A/N:

Thank you glorious readers and reviewers!


Chapter Twenty-Eight

At The Drunk Side Cantina

"When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are."

- Donald Miller


Carth strode quickly and quietly over to Traviata's side his eyes reflecting his anger. He was going to kick Canderous squarely in the ass when he saw him. If he was angry at Canderous, then he was infuriated with Traviata.

Traviata's eyes met the dark gaze of her handsome but pissed off husband and Commander. Everything about their situation was complicated, including their roles. She wasn't sure which character he'd play first, no doubt she wouldn't have to wait long to find out.

"Insubordination, there's a name for this and consequences too," Carth whispered into her ear with steel in his voice.

Pissed off C.O. it was.

She didn't get a chance to reply, he grasped her tightly by the elbow and led her to an alcove closest to the band, using the noise to help cover their conversation.

"I told you to stay on the ship," Carth reminded her, his face set in stone except for a muscle that twitched on his jaw. "You disobeyed a direct order, a very precise order."

"Just calm down for a second, I can explain," Traviata offered mildly.

"Don't tell me to calm down. I was very clear," his voice raising, his breath coming faster. "Turn around and go back to the ship. Now."

"But-" she started.

"No buts, not this time," he said through his teeth. Increasing his hold on her arm he led her to the cantina entrance. He could feel Jolee's gaze on them, but he ignored the old man.

When Traviata realized what was happening she tried to stop, but his grip on her tightened as he moved his hand to her waist, his pace quickening. It made it impossible to stop their progress without drawing attention to them.

He came to an abrupt stop halfway down the busy corridor lined with businesses, releasing her sharply. "No discussion. Go back to the ship now," he said tightly, his head gesturing in the general direction of the docking bay, as he spoke. "If so much wasn't riding on this, I'd take great pleasure in hauling your ass back there myself. But there's no time," he said with strained patience, before turning and walking back toward the bar.

Traviata's mouth went dry, standing where he left her, wondering what explanation she could offer that wouldn't infuriate him further. She didn't need the Force to know that he was getting near a breaking point. The last thing she wanted to do was to make this harder.

"What am I doing," Traviata asked herself. The truth was, that she had an overwhelming feeling that she needed to be there. It was an idea that become irresistible once Juhani had returned to the ship. She knew it was the Force compelling her to be there, for whatever was going to happen next. However, that revelation would do nothing to lessen Carth's anger. In fact she knew it would only enrage him more. The end result causing him to dislike and resent the ways of Jedi and the Force even more.

"Wait," she called out to his quickly retreating form. She debated whether to follow, he was already livid, was it worth it? Yes, she quickly decided. She knew she was supposed to be there. Traviata started after her husband.

"Will you just-" Traviata stopped mid-sentence as a loud group of Sith students entered the corridor. Her irritated gaze finding the cause of the ruckus, several young men dressed in Sith uniforms.

Would no one let her complete a sentence?

She watched the students as they drew closer, but still about thirty meters away. The previously bustling walkway emptied, passersby disappearing into the shops that lined thoroughfare. That is with the exception of one lone humanoid, who bowed slightly as the trio of youths stopped in front of him.

Traviata stood and watched as the group of students began conversing with the person. She was about to continue after Carth when one of the students suddenly attacked the human with Force lightening. The crackling bolts echoed through corridor, rolling off the walls, until dissipating into nothingness.

Instinctively she headed toward the group, away from the bar, unwilling to just stand and watch someone being attacked. She came to a stop about twenty meters from them, unnoticed by the young men, but close enough to now be able to understand the conversation. The students were absorbed with taunting the humanoid who was now cowering, hunched over and in obvious pain.

She felt Carth's presence beside her, before his hand on the small of her back. Traviata looked over to find him watching the group as intently as she was.

"You say you want to join the academy, be a Sith?" one of the students asked with disgust. "You wouldn't last one minute."

"Mercy is weakness, the Sith show no mercy," another uniformed man chimed in, raising his now glowing hands, preparing to strike.

"That is why the Sith are strong. We kill the weak," the third added, his glowing hands raised now as well.

Traviata and Carth exchanged uneasy glances, both taking a few steps closer. Were they really going to kill this man for asking about admission to the Sith Academy?

"I'm sorry. I was wrong to ask. I could never be one of you," the humanoid said dropping to his knees. "I'm not strong enough," he conceded, hanging his head in shame.

"That's right, don't let me see your pathetic face again," the first student instructed, bringing the tip of his shiny boot to bear on the man's chin, lifting his head slightly. He then kicked the man in the head and turned to his friends. "Drinks?"

"No. This place is boring and pathetic. I need to get back and study anyway," one of the Sith replied.

"Let's go back to the academy."

The trio began walking toward the couple, the two groups exchanging glares as they passed by. One of the Sith students sending a wave of Force lightening across the ceiling as they went, causing the other two to laugh loudly and join in.

Traviata and Carth watched the group until they could no longer see or hear them. By the time they turned around to check on the Sith's victim, he'd vanished. Almost as quickly the halls filled with people again as if nothing odd had occurred at all.

"That was difficult to watch," Traviata said soberly.

"That it was," was all the Commander got out.

Carth fought back the wave of emotion witnessing that scene had caused. Did his son survive only to be humiliated and killed by filth like that? Or worse, could his son have become like them? It was inconceivable. If his son was really alive and here, there was some other explanation, there had to be. His son had always hated the Sith. There's no way he'd be like those kids roving the hallways torturing people. That thought brought his mind back to Traviata.

"Damned, if you don't put me in the most impossible situations," Carth swore, raking a hand through his hair. He couldn't send her back to the ship alone now.

"Me? It's your stubbornness that causes the problems," Traviata returned defensively.

"I'm stubborn?" he asked, his hand lightly on her waist, guiding her back to the cantina.

"You won't even give me a chance to explain," she complained as they walked.

Carth let go of her waist, coming to a stop close to where they had been standing earlier, crossing his arms over his chest, his eyes watching her carefully. "I can't wait to hear this. Go ahead"

The silence hung heavily between them.

"I'm waiting," Carth reminded her.

She still hadn't figured out what to tell him beside the Force made me do it. Traviata shrugged, "Listen, Carth, I just wanted-"

Carth's anger reignited in an instant, he interrupted, nostrils flaring. "No you listen. What about what I wanted- no, ordered. You violated-"

"I violated nothing, I'd do no less for any other soldier on any other mission. I couldn't stay on the Hawk not knowing if you were okay. Juhani came back to the ship, she was acting odd and with the communication blackout- What did you think I'd do? What's more, you'd have done the same damn thing in my place," Traviata interrupted. Well, it was part of the truth, even if a little incomplete.

Carth took her by both arms, "Don't you think I have enough to contend with right now? I needed to know you were safe, I'm your husband damn it. I wanted to keep you away from this planet as much as I could- but here you are, light saber dangling at your side, while Sith thugs terrorize at will," Carth noted, shaking her slightly before abruptly letting her go of her arms.

He stepped back and took a few deep breaths making the effort to reign in his emotions. "I am so angry with you right now- How am I supposed to protect you when you won't listen to a damn thing I say? Here you are running around, BY YOURSELF on Korriban of all places," he bit out, trying to keep his voice down. "Do you want to go through what happened at the cave again? Only here it would be much worse- I promise you."

"I can't believe Canderous just let you waltz off the ship. Did he even try to stop you?" Carth demanded, continuing his rant.

"There's no reason to get into that now," Traviata replied evasively. "Anyway, it's not his fault."

"Answer the question," Carth shot back, his eyes narrowing, watching her carefully.

Traviata looked down at her feet for a moment considering her options, besides telling the truth and there were none that were acceptable to her. "Fine. Yes, he tried to stop me. He wouldn't listen to reason and I didn't have time to argue, he was following me wherever I walked to on the ship and wouldn't let up- so I used the Force and ran." She could hear Canderous swearing and throwing something as she sped away.

"You did what?" Carth asked with reproof. "Never mind, I heard you," he amended, his brow deeply furrowed. "Frak, if you aren't the most frustrating, obstinate woman-" Carth stopped mid sentence, noting her interest across the room, directly behind him. "What? Am I boring you?"

"Jolee- don't turn around. He's talking to someone. A dark Jedi, heavily tattooed- she's a Twi'lek, " she said thoughtfully. "She's wearing a Sith Uniform."

"Must be who he was waiting on. I wish he'd talk more, strike that. I wish he wasn't so incomprehensible when he talked," Carth commented, letting go a long breath.

Traviata's gaze drifted back to Carth's, "You and me both. Cagey old codger knows way more than he'll ever share. But, he's got a good heart. He'd never do anything to harm us or the mission."

"Maybe- hopefully, depends on what his long game is. I don't really trust him, you know. Jedi," Carth snorted contemptuously, his eyes shooting to the band as they started playing a louder piece. He gestured to a nearby cafe table that gave them both a clear view of the gray haired Jedi, but was not as close to the band.

"Hey, watch it. You're married to one mister. Second thoughts?" she asked teasingly, taking a seat beside him.

"You sure you want to ask me that right now," he countered dryly, his attention still on the old man speaking animatedly with the Sith woman.

"Funny," Traviata said blandly. "Whatever they're talking about seems to be friendly," she noted, glancing around the room, doing her best not to be completely obvious as Jolee and his companion looked their way.

"Yeah, so far," Carth conceded, not liking the way the woman's attention seemed to be piqued. He especially didn't like the lingering look she gave Traviata.

"I bet he's figured out a way to get us in to that academy," Traviata remarked mildly.

Carth sat back in his chair, and motioned to the bartender for a drink. "I know what you're doing, and it won't work," his said knowingly, momentarily leaning in closer to his wife.

"Sounds good, except we both know it already has. And that's because you know I did exactly what you would have in the same situation. You'd have a found a way to get to me," she persisted, her eyes meeting his.

"Nice try," he said evenly, his eyes glancing across the room and back on her. "Sorry, I'm not budging this time. I don't want to jeopardize whatever Jolee thinks he's doing, and damn sure don't want you walking around alone- but when he's finished here, we're going back to the Hawk and that's where you'll stay while we're on Korriban. Even if I have to sedate you to do it."

"Carth," Traviata started.

"Don't Carth me. I'm serious- I have a bad feeling," he interrupted.

"That's just Korriban, everyone has a bad feeling here," she countered, pausing as the server approached with two foamy mugs.

"Thanks," Carth said to the waiter, taking the proffered lagers.

"You need me for this, whether-" she stopped suddenly, noting Jolee leaving his table.

"I see him. Here he comes, and he's not alone," Carth whispered. Finally he'd find out why they'd wasted so much time in the cantina. "You're my wife first, then comes the mission's needs," he added quietly.

"These are my associates I was telling you about. Jane and uh, John," Jolee said casually, as they reached their table. "This is Yuthura Ban, apprentice to the head master of the academy. She makes the decision on which students are admitted. Yuthura and I- crossed paths before. She knows what we do- you know," he paused, clearing his throat. "The cargo transport."

The woman let go a loud laugh, "You're in Dreshdae, in The Drunk Side cantina. Your pretense is not necessary here," she instructed, her attention now on Carth and Traviata. "I know you're smugglers like this old kath hound."

"Nice to meet you," Traviata spoke up, her mind racing.

"Yes, glad to meet you," Carth greeted the woman, nearly gagging on the words.

"You, I sensed something in you the moment I walked in," Yuthura informed Traviata, her intent gaze watching her closely. "I see you wear a light saber. You're obviously not a Jedi, at least not anymore, only a Jedi with a death wish would walk into Dreshdae," Yuthura pointed out to Traviata.

"Oh wait- You don't have a death wish do you?" the instructor asked, her eyes still watching Traviata.

Traviata smiled thinly. "Opinions vary on that point actually. But I'd say no, I left the order when they told me I let my passions rule me. What's life without passion?"

"Indeed," Yuthura agreed, her gaze drifting to Carth briefly and back to Traviata. "There is only passion."

"Passion gives me strength. I feel the most powerful when I let my passions rule me. Something that didn't set well with the Jedi Council," Traviata replied.

"Undoubtedly, they're weak fools. The Sith are nothing like the Jedi. I can feel your power- it's unique. Have you ever considered becoming a Sith?"

"Well not until this moment," Traviata responded, trying to sound reflective. She reached out to the Force seeking calm, willing her rapidly beating heart to slow.

"Well think about it. To be a Sith is to taste freedom and know victory," Yuthura assured her. "I believe you would excel as a student at the academy. You could become quite powerful- that is, with the correct training and motivation."

Traviata hazarded a quick look at Carth. His features were like stone, his eyes staring darkly at nothing in particular, she didn't have to guess what was going on inside him. But this was a way in to the academy. It was the only way actually.

"Your companion can accompany you. That is not a problem," Yuthura offered, misunderstanding Traviata's hesitation.

"Perfect. I'm honored to accept," Traviata shot back quickly. Her blood froze when she saw Carth's hand hover for a moment over his blaster before reaching into his pocket for some credits that he tossed on to the table, then he let go a long breath.

"Wonderful. Make no mistake though, it's hard work and only the strongest survive," Yuthura warned.

"Without strife, victory has no meaning," Traviata replied.

"Wise words. Master Wynn, says the very same thing. You are already off to a good start," Yuthura replied, her approval obvious. Let us go."

"Can't we go back to the ship first? Grab our gear?" Carth put in, rising slowly from his chair.

"I could use their help unloading some, uh, cargo too," Jolee chimed in.

"The Sith will provide all that you need," Yuthura informed him coldly, her eyes boring into his.

"The landing bay crew will be instructed to help you," she said, turning to Jolee.

"I will give you a few moments to say your goodbyes and meet you at the academy entrance. Don't keep me waiting long," she warned Traviata.

"I won't, we'll be right behind you," Traviata promised, standing and meeting the woman's stern gaze.

"Well, I guess I'll be hanging around Dreshdae until I can replace you two," Jolee grumped.

"She's gone, you can cut the act," Carth said darkly, watching the Sith leave the bar, before turning to Traviata. "Where did you come up with that line of crap?"

"Sith philosophy is part of the Jedi curriculum, my training was brief, but I must have picked up the basics. I just tried to feed her what she was hungry for," Traviata explained.

"This is beyond insane," Carth snorted contemptuously. "You're so far in over your head, you're not even a real Jedi. They'll see right through you."

"This is the only way in," Jolee put in.

"You saw this," Traviata noted. "You made Juhani think she was sick, sent her back on purpose- knowing I would come. You knew this would happen.," the revelation dawning upon her.

"Yes," Jolee admitted. "It had to happen like this."

"What the hell, Jolee? You set this up, set her up. You and I are due a discussion old man, especially about need to know information, which this definitely was- that is if we make it out of this alive," Carth barked.

"No doubt," Jolee agreed quietly. "One of many discussions to come I'm afraid."

"What's that supposed to mean? Never mind, no time," Carth fired back tersely and turned his attention to Traviata. "I really wish you wouldn't do this. I'll find another way," he offered, his voice and features softer.

"I don't believe backing out now is an option," Traviata pointed out, placing a hand gently on his forearms, smoothing the material of his black jacket. "Besides, we both know there's no other way."

"You remember what we just saw the students do? Think that was hard to watch," he asked.

"I know what you're saying but do you know of another way in," she argued.

"I don't want you hurt- I won't sacrifice you to save my son, Viata," Carth amended, making an extreme effort to control his whirlwind of emotions. "Don't ask me to make that choice."

"It's not just for Dustil, it's the only way to the star map too. We have to do this if we're going to stop Malak. Besides, I'll be fine," she finished.

"You always say that- then all hell breaks loose later," Carth corrected her, pulling her closer, resting his forehead on hers. His mind raced, searching for an acceptable alternative.

"Stop making yourself crazy about this. I know this is eating you up inside, but you need to quit. I'll have you with me and whatever happens, we'll be together." she finished, her hands on each side of his head. "Please, just let it go. I know you don't want to hear this, but the Force will guide us."

"Oh, please," he groaned. "Don't even start with that."

"I don't mean to rush you, but you two should go, she's not very patient. I'll let the others know what's going on," Jolee said, his voice distracted.

"Yeah, you do that," Carth confirmed, frowning, and walked slowly toward the exit of the pub, Jolee and Traviata trailing just behind him, the trio stopped just out of the main flow of people coming and going from the cantina.

"If things don't end well, I have an encrypted message to send to Admiral Paul Connors, at Fleet, in our quarters. You'll find it in my desk, Bastilla will know how to get it to him," Carth instructed Jolee coldly, his hate filled eyes finally settling on the man briefly, before taking a few steps away.

"May the Force be with you, you old schemer," Traviata offered, giving Jolee a hug.

"With you as well," he replied, his voice tinged with regret, returning her embrace.

Traviata straightened, watching his face and then nodded, straightening her tunic. "I know you don't like to share what you know, but- Dustil- do you know what we'll find," she asked quietly, leaning in.

"This will be a difficult task- for all of you, though not in the ways you might expect," he answered, his tone as sad as his eyes.

Her heart fell at his words. "The darkness is so heavy now, Jolee. Can I do this, am I able?" she whispered, fighting a sudden urge to run. Was she being reckless willingly entering a haven of pain and darkness where the heart of evil lived?

"Yes you can, my dear," Jolee assured her, his eyes looking unseeing into the distance.

She nodded, "Thanks." She turned and made her way to Carth, taking his outstretched hand and the pair headed for the Sith Academy.

"It's within you, the question is will you," the enigmatic Jedi muttered to himself, watching the couple until they were out of sight.

Once outside of the building, Carth pulled Traviata to an abrupt stop.

"You sure about this," he asked, his eyes squinting against the sun.

"Yes, I'm sure," she replied quickly, using one hand to shade her eyes and the other to retrieve her sunglasses.

Carth nodded. "Okay. Can you wait to put those on," he asked awkwardly, pulling her into the closest shady spot.

She followed him, her confusion plainly evident. "What is it?"

"Look, there's something I need to do-I've had this since Tatooine. I know you think I'm old fashioned, and I don't know, maybe I am. Anyway, I was going to give this to you on Manaan, after you'd had more time to recover. You know, nice dinner, candlelight- the works." he paused, his fingers gently tracing the remnants of a scar on her cheek. "It was never the right time- now is no exception," Carth cleared his throat and unzipped and inner pocket of his jacket and fished out a ring, which he slid onto her finger.

"I love you, I always will, Viata. I'm the happiest man in the universe that you married me," he said, sliding it onto her ring finger on her right hand. "On Telos, the custom is the right hand. I- uh- know it varies, they won't know in there that it signifies anything. It's just- I want you to have it. When you look at this ring, know it represents our love- what you've done for me. You made me believe again, you gave me a future," he said quietly, holding up her ring hand, examining it with obvious pleasure, as he spoke.

Traviata wrapped her arms around Carth's neck, pulling his head down so that she could kiss him lightly on the lips. "It's beautiful, I'll always cherish it and what it represents, Carth. Thank you, I love you, you know that. I didn't have a life before you- I didn't even feel like a real person most of the time. It was almost like I was living someone else's life. But now- I feel alive, and that's because of you."

They stood like that, trying to hold on to the moment as long as they could, until the dust began to swirl and dance about them, the frigid wind biting their skin. "Have you ever felt such cold," she asked, grateful when he wrapped her tightly in his embrace.

"No, it's unnatural. If we're really doing this, let's go, the sooner we search for Dustil and find the star map, the sooner we can get off this rock," he suggested, taking a step apart, but keeping her close to his side as they began walking. Dare he let himself imagine leaving Korriban with his son, his wife and the star map? Was that type of bliss really even possible for him anymore? It was worth dying for the chance at it, he knew that for certain. He'd put his life on the line many times for much less before now.

"If Dustil's in there, what condition will I find him in?" he wondered grimly. The war veteran tried to put all the stories out of his mind that he'd heard over the years about what Sith do to their prisoners. He looked at the mammoth doors they were approaching at the entrance of the Academy. Behind those doors was the answer to the question that had not left his mind since Manaan. Could Dustil really be alive and a student at a Sith Academy? "Why didn't I ask Jolee if he knew if Dustil was here? I wonder if he knew," Carth thought out loud.

Traviata cast him a sideways glance as they made their way over the dusty terrain. "You know Jolee, Carth, you wouldn't have gotten the full story- and that would only torture you. Probably best you didn't ask," she commented. "Anyway, we're about to find out for ourselves."

"He told you something," Carth said quietly, as they reached the main and only entrance from Dreshdae.

"There you are. I was about to send out a search party," Yuthura greeted the pair. "Follow me. I will take you to Master Wynn."

The massive academy doors opened into a large stone walkway. The building itself was ancient and was made of intricately carved stone, intermingled with it were all types of modern technology, from surveillance cameras to banks of turrets. Control panels were also randomly dispersed along the long corridors Yuthura walked quickly through the vast passages until eventually they came to an immense meeting hall, the walls, floors and ceilings were are made of etched stones that were perhaps old as the Sith themselves.

Traviata felt the glacial like cold, from the moment they'd touched down on the planet, but now here, in this place, she felt like her blood was turning to ice and that she might never feel warm again. She resisted the urge to wrap her arms around herself as they came to a stop at the fringe of a group of Sith students meeting with their instructor, presumably Wynn.

"We will wait here until he's finished speaking to these students," Yuthura instructed.

"That is the wrong answer. You have failed again," Master Wynn said sternly. "Who can tell me the penalty for failure?"

"Punishment," one of the female Sith spoke up.

"That is right," Master Wynn directed Force lightening from his fingers on the young man in front of him. He fell to the ground, writhing in agony, begging for mercy. The smell of burning flesh filled the room. Traviata thought she'd be sick.

After several moments the boy stopped screaming and then his body stopped moving, accept for involuntary twitching of muscles.

"Sometimes the result of failure is death. Failure is not acceptable for a Sith," Master Wynn, said his eyes now staring at Traviata. "That is your lesson for today. Class dismissed," he finished and motioned for them to come over.

"Who do we have here Yuthura?" Master Wynn asked, his black eyes still on Traviata as the group approached the large, heavily tattooed humanoid man. Traviata felt a chill run up her spine as she drew closer to the Sith Head Master of the Academy. This man was evil, and he was intrigued by them, she could sense that much from him. She'd found her senses dulled lately, she felt it was due to her frequent thoughts of Malak and Revan. In truth, she hadn't been the same since Tatooine. Being here on the dark planet and especially this tomb like school, left her feeling almost smothered in black cold nothingness.

"This is - Jane. She left the Jedi Order, they had no tolerance for her passion. She wishes to train here at the Academy. I believe her to be an excellent candidate for your consideration," Yuthura explained.

Uthar Wynn stared at Traviata for a moment and then his gaze traveled to Carth before shaking his head. "The Jedi and their hatred for passion and love. Hmmph, and they call us evil," he finished, his eyes back on Traviata.

"You'll find the Sith have a very different code. So you want to be a Sith? Train here at the Academy?" Uthar asked Traviata.

"Yes, I would. I know a good deal about the Sith already," Traviata offered, her gaze meeting his unflinchingly, though she wanted to run. "You'll find me an excellent student," she said, feigning a confidence she didn't feel. Their success relied on her winning this atrocious beast over. She had to succeed.

"Really? We'll see. You just witnessed how harsh the penalty can be for failure. True or false? There is nothing worse than love." Uthar asked, speaking quickly.

"False," she fired back.

"True or false? It is our passion that fuels the Force," he replied rapidly.

"True," she returned.

"Very good, you are correct. I can feel your power, it swirls about like a cyclone, and you have a very- unusual aura. But to understand why passion is important, that is another story," Uthar said with a smug smile. "Can you tell me?"

Peaceisalie,thereisonlypassion.
Through
passion,Igainstrength.
Through
strength,Igainpower.
Through
power,Igainvictory.
Through
victory,mychainsarebroken.
The
Forceshallfreeme.

She paused after reciting the Sith code and then continued. "We are made powerful through our strength, which is fueled by our passion. This gives us power that allows us to achieve victory and our freedom," Traviata finished.

She didn't know she'd remembered the Sith Code from her Jedi training, but she was glad she did. Traviata could feel Carth's eyes on her back, and his unease.

"Yes, indeed. You do have great potential. Good job bringing her to me Yuthura," he conceded, his gaze now on his apprentice. "You may take her and her companion to her quarters. You will be in charge of her training," he added.

"Yes, Master," Yuthura said bowing slightly and then gesturing to Traviata to follow her.

Traviata followed Yuthura through the labyrinth of damp, dark, stone corridors that led her to their quarters. Traviata looked around the spacious room, noting the double bed, bathroom, computer station and ample storage space. Mixed with the stone floors, walls and ceilings it was a strange combination of the ancient architecture and technology.

"This will be your quarters for now. If you do as well as I expect, we'll get you a room with some doors quite soon," Yuthura explained from the doorway.

"This is great," Traviata replied, trying to act natural but feeling like she was being crushed from the inside out by the weight of the evil that flowed through the building.

"Your training will begin tomorrow. See that you don't wander around into restricted areas. They're marked on a map of the Academy you can access via the computer," Yuthura explained.

Carth waited impatiently for the Twi'lek to decide to leave, taking in every detail of their surroundings. They weren't staying in the place one second longer than they had to. If he didn't find Dustil then they were going to find the star map and leave as quickly as possible. The entire facility and its inhabitants so far had made his skin crawl. He knew of Traviata's special training for deep cover missions, was aware that she'd been trained extensively on the art of blending into hostile environments. He wasn't prepared for the affect it would have on him watching her slip into this identity. Listening to Traviata assume her dark role and recite the Sith Code had shaken him to his core. They weren't staying in this place or on this planet one second longer than was necessary.

"Your companion doesn't talk much," Yuthura commented hovering near the doorway. "Of course, that's the best kind," she added with a laugh before leaving.

"Oh, if she only knew," Traviata thought, as she watched the Twi'lek tred gracefully away. She could tell that Yuthura had been very beautiful once, but the dark side had obviously taken a toll on her features, making her look harsh and weathered. Traviata guessed her to be twenty or twenty five years older than Mission. She sensed great sadness in the woman, besides the anger she carried around with her.

As soon as the woman was out of sight, Traviata collapsed onto the bed, lying flat on her back, where Carth joined her, lying beside her, both staring at the ceiling.

"You okay?" he whispered, after a moment.

"No, not in the least," she said softly.

"You wanted to clean up. Why don't you join me for a shower," Carth said standing, extending his hand to her, hoping she'd take the hint and not think he'd lost his mind.

There was no doubt they were under surveillance, he wasn't sure if there were cameras in the room or not, but they'd undoubtedly wire the rooms for sound. The bathroom was the safest place to talk, thankfully he had a com disruptor in his jacket pocket. It was supposed to create about an eight to ten meter 'safe zone', but with Sith tech involved, he wasn't really certain how much protection it would offer. He hadn't much use for that type of tech as a Starship Captain, but on this type of mission, it could mean the difference between success and failure.

"Okay," Traviata replied, taking his hand, playing along.

Once inside the room Traviata turned on the shower, and thumbed the control to close the door, thankful the bathroom at least had a door.

"This should cover our conversation," Carth said, briefly flashing the com disruptor to her.

She nodded her response.

"We check out the map, get our bearings and then sweep the facility. If we get caught, you're new and we were lost. If we don't find him, then we're leaving and heading straight for the Sith Valley and the Star Map. We are going to be like ghosts-"

"Ghosts," she repeated, staring at the waves of steam rising from the shower, lost in her thoughts. The extremely hot water mixed with the white mist, made the small confines more like a steam sauna almost immediately. Something about ghosts on Korriban. She couldn't remember reading it- but she must have, unless it was something from a nightmare. Something to do with Malak. That had to be it. She had a nightmare once about Revan and Malak in some cave on Korriban, and there was a ghost. They were searching the caves for the star map. Or was that from the vision? What was wrong with her, it was all getting confused, meshed together somehow. Malak had to be at the bottom of it, or it was Korriban- or perhaps both. Traviata tried harder to separate the thoughts, make sense of it.

"Hey, I said are you all right," Carth asked, his concern evident, his hand cradling her cheek.

"Yes, I'm okay," she replied, her voice distracted.

"You didn't answer me the first five times. I was getting worried. It's like you were in some sort of daze," Carth noted uneasily.

"Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts I guess. Nothing important," Traviata explained.

"You're a terrible liar," Carth's accused. "Well at least to me."

"So you keep telling me. I'm fine though- really. Don't worry, lets go look for your son," Traviata offered, loving the feel of her husband's arms, which were now wrapped around her waist.

"We stay together when we're searching. I have a bad feeling about this place. I've learned to trust my instincts. I can't shake the sense that something awful is about to happen and that it could- destroy you," Carth said quietly, squinting through the steam to see her. He bent over and turned off the water.

Unfortunately, she had a bad feeling too and that couldn't be a good thing. She was terrified it was about his son though, not her. "Okay, we stay together. No problem."

"Really. That easy? You don't want to split up to cover more ground? Or go by yourself because you can blend in easier," Carth asked frowning.

"No. I think you're right, we should stick together," Traviata said mildly. "Plus, I don't know if I'd recognize him from the videos you showed me on the way to Korriban."

"Okay- well, after you then," he said mildly and gestured to the doorway with his hand, lines forming between his eyebrows. Something was not right with his wife.

Less than twenty minutes later they were systematically combing the barracks. They'd already checked out the prison, there was only one poor wretch in there and it wasn't Dustil. They came across a lot of students about the right age in their search, but none of them were Dustil. Several hours later they were traversing the only passage they hadn't covered.

Traviata locked her arm through her husband's arm. She was glad that at least she'd been able to shake off the strange experience she'd had earlier. She'd decided it was the affects of the Sith world, worsened by the school. There was no doubt it was going to be difficult to keep her head clear while there. That wasn't the foremost thought in her mind at the moment though. She was very worried about how Carth would react if they didn't find Dustil.

Carth was stepping slowly now, his hope was fading. When they'd checked out the last dorm room, the Commander's shoulders had an uncustomary slump to them.

"Is that thing on?" Traviata asked, jabbing at the pocket he'd had the com disruptor in earlier.

"Yeah," Carth replied blandly.

"Listen, he could be out in the Sith Valley. Or he could be training, or-"

"Stow the pep talk- I recognize one when I hear it. I should, I've given enough of them," Carth interrupted. "It was foolish to get my hopes up. You've seen what it's like here. He'd never survive here long."

"Listen, Carth, I'm sure there are passages that are hidden and he really could be out doing anything - he could be-"

"Walking down the corridor," Carth trailed off, stopping dead in his tracks, his eyes staring with disbelief as Dustil approached them.