A/N: Here is a new story that came to me while I was listening to the Episode III soundtrack. I'm not sure how long it will be but I'm betting it will be at least 7 chapters.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of Star Wars...George Lucas does...

Chapter 1

I felt empty inside. The kind of empty you feel when you have lost something or someone very close and dear to you. In this case, I had lost Kreia, the Jedi Council...and myself. I didn't know who I was anymore. I couldn't honestly say that I was Oriah Viselle, Jedi Knight. Nor could I say that I had any friends or allies. Imagine being surrounded by people you care about and then having it violently stripped away from you. That was how it had felt when the Council had told me that my so called "friends" were only following me because I was influencing them through the Force.

I remember standing there at the Trayus Core, speaking with Kreia, my Master...my teacher...my friend. She told me many things, as she promised she would. She had promised that in the end there would be nothing seperating her and I, that all would be revealed. No questions or doubts, the kind of clarity between Master and Apprentice. Yet hear I sit, in the cargo hold of the wrecked up Ebon Hawk, wallowing in my self pity and grief. Questions running through my mind constantly. One constant sentence she had said shortly before she had died.

Even an ignorant fool such as Atton knows he has nothing to offer one such as you.

I could feel the stinging of tears in my eyes. A Jedi was not suppose to feel such emotions as sadness, loss. Who am I kidding! I am no more a Jedi than a gizka is a Hssiss! I was a nobody...a nobody that had caused the death of hundreds, maybe thousands of people! Why couldn't I have seen what I had been doing? I was blinded by my own self ambition...

"Oriah? Please come out. The crew and I are worried about you." Mical's voice rang clear, breaking me out of my thoughts. I knew I had to answer him.

"I'm fine...I just need some time to...think." I wiped away a few of my tears, in case Mical decided to come in against me wishes.

"Are you sure?" He was obviously deeply worried about me. I couldn't tell if he really cared about me or if it was the Force at work again.

"Yes." I answered curtly.

"Alright, if you need me..."

"The ship isn't that big, Mical. I know where you will be." I interrupted softly.

I could hear his heavy footsteps as he walked away. Why did I continue to push away those who cared for me? The answer...I am afraid. Even though I was mostly unconcious when Kreia had told me why I cut myself off from the Force...the words still echo in my head. What exactly I am afraid of is still a question that I can't answer. Ok, that is it. I need to get up and get over this. I am stronger than this.

I struggled to get up, after having sat on the floor so long. After brushing myself off, I straightened my robe and walked over to the door. using the Force I opened the door. I am in such a habit of doing things using the Force...even simple things such as opening a door. Oh well, it doesn't matter.

As soon as I started walking out of the door, I ran smack into Atton. I couldn't even look him straight in the eyes. Was he too following me because of the Force? I hoped that he wouldn't talk to me or ask me anything, 'cause right now...I don't think I can handle it too well.

"Well, look who decided to come out of hibernation." He said forcing a fake smile. Always with the sarcastic remarks. That's Atton Rand for you.

I just looked at the ground. I was glad as heck that he couldn't read my thoughts because right now I was thinking he looked pretty hot in that new Jedi robe that I had bought him before we had arrived on Dantooine...before the Masters had been brutally murdered on my behalf.

He obviously must have noticed that I was trying to get around him, because he grabbed me by the shoulders gently. "Hey, not so fast. You have been cooped up in there for two days. You need someting to eat. C'mon, I'll go find us something to eat."

"Atton, I'm fine." I finally spoke up.

"I know, Angel. You are fine, but that doesn't mean you don't need to eat." I can't believe he is flirting with me at a time like this! That and he is still using that pet name. Sheeesh, men!

"I don't believe you! You are...at a time like this...you are such a..." I finally found my voice and started to yell at him.

"Hold that thought. C'mon..." He ushered me into the cockpit and motioned for me to sit down.

"No thanks, I'll stand." I said stubbornly.

He sighed before grabbing me, making me sit on his lap. I could feel the heat on my cheeks, as I was obviously blushing. I tried to struggle out of his embrace but he wouldn't let me.

"Atton Rand!" I screamed his name...in some hopes that it would make him let me go. "What the hell has gotten into you!"

"I need to tell you something. Something important." He started to sweat. That was not a good sign, considering I had never seen him sweat even in the midst of a heated battle.

"Well, out with it, Flyboy." I can't believe this! Now I am using a stupid pet name. Good greif!

"You have the patience of a..." There was a knock at the door of the cockpit, which unbeknowst to me...there was a door seperating the cockpit from the main hold.

Atton turned to look at the door, giving me the opportunity to get up. I leapt out of his lap and brushed the wrinkles out of my dirty robe. Another thing I need to do...get this thing washed.

"Oh, what now?" Atton grumbled as Mira came strolling in. She casually looked at Atton...and then at me. I mouthed the words 'thank you'.

"Was I interrupting something?" She asked with a mischeivious grin.

"Yes!"

"No!"

Atton and I both yelled out simultaneously. Mira burst into laughter. I hadn't heard her laugh since we crashed on Malachor V.

"I'm glad you find this so funny..." I began

"Now get out..." Atton interupted moodily.

Sensing that this was the opportune moment to leave...I casually walked past Mira and Atton. "If you'll excuse me..."

Atton reached to grab my wrist but I was too quick for him. Mira had her back to me so I stuck my tongue out at Atton who returned the action with a glare towards me.

"This isn't over, Oriah." He said with a sinister grin. It was times like these where I was glad that he sheilded his thoughts. Because knowing Atton...he was thinking of some indignity right now...

"Tell me something I don't know." I laughed as I exited the cockpit...leaving Mira and Atton behind me. As I was leaving I heard Mira begin talking softly...but loud enough for my Jedi hearing to hear.

"I thought I told you to stop watching her."

"What? I didn't do a damn thing." I heard Atton say grouchily.

"I know what you're planning...and I don't like it." Mira threatened.

"Well, bring it on, Ms. Stuncuffs!" Atton shot back.

I suddenly had a very bad feeling...

A/N: Review if you liked this chapter...or if you have any suggestions or anything. I promise that there will be more romance in later chapters.