-Juno-

"We've arrived at Felucia," Juno said to Starkiller over the comm.

It had taken six hours to reach Felucia and Juno didn't like that Starkiller was spending most of the time alone. Of course he didn't spend much time talking to her but he had sat in the cockpit with her during his mission to kill Kota and then Paratus. But that was before he'd encountered Nina Cortal and brought her on board. After he'd given her their destination he went to his quarters and hadn't come out since. She'd heard some of the woman's shouting when Starkiller had left the meditation room hours earlier and had been keeping on eye on the security camera that was fixated on Cortal.

It had taken the Jedi a while to calm down and she was now sitting back against the wall cross-legged, eyes closed. Either she was asleep or meditating. Juno still didn't know why Nina wasn't dead or why Starkiller had spared her and brought her on board or why she affected him so much. She'd be lying if she said that his attention towards the Jedi didn't make her a little jealous.

Pulling her from her thoughts was Starkiller entering the cockpit saying to PROXY, "Keep an eye on Cortal. I wouldn't be surprised if she tried to get out of her restraints to help the Jedi here."

"Yes, Master," replied PROXY. "Am I to use deadly force if she attempts to escape?"

"No."

"All right, Master."

Turning in her seat to look at the assassin, Juno asked, "Why is she alive when Vader ordered her death?"

Starkiller looked at her and answered, "Because she knows I killed Kota – someone told her. She's also a friend of the rebels. Vader wants to interrogate her." He paused, staring out the window at the planet. "And there's something about her."

Again she felt a stab of jealousy run through her veins. She didn't like the effect this woman was having on him. "She's a Jedi, Starkiller," she reminded him gently. He stiffened as though something about his name irritated him. Deciding to somewhat change the subject she asked, "Can she get free of the restraints? She is a Jedi so couldn't she get free?"

He shook his head. "The restraints are meant to prevent one from using their Force abilities. Vader taught me how to make them in case I ever had to restrain someone who was Force sensitive. I'm able to break free of the ones I made only because I've practiced a great deal. She won't be able to get free."

"As long as you're sure," she muttered as she brought the ship down for a landing, the stalks and fronds swaying while the giant fungus she'd landed on shuttered beneath the ship.

"I am," he said then made his way out of the cockpit. "Lower the ramp and wait for me here."

She huffed. "There's not much else for us to do," she replied, glancing at the droid.

"Just wait," Starkiller ordered, leaving.

A few moments past and after Starkiller exited the ship she raised the ramp and leaned back in her chair, contemplating over something.

"I will proceed to keep watch over Nina Cortal, Captain Eclipse," PROXY announced, standing to do as his master had told him.

Stopping him, Juno stood and said, "Not yet. I want to talk to her for a minute. Keep an eye on thing in here until I get back."

"Yes, Captain Eclipse," PROXY said, hesitant to listen to her. "I will inform you of any changes."

Exiting the cockpit, Juno walked to the meditation room, taking her blaster from its holster and holding it tightly just in case. Starkiller would be pissed if she killed Nina but she wasn't going to let the Jedi try to kill her if she decided she wanted her dead. Need be she would defend herself. Pausing outside the room that substituted for the Jedi's temporary prison, Juno hesitated to enter. She'd never confronted a Jedi Knight before but after seeing what Starkiller was capable of and knowing that Jedi were just as powerful she knew she'd have to keep her wits about her. Taking a calming breath, she entered the room.

Against the wall was Nina, sitting cross-legged with her shackled hands resting in her lap and eyes closed. She didn't move a muscle when Juno entered and the pilot began to think that the other woman was asleep. It was easy to see how this younger woman could prove to be competition. Her hair was a lovely shade of blond, darker than her own blond hair which was nearly white, and her skin was fair. She was beautiful and it only added to Juno's dislike of the Jedi.

As she opened her mouth to snap her awake, she was interrupted.

"I know you're there," Nina said in an irritated tone, opening her dark green eyes. "I was meditating."

"I can see that."

Rising to her feet, the Jedi crossed her arms, rattling the chains. "I sense that you don't like me very much. You're radiating enough hostility towards me that would have anyone else shaking in their boots so I doubt you can in here to have a pleasant chat which leaves me with one question. What do you want?"

"What did you do to Starkiller?" Juno demanded, not liking that Nina was able to read her so easily.

Frowning, Nina asked, "Excuse me?"

"He's not the most social person in the galaxy but in the weeks we've know each other he hasn't ignored me as much as he has in the past six hours," she told her. "All this started when he brought you on this ship. I want to know what you did to him."

"I didn't do anything to him," Nina insisted. "You should talk to Vader and ask him what he did to his apprentice because all of this is that monsters fault."

"Starkiller is only following orders, being loyal to his master," Juno replied though she too believed that Vader was a monster.

"Loyal? Do you know anything about the ways of the Sith?"

Juno was silent.

"I didn't think so. The Sith are loyal to no one," Nina said. "That's why there are only two at a time, one to possess the power and one to crave it. When the apprentice surpasses the master his kills him to take the title. The Sith are always about betrayal. I don't think Starkiller understands that yet, but I'm sure he will in time. The only conclusion I can come to that would explain why Vader has taken on an apprentice is that he plans to betray the Emperor."

Juno's jaw tightened, unable to deny what the Jedi had said about Vader planning to overthrow the Emperor.

Accidentally slicing into a security camera in Vader's private chambers, Juno listened to the conversation between master and apprentice.

"My spies have been watching another Jedi," Vader said, "Kazdan Paratus is hiding on the junk world of Raxus Prime."

Well, at least now she knew where they would be going next. It was about three days away if they used the hyperdrive most of the way. She'd be able to get some rest on the way, just not tonight as she would be busy plotting a course for the planet.

Vader was silent as he looked at the lightsaber that belonged to Kota, the Jedi Starkiller had recently killed. Then he turned to face the apprentice that was kneeling before him. "Paratus is far more powerful than you," he stated, "I do not expect you to survive. But should you succeed you will be one step closer to your destiny."

"The Emperor," Starkiller replied eagerly.

Vader nodded. "Yes. Only together can we defeat him.

Juno had quickly cut it off there, not wanting to hear more. She'd been shocked but didn't bring it up with Starkiller for fear of what he would do to her. For all she knew she'd heard wrong or had misunderstood. However, listening to Nina, she began to fear that she had heard correctly. And, whether she liked it or not, Juno was apart of it.

"Say what you want," Juno said at last, diverting the subject. "After this mission we won't have to deal with you. You'll be Vader's problem while Starkiller is able to continue following orders without you making things difficult."

She obviously hit a nerve as Nina's paled ever so slightly. "Maybe, but I don't believe Starkiller is a true Sith. I refuse to believe it."

Rolling her eyes, the pilot said, "The Starkiller I know follows orders unless they can be altered to better aid his master."

Staring her in the eyes, green meeting blue, the Jedi replied, "The Starkiller I know isn't a heartless Sith. I can help him, I know I can."

The determination in her voice took Juno back a bit but she shook her head. "You're dreaming, he's fine the way he is. Why can't you accept that? Is it because you're a Jedi?"

"No," she answered, "It's because I think he can change. I can sense the conflict inside him, especially when he was faced with what to do with me." Her eyes looked to the floor. "I just wish that I could prevent him from killing Shaak Ti."

Juno stared at her, feeling a small amount of pity for her when she saw her face fall with despair. "There's nothing you can do."

"I know." Tears began falling from her eyes. "I know!" Shaking her head, she turned her hurt filled gaze to her as she slid down the wall to the floor. "Please, just go. I want to be alone."

Wondering if she was bipolar, the Jedi having been fine a moment ago, Juno turned and left, informing her that a droid would be in to watch her. At least now she was convinced that the young woman was too upset to attempt to go anywhere.

-Nina-

The moment Juno left the room, Nina's expression became cool and composed and she wiped the tears from her eyes, smirking slightly. Hopefully her display had convinced the pilot that she was too emotionally hurt to do anything but sit there. She'd learned a long time ago how to fake tears to fool people. Sometimes the Force wasn't required to fool people. Knowing that there was a security camera in the room she made sure to put up her display of sadness again. She would need to keep it up if she were going to get out of the ship without alerting Juno. The droid she could handle but she wouldn't destroy the thing since she got the impression that it was a friend to Galen.

As she awaited the droid, she focused on using the Force to release her restraints. They were Force-resistant, something she knew was commonly used among the Emperor and Vader. It made sense that Galen would use them too. They seemed to be able to hold a powerful Force user but she doubted Vader had made them as they looked roughly made, there faint blue glow dimming once in a while. Closing her eyes, she tested the limits of her restraints. She could feel the metal shaking on her wrists as the Force fought to release her from them. She began to suspect that Galen had used himself as a test subject of sorts for the restraints. He'd probably figured if they could hold him they could hold anyone else. Big mistake. There were no limits when it came to the Force. The only limits that were presented were the ones created by the user.

A door slid open and Nina looked up, staring at the droid that just entered.

"My master has ordered me to keep an eye on you," PROXY informed her. "Unfortunately I am not permitted to use deadly force should you attempt to escape." He sounded rather disappointed.

"Oh," she muttered pitifully, keeping up the act. "Okay." After a few minutes she asked, "How long has Starkiller been your master?"

"From the age of seven and I will continued to be until he either dies from Lord Vader's training or battle, or until I complete my primary programming and kill him."

Nina did a double take. "Until you kill him?"

"Yes," he replied in a proud tone. "Lord Vader has programmed me to attempt to kill master Starkiller whenever I have the chance. I have yet to complete my primary programming but master Starkiller suspects that I will one day."

She didn't know whether or not she should be worried or laugh. Galen's friend was a droid who was programmed to try to kill him? What a relationship.

"Well, uh, good luck with that."

"Thank you, Miss Cortal," replied PROXY.

For a long while they didn't say a word to each other. PROXY stared at her the whole time and she'd be lying if she said it didn't make her uncomfortable. But at least she had time to form a plan. And think about that pilot, Juno Eclipse, and what she'd said to her and how she'd reacted.

Obviously Juno was attracted to Galen. It was hard not to be. Nina had to admit that she herself found that she was attracted to him but it was more than just his looks for her. She remembered him during a better time in his life where he was good and kind and caring. Though he had become a Sith and a killer she still believed that there was good in him somewhere. He's spared her life after all but she seriously doubted it was just because he though that he and Vader could get information out of her. It was obvious since he had tried to get her to tell him what she knew so he could let her go. Juno only knew Starkiller. Nina on the other hand knew Galen and was learning about this man he'd become, Starkiller. She didn't like Juno so far but hardly knew enough about her to pass any kind of judgment.

Thinking about the pilot made her hesitant about escaping from her restraints in this room. She was probably keeping an eye on her on the security camera. Nina would have to get out of the room first in case Juno attempted to lock her in. She didn't want to damage Galen's ship. Not to mention she had to find her lightsabers. She doubted that Galen had them with him so he'd probably put them somewhere, perhaps his room. Somehow, she had to get PROXY to let her out.

While she worked on weakening the shackles so that she could break free easier once she got out of the room, she asked PROXY, "Is Starkiller always so withdrawn and so…disconnected? When he and I were talking he gave me answers that were to the point. The only emotion he really showed me was anger. And he never exactly smiled, just smirked once in a while." She wanted to distract PROXY but was also curious.

"I cannot speak with any confidence regarding his programming, Miss Cortal," replied PROXY, puzzled. "Perhaps Lord Vader since he programmed both I and my Master."

"What do you mean by he programmed you both?"

"My master has been in Lord Vader's care for years, ever since he was a young child. Lord Vader made sure to erase all memories of my masters past and reprogram him," PROXY explained.

That explained a lot of things. Why Galen didn't remember her. Why he didn't remember anything she told him about his past. Vader had made sure he didn't. She suspected that the only reason he remembered his name was because it wasn't quite so easy to forget whom one was called since birth.

"Doesn't he have any friends aside from you?" she asked, concerned that he had no one. "…a girlfriend?" That last part was more out of curiosity and she definitely hoped not.

"No, my master's life is very solitary. Lord Vader insists that it is essential for his development."

Development into what though, Nina though and a shiver ran down her spin. Murderer? Sith warrior? What? Her heart felt like it was being torn from what Galen must have endured since that fateful day on Kashyyyk.

Deciding that it was pointless to dwell on such things when Master Shaak Ti was in danger, Nina started fidgeting, acting like she was growing very uncomfortable. This went on for a few minutes before PROXY started taking notice.

"Are you unwell, Miss Cortal," he questioned.

Fidgeting even more, she shook her head. "No, I need to use the refresher desperately." Putting on a desperate expression, she begged, "Please, I need to go to the refresher."

The droid looked utterly clueless on what to do and looked around the room. "I am not suppose to let you out of the meditation room…"

"Do you really want to clean up the mess and explain to your master what happened?" She bit her lip in discomfort. "Please?"

Wondering what he should do, PROXY contacted Juno. "Captain Eclipse, the prisoner is in desperate need of the refresher and is fidgeting badly."

"Well, do those shackle work against Force users when not connected to the chains on the wall?"

"Yes, they do."

Sighing, Juno said, "Escort her to the refresher. Chain her hands in front of her though and bring her back as soon as she's done."

"Yes, Captain Eclipse." Walking to Nina, he fixed the restraints so that her wrists her locked together in front of her before unchaining her. "Right this way, Miss Cortal."

Standing behind her, he escorted her out of the meditation room. Perfect. He wouldn't be able to see her hands while she tried to get free.

"So where exactly is the refresher?" she asked.

"It is next to my master's quarters."

That was helpful. At least she wouldn't have to go searching for it and waste time.

Slowing her breathing, she began to concentrate on the shackles and the glowing began to pulse, trying to keep her from accessing the Force. They wouldn't hold her. Clenching her fists, she focused everything she had on destroying the shield of the shackles which kept her from using the Force. And then the glowing emitting from the shackles faded to nothing and she felt as though she were already free as the Force came back to her, flooding her with relief and safety. Now she could easily undo the locks on the restraints. They snapped open and PROXY grabbed her shoulder, bring her to a halt. She held her breath.

"Here is the refresher," he said motioning to a door.

"Thanks, PROXY," she said then added, "I'm sorry for this…"

"Sorry?" he asked confused. "You have yet to do anything to…"

He didn't get the chance to finish. Nina dropped her restraints and Force pushed him clear down the corridor with enough force to knock him off line It wouldn't last forever but long enough for her to get her lightsabers and get out.

Entering the room that would be Galen's quarters she saw a small bed, table, and chest. On the table were her lightsabers. Smiling, she brought them to her and gripped them tightly when they flew into her hands. Now she didn't feel quiet so helpless now that she had her guide, the Force, and weapons, her lightsabers. Not bothering to attach them to her belt, she made for the door that had closed behind her and immediately sensed someone on the other side. Sighing, she held one lightsaber ready, knowing exactly who was waiting for her, likely with a blaster.

Opening the door, she instantly yanked the blaster from Juno's hand, leaving her stunned while Nina activated one of her green lightsabers.

"Please, move out of the way, else I'll move you," Nina said calmly and was relieved when Juno did as she was told.

"You're too late," Juno announced, "I just spoke with Starkiller, he's almost reached Shaak Ti. She'll be dead before you reach them."

Nina shook her head. "Not if I can help it. I can stop him from making a huge mistake, save him from himself, if I get there soon enough." She did believe that, but she knew that her time was steadily running out.

Keeping her blade aimed and Juno's neck, Nina forced her back towards the exit ramp. The young Jedi wasn't going to make the pilot leave the ship but she did want to keep her in her sight until she could get away.

"I don't know why you're so hell bent on saving him from himself, as you phrased it," Juno began gently so as not to place Nina on edge. "But you need to accept the fact that this is what he wants to do, that this is who he is. I've accepted that fact, though I admit I don't fully agree with his methods or the methods of the Empire, I can live with what he's doing."

"I can't live with it," Nina replied in an instant. "I can't because I can sense the good inside him and I knew him long before you did. This isn't him, not what he truly wants to be, he just doesn't know it yet because he's hasn't experience true good in a long time, years. He just needs a strong reminder of how rewarding the life of a Jedi is." Reaching the ramp, she lowered it and then softened her tone when she spoke again. "You care about him, I can see that, but I care about him too, more than you know."

Nina had never imagined feeling romantically attracted to Galen, but that was mostly due to only having known him as a child and believing he was dead for years. She'd be a fool if she said her feelings for him weren't growing against her will.

A dark look fell on Juno's face. "You're a Jedi. He won't allow himself to fall for you. He and I, on the other hand, are on the same side."

"And he was told to kill me but spared my life and then tried to get me to tell him what I know so that he could let me go while he would lie to Vader and say that I was dead," she countered.

Stunned into silence at the revelation, Juno glared at the Jedi. As Nina neared the edge of the ramp, the pilot said, "We'll just have to see who he chooses than, won't we?" It sounded like a challenge, one Nina was more than happy to accept.

"Yes, I believe we will see soon enough." Without another word, she darted into the damp fungus forests of Felucia to find Galen and stop him from falling deeper into the Dark Side.

It was far too hot and humid for her liking and she was forced to remove her coat and toss it to the ground. Even with her top having only two inch sleeves and her jacket now off her arms still felt overly warm and felt stick due to the high level of humidity. To say it was uncomfortable was an understatement. But the weather was hardly on her list of problems. Finding Galen before he reached Shaak Ti was all she could think about.

Not stopping, she ran as fast as she could, using the Force to track Galen. She also felt Shaak Ti's presence on the planet as well as someone else who was somewhat weaker in the Force and tainted ever so slightly by the Dark Side. She suspected that the Jedi Master had an apprentice. Boots sloshing in the moss layering the ground and drops of due falling on her, she pressed on.

And suddenly she came to a stop. Something was watching her. More than one something.

Jumping out from behind large stalks were Felucians of various shades of blue. They were all armed and Force-sensitive. To her relief, she did not sense the Dark Side in them.

One of them, the largest one, stomped up to her, hissing something in Felucianese, a language she didn't speak. One thing was for sure, whatever he said didn't sound friendly.

Speaking calmly so as not to startle him, Nina said, "I do not speak your language. I am not here to harm you, but to help. I am a Jedi."

All eight Felucians around her looked from one to the other upon hearing that she was a Jedi and the larger one who had spoken to her, the leader she suspected, said something to them and they all lowered their weapons.

Tilting his head to the side, he gave her what looked like a curious shrug. Was that his way of asking why she was there or something since she didn't know their language?

Deciding to try her luck at answering what she hoped he was asking, she replied, "Shaak Ti is in danger." They all began growling but she continued, "A Sith assassin is here to kill her but I am going to attempt to stop him. I am not going to kill him, though. He is just lost in the Dark Side. I want to help him, not kill him."

They certainly didn't seem to like any of what she said except for the part that she was going to try to help Shaak Ti. As they argued amongst themselves, Nina began to wonder if she should try to sneak away. Time was rapidly running out.

A few seconds later the leader came up to her, standing directly in front of her. Raising his strange looking hand that held his weapon, he said something in Felucianese then motioned for her to follow. She didn't miss a beat and ran after him and his group when they running at a fast pace. Nina couldn't have been more relieved as she sensed that she was getting closer to Galen and Shaak Ti. It wouldn't be long now.