Bajes awoke amidst a sea of devices, predominantly medical in nature. He faintly overheard a conversation, "It seems he's reacting properly. Likely, the brain remains unscathed. For now, it's unsafe to fully awaken him; let's induce sleep once more." Bajes yearned to protest, yet slumber reclaimed him swiftly.

When he next opened his eyes, he found himself adrift in a white void, suspended and scanning his surroundings. Where could he be? Logic suggested a dream, yet dreams were impossible during sleep induced via the link—meant to be both painless and devoid of dreams. "How am I dreaming now?" his voice echoed in the emptiness, unbidden. Turning towards the source, Bajes saw his own image approaching, and he froze. The doppelgänger stopped and offered a cold smile. "What's wrong? Lost for words? Should I assume a different guise?" With a snap of his fingers, Abdul appeared beside him. Bajes's disapproval was evident in his frown, though he remained silent. Another snap, and the figure reverted to Bajes's likeness. "I believed your reflection would be most fitting. Time is of the essence, so let's converse promptly. Doubtless, you have questions. Let's play it fair—you ask, I answer. Proceed," the figure urged.

Contemplating, Bajes inquired, "How can I trust you?"

The other Bajes laughed, replying, "An intriguing yet futile question. Trust is yours to bestow or withhold. Now, for my part—I'm aware of your mission on this planet. You must convey Lithugaraha, or Maria, there. Your next question?"

Bajes scrutinized his duplicate, attempting to decipher the predicament. Was this a result of being kidnapped and drugged? His counterpart implored, "Hurry, I can't maintain this for long. Pose your question." Bajes queried, "Are you residing within me?" His double replied, "I do not dwell inside you. However, choosing Maria would greatly amplify her powers. Convey to her that she can achieve a psi link akin to yours below. Your next inquiry?"

Stunned, Bajes recoiled at the thought of endangering Maria for power—a notion he found unacceptable. He then questioned, "Are you the voice that sporadically manifests in my thoughts?" The other Bajes, with a chuckle, responded, "Indeed, and it should have been apparent to you—another lamentably naive question. Your kind never ceases to disappoint, yet I had deemed you more astute. At the hall of ascension, I'll briefly emerge again. There, you must allow me control for a few seconds to reveal another temple. For this, I must lead; let's avoid resistance." He urged for the next question.

Bajes reflected on his wasted opportunities, uncertain of the limits to his inquiries. He acknowledged the insight and asked, "Are you my adversary or my ally?" The other Bajes mused, "An intriguing query at last. I am not your foe, yet it's misleading to label me an ally. Consider me a supporter. At times, it's in my best interest to assist you directly rather than indirectly. However, such direct intervention is abhorrent to me and breaches my principles. Thus, I prefer not to meddle. Lead your life, face your challenges.

Bajes felt a sudden, searing pain in his head. Glancing around, his doppelgänger wondered aloud, "Is my time dwindling once more? Pose another query; there are still matters to address." Reacting instinctively, Bajes reached for his temples, discovering, to his astonishment, the absence of psi links. Yet, the throbbing pain was almost unbearable. Struggling to concentrate, he finally managed, "What are you, in terms of life form?"

This question visibly irritated the other Bajes, who retorted, "Life form? Your definition of life shapes the answer, and I prefer not to be direct. Yet, a detailed explanation eludes the constraints of time. Consider me an extension of you—we share a fate; my end is tied to yours."

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Meanwhile, Bajes crumpled to his knees, overwhelmed by the excruciating pain, barely able to speak. "It burns... please, make it stop..." he pleaded.

The doppelgänger responded, albeit reluctantly, "I'll alleviate your pain shortly, but first, heed my warning. Two Arachnexs possess a psi link akin to yours. Do not be swayed by them; they are parasitic foes. Ensure you're never in solitude with either. I cannot stress this enough—I'm... los...ing... con...nection..." His voice faded into silence.

And then, Bajes succumbed to darkness once more. The notion of losing consciousness within an unconscious state seemed paradoxical, yet it encapsulated his experience perfectly.

Bajes awakened once more, only to be engulfed in excruciating pain. Da'Lana's voice pierced through the haze, suggesting he was undergoing some form of seizure. The urge to scream was overwhelming; the pressure in his head felt like it would culminate in an explosion, yet physically, his condition seemed stable, aided by a tube facilitating his breathing. Rapidly, doctors and medics converged around him, one urgently proposing, "Put him back under; why is he conscious?" Another, perplexed, responded, "Impossible! He's been sedated for an extensive period; awakening now defies explanation!" As they reestablished the psi link at his temples, a serene calm began to replace the agony. Their actions were inducing a direct sleep state in his brain. After several blinks, darkness claimed him again.

Upon his next awakening, Bajes's gaze fell upon Da'Lana, who was asleep in a chair beside his bed, her head resting against it. The intrusive tubes were gone. Experimentally, he moved his fingers, then alternated closing each eye—all successful. Engaging his psi link, he summoned his health status, which displayed no alerts or malfunctions. A wave of realization washed over him—he had survived. As he pondered the reality of his situation, not a dream but a tangible moment, his attention drifted to Da'Lana. Gently, he caressed her hair, which he adored for its unique texture, slightly thicker and sturdier than human hair. Stirred by his touch, Da'Lana awoke, her cheeks tinting a soft green. "You'll never heed my request to refrain from touching my hair in public, will you?" she teased. Bajes, with a weak smile, replied, "Forgive me. After half a year without the comfort, I couldn't resist. I'm sorry."

Da'Lana offered a smile, tinged with relief. "I'm just grateful you're still here with us. What would I have told our daughter?" Bajes, acknowledging her concern with a nod, inquired, "How is she faring?"

Da'Lana replied with a hint of exasperation, "As stubborn as ever, taking after you. She's going through a rebellious phase, attempting to access forbidden channels and seeking out unsuitable content on the psi network." Bajes sighed deeply, feeling a mix of frustration and empathy. He too had been rebellious once, recalling the empress's stern response to his own misadventures.

"Ta'Dama has stepped in to look after her," Da'Lana continued. "She even postponed a council meeting because Ta'Bala locked herself in her room, and the staff was hesitant to break in by force." Bajes's expression registered shock. "Oh boy," he thought, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Turning back to Da'Lana, he affirmed, "I'll speak with her once I'm discharged." Da'Lana's next words caught him slightly off guard, "I've secured permission for you to take a break once you're recovered. Your brother is prepared to assume your responsibilities."

Bajes hesitated, prompting Da'Lana's concern. "Is something wrong?" she asked. Bajes struggled to articulate his feelings, "There's still something I need to accomplish here. It's something I've only just discovered, and I must see it through."

Da'Lana's worry morphed into a steadfast gaze, her eyes meeting his with unwavering support. "Alright, I'm with you. You have my trust, as always. Lean on me," she assured him.

Exhausted, Bajes murmured gratefully, "I know, Da'Lana. You've been my rock since our school days." Apologizing, he added, "I need to rest a bit more." Da'Lana whispered something more, but Bajes drifted off before he could catch her words, his mind wandering to dreams of the past—a frequent occurrence lately, suggesting a contemplation of his life's journey despite not yet reaching his prime.