Chapter Fifty One

I left the lounge then made my way to the cockpit. Inside I saw Bastila seated in the pilot's seat and Juhani in the copilot's. The two were talking amongst themselves. They were so enthralled in their conversation that they didn't notice me walk up behind them. I paused for a moment, through the window admiring a clear view of Manaan. The planet had a completely blue color to it and reminded me of the Force itself …or at least the Light side of the Force. In a few hours we would be landing on that blue dot in the distance. Thinking about Manaan, it baffled me that it was even possible for this planet to remain neutral. The Sith and the Republic were both interested in Manaan and that worried me. I commented.

"The last thing I want to see is more Sith…"

Bastila spun around to see me looking intently into the distance. Following my line of sight, she said.

"We won't be able to avoid it here. I've never been to this planet before, but from what I know there are both Sith and Republic forces within the only surface city. Though I always wondered how an underwater city would look."

Juhani glanced at Bastila as she stated.

"Personally, I don't much care for the Selkath. They are foolish disgusting fish people."

Bastila gave her an intent look.

"Juhani, do you have a problem with the Selkath?"

The Cathar paused for the shortest of moments then shook her head.

"I do not like them, but it isn't a problem –I won't cause trouble when we step foot on Manaan. I just… I cannot condone how they play both teams."

I couldn't help but smirk as I said.

"Hmmm? Juhani, the implications of that are enormous…"

"Lena! I am talking about how those Selkath think they can deal with both the Sith and Republic. I believe it is worse than if they were purely allying themselves with the Sith!"

Bastila looked deep in thought as she interjected.

"I can see her point. It seems almost like a game this way. They deal kolto to both sides which could be seen as a way to promote a continuous conflict. The Selkath are putting their own profit and safety before the greater good."

Juhani nodded.

"That is why I wish we could do something about it. It's just wishful thinking on my part, so please ignore it."

No one I've spoken to agreed with the Selkath neutrality and the more I thought about it –neither did I. The Selkath neutrality wasn't what I considered true neutrality. If they dealt with both, it just meant they were working with both, but neutral meant neither. I had to make the analogy, so I said.

"The Selkath aren't neutral at all. Neutral is me being single. The Selkath idea of neutral is me being with both of you…"

Juhani blushed while Bastila gave a slight chuckle. I added.

"That's me saying they aren't neutral … but something else entirely. Like you said, Juhani –they're playing both teams."

I wiggled my eyebrows at her, though it wasn't a good idea. She didn't look too pleased as she said.

"Yes, your analogy is reasonable. Still, unlike the Selkath idea of neutrality, the relationship between the three of us is a good thing."

I smiled as I stated.

"I couldn't pick a side even if I tried –it's just impossible you see!"

Bastila playfully nudged my shoulder.

"Yes, Lena, we are both equally important to you… and you don't want to be conquered by either one of us –that is why you continue to balance us."

"Conquered? Are you implying you would conquer me?"

Her grin grew wider as she glanced at Juhani then back at me.

"I would conquer the both of you –and quite enjoy doing it."

"Bastila, you say you didn't eat any of the cookies?"

"What? Why? No, I did not!"

"Hmmm… that's good. But you know? I will be the one conquering you!"

Juhani shook her head at us while trying to suppress her melodious laughter. I asked her.

"What's so funny?"

"It is… it's just that both of you, grown women, sound so much like brash children at the moment."

"Heh. Yeah, we do. And you see, Bastila –Juhani is the most mature woman on this ship! If anyone would be doing the conquering, it would be her!"

At my comment Juhani blushed furiously while Bastila looked like a pouty little girl as she said.

"This isn't fair. It's two against one!"

"Oh? Don't give me ideas, my dear Bastila."

Now both of them were blushing. I enjoyed the peaceful moment spent with the two women I knew I loved. I pondered if I should tell Juhani how I feel at that very moment. It felt so right to do it. I looked at the two of them and started slow.

"This foolish absurdity… it might not have been a bad idea after all. With all the serious things, it's nice to sit back, relax, and just enjoy ourselves."

Bastila nodded then spoke in a gentle tone.

"This is… it's what I hope with all my heart it'll be like after all of this is over. Of course, I am not talking about what we saw in the lounge earlier."

Juhani asked.

"Bastila, you are talking about this … right now, are you not?"

"Yes, it's what …what I am fighting for. I know it's an uphill battle, but I believe in Lena, and you, Juhani."

I rubbed the back of my neck as I prepared to tell Juhani the extent of my feelings. I felt strange… nervous as I opened my mouth to speak.

"Juhani, I..."

A loud thump from somewhere within the ship caused me to pause. A cacophony of noise followed the initial thump, and now I was certain it came from the lounge. I looked at Bastila.

"Go ahead and take the ship to Manaan. I'll go check what happened!"

As I spun around, I heard Bastila quietly say.

"Juhani, aren't you curious what she was about to say?"

I wanted to, but I didn't stick around. Instead I briskly walked toward the lounge. Nearing the doorway, I heard HK.

"Statement: You meatbags better obey, or I will have to take measures. You will not find these measures pleasant."

HK instantly noticed me, though I ignored his words as my attention fell to the questionable scene before me. Against the floor, Carth lay clutching his stomach while Canderous stood over him with a dark look in his eyes. As Canderous prepared to kick Carth in the gut, HK walked behind Canderous and simply grabbed him by the shoulder. It amused me watching HK overpower a proud muscular Mandalorian.

"Query: Would you like me to punish this large meatbag, master?"

"Don't do anything rash. Just hold him back until he cools down."

Canderous reached into his belt for a blaster, but HK flicked it out of his hand.

"Statement: I do not advice you to resist, meatbag."

HK's optical units were glowing red as Canderous spoke.

"Damn droid! Get the fuck off me! I need to… to teach that Republic bastard a lesson!"

"Lamentation: Though I would enjoy watching that pathetic meatbag suffer, I cannot disobey master's orders. Extrapolation: You could persuade master to order me to let you go. Though from the data I have accumulated it is highly unlikely master would me persuaded by the likes of you, meatbag."

Carth continued coughing on the floor as I walked over to him. Crutching beside him, I joked.

"What? You overate and now your stomach hurts?"

He squirmed.

"Aghhh! Very funny, gorgeous. That Mandalorian bastard!"

Eyeing Canderous, he continued.

"He needs to be thrown out the airlock for this!"

I tilted my head.

"For what?"

"For what… he punched me. I called him something … I don't even remember what and he punched me."

"Carth, it sounds like you deserved it."

"No, I didn't deserve it! He is out of control!"

I glanced at my droid.

"HK, I need an impartial opinion. What happened here?"

As HK's attention fell on me, his optical units turned to their normal yellowish shade. He kept holding Canderous from lashing out at Carth as he replied.

"Recollection: After you left, master, the meatbags argued for a while. The old one got tired and went to bed."

"You let Jolee leave?"

"Statement: Yes I did, master. The old meatbag was boring me with his never-ending tales of the old days. I thought about blasting him on more than one occasion."

"Understood, now continue, HK."

"Statement: As you wish, master. Recollection: After the old meatbag left, the remaining two spoke of the Mandalorian wars –that could not end well."

Canderous jumped into the conversation.

"Hey, droid, how about you tell Rouen what that bastard said."

HK eyed me as he added.

"Recollection: The Republic meatbag mentioned the Mandalorians as a race of barbaric cowards without even a primitive understanding of the meaning of honor. Extrapolation: That statement triggered an intense emotional response in the large meatbag. As you know, meatbags are prone to irrational outbursts, master."

I shook my head at Carth. Other than Jolee being the one responsible for making the damn cookies, Carth had caused the most trouble during this party.

"Carth, what's wrong with you? First you get everyone to play what –strip Pazaak? That is a beyond inappropriate form of interaction..."

He interrupted.

"So what, gorgeous? As I recall, your interactions with certain members of the crew are a bit more inappropriate –and that's an understatement."

Canderous laughed then while looking at Carth he asked.

"Republic, are you jealous Rouen got some while you got to make friends with your girly hands?"

At hearing that retort, somehow Carth managed to stand. Walking toward HK and Canderous he said.

"You are one to speak, Mandalorian. It's not like you're any better off!"

Canderous only grinned.

"Republic, that's where you are wrong, unlike you, on every planet I visit there's always a wench that knows my name –usually more than one!"

I scratched my head at the comment. I really didn't need to know that… but more importantly I could tell this wasn't going to go over well if I let the two continue throwing insults. I stepped in front of Carth to block his path then firmly stated.

"That's enough! We are headed to Manaan as I speak. When we arrive both of you better be in your right minds! If you or Canderous get arrested –I'm letting you rot in prison!"

Carth stopped where he stood and while sighing looked at Canderous. As calmly as he could, he said.

"As much as I cringe to do this –Canderous, I apologize for calling you a…"

"That's alright, Republic. And I don't need to hear it again. By the way, you should consider spending time with a wench. If you want, I'll introduce you to a few on Manaan."

Carth waved his hands.

"No, that's okay."

"No? That's not going to work. I insist, Republic!"

Before leaving the room I smirked at Carth.

"Have fun on Manaan, Carth!"

Glancing at HK, I commanded.

"Let Canderous go, so he can kiss and make up with Carth."

"Statement: I will ensure the meatbags don't get too frisky, master."