Disclaimer: Knights of the Old Republic is available for iPod, Android, and on Steam. If you haven't played it in a while, what are you waiting for?


The Ebon Hawk soared through the void on its way out of the Dantooine system. T3-M4 had taken the helm, allowing the rest of the crew to gather around the holodisplay in the main hold. Bastila and Jace had taken a half hour or so to explain what they knew, and what their mission was. Images of planets were floating in the air: Manaan, a blue orb of ocean with the single silver dot of Ahto City in the southern hemisphere. Kashyyyk, with its dark green forests covering all but a small section of blue sea. Tatooine, endless desert shining tan-gold in the light of twin suns. And Korriban, red-gray wastelands covering its entire surface, the ancient home of the Sith.

"So, Bastila," asked Carth, "where do we go first?"

Bastila shook her head. "I am not up to leading this team; that much was made clear on Taris." She gestured to Jace. "The Council instructed me to follow Padawan Jace's orders on this mission."

Jace shifted uncomfortably. "I did lead a squad in the Republic Army, so I'm pretty sure of myself tactically. That being said, I'm not used to being a strategic leader, so I'll be asking you for your input. I intend to lead on the ground and let Carth command the ship. Canderous, if we fly into a fight again, you will oversee the gunnery as you did during the escape from Taris." Carth and Canderous nodded.

Mission brightened. "Could we head to Tatooine first? While you were in training, I ran into Lena, my brother Griff's ex-girlfriend. He left Taris with her, then she left him. She told me he was on Tatooine working as a miner. I'd like the chance to let him know I'm okay."

Jace looked around the room. "Objections?" Everyone shook their heads. "Tatooine it is, then." The crew split up to work on various tasks. Jace tapped Juhani on the shoulder and jerked his head to the side. "Let's talk." Juhani followed him to the communications room behind the cockpit.

Before Jace could say anything, Juhani spoke. "I feel I must apologize for the way I acted towards you before, in the grove. It was wrong of me. I am sorry for attacking you. I am sorry for thinking you would only try to kill me." Juhani took a breath. "I hope that by helping you I may redeem myself in your eyes… and in my own."

Jace patted the Cathar on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Juhani. I forgive you."

Juhani swayed, relieved. "Thank you… It is most reassuring to know that you can forgive me, even though I tried to take your life."

Jace spoke with Juhani for a while; he felt he needed to know her better before leading her into a fight. Juhani was somewhat shy discussing her history, but Jace was able to get her to open up. Juhani had grown up poor on Taris, like Mission. Her father had been murdered by an anti-alien bigot, and her mother worked herself to death trying to support her daughter. Juhani had been enslaved by the Exchange, and had literally been on the auction block when the Jedi arrived on the planet during the Mandalorian Wars. Jedi had freed her, and the Cathar girl had learned that she was Force Sensitive. She made her way to Dantooine and was accepted for training.

Juhani had an unusual set of skills as a result of her natural Cathar speed and strength combined with Jedi Guardian training. She was an agile and dangerous lightsaber combatant, as Jace had learned firsthand. In addition, Juhani could use the Force along with her inborn dexterity and hunting skill to become virtually invisible-without a stealth field. Despite all this, she was still struggling with her anger and self-worth. Jace encouraged her to give herself more credit. Juhani thanked him and headed to the dormitory for some rest.

Bastila sat in the main hold, reviewing information about Tatooine on the holodisplay. Revan was talking to Juhani, learning about her. Bastila had noticed he had spent similar time with the rest of the crew. She had no doubt he was the right one to be leading the mission; however, Bastila was not sure he understood the danger he would be facing. It was one thing to deceive him about his identity. It was quite another to let him go in harm's way unaware. She made a mental note to talk with him about it.

Revan walked out of the cockpit corridor; he stopped and faced her. "You wanted to talk to me?"

"Yes," replied Bastila, "how did you know?"

"Well…" he looked uncomfortable, "you keep staring at me, and your face is all scrunched up like a kinrath pup."

Bastila was stunned. "Kinrath pup!" she spluttered, "I know you can't be serious, since I was purposefully not staring in your direction. I am a Jedi, remember? I have far too much mental discipline to reveal what goes on inside my mind with such obvious physical clues." She took a calming breath. "My thoughts remain hidden, including whatever my feelings are for you. Uh… I mean, whatever I feel about you…. uh…" Bastila felt herself sinking in quicksand. "I mean whatever I think about you."

Revan smiled. "You're so cute when you're embarrassed."

He thinks I'm cute-oh, BLAST IT ALL! "I… that is, you… Why must you be so impossibly infuriating?! You know very well what I'm really talking about. I'm referring to the bond between us; the one the Jedi Council spoke of." With some effort, Bastila pulled herself together. "Our connection allows us glimpses into each other's mind. We can feel what the other feels. And what I feel within you troubles me."

Revan nodded. "Keep talking-you're here to keep me out of trouble."

Revan, you have no idea. "A Padawan must receive considerable training," Bastila continued. "They must learn to control their emotions and darker impulses. Often it takes years before using the Force can be considered safe." Bastila paused for emphasis. "The fact that you are so strong in the Force and have such relatively little training could have terrible consequences. For you, and everyone around you."

He turned serious. "What do you think I should do?"

Bastila frowned. "I don't think there is much you can do. If things were different I would recommend several years of training under one of the Jedi Masters. But I fear that won't be possible." Her expression softened. "Thankfully, you have exhibited a degree of compassion and self-control up to this point. I sincerely hope you can maintain these traits in the future." She found it difficult to keep worry out of her voice. "We must all resist the influence of the dark side! It is everything we are fighting against! This is doubly important for you, with your natural affinity for the Force!"

Revan nodded. "I will try."

Bastila relaxed slightly. "That is good to hear. Without the proper training, however, I'm afraid you will find the path difficult even with the best of intentions. There is great danger ahead, for both of us." Bastila looked Revan straight in the eye. "Our destinies are intertwined. Everything one of us does will have consequences for the other. Any reckless behavior on your part is likely to affect me as well."

He raised his eyebrows. "It works both ways, doesn't it? You could help me stay strong."

Bastila nodded. "Your power could be a gift or a curse. When you need guidance, advice, or support I will do my best to help you stay on the path of the light. I only hope I will have the wisdom to help you through the dark times. But for now, we should return to our mission."

Revan stood. "Right; we should head to our bunks. We will need our rest when we reach Tatooine."

The two separated, heading for the men's and women's dormitories. Bastila lay down and tried to clear her mind, forcing herself to focus on the engines whining as they jumped to hyperspace.


The crew slept deeply and long. It was the easiest way to adjust to the local time on a new planet. Jace felt the Force humming at the edge of his senses; he was dimly aware of Bastila's presence. In the dream, he saw a Star Map standing on a rocky floor, surrounded by fallen statues and broken columns. He woke to strong sunlight coming in the dormitory windows next to his bed. The Ebon Hawk had landed; Jace dressed and headed into the main hold for something to eat.

As he walked into the hold, Mission cried out. "He's awake!" She rushed over to Jace and caught him in a bone-cracking hug. "We were so worried! We've been trying to wake you and Bastila for an hour." Jace reassured Mission that he was all right as Bastila walked in. Their eyes met.

"The Force has given us a… a vision," said Bastila, "like the one we shared on Dantooine. Did you see it?" Jace nodded. "Of course… you must have. The Force is strong with us both."

Carth cleared his throat. "Someone, please define 'vision' for me." Jace and Bastila explained briefly; Carth rolled his eyes. "At least we're not getting our intel from a fortune-teller." Canderous chuckled.

"Tatooine is known for little but blowing sand," said Bastila, "I find it surprising that there would be a Star Map somewhere in its desolate wastes."

Jace concentrated, trying to recall the vision. "It looked like it was inside some kind of cave."

Bastila closed her eyes. "Yes, you're right. I suspect there are many such caves and caverns hidden in the sands of the Dune Sea. The creatures of this world probably use them as their lairs."

"Then you want to talk to a hunter," said Canderous. "I used to guide big game safaris on this rock. The Anchorhead hunting club is near the mining office. Let me shake some bushes, find out if anyone has information we can use. Mission should duck into the mining office. If Griff was a miner, they'll know where he is." Canderous looked directly at Jace. "There is a swoop track here. We always need the credits."

Jace grinned. "Guess it'll be good practice for my new skills." Bastila rolled her eyes.

The crew descended the ramp into the blistering heat of a Tatooine morning, then split up. Canderous headed to the hunting lodge. Mission and Zaalbar walked next door to the mining offices. Jace, Carth, Bastila and Juhani hit the swoop track. Jace spent the rest of the morning climbing the leaderboard. Carth whooped and cheered as Jace's times were posted. Jace quickly rose through the ranks to challenge the times set by the professional racers. He edged out the track champion shortly before noon. Jace was surprised to see Bastila applauding from the bleachers. His comlink chirped; Canderous had set up a meeting with a hunter who might be able to help.

As they headed to the hunting club, Jace noticed that Bastila looked withdrawn. He tapped her on the arm and motioned for her to stop a minute. "Are you all right? You're very quiet."

Bastila stared at the dunes beyond the city wall. "I was thinking about my father. My parents were treasure hunters, and when I was young, we spent a lot of time just like this, chasing old secrets in the wild places of the Rim."

Jace nodded. "What was he like? I just realized you've never mentioned your family before."

"I don't have all that many memories of him," Bastila said sadly. "I was found to be strong with the Force at a young age, as most Padawans are. As a girl, I was given to the Order to be trained. When I joined the Order I left my family on Talravin, as all Padawans do. I have had little contact with them, as it is discouraged."

Jace was taken aback. "So the Jedi separate children from their families?"

Bastila's mouth tightened. "Relationships with family members are fraught with powerful emotions. Such extremes are to be avoided. Anger and hate are the worst, but even love can lead to folly."

"So, you're not allowed to love?" Jace looked crestfallen.

"Love means dedication, and Jedi are already dedicated to the Order, and to the galaxy. That is what Master Vrook would say." Bastila smiled faintly. "Master Zhar would disagree. He would say that Jedi must love all beings equally, giving none preference. Both are true… from a certain point of view." She shrugged. "In any case, Jedi are not barred from entering into relationships. In fact, the current Grand Master of the Order, Nomi Sunrider, was once married and bore a daughter." Bastila took a deep breath. "What Jedi must never do is place anything above their duty. If a Jedi were truly, deeply in love, then they might find themselves trapped by an impossible choice. And so, for nearly all Jedi, it is best to simply cut ties, leave family behind."

Jace shook his head. "Don't you miss your family at all?"

Bastila looked into the distance again. "I missed my father terribly for many years, but I have come to understand that it was for the best. I was not on good terms with my mother when I left. That discord could have jeopardized my training."

"What was the problem?" asked Jace.

Bastila frowned. "My mother whittled away my father's entire fortune, and I hated her for it. We spent most of my childhood on ships, traveling from one false lead to the next. As time passed, my mother pushed my father into larger and larger expeditions. She always needed more credits; there was never enough for her. I think she was actually glad to give me to the Jedi; though my father was heartbroken. When I was very young, I tried to run away from the Enclave. I was hiding in the hold of a shuttle bound for Talravin when Master Vrook found me. You have not seen him upset; it is really quite impressive. As time passed, I overcame most of the pain, though some is still with me." Jace reached for her shoulder; Bastila pulled away. "I should not burden you with this. We have important work to do."

They headed into the hunting lodge. As Jace walked in the door, he heard Canderous calling his name from a table near the bar. "I'd like you to meet Komad Fortuna. He leads hunting expeditions in the deep desert."

Komad was a Twi'lek with golden skin and a very formal demeanor; he rose and shook hands. He told them that he had been to some ruins, and had heard Jawa legends of others in the deep desert. "You have two problems, however. First, the Dune Sea is owned by the Czerka Corporation. Anyone going outside the city wall needs their permission. Second, the Dune Sea clan of Sand People has recently become much more aggressive. The Eastern Dune Sea, where your cave is likely located, is within Sand People territory."

"Wait," said Juhani, "how does Czerka own it if there are people on this world?"

Komad shook his head sadly. "The Sand People are a Stone Age civilization. Czerka tried to get the Senate to rule that they are not sentient beings. When that was proven untrue, Czerka 'bought' the Sea from them with several tons of scrap metal and a few dozen slug throwers. They had no idea that they were signing away their land." Komad sighed. "Now, they are fighting a guerilla war against Czerka mining teams, or anyone else who enters their desert. Mining is at a standstill, and Czerka has brought in mercenaries. It's genocide they are after."

Bastila looked at Jace. "I know there is horrible injustice here, but it pales in comparison to what the Sith are doing across the galaxy. We must complete our mission here."

Carth shrugged. "That shouldn't be too difficult; once we get Czerka permission, we can fly there and use the Hawk as a base camp while we search-we won't have to pass the Sand People sentries."

Komad shook his head vehemently. "Ruins are taboo to the Sand People. They will summon other clans against anyone violating the ban. They will attack you by the thousands." Komad considered a moment. "You might be able to get through under the right circumstances. The Dune Sea clan is hard-pressed, and the Jawas say they are considering moving from the Dune Sea to the mountains of the Jundland Wastes, far from Anchorhead. If you could convince them to make the move, they wouldn't be here to stop your search." Komad scratched between his lekku, thinking. "You would need a way to speak with them-they don't understand any common galactic language. There is a droid seller here in Anchorhead, an Ithorian named Yuka Laka. He claims to have a protocol droid who understands the Sand People dialect."

Jace stood. "Then that is where we go next." They thanked Komad and left the club.

As the crew headed down the street, a Twi'lek woman passed them. She stopped and stared at Bastila for a moment, then ran up to her. "Excuse me," she said, "I know it's been a very long time, dear, but aren't you Bastila, Helena's little girl? Yes-it is you! I can see it in the eyes. My how you've grown!"

Bastila's eyes narrowed. "I am Bastila, yes. I take it you know my mother?"

"Oh, yes," the Twi'lek said, "I worked for your father on an expedition years ago. Your mother showed me holos of you before you… well, before you left. Such a pretty little girl you were."

"Is there something I can do for you, miss?" responded Bastila icily, "As you can see, we are in quite a hurry."

Jace turned to her. "Don't be rude, Bastila."

"Oh, I didn't mean to take up your time," the Twi'lek said quickly. "I just wanted to ask you if your mother's condition has improved any since I saw her."

Bastila looked puzzled. "My mother's condition?"

"Oh, you… you don't know?" the Twi'lek stammered," Oh, dear. I just thought… I assumed that she had found you. When I talked to her last, she was desperate to find you."

"I have not seen my mother since I joined the Order," Bastila said dismissively. "Do you know what has happened? Did she… say anything about my father?"

The Twi'lek was unable to speak for a moment. "I'm sorry, dear, but your mother is very ill. So she told me. She didn't say anything about your father, however. I didn't see him, but you could ask her yourself. She's here on Tatooine, dear. In the cantina. You really should go see her, considering her condition." She turned and continued on down the street.

Jace turned to Bastila. "Let's go meet your mother."

Bastila shook her head forcefully. "No, we don't have the time for this."

"Bastila, we have a massive area to search." Jace crossed his arms. "If your parents were treasure hunting out in the desert, they will have surveys, research notes… information which could help us find the Star Map."

Bastila set her jaw. "As I have just told you, Jace, the emotion of a meeting like that would prove a liability."

"Bastila." Jace put his hands on his hips. "You're up for a war against a Sith Lord… but you can't handle speaking to your own mother?"

"It does seem foolish when you say it." She sighed. "Oh, all right, let's go."

Jace nodded. "I'll be with you if you need me."


They walked a few blocks to the cantina. Bastila looked around for a moment, and then suddenly tensed up. She was looking at a table in the corner, where a lone woman sat sipping a drink. Jace made a subtle hand sign; Carth nodded. He, Canderous, and Juhani split off and headed to the bar. Jace followed Bastila to the table. Bastila abruptly froze; Jace squeezed her shoulder. She relaxed slightly, made her way to the table, and sat down.

Helena looked at her, confusion on her face. "Yes, I'm sorry, do I know you?"

Bastila scowled. "I am here, Mother. Or don't you recognize me?"

Helena's eyes widened, then she frowned. "What do you expect, when I haven't so much as had a picture of you since you left? Do you know how long I've been trying to find you?"

Bastila waved dismissively. "You knew as well as I communication would be impossible once I joined the Order. Now what is this about? Where is Father?"

Helena looked into her drink. "Then you haven't heard. I should have known."

Bastila leaned forward, gripping the table's edge. "Has something happened to him? Are you going to tell me or not?"

Helena sighed. "Your father is dead, Bastila. That is part of the reason I was looking for you."

Bastila came to her feet. "Dead?" she cried, "What happened? What did you do to him?!"

Helena rolled her eyes. "Isn't this a lovely reunion? Already she is flinging insults at me." She turned to Jace. "Tell me… you're one of her friends. Do you treat your mother this way?"

"Hey," said Jace, raising his hands defensively, "leave me out of this."

Helena looked back at her daughter. "I'm sure Bastila feels the same way you do. She would prefer to be left out of it, at least until I'm as dead as her father is."

"I was told you were sick," said Bastila coolly, "are you actually dying, or is this merely melodrama for my benefit?"

"Such sweet things you say," Helena snapped. Then she sighed, looking down at the table. "Perhaps I should tell you everything, first, before we start arguing again."

Bastila crossed her arms. "You could start by telling me what you got Father into that killed him."

Helena glared at Bastila. "I hadn't realized Jedi were so spiteful. You want me to tell you I brought your father here for an expedition, do you? You want to blame me for his death? So yes, fine. We heard about a ruin in the desert, some ancient technology. Your father took an expedition into the desert, and found the cave was the lair of a krayt dragon. He tried attacking the beast; he thought he could get the artifacts and dragon pearls to boot. He died out there."

"How can you be sure of that?" asked Bastila, "Father is an experienced-"

"Do you think I would look for you if I wasn't sure?" Helena interrupted, "When they attacked the dragon, it was much stronger and more aggressive than they expected. Only one guide made it back alive-he saw your father killed."

There was a moment of silence. "I see," Bastila said softly. "So what is it you want from me? Credits?"

"Don't be insulting," Helena snapped, "I want you to use those senses of yours. I want you to find him. I want you to bring back his holocron."

"Why," asked Bastila sarcastically, "so you can sell it?"

Helena grimaced. "Is it too much to ask that I have something to remember your father by? Of course it is, isn't it? You couldn't be bothered."

Bastila slammed her hands flat on the tabletop. "We're very busy on a mission from the Jedi Council. Ask my companion if you doubt me."

Jace looked sidelong at Bastila. "We will be searching the desert anyway. Don't you want to find your father's remains, Bastila?"

She seemed to deflate; her shoulders drooped. "What remains would there be? Krayt dragons are huge predators, easily able to devour a human, and the desert is a harsh environment. Finding my father's remains would be an even more impossible task than finding his holocron."

Helena shook her head. "Your father left instructions, Bastila. If he died in the wilds, he wanted his remains left where he fell."

Bastila got up. "Very well. We'll look for the holocron if we have time. I can't promise any more than that."

Helena stood. "Thank you, Bastila, and take care. I don't want to lose you too."

Jace and Bastila left the cantina; the others followed them out. As the door slid shut, Bastila stopped. "Bugger!" she exclaimed, and sank to her knees weeping. Jace took her hand in his and squeezed; Bastila threw her arms around him. She clung to him for a minute or two, until she could regain her composure. "I'm so sorry, Jace. I completely lost control. I haven't been that undisciplined in a long time."

Jace helped her to her feet. "It is all right, Bastila, you may be a Jedi, but you're not a droid." He patted her arm. "Some things are too painful to withstand. That's why you have others to rely on-I told you I'd be here for you, and I meant it." He took a firm tone. "Now breathe, slowly and deeply. Find your center. Get yourself back in balance." Bastila stood still, eyes shut. She brought her hands together in front of her, one fist in the other palm. She took a breath and held it, let it out, and took another.

Suddenly, Bastila's eyes snapped open. "Something is wrong." She turned to Jace. "Mission and Zaalbar are coming-she is extremely upset." As Bastila said it, Mission skidded around the corner with the Wookiee close on her heels. She was crying, and seemed terrified.

"Jace! Bastila!" she called, running up to them, "It's Griff. He's been kidnapped by the Sand People!"