Saviour, Conqueror, Hero, Villain

by VMorticia

HUGE SPOILER WARNINGS FOR KOTOR! Evil PC character! And it's finished, alternate ending and all. Read, review, and I'll be eternally grateful.

3. Earth

Saviour, Conqueror, Hero, Villain.

Author's Notes: Um... this chapter title is not referring to the planet Earth - it's referring to the element. I am trying to include things in this fic that were ignored in my other fic, as you may already have guessed. I hope the changes Kira would insist I made to the plot in this chapter aren't too widely loathed.

Sinthilian: Well, this is a Carth romance fic... it's just not the same as the normal ones. And, um, that's not what I'd call rambling.

Prisoner 24601: When I get enough reviews for a chapter, I update... with it already written, it's easy (I'm on chapter 8 at the moment). Glad you liked the rakghouls - that was tough to write. Who says it was Malak?! Did I mention his name? Did I? Heh heh, well I'm neither confirming nor denying it. Glad someone noticed that detail (Bastila being the only one who made sure Revan made it onto the ship) - I considered it significant, in the whole Force-bond plot-bunny - it's the first real sign that Bastila cares about Revan, even if it's such a minor thing. As for when Revan smacked Carth, I think he was too shocked to retaliate (he didn't understand the real reason why she hit him)... and if you noticed, he did actually consider ditching her several times.

snackfiend101: lol - ok.

Trunxluvr82190: He's not dense... it's just the information she's given is generic enough that it could apply to any normal person caught up in the Mandalorian wars.

Xan: Yay! Glad you liked it! I was pleased with that line, myself. "Chilling"? Cool - I was aiming for that sort of response! Thanks for the lovely review.

humg321: Hmmm... I'd be more worried about Carth finding out who she is, rather than the Jedi... read on to see why that is, heh heh heh.

Krazed Kaioshin Fangirl: Glad you like it. I tried to make a point of not having the typical lovey-dovey Carth/Revan - there's too many of those already out there, and it's more fun to write this way. The fact she occasionally does something LS is a result of my evil-genius mind thinking the DS options in the game suck, and make you look like a playground bully. As for writing in the first person, I find it easier than third person - I can get into the character's head, and it seems easier.

The Holy Beergut: Thanks, glad you're liking it.

x x x

Chapter 3 - Earth

Mission helped me into a seat, and the sharp pain in my arm indicated she'd stuck me with a kolto shot. I shot her a brief glare, "Warn me next time you do that."

"Sorry." she muttered, "What's going on out there, anyway?"

The ship swerved again, and I fell out of the seat. "Onasi's trying to kill me again." I said flatly.

Mission giggled weakly, "There was blaster fire everywhere. What's happening?" she asked, helping me to the seat again. I clutched the edge of the seat this time, so as not to be so easily thrown out of it.

"The Sith are bombing Taris."

Her eyes widened, and a wave of horror hit me in the face as if she's slapped me. It had a sobering effect in the midst of the euphoria of the death all around me. "Why would they do that?!" she all-but demanded, bordering on hysterical.

"Because it's in their way." I shrugged, "Maybe to stop Bastila escaping? Can't have her so no one else can either. That sort of thing."

"I can't believe you don't even care!" she shouted.

"Calm down, kid." I said flatly, "I don't care about anything but my own best interests." I looked up at her, "And you should be grateful that you got away before they blasted you along with the rest of the planet."

"You are so horrible." she said, backing away from me as if I was contagious.

"Taris was a wasteland, get over it." I said flatly.

"How can you be so cruel?! Millions of people dead and you all you can say is 'get over it'?!"

"Because life goes on, regardless." I said, "We survived, we can't waste time worrying over something we can't change. What's done is done."

She shook her head and turned and stormed off.

Something that felt like blaster fire shook the ship. I wasn't entirely recovered, but I heard Onasi's voice over the comm, "Incoming Sith fighters. Someone get to the gun turrets, now!" Canderous bolted past me from Force knows where, headed for the gun turrets.

I couldn't have been of any help right now if I tried. My injuries were healing, but... this was the reason I told Malak not to actually wipe out entire planets at once - wipe them out, by all means, but not in one fell swoop. The deaths of a few people, even a shipload of people, I can handle. The disturbance as they join the Force is actually intoxicating, in a good way. But... millions of people at once... it's like an overdose, and it hurts. My head was splitting with the screams in my mind, and the room seemed to be spinning, in spite of the fact I knew we were flying straight.

Eventually I felt the ship jump to hyperspace, and the headache subsided. I shakily picked myself up out of the seat, and walked to the cockpit where I found that Bastila had claimed the co-pilot's seat I had been planning on collapsing in.

"Where're we headed?" I asked.

"Dantooine." Bastila answered, slightly wistfully, "It seems like a lifetime since I last set foot on her surface, though in truth it has only been a few months. We should be safe from Malak there... for now, at least."

"Safe?" Onasi demanded, "You saw what his fleet did to Taris: there wasn't a building over two stories high left standing! They...they turned the planet into one big pile of rubble."

"Even the Sith would think twice before attacking Dantooine." Bastila countered, "There are many Jedi there, including several of the most powerful Masters of the Order. There is great strength within the place."

"Malak's not smart enough to think once about levelling a planet. Why would he bother thinking twice?" I asked. Onasi shot me a venomous glare. "I'm on Onasi's side for a change, we should keep moving." and quite frankly, I'd rather go to Hoth than Dantooine - all those Jedi, yuck.

"We can't just keep running; Malak will find us eventually." Bastila said, reasonably, "We need to regroup; we need a plan. We can get supplies on Dantooine, and recuperate. The Academy is a place of mental and spiritual healing; something we could all use after what we've been through."

"Maybe you're right." Onasi said.

"You're just saying that so you can disagree with me, aren't you?" I asked.

He glared at me again, "It isn't easy to witness the annihilation of an entire planet. I know Mission must be taking it pretty hard." I winced slightly. The way the anger flared around his aura reminded me that he was speaking from personal experience.

"She will find a way to come to terms with her grief." Bastila said emotionlessly, "She is stronger than she appears. We just need to give her time. Now I must go and get some rest. We shall be arriving at Dantooine in a few hours and I shall speak with the Jedi Council when we get there. I need their advice on... recent developments. After I have met with them I will meet you outside the ship."

"Forward planning, thy name is Bastila." I muttered. She pretended not to hear me, and left the room quickly. "Seriously, even my most meticulous evil schemes don't include a schedule for sleeping."

"And which evil schemes would you be referring to?" Onasi asked warily.

"Galactic domination. It's what every evil person wants, you know."

"I'll remember that for your birthday." he said sarcastically. Then he started muttering under his breath, "I think there's an asteroid field half an hour away, en route to Dantooine. I could ditch you there and no one would be any the wiser."

x x x

When we arrived on Dantooine, Bastila followed her evil scheme to the letter, and it didn't take long for her to return to the ship and tell me, "I have spoken briefly with the Council; they request an audience with you. We should go at once."

"An audience with the Jedi Council?" Onasi asked before I could tell Bastila that she and her Jedi Council could go to hell, "That's pretty unusual for someone who isn't even a Jedi. What's this about, Bastila?"

"I'm sorry, Carth, but I cannot tell you." Bastila said calmly, "All I ask is that you trust in the Force and the wisdom of the Council."

"Asking him to trust someone is like asking a Wookiee to take a bath." I said, grinning evilly, "Go try that with Zaalbar, some time, why don't you? That would make entertaining viewing."

Onasi shot me a vicious glare, then said to Bastila, "Well, I don't like being left out of the loop, but I'm not looking to get you in any trouble with the Jedi Masters. We'll do things your way for a while."

I blinked at him, "Since when did Tatooine freeze over?"

"Very funny, Kira." he said flatly.

"Come, they are expecting us." Bastila told me, "I will lead you to the Council chambers."

I rolled my eyes, "I want to get off this rock. I don't like Jedi." I whined, but still I followed the snot-nosed Jedi brat.

Another Jedi tried to stop me, but I kept walking regardless of the fact she was speaking to me, and I distinctly heard her mutter, "How rude." as I rounded the corner to the Jedi Council chambers.

I hesitated outside the Jedi Council chambers, and Onasi smirked darkly at me, "Afraid of the Jedi?" he asked.

"I fear nothing." I growled at him, "I simply do not want anything to do with these manipulative old coots."

"Have fun, then." he gestured to the door of the Council chambers.

"I seriously dislike you, Onasi."

"I hate you too, Kira." he said, his amusement clear in his voice and aura.

I stepped into the Council chamber, and the doors closed ominously behind me.

"Ah, so you are the one who rescued Bastila. It is appropriate you are here. We have been discussing your rather special case. I am Zhar, a member of the Jedi Council." the Twi'lek Jedi Master said calmly. I recognised him from my training on Coruscant. I had been one of his prized pupils before I turned my back on the Jedi. "With me are Master Vrook, Master Vandar and, of course, the Chronicler of our Academy, Master Dorak. Padawan Bastila I am sure you are already familiar with."

"Why did you want to see me?" I growled quietly.

"Bastila tells us you are strong in the Force. We are considering you for Jedi training." Zhar said calmly.

Vrook, who I also remembered from my training on Coruscant, coughed slightly, "Master Zhar speaks out of turn, perhaps. We need indisputable proof of your strong affinity to the Force before we would even consider accepting you for training."

I raised an eyebrow at that, thinking his poor excuse was most amusing. And the idea that I would need or want Jedi training again even more amusing. Bastila wasn't so restrained with her sentiments. She snorted audibly, "Proof? Surely the entire Council can feel the strength of the Force within this woman... and I have already related to you the events that took place on Taris..."

"Perhaps it was simple luck." Vrook said, almost hopefully.

"We both know there is no luck. There is only the Force." Vandar - the short one I hadn't met before - retorted, "We all feel the power in Bastila's companion, though it is wild and untamed. Now that this power has begun to manifest itself, can we safely ignore it?"

"The Jedi training is long and difficult, even when working with a young and open mind." Vrook seemed desperate not to retrain me. Not that I needed the training anyway, but his attitude was priceless, "Teaching a child is hard. How much harder will it be for an adult to learn the ways of the Jedi?"

"I do not want to be a Jedi." I said flatly, "Thanks for the offer. But no thanks." I added with deep sarcasm in the thanks.

"You have a strong affinity with the Force." Vandar said calmly, "With such power comes great responsibility... and danger. You may wish to deny what you are, but the Council cannot turn a blind eye. Neither will Darth Malak. Your strength is a threat to him. In time he will learn of you and the Sith will hunt you down. It is inevitable. Defeating the Sith is the only way to save yourself."

"I said no." I said flatly, "I can take care of myself." I turned and stormed out of the Council chambers before they could respond.

Onasi opened his mouth to make some smart-ass remark or other, but I was out of earshot before he could speak. I stalked back to the docking bay, and onto the Ebon Hawk. Mission, Zaalbar, Canderous and T3-M4 were all on board. I was stuck with the Wookiee whatever way you look at it. The kid could be useful, and the Wookiee might cause a fuss if I ditched her. The Mandalorian could be either invaluable or a security risk - I would kill him if it proved to be the second of the two, but for now I would keep him. The droid would make a good drinks table.

I made my way to the cockpit and started setting the pre-launch sequences. "What are you doing?" Canderous' voice asked behind me.

"Getting off this Jedi infested dump." I said flatly.

"Where to?"

"Anywhere but here."

"What do you plan to do?"

"Why are you asking?"

"To see if it's worth my time hanging around or if I should ask you to drop me at the nearest non-Republic planet." he replied calmly.

"What would you classify as worth your time, Mandalorian?" I asked coldly.

"A good fight."

"Stick around. I'm a veritable magnet for trouble."

He smirked, "That's good to hear."

I started up the ship's thrusters and pulled back on the controls to lift off. Sod all happened. I restarted the engines and tried again. Sod all continued to happen. "See what I mean. Trouble magnet." I muttered.

"Light freight ship Ebon Hawk. You are not cleared for take off. Deactivate your engines now." the commlink said.

"What's a girl have to do to get off this planet, huh?" I asked over the comm.

"For security reasons, arrivals and departures from the Jedi Enclave docking facility must all be authorised by the Jedi Council." the voice over the commlink said, too cheerfully.

I glared at the comm, and Canderous laughed, "Looks like you're not going anywhere."

"Oh shut up, Mandalorian." I snarled. I focused through the Force and quickly located the docking clamps holding the Ebon Hawk in place. I tried to pry them open with the Force, but something blocked me. I frowned and hit the console with the palm of my hand. "Damnit." I stormed off the ship before Canderous could laugh any more, only to run into Onasi.

"Is something wrong?" he asked innocently.

"The Jedi are holding me hostage, here." I said coldly.

"Why would they do that?" he asked, his tone too-innocent, which implied he thought they had every reason to hold me hostage.

"You don't want to know. Suffice it to say the Hawk is grounded until I agree to play along with their stupid stupid little game." I snarled.

"They grounded the ship?!" Onasi asked, stunned, "You mean we're all stuck here?"

"Yeah."

"Then you damned well go back in there and tell them you agree to their terms!" he snapped, "I have no intention of waiting out the war on this out-of-the-way planet!"

"I'll be damned if I go back into that Council chamber again!" I snapped, and stormed off to the exit of the enclave. The droid refused to let me leave, and in spite of my attempts to use the Force to override its circuitry, it continued to deny my demands to leave.

I prowled the interior perimeter of the enclave, looking for the slightest weakness in what I now considered my prison. If I could get out of the enclave and to the local civilian spaceport a few miles away, I could get off this rock.

Eventually, I found a ventilation shaft that I could just about crawl through to get out of the enclave. It was a very tight squeeze. I couldn't manage to drag my backpack through it, which meant all I had with me was the clothes I was wearing and the vibroblade I had acquired on the Endar Spire.

x x x

I emerged in an open field, with no easy way to tell which direction to head in. I reached out through the Force, trying to sense life around me. There was a lot of it. But there was a focus of sentient life in the direction of the sun. It was midday, so I assumed south - I knew we landed in the northern hemisphere of the planet. I started walking in that direction, and it didn't take long to find a dirt path that wasn't far off the direction I'd been walking. I followed the path, further away from the Jedi enclave.

The path passed through a couple of fields. The landscape was peaceful and serene. Even I appreciated the beauty, though I would prefer to set something on fire, or kill something to break the calm. No sooner had I thought those words than the Force answered my request with something to kill. I was ambushed by two large men in full Mandalorian battle armour.

"Well well well, what's this?" one of them asked, circling me. I was impressed at their stealth skills. They had managed to sneak up on me, and that's not something just anyone can do.

"A little girl wandering out here in the middle of nowhere." the other Mandalorian said, the leer clear in his voice, "Don't you know these fields are dangerous, little girl?"

I didn't answer. I just watched the two of them, sensing out the surrounding area to see if there were any more. I couldn't sense anyone else nearby.

"Not talking?" the second of the two asked me, tauntingly, "Did no one teach you manners, little girl?"

"I say we just kill her." the first noted.

"No, let's have some fun with her, first." the second said, the leer still in his voice, "Then kill her."

"How about you leave me alone?" I suggested.

They both laughed, "I don't think so, girly." the second said, "We've got you outnumbered and outgunned."

"You don't scare me." I said calmly, "Leave me alone, or else."

"What's that?" the first laughed, "The little girl's threatening us?" he was beyond incredulous.

"I don't think you're in any position to be making threats, girly." the other one said.

"It wasn't a threat." I said coldly, "It was a promise."

They both laughed again, and the one who had made the comment about playing with me tried to grab me by the arm.

By the time either of them realised I had even drawn my vibroblade, the one who tried to grab me had lost an arm. Before he could react, he lost his head as well. The other Mandalorian went for a repeating blaster that was strapped over his shoulder, but I moved too fast for him, and cut the repeater in half before running my blade through his heart.

I looked at the two corpses for a minute, relishing the adrenaline and the scent of death on the Force, before I told their lifeless bodies, "I did warn you."

I sheathed my blade and continued walking down the dirt path. I climbed over a fence into another field, and continued southwards. The larger settlement was a few miles away, still.

"Just give us the credits and no one gets hurt." a voice said not far away, though distant enough that I knew it wasn't addressing me. I glanced in the direction it came from to see a Mandalorian in captain's armour - a higher rank than the thugs I'd met earlier - was picking on a man and two teenagers. He had three lower ranking Mandalorians and four Duros thugs as backup.

"No!" the teenage girl snapped, "We won't let you bully us anymore!" she shouted.

The Mandalorian pointed his blaster at the girl, and squeezed the trigger. All my instincts from the Mandalorian wars came back. Mandalorans bad, civilians good. Mandalorian tries to hurt civilian, Mandalorian dies by my hand. Simple equation. I used the Force to trip the Mandalorian. His blaster bolt went up into the air and randomly enough hit a passing bird.

"Have you no honour, man?" I snarled, "Trying to shoot an unarmed child? That's pathetic!"

The three Mandalorians turned and aimed their repeating blasters at me, while their leader picked himself up. He sized me up carefully, "Who are you to challenge me, girl?" he demanded.

"If I told you, you'd think I was joking." I smirked, "The last man I told my name to didn't believe me."

"That's some help." the Mandalorian leader said coldly, stalking towards me, "There are a lot of names I would think jokes to come from your mouth."

"Well how about you tell me your name, Mandalorian." I said calmly.

"My name is Sherruk. Of the clan Katzof."

I snorted, "Katzof? Weren't they the first to turn tail and run when the war with the Republic turned against your side?" I jeered.

"And we survived to fight another day because of it." he said, "Those who stayed perished or lost all they had."

"Except their honour. The one thing you lost by being cowards." I retorted.

"I will kill you for your insolence, girl." he growled. He took something out of his pocket that I couldn't identify until he lit it, purely because I hadn't expected the Mandalorian to be fool enough to use one. A crimson lightsaber.

"Since when do the Sith recruit your kind, Mandalorian?" I asked.

He laughed, a short sound that resembled a bark more than a laugh, "I am no Sith. I took this lightsaber from the corpse of one of the Jedi I killed."

"A trophy?" I asked flatly, "How many have you collected?"

"Two so far. But it is only a matter of time before I slay another." he boasted.

Two of those little trophies, and he's wielding one. I focused through the Force and isolated the colour crystal near his belt. Sapphire. I summoned it to me. The lightsaber flew to me faster than the Mandalorian charged, and I ignited the blade in time to block his first swing. It was his only swing because one swift kick to the groin and I had him on the ground. I ran the blade through his neck and looked up at the other Mandalorians. They had the good sense to run like the cowards they proved themselves to be at Malachor. I knelt next to Sherruk and looted his corpse, especially the lightsaber.

"How can I ever repay you, lady Jedi?" the man asked, "You saved our lives."

"I killed a bully." I said flatly, "It's nothing special."

"I... I am eternally grateful to you, lady Jedi." he said warily.

"I'm no Jedi." I said.

"But... but you knew how to use that lightsaber. And summon it, as well!" he noted, "How can you not be a Jedi?"

"That Mandalorian seemed able to wield the lightsaber he used." I noted.

"But to summon it-"

"I'm not a Jedi." I snapped, "If you must be so grateful for my help, be grateful to the Force that I happened to pass by. I want no praise for good deeds. It makes me sick. I have no good intentions for you. And if you keep pestering me, I shall prove it, painfully."

He cringed and backed off. As I resumed my trek towards the larger settlement, I could hear the man whispering words of comfort to the girl who had almost been killed. I shook my head. I didn't care. I shouldn't feel empathy for them. The child made a stupid mistake. Only an idiot says no when they have a gun in their face.

x x x

Eventually, I reached a precipice with a fence along the edge. It overlooked a quite frankly dazzling scene. A sheer rock face rose up to my left, with a waterfall running down it to a stream at the bottom of the cliff in front of me. Fields stretched out for miles before me, with a small village-type settlement a mile or so to the south-east. There was a ship flying into the settlement as I watched.

I glanced over the edge of the precipice and decided the safest way down would be to climb down the rougher side to my right. Jumping was out of the question, really - it was too far, and while I could levitate, it would be exhausting to do so. Suddenly, I could sense two strong auras approaching me, fast. I spun around to see an orange beacon (Onasi's jacket) and the slightly more subtle mountain of a man that is Canderous Ordo, running after me.

"Just where do you think you're running off to, Kira?" Onasi demanded as they caught up to me.

"Off this planet." I retorted, "I don't like being around all these Jedi."

"Where did you get those?" Onasi asked. The lightsabers on my belt were difficult to miss.

"These?" I asked innocently, "I got them off a corpse I made."

"Who did you kill to get them?" Onasi asked through gritted teeth. I could tell he expected I would say I got them from a Jedi. I was flattered he thought that highly of me.

"Did you see the dead Mandalorian a short way back?" I asked.

"Yes." he said warily.

"He said he killed two Jedi to get these. I figured they'd be more useful to me than to his corpse." I shrugged slightly, and glanced over the edge of the cliff again.

"What clan?" Canderous asked.

"Katzof."

Canderous snorted, "Losers. He deserved it."

"My sentiments exactly." I said brightly.

"I'm missing something here, aren't I?" Onasi asked.

"Katzof clan were cowards who turned tail and ran before the Republic defeated them. To a Mandalorian, that is a great dishonour." I explained.

"I see." Onasi said coldly.

"What are you two doing here, anyway?" I asked conversationally.

"The Jedi have us grounded, in case you've forgotten." Onasi reminded me, "And I think it would be easier for all of us if you just go back there and play nice so they'll let us leave. You're the one they want, after all." then after a brief pause he asked, "You do know how to pretend to be a good girl, don't you?"

"I kinda forgot how to do that, actually." I said.

"I figured. Look, just go back to the Jedi and do what they want, please?" Onasi asked.

"I don't want to go back to the Jedi." I said flatly, "You can't make me."

"You can't get off this planet without their permission." Canderous said calmly, "They ordered a lockdown of the civilian docking bays, as well as their own. The local authorities think there's a wanted fugitive on the loose."

"I feel like one, too." I muttered, "This is just great."

Onasi took a wary step towards me, "Come back to the enclave. At least talk to those Jedi. See what they want. Try to get them to let the rest of us leave, so I can go rejoin the war."

I sighed, "All right. I'll talk to them." I said. It was the only option left available to me.

x x x

I returned to the enclave late that evening, and slept on the Hawk, reasoning that I would speak to the cursed Jedi Council in the morning. Of course, I knew I was procrastinating.

That night, I had a dream. It was like I was reliving the scene I remembered so clearly. Malak was nearby, a few paces behind me, his aura radiating darkness, though deep down he still had a good heart. I was walking slowly towards the ancient ruins of Dantooine. He followed me like a faithful pet.

The darkness from the ruins washed over me, bathing me in its power. And I knew this wasn't even the power source I sought. Merely a guide to find it. This Star Forge surely must be great for even the map that shows its location to be so powerfully dark.

"The dark side is strong in this place - I can feel its power!" Malak pointed out the obvious. A Force-blind gizka could sense the darkness here.

I examined the glyphs on the door. They were nothing I had ever read before. It took me time to decipher them. Eventually, I learned to read them, and discovered how to open the door. I had to press three stone 'buttons' in sequence. I pressed the first, and a grinding noise behind the door could be heard.

It seemed to scare Malak, "Is this wise? The ancient Jedi sealed the archway."

I pressed the second stone, and a louder grinding noise sounded behind the door.

Malak's aura radiated fear, but he kept it out of his voice as he told me, "If we pass beyond this door, we can never go back. The Order will surely banish us."

And I look like I care, why? I pressed the third stone, and the door slid open before us. I stepped through the archway, and Malak hesitated for a second before following me.

"Are the secrets of the Star Forge so valuable, Revan?" he asked me. I didn't dignify that question with a response. Of course they were valuable. They were priceless. "Can its power truly be worth the risk?"

I sat up suddenly. That had been a really vivid dream. I shook my head and lay back down. I heard movement from one of the other bunks. Mission is never asleep in the mornings, she prefers short two-hour naps at random times, but never in the morning when "Everyone else is whining about waking up." Therefore, it could only be Bastila who was stirring.

I pretended to be asleep, while the Jedi brat quickly dressed and bolted out of the room. Then I sat up again, wondering why I had dreamt of the ruins. It had been five years ago, what significance had it to the here and now? Aside from the fact I just happened to be on the same planet.

I dressed and made my way to the common area of the Hawk, to find Mission and Zaalbar at a table, stuffing their faces with what appeared to be local berries.

"Want some breakfast, Kira?" Mission asked, pointing to the bowl of berries. I shrugged and sat next to her, helping myself to a small handful of the food.

"Thanks, kid."

She gave me a pointed glare, and I grinned at her, "You just do that to annoy me, don't you?"

"You noticed?" I asked innocently. She growled quietly. I grinned and resumed eating, "These are good."

"Yeah." she agreed, "Me and Zaalbar went out to explore the area. These were growing on a tree, and one of the Jedi said they're safe to eat, so..." she shrugged and shoved another berry in her mouth.

I decided not to eat any more. If the Jedi said they were safe, I would be wary. "Well, I guess I have to face the Jedi Council one of these days." I said.

"Yeah." Mission said brightly, "Hope that goes ok."

"So do I."

x x x

I entered the Jedi Council chamber, alone, and the doors closed behind me ominously again. Bastila was standing near the door, and the four Jedi Masters were clearly waiting for me. "Bastila has told us of a most unusual development." Vandar said, "She claims you and she have shared a dream, a vision of Malak and Revan in the ancient ruins here on Dantooine."

"What?" I demanded, giving Bastila a highly suspicious glare, "How would she know if we shared a dream?"

"She says that she felt your presence within the dream." Vandar explained, "The presence she has felt within you ever since..."

"Master Vandar!" Vrook interrupted pointedly. I barely contained a snigger at how obvious that was.

"... ever since Taris." Vandar said quickly, "It is not unknown for this to happen between two people strong in the Force."

"Bastila has described this shared dream to the Council in great detail." Master Dorak, who I had only met once on Coruscant, said calmly, "We feel it is more than a dream. It is a vision. The Force is acting through you as it acts through Bastila."

"You and Bastila share a powerful connection to the Force... and each other." Vandar said, "This is not unheard of. Connections often form between Master and student, but rarely does a bond develop so quickly. Whatever dangers may lie ahead, we cannot ignore the destiny that has brought you and Bastila here to us. Together."

I scowled, opened my mouth to say something insulting, then closed it again. A Force-bond? With that brat? That's the last thing I need, right now. "Can you just get to the point and tell me what you want from me?" I asked coldly.

Vrook shot me a glare, but the others seemed unruffled by my abruptness. Vandar was the one who spoke, "Understand that there is little choice in this matter, for you or us. Across the galaxy the numbers of our Order dwindle. We have sent many Jedi in quest of a way to thwart Malak's advance... many have not returned. The Sith hunt the Jedi down like animals, ambushing and assassinating our brothers wherever they are found. We fear it is only a matter of time until they discover even this hidden refuge."

"So you want me to help you defeat Malak?" I asked, incredulously, "And why me?"

"Perhaps our hope lies in the dream you and Bastila shared." Vandar suggested, "The Council has come to the conclusion that you and Bastila must investigate the ancient ruins you dreamed of."

I rolled my eyes at that. "Look, I'm not jumping through hoops for you." I said flatly, "And I'm sick of this masquerade."

The Jedi Masters looked at each other warily. Vrook was the one to speak, "What do you mean by 'masquerade', exactly?" he asked warily.

"I mean." I said slowly and deliberately, as if I were talking to a retarded two-year-old, "I know who I am, and I know that all of you know who I am, so why are we dancing around in circles like a bunch of children playing make-believe?"

"You know who you are?" Vandar asked. I noticed how un-subtly all five of them suddenly had their hands on their lightsabers. Though of all of them, Vandar was the one I was more wary of. Jedi of his species are known for their prowess with the lightsaber. I had never met one of his kind before the previous day, but I had read of them.

"Yeah." I said casually, "And I don't appreciate you trying to mess with my memories."

Zhar actually smiled, "Well. That makes this much less complicated, does it not?" he asked.

The other Masters gave him a startled look. I smirked, "I agree." I said brightly, "It's so much easier when you don't have to LIE TO MY FACE!"

"Calm down... Revan." Vrook said pointedly. The fact my name had been said aloud seemed to dissipate a lot of the tension in the room... and create a whole new type of unease to take its place.

I smirked darkly, "I am calm. I just don't like lies." I said flatly, "I have never in my life said anything that I believed at the time to be untrue... unless I was being blatantly sarcastic at the time."

"That, at least, is good to know." Zhar said, seemingly unafraid, though Vrook was on-edge, Vandar was wary of me, and Dorak... I couldn't read Dorak at all.

"So you want me to lead you to what I found in those ruins, do you?" I asked, "You want me to show you to what Malak is currently using to conquer your precious Republic?"

"Basically, yes." Vrook said coldly.

"You think I want to help you?" I asked just as coldly.

"The enemy of my enemy..." Zhar said, his tone gentle. Comfortingly familiar. Zhar was as close to a father figure as I remembered from my real life, being raised as a Jedi from a young age.

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend." I said quietly, "But- no. I won't help you." I turned to leave, but Bastila caught my arm gently.

"R-Revan." she said nervously. I spun around to face her, and noticed Vrook's lightsaber was - unlit, for now - suddenly in his hand as if he expected me to attack Bastila.

"What?" I demanded of her.

"Carth told me that... on Taris... you told him you believed in four of the five types of honour you know of. Which ones do you believe?"

"Mandalorian. Wookiee. Cathar. And Sith."

"The Sith have honour?" Bastila asked, stunned by this little titbit of information.

"We do, yes." I said, smirking.

"Mandalorian honour." Dorak said calmly, "Does that not dictate that there is greater honour to be gained by fighting against greater odds? The Sith outnumber us, the battle would be greater for your honour if you fought on our side."

"Wookiee honour." Vandar noted, "We saved your life when Malak betrayed you. You owe us a lifedebt."

"Cathar honour." Zhar said quietly, "We raised you. We are your family. Honour dictates you defend family."

Vrook scowled, but then, "Sith honour." he said it as if the very thought, let alone the words, left a bad taste in his mouth, "From what I have read, it is required that the apprentice challenge the master on even grounds to duel for their place. To prove the apprentice has truly surpassed the master. Malak denied you that, and we are your only path to vengeance."

I bowed my head, trying to think of an argument. They were right. They had me cornered. They win this round. "Very well. I will help you... for now."

The Jedi Masters exchanged a surprised look. Then Zhar spoke, "What can you tell us about the ruins from the memory you shared with Bastila?"

"They contain a map. A guide to help find the source of the Sith might." I said flatly.

"And with this map, can we find where Malak's fleet originates?" Zhar prompted.

"Not directly. But yes." I said, nodding.

"Can you tell us where?" Vrook asked sharply.

"No. I cannot." I said flatly, "I never memorised it. I recorded it in my personal datapad, and my ships' logs. I would have to revisit the maps to be certain."

"Maps?" Vrook caught the fact I used the plural.

"There are five maps." I said calmly, "They were damaged, thought destroyed, millennia ago. They are self-repairing technology, and most of the data has restored itself, though not enough. The data from all five maps together was required to calculate the location of the Star Forge."

"Star Forge?" Bastila asked, "Malak mentioned that in the vision."

"He did." I said, nodding, "The Star Forge is the source of the Sith fleet."

"So if we find these maps, we can find the Star Forge?" she asked.

"Basically, yes." I said, "But the maps are in dangerous locations. I would greatly advise against sending anyone to investigate them unprepared. It would be a waste. I could find them if you send me. Though I am sure you will want to supervise me." I smirked darkly, "Only one of the maps is on this planet."

"I think I would like to run a few tests on you, before we send you to find the map." Zhar said calmly, "I wish to know what happened to you, Revan." his tone was gentle and concerned.

I frowned for a moment, but then shrugged, "Fine. It's your time to waste as you see fit." I didn't care if they wasted time that could save the Republic. I didn't need the Republic to survive to get my vengeance on Malak.

"Master Zhar, are you certain that is wise?" Vrook asked.

"I do not think she will hurt me." Zhar said calmly, watching me. "Especially if she knows that if she were to attempt to harm me, we would deem this experiment a failure."

"Experiment?" I asked innocently.

"No attempt to redeem one so far gone has ever been made before." Vandar said calmly.

"I have no interest in being redeemed." I said flatly, "What's so bad with you calling me a failure when I don't even want to live up to your standards?"

"We made a deal with certain Republic representatives for your custody." Dorak said calmly, "If our experiment fails, we will have no choice but to turn you over for execution."

I blinked a few times. "Oh. I see. You really need to work on your veiled threats. They don't work so well if you're too cryptic or vague."

Vrook shot me a glare, but I just smiled too innocently. "Follow me, please." Zhar told me.

I nodded and followed him as he led me out of the Council chambers.

x x x

Zhar led me to a training room, where he told me to sit on the floor. I knelt, unsure what these 'tests' would be, so I remained alert, ready to jump up at a second's notice.

He placed a clear crystal on the ground in front of me, and then stepped back. "Focus on the crystal, please." he said softly.

I focused on the crystal. It was perfectly formed, yet a natural grown crystal, uncut. It had five equal sides, and no flaws.

"Focus through the Force." Zhar chided, when he seemed to realise I was just analysing the crystal and not meditating on it.

My eyes lost focus as I opened up to my other senses. I reached for the crystal through the Force, and I felt it. It had no natural alignment as some objects have, but I felt that the crystal channelled the Force. It was not strong in the Force, simply a conduit for it. A tool, with no inherent power of its own.

Distantly, I heard Zhar tell me, "Now focus through it."

It wasn't exactly as simple a command as it sounds, but it made sense. The crystal could channel the Force, so if I focused my Force powers through the crystal, it would channel them. Though I had no idea what effect doing so would have. I focused my thoughts through the crystal itself. It turned blood red, and started making a high-pitched humming noise. Slowly it levitated and started spinning on the spot. Faster and faster until it was a blur.

"You can stop now." Zhar said, a faint hint of fear in his tone.

I stopped, and the crystal quite suddenly dropped out of the air, colourless again. I hadn't moved a muscle, but when I looked up, Zhar seemed to have backed several steps away from me. "Did I do something wrong?" I asked too innocently. It was obvious that I had.

"I have never seen this meditation crystal react so strongly." he said, "Though I have never had someone so immersed in the dark side attempt to use it before."

"What is the crystal supposed to do?" I asked, genuinely innocent curiosity getting the better of me.

Zhar smiled faintly. That type of curiosity was one I had shown in all my lessons when I was younger. "It shows your inner emotions. It is designed to help resolve internal conflict or reveal feelings you hide from yourself."

"Things that can't be read in auras, you mean?" I asked.

"Exactly." Zhar said, though the smile that he would have normally shown on hearing a correct answer from me was absent. "I would like you to try again. Now that you know what you are doing, you should be better able to control it."

I nodded and focused into the crystal again. It glowed red and began to hum again. As it levitated off the ground, I left my Force senses open to the crystal this time, and I could feel boiling rage emanating from it. Pure psychic venom. I frowned and tried to see where it came from. My cruelty and darkness was through hatred, resentment and distrust, not anger. But the anger came from me, and that confused me.

As I tried to confront these emotions, the crystal turned a dark shade of smoky grey. The sound it made turned deeper, almost sub-audible.

"Fascinating." I heard Zhar mutter. I hesitated at that, but he quickly said, "Please continue."

So I continued to focus on the crystal. I had accepted the anger that I had previously denied had existed, and now the crystal was showing something else I denied I had. Fear. The smoky greyness, confusing. Fear of the unknown. The one thing I did fear. I nodded slightly. This was an enlightening experience. I admitted to myself that I had some fear, though I knew I was no coward.

Then the crystal lightened, with almost blinding emerald green light. It was soundless, but I sensed... compassion. "No." I stopped focusing and let the crystal drop.

"Deny it if you will. But we both saw it." Zhar said quietly. I shot him a vicious glare.

"I lost the ability to feel that emotion some time ago." I said flatly, "The crystal must have been picking up memories of feelings."

"It does not work that way." Zhar said calmly. A hint of a smile on his face, "Perhaps you are not beyond hope after all."

"I can be reasoned with, as you can see from experience." I said coldly, "But you cannot appeal to my better nature because I don't have one."

"We shall see." he said quietly, "I suggest you return to your ship for the night. It is late."

I blinked, startled, "What? I just came in here-"

"Eleven hours ago." Zhar said pointedly.

I stared at him, stunned. I could sense no deception from him, and when I sensed outside the room through the Force it appeared to be nighttime. "Fascinating." I whispered, "It seemed like it was only a few minutes."

"That is a common side effect from meditating on this crystal." Zhar said, picking up the object in question and carefully wrapping it in a cloth. "Dealing with such emotions does not take mere minutes. Though sometimes it can seem as such. On other occasions it can seem to take weeks. It depends on the subject."

I nodded, and stood up, "I guess that makes sense." I said, "Though one thing surprises me. I thought Jedi denied their emotions. Why have a meditation crystal like that?"

"Sometimes the most dangerous emotions are the ones we refuse to acknowledge. To inhibit emotion you must first know it is there to be inhibited." Zhar said calmly.

"I see." I said flatly, "Sounds like a load of rubbish to me. Emotions are who a person is. Without them you're just drones."

"I suggest you return to your ship for now. I will have more tests for you tomorrow." Zhar said coldly.

I nodded sharply and turned on my heel and left.

x x x

Over the next few days, Zhar had me answering questions and demonstrating Force abilities for him. I felt like a lab-rat.

The Jedi around the enclave only knew I was 'training under Master Zhar'. A lot of Padawans and Knights came here to train under Zhar's tutelage. It was a good cover story for me. The truth of my identity seemed not to have got past the Masters, Bastila and myself. Onasi was immediately suspicious of the 'tests' Zhar was running on me, though he knew nothing. Canderous couldn't care less either way. Mission and Zaalbar seemed too preoccupied roaming the plains and looking for excitement outside the stuffy Jedi enclave to notice that anything odd was happening.

I found these tests utterly boring, but the Jedi Masters had me trapped and I couldn't afford to fight back. Not yet, anyway. I was given the illusion of freedom, which only made my prison more claustrophobic. I could roam as I pleased within the compound, but I knew if I harmed anyone there, I would be turned over for execution immediately. And in spite of my protests to the contrary, I knew I would have little chance if it came down to a fight against the four Jedi Masters here.

They let me keep the two lightsabers I had looted from the Mandalorian, and even praised me for disposing of the threat he posed. Praised me like a kath pup taught to fetch - it felt degrading. They didn't seem to mind when I had ventured out into the fields and located the crystal cave. Then spent an afternoon modifying my lightsabers. Now one was crimson, the other emerald. Both with added crystals to increase their strength. The green had been my Jedi crystal colour when I had first received a lightsaber. And Zhar didn't hesitate to remind me that it was the colour the meditation crystal turned when it hit the point I wouldn't admit to.

My new lightsabers were proven to be effective the one time Zhar asked me to demonstrate my non-Force fighting skills on a practice droid. He told me to go easy on it. It didn't last five seconds. He never asked me to try that again.

Zhar found my Force lightening fascinating, though my other dark Force powers did disgust him. "Why do you consider the lightening less vile?" I asked idly, while maintaining a steady electric current through a terminal he was using to measure my lightening.

"It can have productive uses." he said calmly, "Though the ability to drain the Force from other living things, or choke the life from something, is somewhat more limited."

"Useful, though." I noted.

"Hm. That is a matter of opinion." he said coldly.

"How many more of these little tests are you going to put me through before you let me go on the field-trip to the ruins?" I asked, letting my boredom show clearly in my tone.

"I think I have gleaned all the information I can from you, for now." he said, "You may go. Return to the Council chambers after your midday meal, and we shall discuss the issue of the maps." I sighed and left the training room.

I made my way to the courtyard, and sat on the low wall that overlooked the fields. It was a beautiful view. "I find it unusual that you do not wear the customary Jedi robes, yet you train under Master Zhar." a lilting female voice said behind me.

"I'm not a Jedi." I said flatly, not looking at the person who addressed me.

"If that is so, why do you train under Master Zhar?" she asked, settling on the wall next to me. I glanced at her. She was a Cathar, which in itself is rare since the Mandalorians wiped out their world. Even rarer for a Cathar to attempt to become a Jedi. Their race's temper is legendary.

"It's a long story. I would rather not talk about it." I said.

She nodded slightly, "As you wish. I was simply curious." Ever heard the saying 'curiosity killed the cat'?

I just stared at the view, refusing to give in to the urge to say it. I couldn't afford to provoke anyone here. Much that I wanted to.

When she realised I wasn't going to say anything, the Cathar spoke again, "My name is Juhani. May I ask yours?"

"I'm not sure you want to hear my name." I said flatly.

"Why is that?" she asked innocently.

"Same long story I don't want to get into."

"Ah." she nodded slightly, "I shall not press you for answers. I simply saw you alone and thought you may appreciate the company."

"I do appreciate it." I said quietly, "And the conversation, as well. So long as we do not discuss my past."

"A bad past is... understandable." she said, nodding slightly.

"I didn't say my past was bad. Just that it is not up for discussion." I said bluntly.

She gave me an odd look, "You are... strange." she said, "I sense the Force in you, but... it does not seem at all like the Jedi I have met in my time here."

"I told you. I'm not a Jedi."

"Then what, exactly, are you?"

"I'm a Sith."

Her eyes widened slightly, and when she spoke again her tone was cold, "And what would a Sith be doing in a Jedi enclave?"

"The Jedi Masters made a deal with me." I said bluntly, "I can help them win this war. In exchange I am allowed some degree of freedom."

"I see." she said warily, edging away from me.

I grinned at her, "I don't bite." I said brightly, "No need to be afraid."

"I am not afraid of you, Sith." she hissed.

"Shhh. The Jedi Masters didn't tell everyone for a good reason." I said, barely above a whisper, "How do you think they would react if everyone knew?"

"Then why did you tell me?" she asked, anger creeping into her tone.

"Because I don't lie. You asked." I said, shrugging.

"It must be difficult to live a life of manipulation and mistrust when you do not lie." she said coldly.

"The truth is sometimes so much more painful than a lie." I smirked darkly.

She shivered slightly, "I apologise for bothering you. I think I should leave."

She stood up to go, but I spoke quickly, "Please don't."

"Why should I not?"

"I really do appreciate the company." I said quietly, "How did a Cathar come to join the Jedi?"

She scowled and sat down, though I noticed her Force shields go up, blocking out my attempts at reading her aura, and her hand hovered close to her lightsaber. "What is it to you?." she asked guardedly.

"It just seems odd." I said, "Your species are known for their anger and passion. The Jedi try to pretend such things don't exist."

She glared at me, "The Jedi do not pretend their passions do not exist. They simply suppress them so they can function logically without emotional influence."

I nodded slightly, "I know the Jedi tenet. I used to be a Jedi. What I find odd is that a Cathar is able to suppress their emotions like that."

"I... have some difficulty. But that is none of your concern."

I thought for a second. What I had read of her aura, before she blocked me, showed a gentle heart. She was a good person, though the anger I felt radiated from the core of her being. It wasn't something that could be denied no matter how hard she tried. Nor would it ever truly be sated. "I may be able to help you deal with your anger."

"How could you help? And why would you?"

"I know anger very well." I said, smirking darkly, "I know how it works, what feeds it and how to control it. I also have no reason to hurt you. I do not wish to anger the Jedi Masters when I have no means of escape."

"Why offer help, though?"

"Because I like you. You may be a good person, but that doesn't mean I have to automatically dislike you because you have something I don't."

"What do I have that you do not?" she asked warily.

"A conscience." I said, grinning darkly, "All my decisions of right and wrong are based in self-preservation, not morals."

"I see." she said warily, "But yet you offer to help me."

"I have nothing better to do. And as I said, I like you."

"Very well. I will listen to your suggestions. Though whether I heed them or not is another matter."

"Anger is not something that likes to be suppressed." I said bluntly, "If you try to bury it, it builds up until it cannot be contained. Let it build up and you would lash out at the nearest slight irritant. It's a quick and easy fall to the dark side from there. I know this, because I've used it to turn Jedi to the dark side."

She shivered at that idea.

"It is simple to deal with this problem, though." I said calmly, "If you consider it a problem, I mean."

"How?"

"Anger is part of any person. Especially you. If you can channel your anger into a harmless exercise, such as combat training, for example. You can get it out of your system. Exhaust the emotion and it won't control you as easily."

"I still do not understand why you are telling me this. I tend to feel that you are trying to trick me."

"I don't lie."

"I have only your word on that."

I smiled, "You are smart, Juhani." I said, "But I am telling you the truth. If, for example, you were to lash out at a training droid, before your mediations each day, you would be better able to repress your anger. Though, I personally think that anger is a good thing, but you clearly don't."

She gave me an odd look, "I shall consider your suggestions." she said, the caution in her tone making it obvious she wasn't likely to accept my help.

x x x

"So what, you're a Jedi already?" Mission asked, as we ate on the ship, "I heard a rumour that pink guy was training you."

"I am not a Jedi. I have had training in the use of the Force, but I am not a Jedi." I said, through gritted teeth.

"So what sorta tricks can you do?" she asked eagerly.

I levitated the bowl of fruits in the air, sent it flying around the room, and then carefully placed it back on the table.

Mission's eyes widened, "That is soooo cool." she cheered.

"I can also sense how you're feeling, to some extent. I can't read thoughts, just emotions." I said, smiling too innocently. I could sense relief from her when I said I couldn't read thoughts. "I can also tell what sort of person you are, through those same senses."

"So what sort of person am I?" she asked, grinning.

I studied her aura closely, so I could give her an entirely accurate description of herself. Near-blinding shades of blue and white swirled around her, tendrils of gold and violet winding through it. No darkness was anywhere near her aura. "You're essentially a good person. Innocent in the three essential senses-"

"What're those?" she asked.

"You've never been tortured... you've never killed anyone... and you've never had sex."

"How'd you know that?!" she demanded.

"Innocence is a strong element in your aura. It's difficult to miss." I said flatly, "But in spite of that, you're a fighter - if you were a Jedi, you'd be a Guardian - a defender of what you believe is right. You also have a great deal of knowledge, cunning and skills. It's actually amazing that you remained so innocent and essentially good considering the atmosphere you lived in before. You have a strong belief that good will triumph, because that's just the way it has to be. A belief I don't share, I should tell you. You have very few negative emotions, and you seem incredibly trusting. Optimistic, and a little too cheerful sometimes, but those last two are obvious even to Force-blinds." I finished, grinning.

She smirked, "No such thing as 'too cheerful'."

"For you, obviously." I said flatly, "I am much less optimistic, however."

"So can you use those lightsabers?" she asked me.

"Yes. I can use them very well." I said, grinning darkly. I drew the emerald blade, igniting it. I levitated a piece of fruit into the air, sending it spinning at high speeds around the room, then with a quick flourish of my blade I cut it precisely in half, and let it fall onto the table.

Mission gaped as I put my lightsaber away again. "Wow."

[That is impressive.] Zaalbar noted, helping himself to the piece of fruit I had cut.

"What else can you do?" Mission asked eagerly.

I tilted my head to one side, considering carefully what else I should show her. I was saved from making that decision by Bastila'a appearance. "Ah, there you are." she said snappishly, "The Masters are waiting for you."

"What? They said after lunch. I'm still eating!" I whined.

Bastila snorted, "You must eat like a Wookiee to take this long!"

[I'm sitting right here.] Zaalbar noted.

I sniggered, and Mission giggled. Bastila glanced at the Wookiee, "I didn't mean to offend. It's just that humans don't have the same appetite as your-"

"He was joking, Bastila." Mission chided, giggling. Zaalbar was wearing the Wookiee equivalent of a mischievous grin.

Bastila glared at the two of them, and I sniggered, "You need to at least learn the definition of a sense of humour, Jedi." I noted.

"Must you keep calling me 'Jedi'?" she snapped.

"Um, let me think." I mocked considering the point. Then, "Yes. I must. See, you are a Jedi. I'm not. I don't like Jedi. So I call you Jedi. From me, it's a term of insult." I said brightly.

Bastila glared at me, anger flaring briefly before she beat it down. If anyone needed to let out her pent up anger once in a while, it's her. "Kindly follow me to the Council chamber. Now."

"As you command." I said in mock sternness. She left the room and I added in a mutter, "Jedi bitch."

"I heard that!" she shouted back at me.

Mission giggled maniacally, and Zaalbar made a snorting sound that was trying not to be Wookiee laughter.

x x x

The Jedi Masters were most insistent that Bastila accompanied me to the ruins. They couldn't control Carth Onasi, though. And he was also insistent on supervising me. So I had those two tagging along as I left the enclave.

"Greetings, young Jedi, I wonder if you could assist me." a woman asked as we passed. I continued walking, until Bastila grabbed my arm and forced me to stop and listen to the woman's plea, "I seem to have lost my... companion, you see."

"We don't have time for this, Bastila." I growled, eager to get out there and find the ruins so I could get off this pacifistic dump. Hopefully some of Sherruk's minions would be out for vengeance, so I could have something fun to kill, too.

"Please, I beg of you, I must find him." the woman pleaded to me, "How can you leave him out there with so many dangerous beasts and predators? Have you no humanity?"

"None whatsoever. Now if you'll excuse me."

I turned to leave, but Bastila used the Force to freeze my legs, "We shall listen to this woman's plea, and you shall help her."

"In your dreams, Jedi-girl." I hissed.

"In case you have forgotten, you are in my dreams." she retorted.

"I hate you." I snarled at her, but I stopped trying to leave, so she dropped her Force bindings.

Bastila turned to the woman, "Please tell me what you can. We shall help however possible."

"We were working on my farm to the north of here." the woman said, eagerly accepting the offer of help, "I was working in the garden outside, and he was working inside. I heard the door to the house open, but not close. I went to see and found it wide open! I searched everywhere, and could not find him! I worry so much. I need him back so badly. I wonder if he... Could he have been kidnapped?"

"It is possible." Bastila pondered.

"Or he could have left on his own." I suggested.

"But he had no reason to run away!" the woman protested. I could name a couple of reasons right now. That voice, and that clingy attitude, for a start. "His programming..."

"A droid?!" I snapped, half amused half surprised.

"Well... yes... he is a droid." she muttered, blushing slightly. I picked up on that right away. I wondered exactly how close she'd been to the droid in question.

"What sort of droid was he, exactly?" I asked pointedly. The filthy glare Onasi gave me made it clear he'd been thinking the same thing but was too decent to suggest it.

"He is a personal assistance droid." she said, the cold edge in her tone made it clear she knew I had guessed, and she would deny it fervently, "My husband was a genius at constructing droids. He made this one capable of taking care of me for the rest of my life. As the last legacy of my husband, for my own personal ease of mind, I need him back! His absence gnaws at me like a gaping wound. Please, I beg of you, return my droid to me!"

"If we find your droid, we shall return him to you." Bastila said. It seemed to me that she was oblivious to the purpose behind this droid. Either that or she was pretending to be blind and deaf.

"Thank you! Thank you, master Jedi! If you find him, please send him home to me. I need him so much!" the woman said gratefully. The desperation in her tone made me want to refuse to help, just to see her cry.

"Wow. She really misses her droid, doesn't she?" Onasi asked, smirking, as we walked away from her.

"There is no need for you to make fun of her." Bastila said prissily, "She is obviously desperate."

"I'll say." Onasi muttered.

"Carth! Enough!" Bastila snapped.

I sniggered, "I agree with Onasi on this one. I'd even rather date him than a droid, any day. And let's face it, you'd need to be desperate to want him." I noted brightly... it was a joke, and I hoped my tone made that clear - if he weren't so annoying, I would actually find Carth Onasi quite attractive.

"'Date'?" Bastila snapped, "Are you two implying that she used that droid for..." she trailed off, a faint blush creeping onto her face.

"Isn't it obvious?" I asked too brightly.

"It doesn't take the Force to notice." Onasi put in.

"That is... quite disgusting." Bastila muttered.

"I tend to agree." I noted, "Besides, there are things a droid can't do..."

Onasi gave me a sharp look, "I daren't ask."

"Damn right you won't." I retorted, almost laughing.

Bastila shook her head, "You worry me-" she opened her mouth to say my name, but quickly reverted to, "Kira."

"Thank you." I said brightly.

x x x

We hadn't gone far from the enclave when a shouted male voice interrupted our thoughts, "Damn all you Jedi, you're totally useless! I'll deal with it myself!" from that alone, I liked the speaker.

"The Jedi Council will look into the matter, Mr Matale." a calmer male voice, that could only be a Jedi, said.

"The hell they will! You and your cursed Council always say you'll help, but you never do!" the man shouted.

"What the bloody hell are you yelling about?" I snapped, projecting fear in a limited extent. Just enough to let him know who's in control of the situation. Me.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"My name is irrelevant. You yelling your head off is the problem right now. Why are you doing it?"

"My son is missing!" the man said vehemently, "And I know the Sandral family are to blame!"

"What proof do you have?" I asked flatly.

"Proof? How dare you talk to me about proof! I have more than enough to satisfy any reasonable person!"

"Perhaps you could tell me some more about this feud." I said, putting on my most persuasive tone, "I'm new on this world."

"The Sandrals are a blight on Dantooine!" the man said. The anger and passion in his words sent chills down my spine. "Many years ago I brought my family here to Dantooine to escape the crush of humanity on the Core Worlds. Soon after we settled here, the Sandrals arrived. And they have been a plague upon my house ever since! The injustices the Sandrals have committed against the Matales are far too numerous to name, but the Council is well aware of our many disputes."

"I'm not a Jedi." I nodded in Bastila's direction, "Though she is. I don't have access to their records."

The man huffed slightly, but my charms seemed to work on him, and he continued his explanation, "Recently, I discovered several Sandral droids trespassing on my land. My own security droids destroyed the invaders - not a single one survived."

"Why would they send droids into your property?" I asked, "Such an act is usually provoked, if it's hostile at all."

Onasi coughed at that, and I kicked him. See what I mean? Provocation and reaction. He coughed, I kicked. It can be that petty, but it's still a provocation.

"I have no idea what nefarious purpose lay behind their arrival - my own assassination, perhaps." he said. I suddenly got a scent through the Force of exactly how pompous he was and the anger suddenly wasn't as attractive as it had been a minute ago. With an ego like that, I wouldn't be surprised if his son just ran off to get away from him, "Destruction of my property. Maybe a simple spy mission. I wasn't about to find out."

"Paranoid, aren't we?" I asked bluntly.

He glared at me, "It was shortly after this incident that Shen, my only son and heir to the Matale estate, vanished. Obviously Nurik, the unscrupulous head of the Sandral clan, has abducted my son in retaliation for the destruction of his droids!"

"Incredibly paranoid." I muttered, "Have you any proof at all?"

"I have good reason to believe it!"

"I can see why the Jedi are taking their time with the full scale invasion of the Sandrals." I said dryly, "Even I would hesitate."

"That is saying something." Bastila muttered. I shot her a glare, and she shrugged innocently.

"Why does the Council insist on stalling?" the man all but whined to Bastila, "The life of my son is at stake! Is it possible... yes, of course. Now I understand. I am a man of the world, Jedi. I know how things are done. I will make a... contribution... of one thousand credits to the Council in exchange for rescuing Shen from the Sandrals. I will present the credits directly to you, of course. Whether the Council ever learns of this 'donation' is completely up to you."

Bastila's eyes widened in shock. "I am insulted, Mr Matale." she said, "The Jedi cannot be bought! I will remain neutral despite your attempted bribe!"

"I, on the other hand, can be bought." I said brightly, "One thousand credits for finding a lost kid. Wouldn't be a bad day's earnings."

"You never cease to disgust me, Kira." Onasi muttered, "You've sunk to a new low."

"I've done worse, I assure you." I said bluntly. He shook his head and refused to even look at me, "I'll look into your son's disappearance for you."

"Thank you, young lady. I am most grateful to you for your assistance." Matale said, nodding his thanks.

"Where can I find these Sandrals?" I asked.

"Follow their stink south of here and you shall find them. I demand action on this matter!" the man said. As if he could demand anything from me.

"I'll investigate the situation. Then I will take action. Then, if they're lucky, the Jedi will hear about it from Bastila." I said brightly. This seemed to placate Mr Matale.

"What? You're going to go and investigate a runaway child?" Bastila snapped, "We have more important things to be doing!"

"Credits." I said bluntly, "I'm a greedy bitch, or didn't you notice? Besides, I smelled death around him." I said, walking away from her, towards the large estate to the south of the enclave.

"What are you talking about?" Bastila snapped, following me.

"I'm not sure yet. I have a sense for these things." I said, frowning and following the ripples in the Force where it would have me go. Death has a strong scent in the Force, and I could smell it a mile away. There was death on this estate. The Matale estate.

I followed that stink, though if I were honest, there was no scent of anything from the south. Even Bastila recognised the scent before we reached the corpse in the field. It was being gnawed by kath hounds. I used the Force to inspire fear of me in the kath hounds, so they just ran away.

Bastila gave me an odd look, "I had been expecting to have to fight them."

"No fun fighting something that's not sentient." I muttered, kneeling next to the corpse and checking the body. It was too badly chewed to make any accurate analysis of how he died, though the virtually untouched diary did identify him as being named Casus Sandral. I showed this diary to Bastila. "Is it possible that the droids were escorting him and Matale wasn't looking at what his own droids were shooting?"

"That's cold. Even by your standards." Onasi muttered.

"I agree. I wouldn't be so unobservant of what I killed." I said flatly, "This is the death I sensed from him. It could have been his doing. Or it could have been the kath hounds. It is impossible to tell."

"What do you suggest we do... Kira?" Bastila asked. I gave her an amused look. She seemed to be having trouble pretending I was anyone but the dark lord of the Sith, at the moment.

"Well, I think it's time we talked to the Sandrals." I said, pocketing the diary, "It could be interesting."

Bastila sighed and reluctantly let me lead the way southwards to the Sandral estate.

x x x

"I have been informed by my protocol droid that you wish to speak to me." Nurik Sandral was a dark skinned human man with an austere aura and a lot of repressed anger.

"What do you know about the Matale boy's disappearance?" I asked flatly.

Guilt flashed through his aura, but to give the man credit he didn't drop any hints a Force-blind would pick up on, "I feel great sorrow at the young Matale heir's disappearance, but they are not the only family to suffer such a tragedy. Dantooine is a dangerous place. My own son Casus has been missing for some time now. But I know nothing about the disappearance of Shen. Perhaps he and Casus now share a similar fate."

"Depends what happened to the Matale boy." I said coldly, "Because I have news of Casus, if you tell me what you know about the Matale boy."

"You... you know where my son is?" Nurik asked hopefully.

"It's not good news... but yes. If you tell me what you know about the Matale boy. I am trained in the Force. I can smell guilt a mile away." I said acidly.

"I brought my family here to find peace and safety - not to be harassed and treated like common criminals!" he shouted.

Bastila elbowed me sharply, "Just tell him. We do not threaten people."

"You don't, anyway. I'm not a Jedi, remember?" I snapped back at her.

"Just tell him. Or the Masters will not be happy." she hissed.

"I hate you." I growled at her. Then I turned to Nurik Sandral, and put on a false smile that didn't reach my eyes, "I apologise for my rudeness. We found your son north of here. He's now a kath hound chew toy."

Onasi actually hit his forehead with his palm, "Do you know what tact is, woman?" he hissed.

Bastila had rolled her eyes, "She knows. She chooses not to use it." she said, her voice clearly pained.

"Are all Jedi so callous towards those who grieve? No matter. Your cruel words hurt me no more than the news itself." Nurik said, shaking his head.

Bastila frowned, and took a step towards the man, radiating waves of comfort through the Force that caused me to put up my own Force shields to keep it out, "She is not a Jedi. I apologise deeply for her insolence and cruelty."

Nurik shook his head sadly, "Kath hounds?" he said quietly. Almost to himself, "I... I was so certain the Matale family was to blame... But this changes nothing! My own son is dead - why should I shed one tear about the disappearance of my bitter enemy's son?" guilt flashed through his aura again, and I could barely restrain the urge to beat a confession out of him. "I must ask you something, though it is difficult for me. My son had a diary. His private, personal thoughts. Now that he is gone, I have nothing else to remember him by. Please, the diary means more to me than it ever could to you. I will give you a hundred credits for its return."

I glanced at the other two, "One hundred credits?" I asked brightly.

Onasi glared at me, "You greedy little Hutt-spawn!" he snapped at me, "Just give him the diary. We don't need his money!"

"You might not." I said coldly.

"Give him the diary, or I'll tell the Jedi Masters how nice you were to the Outcasts on Taris." he said coldly.

"I wasn't nice to them!"

"You might have saved their lives from Malak!"

"I didn't know that at the time!!"

"Just give the man the diary!!" Onasi yelled at me.

I glared at him, "One word of praise for any good deeds I fictitiously committed in your hyperactive imagination reaches the Jedi Council, and I will demonstrate just how cruel and evil I can be with a nice little torture session, Onasi." I said, glaring viciously at him. I all but threw the diary at Nurik Sandral.

He blinked a few times, but a slight wave of my hand and a small blast of the Force caused him to forget that the little argument I had with Onasi ever happened. "I thank you for this. The diary is all I have left of my son. We have nothing further to discuss. Please, leave me to my grief." he turned and left the hall.

"Let's go." I said, turning to leave through the main front doors.

But a female voice stopped us, "You are here from the Council, are you not? Looking for Shen Matale?" she asked.

"None of your business. Sod off." I snapped, without even turning to face her.

Pain flashed through her aura. You don't have to be looking at someone to read their aura, though it helps, "I... I thought you would listen to me. I thought the Jedi were compassionate and kind! I shouldn't have spoken to you at all - I've just made everything worse!" she said, tears in her voice.

Bastila sighed and stepped closer to the woman, "I apologise for my... companion's behaviour. She is not a Jedi, she simply works with us. I don't think she knows the meaning of the word compassion."

The woman gave Bastila a confused look, "Then you will help me?" she asked, hopefully.

"Yes, I will help you." Bastila said gently, shooting psychic accusations at me that bounced harmlessly off the Force shields I wore to block out her sympathy for these people.

"My name is Rahasia - Nurik is my father." the young woman said, "He has not been himself since Casus disappeared. He is mad with grief, and he is convinced the Matales are responsible. He is not thinking rationally."

"He has every reason to suspect them." I said flatly, "Casus was-"

Onasi put his hand over my mouth to stop me repeating the chew-toy remark. "Your brother was found on Matale grounds. We're not sure what exactly killed him." he said. He was holding me quite securely, with one arm around my waist, and a hand clamped over my mouth. The physical contact sent shivers up my spine, and the flashes of anger in his aura were a real turn on. I could so easily have pushed him away with the Force, but I chose not to because I liked being this close to him.

"It is most likely he was attacked by kath hounds." Bastila said pointedly, giving Onasi a brief glare, "We have only Kira's twisted imagination to suggest otherwise."

"Good point, Bastila. Sorry." he said, smirking at me. I glared over my shoulder at him, and bit his hand sharply. He let me go quite quickly, though he seemed more amused than anything else by my reaction.

"Casus is dead?" Rahasia asked, grief from her hitting me in palpable waves, even through my Force shields, "It is as I feared, though I am relieved the Matales are not responsible. My father is a good man. When my mother died, he raised me and my brother by himself. He loves his children, and we love him. I just don't want you to judge him too harshly."

"Judge him? What has your father done?" I asked sharply.

"You must understand that Father has been under a terrible strain." Rahasia said quickly, "I have no wish to disobey him, but there are matters where even my father's authority is not absolute."

"Quit stalling and get to the point." I said coldly. I could feel Onasi glaring at me, and Bastila's psychic recriminations aimed at me.

"My father has kidnapped Shen Matale." she said quietly, "He is holding him prisoner here in the compound. He feels this is a way to get back at the Matales, a way to get even for the disappearance of my brother Casus."

"We should inform the Jedi Council of this crime." Bastila said immediately.

"No!" Rahasia said, desperation and fear showing clearly in her voice as well as her aura, "Since Casus went missing my father has become unstable, he might hurt him if you do that! He no longer even cares if the Matales are responsible for what happened to Casus. I am afraid my father will simply kill Shen out of a mad, misguided lust for vengeance!"

"Why are you telling us this?" I asked flatly.

"Shen is an innocent victim in all this." Rahasia said plaintively, "My father is not a bad man, but his grief has driven him to madness. He must be stopped. The Jedi Council does not have the authority to search our estate, and if Father finds out his secret has been revealed he might kill Shen right away."

"Why do you care about him?" I asked bluntly.

"Maybe because she's a decent human being?" Onasi hissed at me, "But you'd not know anything about that, would you?"

"Not really, no." I said brightly.

"Shen and I... we... Well, we have been taught by our families to hate each other, just for being related to our fathers." Rahasia said, getting a distant look in her eyes as she recalled her story, "But I met Shen alone one day in the city, away from his father, and... and Shen was so charming, so sweet. He didn't care at all that I was a Sandral, he just accepted me for who I was, with no reservations. We talked and met again over months and fell in love. My brother Casus met him too and they were beginning to become friends, but then this whole mess had to happen... Please find Shen and free him! You are my only hope!"

"Love." I said distantly, "I suppose I can understand that. It does tend to send logic out the airlock, doesn't it?"

"And you would know, how?" Bastila asked coldly.

"I would rather not discuss that." I hissed at her.

"Take this key. It will open an unguarded door at the rear of the estate." Rahasia said to Bastila, handing her a key. Bastila looked utterly bewildered, "You and Shen can make your escape through there."

"I- I should not engage in such unscrupulous activities as breaking and entering." Bastila said, clearly stunned, "We should inform the Jedi Council of the situation, and let them handle it."

"You heard what the girl said, Jedi." I snapped, "Come on. Breaking and entering it is." I dragged her bodily out of the main hall, and round to the side door.

"This is wrong. We are entering a private home without permission or authority." Bastila said, horrified at the idea.

"We have Rahasia's permission. And our lightsabers are our authority." I glanced at Onasi, "Or in his case, his blasters."

Bastila gave me a vicious glare for that, "I will have nothing to do with this little adventure of yours!" she snapped.

"Hey, I'm only in it for the credits." I said, shrugging, "But if you're not interested in saving the boy's life, I'd think the Jedi Masters would love to hear your excuses."

"You- you evil-!" she spluttered.

"Thank you." I said brightly, opening the door and leading the two of them into the building.

We were immediately attacked by a droid that I instinctively threw lightening at to destroy it. Bastila glared at me, but Onasi spoke up, "I didn't think Jedi did that. I've seen enough dark Jedi do it in the war to know it's one of their tricks."

"Yes." I said flatly, "But you have to admit it's effective."

"Can we just get this over with?" Bastila insisted, "I don't like this scheme of yours one bit."

"Hey, you're the one who's supposed to be supervising me." I noted.

"And you made a good case. I just don't have to like it." she retorted.

I smirked, "I'm good at talking people into doing what I want, aren't I?"

"I don't know why you care about this boy, anyway. It's not your style." Onasi noted.

"Money, Onasi. Money." I said, smirking.

"You are heartless."

"I think you mentioned that once or twice before." I said, smirking.

"Can you two stop bickering?" Bastila snapped, "We do have a real mission we should be getting back to soon."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." I said dismissively, "Now let's see." I reached out through the Force and sensed the living things in the building. "Girl's over there." I pointed generally to the left. "The father's that way." further left. "And the only other human in the building is in this direction." I started walking to the right, but I stopped short a foot back from the door.

Onasi wasn't so subtle, and took the step forward. The mine I had stopped to avoid went off in my face, blinding both of us. "Lucky for you, that was only a flash mine." Bastila chided, rounding the corner.

Onasi was still blinking and shaking his head, "Why didn't you warn me?"

"You didn't give me the chance." I hissed, rubbing my eyes, "Moron. I'm going to be seeing stars for the next five minutes."

"At least you can see." he muttered.

I laughed as I stepped past him and set about slicing the lock on the door. It took a while, and a couple of spikes, for me to get past it. But eventually, the door opened to reveal a young man who seemed more bored than scared, "Who are you? What do you want with me? Are you working for my father?"

"Anyone tell you you ask too many questions?" I asked flatly.

Bastila glared at me, then told him, "We are here to rescue you, Shen."

"Rescue me?" he asked, stunned, "No... I won't leave. It's too dangerous."

"If you don't come with me, I'll drag you out by the hair!" I snapped.

He glared at me, "If you do that, I'll scream my head off and alert all the guards in the house! The only chance you have is to talk Rahasia into leaving. It is not my own safety I am concerned about. I am worried about the fate of Nurik's daughter, Rahasia. She has been trying to convince her father to release me ever since I was captured. If I escape, Nurik will think Rahasia is to blame. Nurik is insane with grief over the loss of his son Casus. If I leave with you, it is Rahasia who will suffer. I cannot allow that."

"What do we have to do to get you to come with us?" I asked. I was getting sick of this little adventure, and I let that fact be obvious in my voice and posture.

"If you can convince Rahasia to escape with us I will accompany you - though I do not know if she would be willing to turn her back on her home and family." he said, "Who could imagine a Sandral doing such a thing for the sake of a Matale. But if she will not go, then I too shall stay. I would rather face my own death, than have her face her father's wrath because I escaped."

"Moron." I said flatly, "But it's your funeral if she won't go. I'll ask her."

"Thank you. I wish you luck."

x x x

I found Rahasia and told her about her boyfriend's ultimatum. She agreed to leave, and we all met outside the estate.

After the heartfelt greetings, that were so sappy I could puke, we were rudely interrupted by both their fathers showing up.

"I knew this was all your doing! I knew you had captured my son!" the elder Matale shouted.

"You had taken my Casus from me long before that! You started it!" Nurik Sandral yelled right back.

"Why don't you just shoot each other and get it over with." I asked acidly.

Bastila gave me a horrified look, "Don't provoke them or it just might happen!" she snapped.

"It's what the two old men want. Why pretend they don't want each other's blood on their hands when it's so obvious?" I asked acidly.

"What do you think you're trying to do, Kira?" Onasi hissed, "We don't need to get caught in the middle of another war, here."

"And I would tell the Masters if you encourage this sort of behaviour!" Bastila snapped.

"I hate both of you." I said with faux-cheerfulness.

"The feeling is mutual." Onasi noted.

The Matales and Sandrals were yelling loudly at each other, now. True enough, it was gearing up to be a right bloodbath, "You're going to blame me if they kill each other, aren't you, Jedi?" I asked flatly.

"Yes." Bastila said coldly.

I sighed dramatically, and stepped between the two feuding sides. I threw Force lightening at the four war droids, disabling them. That also served to get the attention of the four people who had been arguing, as well. "How old are you two?" I asked, the question directed at Shen and Rahasia.

"Twenty-two." Shen said, fear evident, as he glanced nervously at the droids on the ground.

"And you old coots treat them like they're still five!" I snarled, "Let them make their own choices. They're hardly children any more!"

"Nobody asked your opinion!" Matale shouted at me, "He is my son and he will do what I tell him!"

"I don't care!" Shen yelled, "Rahasia and I will live on our own if you won't accept us!"

"You will do no such thing! I am your father and I order you to come back with me!" Matale shouted.

"No, father, I won't!"

Rahasia!" Nurik said warningly, "You will not leave with this... this Matale boy!"

"I am, father, and you can't stop me!" she said, holding her head up high, "We're leaving for the Enclave!"

"You foolish girl!" Nurik shouted.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, and sighed exasperated. These old men were infuriating, and I could understand why they wanted to kill each other. I wanted to kill both of them. "I tend to agree. No one in their right mind would choose to go to the Jedi enclave, of all the places to run away to." I said, with a dramatic sigh, "Just let them go."

"You think to make us stand here, then?!" Matale shouted.

"What else are you going to do? I overloaded your droids. It'll take hours to repair them." I said, grinning evilly, as Shen and Rahasia ran off.

"We appear to be at an impasse then... And they got away!" Matale said coldly.

"It is your fault, Ahlan! You were always too violent for your own good!" Nurik snapped.

"ME?! You were the one who rushed out here with war droids!" Matale retorted.

"Did you not notice the two war droids following you down here, Matale?" I asked flatly, "You should both be happy for your children."

"Do not tell me what to do, Jedi!" Nurik snarled, "The Council will hear of the trouble you caused here today!"

"Indeed they shall!" Matale agreed coldly.

As the two old tyrants left, I sighed again, "That must be a moment to record for the history books. Sandral and Matale agreed on something! That they don't like me! I guess that means I don't get my thousand credits after all." I turned and stormed off in the general direction of the ruins. Onasi sniggered and followed me. Bastila sighed, almost as exasperated as I was, and also followed.

x x x

On the way to the ruins, the sound of kath hounds snarling drew our attention. Half a dozen hounds were attacking something that was still moving. The aforementioned something had no presence in the Force, though, so it couldn't be alive.

Onasi started shooting at the hounds, and that drew their attention. I stopped the couple that got past his blasters from getting any closer, by slicing them in half with my lightsaber. "What did you do that for, Onasi?"

"They were attacking that-" he looked at the victim more carefully, "Um... droid?"

"I noticed that's what it was right away, brainiac." I said coldly, "Then again, I have to make allowances for the lack of perception a Force-blind has, don't I?"

"Must you be so degrading?" he asked coldly.

"Let's see if this is that woman's droid." I said, grinning darkly, "See if I can find any more reasons to degrade you."

He blinked, "You really are sick and twisted. You know that, right?"

"And damned proud of it." I said brightly, "Hey, droid." I stopped in front of the droid which, while a bit battered, it seemed to still be functional.

It turned its attention fully to me, "Thank you for saving me, master Jedi. I am C8-42, a personal assistance droid."

"Why? Why do people think I'm a Jedi?!" I demanded.

"I don't know." Onasi said sarcastically, "Maybe it's that green lightsaber you keep flashing around?"

"Right." I muttered. Then to the droid, I said, "I'm no Jedi. Nor do I much appreciate being mistaken for one. Call me Jedi again and I'll finish what those kath hounds started on you."

"Ah, yes, I apologize, for my incorrect terminology." the droid said, "I am sorry if I seem a bit abrupt, but I must be moving along. I am rather in a hurry."

"Are you running from something?" I asked.

"From my master, Elise. Wait..." the droid suddenly seemed afraid. It's not so easy to tell when it has no presence in the Force to be read, but it seemed to act afraid, "Did she send you to find me? Please do not tell her you saw me!"

"You ran away, didn't you?" I asked, smirking at Bastila's glare.

"Yes... But I have my reasons!" the droid said, "I'm afraid my owner became a bit too attached to me. Obsessed even. She... she tried to treat me as her dead husband. It was not healthy for her."

I raised an eyebrow, "Is she crazy?"

"She is obsessed." the droid explained, "She rarely sees other people, and appears to be fixated on me as her husband. She was becoming more and more insular... I thought it best that I leave. She may meet other real people this way. In fact, that was the reason I came here and sought out those kath hounds."

"What are you, suicidal?" I asked.

"I think it would be best if I were no longer a factor. She would meet new people. Living people." it said, desperation creeping into its synthesised tone, "Please... will you destroy me?"

"Not much fun in destroying a droid." I said flatly, "But if you're literally asking me to. Sure. I'll destroy you and tell her why you did it." I ignited my green lightsaber, and gave the droid a chance to change its mind.

"Thank you, kind lady! You have my eternal gratitude." the droid said, holding its hands out in a gesture that welcomed attack. I quickly removed its head, then before it had time to drop to the ground I sliced its torso in half, just for good measure.

"You consider this a kindness, don't you?" Bastila asked distantly, over the clatter of metal falling to the ground.

"He literally begged me to kill him. What do you think?" I asked coldly.

"It seems there should be another way."

"Let the droid return to its perverted owner and let the woman go insane thinking her husband lives on in droid-form?" I asked sceptically.

"It appears you have a conscience after all." Bastila noted.

"No. I just like killing things." I said cheerfully.

x x x

The ruins were as I had left them. "Now. We don't need to bother with this hunk of junk." I noted, walking around the droid, "Because it takes hours for it to find a language we understand, and we already know what we're doing."

"You may know." Bastila muttered.

I grinned darkly, "We have to fight our way past a sentry droid through each of those doors, there." I pointed left and right, "Then answer some simple general knowledge questions. That will open the door there-" I pointed straight ahead, "-and we can get what we came for. Sound simple enough, Jedi?"

"I suppose so." she said, frowning, "How difficult are the droids to disable?"

"Pretty tough. The questions are a breeze, though." I said, shrugging.

"Right." Onasi said coldly. He took out his blasters, and stood at the edge of the door. Bastila drew her lightsaber, and with a little too much dramatic flourish, I took out my crimson blade as well. Onasi eyed the blade with distaste, but was quickly distracted when I opened the door.

The droid came out blasters blazing, and Onasi quickly followed suit, firing back at it. Bastila's lightsaber practically spun in circles, with her attempts to block the droid's blaster bolts. I threw Force lightening at the droid, which fried it. Then I ran past Bastila, and sliced the stunned droid in half.

"A red lightsaber?" Onasi asked.

"You are persistent, aren't you?" I asked flatly. I activated the console and answered the questions. The three death-giving planets. Then I made my way over to the other door, "Same as last time." I told them both. They both nodded, though Onasi was still eyeing my lightsaber with suspicion.

I opened the door, and repeated the performance on the droid. When I looked up from the fried remains of the droid, I saw Onasi was on his back on the ground, and Bastila was kneeling next to him. I walked briskly over to them and looked down at her, "What happened?"

"He was hit by a blaster bolt." she said. Her hand was over his chest, and I could sense the Force flowing from her, healing him. After a moment, she panicked, "He's still not breathing! I've healed him, he should be fine now!"

"Calm down, Jedi." I hissed, "What can't you fix?"

"He has no pulse." she said, slightly less panicked, though I could all but hear the Jedi Code being chanted in her mind.

"Do you know how to do CPR?" I asked, sinking to my knees next to them, so I was on his other side.

She whimpered, "He's already dead. What's the point?"

"He's not joined the Force yet." I said flatly, "Try it."

She applied pressure to his chest, but wimped out of breathing for him, which meant I had to do it. Not that it helped. Which made her panic even more, "He's dead! He's dead! This is all my fault!" she whimpered.

"Oh please. Your emotional breakdown is making me nauseous." I hissed, putting up my Force shields to keep the emotions out.

"How can you be so calm!" she demanded.

"Simple. I don't actually like him."

"You heartless-"

"I can help him, though."

"How? He's dead!"

"Not yet." I said, glaring at her, "I told you. He hasn't joined the Force yet."

"How can you sense it in a Force-blind?" she demanded.

"It's a gift." I grinned darkly, "And it's a serious high when I'm the cause of death, too."

"You are sick."

"Thank you." I said flatly, "Now back off."

"What are you doing?" she demanded.

I closed my eyes and focused through the Force, into him. I reached with invisible hands, into his chest, and gripped his heart. I squeezed it gently, through the Force, in a steady rhythm. Outside my Force trance, my hand was curled into a claw, and it must have been obvious to Bastila that I was using Force grip on him.

After almost a minute, Onasi gasped for breath, and I let go, pulling the tendrils of Force I had wrapped around his heart away from him before they choked him.

"What- what happened?" he demanded, trying and failing to sit up.

"You were shot in the heart." Bastila said, rushing to help him sit up, "I healed the wound, but you still wouldn't breathe. I thought you were going to die."

"That... that doesn't entirely answer my question." he noted.

"I saved your life." I said flatly.

He looked up at me, and smirked, "And here I thought you hated me."

"Don't get all sentimental and mushy on me, Onasi." I snapped, though there was no anger in my tone.

He laughed, and picked himself shakily to his feet, "Wouldn't dream of it, sister."

"What, exactly, did you do?" Bastila asked me pointedly.

"It's the same Force power that dark Jedi use to choke someone." I said flatly.

"How-?" she asked weakly.

"I restarted his heart with Force grip." I said bluntly, "I'm almost looking forward to telling Zhar about it, since he was so set in the opinion that such a power was worthless to the goody-goodies."

"You... I didn't think such a thing was possible." Bastila said distantly.

"Yeah, well there's a lot of things you don't know about the dark side, apparently, Jedi." I retorted.

"Uh, can we get on with this mission before something else tries to kill me?" Onasi suggested.

I laughed, "Why? Afraid I'll not help next time?"

"Something like that." he muttered, "Why did you save me, anyway? I thought you hated me?"

"But now I own you. You owe me a major lifedebt, whatever way you look at it. So you're mine." I said brightly.

"I really do hate you." he muttered.

"Thank you." I said cheerfully. I walked over to the console and entered the answers for the three life-giving worlds, then led Bastila and Onasi through the main doors, and to the Star Map.

"This... this must be what Revan and Malak found when they entered this temple." Bastila whispered, awed. The darkness emanating from the map sang through my blood and called to me on so many levels, "This must be where their journey down the dark side began."

"Gee, I wonder why." Onasi muttered, "I'm not Force-sensitive and I can tell this place is evil."

"A Force-blind tach would sense the darkness in this place." I said coldly.

"Are you comparing me to a tach?" Onasi asked, insulted.

"No. I'm saying even something that low would notice." I said acidly.

"Right." he muttered sceptically.

"These coordinates here." I said, pointing to the incomplete data near the centre of the map, "These are the important ones."

"There's only two of the six galactic coordinates listed here. It's not enough for an accurate location." Bastila said flatly.

"I know." I said, "The other four maps are needed to make this location complete."

"And those four maps can be found, where?" Bastila asked.

"On the four planets you see on this map." I said flatly.

"Is that-?" she was staring at the map intently, "Is that Korriban?"

"Yes, it is." I answered.

"And if that's Korriban, then this is... Kashyyyk... and Tatooine... and here's Manaan." she said, almost to herself.

"And those are the four worlds we have to go to next." I said flatly, "If you're up for a little adventure?"

"I don't suppose we have a choice in the matter." she said, resignation in her tone, "We shall present this information to the Council. They will decide what we shall do next."

x x x

As we returned to the enclave, Bastila took the time to talk to the woman whose droid I had destroyed. She didn't have the heart to tell the woman I killed her favourite pet, so instead she said kath hounds attacked it and it was destroyed. Not entirely a lie, but just enough to leave a false impression.

The woman was devastated. Her anguish put me in a good mood for the rest of the day.

x x x