A Step Away
I. A Step Away From the Darkness
Good Intentions
Carth accepted the stripes that Dodonna gave to him graciously, allowing her to fasten the Admiralty pin to the front of his dress jacket. She patted his medals with her fingers in appreciation. He had had one hell of a time trying to polish them clean, forgetting just how quickly neglect tarnished the metal. With the rate at how easily they lost their luster when not in use, Carth suspected that the Republic had made them to be worn all the time and not shoved in a box somewhere. Perhaps he wasn't doing any service to his dead comrades if he hid them away…
…but boy, Revan sure looked wonderful.
Revan, while thinking the same thing about Carth, was quite upset that she didn't have the luxury of giving him the proper thanks in public as she normally would have. She was all for walking up on that platform and kissing the silly man soundly. Actually, Revan thought, that's not true.
The data bank of practical knowledge stored away in her brain told her that such behavior would not be looked upon favorably…as would wild applause, loud cat calls, appreciative whistles and lewd actions. She knew her etiquette and while such things might have made her the life of any party, this was Carth's night, not her own. She could risk ruining his reputation and her cover. So instead she raised her hands in a polite clap, trying to keep her excitement and happiness contained in the pit of her stomach. Watching Carth get the insignias of an Admiral made her heart burst with love for the man. She was so proud of him and wished that she could show him that without giving away the fact that she was playing the truant Jedi.
The mysterious woman in white had to remain that way: mysterious. Although as long as her face remained hidden, there wouldn't be any proof…
She watched Dodonna place a small box into Carth's hands and say something to him softly. The Jedi found it hard not to like the High Admiral, she was of a mind and temperament similar to Revan's own and guessed that they'd have gotten along famously were the Admiral not so much her senior. However, she was still Carth's superior and she knew he wouldn't like it if she tampered with his career. Carth had earned this promotion on merit and Revan would never ever take that pride away from him, even if it would be as easy as a little 'persuasion.'
Dodonna stepped back from Carth, her work complete, and saluted him. Carth returned the salute with a formal military stiffness. He turned about face and marched back to his seat to let Dodonna say the closing words.
As Carth sat down, Revan re-crossed her legs, bumping her foot into Carth's calf and allowing her hand to brush against his hip. She didn't say anything to him; instead acted as though Dodonna's remarks raptly interested her. But Carth understood the message.
"…a good man has been rewarded with what he deserves. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for being here to wish him luck."
Music began to play; a fresh new tune, low and sultry.
The Jedi turned in her seat to face Carth, her lips quirked into a seductive smile. "Admiral," she said huskily, trying to keep her voice low, "congratulations."
Carth felt the room heat up around him. He knew what game she was trying to play; they had done it on Taris numerous occasions. She was in disguise; playing the part of the mysterious woman in white while he was cast as the young, good looking Admiral. He liked this game.
"Well thank you, miss,"
"Its so good to see that the Republic has strong, brave men like you to defend it in times of need. Those Mandalorians were savage beasts." She batted her blue eyes beneath her veil and subtly thrust out her chest. Revan was portraying a particularly attractive and yet not too bright persona. She was as brilliant as they came and this rather vapid minded blonde appeared to be nothing like her.
"I saw that you arrived late…any reason why?" Carth folded his arms across his chest.
"Oh," Revan gave a breathless sigh, "that. Well, my driver was late and we couldn't find the address. It's been such a horrible evening."
The way she bobbed her head from side to side and made each breath into a quiet sigh, Carth himself was even beginning to be fooled. It was much harder to believe that Revan wasn't here when he couldn't see her face. He knew that was part of her outfit's brilliance and most likely her plan. The elite liked their mysteries and their games of intrigue, something Revan was personifying with her covered face. People were already taking notice of both her and Carth, buying into her character in an almost lecherous way.
"Miss - "
Revan smiled, "oh, that makes me feel so old," a soft giggle came from behind the veil, "call me Seera."
"Seera…?" prompted Carth.
"Seera Ion. Here," she opened her purse and pulled out a small data card.
Carth quickly scanned it. Where there should have been her residence number and comlink code, there was a message. It read:
Remember Taris. Let's not blow it this time, eh? Love you and incredibly proud of achievement. Will hang off arm and make you look good if desired. Want autograph before other girls. Will kill them if necessary. No funny ideas. HK on standby. Listen for code. Missed you. – LD
He gave her a bemused look and handed the data card back. "You're really something, Miss Ion, you know that?"
"Oh don't make me ask you again," what faint glimpse of Revan's face could be seen turned into a frown. "My name is Seera."
"Ah." Carth nodded. "Right. Uh…"
"Admiral Onasi, would you…" a gloved hand came up to the veil and then dropped back down, a feigned show of girlish embarrassment. "Would you like to dance?"
"I…er…sure," Carth gave an uncertain look around him. Good, Onasi, pretend she isn't Revan. Be reluctant and no one'll notice. The less gossip, the better.
Revan gave an excited gasp. "Oh, you've made evening." She was quick to stand, perhaps a little too quick for someone in those shoes…but no one was looking at her feet, that was for sure.
Carth stood, straightening his jacket and taking Revan's hand into his own. A small section of the hall had been reserved for a very favorite past time of the rich Senators.
"Look, I haven't uh…danced for a long time," muttered Carth.
"I can dance well enough for the both of us," assured Revan softly. Being Force Sensitive was a gigantic boon at times.
As they approached the dance floor, the tune switched from a slow, languid beat to a much faster jingle. Revan took Carth by the hand and led them to the center of the dancing couples. There was a general pattern to the dance, everyone following similar steps.
"Alderaanian Reel," explained Revan, gripping the lapels of his jacket and tugging him towards her. "Two steps forward, you dip me, two steps right, a twirl and then three steps left"
"I got it, beautiful," affirmed Carth.
"You called me beautiful," sighed the Jedi as she felt Carth's arms wrap themselves around her. She followed his lead to start, sensing his movements with the Force.
"Would I lie to you?" Carth placed a secure hand on Revan's waist, readying himself to dip her backwards.
"So long as they're sweet lies, Admiral," she clutched Carth closer to her, "then you can tell me anything you want." She made sure not to tilt her head too far back in the dip. A small miscalculation and the veil could have slipped away.
"Miss Ion, are you flirting with me?" Carth growled into her ear, straightening her up.
"Not really. Just a habit." Revan repeated the phrase he had used on Taris, stroking the back of his neck with her gloved hand. She kept one vigilant eye on the chair where she had left her purse. It was difficult with all the spinning, but she did her best.
"Somehow," Carth opened his other arm wide to catch the return spin of her body, "I'm not convinced."
Revan smiled, pressing herself into him as the dance continued. "What would it take to convince you?"
Carth took a deep breath. "That's a very tempting offer, Miss Ion."
"Keep it in mind, Admiral," Revan's eyes glittered with wicked pleasure, it was a shame she was hidden from Carth's view. "We could leave early, just the two of us…alone in your quarters. That's seven hours of us totally clothed in the other's warm body and sweat."
"I uh…heh, well…" Carth was left a bit speechless. "Well…I'd think that…"
"Awww," Revan moaned, seeing the look in his eye, "you're a good boy." She pouted at him. "I thought you were different."
Damn it! Revan made the best offers.
"You...you know that wouldn't work," chided Carth, struggling with his tongue. "A beautiful woman like yourself deserves more than seven hours."
"Then we'll make a date of, Admiral," purred Revan into his ear. "I know it will be just marvelous…I can tell by the way you move. Never pegged you for a dancer though."
He laughed, eyes a bit wide. "Well, gorgeous, there's a lot of things you don't know about me." Morgana loved dancing…that was all that had to be said.
Carth didn't say anything else to her until the song ended...Morgana had wanted...No, nevermind. "I've got to make my rounds now, Miss Ion."
"Admiral, oh!" she placed her hand on his chest and curled into him. "Do let me come with you."
"Oh, its uh, not that interesting," replied Carth nonchalantly.
"Every good man needs a woman behind him to love and support him. It's a woman's duty. Allow me to be her…" she looked at him with her big, blue eyes, "just for tonight."
Carth kept his grimace inside. Revan was really going overboard – that comment would never have come out of her mouth otherwise. "Ok, but don't say I didn't warn you." He proffered his arm to Revan, who gladly molded her way into him. She had this very comfortable way of fitting into his body.
He knew that Revan was going to have a hard time stifling her familiarity with these Senate elite, guessing she had met them all during the Mandalorian Wars. Carth frowned, Revan had risked everything to help the Republic but had not been awarded a single medal in her absence – there hadn't even been talk of a ceremony held in her honor. It was…strange. There must have been a bigger force at work than just the Jedi Council. But if they were smart, and he knew they had their bright moments, then the Jedi would watch the Senators again closely. They didn't care if Revan had betrayed the Republic…or at least, they did in public. In private, however, she was a very valuable asset and possibly lucrative.
"Smile, Admiral," Revan leaned her head on his shoulder, steering him back to their seats so she could reclaim her purse, "you look younger."
Carth nodded absently, looking at the various social circles as Revan adjusted her bag. He didn't know which group to join.
"Chancellor Aide Deskal has a son in the Republic Fleet," commented Revan idly as she grasped his arm again, nodding her head to a blonde man veering away from his group to the refreshment table. "Not that you will gain his support just because his son was in your squadron. Very influential man," she dropped her voice low, "has the ear of many Senators and the Chancellor himself. Nice guy too…if you know how to approach him."
"Oh?" Carth raised an eyebrow, "and how's that?"
"Men like Deksal don't just measure their power on money alone." Revan maneuvered them close to the band, their voices being drowned out to any eavesdroppers. "To be of the truly elite you need high position, good connections…and a beautiful woman."
"Heh, at least I've got two of three. But do you really think he's the man to talk to?" Carth began a slow, lazy walk with Revan to intercept the man.
"Absolutely." Revan pressed her body closer to Carth's. "My memory may be shot, but I remember speaking with the Senate and he's the person I was honing in on."
"Perhaps he's just easily corruptible, did you think of that?" asked Carth, ignoring the feel of her body next to his.
Revan giggled. "Surely not, Admiral," they were coming closer to him as they spoke. "Remember, confident and smug, Carth!" she hissed, smoothing her far hand over his bicep.
Carth patted her hand reassuringly. "Don't you worry, doll, you're safe with me."
Deksal turned his head at the voices and cocked it to one side as the couple approached. "Greetings to you, Admiral Onasi, and to you, Miss…?"
"Seera," greeted Revan seductively, "Seera Ion." She held out her hand for him to kiss.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Ion," the Chancellor's Aide took the hand and with a reverent bow, made a dramatic display of kissing it. His voice and gestures were typical of a cultured elite.
Revan tittered in feigned delight. "Its such an honor, Aide Deskal. Your reputation is well known."
"And what sort of reputation is this?" He flicked some long, blonde hair off his shoulders, clear blue eyes interested.
The Jedi was totally prepared for this situation, Carth noticed.
"I…I had only heard rumors," Revan snuggled into Carth, tilting her head as if embarrassed. Her husky, breathless voice gave the indication that she was blushing. "It's said that you are a man of warmth and large…oh, look at me!"
Carth sighed leaned his head on hers. "Don't trouble yourself, Miss Ion." He was thankful that it was only Revan playing a part because women like this really irritated him. They were spiteful, conniving creatures with no concept of loyalty.
"Hidden behind a veil?" Deskal folded his hands neatly in front of him. "I see a lovely figure and hear an enchanting voice but no face to match."
"I couldn't show you," Revan murmured, "a girl has to have her secrets."
"Yes," Deskal nodded his head, "I suppose so." He focused his attention on Carth, Revan's purpose as a decoration was finished. "I believe congratulations are in order, Admiral. Your work during the Mandalorian Wars did not go unnoticed."
Carth had studied Revan very intently on their trip around the galaxy, watching her speak with everyone from the highest business official to a common garbage man. He was going to try a theory of his. So long as he kept all of his reactions under control and kept his eyes attentive, then there'd be a pleasant end to the conversation. Revan buttered people up by giving them her full, undivided attention and making smart, relevant comments to what they had to say. If he could mimic that, then he'd never have any trouble again.
The Admiral nodded his head, face very calm. "I'm glad to hear it, Aide Deskal. Good men fought and died for us to remain free."
"And Jedi too," the Aide's mouth quirked into a smile. "You must tell me all about what travelling the galaxy with four Jedi was like. Especially Revan…I'm sure you two felt quite comfortable with one another, given your past assignments."
Carth gave a thoughtful look. Force, it pained him to act like a Jedi. "After getting to know the Jedi intimately, it's easy to look past the exterior. I spent time with a hypocritical old man, Cathar fighting machine, inexperienced princess and the sweetest, brightest scoundrel you'll ever run into this side of Corellia."
Deskal gave an appreciative smile. "And just how…intimate is intimate?"
"I'm not a man to kiss and tell, Deskal," said Carth with a causal wave of his hand. "And even if I was, they're Jedi. How much colder can you get?"
"Ah, the frigid reputation of the Jedi does them no good, wouldn't you agree, Admiral? Though I must say," continued Deskal with a smirk, "that they don't all fit the typical mold."
"By that you mean Revan," responded Carth warily. Somehow, it always came down to Revan. He hoped that his popularity was not based solely on his relationship with the Jedi, but he couldn't help but give an inward sigh. That's what politics was about, wasn't it? Who you knew and who you were associated with.
"Everybody knows Revan was the greatest Jedi in generations. Or should I say is the greatest. You've seen what she's capable of and she is very impressive. Hot, fiery." The Chancellor's Aide gave a sigh. "She can convince anybody with that smile of hers."
Carth felt himself echoing the sentiment, nodding his head in agreement. "Don't forget how she looks at you with those eyes of hers."
Revan tried to keep the vacant smile on her face from turning into a smirk.
"Why'd they have to make women like that so unattainable?" mused Deskal.
"I would assume that its because she knows what she wants. You know how women are when they've got their hearts set on something," placated Carth, feeling very unsure of himself. Chances are that he was more likely to end up as Mr. Revan as opposed to Revan becoming Mrs. Onasi. And he knew Revan knew it too.
"Stubborn as tomorrow," agreed Deskal. "You must have had some trouble with her."
Well, if all Deskal wanted to do was talk about Revan, Carth's favorite subject, then he'd get his wish. "Besides prying my secrets and driving me up and down the walls? Heh, no trouble at all. Just like trying to chase your own shadow."
"Oh, Admiral, you are so funny!" Revan gave a tinkering sound of delight. It was a signal that said: 'flyboy, watch what you say or lose your tongue.'
While Revan didn't mind herself being talked about by these two men, she didn't want Carth to inadvertently say anything that was going to damage his career or make him a target. It was best that they let their relationship lie low for awhile, wait for the press to die down. Carth could rise high and fast with his popularity and homeboy charm. He was polite, down to earth and fiercely loyal – who didn't like that? She could think of one group of people: the Senate Newma Eight Circuit. Scourge of any true Republic Citizen in the public's eye, they worked relentlessly to ruin reputations and destroy lives. And they were paid well for it. Revan wanted Carth to fly as high as he could, free from those dogs.
Deskal gave an amused smile to Carth. "Miss Ion appears to think you are quite something, Admiral."
Carth smiled fondly at Revan. "We're getting along great."
The Aide nodded his head in respect. Deskal had been born into a wealthy family on Alderaan and he knew the importance of rank. However, he had no use for people with a lot of money but little interest. It took more than financial assets to impress him. Anybody could get rich...but did they have class? He loved artwork and music, fine wine and food, but most of all, he loved good-looking women. It was the sure sign that a man was a success when he had attractive women hanging from his arms. The same could be said about failure. He knew a man's fall was near when the women started leaving him, seeking their love of prestige and rank elsewhere. Onasi, it appeared, had women all over the galaxy falling at his feet.
This one in particular seemed quite besotted with the man and by the looks of her, she came from a family with money and class. That outfit did not come cheap – his wife had several of the same in different colors.
"Mhmmm," Revan purred for emphasis, wondering what exactly her true relationship with Deskal had been in the past. She guessed that he was all talk, and was trying to provoke Carth. Test the waters, so to speak. She did it herself all the time, making comments here and there to assess the state of a conversation. Deskal was ignoring her for the most part and it gave her the opportunity to study him…and the black shadow that was lurking not far from their left. Newma Eight was easy to sense using the Force; their greed gave Revan a headache. They had to be extra cautious.
"I suppose you can't tell me more about our favorite Jedi then?" Deskal looked regretful. "I'd love to see her again. They don't make women like her, Admiral. She's the perfect trophy to place on any man's mantle." He gave a small laugh as an afterthought. "And mine is quite the size."
Carth gave a wordless splutter.
Revan cursed silently.
Deskal noted the glint in the Admiral's eye, storing away this information. While he was beginning to like Carth, the man had very little tact. "Yes," he gave a crooked smile, "I'm sure she'd fit nicely on it. A bit snug perhaps, but that is rather gauche of me to say. If I saw her again…I'll have to test if my assumption is correct." The Aide watched Carth carefully.
Carth felt his stomach flip and had an over powering desire to knock the man's pearly teeth out. Deskal made his skin crawl. For one, he didn't respect women, let alone recognize them as equals and surpassing all that, he was admitting that he had made - and was planning to make - sexual advances on Revan! That nearly did Carth in. Any chance of a friendship between him and the Aide was gone. He wanted nothing to do with such a dishonorable man.
Revan felt the rising anger within Carth, a lesser feeling bubbling within herself, and knew that an explosion here would be devastating. Newma Eight was nearby, ready to film the moment when Carth's fist came flying out to smack Deskal in the face. Well associated with scandal and intrigue, the Jedi knew that this all a political pazaak game. Deskal, while most likely truthful in his confession that he desired her, was testing Carth's mettle and the poor man couldn't see it because of his high morals. Carth was in a dangerous position because he was blinded by his good boy nature and not conditioned to pushing aside his anger. Revan understood that she had to intervene. She had his back on this.
Besides, she knew what Deskal really liked.
"Admiral," she whispered into his ear, relying on her voice to convey the message as her face was not an option, "you promised me and I can't wait any longer…mmmmm...outside. Please?" Revan fingered a button on her top suggestively.
Deskal gave a lascivious smile. He was both voyeur and connoisseur...and he wished he'd gotten to this blonde creature first! Alas, it was the Admiral's good fortune this night. "I can see your lady friend wants your ship to explore deep space," he extended his hand out to the Admiral. "A pleasure, my friend." Personally, he hated to be kept waiting when there were other...pressing engagements. Best let the Admiral leave quickly, though he was mildly disappointed at the interruption. Ah well, there were other opportunities.
Carth took the hand, plastering a surprised grin on his face. "I'll be seeing you 'round, Deskal." All he had to do was raise his fist and…
Revan grabbed his arm, pulling him through the crowd with a seemingly amorous intent. Women dressed like her did not arrive late for any reason other than to attract the attention of men. Nobody even batted an eye as they left, too absorbed in themselves and bored of seeing the same sight over and over again. Revan sighed, grateful for this, and readied herself. It was about time she had a talk with Carth concerning some little things she liked to call 'control,' 'politics,' and 'respect.'
She knew he had questions, hell she'd have questions too, but this time Revan knew she didn't have any solid answers to give him. The certainty he wanted was lost along with her past.