Chapter 10: Taris: Reconciliation

I sat at a table and ate some of the free food that came with the drinks I had ordered. I had gained quite a bit of celebrity from the dueling ring. I had after all had beaten the whole gauntlet of contenders and there was absolutely no one else to fight. Of course, because I had won, a lot of the patrons actually bought me food or drink. I also had a nice pile of credits but I wasn't really happy. I had to continue the mission. I knew that I had to even if I did it on my own without Carth. I had sworn an oath to the Republic and I had sworn to Carth that I would help him find Bastila. Damn it, damn it, damn it, why did I have to have a conscious? A Mandalorian in full armor suddenly sat down next to me.

"Hey kid…..I've seen you in the ring and you've got my attention."

I frowned, "And you are?"

"Bendak Starkiller, I am a legend in the duel ring, course that was when they had death matches."

"Oh…." I paused; yea I think I remembered hearing the other duelists mentioning him.

"And what are you here for, Bendak? It can't possibly be for my health."

Bendak laughed, "I like you, you're like Ice, direct and right to the point. Anyway, you've got enough talent to make me consider coming out of retirement for one last death match – unless you're afraid to face me."

I heard a very familiar voice come up behind me and Bendak, "I don't think she's interested."

I scowled, "Carth….go away. I think it's my decision whether or not I want to face Bendak."

Carth sighed, "Are you sure you want to? Seems rather pointless to me. But it is your choice."

I turned to Bendak, "Let me deal with this spineless Hutt and I'll give you an answer, Bendak."

The Mandalorian nodded and then stated, "I'll be in the Pazaak parlor, just come and see me if you're interested."

I sat there and took a deep swig on my Tarisian ale. I pushed one of my cups over to Carth. "Drink with me, Republic."

He took a seat and refused to touch the cup, I glared at him, "Take a damn drink, Republic or leave. I don't trust people who don't drink with me."

He winced a bit, picked up the cup and took a swallow of it and then put the cup down, "I've been keeping tabs on you in the dueling ring. Impressive job."

I nodded, "I am sure you have more to say to me than my dueling."

He sighed, "The mission, Phoenix. You promised to help me with the mission."

"I know. I've been thinking about that as well. I was planning on doing it on my own without you to be truthful because I don't break my oaths or commitments. But I need to know if I can count on you. Plus we didn't finish…."

"Oh? You want to argue some more, is that it?"

"I am up for a good fight, as you notice."

"So I've seen. If I were Malak I'd be a bit nervous to have you on my tail."

"I want to know why you distrust me so much?"

"Why can't you just let it be?"

"Because of the mission, Carth, I can't….let this go. I need you to be committed to me as much as I need to be committed to you on the mission. And for the record, I don't want to argue with you."

"And I don't really want to argue with you, either. You seem… sincere enough, I guess. But I just don't trust easily, and for good reasons… which are my own.'

"Look Carth, I understand this may be hard for you but how can I work on rescuing Bastila with this….rancor in the room."

Carth ran his fingers through his hair, "Ahhh, damn it. I suppose I won't get any rest until I talk, will I? You want to know why I don't trust anyone? Fine, here goes. Five years ago the Jedi had just finished the war with the Mandalorians. Revan and Malak were heroes. I was damn proud to have served in their fleet. It was completely unexpected when they turned on us, invading the Republic while we were still weak. Nobody knew what to think, least of all me. Our heroes had become brutal, conquering Sith… and we were all but helpless before them. Think about it… if you can't even trust the best of the Jedi, who can you trust?"

"What do I have to do with Malak and Revan?"

"It… it's not that. It's… That's not what I mean. There were… there were others. Good, solid, trusted men who joined them."

"They turned to the Dark side, obviously, but why is this such a personal issue with you?"

"Yea, the Jedi turned to the Dark side, but there were good solid trusted men that weren't Jedi that joined with them. Malak and Revan and the Sith deserve to die for what they've done… but the ones who fled the Republic and joined them are even worse. The dark side has nothing to do with why they joined the Sith. They deserve no mercy!"

"I haven't joined the Sith, Carth. I was running blasters to Republic held space and Republic held colonies, in case you've forgotten."

"I know. I… should apologize to you. I've become so accustomed to expecting the worst in others, and you've done nothing to deserve that. Anyway….come back to the apartment with me and let's get back on the mission. Besides you…..sort of need a rinse in a refresher, you smell like stale Tarisian ale, sweat, and food."

I glared, "So now you insult me about not taking a bath."

Carth laughed, "At least I am being honest, so can you forgive me?"

I laughed a little, "Yea, I forgive you, Republic. Although I suspect that there is more to your story and I want to hear it, but I'll cut you some slack….for the moment."

We proceeded to walk out and I stopped by Bendak, "I have made up my mind, Bendak, I am not going to fight you, at least not….now."

"You're a coward, Mysterious Stranger."

I laughed, "Yea, well….I am happy keeping my life at the moment, so if that makes me a coward, so be it. But I'll let you know if I change my mind."