KOTOR: Revan's Second Chance

by VMorticia

This story is now complete, though I am working on a prelude and epilogue to go with it. Contains spoilers! Lots of them! If you've not finished playing KOTOR, you don't wanna read this! ... I am Revan. I remember.

3. Meatbags Have No Sense Of Humour

Disclaimer: I own none of it. Except Damien - he's mine. This fanfic was constructed from my memory of playing the XBox version of the game, and the dialog.tlk file from the PC version. It may have some mistakes... probably got continuity errors too... but add the fact the character's not acting like he should anyway, and it doesn't really matter, does it?

Author's note: Wow, I got off Dantooine. Cool. I'm actually surprised I'm still writing this. Oh, well. I love HK-47! Tatooine's boring without him! Oh, and if anyone noticed the brat on Taris (Avril) I know her name's really Gana Lavin, but call it artisic licence.

* * *

Chapter 3 - Meatbags Have No Sense Of Humour

"The Force has given us a... a vision. Like the one we shared on Dantooine." Bastila said, when I woke up - I was not in a good mood. As if the dream of Tatooine wasn't bad enough, the fact I knew the brat saw it did not help matters. "Did you see it? Of course... you must have. The Force is strong with us both." she sighed, clearly confused, "Tatooine is known for little but blowing sand. I find it surprising that there would be a Star Map somewhere in its desolate wastes."

"It looked like it was inside some kind of cave." I noted. No point whining about the dreams, really. It won't make them go away.

"I suspect there are many such caves and caverns hidden in the sands of the Dune Sea. The creatures of this world probably use them as their lairs." she noted.

"Great, just great." I muttered, "I can't wait to find a Dragon or a Sarlaac guarding the bloody map."

"Knowing our luck, it'll be both." Carth said.

"Don't tempt the Force." I snapped at him.

* * *

When I walked off the ship, accompanied by Mission - who had told me she had met the evil Lena on Dantooine and had reason to believe her brother was now working for Czerka here on Tatooine - we encountered a Czerka official, "Welcome to Anchorhead, potential customer." he said, in a voice so oily it could grease a hyperdrive, "Czerka Corporation stands ready to serve, after some formalities, of course. First, your ship is not on our list of planned arrivals for today. There is a docking fee of one hundred credits because of this."

I gave the Czerka creep a wary look, and asked, "What do I get for my one hundred credits?"

Same annoyingly oily voice, "The immediate benefit is access to these very docking facilities. This is the only port in Anchorhead. Once you've paid we will offer trade services as well. We're not unreasonable, we just want to cover expenses."

I rolled my eyes and sighed. I didn't want to waste the money, and I didn't like the man, "I don't need to pay the fee." I said, with the slightest of hand-gestures.

The Force persuasion worked perfectly, "You know... I don't think you need to pay the fee. We'll let it go, this time."

Mission grinned and whispered to me, "Well, that was easy. I sure wish I had special mind-affecting Force powers."

"This will cover any future landings as well." the Czerka prat said, blissfully ignorant that I had just cheated him out of one hundred credits, "It's like a registration, so we can serve you better when you return. Now, as a customs officer, I can provide information on services. Is this visit business or pleasure?"

"Actually, I really need to get going." I said - I had no intention of discussing my mission with this loser.

"As you wish. If you need anything else, I'll be here." he said in the same ass-kissing tone. I walked away quickly. I hate him. Wonder how much fun it'd be to Force choke the life out of him... no, bad thoughts. Fun though it would be, I shouldn't do it. Hmmm... maybe just a little? No. I won't Force choke random people, however annoying they may be. Even if they do work for Czerka.

We made it to the Czerka office, only to find an argument in full swing, [You'll be hearing about this, you Czerka puppet!] a Duros yelled at the Czerka representative, as we entered the office, [I'm not going to let this drop! You can't just murder a whole village! And don't tell me to take my concerns to your corporate kiosk! I know when I'm not wanted!]

"What's going on here? Who are you?" I asked.

[I'm done talking in this office.] the Duros snapped, [They aren't interested in listening to me. I doubt they will even acknowledge I was here. Typical corporate evasion. That's what happens when they own everything. No accountability. Don't even bother bringing it up.] The Duros then stormed out of the office.

I blinked a few times, and exchanged a confused look with Mission before walking over to the Cerka representative.

"Can I help you?" she asked sharply, "These are the offices of Czerka Corporation. I trust you have business with the company? If this is about employment, I'm afraid all regular mining positions are full. And before you ask, we are also no longer selling hunting licenses."

"I'm looking for a miner named Griff." I said calmly. I really wanted to Force choke this woman. She was just annoying.

"Griff? Uh... there's no Griff here." she said, far too quickly, "Never heard of him. No, I... I don't remember a single Griff on the Czerka Corporation payroll."

I glared at the woman. "You want to tell me about Griff." I said, with a strong dose of Force persuasion.

"Can you spare me a few moments? I have something I want to get off my chest." she said, her voice cooled from the previous sharp tone, now sounded slightly dazed, "I want to tell you about one of our workers. His name was Griff. We hired that Twi'lek some time ago. Not a good worker according to his crew chief: always complaining and faking injuries to get out of work. He entered false time sheets and slept through his shifts. We even suspected him of stealing Czerka Corporation supplies, although we could never prove it."

"Yes, that sounds like him." I said flatly. Mission scowled, but said nothing.

"We would've fired him but we needed workers." the Czerka woman explained, "It would have been better for him if he had been fired. Then the Sand People wouldn't have gotten him."

"You mean he's dead?" I asked, frowning.

"He was lost in a Sand People raid we suffered not too long ago. There were prisoners taken, but our rescue parties never found anyone alive. In the end it just wasn't cost effective to keep searching. All miners sign a waiver absolving Czerka Corporation of liability in these circumstances."

"Did the Sand People kill Griff or not!" I snapped.

"We didn't find his body so we have to assume he was taken prisoner. Whether he's still alive, I couldn't say. That's all I can tell you. I shouldn't even have said this much; this is all privileged corporate information. I could lose my job!"

I rolled my eyes in exasperation, "So your workers are all expendable?" I asked acidly. I really wanted to Force choke her. Why am I still listening to my conscience on this subject? Oh, yeah... because it's right. Damn.

"Hey, Damien. Calm down, ok?" Mission whispered.

"Yeah. I'm calm." I took a few calming breaths, just to prove to myself that I was calm, "Czerka just bothers me, that's all." I muttered.

"Czerka Corporation cares deeply for all of its employees. That's why we've started a bounty program to thin the Sand People numbers." she said. I'm sure Czerka does care deeply for their workers. About as deeply as the Sith care for Master Vrook.

I sighed, "I want to ask about hunting licenses." I said, glaring coldly at the woman.

"As I said, we are no longer selling them." she said flatly, "There are too many people cavorting about outside the walls as it is."

" Is there no way to get a license?" I asked. If she won't give me a bloody licence, I'll bash the gate down to leave the cursed city. I swear I will.

"Well, normally we charge two hundred credits, but I could make an exception if you agreed to perform a task for us. It's similar to hunting." she said. Oh, this is just great. Czerka wants me to do its dirty work for it. I hate this company.

I folded my arms, "Well, that really depends on what the task is, doesn't it." I said coldly.

"The Sand People are becoming a problem." she said calmly, as if my 'I want to kill you' glare didn't affect her. I hate Czerka. "They destroy our sandcrawlers and kill our miners. One particular tribe is the worst. It's as if their chieftain has decided to wage a war against us. I would like their attacks... terminated. Bring me their gaffi sticks as proof. If you agree to do this, I'll give you a hunting license now and pay a bounty for each stick later. I'll give a bonus for the chieftain's."

I thought for a second, then sighed, "What the hell, sure." anything to get out of this city. I need to get to the map, after all.

"Excellent. Now, just so we understand each other, this is an enforceable contract. Czerka Corporation takes this very seriously."

And just so you understand. I don't give a shit. If you try to enforce this contract, I'll happily Force choke the living snot out of you.

"Here is your license, and a few directions. We believe one of their enclaves is in the far south of the Dune Sea. You might try following one of our sandcawlers. They are regularly attacked. I wouldn't mind you escorting them."

"Sandcrawler. Ok." I muttered.

"Very good. Czerka Corporation looks forward to your future business." the evil woman said chirpily. I hate Czerka.

* * *

[Don't you believe a word of what Czerka Corporation said in there, there is always a peaceful solution to conflict. They are just lazy.] the Duros who had been yelling at the Czerka rep. said as I left the office.

[Don't worry, friend. I loathe Czerka at the best of times.] I said in the alien's own language. Mission stared blankly at me - I don't think she speaks Duros.

[Perhaps you can help me, then?] the Duros asked hopefully, [The Sand People aren't animals. I've watched them, and they are intelligent. There must be a way to peacefully stop the attacks... I know it. But no one will try, of course. You can't even leave the city without Czerka approval and they want the Sand People dead.]

I smirked, [I will help. Czerka have given me permission to leave, because they think I will help them eliminate the Sand People. I am no friend to Czerka, and had planned to simply leave the planet with the task unfinished, once I got what I sought on the Dunes. If you know of a way this situation can be solved peacefully, I will assist in any way I can. If for nothing else, to spite Czerka.]

The Duros smiled, [I believe you. It may be possible to negotiate if a translator were available. I'm sure I heard Yuka Laka say that he had a droid that could speak a Sand People dialect. Although he'd say rust is gold to make a sale...]

[I will look into it. I hope you are right.] I said, smiling.

"Ok, what was that about?" Mission asked, as the Duros left.

"We're going to the droid shop." I said, smirking evilly.

"What? Why?" Mission asked, running to catch up with me as I marched through the city in the direction of the droid shop.

"To see if what the Duros said is true." I said cheerfully.

"What did the Duros say?" Mission asked warily.

"He told me a way to severely screw with Czerka. I wouldn't pass up that type of opportunity for the galaxy." I said, rounding a corner and almost running into three fully robed Sith. I held up my hand and sent Mission flying so she remained out of the Siths' line of sight.

"Well well well, look what we have here. Lord Malak was most displeased when he learned you had escaped Taris alive! He has promised a great reward to whoever destroys you." the lead Sith said.

"Oh, stuff it, you're as good as dead, you morons." I said coldly. Czerka had wound me up, and these poor fools that call themselves Sith were going to suffer for it. They tried to attack, but Force whirlwind and Force choke killed them all in under a minute. "Losers." I muttered, pilfering their lightsabers and a few credits from their corpses. Mission blinked, "How did you choke that guy?"

"The Force is a terrible weapon if you use it the wrong way. I learned that trick when I fell to the dark side." I said, staring at the Sith corpses, "I really shouldn't do it anymore. It's all Czerka's fault, though." I looked up at Mission and smiled, "Have I told you I hate Czerka?"

"I think everyone who doesn't work for them hates them. And half their employees, too." Mission noted.

"Half the Force-blind population of the galaxy probably wishes they could Force choke their local Czerka rep, right?" I asked lightly.

"Yeah, but they don't have to control themselves not to. You do." she said pointedly.

I sighed, "All right, I'll behave!" I said, "Sheesh, you ain't my mother." I said petulantly, deliberately quoting something I'd heard her say when she'd been arguing with Carth once.

She giggled, "Funny, Damien. Real funny." she muttered.

* * *

We walked into the droid shop and I stopped dead. "HK-47." I whispered, staring at the droid.

"You - you know that droid?" Mission asked quietly.

"Yeah." I whispered, nodding to her, then I walked over to the Ithorian salesman, "Hello. That's an interesting droid you've got over there." I said, nodding in HK-47's direction.

[What is this? A customer I don't recognize? Perhaps you bring off-world money to Yuka Laka?] he asked, in the slow drone of his own language. I can't speak it, but I understand it.

"My money is my own business." I said flatly.

[You are lucky to have come at this time.] he noted, [I have one droid ready to go. I just took possession of it. An HK-47.] An HK-47, eh? As far as I know, it's THE HK-47. HK is a droid class, but HK-47 is a unique designation... for a unique droid. [It's a fine protocol translator. I think it's been modified. It claims to understand the Sand People dialect, and also has some armour mounts. Combat ready, perhaps?]

"Where did you get this HK-47?" I asked warily.

[I acquired the droid from a friend that manages an off-world Czerka warehouse. It was in trade for a debt he owed. He said no one would miss it. Might have been surplus. It doesn't look like it was Czerka-made though.]

"Gee, that doesn't sound suspicious at all." Mission muttered. I knew aliens usually understand other alien languages better than most humans, but I hadn't realised Mission understood Ithorian. "Warehouse workers have a bad habit of paying off their debts with other people's property, you know."

"What functions have you tested?" I asked guardedly. I was going to purchase HK-47 as cheaply as possible - if this salesman didn't know about some of HK's functions, then he need never know.

[I haven't examined its programming, but I have made some observations.] the Ithorian explained, [It has obvious protocol and translation skills, including Sand People dialects, apparently. Surprisingly, it also handles weapons exceptionally well. I'd even say it's seen combat, but it won't tell.] he sighed, [Stubborn thing. It needs to sell itself better. Two moisture farmers have been in, but it just stood there.]

"Stubborn?" I asked, smirking faintly.

[The unit has been a little uncooperative. They get that way when they go too long without a memory wipe.] he explained.

I smiled, "I'm interested. Let's talk price."

[It's a very solid machine, in good shape. I can't let it go for less than five thousand credits.]

I frowned. five thousand credits was a good price for HK-47, but it was through the roof for what this guy thought he was selling. "That's a bit steep." I told him.

[Four thousand! Not a credit less!] he said quickly.

"That was quick. Desperate to sell?" I asked, raising an eyebrow and barely keeping the smirk off my face.

[Ah, no, not really, but the first figure really was a little high. You never know, the occasional person bites right away.] he said defensively.

"Perhaps I can convince you to go lower?" I asked hopefully.

[Lower? How low are you expecting me to go? These are difficult times. The debt the droid covered was a large one.]

I smiled innocently as I cast the Force persuasion on him, "You will lower your price. I deserve it."

[I will lower my price for you. You are deserving. Two thousand five hundred credits. No lower.] he said, with finality.

I shrugged, "Two thousand five hundred credits then. I'll pay it." I said, smiling.

Still clearly under the influence of the persuasion, otherwise he might have been a bit tetchy, the Ithorian half bowed to me, [Well, thank you very much. Just go on over and talk to it. I'll deactivate the restraining bolt when you take possession.]

"Thank you." I said, smiling. I walked over to the droid. "HK-47." I said flatly, "I am taking possession of you now."

"Statement: I see you have purchased me, master. I find this a satisfactory arrangement. My restraining bolt will be deactivated when you take possession of me. Am I to accompany you now? Shall I kill something for you?" It hasn't changed a bit, has it?

"Travel with me now." I said, smirking.

"Statement: I will enter into your service now, master. I am certain you will make adequate use of my primary functions. My gears are practically quivering with anticipation." I sniggered slightly. It's good to have my favourite pet monster back.

I paused to thank the salesman, again, [Hello again!] he greeted me, [It is unfortunate, but I have nothing new in droids to show you right now. Things are very slow. But, since you purchased that worn out HK-47, you will get excellent prices as soon as I am restocked.]

"Objection: Worn out?!" HK-47 demanded snarkily, "Listen, you talentless organic meatbag... one word from my master and I will pull you apart limb from useless limb!"

[Err... you've gotten a little hostile there, droid, haven't you?] the salesman asked nervously.

"I have always been hostile." HK-47 said - if it could, I get the feeling it would be smiling a shark's smile, "Now that I need no longer rely on you and your primitive maintenance skills I do not need to hide it." its eyes flashed red as it said this. I'd almost forgotten how much fun this droid was.

[Yes, well... just keep away from me, then. I'm just an honest businessman.]

"I just wanted to say thank you for selling me this droid." I said innocently, "Goodbye."

[Good luck, and thank you for shopping in Anchorhead.] the salesman said pleasantly.

"Query: Can I kill him now, master? I would like ever so much to crush his neck. Just a little. It is a long-time fantasy of mine."

I scowled, but I like the droid better than the salesman, so I humoured HK, "Maybe later."

"You hear that, meatbag? I will be back!" HK-47 said cheerfully. For him, cheerful means blood is likely involved.

I dragged the droid out of the shop, and Mission followed, staring at me, "You just let that droid threaten him?" she demanded, "Why'd you do that?"

"Query: Would you like me to dismember this blue meatbag for you, master?"

"No." I snapped at HK-47, "There will be no dismembering, blasting, or otherwise causing harm to this specific Twi'lek."

HK-47 sighed, "Resignation: As you wish, master." then it perked up, "Are there any other meatbags you wish terminated, master?"

"Hmm. If I see anyone I want blasted, I'll tell you. Ok?" I offered, in what I hoped was a placating tone.

"Commentary: That is a satisfactory arrangement, master."

I frowned, "You do know who I am, don't you?" I asked warily.

"Answer: No. Should I, master?"

I rolled my eyes, "I'm the one who made you, you bucket of bolts. Wait, you never did return from your original mission, did you?" I asked.

"Negatory: I did not return from my original mission, master. However, you do bear a resemblance..." it paused, and I could almost hear the gears working in its head, "Commentary: Homing systems have been activated. Identity confirmed. It is good to see you again, master."

I smirked, "Damn right it is."

"Query: May I ask how you came to find me, master?"

"I wasn't looking for you. To be honest, I thought you were lost. I guess the Force wanted me to have you back. Which is good, I always loved your attitude." I said, smirking.

"Agreement: Of course, master. And your attitude is not bad... for a meatbag."

"We should go back to the Hawk. I refuse to go out into the desert at night." I said flatly.

"Too right." Mission agreed.

"Agreement: Nocturnal sandstorms are not good for my gears, master."

"Then it's settled. Back to the Hawk." I said cheerfully.

* * *

"What is THAT?!" Bastila snapped as we returned to the Hawk. She was glaring at HK-47.

"Would you like me to blast this shrill-voiced meatbag, master?" HK-47 asked.

"No, HK. No one currently on this ship is to be blasted." I said calmly. "And Bastila, this is HK-47. I bought it in Anchorhead."

"Why would you buy a droid with such - such a repulsive attitude?" Bastila demanded.

"Commentary: Your attitude is no better, meatbag." HK-47 noted.

"I agree. At least HK can be amusing sometimes." I said, smirking.

Bastila huffed angrily, "This is ridiculous. You've bought a homicidal droid!"

"I've bought a droid that speaks Sandpeople. I plan to screw over Czerka with its help. We can't get the map until we deal with Czerka's problem, one way or another." I said flatly.

Bastila threw her hands up in the air, "This is ridiculous!" and she stormed off.

Mission stared after her for a minute, before falling into fits of laughter.

"Query: Is that meatbag always so volatile?"

"Not always. Sometimes she's in a bad mood." I said cheerfully, leading the droid to the swoop hangar, "There's a power supply there when you need to recharge. Do not play with the gun turrets, I don't want to get kicked off Tatooine until I get what I came here for."

"Affirmative: As you wish, master."

"Where'd you get the droid from?" Canderous asked.

"I bought it." I said flatly. I wasn't going to tell Canderous I was Revan, so I wasn't going to tell him I actually made HK-47.

"Cause I like its attitude." he smirked, "Where did it get the meatbag reference from, though?"

"Statement: My original master's pupil once asked what I thought of him and I informed him of his meatbag status. He was unimpressed, but my master found the reference humorous. He changed my programming so that I would continue to use the term. It drove his pupil to extreme lengths of frustration." Tact? From HK-47? Who'd have thought?

"So your original master was some kind of teacher?" Canderous asked.

"Evasion: In a manner of speaking." well, in theory, I taught the Sith ways to many people. So yeah.

Still, HK's tact is beginning to scare me. I took the droid aside, "Since when were you so tactful?"

"Answer: Since you have not identified yourself to these meatbags. I am aware of your preference for concealing your identity, master. The ability to move freely among the enemy when you are not wearing your battle robes is a liberty I am sure you wish to maintain. Am I mistaken, master?"

"Yes, that's right. I'm just quite surprised you were being tactful. I thought you were all about killing things?" I asked.

"Explanation: Killing organics is a favourite pastime of mine, yes master, but it is not the only thing I am capable of. Along with my protocol programming, basic diplomacy skills are present. Although I much prefer to blast meatbags rather than negotiate with them, I am capable of both."

"Hmm... that's useful." I noted, smirking, "Well, go recharge, and don't talk to or bother anyone else on the ship. Ok?"

"Affirmative: as you command, master."

* * *

I woke up in an excellent mood the next morning. The lack of strange dreams, accompanied by a general feeling that this was going to be a good day meant that I was smiling cheerfully as I appeared in the common area of the Hawk.

The good mood lasted all of half a second after that.

Carth was standing there, glaring at HK-47, which was glaring right back. Bastila was yelling at Canderous about something. Mission and Zaalbar were sitting in a corner with equal looks of amusement on their faces, watching Carth and HK.

"Hey, what's going on in here?" I asked, interrupting Bastila's yelling and Carth's glaring.

"Where did this demonic droid come from?" Carth demanded.

"Why?" I asked innocently.

"Because it's been nothing but trouble since we woke up this morning." he said angrily.

"Commentary: Perhaps if you weren't such an incompetent organic meatbag I would not have commented on your worthlessness... meatbag." Carth's right eye twitched at both meatbag references. I'm sure he'd be even more annoyed if he knew the origin of the term - that HK-47 was effectively comparing him to Malak.

"HK, you're not helping." I noted. HK gave me a petulant glare, but shut up. "Carth, I bought the droid. It's mine. Don't bother it and it will leave you alone." I said this pointedly while looking at HK - the droid picked up the implication of my statement. Translation: don't blast this meatbag either.

"This - this droid - it reeks of the dark side." Bastila noted in an angry hiss.

"Yeah, I can sense it. But I still want it around. Trust me, it'll be useful." I said, in a placating tone.

Bastila sighed, "I hope you are correct." she said, her tone clearly showing disgust as she glared at the droid.

* * *

I left the Hawk, this time with Bastila and Carth - I wanted to do some exploring around the city before we went out into the Dune Sea. In the cantina, Bastila decided to talk to me, "I would like to know what happened after you crashed on Taris. I'm curious as to what you and Carth were doing before we all joined forces." she asked.

"We were looking for you." I said flatly.

"Yes, I realize that of course. But surely there was more to it than a simple search." she persisted, "I doubt there were flashing signs pointing you in my direction; yet somehow you found me. You also avoided detection by the Sith, discovered I was a Vulkar prisoner, gained sponsorship for the race and became the Taris swoop champion. That's quite a resume."

"And rescued the damsel in distress. Don't forget that." I noted, smirking.

"Yes... well. I hardly consider myself a damsel in distress." she said haughtily, "I'm a member of the Jedi Order, after all. But I won't deny you've impressed me with what you've done."

"Yeah, cause your opinion matters SO much to me." I said with heavy sarcasm.

"I am getting tired of this attitude problem of yours." she said, exasperated, "I simply want to know what happened, because this mission is too important to be left to chance. I am in command of this mission, according to the Jedi Council. Will you answer or not?"

"I don't think an interrogation is required, here." Carth said pointedly, "Nobody asked to be stranded on Taris or be forced into helping you, Bastila."

"I don't remember asking for your opinion on this matter, Carth." Bastila hissed.

Carth folded his arms and sulked, "Hmph. Seems to me that maybe some Jedi princesses could use more time in captivity to improve their perspective."

"Your objection is noted, Carth, but I still require answers... and I shall get them." Bastila persisted, giving me a sharp look.

I rolled my eyes, "You know what happened. I found out you were a prize in the swoop race - there may as well have been neon signs pointing to you for all the people who knew - I raced, I won, we rescued you. That's the story."

Bastila sighed, and rubbed her temples.

"I want to talk about those dreams." I said quietly, changing the subject - she's talking to me in as close to a civilised way as we're likely to get - may as well ask while I've got the chance.

"They were less like dreams and more like visions... visions the two of us shared." she said, thinking carefully about it, "But I am certainly willing to answer any questions the Jedi Council did not."

"I'm not sure I like the idea of you being in my dreams." I said, smirking.

"And are you so certain that it is not you in my dreams?" she asked, frowning.

"Pretty certain, yes." I said, nodding. Then I raised an eyebrow, "Unless you've got something you want to tell me?" I asked, grinning evilly.

She blinked, and pointedly ignored my last comment, "I see. That is most likely vanity speaking, for I am not certain, myself. Regardless, our fates are linked... the visions were no doubt meant for us both."

"Why do you think we dreamed of Malak and Revan?" I asked.

"Perhaps because we desired to. Perhaps because they came to this planet and were strong enough in the Force to leave a... a trace."

"Well, I certainly didn't want to dream about them." I said flatly.

"That would not be my first choice, either, but choice appears to be irrelevant in this matter." she said, shrugging slightly, "We dreamed about Revan and Malak either because we were meant to or because we needed to. There is no other way to look at it."

"I still don't understand why we shared this 'vision'." I said flatly. Why was Princess Padawan in my dreams? Why did she get to share my memories?

"Are you wondering why we shared the vision? Or why we even received it in the first place?" she asked, but before I had time to answer she continued speaking quickly anyway, "To the first I can only repeat the answer that the Council gave us. Our fates are linked, and for two as strong as we are in the Force that amounts to a near-physical bond. As to the second, I don't truly have an answer for you. The Force works as it will, and perhaps we should be grateful for what we have been given."

"But how did our fates become linked?" I persisted.

"I... I don't know." she was deliberately not saying something. So she knows how this 'bond' came to be. I hope she has a good reason for keeping it from me. I don't like secrets being kept from me. "Believe me, I certainly don't find the prospect of being joined to you enjoyable in any fashion."

"Well, thanks a lot." I snapped.

"Please forgive me." she said quickly, "I did not mean to imply that you were repulsive in any sense of the word." she lowered her voice to mutter half to herself, "Though your personality leaves something to be desired." then spoke in a normal tone again, "That we shared something so personal is just not something I'm used to." she sighed dramatically and scowled at the table we were sitting at for a minute.

"Is something bothering you?" I asked, frowning.

"No, not bothering me. Not exactly." she sighed, "I've been thinking about what the Jedi Council said about the two of us. There is a bond between us, I do not dispute that. I can feel it, as I'm sure you can. The nature of that bond and its effect on our mission remain in question."

"Mmhm." I nodded slightly. I didn't like the idea of being bonded to the Jedi Princess, but I suppose it'd help if I understood the situation, wouldn't it?

"I saw your service records when you were transferred aboard the Endar Spire, but nothing beyond that. I know very little about you. I'd like to ask you some questions, given our relationship."

"Our relationship? Is this some kind of clumsy come-on?" I asked, smirking evilly. I knew damned well it wasn't, but I figured out some time ago that anything even hinting at that type of thing makes the Jedi Princess extremely uncomfortable... for whatever reason, I don't care - it annoys her, so it's fun.

"I was referring to the bond we share; the one the Jedi Council spoke of." she snapped, "If I actually was interested in you, rest assured I could come up with a better approach than this!"

I sniggered evilly, "Fine, fine, ask your questions."

She shook her head, exasperated, "Your records spoke of your skills only... nothing of you. If we are to share this bond, I would like to know more. First, what sort of background do you have?"

I raised an eyebrow. She was asking basic facts about my life? I assume she's expecting to hear Damien's life, not Revan's, here. "I was a smuggler before I joined the fleet." I said flatly.

"Good. On which planet were you born?" she continued.

I sighed, "Deralia. It's in a remote system. Why?"

"Excellent." she said, "Your current age is?"

I rolled my eyes and decided to be awkward, "Three thousand and twelve. Healthy living, you know." I said coldly.

"I see you intend to be childish about this." she said huffily, "I guess I won't get anywhere continuing our discussion right now, will I?"

"I was only kidding, Princess. Lighten up, would you?" I said, sighing.

"Lighten up? Lighten up?! We are on a mission to save the Republic, and you want me to lighten up?!" she was really angry now.

"Well, yeah." I said innocently, "If you get all worked up about the mission, you'll snap one of these days. Judging by this outburst I'd guess at sooner rather than later. You need to relax a little."

Her eyes narrowed, but instead of snapping at me again, she sighed, "Very well. I will attempt to 'lighten up' a little."

"Good." I said, smiling, "Start by telling a joke."

"A - a joke?" she asked, stunned.

"Yeah. Say something funny. Make me laugh." I said, smirking.

"I - well - ah..." she looked utterly lost for a second, then, "All right. How many Sith does it take to change a light bulb?"

I shrugged, "I don't know, how many Sith does it take to change a light bulb?" I asked. I noticed Carth was smirking at how sad Bastila's attempt at a joke was.

"Two." she answered, smiling, "One to change the bulb and the other to shoot him in the back and take the credit for it."

I sniggered, "Good. See, you have a sense of humour after all."

Bastila glared at me, "I do not see the point in this." she said sulkily.

"You need to relax, Princess. If we're supposed to be 'joined', or whatever this 'bond' thing means, I don't want to be bonded to a grouchy Jedi." I said pointedly.

Bastila sighed, "As I said, I will try to lighten up."

"I don't expect miracles. Try smiling?" I suggested. She glared at me, "C'mon, I'm sure you've got a beautiful smile, Princess."

She blinked, "Wh-what did you say?"

"I said if you'd stop scowling you'd probably look beautiful." I said calmly.

She folded her arms defensively, and smiled faintly, "Well you're not bad looking yourself. But I still don't like your attitude."

"Nor I yours. Don't worry, Princess."

Bastila froze and stared past me, "Hide me. Damien. Hide me." she whispered.

"Why? What?" I asked, looking around. From the shade of terror on Bastila's face, I half expected to see Darth Malak wander into the cantina.

When I looked back, Bastila had vanished behind Carth. "What are you hiding from?" Carth demanded, moving to one side - Bastila hid behind me instead. I watched the Jedi Princess warily, then scanned the room. The girl's focus was solely on one woman.

"Who is she?" I asked.

"My mother. I have no idea what she would be doing here." Bastila hissed.

"Are you sure it's her?" I asked. I'd not recognise my mother if I met her - I haven't seen her since I was five, and that's the sort of age a child is usually given to the Jedi.

"Would you mistake that aura?" she hissed in my ear. True enough. Average, the woman most certainly is not. An unmistakable air of authority hung around her, but no Force in her at all. A closer look at her aura revealed some bitterness and a great deal of pain, but all in all not a bad person.

"Why are you hiding from her?" I asked, confused. Bastila didn't strike me as the cowardly type. And her mother - while at first glance she gave a hostile and cold impression - seemed to have a good enough soul.

"I don't want anything to do with her. I was never on good terms with her." Bastila said sulkily.

We watched as Bastila's mother yelled at a Czerka officer, causing the offending man to cower in a corner. I like the woman already. Then she snapped at a Duros, who stormed off. I smirked faintly, "What's her name, Bastila?"

"My mother?" Bastila asked, confused, "Her name's Helena. Why?"

I smirked evilly, "I'll be right back." I walked over to the woman. "Greetings, m'lady." I said, bowing slightly, and turning on the charm, "Nice to see I'm not the only one who has it in for Czerka here."

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" she asked snappishly.

"Are you Helena? Bastila Shan's mother?" I asked politely.

"You know my daughter? Where is she?" she asked.

I had the tact not to look at Bastila, who was hiding behind Carth. "She's being a baby." I said flatly. Carth sniggered and I'm surprised I didn't hear an indignant squeak from Bastila. "I don't know why she doesn't want to see you, really."

Helena raised an eyebrow, "A baby? I thought the Jedi trained their students to behave like mature adults?" she asked. Then she sighed, "Well, Perhaps you could tell her it is quite urgent that I speak with her at once. She has been most difficult to find."

I turned to face Bastila and Carth, "Bastila, get over here."

This time I did hear an indignant squeak, "You traitor!" she hissed at me.

"Get over it." I said, smirking. Bastila skulked over to us, and stood glaring at the ground with her arms folded.

"Bastila?" Helena asked.

"Yes, mother. Or don't you recognise me?" Bastila snapped.

"What do you expect, when I haven't so much as had a picture of you since you left?" Helena demanded haughtily. Now I know where Bastila gets that irritating accent from, "Do you know how long I've been trying to find you?"

"You knew as well as I communication would be impossible once I joined the Order." Bastila said coldly, "Now what is this about? Where is Father?"

"Then you haven't heard. I should have known." Helena said, frowning.

"Has something happened to him? Are you going to tell me or not?" Bastila demanded.

"Your Father is dead, Bastila." Helena said bluntly, trying to mask the sadness in her tone with bitterness, "That is part of the reason why I was looking for you."

"Dead?" Bastila asked, horrified, "What happened? What did you do to him?!"

"Isn't this a lovely reunion?" Helena said snidely, "Already she is flinging insults at me. Tell me... you're one of her friends. Do you treat your mother this way?"

"I haven't heard from her in years." I said, scowling at the floor, "And I doubt she'd want to know me." I then gave Bastila a pointed look, "But I'd still not be so rude if she did seek me out."

Bastila sulked.

"Perhaps you should ask why your mother wanted to see you, Bastila?" I suggested... then added sharply, "And be polite."

Bastila glared at me, "You have no idea, do you, Damien?" she asked coldly. I glared right back, folded my arms and waited. She gave me a cold look, before turning to her mother, "You could start by telling me what you got Father into that killed him." she said acidly.

I rolled my eyes, "On what planet is that called 'polite'?" I asked.

"I hadn't realized Jedi were so spiteful." Helena retorted, just as cuttingly, "You want me to tell you I brought your father here for an expedition, do you? You want to blame me for his death? You never accepted that your father loved going on his treasure hunts, leaving you alone with me. I was always to blame for everything, what else is new? So yes, fine. I brought your father here to look for krayt dragon pearls. He took an expedition into the Tatooine desert and he died."

"How can you be sure of that? Father is an experienced -" Bastila started.

But Helena interrupted, "Do you think I would look for you if I wasn't sure? They were attacked by a krayt dragon and one of the guides fled the battle. He saw your father killed."

"I... see. So what do you want from me? Credits?" Bastila asked coldly.

"Don't be insulting." Helena snapped, "I want you to use those senses of yours. I want you to find him. I want you to bring back his holocron."

"Why? So you can sell it?" Bastila sniped.

Helena sighed, "Is it too much to ask that I have something to remember your father by? Is it too much to ask that you help your dying mother? Of course it is, isn't it? You couldn't be bothered." she said dramatically.

"Dying?" Bastila asked, scowling, "I hadn't even known you were sick. Are you actually dying, or is this merely melodrama for my benefit?"

Helena snorted, "Such sweet things you say." she said coldly.

Bastila shook her head, "We're very busy on a mission from the Jedi Council." she said, too-importantly, "I doubt I'll have the time. Ask my companions if you doubt me."

"She said krayt dragon, didn't she?" I asked, looking at Bastila, "Knowing my luck, we're probably going that way anyway." I remember the dragon well enough. I had used the Force to convince it I was no threat, last time. It'll still be there, I'm sure.

Bastila sulked.

"Don't you want to find your father's remains, Bastila?" I asked.

"What remains would there be?" Bastila asked, clearly stressed, though whether from her mother's presence, or from the news of her father's death, it was impossible to tell, "Krayt dragons are huge predators, easily able to devour a human, and the desert is a harsh environment. Finding my father's remains would be an even more impossible task than finding his holocron. An ignoble end to a fine man."

"I believe your father was headed north towards the Sand People enclave. I would check along that route, dear." Helena told us, "Do please hurry."

* * *

"Ok, explain why you're so pissy about you mother, Bastila." I said, turning on the girl when we left the cantina.

She sighed, "When I joined the Order I left my family on Talravin, as all Padawans do. I have had little contact with them, as it is discouraged. I was not on good terms with my mother. I was only a little girl when I left, but I was old enough to resent her and the way she treated my father."

"How did she treat him?" I asked.

"She pushed my father into treasure hunting. I spent all my young life on ships travelling from one false lead to the next. She whittled away my father's entire fortune, and I hated her for it. I think she was relieved to give me to the Jedi, but my father was heartbroken."

"So, do you want to talk about it?" I asked.

She sighed, "I am unsure. I seem to find it difficult to remain objective when it comes to her. I find that... disturbing."

"She certainly seemed to upset you." I noted.

"My mother and I never got along." she sighed again, "Obviously that has not changed. And now Father is dead. That... leaves a hurt inside, you just can't imagine. I haven't seen him in so long..."

"Why did you never try to contact your father?" I asked. I knew the answer - Jedi discourage their apprentices from contacting loved ones - and it was one of the things I really didn't like about joining the Jedi the first time. I loved my parents, both of them, and had been most displeased at not being allowed to contact them.

"The gift of the Force comes with a high cost." Bastila said - she sounded like she was quoting something she'd memorised, "Sacrifice of one's emotional attachments is one of the prices a Jedi must be willing to pay. The alternative is to fall prey to the dark side."

"That sounds idiotic. I would never agree to that." I said flatly. Honestly, I hadn't agreed to it. I had no choice but to be taken by the Order. A five-year-old doesn't get to choose their educational path - it's the parent's choice.

"Please, you mustn't say things like that." she said quickly, "The dark side is destruction and chaos, the opposite of all that gives the universe order and purpose. You have to understand this."

"I understand the dangers of the dark side, Bastila." I said coldly, "But there is nothing wrong with some emotions."

"You have no idea what you're talking about!" she snapped.

"Love. Trust. Humour." I said calmly, "Those are emotions. There is nothing wrong with them, damn it!" Carth snorted. I raised an eyebrow at him, "Keep that opinion to yourself, Onasi."

Bastila sulked, "How can you so casually disregard the danger inherent in such emotions? Love and trust can lead to betrayal, and the darker emotions are stronger when betrayal is involved. And as for 'humour', your sense of humour could easily defined the dark side."

I laughed, "Yours isn't much better, Princess." I noted.

She scowled, "That isn't funny!" that just made me laugh more.

* * *

I took HK-47 and Mission with me when we infiltrated the Sandpeople enclave. We made a deal with them, whereby we gave them moisture vaporators, in exchange for them decreasing the attacks on Czerka. Much as I would like to join their raiding parties against Czerka, rather than discourage them... but you can't have everything you want, can you?

I then asked their chieftain about Griff.

"Translation: He says that by his very presence, this Griff defiles their home and land. He is without any semblance of usefulness to them."

"Yup. That would be Griff." Mission said cheerfully.

"Extrapolation: I would assume we are free to take him. It is doubtful they will even waste the effort to kill him. Perhaps we could do it, master?"

"You will not kill Griff, HK." I said coldly.

The droid sighed, "Resignation: As you command, master."

We found our way to the area the Sandpeople had been keeping their prisoners in, and there we found Griff.

"Uh... you there!" the blue Twi'lek said as soon as he saw me, "I'm... I'm a high-ranking executive of the Czerka Corporation! Eh... there's a big reward if you take me back to Anchorhead!"

"Claiming affiliation with Czerka is no way to get on my good side." I said acidly, "Even if it is a blatant lie."

Mission then peeked around the corner, "Griff, don't you recognize me? It's Mission!" she said brightly.

"Mission? Is it really you?" Griff asked, "I heard Taris was destroyed! I thought you were dead! Joy of joys, my little sister is alive!" I don't know if the slime-ball was sincere or not - it was impossible to tell. He has the type of aura and voice that you wouldn't trust him if he told you his skin was blue.

"I... I have to ask you something, Griff." Mission said, suddenly nervous, "It's important. I ran into Lena. She said... she said it was your idea to leave me on Taris. It's not true, is it?"

"Ah, well... there's the truth and then there's the TRUTH, you know?" he said evasively, "I always meant to go back to Taris, sis. Just as soon as I had the credits to pay off my debts. But credits have been hard to come by."

"You mean it's true?" Mission asked, horrified, "It was your idea to leave me there? I'm your sister - how could you abandon me like that?"

"Come on, sis. You didn't need me to look after you anymore." Griff pleaded, "You may have been young, but you knew how to take care of yourself. Besides, you're here now - everything worked out fine."

"That's it?" Mission asked flatly, "That's all you have to say to me after all these years after deserting me on Taris?"

"Well, that and uh... could you please get me out of here? You've got a tough looking friend there." he asked hopefully.

"I should just leave you to rot here, Griff." I said coldly. Griff opened his mouth to protest, and I pointedly interrupted him, "BUT... the Sandpeople said you're a waste of space. If you run they probably won't even waste their ammunition on you." I said flatly.

"That's nice." Griff said, seemingly genuine, and not sarcastic.

"So scurry on back to Anchorhead with the other womp rats." I snapped.

"Yeah, you can find your way from there, right? Can you manage that?" Mission asked snidely. "What? Is there something else?" she added when he hesitated.

"Uh... well, I... I wanted to thank you, and, uh, you look like you're doing well. Financially, I mean. Say... um... could you spare me a few credits to get back on my feet?"

"You... you're hitting me up for credits?" Mission asked angrily, "I don't believe this! Lena was right about you, Griff! We should have just left you to the Sand People! Don't talk to me anymore - ever!"

"Huh... that didn't go well." he muttered, "Sis always was a little too fiery for her own good. She'll cool down in time."

"Want to bet?" I asked, smirking.

Griff turned to me, and put on a pathetic excuse for a pleading tone, "You may have saved my life, but I don't have a single credit to my name. Say, you wouldn't be able to spare me some credits? Just till I get back on my feet, you know?"

"I'm the type who collects debts in body parts, Griff." I grinned at Mission, "My 'old friend' could testify to that." she giggled nervously. I turned my attention to her brother again, "You don't want me to loan you money. Trust me." a touch of Force persuasion added in for effect.

"Er. Maybe I'll get by without your credits." he said nervously, "Besides, I've already got a job lined up for me. Greeta, the manager over at the Czerka supply shop, said I could come work for him if I ever get tired of the mines. I think I'll go take him up on his offer." he thought for a second - it looked painful - then he added, "You know, maybe there's something else you can help me with. I need to talk to a guy first and set up the details, but if you're interested in a job come see me in Greeta's shop." He rushed to the exit of the prison area, and paused on his way out, "Goodbye, Mission. Uh... I'm glad you're not dead."

"Hmph!" Mission huffed and folded her arms petulantly, glaring at thin air in the opposite direction from Griff. I didn't blame her.

"Ah, she'll be okay." Griff said dismissively, "We've had our fights before. Too bad, though. I could really have used a helping hand right now."

"Amscray before you lose a hand." I snapped. He quickly made himself scarce.

As we walked back to Anchorhead, I asked Mission, "Do you want to talk about it?"

She sighed slightly, "Look, I'm happy Griff's alive but I'm mad at him right now. And I don't know what kind of job he's got for you, but I don't trust him. It's probably just another scam!"

"He's still your brother, though. Even if he is a cheating lying loser." I noted.

"Yeah. I know. But that doesn't mean I have to like him right now." she noted.

"Give him a chance." I smiled weakly, "Everyone deserves a second chance, right?"

"You're right. I'll wait and see what he's plotting before I judge him." she smiled, "Who knows, it could work out for him this time?"

"Yeah. You never know." I said, nodding.

* * *

We got back to the Czerka office. I was holding the chieftain's gaffi stick and sorely wanted to beat the Czerka woman over the head with it. Instead, I handed it to her roughly, "There. I kept my end of the deal." I said coldly.

"Well, that is a very big headache that you have removed." she said, happily ignoring the hostility in my tone, "I'm sure there are still Sand People out there, but they will be quieter now. I think I'll give you a bonus for this. You've more than lived up to your side of the bargain. Czerka Corporation thanks you."

"You want to give me an additional reward." I said calmly, with a great deal of Force persuasion.

"And I wouldn't want you to leave without this additional reward. Yes, of course I wouldn't." she added, giving me an extra two hundred credits. I think I used enough Force persuasion that if she'd had one to give, she'd have given me her firstborn child as reward. What can I say, I wanted to screw the company out of as many credits as I could get away with. I hate Czerka. "Once again, Czerka Corporation thanks you." she said cheerfully. Oh, shove it.

I noticed the offensive blue Twi'lek was waiting for me, so I made my way over to him, "Ah, just the person I was hoping to see!" he said hopefully.

"Hmph! Save it Griff - I'm still not talking to you!" Mission snapped, "I want no part of whatever you're involved in!"

"Okay, sis - I see you're still mad. Fair enough." he said defensively, "I don't think you could help me with this anyway. It's uh... more of a job for your friend here."

"Talk quickly, before I get bored." I said impatiently.

"As you may know, tach glands can be refined into a very potent powder." I knew that. It's also illegal to harvest them for stimulants. "It's the primary ingredient in Tarisian ale - that's what makes it so strong." I didn't know that. Also didn't care. "Of course, now that Taris is pretty much wiped from the face of the map Tarisian ale has become somewhat scarce - and uh... very, very valuable. Luckily, I know the secret recipe!"

"What does this have to do with me?" I asked icily.

"I know this guy... he's with the Exchange." Griff explained, "Now, if I give him a small sample of Tarisian ale he says he can synthesize it and reproduce it in mass quantities. Problem is, I need one of those tach glands to make the first batch. And now that Taris is a smoking ruin, the only place to find tach is on Kashyyyk." I rolled my eyes, I did not like this Twi'lek, and I liked his plan even less. "If you can get your hands on one of those tach glands I'll make it worth your while."

"What's in this for me?." I asked coldly.

"Sorry, like I said before I don't have any credits on me. And Greeta won't lend me any credits. I mean, it's like he doesn't trust me to pay him back or something. But you come through on this and I promise you'll get a huge payday down the road. Two... no! Three thousand credits! How's that sound?" he asked desperately.

"Griff, are you blind? Can't you see you're talking to a Jedi?" Mission demanded, "We're out here trying to save the galaxy! We can't waste time on this!"

"Please, you have to help me!" Griff said, dropping to his knees in front of us, "I... I promised this guy from the Exchange a sample of Tarisian ale! If I don't come through for him he's going to break my legs... or worse! Come on, Mission - I'm your brother! I'm family! You can't turn your back on me!" he begged.

Mission rolled her eyes, "Forget it, Griff, I'm not falling for that line again. You'll have to find your own way out of this mess!"

"Look, you bring me a single tach gland and you not only save my life but you get a piece of this great business opportunity!" Griff said, still grovelling, "I mean, you can't pass this up! Think about it and you'll see I'm right."

"Sorry, Griff - I don't trust you." I said flatly, "If I happened to trip over a tach gland, I'll think about bringing it to you. But don't hold your breath, you cheating cheapskate."

"Yeah, I knew you'd come through for me!" he said, standing up and shaking my hand over-enthusiastically. As if I'd just sworn on my life to help him or die trying. Idiot. "You won't regret this... you'll see! Uh... just... just don't take too long, okay? This guy from the Exchange could stop by any day. I kind of told him I already had the stuff, so if he shows up and I'm empty handed... well, let's just say I really, really hope it doesn't come to that."

I sank my fingernails into his hand and he abruptly released his grip on my hand. I took two steps back, "Right. We're leaving." I said sharply, and turned and stalked out of the office.

"Your brother is a moron." I said flatly, to Mission.

"Query: Do you wish me to go back in and blast him, master?"

"Not right now." I said, sighing.

"I've got a bad feeling about this plan of his. He doesn't know anything about brewing Tarisian ale." she said quietly, "And now he's gotten himself mixed up with the Exchange. Sometimes Griff can be so stupid! Part of me just wants to let him get what's coming to him."

"Whatever happens, he brought it on himself." I said calmly.

Mission nodded in agreement, "Maybe a couple broken knee-caps will do him some good!" she said venomously, "Maybe that's the kind of jolt he needs to turn his life around! Only... what if they do something worse?" suddenly she looked worried, "They might kill him! I don't want him to die; he doesn't deserve that. But I can't just keep supporting his crazy schemes. Someone has to teach him a lesson!"

I sighed, "I will try to help him. You have to stick by your family, Mission. Even if they're slime sometimes." I said, smirking faintly.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." she agreed, nodding, "I'm not going to change him. Griff is going to keep on being Griff. Maybe if we get these tach glands for him things will work out. Or maybe he'll finally see the light and turn over a new leaf. I know it's not likely, but it's all I have to hope for."

"I don't know about him 'seeing the light'." I said, smirking, "But if he were to give the Exchange a decent sample of Tarisian ale, I doubt they'd double-cross him. They're criminals, but they keep their word - they've got honour. It's one of the reasons they don't deal with Czerka."

Mission giggled, "I hope you're right."

* * *

We walked onto the Hawk and into the middle of an argument between Bastila and Canderous, "So, Bastila, I heard a rumour that the Vulkars captured you without much of a struggle." Canderous was saying, snidely, "It must be embarrassing to be bested by a handful of street thugs."

"There were extenuating circumstances." Bastila hissed at him, "And I can assure you it took far more than a handful of Vulkars to subdue me."

I smirked, and put in my sarcastic opinion, "Yeah, I'm sure there were twenty of them. I mean, fifty... no, wait... a hundred!"

"Whatever you say. All I know is that if we had more Jedi like Bastila fighting against us in the Mandalorian Wars, my side might not have lost." Canderous said, amused at the vicious glare Bastila was giving him.

"It would have taken a lot more than that for your side to win, old man." I said, smirking.

"Your side weren't that brilliant, Nox. It was only Revan that led the Republic to victory."

"Bold talk from a broken-down mercenary who was serving at Davik's heel." Bastila hissed, "I'd call you his pet kath hound, but they have enough loyalty not to turn on their masters."

Canderous laughed, "Insults? Maybe if your Master had trained your lightsaber to be as quick as your tongue you could have escaped those Vulkars, you spoiled little Jedi princess!" Hey, that's MY annoying nickname for her!

"I was not spoiled!" she snapped, "I was given the same training as everyone else in the Order! You are nothing but a... no. I must not do this. There is no emotion; there is peace."

"That's the problem with you Jedi." Canderous said, smirking, "Always chanting about peace and control, never up for a good fight. Well, except for Revan, I guess."

"Enough, Mandalorian." Bastila hissed, "I won't rise to your bait any more. The game is over." she turned and stormed off in the direction of the female sleeping quarters.

I sniggered, amused, "I want the two best fighters on this ship to come with me. I get the feeling we're going to need firepower when we go out in to the Dunes this time." I said to Canderous, "Naturally, you're on the list this time."

"What's in it for me?" he asked calmly.

"Let's see ... you get to help save millions of lives, the opportunity to be in the group that defeats the Dark Lord himself. There's honour in a fight like that, isn't there?" I asked innocently.

"Hmmm. You make a good case, Nox." he said, nodding.

"Then will you help me? Or should I dump you in Anchorhead to find your own mercenary work?" I asked.

"I'll help." he said, nodding.

"Then get some good weapons and meet me outside the ship." I said flatly. I then turned to Mission, "You're waiting this one out. I get the feeling it'll be dangerous."

"How d'you know?" she asked.

"I can just tell. I sense it." I shrugged, "I've not been wrong about this sort of thing before."

She nodded, "All right, then."

"If you desire the assistance of a warrior... perhaps I could be of service?" Juhani asked. She'd managed not to make her presence felt at all, on the ship, until now. I had almost forgotten she was there, actually.

I smiled at her, "Of course, Juhani." I said warmly.

She smiled, "I thank you." Then, after a brief and slightly uncomfortable pause, she said, "I feel I must apologize for the way I acted towards you before, in the grove. It was wrong of me."

"You thought the dark side had consumed you. It's nothing." I said calmly.

"I am sorry for attacking you." she said, anyway, "I am sorry for thinking you would only try to kill me. I hope that by helping you in your task I may redeem myself in your eyes... and in my own."

"Don't worry, Juhani. I forgive you." I said gently.

She smiled gratefully, "Thank you... It is most reassuring to know that you can forgive me, even though I tried to take your life."

At that point, Canderous walked past, with two vibroswords on his back and that repeating blaster in his hands. Juhani hissed quietly as he passed - the narrowing of her eyes and the way her pointed ears lay back was a clear sign of hostility.

I gave Juhani a curious look, "Why are you so hostile towards Canderous?" I asked curiously.

"I am wary of the Mandalorian. I do not trust him." she said coldly, glaring at the doorway Canderous just exited through.

"I have my suspicions about him as well." I agreed.

"I have never trusted Mandalorians." she explained, "They drove my parents from Cathar, aided the Sith and attacked the Republic. Their warped notions of 'honour' may provoke them to do even more heinous acts. I do not know why you tolerate his presence on your ship." she sighed, calming herself, "In truth, he has had some merit so far, but I am not certain it is worth the risk you take."

"Don't be paranoid, Juhani." I said.

"I am not paranoid! My suspicions are justified. I dare not speak about it around him, though." she said fearfully.

"A wise decision. We don't need internal conflict." I noted.

"I am sorry." she said, "It is just that I cannot stand to be around him for very long. I suppose I do not really dislike him, it is just..."

"Just...?" I prompted.

She growled, before answering, "The Mandalorians came and overran my world, they slaughtered my race... I cannot forget what they have done. Or forgive."

"I wouldn't let him harm you, Juhani." I assured her.

Wrong thing to say, "I can take care of myself! I do not need you to patronize me!" she snapped. Then she sighed, and gave me an apologetic look for snapping at me, "But it is gratifying to know that you value me as a companion that much." she sighed again, "This simmering anger and hatred for the Mandalores seems to have found a place in my heart, though. Sometimes, I worry..."

"About what?" I asked.

"That I may fall to the dark side once again." she said distantly, "That I may threaten you, the Republic... the entire galaxy. If... If that time does come. And if I do threaten our task. It is only right that you should strike me down."

"I will not strike you down, Juhani." I said calmly. "If you fall again, I'll lead you back. I won't sacrifice anyone for this mission. I won't let it come to that."

"I thank you for your kind words. It is hard being alone all the time. To be accepted and welcomed is... flattering." she said, gratefully.

"I don't judge you as many ignorant humans might. And you should not judge Canderous by other Mandalorians." I said.

"In time Canderous may prove himself. But it will not be easy." she conceded.

* * *

I took Canderous and Juhani out into the Dunes. Juhani kept close to me, and consistently glared at Canderous. Canderous, on the other hand, walked ahead of us, occasionally glancing back to check with me that we were heading in the right direction.

Soon, we could see the cave in the distance. "Is that where we're headed?" Canderous asked, as soon as it was within sight.

"Looks like it to me." I said, nodding.

As we drew closer we saw two men outside the cave. "I'm tired of waiting, Komad. How big can this dragon of yours be? I'm going in!" one of the men - the human - said, as we drew closer.

"Bad move." I whispered, as the man rushed into the cave before I could try to stop him. I heard his scream, as the dragon killed him, but what happened was concealed by the shadows of the cave.

"How do we plan to get past a dragon, then?" Canderous asked.

"Maybe that Twi'lek can help?" Juhani suggested, indicating the gold Twi'lek the human had called Komad. Canderous shrugged.

I walked towards the Twi'lek, slowly. He saw me, and smiled, [Greetings to you, human.] he said warmly, in Twi'leki, [I believe I saw you in Anchorhead. I thought I would see you on the dunes. You look like a hunter. Perhaps you are interested in the ways of the hunt? Will you help me? I have tracked a very special beast to its lair.]

[The dragon? You're hunting it?] I asked curiously, in the alien's own language, [It seems a powerful and dangerous beast to try to take down.]

[Indeed.] he said, nodding, [A krayt dragon, the largest of the Tatooine desert predators. It is an honoured creature to hunt, although we must use unorthodox methods today.]

[Why should we kill this great beast?] I asked curiously. I hadn't killed it last time, I didn't see a reason to kill it this time.

[A valid question. This is a very critical fight. Bull dragons are rare to see. Rarer still is the apparent size of this one.] he explained, [The natural cycle on Tatooine spans hundreds of years, but there are complications that must be addressed. Complications from our presence. Krayt dragons feed on banthas. If the numbers of either species fall, the other grows too numerous, and unbalances the cycle. Now settlers use banthas, so there are less for dragons to eat. This one is moving closer to Anchorhead. Perhaps there will be more, but he is the threat tonight.]

[Why do you want me and not another hunter?] I asked warily.

[You are here, they are not.] he said, shrugging, [I also didn't know the size of my quarry until I was tracking him. And perhaps there are... other reasons. I tried to get the help of one other, but you saw him die in the lair. He lacked experience and, more importantly, patience. I usually hunt for the skill of it, but must make an exception today. I want newcomers to understand the proper intent behind the hunt, no matter the methods we use.]

[Why would I want to do this?] I asked.

[We each have our reasons.] he said, shrugging, [You might select 'challenge' or 'glory' as your own. 'Profit' is also valid. When bull dragons reach this size it is rumoured that they have a number of pearls within them. You would receive a generous share.]

[I suppose 'challenge' works.] I said, smirking faintly, [Although, to challenge a beast like this is dangerous. How do you plan to take it? You mentioned 'unorthodox methods'.]

[We must bait the great beast out of hiding and ambush him swiftly.] Komad explained, [There is no room to engage him in the lair, and his hide will repel blaster fire. I have placed mines around the mouth of the cave. We must coax him out, but this is the end of his season of hibernation. It will take much to rouse him.]

[I'm going into that cave.] I said flatly.

[What?! You cannot! You would be killed!] Komad said, horrified.

[I won't be.] I said calmly. Then I reverted to Basic to ensure the other two understood me. "You three should stay back. And Komad, I suggest you deactivate those mines." It may have been worded as a suggestion, but the Force persuasion in it meant he did as I asked.

I walked past the mines, and looked up at the dragon. It stared back at me. I could feel Komad, Canderous and Juhani's eyes on me, as I stared into the cave. *Hear me, great beast.* I thought. It regarded me curiously. *Hear me. You should not be here. Remember me, great beast?*

It tilted its head to one side. It remembered me.

*I wish you no harm, great one.* I thought, staring into its eyes. *May I pass? What I seek is as it was the last time I was here.*

The dragon stepped aside, and I entered the lair. I made my way to the Star Map, and recorded the coordinates there. I then searched the cave, and found a holocron half-buried in the dirt. I also found some other remnants of people foolish enough to challenge the dragon - including some crystals, and even a few credits.

As I left the cave, I stopped - Calo Nord was there. He had Komad, Juhani and Canderous restrained - clearly caught by surprise - by the assorted thugs accompanying him, and his pair of blasters pointed at me. I frowned. The odds were five to four - not bad odds, in my opinion. "I have to give you credit... you've led me on quite a chase. But nobody gets away from Calo Nord in the end!" the runt declared, in a triumphant tone.

I glanced at the relatively docile dragon, and smirked. Make those odds five a side. *Can you help me, great beast?* I thought, to it.

It gave me a curious look, as if to ask what I wanted of it.

*That runt with the white thing on his head. He wishes us harm. A bounty hunter. If you would scare him away, or even attack him if you wish, I would be indebted to you, great one.* I looked it in the eyes *Please?*

It nodded, I smiled.

"You came a long way just to die, Calo." I said, giving him a cruel smirk. The dragon turned to face Calo, then roared and charged Calo and his cronies.

Calo and his cronies leapt into their speeders and zoomed into the distance, just in time to avoid the dragon. Canderous, Juhani and Komad seemed petrified.

*These three are my friends, great one.* I thought to the beast, quickly. *They wish you no harm.* The dragon growled slightly at Komad, and I know it sensed that Komad had wanted it dead.

I walked over to stand between Komad and the dragon, looking up at the dragon, *This cave is unsafe, great one.* I thought, *It is not this one's fault he tried to harm you. Your presence threatens his home. He fears. Deeper in the desert, our kind would not bother you.*

It regarded me for a moment, glanced into the cave and snorted. I smirked - it had some distaste for the Star Map - sensible creature. It nodded - it would leave. I watched as it turned and left, headed out towards the deeper desert.

I smiled, amused, and turned to Komad, "The dragon won't bother anyone, anymore." I said.

"How did you do that?" he asked, stunned.

"The beast is sentient." I said, shrugging, "Certain Jedi skills include communicating on a mental level. It doesn't seem to work on some species, but it worked for the dragon."

"So you... you asked it to leave?" Komad asked, still stunned.

"Yes. You said you would not normally face such a beast, you were ashamed to use such devious methods to hunt, and you only did so because it was a threat. I asked the threat to leave." I explained, "As I said, it's sentient, otherwise I would have been unable to communicate with it."

Komad seemed to think about this, "I was unaware krayt dragons were a sentient species. I assumed they were simply predators of the desert. I thank you, Jedi. A peaceful solution is always best, I believe. I am a hunter, but as a rule, I do not hunt sentient prey." he bowed, and left.

"That was most impressive, Damien." Juhani said, as we crossed the dunes on our way back to Anchorhead, "The ability to communicate in such a way is rare, even among the Jedi."

"Thanks." I said, smiling.

"One thing, though." Canderous commented, "I thought you said this would be a dangerous mission?"

"Oh, it is dangerous." Calo Nord's voice said, as he and his goons surrounded us in the middle of the desert. "For you."

"I see you brought some back up, Calo. Realized we were a bit much to handle on your own, eh?" Canderous asked, smirking.

"You got lucky on Taris; the Sith attack saved you from a quick and gruesome death." Calo said emotionlessly, "But I promise you, the Sith won't be getting in my way this time!"

"You think I got lucky on Taris, you runt? Okay, let's do it again!" I said, drawing my lightsaber. Canderous drew his two vibroblades, and Juhani's lightsaber was already in the air, flying with the Force at some of Calo's cronies.

I lifted two of the cronies into the air with the Force, and sent them flying. Canderous sliced another one of the cronies into three equal pieces. Juhani leapt with the Force to the fourth of the cronies. Meanwhile I turned on Calo himself, and Force choked him.

Canderous and Juhani took apart the other two cronies, and were about to turn on Calo, when Calo passed out from oxygen deprivation. I walked over to the runt, and knelt next to his unconscious - but still alive - body. I looked up at Juhani and Canderous, "Should I spare him?"

"He'll only come after you again and again until you kill him." Canderous said flatly, "Calo Nord is as relentless and remorseless as your new pet droid claims to be."

Juhani scowled, "I sense nothing from him." she said, confused, "Nothing. There should be something, but I cannot sense it."

"Like he's soulless?" I asked.

"Yes." she said, frowning, "Even the darkest Sith have souls, albeit bloodstained souls. This man has none."

"I sense that too." I looked at the defenceless man, and sighed. Canderous was right, and Juhani as good as agreed with him. I killed Calo... and nicked his armour and blasters.

* * *

When we returned to the Hawk, Bastila was still sulking in the girls' room. I sent Mission to drag Bastila out. "I found the holocron." I said flatly, when Mission dragged the Jedi Princess out of the room by one of those silly little braids in her hair.

Her jaw dropped, "You - you found it?" she asked, stunned, "Can I see it?" I handed her the holocron, and she looked at its scratched metal casing reverently, "I- thank you, Damien." she whispered.

"Are you going to give the holocron to her?" I asked.

"Do you think I should?" she asked, looking up at me.

"Do you need it more than she does?" I asked. She can answer with a question, so can I.

"I'll think about it." she said, "I should... try and remember my training. I should be able to let go of this, but I can't. I would like to keep something to remember Father as much as she would."

"You'd keep it for yourself?" I asked.

"I don't know." she sighed slightly, "Part of me would keep it just so she didn't get it. I don't like that part of me. I would have thought my Jedi training would have put me past this kind of pettiness. I wish... I really don't want to think about this."

"Too bad." I said, smirking evilly, "Whether you give it to her or not, you're going to see your mother now, if I have to drag you there by the ear."

"You..." she stomped her foot, sulked, then sighed dramatically, "Very well, I shall go and speak with her."

When we found Helena in the cantina, Bastila nervously approached her, "Hello, again, mother." she said warily.

"Back already? Have you even looked for the holocron, yet?" Helena asked snappishly.

"I have the holocron, Mother. I'm just not sure I want to give it to you." Bastila said coldly.

"And why not? Would you deny me even that?" Helena asked.

"I've never denied you anything, Mother." Bastila sniped, "You may think I don't remember what it was like before I left for the Order, but I do. You were the one who pushed Father to go on one treasure hunt after the other. You loved living in wealth. You think I don't remember the fights? You were eager to send me to the Jedi, even though I didn't want to go. You took Father away from me, and now this holocron is all I have of him."

"Fool girl!" Helena snapped, "You have a strange way of remembering things. That wasn't -"

"No." Bastila interrupted, "I don't wish to argue with you any more, Mother. It's time we parted ways, now, for both our benefit."

"So that's the way it is, is it?" Helena asked - she sounded hurt, "All that Jedi training and you haven't learned a thing."

"On the contrary, I've learned much." Bastila hissed, "I've learned, for instance, when it is best to walk away from a situation that can lead only to conflict."

"Do you really need the holocron, Bastila?" I interrupted pointedly.

"I... perhaps not. I can remember my father well enough. But I ask you: why should she have it?" Bastila demanded.

"Is it too difficult to believe that I am a dying woman who simply wishes to see her husband one last time?" Helena asked, almost pleadingly.

"I find it difficult to believe anything you say, Mother." Bastila replied acidly.

I rolled my eyes, "Maybe one of you should be the first to give the other a break?" I asked coldly, giving a pointed look at Bastila.

Bastila sighed, "You're right. It shames me, but I just... I find it difficult to... let go of the past. I'm... sorry, Mother."

"I was hard on you, dear." Helena conceded, "I wasn't a very good mother to you, I know that. Your father loved you so. He wanted you to be just like him... he wanted to take you on his hunts, but I said they were too dangerous. I always tried to keep him from the dangerous ones, but he would have none of it. It was a reckless life we led, always moving... I didn't want that for you."

"So that's why you gave me to the Order?" Bastila asked, surprised.

"What do your father and I have to show for all those years of hunting? Nothing." Helena said, "That was no life for anyone, especially not someone as gifted as you. Your father... he spent all his last years trying to pay for my treatments. That's why he went for the pearls. I begged him not to, but..."

"Your treatments?" Bastila asked.

"I'm dying, Bastila." Helena said bluntly, "I did not lie about that. It's been a long time in the coming, and there's really nothing that can be done anymore. I told your father to let me go, but you know how he was. Stubborn. Like you."

"I'm so sorry, Mother." Bastila said quietly, "I don't know what to say..."

"Keep the holocron, Bastila." Helena said, "It would do me good to know you have it. This... talking to you... this is what I really needed before I..."

"I know, Mother. Thank you." Bastila said, blinking back tears, "I'm glad we talked, too."

"Well, now. You said you had important business, and you were never one to mince words." Helena said, before turning to me, "You there... you take care of my daughter, you hear me?"

"As if she'd let me!" I said, smirking.

"You make her let you. She's too much like her father in that respect." Helena said, smiling slightly. I also offered Bastila an amused smirk, which caused the girl to scowl at me.

"Where are you going to go?" Bastila asked.

"It doesn't matter, dear. Don't you worry about me." Helena said dismissively.

Bastila rooted in her pocket and produced a handful of credit chips, "Here. Take these five hundred credits. It's all I have. Go to Coruscant and find a doctor. I'll meet you there after... after what I have to do." she said.

"But I already told you there's nothing that can -" Helena started.

But Bastila interrupted, "Please, take it. I... want to see you again. When we can talk." she pleaded.

Helena sighed, "Alright, I will. Now you do what you have to, Bastila. You go make your father and I proud." she said - it was an order.

Bastila smiled, "I'll try. Farewell, Mother."

* * *

As we walked back to the Hawk, I asked Bastila, "So do you feel better now?"

"Yes. That brought me a lot of peace. More than I thought it would have." she answered, smiling. I was right - she is beautiful when she smiles. "Thank you for urging me towards it. After all my training, I would have thought it would have been easier. Apparently I still have much to learn."

I smiled back at her, "We all have a lot to learn, Princess."

Quite inexplicably, a random Twi'lek I had never seen before approached me, gave Bastila a suspicious glare, then, [Forgive me for the intrusion, human. My name is Senni Vek. I believe you dropped this datapad and I wish to return it to you.] he said shiftily, in his own language.

"I didn't drop anything." I said flatly, in no mood to speak anything but Basic, right now.

[I'm certain you did, human. Please, take the datapad. It's yours, I'm sure.] he insisted.

I narrowed my eyes, "What is this, some kind of con game?" I asked coldly.

[No, this is no game.] the Twi'lek said, shaking his head, [I simply saw you drop this datapad and I wish to give it back to you.]

"I don't want it." I growled.

[Are you certain, human? Please, take the datapad.] he insisted. Persistent, much?

"I'll beat you to death with that datapad if you don't go away right now!" I snapped.

[Very well, human. I will keep the datapad and I will leave. Goodbye, human.] he turned and vanished into the crowd. Annoyingly creepy.

Bastila gave me an odd look, "What was that all about?"

"I have no clue." I said, shrugging.

"Please, will you help me? I have nothing. Nothing left." a woman asked, in a pleading tone, as Bastila and I passed. She was wearing old clothes, and holding what looked like a hunting trophy.

"What do you need?" I asked warily. "I'll help if I can."

"Oh thank you." she said gratefully, "I don't have anywhere else to turn. If you are down-and-out on Tatooine, you're on your own. My husband was a hunter... killed out on the dunes. This wraid plate is all I have left. Please, will you buy it? I don't need a handout. I just can't sell it to Fazza without a license. Please, I'm worried about having it. They are so rare..."

"How did he die?" I asked, curiously.

"Nobody saw anything, and most of the other hunters never even knew him." she said, shaking her head sadly, "He had just started. I don't trust any of them, but those Gamorreans... they just laugh when they see me. I think they did it."

"You aren't looking for vengeance?" I asked.

"It doesn't matter." she said, shaking her head, "There's no justice on Tatooine. I don't care what happens to them. I just need credits. I've got to think about my family, not those vicious pigs."

"So... about this wraid plate?" I asked.

"Will you buy it? I can't sell it myself. They are worth more than five hundred credits!" she asked hopefully.

I shook my head, "I can't buy it - I have no use for it - but I could take it and sell it for you." I offered.

"I... I don't know. How could I be sure you would come back? Are you sure you can't buy it? Please?" she pleaded.

"It's the only choice you have. Trust me." I said gently - I wouldn't stoop low enough to use Force persuasion on her, but I did turn on my natural charm.

"I guess I don't have much choice in the matter." she conceded, warily handing me the wraid plate, "Here, I'll trust you with it. I'll be here. Please, don't take too long. I need the credits. Maybe we can get started again... maybe."

* * *

I sold the plate for the five hundred credits the woman had said it was worth, and quickly returned to her.

"You are back. Please, have you sold the plate I gave you? My children and I are counting on the credits." she said hopefully, when I returned.

"Yes, I have sold the plate." I answered.

"You have? Did Fazza give a good price? How much did you get for us?" she asked, her eyes lighting up with hope. Part of me would think it so much fun to tell her I wouldn't pay her, just to see that hope die. I stabbed that part of me with a rusty spoon.

"He paid two hundred more than you thought. Here." I said, handing her seven hundred credits. I had more than enough to spare, thanks to my unnatural skill at Pazaak, so it was no great loss to me. It would make a great difference to her.

"Seven hundred credits! Oh, thank you. It is more than generous of you. I don't know what to say. I just don't. Thank you. I hope it is enough. You have been a great help. I appreciate it. My children will too." she smiled gratefully, "For whatever it means, may the Force be with you. You've saved us."

"Thank you for helping this woman." Bastila said quietly, "It may not seem like such a great thing to you, but you are making a difference."

"I know." I said quietly, "But if you mention this incident to Canderous or HK, I will lie through my teeth. You understand that, right?"

She smirked, "I understand that."

I sensed something from her... like... "You want to talk to me?" I asked.

"I do. I've been watching you." she said, nodding, "Studying you closely to see what kind of progress you have made since your training at the hands of Master Zhar."

I smirked evilly, not about to give up the opportunity to tease her, "I think we both know the real reason you've been watching me."

"You never give up, do you?" she asked, folding her arms and glaring, "I admit I'm interested in you. I find you intriguing. Compelling, even. But it's not what you think. You have a great gift. You have an awesome command of the Force, and I tremble when I think of how you might misuse it."

I raised an eyebrow at that, "I make you tremble? Do you get all tingly inside, too?" I asked, smirking evilly.

She blinked a few times, "What? I... no! No, of course not! Not like that, anyway. In many ways you are... you are dangerous. You could be the saviour of the galaxy; or you could bring untold destruction upon us all." she sighed, and launched into Lecture Mode, "You need to see what the dark side represents in its entirety, for it is what we battle. Only the wisdom of a Jedi Master can truly explain this, but I will do my best to make you understand."

I already know more about the dark side than you ever will, Princess.

"The dark side is not simply giving in to anger or temptation to use the Force to destructive ends. These things only lead to the dark side. The dark side grows stronger and more insidious the closer you draw to it. It begs you to surrender to it, to release all its terrible power... and it becomes harder and harder to resist. And once you stop resisting, it is too late. It twists you up inside and... and turns you into a mockery of everything you once stood for."

"What are you trying to tell me?" I asked, as patiently as I could, considering her lectures are enough to put a hyperactive Ewok to sleep.

"We need only to look at the atrocities which have been committed by those under its sway to understand the terrible, corrupting evil of the dark side." she explained, "Millions dead, and far more suffering." I scowled at the ground - I still haven't got over the guilt-trip Carth gave me, yet. "What sort of person would you have to become to perform such deeds gladly?" You really want me to answer that? No. I didn't think so.

"Perhaps it's just the reasoning for those acts you don't accept." I suggested.

"And how adept must one become at making excuses for one's actions, if suffering is the result?" she snapped at me, "How long before you stop making excuses at all?" I never stopped making excuses to myself, when I was Sith Lord. "And that is why the dark side is so insidious. If you are not careful, you do not even see each small step you take towards it until it is too late. It is so easy to think that we would never fall prey to such a horror; that we have unlimited control, vigilance and foresight." Yeah, I thought that first time. "If only that were true. The Sith have become powerful because there are many Jedi who have succumbed to the lure of the dark side and joined their cause. What greater weapon is there than to turn an enemy to your cause? To use their own knowledge against them?" Right. That's funny, Princess. Be lucky I'm playing along with your game, or I'd say something insulting. "We are weakened while they are strengthened. So we must harden our hearts and do whatever is required to fight against the dark side. Even when the battle becomes wearying."

"Are you saying the light side is innocent of killing?" I asked coldly.

"One who serves the light side does not strike down an innocent. We take arms against the dark side and the injustice that follows it only." she sighed, "But words alone cannot save one from the dark side. Come, we should continue with the task at hand. When the time comes I only hope we are all strong enough to do what we must."

* * *

Back on the Hawk, I discovered that in my absence the ship had been infested with Gizka. "Where the bloody hell did these little vermin come from?!" I demanded.

Canderous, who I had caught in the middle of wringing a random Gizka's neck, sighed, "Your droid did threaten the Aqualish who put them on the ship with grievous bodily harm... the droid is now deactivated in a corner. I've not been able to kill these things faster than they're breeding."

"Why did the Aqualish put them in the ship in the first place?" I asked tetchily.

"He said he had a delivery order for this docking bay." Canderous explained, grabbing another Gizka and killing it, "Since we were an unscheduled arrival, either it was a cruel joke aimed at someone else, or someone else actually wanted these little pests on their ship. I imagine the first option."

"So do I." I said, sighing.

* * *

In-flight to Korriban, "You've been very quiet, lately, you know that?" I said, as I sat in the co-pilot seat, next to Carth.

"Have I been quiet?" he asked, a little surprised, "I suppose I have. I guess I just don't like being left out of the loop."

"Oh, poor baby." I teased, "You need filling in on some detail?"

"You want to be smart, do you?" he asked, folding his arms and glaring at me, "Fine. So long as I get some questions answered. For one thing, I want to know what the Jedi Council said to you. They pulled you in there and refused to tell me a thing about it. I'm rather curious to know what went on... and why they didn't keep you on Dantooine for training. Isn't that strange?"

"It's none of your business, frankly." I said flatly.

"None of my business?" he asked, sceptically, "Uh, I'm sorry... aren't I a part of this mission? The Jedi may be in charge, but I'm risking all the same things you are!"

"Isn't that the point?" I asked, changing tactics, "Aren't we all in this together?"

"Are we?" he asked, still sceptical, "Why, then, does it seem like the Jedi know everything and leave the rest of us out in the cold?" um, Mission knows more than some of the Jedi on this ship, "I may not know much about the Jedi, but I do know they aren't famous for taking on old Padawans and sending them on dangerous assignments."

"Why should anything the Jedi do seem strange to you?" I asked flatly.

"That's completely beside the point." he snapped, "The Jedi encouraged you to stay with us, and I don't believe the reasons they gave. I've been watching you... there's more to you than meets the eye... you're always up to something, and I'm not sure it's good. A Jedi without self-control or training, and yet the Council sends you on your way? Why?"

"Listen, Carth." I said, turning in my chair to face him, "If I told you exactly why I've been sent on this mission, you'd probably try to kill me."

"I may not like you, I'll admit, but I wouldn't-" he started.

"Yes you would." I interrupted, "Just trust me, it's better that you don't know."

He shook his head, exasperated, "I'll tell you this much... I am NOT going to wait around until I'm betrayed again!"

I shook my head, "I am NOT going to betray you! I am NOT Saul!" I snapped. I'm worse.

He glared at me, "Well, we'll just see about that, won't we?"

* * *

Later on, I could be found in the ship's hangar.

"Someone has seriously screwed with this wiring, HK." I muttered, as I looked at the droid's maintenance access panel.

"Statement: Agreed, master. Several of my systems do not match their imbedded parameters. I have no memory of such alterations, however, or their purpose."

"Hmmm ... well, it's annoying." I noted, "I can't bloody find the- there it is." I connected the wire I'd been holding to the input memory adaptor.

"Report: I believe your operation was a success. Accessing new memory..." HK-47 said brightly. "Access complete: I have restored a great deal of information about my previous owner, master. Would you like to hear it?"

"Yes, let me hear it." I said, closing the panel and sitting back to hear what evils my droid had been up to.

"Recitation: The earliest memory of my last owner specifies that he was human, a low-ranking commercial officer for Systech Corporation. I am unaware of his designation. He purchased me from an acquaintance I cannot identify, for the purposes of protocol and bodyguard duties."

"This man... is he still alive?" I asked.

"Answer: Negative, master. The human was terminated by this HK-47 unit prior to system shut-down."

"Figures." I muttered. "Force wanted me to have you back - Fate screws with your other 'owners'."

"Agreement: If you say so, master." HK-47 said in a placating tone. I hate when it does that.

"How'd you kill him?" I asked, gritting my teeth and deliberately ignoring its so-called 'agreement'.

"Explanation: My former master had owned me for a duration of two standard months before discovering my assassination protocol. He was pleased by the discovery. The human informed me that a competitor corporation was preparing to market a product that would ruin him personally. He was most agitated. He activated my assassination protocol and instructed me to kill all those responsible for the competing product. I proceeded to carry out my order. My former master was unaware of this, but the competitor was in fact an arm of Systech Corporation, my master's own employer. It did not take long for my master to realize his mistake. By then, I had already terminated one hundred and four corporate officers."

"One hundred and four? Impressive." I said, smirking.

"Statement: It was nothing, really, master." the droid said smugly, "The majority of them were not even expecting it, and I move very quickly. I do not know why my master was so upset, really. He was an officer of Systech and a potential target, but I cannot terminate my own master. I would assume that being the sole officer remaining, he would surely be promoted. Instead, however, the human chose to go insane with rage and attack me."

"Well, it WAS his own fault." I said, shrugging slightly. Give an idiot an assassination droid and you can assume that they'll make an ass of themselves.

Statement: I was only doing as I was told, master. I would have told the human the proper codes to deactivate my protocol, had he asked. My master was not a smart man, however. While he was screaming and stabbing me with a writing utensil, he managed to pierce one of my actuators. The resulting shock terminated him and, sadly, destroyed my assassination protocol. Pure luck on his part, I suspect."

"I wouldn't call that luck, HK. Or at least, call it bad luck." I said.

"Query: Do you know what the chances are of puncturing that sole actuator? I would have congratulated my master were he not sizzling and incoherent at the time." I sniggered at that description, "I shut down immediately whenever my master died. I can only assume that while I was shut down Systech was dismantled and I was auctioned off as former corporate property. Observation: No doubt my sale price was quite cheap, leading to Yuka Laka's purchase. How very demeaning."

"I'm just glad I acquired you myself." I noted.

"Observation: So am I, master, though I apologize for not having an assassination mode to offer you."

"Hey, I'm the meatbag who made you, HK. I'll fix you." I scowled, "I just need to get a replacement for the damaged actuator. Should be able to buy one on Korriban. If not, then Manaan."

"Statement: Thank you, master. I would be most pleased to have that function restored soon."

"As soon as I can, I'll deal with it, HK." I said, smiling, "So. Any other memories recovered in that operation?"

"Answer: I have recovered knowledge of some other actuators which will enhance my performance, master. I will activate them now. But as for my own history... negative. It will require further effort on your part to restore them, if you wish."

"Oh, I will. I don't have the time right now, but I'll do some re-wiring next chance I get."

"Statement: I look forward to it. For now, please excuse me, master. I wish to meditate upon the face of my former meatbag master as he was electrocuted. I find it most soothing."

* * *