A/N: Thank you for reading my story and enormous thanks for your comments as well. If you've been following this story please take note that I updated chapter nine. I was not happy with my work in that chapter; it was rushed and unacceptable to me to leave it that way. I've attached a note of explanation to chapter nine. My most humble and sincere apologies for my original posting of chapter nine, it shouldn't have happened. I won't make the same mistake again, that's a promise.
There is only one major scene change and if you don't want to have to go back and re-read it, here is a quick synopsis:
Carth takes drastic action trying to get through to the stubborn Traviata:
Traviata and Carth have a physical confrontation in the apartment on Taris. The Commander wants to teach Traviata about what can happen when you disobey orders, leave your unit, and go off alone in enemy territory. He's worried she'll become a dead hero, and he realizes how much he's come to care for her. Physically subduing her, Carth is seemingly successful in proving that everyone needs backup. Traviata is of course irritated and humiliated by the display, but seems to have learned a valuable lesson when it's over. Carth reveals that he's come to care for her a great deal and doesn't want her hurt, which in the end makes Traviata happy.
Rochelle
Chapter Ten
The Escape
"For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul."
- JudyGarland
It was enormous, it was ostentatious, it was well fortified, and it was wide open with the sounds of an intense battle emanating from within. Carth and Traviata had made it to Davik's estate, barely in one piece. Having to dodge falling buildings and traverse piles of rubble along the way. The planet didn't have long, it might even be as bad as Telos IV by the time it was over, Carth thought, his eyes taking in the devastation around them.
The pair looked at each other and then to the open doorway.
"He's late. Where is Canderous?" Carth asked frowning, checking his weapons before entering the main back entry.
"Already been here," Traviata said as she motioned to blaster burn marks that could only have come from Canderous' weapon. She followed Carth, her weapon ready in her hand.
"So here's what we're going to do," Carth said, ducking under a fallen beam, stepping over a pile of mortar. He turned to help Traviata through before continuing.
"We make our way to the hangar, that's where Canderous would have headed," he said.
"Then find cover and shoot the bad guys, find the ship and get the hell outta' here?" Traviata suggested, the bombing outside shaking the building causing pieces to break off and fall.
"Yeah, something like that. Listen I want you to be cautious; Calo Nord has killed lots of very experienced Republic soldiers," Carth said, hurriedly continuing his trek. "You've never faced anyone like him before," Carth warned.
Well, he assumed she hadn't, though she'd been out on some missions while working in Intelligence. The truth was that he didn't really know for certain; they'd never really talked about her time in intelligence. She only referred to all her training, never mentioning any practical experience.
"That may be, but he's never faced the likes of us before either. Maybe we can make it so he doesn't have a chance to kill any more Republic officers," Traviata replied.
"Put that out of your head. He's too much for you. You've hardly had any real experience fighting in the field like this, at least in Fleet," Carth reminded her. "Speaking of that, did you go out on many missions while you were in the Intelligence branch?" Carth added, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"Some, but they were mostly just info grabs and always in groups. Most of the action I saw was in training. I was actually just getting ready to start solo missions when I was transferred to Fleet," Traviata explained.
Carth nodded, ducking under a fallen girder. "Stay close to me- no, stay behind cover."
"Fine," Traviata answered, her body tensing as they approached the hangar, the sounds of explosions, different from the sounds of the bombing, rocking the hangar bay.
"Frag grenades," Carth answered her questioning look as they paused at the hangar bay door. "Calo has a reputation for using tremendous fire power. He'd use a grenade to kill a womp rat."
Traviata considered his words. "Apparently it works for him, given what you've told me."
Carth grimaced, "Yes it does, too well."
The ceiling behind them collapsed as the missile bombardment intensified, forcing them to run into the hangar. They dove for cover, amidst a spray of blaster fire aimed in their direction.
Traviata eased her way up to take a quick look, having to crouch down at the intense response that evoked.
"Canderous is definitely here," Traviata quipped, laying on her back, her breath coming fast.
"Yeah, they have us pinned down pretty good. Calo's straight ahead and there's another just north of him with a repeating blaster," Carth supplied.
"How could you tell? I couldn't see anything," Traviata retorted. She hadn't been able to make out where anyone was.
"Years of experience is all," Carth cast her a sideways glance. "We've got to move. The ship's entrance is north. That's the direction we head. Our goal is to get on the ship, not kill these guys. Got it?"
"Affirmative," Traviata said, readying herself to move.
"Come on," Carth yelled, firing both his blasters in the direction of Nord. A spray of ammunition followed him, causing him to stop behind a huge chunk of fallen ceiling, Traviata right behind him.
"Okay, we're almost there. I noticed Canderous and the others across from us, they've been keeping the other one busy near the ship's gang plank. I'm assuming that's Davik," Carth explained. "We need to help Canderous finish him off, then we can board."
"Affirmative," Traviata replied, checking her weapon.
"Damn, you sound like a real soldier," Carth said, his eyes meeting hers for a moment.
A grenade landed beside them before she could answer, the pair running and firing as they joined the others.
"About damn time, Fleet," Canderous reproved. "This building is starting to come down around us."
"What the hell kind of armor are these guys frakin' wearing?" Carth spat, unloading his blasters into the one blocking their entry. Nothing seemed to be affecting them.
"That's Davik, he has special reinforced armor , not as impressive as Nord's though. His is one of a kind, specially made and it will withstand a lot," Canderous replied.
"A lot? It can withstand hell apparently," Traviata put in, her smoking weapon overheating, making a whirring sound.
"Davik's won't withstand all of us firing at the same time," Canderous supplied. "The wookie's been holding of Calo, Bastilla's been, well, doing whatever it is she does. The kid's just been a pain in the ass."
"Zalbaar can continue to keep Calo busy while we finish off Davik," Carth said. "Mission was a pain in the ass to you? Good job, kid," Carth said approvingly.
"I thought you fixed this thing, Carth," Traviata said, her gaze narrowed, scrutinizing the damage, banging the weapon on the side of her hand.
Carth fished out a grenade and threw it to Mission who caught it deftly, "Here kid, on my order, toss it at Davik. If you miss and hit the Mandalorian, don't worry about it," Carth said matter of factly.
Traviata tried banging the blaster on the ground.
"If Fleet fixed it, you're better off without it," Canderous said, retrieving a pistol from his leg strap, he held it out to Traviata.
Carth rolled his eyes, snatching the broken pistol from Traviata's hand. "It's fried because you don't give it time to recharge and you hold the trigger too long. Torturing it won't make it work any faster," Carth instructed, placing his second pistol in her hand.
"Woman, I've got a real weapon for you when you need it," Canderous said, replacing his weapon on his leg, giving her a crooked smile.
Traviata shot Canderous an angry look. Her gaze drifted to Carth, feeling his eyes on her.
"I'm good, Canderous. Thanks," Traviata responded, fixing her eyes straight ahead at their target.
"Now," Carth directed. Turning their attention to Davik, the entire group fired. The crime lord staggered back at their barrage, and Bastilla jumped to him, slicing through him with her lightsaber.
"Seriously? Why didn't the ice queen do that to begin with?" Mission said with exasperation.
"Doesn't work like that kid; his shields made him immune to her powers and her saber. We had to get through those first," Canderous explained.
"Hey, don't call me kid. It's Mission," she shot back.
Calo Nord moved closer, continuing to fire on the group. Bastilla used her lightsaber to repel the onslaught, moving closer to the ship. "Commander, now would be a good time to make our exit."
"Yeah, I need to get everyone on before he cuts us off," Carth informed them, his eyes scanning the area. "Kid, you're first. Zalbaar go with her, we'll cover you."
"Okay, Carth. Don't have to tell me twice," Mission replied.
Canderous looked from Mission and then to Carth and snorted. "Oh, but he can call you kid," he muttered under his breath.
"Okay, they're in. Our turn," Carth said, taking Traviata's hand.
They made it half way to the Ebon Hawk when Calo threw several grenades in their path, scattering the remaining group to the ground with the force of the impact. Traviata landed a mere meter from Calo, Bastilla close beside her. Carth and Canderous got thrown closer to the ship.
"Well Canderous, quite a diverse group of friends you have here. Very interesting choice of companions," Calo said smugly.
Bastilla sat up, inching back from the man, stopping beside Traviata.
"Oh just shut up and die, you cowardly bastard," Canderous said, raising his weapon.
"You're the one that's going to die and then-" Calo screamed out as the ceiling crumbled on top of him, burying him in a pile of rubble. The concussive sound of explosions made it hard to hear the rest of his words.
With a look of complete disappointment, Canderous stared at where Calo had been standing.
"Get to the ship and make sure she's ready," Carth shouted to him, on his way to Traviata.
Canderous nodded, casting one more regret filled looked at the ruins covering Calo and ran onto the Ebon Hawk.
Carth helped Traviata to her feet. "You okay?" he asked, shielding their heads with his arm from the falling bits of ceiling still collapsing.
"I'm fine, Commander. Thank you for asking," Bastilla said dryly, rising from the ground.
Carth ignored her comments, his eyes on Traviata. "Yeah, I'm good thanks," Traviata replied.
The trio ran to the Ebon Hawk, what was left of the building falling around them as they attempted to board, side stepping a body tumbling down the ramp.
"Taking out the trash," Canderous said, before disappearing back inside the vessel.
Carth bolted for the cockpit, his focus was on getting the ship airborne. He settled into the pilot's seat, his gaze scanning the myriad of blinking lights, flashing displays, and monitors. His hands began flying over the controls, the Hawk lifting off the ground with a jolt, raising the gang plank as they gained elevation. He increased the speed, dodging falling missiles; the sound of tousled equipment and crew followed, along with the agitated roaring of a wookie.
"She's fast and responsive. The shields are holding so far too," Carth said with a hint of appreciation in his voice.
"You may wish to warn us, Commander, the next time you decide to test the ship's capabilities," Bastilla put in.
"Consider this your warning for the duration of the flight, Bastilla. Why don't you go make sure Mission's okay, and you guys get yourselves secure in the main hold. We're not out of this yet. We still have to pass this blockade," Carth instructed.
"Our course is to Dantooine, correct Commander?" Bastilla queried, hesitating at the nav computer.
"That's right, Bastilla. As soon as we clear the blockade we'll drop into hyperspace," Carth replied. He was planning on dropping off the Jedi and getting him and Traviata back to Fleet as soon as possible. The Commander also had some questions for the Jedi Council about this entire mission, not that he expected any real answers.
Bastilla gave a slight nod and daintily keyed in the destination in the navigation computer. "I have input the destination, it is calculating the route," Bastilla informed the Commander, turned on her heel and made a quick exit without another word, leaving the three in the cockpit.
"Even with the codes, considering the attack, it may be difficult to get through," Canderous commented, sitting in the co-pilots seat. "I've hardly been around the Jedi witch at all and I want to kill her. I can't imagine the Sith are going to let any ships slip through in their search for her."
Carth looked over at him, realizing for the first time he was sitting there. If someone had told him he'd be flying a bird one day with a Mandalorian in the second chair, he'd have told them they were space happy.
"You want to kill everyone Canderous," Carth paused. "You're right though, they aren't going to let us just slide by, not while they're looking for Bastilla. The code may get us past the big birds, but they'll have tie fighters patrolling the area. We can expect resistance, we'll need to man the turrets."
Carth calculated he'd need at least two people manning the laser canons, but which two was his quandary.
"I'll go," Traviata said, grabbing a headset hanging on the wall in cargo netting.
"You know how to operate a spaceship turret?" Carth asked.
"Umm no, but I hadn't used a double bladed sword before either, and look how well that worked out," Traviata retorted.
Canderous chuckled, "Not too well for the Sith."
"Sith fleet accepted the codes, but we're not out yet. Will you do a systems check on the hyperdrive, Canderous?" Carth asked frowning, his patience was coming to a fast end with the Mandalorian.
The images of that fight replayed in Carth's mind; she'd fought with the skill of an experienced swordsman. You didn't just pick up a double bladed sword and wield it like an expert, especially a Kinrath sword. It's weight and balance alone took considerable time to adapt to. Maybe he was being a fool, beginning to trust her. His suspicions of Traviata fought to return and then he remembered seeing her helping Forn with the soldiers, and her struggle and confusion over whatever the Force was doing to her. Whatever was going on, it wasn't Traviata's doing. It had something to do with Bastilla and the Jedi Council.
"Hopefully it will work out as well this time, Traviata," Carth responded, risking a quick glance back at her, his tone and eyes softening momentarily.
"Canderous," Carth paused, loathing to ask what he was about to. "Will you man the turrets with Traviata, and go over the system with her? Just the basics."
"Why of course, Fleet," Canderous agreed cheerfully. "I'd be happy to give Vee the full benefit of my vast experience," he continued, joining her, picking up his own headset.
I'm going to kick his barbaric Mandalorian ass the first opportunity I get when this is over, Carth promised himself, taking what comfort he could from the idea. He looked over feeling a quick squeeze on his arm, to find Traviata just behind him.
"It'll be fine, don't worry. Look how well I handle a blaster, it can't be that different," Traviata said before moving hastily for the turrets, intending to bolster his confidence in her abilities.
Carth thought of the blaster she continually overheated, trying to fix it by banging on it. "Remember to let up on the trigger periodically, it doesn't help to be blaster happy, and for Sith's sake don't beat the control panel if the canon overheats."
Moments later Traviata was seated in the dorsal turret, her eyes adjusting to the dimly lit targeting screen.
"You settled in?" Carth's voice came over her headset. He'd listened to the brief how-to that Canderous had given her. He had to admit, the man knew weapons.
"Acknowledged," Traviata replied, her eyes widening as they passed between two huge Sith ships.
"If they follow a standard attack formation they'll come at us in groups of six," Carth supplied, his eyes busily scanning the monitors, the proximity alarm sounding as the ship shuddered under the loud bang on the hull.
"We've got company. I count six, I'll try to out maneuver them, I'll engage the hyperdrive as soon as I think it's safe," Carth informed them.
"This is gonna be fun," Canderous said excitedly, his eyes finding his first target.
The ship shook again as the fighters buzzed like angry insects around them assaulting the vessel. Carth increased the speed. "Let's see what you've got girl," he said quietly.
Traviata found the controls to be sluggish at first, but once she got accustomed to it she was able to find her targets.
"That's two," Traviata's voice came over the speaker on the control panel, but was muffled by the overheat warning chirps coming from the console resounding over the headsets. "Sorry," she offered quickly,making a face,silencing the angry sound.
Carth grimaced at the noise, momentarily lowering the volume, weaving around the debris of the destroyed fighter. The woman was in serious need of some training with ranged weapons.
"You over heated again? Still you got two, not bad for a beginner," Canderous commented.
"It's damn good for anyone," Carth countered sourly. "Try counting to three everytime you pull the trigger, then let up for three, Viata," Carth advised.
"Affirmative, thanks," Traviata acknowledged. "What is it with the weapons I get? They all have issues with overheating! I'll have to learn how to baby them until we can get them fixed," she added.
Silence met her comment.
Carth cleared his throat after a moment; now was not the time to give her his honest opinion of her capabilities with ranged weapons. "Good idea," was all he said.
The ship rocked violently as it was assaulted with another salvo. The sound of alarms going off in the cockpit echoed in the headset this time.
"Carth?" Traviata asked, wondering how bad the damage was.
"We're almost there, just try to keep them off of us a few more seconds," Carth's intense voice came over the headset. "Frak. See if you can keep that one jumpy bastard off our ass. I need to get the right bearing before we go into hyperspace," he added, maneuvering the ship into a figure eight.
"We can do that," Traviata said her finger squeezing the trigger, aiming at the fighter who seemed to be causing the most damage. Everytime she'd get him in her sights, he'd change sides of the ship, that had to be the one Carth was referring to. Her focus on destroying the fighter, she forgot to count as Carth had intstructed. The whirring sound of the already hot weapon overheating again caused her to swear under her breath, silencing the alarm before it could go off once more.
"Canderous. He's heading your way, I um, can't get a lock on him. He should be coming to your side about-" Traviata paused at the loud explosion outside the ship, debris banging on the hull and a burst of light let her know Canderous had nailed it.
"Nice, Canderous," Traviata said into her headset.
"This is what I live for," Canderous replied. "There's one making a pass now, heading your way."
Her fingers twitched waiting for the fighter. When he came into her sights, she sprayed him with laser fire. Her turret spun her around as the weapon continued pounding the tiny fighter.
The sound of another explosion, followed by more loud alarms and a momentary dimming of the lights on her control panel.
"Whoa, that was a close one," Traviata exclaimed.
"Haar'chak, got that slippery bastard," Canderous roared.
The stars began to elongate into a blur before turning into bright streaks and then into the blue tunnel of hyperspace. "Hyperdrive is engaged," Carth's voice came over the headset.
Traviata let go a deep breath, scurrying from the close confines of the turret and rushing to the passage way, almost running into a jubilant Canderous.
"That was-" Canderous started, his eyes watching her hasty departure, Traviata didn't stop to hear the rest of what he had to say.
"Sorry I need to see, Carth. I'll talk to you later," Traviata tossed over her shoulder.
She raced to the cockpit. It didn't cross her mind to wonder why, she just knew she had to be with Carth, to share this moment of victory with him.
When she found him he rose quickly to his feet, enveloping her into his chest so tightly he picked her up off her feet. Being there with Carth, their escape now seemed real to her and she let go a long breath.
"You did it, just like you said you would. We're safely off Taris. I never doubted you'd do it for a second," Traviata assured him.
"We did it," Carth corrected. "I couldn't have done it without you," he informed her, his grip on her lossening, letting her feet back down to the ground.
"Should be a blue milk run from here," Carth continued, his voice sounding the most relaxed she'd ever heard, but very tired. He released her from his embrace and taking her by the hand led her to the pilot's seat. He sat down tugging her into the seat with him, enough room in the seat for her to sit halfway across him and half off.
"All I have to do now is get Bastilla to Dantooine and then we can get back to Fleet," Carth commented, wrapping his arms around Traviata. Maybe even some sort of a shot at some happiness for a change, he thought.
Traviata craned her head up, leaning onto his shoulder her eyes scanning his lightly bearded face. In the weeks they'd been stranded she'd never once seen him unshaven, as he was now. She noticed the etched lines around his eyes, dark circles under them from lack of sleep.
"You look so tired," she said tenderly. Her fingers trailed over the corners of his eyes, wondering how long it had been since he'd had any actual, real sleep. She gently ran a hand through his hair, pushing it off of his forehead.
That ignited something in him, his mouth found hers, his lips hard and demanding. He used one of his arms to cradle her, his free hand on her chin, turning her head in the direction allowing him full access to her mouth, his kiss deepening even more.
Traviata returned his kiss with a hunger of her own, pulling his head tightly to hers wrapping her arms around his neck. His kiss setting fire to her soul, taking her breath away.
Carth eventually broke the kiss his eyes clouded with passion. He ran a hand gently through her hair bringing her head to his again. Carth's kiss was gentle this time and when it ended, he held her to him, tucking her head beneath his chin, his arms wrapped around her. He leaned over for a moment, punching at controls on the chair, causing it to recline slightly. Shifting his weight he leaned back into the seat, his eyes closing. When she moved to get up so he could rest better, his arms clamped around her like a vise.
"Stay with me," he murmured sleepily.
She nodded against his chest and nestled deeper into his arms, her head resting on his chest.
It only took a few minutes for the Commander to find the first real sleep he'd had in weeks. Knowing that he'd gotten them off of Taris and away from Malak, he allowed himself the luxury of falling asleep holding safely to him the one thing in the world he knew he could no longer do without.
Traviata let her gaze wander to the blur of hyperspace, lost in thoughts of how much had changed in the past few weeks. How deeply she'd come to care for the man holding her, she didn't want to think of a life without him in it. How that was going to all work out with them both in Fleet, she had no idea. There would be time to figure that out though later, she'd couldn't think of that now. Traviata felt her eyelids growing heavy as exhaustion claimed her, feeling certain that the shadows of her nightmares would not find her this time.
The Sith lord stood at the viewport in his dark silent quarters; alone, staring at nothing, fingering a medallion on a slim silver chain. He liked the dark and being by himself, especially when he had a problem to solve. Malak was searching for the answer to the question that plagued him. Was Bastilla still alive?
He held up the medallion studying it in the low light; he always carried it with him. It was the one thing from his past that he held on to. He didn't know why, but particularly in times like these he found himself looking at the trinket.
The door chimed. Malak knew it was Saul Karath, quite excited about something. He also had someone with him, waiting just down the hall from him. One more quick look at the necklace and he tucked it inside his tunic. With a wave of his hand the door opened.
"What is it, Admiral?" Malak demanded, his tone as displeased as his mood.
"Lord Malak, I have news of Bastilla. May I come in?" Karath said, with a slight bow.
"Don't waste my time. What news?" Malak said, moving so fast to the Admiral his movement wasn't discernible.
"Bastilla is alive, she escaped from Taris in a ship, the Ebon Hawk, with the help of others," Karath replied nervously. "I checked, and there are reports of that ship passing the blockade. Our fighters pursued, but they escaped into hyperspace before reinforcements arrived."
"How do you know Bastilla was on that vessel and who is she with, Admiral?" Malak demanded harshly.
"There was a witness, who can identify the entire group," Karath supplied. "One of them I know personally, Carth Onasi. He served under me in the Republic, he's resourceful, tough, and a cunning tactician."
Malak's gaze narrowed, "Really. You sound as if you admire him, Admiral. Who else was in the group?"
"There was a Mandalorian mercenary, several others-"
"A Mandalorian helped her escape?" Malak shouted, using the force to send a desk crashing into a wall, the furniture falling in bits to the floor. Malak had a deep seeded hate of Mandalorians; they had devastated his homeworld. He'd been forced to flee as a boy, barely escaping with his life.
"Perhaps the rest... well the rest I will let Calo Nord tell you himself," he paused, obviously shaken at the Dark Lord's angry display of his power. "May I bring him in my Lord?"
"Yes and you may wait for him outside, Admiral," Malak instructed. The Sith lord had no stomach for cowardice, and if Karath stayed in his presence much longer he'd most likely kill him. He was useful to the Dark Lord though, at least for the time being while they were invading the Republic systems.
"Yes, my Lord Malak," Saul said with a slight bow, backing up quickly and disappearing out the door.
Calo Nord walked into the private chamber and gave the Sith master a slight nod.
"So you saw Bastilla escape?" Malak quizzed.
"Yes, she and her companions only got away from me after a building fell on me," Nord responded.
"You faced a Jedi, Republic soldier, and a Mandalorian and lived to tell about it? Surprising," Malak said skeptically.
"I am difficult to kill, Lord Malak," Calo answered.
"If that is all true, then consider yourself hired, bounty hunter, to find Bastilla. I want her alive if possible, the others I want dead," Malak ordered.
"Yes, Lord Malak, it will be my pleasure," Calo hesitated.
"There's something else?" Malak demanded.
"Yes, I've already shown Karath this," Calo pulled out a datapad, keying up a photograph he'd managed to upload from the security footage at Daviks. "I thought you would want a look. This is a picture of Bastilla and her companions and you can see that she has quite a bit of help."
Malak studied the photo. "Yes she does indeed have quite a bit of help," he agreed darkly, pausing for a moment. "Leave me, you have your orders."
Calo nodded and made a hasty retreat out the door.
The Dark Sith Lord walked over to his nearby desk, setting the datapad down, he keyed his comlink.
"Admiral, I want the fleet deployed and searching every know system for Bastilla. Ready my shuttle, I'm returning to my own ship," Malak ordered not waiting for a response.
There would be no way the bounty hunter could stand against the Jedi anymore than he had before. He may provide him with leads to their whereabouts though. At the very least he'd be a distraction to the group.
The Sith Lord retrieved the datapad, his eyes staring at the picture of Bastilla and her companions for a moment and then strode angrily through the door, his cloak billowing behind him, anxious to get to his ship and begin his own search for Bastilla and her companions.
