Star Crossed

A well-oiled machine

Things were getting fuzzy those days. As if my ever-rolling brain was, for the first time of its life, overloading. Nights were spent either with Galen, either meditating. The more I practiced, the more I progressed. Visions now went both ways, or so I thought... It seemed that I had successfully opened some sort of route between my conscience and the Kybers. I wasn't too sure I actually knew how to close it, for I sometimes felt a presence in my mind.

But the process took its toll. While Galen slaved at strengthening his influence across teams, I remained locked I the lab, at night, watching crystals. Days, and days of concentration and very little sleep were slowly sapping my strength. I had valiantly ignored the few last times my legs wobbled, drinking more caff than was my usual habit. It made me irritable, and even less focused; I swear even Gubacher avoided me those days. Poor octopus... he fled temperamental women !

Get a grip, Elya !

This was the biggest, the most important and life-threatening project of my life. I couldn't mess it up. So when the numbers started swimming before my very eyes, I pinched the bridge of my nose with a sigh. Perhaps I should accept to close my eyes for a few minutes... it might even ease up my rolling stomach. Too much caff, and not enough nourishment.

Damn... I knew I tended to decompensate badly after a heavy period of stress, but I usually held on until after the exams. Perhaps I wasn't solid enough for this job after all; being a scientist with sharp deadlines didn't hold a candle to plotting against the empire and Sith Lords. Suddenly, I felt like a child trying to play with the adults. Galen, Vader, Orson... they were of another generation, with more experience under their belt. I, little Elya, wasn't thirty yet and had not seen the war.

I always had ambition, but I wasn't cut to be a spy. What if I messed it all up ? A warm hand landed upon my back, startling me... awake ? "You are swaying on your feet, Elya."

I gazed at Galen stupidly, aware that some of our colleagues were observing our interaction from the charge cells. I frowned; he looked worried, but unable to form a consistent sentence. Until a black veil descended before my eyes, and I realized that the empty sensation that threatened to swallow me whole was a black out in coming.

"Shit !" Strong arms circled me as I struggled against the void that threatened to overtake me. I had never, ever, passed out in my life. Not even when that stupid droid missed my vein with the needle once. Today would not be the day I relented. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the odd sensation away; it settled in the pit of my stomach, but allowed the rest of my body to get under control.

Well... nearly, for I was actually scooped in Galen's arms in the middle of the lab. The urge to close my eyes and nestled against him was so strong... His scent surrounded my, that faint smell that always lingered in his clothes. How I wanted to bask in his warmth forever... I kicked myself, hard, to push him away. "Set me down", I whispered. The scientist gently sat me upon the stool, and I took my notebook, struggling to focus my eyes upon the writing. This swimming sensation was going to get old real fast.

Can't show the world our attachment.

This time, Galen snorted, scribbling over my words with his impossible writing.

Whatever, they already think we are sleeping together.

I frowned; why did he not abide by my rules ? Galen usually trusted me enough when it came to public relations. Rumours would go flying around after my little stunt. The news of Dr Erso in love was dangerous to both of us. It would give people ideas, especially if Krennic's spy was here.

Sleeping and caring are different.

Galen slammed the notebook close, and sent me a scalding look. "Not for me, and Krennic knows. Now take my arm, and I'll get you to the healing quarters." I was about to protest, but his hand had already circled my waist. And truth be told, I was getting dizzier by the minute. "You are sick, Elya. Don't go about contaminating the whole lab."