As the Ebon Hawk settled onto the ground, Carth made his way into the central area of the ship. None of the crew seemed particularly happy with how things had turned out.
Mission was grumbling quietly to Zaalbar from where she was perched on one of the console tables, her headtails sad and limp. The Wookie in turn made occasional understanding noises.
In the corner room, Juhani appeared to be attempting to start Bastila's rehabilitation. The two were sat in semi-meditative trance. Juhani's eyes were closed and her breathing regular. Bastila's eyes on the other hand were frequently open and darting in the direction of the medic bay. Jolee was leant against the wall, watching the two Jedi with a slightly disapproving air.
As Carth entered the chamber Mission looked up at him and brightened a little.
" Hey Carth. So, uh… what are we doing with Him on board? "
" Search me, kid, " he answered with a sigh.
" 'Cos Big Z and me, well, we thought the plan was to, y'know, KILL Malak. Not capture him. "
" Well apparently the Jedi are serious when they say they don't kill their prisoners. "
" Not even the ones who try and take over the galaxy? " Mission asked doubtfully.
" Especially not those, " said Vanie as she emerged from the medic bay.
Mission flushed dark blue.
" Oh, no Vanie, I didn't mean…" she stammered.
" It's okay Mission. It was just a feeble attempt at a joke. Not a very good time I guess. "
" It's just… I didn't think… " Mission started.
" I know Mission and I'm really sorry to have done this to you. I know it must be a big shock for you, and I don't expect you to understand. But I just want you to know how grateful I am for all you've done, and for sticking by me. "
The girl slipped gracefully from her perch and ran to hug her tightly.
" Hey, what are friends for? You helped me give Griff a second chance, I guess I can understand you want to give Malak a second chance. "
Vanie smiled warmly.
" Yeah, something like that. "
Carth watched the exchange silently. As Vanie and Mission separated, Vanie turned to look at Carth nervously.
" We've landed. The Republic and Jedi are waiting for us, " he stated and then turned for the exit ramp.
He heard Vanie's sigh behind him. Then the sound of Canderous' heavy boots on the metal floor. The Mandalorian clapped him on the back as they stepped onto the sand.
" The Boss Lady told me to get the little Jedi guy onto the Hawk straight away. "
" So why are you telling me? " Carth asked with a frown.
" Before any of your Republic buddies get onto the ship and execute Malak, " he answered without malice.
Carth paused then shook his head resignedly.
" Go on then. I'll hold off Admiral Dodonna. "
Even before the words were out and the Mandalorian had started sprinting towards Master Vandar, Carth was asking himself why he'd agreed. His head told him he had a duty to hand Malak over to the Republic. But he knew he would never be able to face the look in Vanie's large, soulful eyes if he did that.
It all happened so fast. Knowing the secret, Carth was able to appreciate the speed and skill with which the Jedi Council sidestepped the Republic and whisked Malak away. Only once Malak was safely in their jurisdiction, did the Jedi Council tell the Republic what had actually happened.
It drove him crazy knowing that he had aided the Council in once again keeping the Republic in the dark. Oh sure, he had never actually lied to Admiral Dodonna. But he sure as hell hadn't come straight out with it, like he knew he should have done. The Jedi Council explained away his omission, but Carth couldn't shake the feeling that he had lost a little of the Republic's trust in him.
He straightened the formal jacket collar. It was scratchy. It was not the comfortable black mesh of the armour that Vanie had stripped off the bounty hunter Calo Nord for him. Canderous had wanted it. Carth was pretty sure of that. But Vanie had handed it straight to him. Admittedly, it had worked out okay because the Mandalorian was too tall for it, but even so…. Carth had been gratified by Vanie's attention.
He hadn't seen her since the Hawk. The Council had swept on board and scooped up all the Jedi, and Sith, members of the party. Bastila had been only too eager to go back to her Light Side brethren and be immersed once more in their teachings and wisdom. Juhani had done as she was told and Jolee had grumbled and complained but even he eventually was gathered.
And Vanie. Vanie had gone along to watch over the Sith lord. Her former apprentice.
Carth cursed himself for that last thought. She, Vanie, was not, never had been and never would be Malak's master.
So just hold on to that Onasi.
There was a sudden pounding on his door that sounded like a Sith squadron trying to break in.
He opened it to find something much more deadly than a Sith squadron wanting his attention.
A disgusted Mandalorian and a frustrated Assassin Droid.
" Canderous, what's up? "
" Well what do you know? " the mercenary drawled as he strolled in and threw himself down on a chair. " One of those Jedi had the balls to throw us out. Seems we're not welcome at the Jedi quarters. "
" You let them throw you out? " Carth asked incredulously.
" Hmph, I wouldn't say let. I was all for snapping a couple of their spines and seeing if any other of those robe-wearing weirdos wanted to try and evict us…. "
" Agreement: Yes, Mandalorian! That is what we should do! Let us go back and snap spines for the Master. Let us stop them reprogramming her, " HK-47 broke in enthusiastically.
" Hey, Sleep Mode, yeah? " Canderous ordered gruffly.
The droid went silent but the red light burnt on in its eyes. Canderous didn't appear concerned however and turned back to Carth.
" But Vanie said we weren't to cause any incidents and I was to come and see how you were feeling. I was happier the time she asked me to infiltrate the Sith Base on Manaan with her. "
" Sorry to interrupt your fun then, " Carth threw back dryly.
Canderous ignored the jibe. He pulled his cannon around and started tinkering with it.
" If I'd stayed much longer, Malak wouldn't have been all they had to worry about. All this Yes Master No Master Of course Master crap was driving me insane. Since when was Vanie such a meek little girl? "
Carth listened with growing concern to the Mandalorian's rant. It made him sick at heart. The Jedi were already getting their claws into her. They were already dragging her back in.
" Why she's submitting to them? I thought she was going to give them a piece of mind about the whole memory-wipe? "
Canderous shrugged and turned to look at Carth.
" My guess is she wants a favour. And damn if it isn't going to be a big one. "
The implication hit Carth straight away.
" Malak, " he said coldly. " She wants to stay with Malak. "
" And I'm betting they'd rather send her to the other end of the galaxy than let her spend two minutes in his company. "
Carth suddenly realised his fists were clenched and there was a growing tightness in his chest. The absolute fury that he thought had been banished at Vanie's entrance into his life and Saul Karath's exit, was returning.
He realised that Canderous was studying him intently. There was a grim smile on the Mandalorian's face.
" So, Carth, how are you feeling? "
The two men made their way to the awards ceremony that was to be held outside the Rakatan Temple.
" Stupid place to set the thing if you ask me, " the former mercenary was grumbling quietly. " Might as well find a chunk of what's left of the Star Forge and hand out medals there. "
Carth was in too much turmoil to answer.
" Hey, you guys, wait up! "
Mission raced to catch up with them, Zaalbar as always at her side.
" So, off to the big Republic do huh? Kind of exciting. Still, it'd be nice just to have a sit down and a glass of Tarisian ale with the guys, rather than do the whole big parade thing, with everyone watching. "
The speed at which she was talking indicated immediately that she was more than a little nervous.
" I'm not one for public events either, " Carth consoled her. " We'll get through it though. And Vanie and the others will be there. "
" The thought of all those Republics, not being able to shoot a single one of 'em, makes me ill, " Canderous commented. Carth wasn't sure if it was supposed to encourage Mission or not.
They left the makeshift Republic encampment and headed towards the Rakatan Temple. There were already tens of people milling and thronging about. Carth wished he could just turn around now. Only the thought of seeing Vanie again kept him moving.
A Republic official ran over to greet them.
" We'll be getting under way very shortly. We're just waiting for the Jedi. Is there anything I can get you to make you more comfortable? " the woman trilled.
" No, we're fine miss, thank you, " Carth said politely. As the woman left he turned to Canderous with a frown. " Why am I not surprised we're held up by the Jedi? "
" Because they've been running this damn show from the word go. "
" Malak's not going to be here is he, Carth? " Mission asked suddenly.
Canderous snorted with laughter before Carth could answer.
" They're handing out medals kid. So no. Malak isn't going to be here. "
She looked slightly downcast.
" Oh, right. I hadn't thought of that. "
She brightened up again almost instantly.
" Well that's one good thing then, right? "
" Depends on how you want to look at it, " Canderous commented. " If you wanted to liven things up and get these Republics moving, Malak is probably just what you need. "
" Yeah, if we were planning a stampede, we should wheel Malak out, " Carth agreed, rubbing his eyes wearily.
" It would be wise if you did not mention that name in public again, " Vandar's voice told him.
He looked to see the short Jedi stood directly in front of him. Behind him stood an assembled group of Jedi. Juhani was walking together with Bastila to join the group. Bastila was clean and tidy and back in Jedi robes but the shadows beneath her eyes and the whiteness of her skin had not improved. Jolee followed close behind them. And by him, there was Vanie.
Vanie had been fully healed and dressed in the robes of a Jedi knight. Her strawberry blonde hair had been brushed until it shone and pulled back into a simple bun. Her dark eyes glittered in the sunlight.
To Carth's mind she had never looked more beautiful. Or more terribly sad.
Obviously sensing his gaze on her, she looked up; her eyes locked onto his instantly. She smiled a shy, hesitant smile. Carth did his best to grin back at her but the effort made the tightness in his chest worse.
She was a million worlds away from the woman he had known on Taris. The Vanie that had woken up on Taris had been self-assured, flirtatious and lively. She'd not been sidetracked or subdued by any of the trials and tribulations. She was just the husk of that woman now.
He was losing her.
Something was said to Jolee, who responded with raised eyebrows and a resigned shake of the head, and then she was picking her way through the crowd to stand before him.
" Carth, " she murmured, her eyes searching his face. " How's the handsomest pilot in the galaxy? "
The unexpected quip brought a broad grin to his face.
" Well, gorgeous, when I next see him I'll ask, " he responded, placing a hand lightly on her upper arm.
It felt so good just to have her with him again. Sadness or no, nothing could detract from this.
" Vanie, " Vandar said evenly.
Nope, nothing could detract from it, but something could sure as hell put a stop to it.
Flushing guiltily, Vanie dropped her eyes to the ground and stepped smoothly out of Carth's reach.
" Master Vandar, " she responded quietly.
" You should take your place with the Jedi, child. "
Vanie nodded obediently and walked over to stand with the group of Jedi, not giving Carth a backward glance.
" Didn't take long for you to bring her to heel did it? Congratulations. Job well done, " Carth snarled. The short Jedi Master gave Carth a speculative look but said nothing.
He turned and stalked back over to Canderous and Mission.
" You'd better sign me up for the Sith now 'cos to my mind there are a couple of Jedi just asking to be riddled with blaster holes. "
Canderous grinned.
" These lot could drive anyone over to the Dark Side, " the Mandalorian agreed.
" Light Side, Dark Side, you lot aren't still wittering on about that are you? " Jolee grumbled as he drew closer to them.
" Shouldn't you be with the Jedi Jolee? " Mission asked.
" You'd better watch it, old man, " Canderous warned, " Vandar will be over here to retrieve you as well if you hang around with us mortals too long. "
Carth flushed as he realised how obvious the reason for the abrupt termination of his conversation with Vanie must have been.
The old Jedi shrugged and turned to look back at the group of Jedi. Carth followed his gaze. Vandar was talking intently at Vanie, who was nodding occasionally. As Carth watched, Vanie's gaze crept up from the ground and locked onto him. Realising he was looking back at her, her eyes darted back down to the ground.
" They've got their fair share of redeemed Jedi over there to keep them busy. Bastila, Juhani, Vanie, " Jolee mumbled, turning back. " Not to mention the Jawless Wonder back at their little camp. "
" What's going on with Ma… Him? " Mission asked, remembering Vandar's veiled warning almost too late.
" Sedated out of his mind. "
" Probably dreaming about Star Forges and Sith women, " Canderous joked.
" Will sedatives be enough? " Carth asked.
" Lets hope not. This Republic do's going to drag on. Perhaps a vengeful Sith lord crashing it could hurry things along a bit, " Canderous threw in.
The effort of restraining himself from going on a mini massacre and taking a few Republic scalps was obviously getting to the Mandalorian.
Giving him an irritated look for the interruption, Jolee turned back to Carth.
" Powerful Sith he may be, but he's still only human. And he's had a hefty dose of sedatives. Vanie's seen to that. "
" What are the Jedi going to do with him? " Carth asked.
" That's the interesting thing, " the old man mused. " The Republic's pushing for joint custody. They might get it as well. Don't want too much bad blood between the Republic and the Jedi after all. The Republic has apparently agreed not to demand his execution. In return, I imagine they're hoping to get some of their own guards around him and have a say in where he ends up imprisoned. "
" Where's that likely to be? " Carth asked; his heart slightly lifted by the prospect of Republic involvement. If Republic officers were allowed access to the former tyrant, it meant he could get in to Vanie. His biggest worry would be that she'd disappear into the arms of the Jedi in order to watch over Malak and he wouldn't see her again.
Jolee opened his mouth to open but the Republic officials motioned to begin the ceremony.
To Canderous' mind the ceremony seemed to go on forever. Mandalorian ceremonies had a point to them. They were honourable and dignified.
This on the other hand seemed to be a needless recitation of the team's exploits in the last conflict. Canderous didn't need to be told what the Star Forge was. He'd heard about it before, several times. He'd walked in its corridors, killed its inhabitants.
He didn't need to hear how grateful the Republic was for their efforts. He'd already calculated what he figured he was owed.
He sighed at the last thought. He was not a mercenary, never had been at heart. And she'd known that. From the start she'd known that.
He knew how much the Republic soldier was hurting. It was obvious from the broken look in the man's eyes. But what he doubted anyone else was aware about was his own turmoil concerning Vanie's return to the Jedi. It was not where she belonged. She belonged on the Ebon Hawk. She belonged at the frontline charge. She belonged at his side. His War Leader.
And instead she was going to throw it all away in a vain attempt to win over a lost soul. To the Mandalorian's mind, men like Malak, men who betray so capable a war leader, deserve nothing more than a quick, dishonourable death. Slit their throats and throw them out for the wild animals to finish off.
The Republic droning finally came to an end. Canderous readied himself to position himself next to Vanie before the Jedi took possession of her again. To his dismay, however, the Republic droning was replaced by Jedi preaching. Stars, they were a boring bunch. He wasn't surprised that the Sith wanted them dead. Still, the Sith were just as monotonous in their own way. Power and passion, always power and passion. Did nobody just kill for honour and glory anymore?
Stifling a yawn, he listened to the Jedi congratulate themselves. Revan was just going to be swallowed up in their history books, just another reminder of what happens to anyone who dares question the wisdom of the Jedi council. As the sermon finally came to an end, Canderous prepared himself to plough through the crowd and take Vanie hostage, if necessary. Anything for just a few moments of discussion.
But the small woman moved quicker than he did. She had hold of Carth's arm and was tugging him away from the multitude. Jolee was talking intently at Vandar, a very obvious distraction to Canderous' thinking. Still, it seemed to work. Vanie and Carth disappeared. Canderous made a move to follow them but something stopped him. Let the flyboy have his time with her.
" I can't stay for long. Vandar will be looking for me even now, " Vanie said in a rush.
" And you don't want to disappoint your master, do you? Not on the first day of school, " he quipped back sarcastically.
Vanie looked pained. She sighed and looked down at her feet.
" Carth, please don't do this. Please. "
" Stop with that already. Do you want to explain what's going on? "
She licked her lips nervously.
" I couldn't leave him there. I…. The last fight…. the things he said. They gave me hope. He can be saved. I… feel it. "
" So you've gone back to the Jedi. "
" I need them. They have the wisdom to bring him back to the Light. "
" And you have to be a good little girl and do what they say, " Carth demanded, watching a loose strand of her hair quiver in the warm breeze.
" I must show them that I have learnt the error of my ways. That I can be trusted to aid in his redemption. I can only break so many of their rules Carth. "
Carth nodded and smiled bitterly.
" It was him or me wasn't it? Have a relationship with me or help turn him; was that the decision? "
Vanie opened her mouth to speak but no words came. Her eyes searched his face but she remained mute.
" I can understand that. I mean he only tried to kill you, two or three times! He only tried to take over the galaxy! " Carth's voice rose to an angry shout.
Tears shone in her eyes but she didn't wipe them away. She shrugged.
" I need to do this Carth, " she said helplessly.
She stepped away from him and looked down at the celebrating crowd down on the beach.
" The Jedi will be leaving tomorrow. And I'll be going with them. "
She started to walk away then turned back suddenly.
" I wish I could explain this to you. But I can't. And I obviously can't ask any more of you. I'm sorry. "
As she left, Carth closed his eyes, and clenched and relaxed his fists at his sides. The anger had returned with a vengeance.
No trace of emotion was allowed to betray her. Her face was composed and her manner polite and serene as she spoke with the Republic officials.
Jolee watched Vanie with regret. He had seen her return, without Carth. He could only imagine the confrontation. Both so stubborn. Both so unsure. Both so in love with the other they didn't know what to do about any of it.
Vanie had retreated into her Jedi persona. Carth was, presumably, moping on his own somewhere.
" Someone should bash their heads together, " he commented as Canderous approached him.
" Lover boy and the Boss Lady? "
" Who else would I be talking about sonny? " Jolee snapped grouchily.
" A little less of the sonny, old man, unless you're looking to lose a few teeth. "
The old man tutted, unafraid.
" Show a little respect for your elders, boy. I thought you Mandalorians were sticklers for discipline. "
" Not when it's dished out by the more senile members of the community. "
Jolee laughed, then turned to watch Vanie attempt, unsuccessfully, to disengage herself from conversation with Admiral Dodonna.
" I don't like the way things are going Canderous, " he muttered.
The Mandalorian gave a heavy sigh.
" They're your people. Can't you do anything? Tell them one of your cryptically relevant stories, perhaps? "
Ignoring the jibe, the older man turned to face his companion.
" They're not my people. Didn't you listen to a word I said? "
" Not if I could help it. "
" Too busy killing things I suppose. And it's not so much the Council that worries me. "
Canderous raised an eyebrow.
" The Council are smothering her, you don't think that's a problem? "
Vanie slipped away from Admiral Dodonna, only to have her elbow taken by a Jedi Master. She was led over to a waiting Master Vandar.
" I don't like the way the Council are handling things, I have to admit, but it's their way. And it works ninety-nine percent of the time. "
Sensing the derisive retort even before Canderous uttered it, Jolee held up his hand to be allowed to continue.
" Look at it this way. You train your men. You show them how to use their blasters. You teach them how to be warriors. And in return you expect them to follow orders, fight the fights you tell them to and step away from the ones you don't want them to. It's no different for the Jedi. Except the Force can be a hundred times more dangerous than a blaster. "
" It doesn't always work that way, " Canderous responded after a long silence.
" Ah, I forgot I was talking to Canderous of the Clan Ordo: He who saw an opportunity in battle and took it, despite the cost to his soldiers. "
A dangerous growl escaped Canderous' lips.
" You know nothing about it old man. "
Jolee held his hands up in surrender.
" Now calm down lad. I meant no offence. You had your reasons, just as Revan did. "
They fell into an uneasy silence. Jolee watched Mission and Zaalbar head off to explore the planet a little more, regardless of the threat of wild rancors. He smiled at their bravery, their supreme confidence in their ability to survive. It would be a sad day when that confidence was dented.
" So, if you're not worried about the Council, is it Malak? " Canderous asked, interrupting his reverie.
Jolee considered the question.
" Not Malak either. Though how he will take to captivity remains to be seen. "
" Bah, he'll not lay a hand on Vanie. I'll see to that. So not the Council and not Malak. What is it then old man? The gizka? "
Jolee fixed the Mandalorian with a steely gaze. Much went on unnoticed in the mercenary's eyes. He may have conned the crew into believing he was all brawn and no brain, but he hadn't fooled Jolee, just as he hadn't fooled Vanie. Mandalorians don't get command of units, let alone armies, without being a cut above the rest. Canderous was perceptive, strikingly so in Jolee's opinion. He knew precisely what Jolee was referring to.
" Do me the courtesy, sonny, of a straight conversation, " Jolee demanded softly.
Sighing irritably Canderous sat himself down on the grass and frowned in thought.
" Carth can hardly be expected to do a little celebration dance Jolee. She chose to save Malak. None of us were expecting that. You heard Carth out on the beach. He was waiting for all this to be over and done with, so he could settle into a relationship with her. But there can be no end, not while Malak is still around, living, breathing and very much in Vanie's life. "
" She needs Carth. You should talk to him. "
Canderous looked up at Jolee, a look of alarm on his face.
" What? Why me? You talk to him. "
" Don't give me all that Canderous. I've heard you two on your late night drinking binges. I know that you persuaded that merchant to hand over the upgrades for his blasters. You may have passed it off to him as salvage but I know the truth. Shameful as it is for a Mandalorian, you like the Republic pilot. "
Canderous was about to protest but Jolee waved him quiet.
" Now you don't have to admit it. And I promise not to tell anyone. But he'll listen to you. He respects you. "
" I helped upgrade his blaster because one's comrades should always be decently armed. And as for respecting me, well, he respects you. Thinks you're boring but he respects you, " Canderous grumbled quietly.
" Thank you for that Canderous. Now, go find him. "
Rising to his feet, Canderous shot Jolee a black look.
" You should try out for the Council old man. You've got a real talent for sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong. "
The Mandalorian skulked off in the direction Vanie had returned from.
Night had fallen by the time Canderous located Carth. The Republic soldier had retreated to one of the ship hulks that littered the landscape. His back leant against the rusted metal, he looked out over the Rakatan planet, Revan's last stop before she became the Dark Lord. His face was impassive, his mouth a tight line. One blaster was holstered at his belt, while the other rested in his lap, his fingers idly caressing the familiar item.
" You spend too much time brooding. You should use this time more productively, " Canderous admonished the younger man as he drew closer.
" What's there to do? " he answered dully.
" Planets to be raided, wars to be fought. A hundred different things. But those are mainly suited to Mandalorians. "
Canderous sat down next to Carth and took the blaster from his hands. Reflexively he began taking it to pieces and cleaning it. Carth didn't appear to notice.
" She leaves in a few hours, " Canderous remarked after a few moments.
" I know. What would you suggest I do? Throw myself in front of the ship and beg her not to go? "
" If that did the trick, " Canderous agreed.
Carth shook his head resignedly.
" I can't do that. "
" Too proud? "
" Of course not. I'd do anything for her, " Carth said, crashing his fist into the floor beside him.
" Except try and understand. "
Carth sighed and looked down.
" He took everything from me Canderous. My wife, my son, my home. He just took it. I can't forgive him for that. I can't let go of that. "
Canderous was quiet for a long time.
" You know Carth, I seem to remember you telling Vanie on Kashyyyk that the only way that you could let go of your wife was in killing Saul Karath. And Karath is dead, my friend. "
Carth turned to Canderous, stunned and annoyed.
" You listened in? That was a private conversation between Vanie and me. "
Canderous shrugged, unabashed.
" There was nothing else to do. Couldn't understand a damn word the Wookies were saying. Don't worry, I've not listened in on anything else more…. personal, " Canderous assured him with a smirk.
" There hasn't been anything more personal, " Carth said before he could stop himself.
The Mandalorian's eyebrows flew up.
" Why not? What have you been doing? "
Carth stood up frustratedly and began pacing back and forth.
" Searching for some bloody ancient ship and trying to halt the Sith invasion. Hey honey, I know you're fighting off a Sith army and all but howzabout forgetting that and coming to bed? How was I meant to proposition her at a time like that? "
Canderous' mouth quirked into a smile.
" I could have thought of some ways. "
Carth threw him an angry look.
" Yeah, I bet you could, " he replied cynically. An idea crossed his mind. " Why didn't you? "
" Why didn't I what? " Canderous asked, suddenly engrossed in his endeavour with the blaster.
" Proposition her? " Carth pushed.
Canderous slowly stopped what he was doing and laid the gun down. He looked up at Carth, a strange look on his face.
" What makes you think I didn't? " he asked.
" Did you? " the younger man demanded.
" No, " Canderous admitted finally. " Thought about it though. Especially when I saw her in Davik's old war suit. Who'd have thought that suit could look so appealing? "
Canderous' grin broadened as he contemplated the memory. Carth paused in his pacing and prodded the Mandalorian in the back with his foot.
" Yeah, right, anyway, " Canderous continued, " the plain fact of the matter was, I wasn't going to accept second best. She'd already made her choice, long before I came on the scene. "
" And you're okay with that? " Carth asked. The Mandalorian shrugged and went back to the blaster.
" Seems to me, I get the better deal. You get all the emotional entanglements. I just get the daydreams. That suits me. "
There was silence as Carth considered what Canderous had said.
" Besides, " the older man commented quietly, " from what you've told me, doesn't sound like you're getting anything beyond the emotional entanglements. "
" My love-life is none of your business. "
" Agreed, though you should amend that to lack of a love-life. Anyway, back to Kashyyyk. "
" You mean the conversation you eavesdropped on? What about it? "
Canderous flicked a glance at the man.
" Saul Karath is dead. "
Carth shrugged.
" Malak isn't. Malak was Karath's commander. "
Canderous took a deep breath and shook his head thoughtfully.
" I think you're going to hit problems if you keep up shifting the focus of your revenge like this. Keep moving up the chain of command and sooner or later you're going to come to her. "
" You yourself said that it was Malak and not Revan! She's not to blame. Revan and Vanie are two different people. "
" I've been thinking about that. I spoke to Bastila and she explained a couple of things to me. "
" Oh this I gotta hear, " Carth growled.
Canderous carefully kept working on the gun as he spoke, expertly doing its maintenance.
" Bastila says that all that was done to Revan was a memory-wipe. "
" That's all, is it? And there I was thinking it was something serious, " the other man threw back sarcastically.
" You miss my point Carth. What the Jedi did was simply remove the memory of whatever incident or discovery caused Revan to fall to the Dark Side. Vanie's precisely the same woman as Revan. Same personality, just different experiences. "
The concept broke through Carth's haze of agitation. He stopped and looked at the Mandalorian intently.
" Are you saying that if Vanie came across whatever caused Revan to go bad, she'd go Darkside too? "
" I'm saying she could. She's wiser than Revan apparently and she doesn't have Malak around to encourage her. But whatever was at Revan's core before she went off to fight my people is still there now. "
The younger man was quiet for a long time. Strong-willed as he was, eventually Canderous could wait no longer.
" Does that change how you feel about her? " he asked.
There was a long pause.
Canderous felt the cool tingle of anticipation. He rose to his feet and turned to face Carth. There was a slight smile on the man's face.
" Does it change how you feel about her? " Canderous asked again.
" No, " Carth replied, as though stunned by the answer himself. " No, it doesn't. "
" Glad to hear it. Now, what you need to consider is: if after losing your first woman to Malak, are you prepared to let him have this one too? "
Carth raised his eyebrows incredulously.
" Do I even need to answer that? I'll get my things together. We'll take the Ebon Hawk and tag along with the Jedi. Whether they like it or not. "
He started to walk away then stopped, as if struck by a sudden thought.
" Canderous, what do you care about Vanie and me? After what you said, I'd have thought that… well… you wouldn't want…?"
Carth faltered. After the Mandalorian's good-natured advice he hardly wanted to insult the man's pride.
" You'd think I'd try and split you up? Move in while you're sitting around moping? I told you Carth, I'm not going to be second best. You're the one she wants. Besides, " he added, clipping the blaster back together rapidly, " my people consider it important that good genes are passed on. It helps preserve the strength of our clan. Vanie's genes should be passed on and, if not with mine, yours are a good enough substitute. You'll have many fine sons together. "
Carth flushed, both at the unexpected compliment and the rather personal observations.
" Uh, right. Thanks. "
He turned and disappeared into the night. Canderous sighed again. He'd given it all his best shot. All he could do now was sit back and watch.