her age, in some areas she lacked experience. She would have to figure this one out later on her own.
______I'm ready here, Kavolo said, and stood by the monitors. Aeon nodded, and approached the obelisk.
______She placed her hands on the surface, and opened herself to the crystal.
______It was easier this time. Almost instantly, she felt herself sifting through the surface of the crystal.
______From a distance, she heard Kavolo's voice. I'm getting a reading. You should be experiencing--
______She was gone. Gone from that other place where she was solely Aeon Quatorz, where life had suddenly become much more complicated.
______She still hadn't answered her question about exactly whom she was in the past, if it was indeed the past, and she felt it prudent not to share her anxieties with the scientist just yet.
______Any hint of a problem, and he might stop the experiments. She couldn't risk that now. It was too important to her. He, himself, had said it best: she was discovering herself.
______Her eyes opened slowly. She sat up in bed, and put a hand to her forehead to steady her reeling perception. Pain lashed through her head quickly.
______The transition still wasn't smooth, but she could deal with it. It was worse going back, especially when she was disconnected forcefully. Hopefully that wouldn't happen again.
______She looked around the familiar setting of Vail's room, and arose from the bed. An agenda formed quickly in her mind. Before her father pulled her from the crystal, she had intended to seek out Agdamaria. She had several questions for the old witch.
______She was dressed in the Prince's tunic, but still felt the ensemble was incomplete. It took her a moment to realize what was missing.
______The sword. She walked over, and wrapped the belt around her waist. She could feel the weight of the sword pressed against her, and realized that she now felt naked without the weapon. She wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.
______She involuntarily glanced up, and saw that she was the very image of the Prince displayed prominently on the tapestry that adorned the wall.
______Aeon had never studied the tapestry before. There was a central picture of Vail, posing very heroically, but around that image was a montage-each scene representing an event from the Prince's life.
______She studied the mosaic in rapt fascination. There was a scene of Vail fighting in what looked like a war. There was an image of the Prince when he was young, being tested before a group of scholars.
______Many of the scenes were from his youth, actually. But that made sense. He was expected to make his greatest accomplishments as King, not as Prince.
______But it was amazing in that his whole life was there. A life she was sharing, and yet-as this tapestry made her realize-knew very little about.
______A protrusion from the surface of the fabric caught her eye, and she focused on a single thread poking out just a few centimeters. She clasped her fingers tightly on the thread, intending to pluck it from the woven mural.
______But with the minutest pressure applied from the Prince's muscles, the thread traveled briskly along the surface of the tapestry, increasing its length tenfold, and leaving a scar to mark its path.
______Aeon observed in alarm the swath that cut through the images of Vail's life. She released the string, not wanting to cause any more damage.
______The tapestry's unraveling, she realized.
______There was a knock at the Prince's door. Come in, she answered.
______The door opened, and Morgan stepped into the room.
______Thank you, my Lord, Morgan bowed.
______Do you have to call me that? Aeon sighed. She was in no mood for protocol and formality. She'd had enough of that dealing with Sahaar.
______We've had this conversation a thousand times. To call you anything else simply wouldn't be proper.
______But when we're alone--
______When we're alone its just as important, Morgan informed her. Familiarity is contagious. If I get in the habit of calling you Vail when we're alone, I might do it in public.
______Aeon just looked, waiting for him to finish his statement. She didn't know what the calamity was about that, either.
______Morgan seemed to pick up on the Prince's lack of perception. If I do that, it undermines your credibility.
______I get it. She slowly absorbed what Morgan told her. It made sense once he explained it. She couldn't afford to lose credibility, especially with Sahaar running around behind her back.
______I need you to teach me, Morgan. It's about time I learned the etiquette needed to be King.
______Your father would be pleased to hear that, he said. Its not difficult, Morgan explained. It's simply being mindful of your place. Of course, being the Prince, there aren't many people you have to be mindful of.
______I hope there aren't any 'places' between us. ______
______You never once made me aware of them... Morgan answered. But they exist.
______Oh, Aeon answered dejectedly.
______It has to be that way, Morgan said gently. Even among friends.
______Why?
______Because the day may come when you have to act as my Prince-or my King...and not as my friend. I accept that.
______I would never do that! Aeon pledged. I--
______You don't know what fate has in store for us, Morgan interjected. I know in your heart you would never do such a thing-but that is the burden of your position.
______The mantle of King is not an easy one to bear, he added.
______She felt burdened already. The conversation with Morgan was depressing her, but it struck her as odd that she was commenting on a future that didn't really belong to her. She didn't know how long she would continue to have these visions.
______Could they go on for years, catapulting her into the position of King? What an interesting life that would be-certainly more so than the life her father had planned for her.
______Of course, the Alliance was leaving Yavin in a number of days, which meant so was she. But for the first time, another possibility presented itself.
______Perhaps she should start preparing for her role here. Who knows what could happen?
______The old man said I would be a good King, Aeon remembered.
______You will be, Morgan stated firmly.
______What about my father, Aeon asked. Is he a good King? She looked Morgan in the eye.
______Morgan missed a beat before giving his reply. Yes, of course. His hesitation meant something.
______You're not being honest with me. There's enough of that going around, she said. You know what the people think more than I. What do they say about the King?
______Morgan frowned. His eyes darted briefly toward the door, and Aeon was sure that thoughts of escape dashed through his mind. Finally, he turned to face her again.
______They love your father-they do...
______But, she added for him.
______But, he continued begrudgingly, they know the influence Sahaar has upon the court.
______Aeon nodded to herself. She would have guessed as much.
______There's more, Morgan said. Aeon glanced up at him curiously. Its something you should know, but no one could ever tell you. You are the son of the King after all.
______Its about Malekai, Morgan told her.
______Malekai, Malekai. It took her a second to place the name. My uncle?
______When they were children, your Uncle showed an aptitude to the throne, and a wisdom beyond his age. He was always with your grandfather, learning from him, Morgan told her. Learning how to rule.
______What about my father?
______Well, he enjoyed hunting, and music. He was very aloof and, well-- his voice trailed off as he searched for an appropriate comparison. Like how you used to be, he offered. Aeon frowned at him.
______Everyone expected your father to abdicate, and for Malekai to assume the crown. But he didn't.
______Wow, Aeon stammered. What happened?
______Nothing, Morgan assured her. Your grandfather wouldn't undermine his eldest son, and your Uncle wouldn't shame his brother by challenging his authority to the throne.
______Your grandfather died shortly after, and your Uncle stepped quietly aside to serve as the Duke of Laniff.
______Of course, all this happened long before we were even born, Morgan pointed out.
______Again the past was not what it appeared to be, Aeon realized.
______Her father had once told her that they would always be a Rebellion against the Empire until they defeated Palpatine. Otherwise they would be but a tiny footnote in the history of the galaxy-if they were remembered at all.
______The victors write our history, he told her. It seemed to be the same way between parent and child.
______Just like with mother, Aeon mused to herself.
______It wasn't until Morgan blurted out Your mother! that Aeon realized that she had been thinking aloud.
______That's why I'm here-I completely forgot. She sent me to come looking for you. She wants to speak with you. Morgan informed her.
______Well, I'll have to see her later, Aeon said. I need to speak with the old witch first.
______What am I supposed to tell your mother?
______Tell her you couldn't find me, Aeon offered.
______That isn't very reassuring, Morgan frowned. She's not likely to believe me.
______You'll think of something, Aeon said positively. I need to see Agdamaria while there's time.
______What do you mean, 'while there's time'?
______I'll explain later, Aeon lied. She would make something up in the interim, and would have to be more careful of what she said.
______Before Morgan could object any further, Aeon was halfway out the door.
______Aeon pondered the information Morgan had given her as she walked swiftly through the tunnel.
______Malekai was the last piece of the puzzle. Here was another heir to the throne, and a popular heir at that. It explained Sahaar's hesitation. He was so openly bold about his animosity to Vail, and yet hadn't made a single move toward placing himself on the throne.
______Malekai was the reason why. She was sure of it. It also meant that Malekai was part of Sahaar's plan: to secure the crown, he had to eliminate the King's brother as well.
______She would have to warn him. Perhaps his emissary was still there. She could give him a message directly.
______She stopped suddenly at the next intersection, and looked down the passage to her left.
______Somehow, she instinctively knew that the Queen's chambers were down this corridor, despite the fact that she'd never visited them.
______The Queen was waiting for her-she could sense that as well. She was waiting hopefully to see her child. Aeon remembered those kind eyes that had gazed down upon her from the throne. She had seen the love in them, and it made her long for her own mother, dead all these years.
______But she was going to find Agdamaria now. She had so many questions to ask, and so much to tell her.
______She thought about the Queen again, and how she reminded Aeon of her own mother.
______An echo passed through her mind, a snippet of something she'd said to Morgan just a few moments ago.
______...while there's time...
______She had been speaking about the old witch, and yet toward Vail's mother she felt a resonance, an echo. It ran through her like a memory and a premonition all at once, filling her with a sense of foreboding.
______Without realizing it, she had changed direction. There was an urgency to see her.
______She stood before the Queen's chamber door-again not sure of how she knew such specifics, and not concerned with that at the moment. She rapped on the door lightly with her knuckles, and heard a soft voice inside say:
______Come in. Aeon opened the door slowly, and stepped inside the room.
______Mother? she asked, something awakening inside from just saying the words. You wanted to see me?
______The Queen was sitting up in her bed. She looked up from her reading, and smiled. I was hoping it was you. I sent Morgan to look for you.
______He found me, Aeon smiled. What did you want to see me about?
______Nothing important, the Queen assured her. I just wanted to see you. If you had something you were going to do, I can always--
______No, Aeon said quickly. Nothing. She had wanted to see the old witch so desperately before, but now it could keep.
______The Queen placed her legs over the edge of the bed, and stood up. Her expression changed, and she looked disoriented. Her hand groped for the edge of the bed to steady herself.
______Aeon was by her side in moments. She grabbed the Queen's other wrist to steady herself, and her skin was cold to the touch. Mother, are you all right?
______She looked up at Aeon, and smiled. I'll be fine. I'm just feeling a little ill. She regained her balance, and was able to stand without assistance. Aeon released her wrist. Probably the change in seasons, her mother offered. It will pass.
______Perhaps you should lay down again. I wouldn't want--
______The Queen frowned playfully. Who's the mother here, and who's the child? she asked. She took Vail's hand in her small delicate fingers.
______Her mother placed Aeon's hand against the side of her cheek. Aeon could feel the smooth skin against her hand.
______Then she took the hand in hers, and gently kissed the royal signet ring on Aeon's finger.
______Let me hold you like I used to... she whispered. Aeon knew what she meant. She went down on one knee, kneeling before her mother.
______She laid her head to rest on her mother's chest, and her mother wrapped her arms around her.
______Aeon melted inside. She was sinking against the soft fabric of her mother's dressing gown. She welcomed it. She couldn't remember a time when she had felt so warm, so wonderful, so content inside. Aeon held tightly to her mother.
______Her rationality pierced the illusion, pointing out that the Queen was speaking to her son, and not to her. But she didn't care. It felt so real, and it had been so long. She could stay like that forever.
______We share everything else, Vail. Can't we share her as well?
______The pain started in the back of her head this time, and she immediately recognized the source: she was being disconnected from the crystal.
______No! I'm not ready! Why was Kavolo letting this happen again? She held tight to the Queen. She needed just a few more moments.
______Her vision blurred, and when she closed her eyes all she saw was the bright blue glow in the heart of the Massassi obelisk. It was blinding, and she had no retreat from the glaring light.
______C'mon, Aeon! she heard Kavolo saying in the distance. Come back!
______She didn't want to go back-not quite yet. But the pain was increasing. It was becoming too much.
______Are you all right? she heard the Queen ask. What's the matter? Aeon could hear the concern in her voice. She could remember being sick as a child. That's exactly how her mother would sound.
______She missed her so much.
______Aeon tried to hold on to the Queen, and she realized that she was using the Queen for support. She had no strength, save for her hands clasped together around her mother's waist.
______But its not your real mother...
______She was fading, and she became vaguely aware that her hands had given up the fight. She was falling backwards, ever so slowly.
______She gave into it, and when everything went dark she thought-gratefully-that she would slip into unconsciousness. That seemed to be the only release from the pain.
______She was wrong on both counts. Silently, she fell to the floor, landing on someone else beneath her.
______She struggled to orient herself to her surroundings. She saw the Massassi crystal before her, and the equipment used to monitor her progress.
______Everything was still moving very slowly, and it took her a moment to process that she was back in her own reality. Everything was still silent, although some ambient noises were sluggishly returning.
______She could hear the familiar beep of the heart monitor off in the distance. If it was reading accurately, her heart was racing.
______...can you hear me? she heard Kavolo saying.
______She turned, and realized he was the person she had fallen upon.
______Lom?
______Are you...all right? he asked between panting breaths.
______Why did you disconnect me? she asked groggily.
______You were-- he panted.
______Why? she demanded. I was with the Queen. It was just like being with mother.
______Aeon, listen to me, he pleaded.
______It's been so long...
______Aeon, you were sinking! Kavolo said.
______What...?
______You were sinking, he explained. Into the crystal.
______How? Aeon asked, dumbfounded.
______I don't know. One moment...everything was going fine, and then your patterns began to alter. I looked up, and you were halfway inside of it. He leaned back, still trying to catch his breath.
______I had to pull you out by your clothes and the back of your hair.
______ That would explain the pain she had felt in the back of her head. She reached up to make sure her hair was still attached.
______I guess I really owe you one, she said. Thanks. She looked at the scientist. He was staring at her strangely, and yet, not looking at her at all.
______Lom? He was looking just over her head. She turned to see if the crystal was doing anything. No, it was just sitting there.
______I guess that puts an end to the speculation, he murmured. She turned towards him again.
______You didn't have that going in, he grinned.
______What? she asked.
______He gestured with a nod of his head toward her hand. She turned her wrist to see what he was referring to, and there was a shiny gold ring on her finger.
______She stared at the ring incredulously. She brought it closer for a more detailed inspection, but she knew exactly what it was from the first glance. A flurry of emotions ran through her: awe, disbelief, vindication, and perhaps a touch of fear.
______Do you know what it is? Kavolo asked. Aeon nodded, which seemed to be the extent of the physical gestures she could muster.
______She tore her eyes away from the ring, and looked up at the scientist. It's the Prince's signet ring...!
|