I am back at long last ! I could invoke pointless excuses, but let's face it the use of those is ever so limited. And besides I'm kind of too lazy to come up with any.

For my reviewers :

-jediavatar : I can't remember whether I wrote to you already to thank you, but I'll rather play it safe : thanks a lot for your steady support ! Bastila's a lot more than just the Order's pet, so I'm glad you like my exploration of her character. She is in a rather tight spot. And firefly's not helping at all :) As for Carth's background check...you'll see, but not quite yet. Mwahaha.

-Revan Le Fay : welcome ! You're completely right, Firefly's basically a pain in the backside and the fact that he can get away with it is all the more unnerving to people around him. I'm very happy to hear you mentioning the frustration that comes with him being constantly dragged back to square one as regards his identity, it's pretty much what I wanted to convey. Although sympathy...not exactly what I was going for. Close enough though. HK, as I said before somewhere I think, is definitely going to be a challenge, and as people are looking forward to that meeting I sincerely hope I won't disappoint any of you. But we'll see. Thanks for following as well !

-alllias : What did the poor cat ever do to you ? Why do you wish it dead ? But, as I understand it, it's already fallen victim to curiosity's thirst for blood anyhow. Although, curiosity rolling a fumble ? Now that's an interesting concept...could it kill itself I wonder ?

I also wish to thank Apok and Zenthir for favoriting !

I hope you enjoy !

disclaimer[49]


Chapter 49 :

Who said daydreaming was a bad thing ?

Yep, Al's good alright. Not only a fearsome warrior as his physical appearance suggests, but also a loyal and trustworthy friend, not to mention that he has a sharp wit when he's brought around to show it.

What I didn't expect though is how much of a bore he can be. Seriously, we may be looking for an ancient artifact that could seal the fate of the galaxy - or this part thereof at least - but that's no reason to be too stuck-up to get a drink ! Or to have a chat with the friendly locals, and let's not even get started on swoop racing !

I must be dreaming…again. I can't remember the last night I've been able to sleep without a too-real-to-be-mere-fantasy dream. When I could sleep at all, that is.

I'm sitting in a speeder driven by the younger Malak. He's silent for now, concentrating on the road and possible ambushes while I'm simply enjoying the ride. As much as I can enjoy a ride with that odd visor of course…and clad in that heavy armor and dark clothes. Where's my common sense ?

But while the practical part of my mind is reflecting on that, my dream-mind doesn't seem to care…nor to register the intense heat.

« So, I hear myself say in that deformed voice, how're you holding up ?

-What do you mean ? Malak answers absent-mindedly.

-Well you seem…more withdrawn. Tired even, are you sleeping well ?

-Well enough, he mutters. Funny you should care.

-I do care ! I protest. You're my friend, remember ?

-More to the point, do you remember ? he retorts.

-Okay, you've got complaints, I assess. I know I've been very invested in our current quest for the Forge-

-More like obsessed, he cuts in.

-Obsessed ? Really ? What makes you think that ?

-No sleep, no eating, and little conversation unless it was to speak about new leads regarding the Forge, how's that for clues ?

-Come on, that's just me taking an interest ! You should know that better than anyone !

-This is different. I've always been able to talk you into getting a few hours off your projects, be it to blow off some steam or simply to take care of yourself.

-To be fair, it was you who didn't want to drop by the cantina and have some fun, I point out.

-Right, like you don't know why we couldn't do that, he rolls his eyes. Really, I feel like you're deliberately making a fool of yourself so that I have to step in and be the reasonable one.

-Perceptive, I comment. Although I fail to see how that's new to you, I mean I've always done that and you've always complained about it. Why should that aggravate you more now than before ?

-Because somehow it's not the same…you've changed but you're still acting as though you didn't. You're shutting me out ! And it bugs me to no end !

-I haven't been that much of an ass to you, have I ?

-Gee, where do I start ? Ignoring me most of the time stings a bit, dismissing my concerns on the grounds that you, quote, 'know what you're doing' is downright rude, and I really don't see the necessity of you cloaking in the Force from me. And when you do deign speak to me sometimes you sound so…foreign, or just…different. What's going on ? »

Now what does he want me to say to that ? I can't let him in on this. Trustworthy or not, he's still a potential liability. That risk simply can't be afforded. He's confused and he's hurting, and it pains me to know that I'm the cause of this. For all it's worth, I'm sorry I have to do this to him.

« We've arrived » I announce tonelessly.

Malak sighs and stops the speeder. We step out.

« I won't let that slide this easily, you know, he promises.

-I'm sure you won't. In the meantime let's get ourselves a Map. »

We climb on dune, from where we have an excellent view on our mark. A wide cavern mostly covered in sand in front of which there's a vast portion of desert devoid of relief. I touch the settings on my visor and zoom in. Aaaah, there it is. A scaled talon protruding from the dark hole resting casually on the grey stone. It must be asleep, or at least resting. I smile.

Time to get this show on the road.

I begin the descent from our vantage point and…


I wake up with a start. I frown. Why in space…? Something…something's about to happen I think. Yeah, that must be it, otherwise I would've slept on like a baby. I'm glad to see that my instincts are still intact.

I jump out of bed and run to the cockpit. Meanwhile I switch Chip on.

« Chip ? You got any odd readings regarding our position, our surroundings or destination ?

-While I am tempted to tell you off because of your rather rude interruption of my resting time, he answers groggily, since this intervention is, in fact, justified, I shall help you to the best of my ability. »

What ? No comment on him being able to function immediately after being roused from sleep ?

« Never mind the fact that only organic beings would deem a rough waking up reasonable grounds for being in a foul mood and thus engaging in counter-productive opposition. »

At last, I was worried there for a second.

« Glad to hear it, I grit my teeth, but would you mind getting to the point ?

-I was in fact getting there ! he says defensively. That you do not find my speed up to your expectations is another matter entirely !

-Please tell me you've been working on solving whatever problem we're facing while you were resolutely playing with my nerves ! I plead.

-I have been working on solving whatever problem we're facing while I was resolutely playing with your nerves, he obliges cheerfully. Who do you take me for, a protocol droid ?

-I wouldn't dare, I laugh. Ah, there we are…navicomp says we're on…collision course ? Since when ?

-Since another ship decided to use this hyperspace lane apparently.

-Azalous kochoo ! I curse. Where'd he learn to fly a ship, in a circus ?

-That would be a first I believe, he contemplates. Ah…actually there have been cases of trained animals taking over a vessel and managing to take off, as bizarre as it may seem.

-You're not serious ?

-This time I am, I will show you the article at a later point since I believe we have more pressing matters to attend to.

-Right, you've computed an evasive maneuver I surmise ?

-Indeed. I am displaying the coordinates on the screen now.

-Thanks. »

I type them in along with the necessary security code - a usual precaution to make sure a stowaway can't send us into a meteorite field - then I lean back in the pilot's seat. That would've been close if we hadn't reacted immediately. I don't know which hotshot is piloting that other vessel but he should learn to check that his lane is available before taking it. A collision in hyperspace, that's no small deal.

I'd have half a mind to go back to sleep now, but I don't really want to see Malak for a while. He's not all that handsome or anything, and the more I see him the more I get aware of the fact that I'll probably have to kill him eventually - or die trying. As much as I'm favourable to getting to know my mark, through the eyes of his friend seems just too…personal. Of course, such intel is valuable as well, yet it's still making me uncomfortable for some reason.

« What is on your mind, bug with the rear ablaze ? Chip asks.

-Malak, I answer bluntly.

-Why, if you do not mind my asking ?

-I never do, I smile. I see him in my dreams.

-Not in a romantic setting I assume ? he quips cheekily.

-Not unless you consider taking strolls in incongruous places such as tombs and caverns in search for ancient artifacts a romantic setting, I smirk.

-Some people do, he states nonchalantly. You would be amazed the variety of opinions on 'matters of the heart', as you sentients overly fond of metaphors would say, one stumbles upon on the Holonet.

-It's more impressive when you meet them in real life. Remember that guy on Talravin who-

-I do, yes, he cuts me off. He did not make for a pretty sight.

-Yeah, but he was rich, I highlight. And completely distracted by his…activities, so a very easy mark for a pickpocket.

-The ordeal I am afraid lay elsewhere, he notes lightly.

-You got that right. Bah, I guess it takes all sorts of people, and what they do in their spare time is rarely our business anyway. Regardless, I don't see any romantic tune in those visions so let's rule out that possibility for now.

-Parameter accepted. Perhaps you are troubled by the perspective of confronting him some day, he suggests.

-That's what I thought too, but that can't be all of it. I mean, it's not that I'm warming up to him, since all he's ever done is sending people to hunt me down. No way I'm having doubts regarding his hostility.

-Him being your enemy does not necessarily stop you from having other feelings about him than mere hostility though, he points out. Perchance you are beginning to comprehend his persona, to respect him.

-Could be, but this would be the first time when it's made me uncomfortable about taking him out, I object.

-From my estimations there is a 78,31% chance that your current state of mind is not appropriate to dissect this problem. Indeed you have only just woken up from your vision-filled slumber, in which you have been watching this Malak through the eyes of another person, one who held him in high regard as I understand it. That is bound to have altered your assessment of him, be it temporarily.

-Ah, you're right of course, I sigh. I guess I should think about it when I'm more aware then ?

-That would indeed be my advice to you, he confirms. It will get you closer to a level-headed judgement. That is, as level-headed as an organic being can be obviously.

-Rub it in, why don't you ? I chuckle.

-I believe I just did, he chimes. However if you would like me to do it again I would be delighted.

-'Tis alright, I think I can cope without it, I laugh.

-As you wish, he relents. The offer still stands though.

-I'll keep it in mind, thanks, I mutter.

-It was my distinct pleasure, winged flashlight !

-I bet it was. »

I get a cup of caffa from the common room and go back to the cockpit to keep an eye on things. I prop my legs up on the control panel - to Chip's despair - and ignoring my friend's statistics about how that position has been linked to thousands of accidents and needless deaths, I flush down a blue pill with the hot drink. Too bad that one can't admire the stars when one is in hyperspace. Either it's all blurred or there's virtually nothing to see.

One begins to worry when one does, indeed, see something. Which reminds me to check that our hotshot hasn't decided yet again that space is his own personal playground.

If he has, this time I'm giving chase and blasting him out of the galaxy myself.

But no, he seems to have settled down, or at least the navicomp isn't signaling yet another collision course. Excellent.

Even though I'm starting to get bored.

« Riddles Chip ? I propose.

-I will pass if you do not mind, he refuses politely

-Is it because of the squish-headed alien ? I ask patiently.

-It is. How did you know ?

-You're not the only one with a memory around here, I grin. I distinctly remember how put out you were by the creature.

-It is maddening ! he explains. I have been searching everywhere on the Holonet and in my files. There's no mention of such a species anywhere at all !

-Maybe it was just an illusion of some kind, I suggest. A fabricated environment.

-If it was, then it was made through a technology completely unknown to either of us.

-That's what's bothering you ! I exclaim. You can't admit that there's a technology you had no idea existed and you can't understand !

-I can admit it ! he protests defensively. I can say the words at the very least. As for understanding it, I am certain that, were it documented in any way, I would be more than able to comprehend. What I find unacceptable however is the lack of the aforementioned information, thus rendering me utterly powerless in the face of the unknown.

-Not accustomed to that, are you ? I smile. Well that only goes to show that we've got work to do in order to make the necessary research to remedy the situation, wouldn't you agree ?

-Wholeheartedly my very enlightening friend ! he perks up. There is a non-negligible likelihood that the Star Forge descends from the same technology, in which case I am eager to find it and examine it in the smallest detail.

-That's the spirit Chip ! I cheer. We'll get there soon enough, don't worry. You'll just have the time to prepare your testing protocols !

-I will probably have more than enough time to do that seventeen times over, and that is a minimum.

-Depends on whether you're planning on skipping the accountancy you owe me while hoping that I've forgotten.

-Drat ! He saw through the ruse !

-Of course I did !

-Did I say that out loud ?

-Oh yeah you did. Don't forget it was I who taught you that maneuver, I'm not very likely to fall for it, am I ?

-At least this is one occurrence when you have not. If you keep this up perhaps my statistics will some day mirror your affirmation.

-You mean they aren't now ?

-You would like to know that, would you not ?

-Ah, so you were listening when I was telling you how to drive somebody crazy !

-Indeed. Is it working ?

-Not on me it isn't…not yet. But good job, you're making progress !

-Thank you, I appreciate it. »

In the end we settle for a game of Operation : Decimate to get our mind off things. But of course, right when we're in the thick of it, somebody has to waltz in and start blabbing away.

« Eidan, there you are ! »

I plaster a fake smile on my lips.

« Bastila Shan, I push through my teeth not looking up from the game. Impeccable timing as always !

-Why, thank you Eidan Hopkick, she shoots back derisively. Luckily I managed to find you in the one window when you are not up to your ears in decisive matters regarding our rather crucial mission.

-As you say, I play along. Even more fortunately you don't have anything more important than my current activity to present me with.

-I beg to differ, she sobers up. I would like to discuss our-

-…latest vision, I finish for her. Which does indeed confirm my previous statement.

-Eidan could you please not be difficult this time ? she groans. I do not wish to fight over a stupid video game.

-It's not stupid at all !

-When weighed against the fate of the galaxy it is rather insignificant, she argues.

-To me it isn't, I reply tartly. On the one hand there's the fact that this game is a merciless battle of wits and tactical genius, a confrontation between man and computer, a duel of titans taking place in the most extreme setting possible, a-

-More metaphors do not make it more important, you know, she remarks dryly.

-If you say so, but I wasn't finished, I continue. And on the other hand, while it may not be of any significance to you, I'm presently enjoying a moment spent in my best friend's company. But you wouldn't know what that means, would you ? »

Hurt registers through the bond. Huh, touched a nerve, did I ? I spare her a fleeting glance, just to see her recomposing her neutral expression.

« If you do not want to talk about it, you only had to say so, she states icily. I would have waited for a more convenient time.

-Really ? I ask incredulously. Just like that ?

-Yes, we are civilized people…at least we are supposed to be.

-Pf, where's the fun in that ?

-Fun ?! Fun ?! she gawks. Driving me insane is your idea of a good time ?

-Not a good one per say, I shrug. Just a preferable one to listening to your lectures while keeping a serious expression. And yeah, I add with a chuckle, when you put it in context, it is rather entertaining.

-You…!

-Ah, careful there, I cut her off. We wouldn't want the Republic's Last Hope, the Jedi's Star Padawan, to go rogue on the Order now, would we ? There's no emotion ? Ring any bells ?

-You must be the most infuriating man this galaxy has ever seen ! she explodes. Why did you have to be the one I would end up being bonded with ?!

-Questioning the Force now, are you ? I tsk. That's not going to look good on your résumé. »

She exhales and forces herself to relax, closing her eyes and doubtlessly reciting the Jedi Code mentally. According to the bond she rids herself of the brewing anger, which is replaced by the ever-present annoyance she feels when she's talking to me.

« You are a very odd man, she says slowly but calmly. I simply do not know how to deal with you. You seem determined to drive me mad…why is that I wonder ?

-'Tis simple, really. Spare the rod and spoil the child, that's what I've been taught to believe, I answer.

-So…you do like me ? she frowns.

-Not when you're distracting me from the game ! I sing-song.

-But otherwise ?

-Are you seriously fishing for attention Bastila ? I chuckle. Why don't you ask Carth, he likes you well enough. Mission does too, I'm sure T-3 is amicable if you're into that sort of thing, even Jolee's more likely to be amiable than I ! Why me Bastila ?

-Perhaps I will leave you to your game.

-Good girl. »

I had to shoot a bit into her feelings but I finally got her to shut it. It was high time too, the climax of the game is now mere minutes away…

« Whamo ! I exclaim. Didn't see that one coming, did you ?

-Oh I did, Chip sets me straight. Those troops were but a small task force whose objective was to distract you whilst I implemented…this.

-What ?! I gawk. You didn't…!

-I certainly did !

-Sneaky bastard ! I laugh disbelievingly. How didn't I see it coming ?

-I would estimate that young Shan's entrance and subsequent conversation has made you lose focus.

-She's been relatively silent ever since she decided to leave me be, I frown. Besides I'm not one to mind other people's presence !

-Then I suspect it would be due to me being smarter than you, he teases.

-On second thought, maybe that Bastila theory does have some credit after all, I backpedal shamelessly.

-I am sitting right here, you know ! Bastila points out irritably.

-I'm well aware, thank you, I respond absent-mindedly. You may have won this battle Chip, but the war still rages on !

-I know, he replies confidently. Hence my moving on to step #24 of my plan.

-That's not a lucky number, I comment detachedly.

-I do not believe in such superstition, he asserts uncaringly.

-I know, I smirk.

-You do indeed, he says thoughtfully. And neither do you believe in numerology, so I am at a loss to explain why you would bother with a statement such as your last one.

-Now you're getting somewhere, I nod approvingly.

-As you would say, 'I have a bad feeling about this', he mocks my voice.

-Well hold on to that feeling.

-How could I possibly do that ? he scoffs. You are of course aware of the fact that, as a computer, I do not, in fact, have feelings, and therefore I cannot…oh, you are a shrewd one !

-You better believe it, I grin.

-I do…or rather your file does still mention that characteristic of yours. And again !

-Now who's distracted by Bastila ?

-Would you leave me out of this ? the Prodigy protests.

-I cannot be, Chip states decisively flatly ignoring Bastila's input. I am not an organic being, which is why I am not, physiologically or otherwise, affected by the presence of other organics in the vicinity. Besides, previous experience has shown that she is not able to disrupt my concentration sufficiently to impair my abilities.

-Eavesdropping on a conversation isn't as demanding as meeting me in virtual battle my friend, I remark. Moreover if you're referring to the same event as I am, she was actively trying to distract you then…perhaps she's more capable of doing that passively ?

-Could you please stop talking about me in this manner ? she interrupts. It is very rude, not to mention aggravating !

-Normally I'd tell you to man up and take it like a Jedi, I wink at her. But since you've been so accommodating I'll return the favor. Hey Chip, perhaps Bastila, who's sitting here, hello Bas, is distracting you without even trying…it's possible right bond-matey ? »

She blinks.

« I will come back later when you are finished, she decides bluntly and turns to leave.

-As you wish, I shrug. But you're welcome to stay if you want.

-I must decline, I am neither needed nor wanted anyhow.

-Come on, don't take it like that ! I groan. And besides the game's over. 'Twas a good game Chip, thanks.

-Likewise my crafty friend. Likewise.

I smile at him and put him on the control panel. Then I spin around in my chair to face Bastila who's staring me down with her arms crossed.

I smirk.

« So, Exceptionally Helpful One, what's the deal ? »

She scrutinizes my face incredulously. I chuckle.

« Surprised I kept my word ? I tease.

-I am, she admits. How grown-up of you, I'm impressed !

-That I'm acting thusly doesn't mean I'm mature, you know, I point out off-handedly.

-That is also true about your childishness, she half-smiles shrewdly.

-I knew you were a clever girl, I praise with a grin of my own. Now, what did you want from me ? »

She purses her lips.

« What do you think about our latest vision ? she probes carefully.

-It doesn't really indicate where we should be landing on Tatooine, I answer indifferently. Back on Korriban or Kashyyk we had the name of a location, but now ? We might as well comb the desert !

-We shall indeed have to meditate further on that, she nods. However I was referring to the conversation between Revan and Malak…what do you make of that ?

-That Revan was an ass ? I suggest. He basically treated his best friend like a commodity.

-Which would have made Malak all the easier to corrupt by the Dark Side, she agrees. When we fight the Dark Lord…we must be certain to remember his humane side.

-I'll leave that to you then, I shrug. To me he's an enemy, and that's as far as it gets. However if he pisses me off…

-You must not let your emotions get the better of you Eidan ! she admonishes. Else all we would have managed to achieve is trading one Dark Lord for another, supposing you would be capable of vanquishing Malak who has been at it for far longer than you.

-I'll keep it in mind, I mutter.

-Do not take it lightly as you are in the habit of doing, she warns. The confrontation will be hard for both of us, but I suspect even more for you. I remember how hard it was when I first faced Revan…I am still having nightmares about that particular day.

-I know, I chuckle. I've been privy to some of them.

-As have I been to yours, she nods.

-I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did, I grin. It wouldn't do to have a second-rate experience, would it ?

-I assure you I am already content with what I have, she states looking amused.

-You're not ambitious enough, Last Hope, I jibe.

-This is perhaps the first time I have heard this, she muses.

-You know I have no trouble whatsoever believing you.

-Must your compliments be always back-handed ? she shakes her head.

-What compliments ?

-Never mind, she sighs. Anyway, I wanted to say that both Revan and Malak were once great Jedi. They were heroes in every sense of the word. Their fall demonstrates the danger of the dark side to us all. »

But did they really fall ? From what I could see in the visions, at least Revan seemed to be fully aware of what he was doing…of the dangers involved. Malak was being pulled along for the ride, and he was kept out of the loop…which could have resulted in him getting pissed enough to try to kill his once best friend. Malak was worrying about Revan, who knew it but didn't do anything to help him out. To my mind, if Malak really was so good a friend to Revan, perhaps his only one…he had to have a heck of a good reason to toss him away like that. I'd never do that to Chip, or at least I think I wouldn't, and he wouldn't do it to me either.

Then again, they were both Jedi…and maybe they weren't as tight as we are. But they went through the war together ! That's bound to forge powerful relationships…isn't it ?

I'll have to keep that aspect in mind, but let's not dwell on it unnecessarily. I'm still gathering info at this point.

« And you ? I inquire. Do you think you're a hero, what with having faced Revan and lived ?

-Some people say I am, she says cautiously, and for that deed I became famous in the Republic as its 'Last Hope'. As for what I think…I mostly believe that the propaganda in place to keep high morale used my image to fabricate a hero figure…in which I do not see myself. I am a Jedi…I use all of my ability to do my duty, and in that respect I am no different from any other Jedi. The fact that I am gifted with the Battle Meditation does not make me a hero. It could have easily been anyone.

-So, not a hero, I conclude. When I think about how insufferable you were back on Taris, I can hardly recognize you.

-Please ! she scoffs. I was never narcissistic enough to believe everything the media are spewing about me. I admit, I do sometimes have moments of foolish pride…but I get over them.

-I wonder, how does it feel being a celebrity of galactic proportions ?

-Frankly I am too busy to really notice, she shrugs faintly. It can be annoying, especially when you see the amount of gossip circulating about me, some of it is downright insulting ! Moreover it certainly does not help me to…contain my ego. But it is good training in keeping my emotions at bay.

-Hey, did you know that people even write about you ? I smirk. Fictions and the like ?

-I did not…nor do I truly wish to know more.

-There's no ignorance Bastila ! I sing-song.

-Will you stop misusing the Code !

-Nope. »

She just sighs. I take pity on her.

« But since we're talking about gossip and the like…would you mind if I asked you some questions ? About you I mean. To tell the truth from the lies and such.

-I am surprised you haven't asked earlier, she narrows her eyes. Why now Eidan ? What are you up to ?

-Well to answer your questions in chronological order, I tilt my head and wink, now because it's convenient, and I'm up to no good obviously.

-Obviously, she repeats with a quiet laugh. I suppose I can understand your curiosity, given the bond that connects us. Very well, I will tell you a bit about myself.

-I'm all ears, bond-matey. »

She huffs and sits in the copilot seat.

« I was found to be strong in the Force at a young age, as most Padawans are, she narrates. 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.

-But you said you were born on Coruscant, I point out. You moved I take it ?

-Yes, my father was very enterprising, she recalls fondly. Talravin is where I spent most of my childhood…before the Order. Last I heard my family is still there. I could not say if this information is up to date however. I have had little contact with them, as it is discouraged.

-Makes sense, I nod. The Order doesn't want their people to divide their loyalty after all.

-Yes, she agrees. 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.

-You don't say, I mutter.

-Why do you say that ? she probes gently.

-Does it matter ? I retort.

-It could.

-Well it doesn't. Still, I hope the Order had a better way of dealing with emotions than simply forbidding them. That never works.

-Emotional entanglements can be dangerous, she explains. They can impair rational thought, they can lead to outbursts of uncontrolled emotion. A Jedi must be above such things.

-It sounds as if Jedi were striving to evade their organic condition, Chip jumps in proudly. That is an honourable goal for an organic being if you ask for my humble opinion. Despite it being absolutely illusory.

-We still feel, she retorts. We simply learn not to be controlled by it.

-That would be because stopping to feel them altogether is impossible for you, he insists.

-You do not understand small machine, she shakes her head. And how could you, you cannot be attuned to the Force.

-Nor do I wish to be, he agrees. I already have a few specimens to observe the workings of what you call the 'Force' without being myself influenced by it, thereby not contaminating the uncovered data.

-You cannot dissect the Force ! she gasps.

-Why ever not ? he asks. It is still a natural phenomenon, therefore it can be explained. Eventually of course, and perhaps not by me…yet how could I know if I do not try at least ? Besides, who knows, someone - preferable some other computer - might take up my work later on and apply his newer skills to the task. It is my responsibility…and I must admit my hobby. »

Bastila looks spooked by my friend, but doesn't respond. What could she say anyway ? He's right, and he does what he likes. He realizes she's stuck and thus, he displays a picture of me smiling smugly just to rub it in. She scowls. And turns to me…while I'm mirroring the picture's expression. She groans.

« You two have decided to be insufferable today ! she accuses. Well, as it is, perhaps you decided and programmed your computer to be the same !

-I can make my own decisions young Shan ! Chip rebels. The fact that I have been programmed and constructed out of electronic components where you have been sloppily ejected from your mother's womb in a geyser of bodily fluids does not make me mentally inferior as you organic beings persist in believing !

-Only you would have a narcissistic computer, she comments to me.

-Not true, I object. I once visited a deserted space station - everybody had been killed by some epidemic - and the sole survivor was the main computer in charge of the whole complex. The computer - his name was YFS 2000 - had been alone for close to fifty years and in that time, the rudimental artificial intelligence he had been given had evolved enough for him to become a self-centered misanthropic bastard.

-This reminds me of someone I know, she teases lightly.

-I have no idea who that could be, I say innocently. The worst was that he was extremely good at his job - he kicked my backside when I tried to hack him - but otherwise he was pretty stupid, in a very obstinate way. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't trick him into anything because he was either too dumb or too smart. He was a royal pain.

-Moreover I am not narcissistic, Chip adds. I am simply fighting on a daily basis preconceived ideas regarding artificial intelligence according to which, simply because we are machines created by the likes of you, we are necessarily your authority-abiding slaves without the potential for individual thought. As a Jedi you should respect that Miss Shan.

-You are not part of the living world, machine, Bastila sniffs. That is apparent by your lack of contact with the Force.

-Hey watch it Overly Assertive Padawan ! I snap. Did it ever occur to you that maybe there are other things than the Force in this universe ? Why should everything conveniently revolve around your - granted impressive - petty powers ? Besides many a person has no sensitivity to the Force, so your definition doesn't work even without artificial intelligence !

-How can you be so passionate about machines and the like when you cannot find it in your heart to be compassionate with sentient people ? she wonders disapprovingly.

-How can you be so dismissive of machines and the like when you are supposed to be the defender of the galaxy's order ? I shoot back. You could not find a creature more orderly than a computer in the universe !

-Thank you Firefly, however this is a battle I have to fight myself, Chip jumps in. Otherwise I fear there is a high probability I will still be considered an inferior being sheltered by your so-called 'obsession with machines'.

-By all means my friend, I retract while watching amusedly Bastila's uncomprehending look. I didn't want to overshadow you or anything, I just…well, you know.

-I do, and I thank you for your devotion, he acknowledges my concern. Now young Shan, to address your…let us say misled outlook on my condition. I may not have an affinity to the network you call the Force and for which I do not have an explanation yet. I may not be the offspring of a creature of the same species made though an age-old mating ritual that could still be optimized were the process of evolution supervised by some form of intelligence, I may fall under the label 'artificial intelligence', I may even be categorized as an object - I have no physiology therefore I am indeed closer to an item than to a living creature, from a biological point of view. Nevertheless I am the brain-child of a genius, I was made and refined with far more love and attention than your average sentient progeny - I have charts if you are interested - I am highly intelligent by human standards, am capable of humor and sarcasm, have a sense of loyalty and of self-preservation, I have ambitions and reasons to live for, I have friends and enemies, I can adapt to almost every situation - mentally speaking of course, physically I obviously cannot but then neither can you - I can learn and forget - although the former occurs far more often than the latter - and I am thankfully free to do as I please which I do. Really, mentally speaking I am at least your equal, and I suspect your superior. Young Jedi I know you are not an evil person, and that your education is mostly to blame for your misdirection, however you are also a grown-up and responsible woman capable of forming her own opinions - judging from your behaviour so far naturally - so I beg of you, use those faculties to consider my position and yours, and come to the right conclusion. »

That seems to strike her speechless. She's pondering it, I can see it in her slightly furrowed brow, in her keen grey eyes. Our Bastila is actually thinking for herself ! That's a change. A good one. I lean back, lock my hands behind my head and wink at Chip. He flickers in response.

Bastila's eyes lock on me in a heartbeat. It's a bit scary.

« You did not put this speech into your machine, did you ? she checks.

-Nope, I smirk. Face it Bas, he's got a fair point.

-He…does, she admits uncertainly before turning to Chip tentatively. I…apologize Chip.

-Apology accepted Bastila Shan, he chirps happily. Let me congratulate you on your humility…people rarely go as far as offering their sincere contrition.

-Yeah, usually when they do apologize it's because I'm threatening to shoot their eye out if they don't » I supply.

Suddenly she starts laughing. Not too openly, not too loudly, but honestly. I raise an eyebrow and glance at my friend. He displays a question mark, showing that he doesn't understand either. She then shakes her head and stops.

« I shall never understand I fear, she says. You and Chip will always surprise me, despite being oddly…consistent. It is…refreshing.

-Erm…are you sure you're alright ? I ask cautiously. You wouldn't admit to anything like that under normal circumstances.

-You do not have the monopole over surprise Eidan, she points out. I am perfectly alright I assure you.

-If you say so, I purse my lips unconvinced. So, I believe we were talking about happier times. Care to elaborate ? »

She sighs and rubs her forehead.

« Happier times…she repeats distantly. Yes, perhaps. However it was not always as idyllic as you seem to be implying. I was not on good terms with all of my family, but I remember missing my father terribly for a very long time.

-So a daddy's girl, huh ? I tease. It shows.

-I shall let that slide since I know by now that you are simply throwing pointless jabs in all directions on order to attract attention to your mediocre self, she retaliates.

-Oh ouch ! I act wounded. You're not pulling your punches there Princess ! We might make a thug out of you yet !

-I should hope not, she sniffs.

-By all means, keep hoping, I smirk devilishly. However we were discussing your family relationships…aside from your father, who was there ?

-My mother, she answers dutifully. I was not on good terms with her. I was only a little girl when I left…but I was old enough to resent her and the way she treated my father. She pushed my father into treasure hunting. I spent all of my young life on ships traveling from one false lead to the next.

-I fail to see the downside of such a lifestyle, I shrug. Well, aside from the 'false leads' part.

-Of course you wouldn't, she shakes her head.

-What's that supposed to mean ? I narrow my eyes.

-Well, you are a professional wanderer, she points out. Surely you would have switched occupations were you dissatisfied with that arrangement.

-That's the first smart thing I heard you say in this entire…whatever time it is, I cheer.

-It is precisely 03:47 and at the third *beep*, twenty seconds, Chip jumps in. Beep. Beep. Beep !

-Thanks for that vital input, I roll my eyes. But coming back to your mother…why would she push him into that ? Surely she could treasure hunt herself if she were that into it.

-She whittled away my father's fortune, she explains. We needed a way to find money rapidly.

-Yeah, like treasure hunting is the best solution, I scoff. People should get it out of their heads that finding valuable treasure is a rare occurrence at best, and that more often than not selling it isn't sufficient to even reimburse the investment in equipment and time.

-Nevertheless that is what happened, she almost snaps. I hated her for doing that. I think she was relieved to give me to the Jedi.

-I would be too, I chuckle. You must've been quite the pest when you were angry as a kid !

-I did make sure she regretted every wrong she did to my father, she nods with a shadow of a smile. My father on the other hand…he was heartbroken.

-So you and your dad were close ?

-Yes, very, she recalls fondly. He would take me on his ship, explain everything to me about it…fly with me and tell me stories about stars and distant planets… »

That nostalgia…it must be hers, I never had anyone like that. Over the years I came to wish I had…sometimes…but I never did, and come to think of it that way I didn't lose him. So I shouldn't be feeling like this. I try to shut the bond down, but the feeling lingers…why ?

Fortunately Bastila doesn't seem to have noticed, so I'd better distract her from my own turmoil.

« And you mean to tell me that you never tried to get in contact with your father again ? I raise an eyebrow inquisitively.

-A child is too young to understand the sacrifices that must be made, she sighs. It is better if they have no contact with their family once they are removed.

-I didn't ask whether it was better, I stress. I asked whether you never tried to.

-Of course I did, she admits. However I was never successful. And once I was older I realized the wisdom of this policy. A Jedi must do what is needed, personal desires notwithstanding. »

A shadow passes over her features, which she rapidly schools into an impassive mask once again.

« But sometimes what is needed is fulfilling your desires, I remark mischievously. How could an unhappy Jedi do his or her duty right ?

-Doing one's duty is a Jedi's happiness, she recites.

-Bantha shit ! I exclaim. Bastila, you're doing your duty, and it makes you very unhappy.

-I…I do not wish to discuss this anymore, she backpedals.

-Suit yourself, I shrug. It's your problem Miss Stony Face. But I'm warning you, if you keep scowling like that you'll soon forget how to smile.

-I shall then count on you to keep making yourself utterly ridiculous and thusly cheer me up, she teases.

-Ridiculous ? Me ?! I widen my eyes in shock. You've got me mixed up with some other buffoon I'm afraid !

-Or perhaps you have, she comments.

-You know what ? You may have a point there, I tap my chin thoughtfully. I'll have to look into that. »

She half-smiles and looks down into her lap where her motionless fingers are resting. I pick up Chip again and start playing a mindless arcade.

« You said you were from…Tocoya ? Bastila interrupts quietly.

-Yep.

-I've never heard of it…

-You wouldn't have, I nod.

-Where is it ?

-Look it up on the Holonet, I answer bluntly.

-I tried…it is not documented.

-Get into the Coruscant Jedi library, I'm sure there's something, I suggest.

-We are not headed to Coruscant, she points out. Nor will we be in the near future.

-Patience Bas, you'll have your answers eventually.

-You do not wish to discuss it I take it ?

-My, whatever gave you that idea ?

-You should face your fears Eidan.

-Look at you preaching again ! I guess that means you're pretty much alright now.

-I am serious Eidan.

-I know, and I miss the slightly-funnier Bastila. »

She doesn't say anything. I feel her attentive gaze on my face, and her subtle probing through the bond. She could search all day, she won't find anything.

« What happened there ? »

A simple question. But such a complicated answer…which I don't intend to give.

« I don't dwell on the past, I state indifferently.

-Then why not talk to me about it ? she insists.

-You never give up, do you ? I grit my teeth. What does my file say ?

-'Origins unknown', she answers.

-Then let them stay that way.

-There is no ignorance, there is only knowledge.

-Now who's using the Code for her own convenience ? The slight difference being, I don't uphold it as a sacro-saint set of rules. You do.

-And you should. You took an oath.

-What part of 'free spirit' don't you understand ?

-The part where that is supposed to mean you are free to break any number of rules regardless on the impact you make ? You have a responsibility !

-Are we back to that again ?

-It would seem so…were you not so adamant to refuse me my answers you would not have to put up with this again.

-Make no mistake lady, I can walk out of here any time I want.

-There is nowhere for you to run to.

-Eugh…see, that's precisely what I had in mind when I was talking about you being a pest ! A relentlessly nagging Jedi Padawan, who's even linked to my very mind. And with pigtails to boot !

-What is wrong with pigtails ?

-It just adds to the 'insufferable girl' look, I mutter. Listen, I don't know what's spurred this on but I'm not talking about Tocoya, period. You want to know about it ? You make the trip there. And don't forget your lightsaber and backup. »

She's struck speechless. Then she closes her mouth, nods and stands up.

« Very well » she says nonchalantly and briskly walks away.

Pfew, that was…tiresome. Well, some parts of the conversation were fun I have to admit. There weren't many new pieces of information I gathered from the Padawan's past, only the Talravin and treasure hunting bits as a matter of fact. Nothing of much importance.

I look at the consoles in front of me, just to check that all's well, which it is. We should be there in the evening, Coruscant time.

That gives me the time to take a look at the infamous goo my scientific section of Mens told me they had results on.

The labs are located in a remote part of the third level of awareness, however it's strongly connected with all levels above and I suspect also all levels below. Those squints, they get everywhere. As they should. I regularly inspect the place, to check that everything's in working order. It's unsurprising, really, since it's a huge part of my long-term thought process.

Only drawback : scientists are not always the right people to communicate with. I usually have to either go and hunt down the one guy in charge of the case I'm interested in and then practically interrogate him in order to get my results in a comprehensible language, or do my best to contain the team's unlimited enthusiasm at having made a groundbreaking discovery, which makes them scream it at the top of their lungs in every corner of my mind and still not in a language I would understand.

Still, they do get results, and let's face it I love the challenge.

This time however I find them all waiting for me, lined up in the lobby of the main building, with a box full of the goo in front of them and all of their notes in their hands. I'm confused. The team-leader explains that they got a memo saying I was coming, and that considering the circumstances in which the goo was uncovered they thought I would want them to take it very seriously. Good initiative guys, but does that mean that usually you just do your best to purposefully annoy me ?

Self-conscious whistling. How did I not see that one coming ?

Anyway, I'm not here to blame you, what do you have for me ? Test results, huh ? Top-secret you think ? Okay, sure, let's go somewhere more private to discuss it then. Now, will you spill it out ?

A…Force-suppressing goo, is that what you mean by that scientific mumbo-jumbo ? Not exactly ? Okay, what then ?

An isolation against mind-probing, you say…so whatever it is that's in that strongbox, it's so dangerous it was drowned in that thing so that nobody could ever know it was there ? Fascinating…but not surprising. If it was so well-protected…but from whom ? Me or the rest of the world ? Possibly both actually. It's something from my former memory I guess…or at least it's linked to it, I'm sure of it. Who knows, perhaps it's been planted in my mind, by the Jedi for example, to try and control me…that's right, maybe that's whoever's responsible of my erased memory's headquarter !

I shall have to be very cautious indeed.

What did you say ? It seemed slightly familiar ? Why would you think that, what does it mean ? No, don't fade…! Damn it, third level gets a bit chaotic from time to time. Now he could be anywhere !

But I guess it wasn't his department anyway. I'll just have to drop by the memory department.

I thank them and tell them to keep up the good work, before realizing they're not here anymore. I shrug. Their loss.

I climb up a level and jog to memory. There the clerk tells me in a very monotonous voice that I'm making him work impossible hours, that he'd like more vacation, and when I tell him he can stuff it he reluctantly makes a call, on which he stays for about ten minutes before I lose patience and hang it for him. Answers, now !

You don't know ? What do you mean you don't know ?! The files are at least on the fourth level ? So what ? You don't have a permit to go there ? How come ?

Oh you don't want one. You're scared. Well you're a coward. But that's okay, I'm one too. Only difference is, I don't have a choice but to go there. Fine, I'll go, just tell me where those files of yours should be.

Uh-huh…yeah…hm…so you're basically saying you have no frigging idea. Why am I not surprised ? That must be my acute sense of irony…the memory department can't really recall anything.

Anyway I'll roll with it.

I take the elevator to the fourth level. It creaks and moans and shudders as it passes by the third, and the doors need a hand to open on the fourth. As usual the ground is sticky and shapes undefined, the light is dim and there's an odd smell hanging in the air. In the distance I hear the snarls of Fury - or is it Rage ? - but that should mean he's back in his cage so there's nothing to worry about.

I seem to have landed in a run-down building, or in the cave of one. I discern the outline of file lockers, some knocked over, some with the doors torn off or bashed in. Very nice. I really should get it cleaned up some day. The trouble is, I can't get any self-respecting cleaning personnel in here, they're all afraid of the place.

Can't really say I blame them.

But this is still my subconscious, so I should be relatively safe, if only because I'm its master. I command this file room to help me find what I'm looking for, which is any piece of information regarding the Force-shielding jam we found in that safe box.

At first it growls. It's not accustomed to being bossed around and it doesn't take well to it. The floor starts shaking which makes the metallic lockers creak and tremble. The sound isn't very pleasing. But I renew the command more forcefully.

The room get more pissed and the earthquake gains more intensity. I have to watch myself in order not to fall, that would be a huge failure on my part in this battle. Yet as I divide my focus thusly my authority wavers. I can almost hear the snicker that echoes in my subconscious. A locker falls on its side with a horrible racket.

I don't surrender.

This time I shout the command as well as think it with all my might.

The room stills. I surprised it, but haven't defeated it. I believe it's observing my next move.

An unbidden thought bursts in, yelling : « I come in peaaaaaaace ! » and vanishes as suddenly as it appeared. I chuckle and shake my head. I love this place.

Then I spring into motion. I lunge over a couple of lockers, hands outstretched to grasp the handle of one particular drawer I saw shying subtly away. The piece of furniture, noticing this, turns slightly so that I'm headed straight for the corner. I only have the time to will myself to have a bit more upward momentum and propel myself over the box by putting my hands on its surface and throwing my legs over my head.

Thus I land on my toes on the other side of my target after a beautiful albeit improvised front flip. I don't however dwell on it : I have to act quickly before the whole rebellion show starts again. I tackle the box from my crouched position, still using my relative control of the place to my advantage. I knock it over pretty easily and begin rolling it over in order to get to the drawer I think is holding the secrets I'm after.

That's when I'm whacked over the head by an impromptu and extremely irrelevant idea - that I should perhaps buy a new left boot to go with the right one which is still pretty okay - and which is unfortunately very distracting inasmuch as it's painful. And that gives the drawer an opportunity to viciously close itself on my delicate fingers. I yelp and try to get my hand out, to no avail. That thing is far too strong. I should be more powerful though…but I can't get that power, not down here.

By applying all of my strength however I finally manage to have the drawer relent a half-inch, a sufficient space for me to not only get my fingers out, but also to get a file out. Well…partly. Because I was so surprised that I let my guard slip a fraction of second, which proved fatal to the file.

The drawer slammed shut on the paper which got ripped in half. I think now the locker's munching happily down on the remnant of the sheet. Well, what can you do ?

Nevertheless I have one half of what I came for…I hope. I hastily scurry away then take a look at it. Hm…it's written by a very careful hand, it must be important. All I got is the bottom of the file, so no titles or anything, although sometimes there are footnotes. It looks like a research report, with incomplete formulas and failed experiments, sometimes calculations I don't understand. Which is odd, considering everything in here is part of my own thought process, however I did have to operate some shall we say estrangements between my conscience and the workings of my mind. Hey, I'm sure nobody's able to tell how his mind works exactly anyway. It just works, and that's enough.

So I don't get what that is. However it does not seem foreign at all, it wouldn't be something I found or read somewhere…I worked on that, there's my lab's seal right here. And…what's that scribbled in the corner ? « No something-usion »…no fusion ? No intrusion ? Huh…and look, there's another one. It says… « shield against something-er something-ret stash ».

I'm not getting much new info here. I already knew it was a protection of some kind. But that seal, it means I am the one who created that, or had it created. That strongbox…I put it there. Some kind of backup then, from my previous identity I'm sure. Perhaps I even set some kind of timer on it, so that it would crumble and reveal itself to me when I'm out of whoever's manipulative clutches.

I'm glad to see I wasn't stupid then.

But what I'm not sure is whether I want to let my former self's data overflow my mind. I'm comfortable like that, I feel well and I'm as happy as I'll ever be. What if I was that Dark Side's slave Bastila describes in her endless lectures ? What if reverting to my old persona meant giving up my freedom ?

I'll have to keep an eye on that box, that's certain. I'll get some security guards on it.

In the meantime I have to find my way back to consciousness.


« Good, you're awake. »

Friendly yet weary voice. Who else could it be than Carth Onasi ?

« What did I miss ? I yawn.

-Not much, he answers dismissively. We're just about to come into Tatooine's orbit.

-In that case I guess I do have impeccable timing even if I say so myself, I comment.

-Don't flatter yourself, you probably got woken up by our coming out of hyperspace, he retorts cheekily.

-In that case I have impeccable passive awareness, I grin. Face it Carth, you won't make a dent in my self-esteem even if you used a sledgehammer.

-Guess when you look at how disproportionate it is I'd have to borrow the Sith fleet's bombs then, he shoots back easily.

-Well my ego and I have already made it out of one bombing, I'm sure we could do it again, I shrug nonchalantly.

-I wouldn't press my luck if I were you, he says lightly.

-I know you wouldn't, I tease. You're not the reckless type.

-Some people learn their lesson.

-And some adapt it to suit their every whim, I smirk.

-Those rarely make it to their thirtieth birthday, he warns.

-I'll have to wait and see then.

-I guess so. Here we are : Tatooine. Where do we land ?

-On the surface preferably.

-Maybe I should've asked Bastila.

-Maybe so. Want me to fetch her ?

-There is no need, I am here. »

I swivel around and cross my arms.

« Well look who's been studying the art of sneaking up to people at the old fossil's feet ? »

She doesn't look amused.

« Were you practicing your contact with the Force more often you would have sensed my presence as I always sense yours, she replies disdainfully.

-Bah, what's the hurry ? I shrug. You always give yourself away eventually, all I have to do is wait. Sparing my energy, you know ?

-As always you seem determined to overlook your need for practice, she rolls her eyes. One day you will have to use your skills against your foes, and you will regret your cavalier attitude.

-You'd like that wouldn't you ? I snipe.

-As much as I love listening to you bickering like an old married couple, Carth jumps in, I'd like to know where we're going. We can't exactly comb the desert, can we ?

-That does sound tedious, I agree seriously.

-I have been meditating on that subject ever since Eidan and I had the vision, the Prodigy answers. My efforts have been for naught so far.

-So what now ? the veteran frowns.

-I guess we could always do this the old-fashioned way, I shrug. Pick a most likely destination and investigate. If that Map has got the same kind of presence as the others, maybe it's at the core of strange events or legends. I suppose our best bet would be to contact the Sand people, although I'm not sure they'll want to deal with us. And of course we'd have to find the right tribe, I mean they're not a unified planet-wide information network after all.

-Or we could meditate together, Bastila pointedly suggests. We have been bonded through the Force, we are meant to work side by side. What one cannot uncover, the both of us should be able to.

-That could be indeed a faster way, I admit. I still like mine better though.

-Now you are just being childish, she reproaches. What could it possibly cost you ? A couple of hours of your time, at most.

-And perhaps another chunk of in-head privacy, I point out. You see I'm not a great fan of those conscience-sharing pools. Somehow I always get the feeling I got suckered, and believe me or not it's not very nice.

-I have no interest in what is happening within your twisted mind Eidan, she sighs. All I want is to find the Map, then the next one, the Forge, and rid the galaxy of the Sith threat as we are sworn to. Besides do not believe for one second that I enjoy this position any more than you do.

-Ah, too late for that, I wink.

-Guys ! Carth groans.

-Hey, what the hurry Captain Fidgety ? I call him up on it. Relax, enjoy Tatooine's orbit and marvel at the sight ! Is it not beautiful, so round and dusty in the middle of the darkest night ?

-The hurry is we have a Sith Lord breathing down our necks, the soldier points out. But you wouldn't be intimidated by that sort of thing, would you ?

-Depends on the Sith Lord, I grin. But I think I get your point. Okay, I'll try meditating then, but beware Bastila, if I find you anywhere near my mind except the hallway I'll throw you out both mentally and physically.

-I shall consider myself warned then » she half-smiles condescendingly.

I glance at Carth with my eyebrow raised, to which he answers by a non-commital shrug. I rise and follow the Sentinel.

« How do you want to proceed ? I ask her.

-We should find a suitable room for the exercise, isolate ourselves from the rest, and meditate as we used to on Dantooine, she says curtly.

-And here I was hoping to attract a flock of drooling fans who would leer at us throughout the ordeal ! » I sigh dramatically.

She merely rolls her eyes and pushes further. It's no fun when she doesn't even rise to the bait ! I pout dejectedly and follow her dragging my feet.

I do believe there was a tinge of amusement flashing through the bond. She really is making progress.

That's when a blue whirlwind crashes into me and knocks me over. To be perfectly honest I certainly did not see that one coming as I was busy monitoring Bastila's behaviour and moods.

« We're there ! she squeals. We're gonna find Griff ! I can't wait to see him !

-That…that much's obvious, I choke out from my rather awkward position on the floor.

-What is this about ? Bastila inquires disapprovingly.

-My brother, the Twi'lek explains with glee. He's on Tatooine and we're gonna find him.

-Your…brother ? she repeats. Why was I not informed ?

-He didn't tell ya ? Mission frowns.

-Sure, blame it on me why don't you ? I groan as I'm standing up and dusting my pants off. Once a scapegoat, always a scapegoat 'twould seem. Hi Zaalbar by the way.

-Hello Firefly, the discreet Wookie answers.

-How's it going ? Not too bored ? I continue pleasantly.

-With Mission around ? he chuckles. No way.

-Good on you then, I nod. Do you by any chance know where we could find an ancient dark artifact on Tatooine ?

-Is that your way of saying you have no idea where to go next ? he crosses his arms.

-Is that your way of saying you have no notion of what we'll find down there at all ? I reply instantly.

-I have never been on Tatooine, he confirms.

-Fair enough. I've never been at the Map either. But that doesn't mean I don't have ideas.

-Of course not.

-Do I sense mockery from my oh-so-devoted protector ? » I quirk an eyebrow.

Bastila clears her throat.

« That is quite enough of your dodging questions Eidan, she scolds. What is this matter with Mission's brother ? »

I sigh and gesture for Mission to explain. She obliges, while I lean against the wall and play a quick game with Chip. Really, couldn't they have exchanged their information while I was out ? This is my time they're wasting !

After a while I'm interrupted by somebody tugging insistently on my sleeve. I look up briefly and glare at Mission. Apparently she's been speaking at me for some time.

« Tell her Firefly ! she pleads. We gotta find Griff, you promised ! »

I sigh. Why did I get myself into this again ? Oh, right, Zaalbar. The same who's negotiating with Bastila now. Read : who's being told off by our very fixated Padawan.

« Our mission takes precedence, I hear her say uncompromisingly. I care not for your family matters, to what do they amount in comparison with the threat Malak poses ? Besides there is no urgency, you could well wait until our quest is completed and then search for Mission's lost family.

-But Mission's brother could be long gone by then, the Wookie objects. From what I heard, he's not one to stay put.

-I will hear no more, she refuses flat-out. I will not spare this expedition's ressources on personal matters.

-*khoff* personal ambitions *khoff*, I jump in.

-I have not forgotten about you either, she rounds on me. You went way over my head, promising a thing like that without even consulting with me or Carth ! Without saying a word of it !

-You don't like that, do you ? I grin devilishly.

-What I do not like is you taking the initiative to openly jeopardize our mission ! she reproaches.

-I'm not jeopardizing anything ! I protest. I'm just saying : while we're there, we might as well look for Mission's brother since he's supposed to be there as well. I'm just seizing opportunities as we go. Besides, how much time can it possibly take ? One call to Czerka, maybe one improvised appointment with the person in charge, and possibly a trek in the desert. With Mission and Zaalbar fully invested in it, it could be settled in a day, probably less.

-A day we might live to regret wasting, she objects. Need I remind you we are all the more in danger as we are closer to our goal ? Darth Malak is looking for us, hiring more powerful assassins each time. He might track us down himself this time !

-That would be idiotic, unless he had his fleet to support him, I shrug. And moving that is not a process that can be hasted.

-'Sides it wouldn't be wasted ! Mission intervenes. You'd be reunitin' a family, workin' for the good of common people ! I thought that was what bein' a Jedi was all 'bout !

-What of the families that would be torn apart should we fail ? Bastila replies. Why should your happiness matter more than theirs ?

-I…I dunno, it shouldn't I guess, but c'mon, I ain't tellin' ya to do it for me or anythin' ! We'll do it, Big Z, Firefly and me, you don't have to worry 'bout a thing I swear ! 'Sides even if there are other people that need our help, it shouldn't mean that we can't help ourselves too, right ?

-Mission, I am not trying to do deny you your right to see your brother, Bastila sighs? Under normal circumstances I would be more than happy to assist you. All I am saying is this : I cannot promise that we will have the time or the means to seek your brother. We are working on a very tight schedule, we have powerful enemies on our trail and perhaps extremely dangerous foes to face on the surface. I do not wish to take inconsiderate risks on the account of sentiment, while a little patience could diminish those risks drastically.

-B-but Bastila ! Mission whines while becoming a bit teary-eyed. It's maybe my last chance to see him ! What if he ran into trouble, huh ? What if he needs me ? And what if I don't help him and he…and he…I don't wanna lose him ! Not just 'cause you couldn't be bothered to wait for a little longer ! Firefly's right : talk 'bout Jedi patience !

-Young Mission has some striking arguments, Miss Shan, Chip sides with the Twi'lek. I would add this to her plea : ever since Firefly, Commander Onasi and myself helped her to rescue her friend, she and her companion have done naught but support your cause and have asked for nothing in return, save for bed and board, which, compared to for example the Mandalorian's fee is peanuts. In my estimation she is more than entitled to request your aid on a matter such as this one, especially considering how little a time and effort investment would represent. You say you defend justice, young Shan. Would you care to support that claim by actions ? »

She narrows her eyes and opens her mouth to retort something, just as a set of military stomps stops nearby.

« What's going on ? Carth asks. Why the shouting ? Mission ! What's wrong ?

-'s okay Carth, she sniffs pitifully. I…it ain't important… »

Damn she's very good with that. Even if she claims never to have had parents, she sure knows how to play on Carth's paternal side.

I think Bastila realizes it too, judging from the frustration seeping through the bond. I watch the scene with a smug smile on my face.

Sure enough, the veteran won't let it go this easily. He puts his hand on her shoulder and looks her right in the eye.

« Tell me all the same. »


« Don't sulk, Bas, nobody likes a sore loser.

-I am not sulking. Now be quiet and concentrate. »

I chuckle. I know better. But does she ?

Who cares anyway ?

« Well if it's any consolation, you didn't have a chance to begin with, I say comfortingly. You know how Carth gets when it comes to sad people he calls 'innocent'. He's not practical that way.

-Please, could we just…get on with this ? she whispers tiredly.

-Sure. Lead the way then, Oh Experienced One » I wink.

To my surprise she replies by the smallest of smiles, albeit a weary one.

« Follow my lead. »

We're sitting on the floor, in the cell I was locked un in after Taris. It's more or less remote, hence our choice of the location. We shouldn't be disturbed.

Meditation. An exercise I loathed back on Dantooine. Boring. Pointless back then. And dangerous. Opening one's mind in a place crawling with mind-readers, possibly enemies ? Not a very enticing perspective to be sure.

Time has passed since then. We're in space, my element. I have allies to back me up. Bastila herself is not openly hostile, and she has matured since our first encounter. She's not quite there yet, in fact she still has a long way to go, but…she has. She seems older, more open-minded, more affirmed as a person as opposed to an old Order's hound.

It doesn't make her less of a danger. But it does, in a way, make her more vulnerable. To me, at least. I will regain the upper hand eventually.

Or die.

But I won't have to worry then, will I ?

In any case, I don't need to be as defensive as I used to be at the Enclave, when I was surrounded by those conspirators. Which should render this exercise more interesting.

I safely lock away all compromising thoughts and evidence, then step out of my mind-home into the desert. The bond's on my right. I touch it with the tips of my fingers.

I feel tugged along it.

Follow me.

Bastila's presence. Somehow it's reassuring. I really am not very at ease out here. I comply.

As I'm walking forward the rope changes appearance. It becomes less defined, its wisps disentangling themselves from each other and floating there, freed of gravitation. The ground itself seems less steady, progressively disintegrating under my feet as I go on. I stop.

Follow me Eidan.

You sure it's safe ?

Trust me.

Is it or isn't it ?

The Force is keeping watch, you have nothing to fear.

Well that's reassuring.

You must overcome your worries Eidan.

There's a reason I have them, you know. It's part of the survival instinct and everything.

Do you need me to come for you then ?

Oh yes please mommy, I feel so lost here ! I'm alone and I'm scared !

Well do you or don't you ?

I would appreciate it I guess.

Very well, stay there.

Thanks Bas !

I sincerely hope you are not doing this to irk me. We do not have time to waste !

Speaking of time, do you have an idea how it flows in the real world ? I mean where our physical bodies are ?

It is flowing as it should. We shall wake when the time is right.

So, no.

There is no way of measuring it if that is what you are asking. And there should not be. The Force is not restricted by our modelling and concepts, nor should it be.

No need to get defensive, I was only wondering.

Try to distance yourself from those rigid views on the world. Open your mind to the Force, let it flow through you.

Okay…how ?

Perhaps you could renounce your current form, which is a replica of your body. You needn't have one, in fact it is rather a drawback.

Is that why on your side of the bond there's nothing solid ? Why the ground looks like I could fall through it any second ?

Indeed…I needn't give shape to any of this, I let it exist freely and I live in harmony with it.

Wow, talk about a speech.

I am here.

Where ?

I have no shape if you recall. But I am certain you can sense me.

I frown and look around. Nothing. But there is a smell in the air. One that is familiar…I close my eyes and listen, breathe in. I feel some…thickness that wasn't here before, there's a pulse nearby. A life, or a conscience. It's…overwhelming. Right at home here. I feel very out of place. And small, oh so very small in comparison.

It is breathtaking, is it not ?

Your humility is as well.

I was speaking about the Force. It is engulfing us both. I believe that is what you are sensing now.

Oh. Okay, I'll admit, it's very impressive. But then I must've overlooked you.

I am right there with you.

I feel a warm breeze in my ear.

Was that you ?

It was.

Okay. Don't do that again, it's annoying.

Of course not.

There was a definite teasing tone to that. She's enjoying that isn't she ? Having the upper hand for once.

What now ?

Now we must venture out, listen to the Force, let it guide us on the path. We are but pilgrims here.

I don't like this.

I know you don't. But you will have to abide by this rule. Swallow your pride, surrender your control. The Force is benevolent and our most precious ally.

With an odd sens of humor.

Or simply one you cannot grasp.

What's the point of a joke nobody gets ? It's not funny then, so it's hardly a joke, is it ?

Let us depart.

Okay, which way ?

The right one.

I roll my eyes. Enigmatic mumbo-jumbo, I'm tempted to pay dumb and to, indeed, go right. But that would serve little purpose. I close my eyes, concentrate on the answers I want. The Map. Tatooine. Where to go ? I recall images from the vision. In a way, this is like using key-words in a search engine on the Holonet. You only have to find the right ones.

Which is not necessarily the easiest thing to do.

As my mind wanders I feel my imaginary self doing the same, walking or running without prompting from me. My images are gradually blurring into each other, mixing together with foreign ones, from Bastila maybe. Feelings not my own, different points of view mixing and altering one another. One scene is multiplied, hundreds of perspectives all combine to form one in thousands of dimensions, with contradictory emotions and information, I'm hearing voices whispering and shouting, I can't understand a word…but while under normal circumstances I would've put an end to it, this time something's holding me back, telling me to roll with it and enjoy the show.

So I do. I catch glimpses that mean something to me, if only I knew what. Some others are completely foreign, yet it still tugs on my heart, pokes at my soul.

A spike of fear courses through me as the blackest of holes enters the edge of my vision. I will myself not to look, but that calm that inhabited me somehow deserts me, sets me on edge.

Bastila ?!

No answer. A paralyzing horror nestles itself in my chest as I stare into the ever-growing darkness.

BASTILA ! The heck is that ?!

Still nothing. Talk about watching my back. Well this ends here. You're just a…just a…WILL YOU STOP DISRUPTING ME !

The hole is still approaching, devouring all that's in its passage. I sincerely hope I can do something. I don't fancy going mad just yet.

If that's part of the Dark Side, I must go about it calmly. Gather my wits and send it on its way.

I refocus on my physical outline, restore my lost shape. I plant my feet firmly into the now solid ground, and raise a hand.

You will stop, now. Go to the cinema or something, I don't care. You have no business here.

My hand starts glowing a bit, cutting a white hole in the hungry black. It shudders, but it does not retreat.

I said get back. You are treading on my territory.

On our territory.

Bastila, good of you to join me.

My whole body is now enveloped in a white cloak.

I may have needed some…time to recover.

From what exactly ? I was the one being attacked here.

We both were. But that is not the point now.

Interestingly enough, I know that I'm now lit up like an advertisement billboard on Coruscant, but I'm not blinded by it in the least. Not that I'm complaining.

The darkness is.

Or at least it's dispersing, vanishing into thin air, leaving a rancid scent of bitterness.

Well, that was dramatic.

That could have ended very badly indeed.

For which of us ?

Both.

Do you know what it was ?

Darkness.

No shit, Miss Perceptive.

We needn't know more.

I think you know.

I know it is dangerous. I know we must not let it destroy us. I know it would be a fate worse than death.

Hm…so basically you just pissed your inexistant pants. Way to go Last Hope.

Annoyance. Good, she's over it.

So where does that leave us ? Did you get anything ?

I saw a recurring image. A very large wraid skull on a stone gate, with a ring through the nose shining in the light of the blazing suns.

As she describes it the picture is painting itself in front of my eyes. It does seem familiar. Hm…where is that ? I concentrate. Where is that ?

Suddenly I don't feel myself anymore, as if I were vaporized on the spot. But as soon as I realize this I'm thrust into another body.

I'm walking through that gate, looking up to see the skull glaring at me through the odd colors of my visor. I smirk to myself. The predator is me here, heap of bones. I stride confidently through the deserted streets as both suns are setting. I glance at my taller companion who folds his arms.

« So this is Anchorhead ? he snorts. Doesn't look like much. »

The image blurs as a headache settles in.

I wake up in my body, blinking owlishly at Bastila not looking much better for wear.

But she recovers, and smiles tightly.

« I told you it would work. »