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The depths of Coruscant were a wild place. Once-tamed, they had been left to rot. With the rot came the return of the wild. There was a full ecosystem down there, feeding off the trash and refuse that came from the still-thriving city above. In the lightless environment, the creatures skewed towards predators, scavengers, and parasites. But there were plant-like organisms. In particular, electrotrophs feeding off the half-connected energy grid and the dregs of abandoned batteries. Like the electrotrophs, there were countless things that none of the Jedi had ever seen on another world.
One of the worst was bacteria resistant to both bacta and anti-biotics.
Reva held Bertola’s hand. Bertola was slumped on her, tears wetting Reva’s clothes.
“I’m sure it will be fine soon,” Reva tried to cheer him up. “Maybe the healers are having troubles now, but I’m sure they’ll figure it out.”
“It hurts,” Bertola whimpered. Indeed, his Force-presence was full of pain. “And they’ve tried both Bacta and the anti-whatever! What if this kills me?”
Reva frowned. She was still a child, and she had the vague impression that an adult should be answering that question.
“You won’t die,” Liam said firmly. He was on the other side of Bertola, clutching Bertola’s other hand. “Don’t be afraid, you’ll see.”
“But what if?” Bertola sobbed.
“Well, if this kills you, you won’t be hurt anymore,” Reva offered.
The other two initiates gaped at her.
“What?” Reva asked. “It’s true! People don’t hurt while they’re dead.”
“But he would be dead!” Liam argued. “That’s a bad thing!”
“Well, duh,” Reva scoffed. It’d hurt all of us except Bertola. But that’s my point. He won’t suffer.”
“I’d miss you guys, too,” Bertola sniffled, squeezing Reva’s hand. “Please don’t argue.”
“Alright,” Reva agreed. Liam made a sound of agreement.
“The healers won’t let you die, anyways,” Liam said reassuringly. “You’ll see.”
“Yeah,” Reva said. “They’re all super smart and all thinking hard about you.”
“Thanks,” Bertola mumbled.
There was a quiet knock on the door before it opened. Several healers filed in, their expressions grim.
“I’m going to die, aren’t I?” Bertola asked fearfully.
“No, young one,” a healer said. Reva thought it was Healer Alibeth, who was very nice. Healer Alibeth crouched down in front of Bertola. “People have survived such injuries before the creation of Bacta or anti-biotics.”
“You figured something out, then?” Reva asked. “We told Bertola you would.”
“Yes, child,” Healer Alibeth said, smiling a little queasily. “It is the same solution our ancestors would have used. The foot is infected, and may kill the person if left alone, so we will… get rid of the foot.”
Reva felt shock from the other initiates. She fell more than a little shock herself.
“You’re going to cut off my foot?” Bertola gasped.
Healer Alibeth winced.
“Yes,” she admitted. “I am… sorry, little one. But it is for your own good.”
Bertola burst into terrified tears. Reva couldn’t do anything but tighten her grip on his hand and let him continue to lean on her.
“It will not hurt,” Healer Alibeth assured him. “I promise, you will not feel it. We will put you to sleep for the operation. There is nothing to fear. Everything will be alright.”
The healer continued speaking, calm and gentle, assuring them that everything was well. Reva had to push down her own fear to gently rest her head on Bertola’s.
“You’ll get a cool metal foot,” Reva whispered. “If you say you lost your foot fighting pirates, I’ll confirm your story.”