So this is my shortest Omake yet. Unfortunately had to cut some stuff out due to it not exactly fitting in organically. Still, hope it holds up.
Deal With the Devil
Atton Rand lay comatose, stuck in stasis within a tank of bacta - the trauma his body had undergone currently putting his mind into a state of forced recovery. Outside his tank, within the recovery room housed at the Jedi Temple of Dantooine, Mical offered words to the unaware patient. Neither had gotten along with the other, there was a mutual dislike between the two men but here and now, that hardly mattered. Everyone was making the rounds so to speak.
Bao-Dur was likely the one least involved in this ritual; the Zabrak hard at work running through different contacts within the Republic. It was unfortunate that despite the advances in robotic tech, biological matters were more specialized, only a few races of significant note being capable of restoring Rand to prime health. And robotics, while an option, would likely need to be a last resort. Prosthetics could often alter one's connection to the Force - for better or worse - and to replace every limb would leave Atton changed forever, in how he fought, and perhaps how he operated as a Jedi. It would take time to become accustomed to his new parts, and not everyone managed to alter themselves so readily to such a new dynamic. Even Bao-Dur could find himself at odds with his mechanical limb, finding different ways to makeup for the loss of an organic limb, and he could only imagine how the former smuggler would manage with not just one prosthetic, but four.
Bao-Dur was finding his efforts to be rather pointless, hitting dead end after dead end in his search. Arkanian's were the most obvious choice of course, though the race was rather isolated and remote, they were renown for their prowess in all things biological. Extensive modifications to the body could be done through Arkanian tech - a shame the Arkanian government was so closed off to the galaxy at large. Hence the problem he faced at this moment.
The Iridonian perused the Force, searching for a suitable answer - he was interrupted by the knock outside his door. "Come in," his voice was tired, his head ached and every syllable uttered reflected that state. So it was that an Ithorian man entered hesitantly. Though Initiates differed in age, this one was clearly nearing the middle portion of his life, and bowed to the Grandmaster deeply as the door shut behind him.
"Master Bao-Dur," he spoke slowly, cautiously, within his native tongue, "I am Janreh Batoth. I come here to offer my assistance in light of the latest events." The Grandmaster smiled just slightly, tiredness fading just barely.
"Thank you for the offer Initiate. But I'm not sure there's much that can be done at this point in time." The Ithorian fiddled with his hands, looking uncomfortable. "Yes... well, I wanted to offer forth a contact of mine. An Arkanian man."
That caught Bao-Dur's attention, eyebrows raised as he leaned forward. "You can get me into contact with an Arkanian scientist?" He nods, "Well, yes. I used to be a part of the restoration project at Telos, before I was scouted as an Initiate. During that time, I was often in contact with an Arkanian that offered genetic samples and cloning of animals to introduce to Telos - it was most beneficial to stabilizing the ecosystem and altering the wildlife to fit the planet." He hesitated now, Bao-Dur signalling for him to continue. "I believe I can get him into contact with you... though he himself is known to be a sort of 'collector'."
"A 'collector'?" The Master frowns, "explain yourself Initiate Batoth." The Ithorian is fiddling with the fringe of his shirt now.
"Yes well, the man was very interested in gathering genetic samples of a variety of beings across the galaxy. He is still young by Arkanian standards, and is on a self imposed pilgrimage of sorts - by the time he was settling into his goal, the Jedi had retreated into hiding. From what I recall, he was most eager to gather genetic samplings of a Force Sensitive - according to him, he wanted the genetic material of a "Jedi Master"... I don't know quite what he wants with it, but I expect he would be most willing to assist us with Master Rands injuries if you could offer him what he wants in return."
Sitting back, Bao-Dur considers the news, closing his eyes for a moment. He breathes deeply, nodding to the man. "Thank you for the news you bring, it will give me much to consider. We are lucky to have an Initiate as generous as yourself." He nodded thankfully, but strangely didn't make a move to exit. Anxiously moving from foot to foot, the Initiate spoke. "I... I don't suppose with this, that I might be considered to be accepted into the next batch of Padawans?" That causes the Master to hesitate, stunned by the boldness. He chuckled despite himself though.
"I will consider it," he assured him truthfully. The Ithorian rapidly bowed, thanking the Master and taking his leave. Bao-Dur turned back to face his window, face set into a serious expression as he considered his options.
