Kotor belongs to Bioware, only Raven's mine.
It was time to find Carth. My search was short as he was sitting at one of the tables with two glasses in front of him; one of them which was already half-empty contained some ale, the other filled with red wine seemed as if was for someone else.
"Hi," I greeted him merrily when I sat down on an empty chair.
"Hm," he muttered without bothering to lift his eyes to me. "This one's yours," he said curtly and shoved the full glass closer to me.
"Thanks," I smiled at him and took a sip, closing my eyes. "Hey, that's really sweet."
"The wine, I assume," he asked.
"Of course," I nodded and added curiously: "So…what have you found out?"
"Nothing we wouldn't know already. What about you?" he asked and finally looked at me.
I grinned mischievously. "I've got a date," I said blankly as I brought the glass to my lips again. The look on Carth's face was priceless. "What did you say?"
I put the glass back on the table and leant forward a little. "You heard me. He's Yum. Stupid name for a stupid guy, but he's a junior officer stationed at the Sith base."
"I still don't get what…" he paused in surprise. "A Sith?"
I nodded. "We're lucky. I was just sitting at the bar minding my own business when he came to talk to me and invited me to a party tonight. And I was told they would bring their uniforms there. I'll only wait until they're drunk and then I'll steal one of them," I introduced my plan.
Carth leant back, hands crossed in front of him. "A-ha…" he mused.
"Is that it?" I asked incredulously. "I thought you'd be happy to hear that."
He didn't answer; he kept looking at me with a look I definitely didn't like. "I was thinking."
I waited for a moment, giving him time to add something if he wanted. But he didn't. "What about?"
He looked around as if to check if anyone was listening before he spoke again. "What was your position in the fleet? What did you do before Endire Spire?"
I frowned. "Why do you ask? You read my service records; you should know I've been part of the Republic since I was eighteen." I was getting a feeling this wasn't what he'd been thinking about.
"Who did you call back on the ship? Before we met?" he continued this ridiculous interrogation.
"I don't like where you're going," I scowled even deeper.
"You were off-duty when the attack came. What were you doing?"
"Sleeping, if you must know," I spat and gave him a piercing look. "Why?" I hissed. "And think carefully before you answer."
His eyebrow rose slightly. "Why, I find it far too much of a coincidence that someone who'd been newly added to the crew happens to survive while others didn't."
"Hah, this is rich," I growled.
"Don't get me wrong," he went on. "But so far everything about you hints that…"
I interrupted him. "What do you mean by everything? That I called a close friend of mine to tell her how I was fairing? That I knew about the quarantine? That I was lucky enough to find a way into the Lower City? If so what now? Are you going to tell me you thought I had something to do with the attack?"
He remained silent, but it was all the answer I needed. "How dare you…" I hissed and stoop up. I turned around and stormed out of the canteen, murmuring "asshole" and "idiot" among other things along the way.
I remembered the way we came so I headed towards the apartment. The sun has set and it was really getting dark there. There were fewer people around. Most of them were Sith guarding the streets. They were eyeing me suspiciously, but no one made a move to stop me. Lucky them, I don't think they would survive the encounter considering mood I was in.
I didn't switch the lights on when I arrived. I welcomed the dusk as I sat on the bed. With only right hand I removed the belt and tossed it on the floor. I kicked off the boots and lay down. I kept staring at the ceiling above me. It was dirty and there were few black marks made by blaster bolts and right now it was the most interesting thing in here.
I wasn't even angry anymore; the journey to get here was long enough for it to simply fade away. I only regretted I hadn't brought the wine with me. Not to finish the drink 'cause of such a jerk... "What was his problem anyway?" I said out loud, waving my healthy hand in the air.
I felt silent again when I heard the door open. A light from the corridor casted a long shadow of a human form across the room for a moment, before Carth closed the door and the room once again drowned in the dark. "Raven?" he asked silently as if making sure I was even there.
"What?" I answered after a moment of hesitation. "Do you intend to insult me some more?"
"I…Raven," he sighed and I heard him move closer. He sat in the armchair not far from my bed and looked at me. "I didn't mean to frame you as a traitor or something…" he started.
"And yet you did exactly that," I mumbled audibly enough for him to hear it.
"And for that I'm sorry." He paused, waiting for my reply. When he got none, he continued. "It all seemed little suspicious from my point of view. I admit I might have exaggerated it a little, but still..."
I took a slow breath. "Jasmine."
"Huh?"
I sat up and turned towards him. "I called Jasmine back on the ship. I wanted to tell her I was okay. And as for this suspicious survival of mine...well, if it weren't for Trask I would have never gotten to you alive. He sacrificed himself to buy me some time when he rushed to fight that dark Jedi who…" I lifted my left hand and looked at it. "We knew each other for mere hours and yet he didn't hesitate a second to lay down his life for me. All I got was this..." I tried to move my fingers slightly. With half of my wrist gone and the other scorched the slightest move sent a sharp pain through my entire arm. I hissed and let the hand drop into my lap.
"I never believed the rumours."
"What rumours?" I looked at him from the corner of my eye.
"That lightsaber wounds take a long time to heal on their own. Even kolto can't speed the heeling process."
I smiled slightly. "I heard that too. It's because 'saber's made of...some kind of power crystal which makes ordinary laser much stronger and powerful," I shrugged.
He smirked. "Let me guess. Some Jedi told you, huh?" he asked, but didn't even let me answer. "Anyway, when we get out of here I'll see to it you get a proper treatment."
"If we get out of here."
He shrugged. "With the uniform we'll be one step closer to it."
I gave him a searching look, smiling. "Sounds like you trust I'll get it."
"We."
"I. Yum didn't mention I could take someone with me," I opposed.
He frowned and opened his mouth to protest, but I spoke first. "Just for a once, Carth, have a confidence in me. I'm a soldier. I can handle few drunken Sith."
He nodded and stood up. "Okay, I'll leave it entirely to you then," he agreed as he crossed the room heading to one of the doors which lead to a small humble kitchen.
"Carth?" I stopped him, swaying my head to one side. "I wonder something. What made you think I was responsible for the attack in the first place? Because I don't think what you said was the only reason."
He stood in the middle of the room with his back turned to me. I saw his fist clench slowly before he spoke up. "I suppose you deserve to know. Do you remember what happened to Revan and Malak?"
"You mean when they turned to the dark side?" I asked in confusion.
He nodded. "If you can't trust the greatest of heroes, how can you at all?" He looked back at me over his shoulder.
Something in his voice made me think he wasn't telling the whole truth. "That sounds as if there was more to it," I whispered and got out of the bed. I put my shoes on went closer to him.
He turned around the moment I was few steps away from him. He seemed hesitant. "They weren't the only one who betrayed us. Some other did too, great people, people I thought loyal. Karath among them…" he mused.
My eyes went wild. "Karath…" I knew the name, every Telosian did. He was at the head of the fleet that destroyed Telos four years ago! "Why did you mention him?"
"He was my friend and mentor."
"You knew him?" I asked slowly.
"And that's the worst part of it. I did. I could have stopped him if only I had noticed something was going on," he said, sounding angry. "If I hadn't been blind, they would have still been alive."
"Who? Your people?"
"No. I mean yes…" he shook his head. "When does the party starts?"
I noticed how abruptly he changed the topic. Apparently it was very uncomfortable for him. "In two hours," I answered. "But I'll leave sooner. I need to find the place first."
The air was cold when we left the building. Everything was silent around us as if nobody wanted to wander these streets at night. At first I thought it was because of the quarantine, but that was not the reason since no Sith guard stopped us on our way to Yum's apartment.
"Do you really want to go there alone?"
"No. But I have to, Carth."
"Okay...and how do you intend to bring the armour here with only one hand?"
"Oh...touché."
"If anything happens, use your comlink to let me know," Carth said when we neared the building we sought.
I smiled. "Nothing's going to happen, Carth. It's a party."
"Full of Sith."
"Careful," I warned him cheerfully. "If you keep this up, I'll think you care about my wellbeing."
Corners of his mouth perked up a little. "Someone has to."
My smile got wilder. "That's sweet of you to say, Carth. Okay, here we go. You should wait here. I'll contact you later," I said as we entered the building.
"What flat is it?"
"Number fifteen. And don't freak out, it might take a while," I shrugged. As I went away from him I heard him mumbling something. I'd bet it was about one reckless and careless soldier who he was worried for, but was too afraid to admit it even to himself.
Paranoid guy, I smiled as I stopped in front of the door I was seeking. I took a breath and knocked. In a few seconds the door opened revealing Yum behind it. He had this half-witted smile on his face and a half-empty glass in hands. "I thought you'd never come," he greeted me and leant forward as he wanted to kiss me. I put a hand on his chest to stop him. "Yeah, I know I'm late. This place was hard to find," I said and went inside. I felt him wrap his hand around my waist.
"Ah, but you have nothing to drink!"
"I've just arrived," I snickered. I couldn't decide whether he was really that stupid or already drunk. Maybe both.
"Let me pour you something," he said and led me towards a bar.
"It's quite a party," I commented looking around. I was only half past ten and yet everybody was plastered. Yum chuckled and handed me some drink. I brought the glass to my lips and pretended to take a sip. I wasn't that foolish to drink Tarisian ale. I enjoyed drinking alcohol from time to time, but this ale was far too strong for me. I'd be lying under table before I knew it.
"Yeah," he nodded. "And Jim brought that fantastic music. The best band in the Outer Rims!"
"I hear you," I faked a smile. The band was nothing special. It seemed just like any other band you could find playing at canteens.
He grinned. "Wanna dance?"
"No! Eh...not now. I...eh...I'd like to meet your friends first," I blurted out. It was enough my hand was injured. And in his state he would probably hurt my feet too. Not to mention I had absolutely no desire to dance with him.
"Okay, let'see...that's Jim over there...and that girl in the corner, that's..."
Oh my...okay, let's speed it up a little. Buddy, I just hope you taught me well. „You know what, Yum?" I interrupted him. "This way I'll never remember all of them. Why don't we...hm...make an acquaintance over few rounds of Pazaak?" I suggested. As much as I disliked the game now it could help me.
"Hey, why not? Listen everybody, why don't we play some Pazaak?" he shouted and spread his arms as if he wanted to embrace someone. I welcomed it, because he finally stopped touching me.
"But," I added with a sly smile. "Senate rules are boring, why won't we spice it up a little bit?"
"Huh? How? Oh! You mean Nar Shaddaa rules?" one of his friends asked, what was his name again? Rich? Or was it David? Focus.
"No," I shook my head. "It's played the same way like senate rules, but after every round everyone except for a winner has a drink."
Yum looked confused. "That means if I win I cannot drink?"
I nodded. "Yeah. It's because...eh...it's because the drink helps you to bear the loss."
It took him a few seconds before he got my meaning. Then his perplexed expression slowly changed into tipsy smile. "Yeah...sounds good. I suck at Pazaak."
"I'm game."
"Count me in!"
I grinned. That was easier than I thought. "One last rule: You cannot have the same drink twice in a row."
Carth stood at the door, speechless as he looked inside. Everyone was lying either on the floor or on the table, cards were scattered all around the place, drinks spilled.
"The uniforms are over there, in bags behind the bar," I told him where to go.
"You made them all drunk like that? How did you do it?" he asked as he carefully stepped in.
"They just kept losing," I shrugged.
Carth raised his eyebrows slightly. "How did you manage to win all the games?" he asked suspiciously as he headed towards the bar.
I touched the back of my neck. "That's why I don't like Pazaak. It's not about how you play, but how you cheat," I frowned.
"Cheat..." He murmured as he lifted the bag. "Okay, let's get out of here."
"Great. I'm tired. And I need a shower."
I never looked at him. I kept staring at the ceiling above me, completely ignoring his presence. I felt drained to death.
"Adrianne..."
I never moved. I couldn't turn my head even if I wanted. Everything hurt even while not moving at all. Breathing was hard too. "Don't waste your time," I whispered slowly. My voice was hoarse and barely audible. "And mine."
"I came to..."
I didn't let him finish. "They've made their decision." I paused to take a slow breath. "Nothing I can say will change it."
"You misunderstand. That's not why..."
"Have you heard what they have in a store for me?" Again I had to pause to gather strength to continue. "I never knew they had it in them."
"They don't..."
"And they call me a monster," I went on weakly. "But I will never be their puppet. Tell them. I will never succumb."I eventually tried to look at him. A sharp pain shot through my neck and back.
I quickly opened my eyes. I was breathing heavily and I felt a cold sweat on my face as I sat up. I looked at the chrono. I've slept only for four hours, I thought, rubbing my face as I crawled out of the bed. As silently as I could so that I wouldn't wake Carth I crossed the room and went to the 'fresher. It was small, dirty room with tiles on its floor and walls. There was a cracked washbasin on which I laid my clothes after I stripped. I carefully put the bandages off, revealing something that used to be a fully functional human hand a mere week ago. The wrist was at bad shape. Even thought the lightsaber had only scratched it, it was thoroughly scorched. The longer I kept looking at it, the surer I was; it would never heal.
"But I live. I can't complain," I said out loud before I turned the water on. At first it was freezing, but it slowly got warmer. We had no soap so I only stood there, letting the water to sooth my stiffened muscles. I felt truly relaxed and at ease. I wanted to stop time and enjoy the moment, to feel the warm water streaming down my back forever. But I knew sooner or later I'd have to get out and continue this madness, this seemingly endless struggle. And I simply dreaded to think how many days we had left before they'd found us. "We need to hurry," I whispered.
When I left the bathroom, I found Carth still sleeping on his bed. As I watched him in silence I realized this was the first time I saw him with serene and relaxed expression on his face. I couldn't even image what he had to endure those first days here. No money or supply, no knowledge about this place. But he had an unconscious woman to take care of.
I sighed and stood up. I felt hungry and wanted to check if there was anything to eat. And when I heard soft sounds from the other room, I brought some for Carth too.
"Why are you awake so early?" he asked when he got out of the 'fresher.
"Why are you?" I asked with a slight smile.
"I don't need much sleep. But you should rest."
"I was hungry," I shrugged. He didn't need to know about the nightmare. "Want some?" I asked and pointed at the full plate. "But tell your taste cells to go back to sleep. It's terrible."
"And why did you put off the dressing?" he lifted his hand in which he held the bandages I had left in the bathroom.
"I took a shower," I pointed the obvious. He only shook his head helplessly before he knelt beside me. "Stretch it," he ordered.
"Could you fixate my fingers more firmly this time? I could move them and that hurt," I asked while he started wrapping my hand.
Without even lifting his eyes to me, he did what I wanted. I was surprised by how skilful he was. His hands were calloused yet his touch was gentle and careful. As he was working I never felt a thing. "Ta," I mumbled after he was done.
"You're welcome. Thanks for the food by the way," he added as he started to eat. When he finished he went to dress himself in that uniform. While he was at it, I borrowed the helmet and put it on. It was far too large for me so I had to keep it uprights with my hand. "I suppose I'll be your prisoner, hm?" The way the helmet changed my voice brought Carth's attention to me. "Why are you wearing it?" he asked as he was trying to put left boot on.
"So that you wouldn't see how amused I am by that very enthusiastic expression of yours. You look as if you were tortured."
"I'd like to see you while putting this thing on," he murmured and his paranoia kicked in again. "What if they won't buy it? Have you thought about it?"
I nodded. "They'll probably kill us."
"Reassuring. Now give me the helmet," he stretched his arm towards me. I took it off and handed it to him. "How do I look?" he asked with the complete armour on.
"Like a Sith," I grinned.
"Quit that smiling, missy, or I'll drag you to the base and lock you there," he threatened me.
I tilted my head slightly and touched my chin. "Have you ever thought about changing sides? 'Cause that was something a Sith would definitely say."
"Move it, citizen!" he snapped just like he heard it on the streets.
I laughed and put both blasters from their holsters.
"What are you doing?"
I raised my eyebrow at him. "I don't think prisoner with guns would be very convincing. I don't need this one," I said and laid it on the table. I handed the other to Carth.
"I'll give it to you when we're in the lift," he nodded and beckoned me to move finally. We left the apartment already playing our show; he was a step behind me and aimed his blaster at my back. "I just hope the safety catch's on."
"Wouldn't you like to know, huh?" he chuckled. But it wasn't a merry laugh, more of mischievous kind. I smiled a little and looked at the nearby door which led out of this building. Two soldiers stood there, each on one side. Both had the red uniform indicating he was part of my elite squad. They saluted me as I passed them by. But I never answered them. A fierce anger burnt in my veins and I wanted nothing more than make certain someone crawl in pain. This time that bastard went too far...
"Raven!"
Suddenly I had a feeling I was falling. A pair of strong arms caught me at my waist and helped me to regain balance. Confused, I turned around in the arms. There was a Sith standing behind me!
I yelped and tried to get away from him, my right hand tried to find a blaster at my waist, but there was none. I started to panic.
"Raven, don't! It's me, Carth!"
I stopped and looked at my reflection in his helmet. "Carth…?" I repeated. "Oh, Carth," I moaned and wrapped a hand around his shoulders, laying my head on his chest. The armour felt cold against my cheek, but I didn't mind.
"You're trembling, are you alright?" He held me at the arm's length.
I nodded weakly. "I just...I think I just..." I looked back at the door. It looked like completely ordinary door with no one guarding it. A shiver went down my spine.
"Raven?"
" A hallucination. Caused by the lack of sleep, probably," I said and looked at him. I couldn't see his face and made me extremely nervous at the moment. "But it's gone!" I tried to reassure him and was glad when he asked me to go on.
Thanks for reading everyone, reviews would be very appreciated :)
