Sage woke up with a deep gasp. She was sweating and her heart was pounding. She tried to take a few deep breaths to calm herself. She had a nightmare, but couldn't remember anything about it. She looked around the dark room and realized that it was very early.

Carth watched as Sage got up to go to the fresher. She cried out while sleeping, waking him up in the process. He watched her try to regain her composure. It was still early, so he decided to go back to sleep.

While in the 'fresher, Sage splashed cold water on her face. She looked over her wound in the mirror. The swelling was completely gone and the bruise was fading. She checked her chrono and decided that she might as well stay up.

She took the opportunity to shower and get dressed. She made some caf and started organizing all the stuff they had collected over the last couple of days. She sorted out the items she thought might come in handy and which ones they could sell. I should hide his blaster and tell him I sold it, she snickered to herself. Who am I kidding, he probably has it under his pillow. She noticed the orange flight jacket hanging over one of the chairs. Is that blood?

After a while, Sage heard Carth moving around in the other room. He had just come out of the 'fresher when she went in the room to grab her vest. She stopped when she saw him standing there with black pants and no shirt. She took a moment to admire his muscular back and arms. She could see faint scars from previous injuries. She straightened up when he turned around.

He didn't know she was standing there and jumped a little when he saw her. "Have you seen my beige tunic?" he asked. He continued to look around.

Carth looked toward her again. She had an unreadable expression on her face. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

"What? No," she replied.

"Have you seen it?" he asked.

"Seen what?"

"My beige tunic."

"Oh, ah, yes, it's in the other room."

She didn't take her eyes off him as he walked past her and disappeared into the other room.

Sage and Carth set out for the north part of the city. Sage explained her plan to get to know the Sith a little better to see if there was a way of getting into the lower city. Carth didn't like it, but Sage let him know there was no choice in the matter…they were going to the party.

They scoped out the apartment building the party was going to be in that evening. Carth disapproved as Sage continued to grab anything that would fit in her bag. If she thinks I'm going to carry that thing for her, she can think again

They still had some time left before they had to get ready for the party. Sage told Carth about the pile of stuff she made at the apartment for things to sell. She told him she was going to the doctor to get checked on while he took the items to a merchant.

Once Carth was gone, Sage headed to the cantina to fight her next dual. She barely beat Marl. That old man is a lot faster than he looks. His blade left a huge gash in her upper left arm and she had to go see Dr. Forn to take care of it. By the time she got back to the apartment, she thought Carth would be fuming about how long she had taken. Surprisingly, he wasn't.

"Did you do this?" he asked while holding up his flight jacket.

"Do what?"

"Clean my jacket…there was quite a bit of blood on it from the crash. I thought it was ruined."

She shrugged, "Kadir, for some reason, had some trillium soap that I was able to use. It worked on my vest too."

Carth knew she didn't get much sleep the night before and obviously found plenty to do before he woke up. He was pleasantly surprised to see his jacket cleaned.

"I don't know what to say…thank you."

"Don't mention it." She started walking into the sleeping chamber, "I'm getting a shower."

Sage and Carth took turns in the 'fresher and dressed for the party. Carth admired Sage's form fitting outfit. "Do you always carry a vibroblade to a party?" he said with a smirk.

Sage didn't look up from fastening her boot, "I'm going to a Sith party with a Republic soldier…I think it's best to be prepared for anything. In fact, you might want to check the energy cells in your blaster."

Carth patted his hip, "Already done."

They decided to stop at a restaurant on the way for dinner. The host droid sat them at a candlelit table for two. They sat in uncomfortable silence over the intimacy of the setting.

Carth began, "We don't have much time before the party starts."

"I'm sure it won't matter if we're a little late," she shrugged.

"I don't like to be late to anything."

Sage gave him a doubting look, "You're worried about insulting a Sith party host?" She laughed, "I'm sure they would be touched to know a Republic war hero cared so much."

Carth sighed, "Just eat."

After finishing their meal, Sage decided to ask Carth about himself. He told her about being a star pilot for the Republic. However, he stiffened when she asked where he was from. He paused for a moment before telling her about his homeworld being bombed. His anger got the best of him and he continued on ranting about the senseless acts of the Sith . His heart and fists clenched at the painful memories and without thinking he blurt out that he failed them.

Sage listened intently, stricken by the pain emanating from this man. I think I got a little more than I asked for here. She didn't know how to respond. "You act like it's all your fault."

Carth berated himself for letting his emotions get the better of him. He used his fork to push some food around on his plate. He looked away wondering how to back out of any further discussion. "It's not…I, uh,…I don't talk about my past much…at all, actually…I'm sure you mean well, but I'm more used to taking action…keeping my mind focused on the business at hand."

There was an uneasy silence. "Look, no offense or anything, but given your, uh…feelings for the Sith, maybe I should go to this party by myself," she suggested.

Carth tensed. My'feelings' for the Sith? Tthey're the SITH! Doesn't she have bad 'feelings' regarding them. I guess she wouldn't if she were one of them. Oh no, sister, not without me.

"There's no way you're going alone…and there will be no further discussion about it," he stated firmly.

Damn he's touchy.

The waitress came with the bill and Sage gave her the appropriate credits. The waitress thanked them and then addressed Sage, "I'm a big fan, Stranger. Good luck!"

Sage nodded and thanked her. She began to stand up before the questions started flying…too late. Carth grabbed her wrist and motioned for her to sit. Sage was reluctant, but complied. She all the sudden found the candle in the middle of the table very interesting.

"What was that all about?" Carth asked.

Sage tried to play dumb, "What do you mean?"

"That waitress said she was a "big fan" and wished you luck."

She waved her hand as if to brush it off, "Oh, well, it's just something I've been doing in my free time for extra credits."

Carth raised an eyebrow, "And what would that be."

"Dueling."

"Dueling?"

She nodded.

Carth thought for a moment and furrowed his brow, "Wait a minute, you mean to tell me that you are the Mysterious Stranger?"

She nodded again.

He chuckled, "I should have known. What ever happened to maintaining a low profile?"

She leaned forward, "That's why I'm called the Mysterious Stranger."

Carth thought for a moment, "That's where you've been getting all the extra credits," he paused. "So if I understand correctly, you have two more matches until you're the champion."

"One. I fought Marl today."

His lips formed a tight line, "When you were supposed to be going to the doctor."

"Actually, I did go to the doctor. You wouldn't believe how fast that man was. He sliced open my arm before I realized it. I can assure you that I won't underestimate the next guy…I'm going prepared."

Carth shook his head, "Will you at least tell me when your next one is?"

"Why, do you want to watch?" she asked.

"Of course I would, you're an impressive fighter."

Sage smiled, "You haven't seen anything, yet."

Upon entering the party, Yun immediately descended upon Sage, but stopped short when he realized Carth was standing next to her.

Sarna came from behind him and wrapped her arm through Carth's and led him into the room. Carth looked back at the open-mouthed Sage and gave her a wink. Yun was relieved when Sage offered her hand to be led into the party.

At least I'm not the only one keeping secrets, she thought.

Carth drank some Tarisian Ale, but tried to keep an eye on everything around him. He made sure he knew where Sage was at all times. He did this while trying to ward off the continuing advances from Sarna.

Sage was having a good time talking to different people and drinking the Tarisian Ale. She was particularly enjoying the sight of Carth across the room fending off the roaming hands of his new friend. She stifled a laugh when Sarnas hand ran up Carths thigh and he about shot out of his seat.

It was a good thing they arrived late. The ale was quite potent and the other party-goers were already feeling the effects…including Yun. Tall, dark, and handsome just turned into drunk, slurred, and groping.

Carth finally got some relief when Sarna went to refill their drinks. He was watching Sage with interest. Yun had her backed up against a wall and running his hands along her side. He wouldn't have thought much of it if he hadn't recognized the look in her eyes. If Yun didn't watch himself, he was going to be in a great deal of pain.

Sage was searching for options. Yun was starting to get much more aggressive. If he tries to brush his hand against my breast one more time, he's going to meet my fist. She knew she couldn't cause a huge scene here among his friends. She was able to wiggle free just as Yun leaned in for a kiss. She grabbed his hand and smiled sweetly at him and led him towards one of the bedrooms.

Carth was so shocked that he didn't even notice Sarna sitting down next to him and draping her leg over his. What is she up to? She's either taking him back there to kill him or to … I don't even want to think about that. He felt something wet on his ear when he realized it was Sarna nibbling on it. Ugh!

He jumped up out of his seat just as Sage emerged from the bedroom with a bag draped over her shoulder. She walked over to Carth. Sarna stepped in front of him as if to claim her prize for the evening, "I thought you were with Yun?"

Sage let out a deep sigh and said regrettably, "Yeah, I thought so too."

She did kill him, Carth thought.

"What happened," Sarna asked.

Sage looked away, "It seems he wasn't interested in me."

Sarna gave her a disbelieving look, "Not interested in you?"

Sage shook her head, "No…it seems he has feelings for someone he works with."

Sarna raised her eyebrows, "Oh?"

"Says her name is…" she looks up as if trying to remember, "Something with an S…Selma…no, no that's not it."

"S-Sarna?" she asked excitedly. Carth tried to hide his grin.

Sage gave a satisfied smile, "Sarna, yes, that was it. Why, do you know her?"

"Why yes, I'm Sarna," she almost whispered.

Sage's smile fell. She looked from Sarna to Carth and back again, "Oh…well…this is awkward, isn't it." She gave a mock wince. "Well, I think he deserves to be happy."

Sarna looked over at Carth not knowing what to say. Carth smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder, "I understand."

Sarna was relieved. She leaned over and gave Carth a kiss right on the lips and said, "Thank you." She then turned and walked hurriedly toward the bedroom Yun was in.

Sage walked over and snaked her arm around Carth's, "We should probably get going."

Carth looked over and couldn't help but smile at her laughing eyes.

The two of them walked out of the building still arm in arm each holding their Tarisian Ales. Carth gave her a questioning look, "So what exactly did happen to Yun?"

Sage smiled, "Don't worry, Yun is fine. I shorted out the lighting controls in the bedroom…he was drunk enough that he shouldn't figure out the "switch" until daylight. By then, he won't remember anything anyway."

"You are a wicked woman."

"I try," she replied with a grin.

Carth gave her an appraising look and looked away with a smile.

"What?" she asked.

He chuckled, "Somehow I think even a drunk man would be able to tell the difference between you and Sarna in the dark."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Let's just say the two of you have…different assets," he replied.

Sage smiled, "Different assets, eh? Like what?"

Carth caught the challenging look in her eyes and realized that they were having this conversation…for real. "Uhhh…well…she's taller than you…that's all." He swallowed hard.

"Taller? That's all?" she questioned.

"Well, and your hair is different. She has blond hair."

"It would be dark, he wouldn't even see what color her hair is," she was enjoying this.

"Well, yeah, but yours has soft, silky curls," he explained.

Sage had a huge grin on her face, "Soft and silky, huh?"

Carth blushed, "Can we talk about something else?"

They walked a little further when Sage spoke up, "I don't think I properly thanked you for taking care of me after the crash."

Carth tried to protest, "Please, like I said, -"

She interrupted, "I know, you'd do it for anyone. The point is, you did it for me, and I wanted you to know that I appreciate it. So thank you."

"You're welcome."

Carth and Sage enjoyed their walk back to the apartment. They laughed together over light-hearted conversation, forgetting about suspicions just for the moment.

Sage awoke early with another pounding headache. She decided to perform her morning ritual of caf and sorting out the previous days spoils.

Once done, she tried on one of the Sith uniforms she took from the party the night before. When she placed the helmet on, she all of a sudden felt as if she couldn't breathe. She couldn't get the helmet off fast enough. She fought to catch her breath and calm her nerves. She stared at the helmet. What was that all about? She tried a couple more times. It took a while, but she was finally able to put the helmet on without panicking.

She then had a devious idea. Clad in the stolen uniform, she crept into the bedroom and over to Carths bed. She leaned close to his face and shouted, "Name, Rank, and Serial Number!"

Carth shot out of his bed with blaster in hand and shot her in the right thigh. She let out a pain filled cry and dropped to the floor. He stood there staring at the fallen Sith with his blaster pointed toward its chest.

Sage grabbed her leg in pain, "YOU SHOT ME!"

She scooted back to lean up against her bed and removed the helmet. Carth gasped, "What the hell did you think you were doing?"

Sage stared at him in disbelief, "You shot me!"

"I thought I was shooting a Sith!" Carth exclaimed.

Sage looked down at her leg, "I can't believe you shot me."

Carth knelt down to inspect the wound, "What were you thinking?"

"Well I certainly wasn't thinking that Captain Paranoia had a friggin blaster under his pillow…or that he would shoot first and ask questions later," she shot back. Sage berated herself, I can't believe he really did hide it under there.

Thanks to loyal reviewers Adrianna, Starwarsfangirl, & OnasiMagic...I tried to give Carth a little break in this one.