Star Wars - Empire of the Innocents

22 - A Painful Awakening

After a long season free from the periods of stay at StationLab, Akdron would once again experience that nightmare of boredom. After the repairs on the station, which had suffered a fierce attack by the rebels, he had been summoned once more to appear at the imperial laboratory for new exams.

Inconsolable, he was the embodiment of discouragement. Slumped in the co-pilot's seat of the imperial shuttle that was taking him to his inevitable destination, he made no effort to hide his feeling of displeasure.

While piloting the ship, Neo tried to console his friend:

"Come on, it can't be that bad. Look on the bright side: you'll be able to rest, read some books..."

"You're not helping," muttered Akdron under his breath.

When the ship emerged from hyperspace, the previously static space laboratory could be seen amidst the deep space.

"Shuttle Tydirium requesting permission to dock," Neo said over the radio.

After a few moments of silence, the flight controller of StationLab responded:

"Report your cargo and purpose."

"I bring supplies for the station and... a patient," the pilot stammered, fearful of worsening his friend's morale. – "Initiating code transmission," he announced.

"I'm not a patient," complained Akdron. – "I'm probably more of a... guinea pig."

Despite his sarcasm, his own comment made him realize how dark the whole situation was becoming. He began to reflect on the real reason why the imperial doctors insisted on examining him.

"Shuttle Tydirium, you are authorized for landing at Dock Thirty-Two, Level Seven."

"Understood," confirmed Neo, maneuvering the Shuttle toward the designated location.

On the landing platform, the friends bid farewell.

"They didn't say how long I'll be staying this time. I brought everything I thought could help me pass the time," Akdron said, giving light pats to the backpack hanging from his shoulder.

"Either way, I'll be back soon with more supplies. I'll take the opportunity to visit you and share the news," Neo promised.

The friends briefly hugged and then went their separate ways. A few meters ahead, Neo turned back:

"Captain! Stay strong!" he exclaimed, seeking to encourage Akdron.

Without breaking his stride, Akdron twisted his torso backward, bringing one hand to his forehead in a mock military salute.

Balanced meals, coordinated physical exercises, complex vitamins, and various other health and vitality-enhancing substances, along with a battery of exams and daily blood collections. This had been Captain Navarre's daily routine since he arrived at StationLab. Those first days had felt like long months.

At night, he usually thought about Athena and how he wished he had spent more time with her. He remembered her scent and relived the brief moments they had shared. An indication of love at first sight. Strictly speaking, it would have been the second sight.

On that night, he was quite restless. On the brink of despair as he awaited the sleepiness that stubbornly refused to appear, he decided to distract himself a little and got out of bed.

He initially rummaged through his backpack, sifting through the objects inside, but eventually decided to empty it onto the mattress.

Everything that belonged to him was there. Among new and old things was the utility belt he had worn when he was rescued by the sandtroops on Tatooine. Attached to the belt was a small leather pouch where he used to keep various tools. He emptied the pouch onto the bed as well and realized that, since the day of his rescue, he had never again touched the things inside. They were the items he had acquired in the stores in Ven Looh. The sight of those objects took him back to the last day he had been with his family, causing a tightness in his heart. As he rummaged through the items, he took a trip down memory lane, recalling details, family scenes. He also remembered eating the sweets that were meant for Helzaah and her friend while he, hungry, traveled in the imperial landing craft on his way to the refugee shelter.