Chapter 15

Carth continued to stand there; silently hoping that his words would reach Alora's "closed" ears. Though as time went on and nothing changed Carth knew there was no other way. As he began to pull his fingers back to the trigger of his gun, time seemed to freeze and the world around him seemed to spin. As he told his fingers to pull the trigger, they refused, they screamed at him in pain. It was like they were being broken one finger at a time. Carth only continued to tell his fingers to pull the trigger. Finally, Carth gave up. However, just as he gave up, the time became live again and with a sudden jerk of his fingers, a large blaster bolt shot from his gun and hit Alora squarely in the back of her head, causing her cranium to whiplash in a painful and jerky motion. She emitted a cry of pain as she fell and fell to the ground unconscious.

As Carth realized what had just happened, he stared at his gun and then to the fallen Alora. Screaming, he tossed his gun all the way to the other side of the room, causing it to crash into a bookshelf and fell heavily upon the ground. He sank onto his knees and buried his face into his hands, his hands still covering his face, he began to weep. He couldn't believe he had just shot her! He had just shot the one that he loved with all his heart! How could this happen? This wasn't the Alora he knew. No one could understand the pain he was going through. To shoot someone you cared for, it was more then heartbreaking….it was devastating. Finally, Carth crawled over to Alora's limp body and picked up her head and held her head to his chest. He then began to rock back and forth, crying into her fine brown hair. As he cradled Alora and the tears continued to fall, he whispered two things over and over again, "Why? And "Wake up…please."

As Bastila saw what had happened, her eyes were wide with shock. Finally, Bastila regained her senses and knew what had happened had to be done. The brown haired woman walked over to Carth and put a comforting hand on his shoulder, speaking in a soft and gentle tone she said, "I'm sorry Carth. But it had to be done."

Carth quickly swept the woman's hand from his shoulder and looked up at Bastila with an angered face. "Don't you dare say it had to be done! Surely there was another way! Surely we could have done something else! We-I was to blind in grief to see any other way. Now look at her! He then buried his face back into Alora's hair and whispered through his sobs, "I'm-I'm so sorry."

Bastila knew there was nothing that she could do or say to make Carth see the truth. Sighing, she slowly began to walk over to Mister Khan, hoping to ease his fear and hopefully heal any wounds he might have. She was helping Mister Khan for two reasons. One, Bastila knew that Carth would need time alone. Second, she was hoping to try and undo some damage Alora had done.

Keeping her hands in the air to show peace, she slowly walked to Mister Khan and spoke softly, "It's alright. I'm here to help. Are you all right? Are you injured?"

Khan, who was now on the ground, his hands and knees on the floor and his head hung low, as he was trying to get used to breathing again. When he saw another woman approach him, he quickly began to crawl away into a corner, hoping to be left alone, as he was afraid of women at the moment. However, when the woman continued to approach him, he cowered in fear and began to slightly whimper in fear. After a few moments of a complete standstill with the woman and himself, he slowly began to approach forward, hoping he would be helped, not harmed.

Bastila noticed that the man was slowly beginning to trust her. Getting onto her knees, she stared into his eyes and asked once again, "Are you seriously hurt? Can you breathe?"

Mister Khan, who was breathing fine on his own, nodded his head yes in reply. He would have spoken the words, but he still found it difficult to talk.

Bastila smiled and crawled forward slightly, using her hands to propel her forward somewhat. Resting her hands on the man's knee, she closed her eyes and summoned the Force and healed what wounds she could. Upon sitting back upon her legs she smiled and asked him, "Tell me, do you feel any better?"

Once again the man shook his head, but this time, he stared into the woman and through a hoarse voice he said, "Thank You."

Bastila smiled and stood upon her feet. Walking away, she looked to Carth and said, "Come, help me take her to the Jedi Temple. There she will be tended to and I feel the Jedi Council will have many questions for us. This is going to be a set back for Alora I imagine.

Carth nodded and semi-reluctantly stood upon his feet, and picked up Alora by wrapping his arms underneath her armpits and over, while Bastila grabbed Alora's feet. The two then began to make their way over to Bastila's air-speeder and gently loaded the unconscious Alora onto the speeder. Once everything was set, Bastila had Carth stay with Alora while she settled some things with Mister Khan.

Khan, who was by now cleaning up his office was breathing fine, but was still a little shook up. There would be no scares or any permanent markings on his body that would indicate that he was almost murdered. However, he stopped his work when he saw the same brunette woman enter into his office again. Smiling he said, "Ah, you have returned. Is there something I can do for you?"

Bastila looked at mister Khan and said, "Yes, I would like for you to relay the events that have just occured. From the very beginning please." She then sat down at the front of his desk, her hands folded neatly on her lap. Her eyes watched mister Khan and prepared herself for the "story" from mister Khan's point of view. She would also see if she could sense any deceptions, lies and what not from this mister Khan. She wanted to try and find out why Alora had attacked this man. Perhaps there was more truth to Alora's words then what was being realized. Or perhaps, Alora was completely wrong.

Khan sat himself onto his chair and leaned over his desk, letting his arms rest on the desktop and intertwining his hands together. Clearing his throat he began to speak, "It all started around five minutes ago. I was doing my daily requirements to keep my company in good health. My back was turned to the entrance and I was pulling out holo-logs to look up some information. However, I heard someone enter my office. Upon turning around, I noticed it was Jedi Alora. The one who I had hired for this peace mission task. Smiling I said, "Ah, Jedi Alora, how may I help?" It was then she seemed to grab my throat, squeezing it harder and harder until my breath became non-existent. She did this without even touching me! I imagine she did this through the "Force" that you Jedi so often talk about. But any way, as I tried to free myself from her invisible grasp, she began to speak in a tone that would make the strongest man shutter. I remember clearly what the words where. "You Schutta! You killed Mister Warn. I know you did! Don't you deny it! If I weren't right, I wouldn't be here. So why don't you spare yourself and admit to the murder of mister Warn. That's why you have no competition isn't it? You silence them, don't you? You either silence them through money or by death." It seemed like this very thought enraged the woman even more, making her invisible grip tighter around my throat. It was around this time you showed up. I must say, I am thankful for your arrival. If you hadn't have showed up when you did, I fear I would be a dead man. I will tell you this miss; Jedi Alora was trying to kill me. There is no doubt about that.

Bastila nodded and arose, "Thank you Mister Khan for your cooperation. I will be sure to tell my authorities about this incident."

Mister Khan also rose and shook the woman's hand. Smiling he replied, "It was my pleasure to help. But I must let you know. That I will never seek out the Jedi ever again. Now, don't you go telling me otherwise, because it won't work. I'll be also sure to tell others about this incident as well."

Bastila noticed something odd about the way Miter Khan was speaking. It seemed like he was struggling to find the right words. Bastila began to wonder if perhaps Mister Khan was truly hiding something. Once she was outside and had rejoined Carth and the unconscious Revan. She activated her comlink and said, "Commander Gavan, come in." After a few moments of static, Commander Gavan's holo-image appeared and saluted to Bastlia. "Yes master Jedi, how may I help?" "I want you to do a thorough background check on a Mister Khan. Both financially and personally. Also, I want you do to a background check on his company. If you must hire the most skilled inspector the do so, then do it. I don't want any area's left uncovered." The holo image of Gavan saluted and replied, "Yes Master Jedi. I'll get on that right away!" With that he signed out.

Once the commander had signed out, Bastila put away her comlink and said, "Come Carth. Let us take her to the Jedi Temple. There, they might be able to help her and perhaps find out what really happened." With that statement, Carth made sure that his barrowed Air-speeder would be all right and then hopped onto Bastila's air-speeder. Bastila saw everyone was ready and took the controls of the air-speeder and began to prep it for flight, while Carth sat on the rear end of the speeder and held on to Revan's body.

XxXxXxXxXx

"Commander! Commander Gavan! The investigation is over!" Gavan turned around and saw his second in command running towards him, her eyes showed joy and had a small smile upon her lips. Skeptical, Gavan crossed his arms across his chest and replied, "Oh? And how is this investigation over? We don't even know what exactly killed mister Warn!"

The young woman gave a smile that said, "You'll see." With that, she turned sideways and with the motion of her right arm, she told two men to come forward. In between these two men was a middle age Rodian, his green spikes were slightly gray in some areas and the way his body was shaped, one could see he was no young Rodian. His eyes were an emotionless brown and showed hate in every way. Sneering at the commander he gazed into Gavan with his hate filled eyes, spitting at Gavan at the same time.

Gavan looked at the middle aged Rodian and then looked at his second in command officer. "Just who is this man?" "I pulled up his files sir and this is mister Gylor." "You mean the famous Bounty Hunter Yorron Gylor?" The commander asked. "Yes, sir, this is the man." "Well, well. I'm rather surprised he turned himself in. How'd it happen?" "Well sir, he had some….influence." The commander raised his eyebrow in interest and said, "Oh? And how did this happen?" "Well sir, there is this man named Plonor, he is part of the interrogation team and was in the area when he spotted Gylor. In all honesty sir, it would be better if Plonor explained the whole thing.

Gavan nodded and replied, "It's alright Yarma, what really matters is we have captured a very dangerous Bounty Hunter. Good work Yarma. Be sure to give my complements to Plonore, will you? Now, take this man away." The commander said with a flick of his left wrist. But before anyone could move, Gavan spoke again, "I want you to do a through background check on him. I want to find out who paid him recently and what his most current mission was. I'll be glad when we get this Bounty Hunter in a prison cell for life. Oh, and Yarma, I want you to find the most skilled investigator and have him or her meet me in my office, it is of top priority that you do so." "Yes Commander." With that Yarma and the two officers holding Gylor in custody took him to the waiting prison bus and escorted him to a jail that was of the highest security.

Commander Gavan then turned on his comlink and hailed Bastila, but there was no reply. He tried again and this time he heard crackling on his comlink. He began to speak slowly, just to make sure someone was on the receiving end. "Hello? Is anyone there? This is Commander Gavan, do you copy?"

Bastila who was busy flying the speeder heard the comlink make a noise, indicating that she had an incoming call. Turning her head slightly over he shoulder she said, "Carth, answer that for me please." Carth nodded and pulled out Bastila's comlink and answered the hail, "This is Carth Onasi here, I copy."

"Carth? Who is Carth? I am trying to reach a woman named Bastila. Is she with you?" "Yes she is, but who are you?" "I am commander Gavan, the one investigating the murder of Mister Warn. If you will sir, please tell her that we have found the supposed murderer of Mister Warn and have him a high security jail as we speak. The investigation no longer requires Jedi assistance and I am now acquiring the best investigator, is there anything else you wish Master Jedi?"

"One moment Commander." Was all Carth said and leaned forward and relayed the message to Bastila.

Bastila nodded and said, "Tell the Commander good work and no, there is nothing that needs to be done, except the orders I already gave him."

Carth nodded and leaned back onto his seat and spoke to the waiting commander, "There is nothing else that is required of you Commander. Just do the orders that have been given to you."

"Yes sir, Commander Gavan out." Bastila's comlink then went silent, indicating that the transmission was over. Carth then put the comlink in his pocket, just in case someone else tried to reach either him or Bastila.

XxXxXxXxXx

Finally, Carth, Bastila and the "sleeping" Alora made it to the Jedi Temple. Bastila left Carth alone and ran to the Jedi Council to explain what had happened during the past 15 to 20 minutes.

Carth stayed with the unconscious Revan and waited for either Bastila to come back or someone to help him carry Alora to a safe place.

Soon a young Padawan saw Carth and the unconscious woman and replied with a smile, "Sir, can I help you?"

Carth was jolted out of his thoughts when he heard a voice, turning, he saw the young man and replied, "No, no, you can't help me as of yet. I'm not sure what they have planned for her." He said while indicating to the "sleeping" Alora.

The Padawan smiled and replied, "Alright, if you do need some assistance, I will be over there." The young man then pointed over to a computer panel, in which he would be studying mutable things.

Carth nodded and replied, "Will do." He then leaned back against the speeder once again and kept an eye out for Bastila.

XxXxXxXxXx

The members of the Jedi council were surprised to see Bastila suddenly walk into the council chambers. Looking at Bastila with a confused face, they wondered why she was here. They had not summoned her. Master Vrook's hands were formed in a way of a temple, Master Selwyn's hands were resting on her lap, Mater Vandar's ears were pointed forward in interest and Master Kavar's face showed a mixture of confusion, yet it also had a welcoming look as well.

Bastila bowed her head in respect and replied, "Forgive me masters for interrupting you, but this is urgent. It is about Alora, she has done a terrible crime."

Vandar was the first to speak and said, "Please tell us Padawan Bastila, what exactly has Revan done?" "She has tired to kill a man." Bastila said in a matter of fact voice.

This shocked the Jedi Council greatly and they all muttered to themselves saying something or the other. Kavar then replied, "Where is Revan now Padawan?" "She is outside, unconscious."

Raising an eyebrow Vrook asked, "How is it that she is unconscious?"

"Carth had to shoot her Masters. Revan would not listen to me and she used Force push on me, knocking the breath out of me. When I tried to use our bond to communicate with her, I only received a blank wall. I couldn't even talk to her. It was like she was blocking me. It was left to Carth Onasi to do something. He tried to reason with her peacefully, but it did not work. So he had no choice but to shoot her. He is a little shook up about this, but in time I am sure he will recover."

The council remained silent for a while and then Selwyn spoke up, "Have Carth and a Padawan take her to the cell in which we keep those dangerous to themselves and others until further notice. Leave us Padawan. The council needs time to discuss these current events.

Bastila bowed and replied, "Of course masters, I shall leave you to your deliberations." She then walked outside and sat herself on a bench. Noticing that she didn't have a comlink she walked over to a computer panel and hailed Carth.

Carth soon heard a beeping from within his pant pocket and pulled it out. Holding in the small button on the side he answered, "Carth here." "Carth, this is Bastila, the Jedi Council wants you to take Alora to a special location. Here are the directions. Have a Padawan help you carry her to this place. I'll meet you there shortly." Carth nodded his head and replied, "Will do." With that he signed out and called that Padawan who had offered his aid earlier.

Within a few minutes, Carth and the Padawan reached the concrete cell and placed Reven inside it. This way she would not be able to harm others. Also, this cell was special; it had a Force damper surrounding the cell, making it difficult to almost impossible to summon the Force.

XxXxXxXxXx

A few hours later, Revan awoke with a large headache. Groaning in pain, she sat up, her eyes closed and her left hand rubbing her temple. When she opened her eyes she noticed she was in an unfamiliar place. Sitting on the stone bed, her hands grasped the edge of bed and she tried to figure out what had happened. As she tried to remember, images began to return to her stunned mind. The first thing Revan remembered was that she was choking someone, then the next thing she knew, something hit her hard in the back of her head and was falling to the ground. Many things were still blurry and she was hoping her mind would clear up and explain everything, or else, have someone fill in the missing gaps. Since there were no windows to look outside, Revan lay back down on the stone table and rested her head on her hands. Sighing, she looked at the roof and reflected on everything, regretting what she did remember greatly. "What am I here for? What is my mission? What about these dreams? What are they trying to tell me? If only things were as simple as they seemed." These were the thoughts of Revan as she continued to stare at the concrete roof. As minutes turned to hours, Revan began to grow quite bored. However, when she tired to use the force, she found that she could not and this worried Revan somewhat. Why was she here? Where was she? As she asked these questions as she sat up, the stone door opened in front of her and Bastila entered in.

Bastila gave a small smile and asked in a concerned voice, "How are you Revan?"

"Besides not knowing what the heck is going on, I'm fine. Though, I do remember everything about Mister Khan. I-I don't know what happened Bastila. One moment I'm happy and fine, the next I become an enraged monster! I didn't want to hurt him Bastila, you must believe me! I knew what I was doing, but no matter how hard I tired to stop myself, it only made me angrier, it was like something was fueling my anger, I-I just don't know what happened. It all started when I read that holo-report." Revan then broke down into sobs and clenched her hands around the stone table so hard that her knuckles became white. Revan then lifted her head, her eyes red and said, "No! I can't do this. I can't be weak and crying all the time! I must be strong! I must turn my sorrow into something else. Anything! Anything except anger and sorrow. Perhaps I can turn my pain into determination, or something! You must believe me! I didn't want to hurt him! It hurt me beyond words to see what I was doing but I couldn't stop!" Alora ran her hand through her mangled hair and gave a worried sigh. "What am I going to do Bastila? I thought I had overcome my darkness, but I guess I was wrong."

Bastila wasn't sure what to say. Standing there in silence, Bastila tried to find some comforting words or words of wisdom in which to help Alora. However, Bastila decided that there was nothing she could do. Swallowing, Bastila spoke, "The Jedi Council wishes to see you."

Alora nodded and began to arise. "Well, I better not keep them waiting." With that, she began to head toward the door and made her way to the Council chambers. As she was walking through the door, she felt a hand upon her arm. Turning around, she noticed Bastila and gave her a questioning look.

Bastila looked into Alora's eyes and said, "I'm here to help, whenever you need it." With that, Bastila let go of Alora and watched the woman leave. Sighing, she whispered, "I wonder how she will handle it." She then went on her way, to continue her other duties.

XxXxXxXxXx

As Alora made her way through the Jedi Temple halls, she began to think. "I hope they don't exile me, I hope they don't temporally banish me from mission. Or worst of all, I hope they don't imprison me again. I don't think I could handle isolation again." When Alora made it to the front doors of the Council Chambers, she straightened her robe a little and inhaled a large breath. Releasing it slowly, she walked into the Council's Chambers as confidently as she could. Though, inside she was shaking. Shaking with fear of what they might do to her.

Vrook was the first to speak and with his usual discipline voice, he asked, "Do you know why we have called you here?"

Alora bowed and replied, "Yes. You want me to explain my actions of trying to kill Mister Khan."

Vrook once again spoke, his voice still the same, "No. That is not why we have called you here."

Alora was confused and replied, "Forgive me Master Vrook, but why did you summon me?"

This time, Kavar answered, but in a much more quiet manner. It was more of an apologetic tone and said, "We have called you here Jedi Knight Alora, to tell you that you will no longer be given any Jedi missions. Not until you have calmed yourself and are no longer a threat to others. We are not sure how long this will take, but until you are free of hurting others, you are being temporally removed. You may still come to the Jedi Temple and partake in training, and other activities, but you will not be given any missions under any circumstance. Do you understand?"

Alora was too shocked to reply. She felt like she had been slapped by a Terrentek's hand. Feeling her legs shake underneath her, she stumbled back a few steps. When she regained her posture, she bowed lightly and replied in a soft tone, "Yes Masters." She couldn't believe it! One of her worst fears came to life. The words echoed in her mind, "You are being temporarily removed." Her head began to spin, shaking her head, she tried to ease the uneasiness she felt inside head. Standing there, she waited to see if there was anything else to be said. When each of the Jedi Masters stared at her and she stared at them, she began to slowly walk out the door. She still couldn't believe it! She could explain what happened, but that would only make things worse. In fact, she wasn't entirely sure herself what caused her to go 'crazy'. Knowing that there was no interesting activities going on at this time of hour, Alora boarded the closet cab and headed home.

When Alora reached her apartment, she went into her bedroom and locked herself in. She was in a trance; shock had over taken her mind. Sitting upon her comfortable bed, she replayed the whole scene over and over again in her head. "Sure, I don't agree with everything the Jedi Council says, but the ways of the Jedi are a part of me, I feel so empty now, so, lonely." Finally, when she returned to the real world she placed her elbows on her knees and used her hands to support her face. Tears threatened to fall, however, Alora would not allow it. She would whisper over and over again, "No, I cannot be weak, I cannot cry." Lying down on the bed, she stared at the roof and began to go into the world of thought. "Why am I here? What is the purpose of my suffering? Is it training me for the future? Just what is my future? Is it to live forever with Carth? But no, it can't be, these dreams, these visions say otherwise. Why can't someone tell me what I'm meant to do? Why must I suffer just to find answers? I hate being in the dark! Perhaps I should have died upon the Star Forge. Life would go on, and perhaps the galaxy would be better off. But no, Carth would die. As much as I hate being in the dark, I can't kill Carth, I love him to much. If only I had the knowledge to help myself, I could help him more. Just what is my place in life? Does anyone know? Anybody?"

As Alora lay on her bed, the room suddenly became a blinding white. Instinctively, Alora put her hands over her eyes and tried to see what was going on. Still unable to see anything, Alora cried out, "What's going on? Is anyone here?" Soon, the blinding white faded and a woman stood at the end of Alora's bed, smiling down at the brown haired woman.

Alora was shocked to see another woman in her bedroom. Slightly afraid, she backed up until her back was against the headboard of her bed. Staring at the woman wide-eyed, she thought she had seen this woman before. As she continued to stare in silence and in shock, soon recognition came upon Alora's face. It was her mother!

The elder woman smiled and replied, "Hello my daughter. I don't have a lot of time, so be silent." The woman said these words with love and care. "You suffer because it will make you stronger. Do not forget what your old mentor said, "Through suffering, we are stronger." Be strong Alora, turn you sorrow into something else, let it fuel you. For in your future, you will not have time to mourn. But now I must go. Do not show your sorrow or worries to the man you love. He will be coming soon; it is all I can say." With that, she slowly faded away, whispering, "Remember my words." With that, she was gone.

Alora was even more confused by her mother's brief visit. As she pondered the words her mother said, it gave her some strength. She knew what she had to do, but it was getting harder to do it. Sighing, Alora wandered over to her 'writing' table and sat down upon a leather chair. Staring out the window, she watched life move on. Picking up an empty data-pad journal, she smiled and began to write.

Revan's/Alora's first journal. 'I feel I must write about my time during the starmaps quest that took place almost one year ago. The first planet that I will discuss is Taris. So much has happened there, and I do believe the people of that world helped shaped my life and who I am today. It was the lowercity and the outcasts that mainly 'changed' my attitude so to speak. As I think back to the days when Carth and I were trying to find Bastila, I never seemed to lash out at the outcasts. I remember one occasion very clearly.

XxXxXxXxXx

I had just finished fighting with Carth and was muttering to myself, "I bet he wouldn't trust a child! That paranoid jerk!" I remember casting a look at Carth through my side vision. I didn't glare at him; I just wanted to make sure he hadn't heard my words. I was still rather upset with Carth and was in no mood to make chit-chat, let alone be hassled by someone. I had just step foot onto the outcast's village in the undercity and two; ragged men came up to us. One said, "Five credits! That's what it cost to use our elevator. Five credits!" I felt sorry for the men and asked who they were, "We are the outcast, banned for our crimes and are forced to live a wretched life." Willingly, I gave the men twenty credits. It warmed my heart to see them happy. If only they could be that way all the time.

As I think back on that occasion, I realize now, that when I saw the suffering souls, my anger just melted away. It seems I could not hurt a hurting soul, ever. No matter how angry or how determined I was, I always stopped to help those that were suffering. But do not get me wrong; I was far from being a perfect angel. There were many times, when I was tempted to either kill those that were pestering me, or let them suffer and continue on my merry way. But no matter how hard I tried to be angry, my mind wouldn't let me. I only pray now that there are some people that survived the bombing that Malak gave to the innocent planet called Taris. Thank you, everyone, for helping me, even when you didn't know it."

Alora stopped from her writing and stared out at the window. She was troubled by something. But deep inside, she knew what she was troubled by. Looking at her journal, she figured her personal thoughts would be safe here. Giving one last look out the window, she resumed her writing on her journal.

I have been having dreams, dreams that no one knows about. I have kept them secret, hidden. With each dream I have, I'm left with questions, and some answers. These dreams seem to be trying to tell me something. Each time I'm on the same planet, just doing something different. But at the end of the dream, I am left clueless, just as I was before the dream. But this time, I gain more insight then before. There is something calling me, something I feel I must do. Perhaps writing down one of my 'visions' will answer some questions. Perhaps some of these answers will only be revealed when written.

XxXxXxXxXx

I stood in what seemed like a swamp area. The land was humid and had a dark feeling about. My black cape was an inch off the ground and through the visor of my mask; I looked about, studying the area's surroundings. Nodding my head ever so slightly, I began to walk on, not caring of the boggy and swampy land tried to drag me down. What I saw here was perfect; now, it was time to send out scouts to see if any other species occupied this planet. If so, they would be wiped out.

Standing on both sides of me were two officers. I had left my apprentice, Darth Malak aboard my flagship, he would not be useful to me upon this 'dark' planet. As my 'bodyguards' and I walked through the swamped planet, I soon came upon a cave like location. Sending the two that were accompanying me, into the cave, I had them scout the surroundings. When they returned, reporting that all was clear, I nodded my head in approval. With that, my vision faded and I ended up in my real world.

XxXxXxXxXx

I am not sure what the vision meant. However, I do have an idea of why I was there. I have had other dreams, visions but not all of them are of the same planet, however, my dreams often are of that swampy place, but each time, I was in a different location, watching, commanding, or something. Never once, have my dreams been of me doing the same thing over again. The more dreams I have, the more pieces of the puzzle slowly come together. If only I had more pieces, I could understand what these dreams mean. But I have spoken enough about this. I just find these dreams, the calling that I feel harder to ignore. But it is also getting harder for me to do what I think I must do.

With that, Alora signed out of her Journal and began to straighten up her apartment, it was a little on the sloppy side. As she cleaned, she listened to some music and would glance out the window from time to time. She felt empty, not being on a mission, not being with those of her own 'kin' left her feeling lonely. However, before she could reflect more on her 'empty' feeling, she heard her doorbell ring.

Meanwhile, as Alora was 'reflecting' on her feelings and emotions, Carth was making his way to Alora's home. His thoughts were occupied as he made the walk, "Should I give her these tickets? Should I even take her out? Does someone who just tried to kill someone deserve a reward? Though, I'm not a saint either. Even though I don't want to believe it, everything inside me is screaming I did the right thing. Perhaps I will offer these tickets to Alora, if she says no, then I will give them away or sell them. Though I'd really hate to waste the credits I spent on these tickets and then just let them go to waste. But there was nothing I could do. The only thing to do is see what Alora says. I'll have to settle my own thoughts later, as for now; I must put on a 'happy' face." By the time Carth reached the door of Alora's home, he had semi settled everything and wondered what lay ahead of him.

Wondering whom it could be, Alora made her way toward the door and answered it. Seeing that it was Carth she smiled and stepped aside, allowing Carth to enter.

Carth smiled and said in a cheerful manor, "Hey beautiful! Didn't expect to see you here. Get off early today or something?" He then plopped himself down on the couch and looked around the place. "Place looks nice. Have you been cleaning?"

Alora gave a fake smile and said, "Yeah, I got off work early. As for cleaning, you sound surprised. There wasn't anything else I could do, so, I started cleaning." She then sat down beside Carth and spoke before Carth could say anything, "Though, I am curious as to what you are doing here?"

"Am I not welcomed? I just wanted to visit you. Unless you want me to leave?" "No, no, you can stay. Just today has been a really bad day."

Carth interrupted Alora and said, "You had a bad day, too huh? Same here, everything seemed to go wrong." Carth's face then went grim and his eyes distance. However, he shook his head from his thoughts and replied, "It seems like you want to say something. What is it?"

"I can't help but think there is something you're not telling me. Now come on, why are you really here?"

"Heh, can't pull the wool over your eyes. Fine, I'll tell you. What would you say if I bought tickets for the both of us, to go to one of the most famous places on Coruscant?"

"I'd say you're joking." Alora replied.

Carth smiled and slipped one of his hands into his pants pocket and pulled out two tickets and waved them in the air. Smiling, he replied, "Am I?"

Alora was shocked; she couldn't believe Carth had done this! She wasn't in the mood to relax and think everything was perfectly normal. However, she didn't want to break Carth's heart. She then remembered her mothers' words, and found that she could not say "no" to Carth. Smiling, she asked, "So, when does it start?" "Soon. So I suggest you start getting ready. Oh, and put on some nice clothes."

He then winked at her and said, "I'll be back here in 30 minutes." With that, Carth slipped the tickets back into his pants pocket as he walked toward the door. But before he exited her apartment, Carth turned around and said, "Oh, before I forget, I had a question for you."

"Yes? What is it?" "What would you do for relaxation if you were by yourself?" "I'm not sure I understand your question Carth." "I mean, what would you do if you didn't want to go out, or something and you were by yourself? What would you do to relax?" "Hmm, I'm not really sure, but something tells me that'd I'd probably swim or something. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, nothing, I was just curious. Anyway, you should start getting ready." With that, Carth left and began to head toward his own 'home'.

As Carth walked down the hall, he began to think, 'I know she's upset about today. Though there is something she's not telling me. She seems…distance. But I can't ignore the fact, the more I'm around her, the more I seem to love her. But after today, some things seem unclear. I love her, yeah, and I know we can marry, but when do I propose? Do I propose?"

Carth's hands were in his pockets and he was bent over slightly. When he realized he was in front of his apartment's door, he entered in and began to get ready himself.

Meanwhile, Alora prepared herself and pulled out the best dress she had. Since Alora wasn't keen on how she looked, she didn't have much of a selection for clothing. As she searched through her limited attire, she saw an attractive blue gown. Figuring this would suffice for the 'special' event, she dressed herself and did a 'touch up' job on her hair. Seeing as she had a few minutes to spare, she gathered whatever items she might need. When she was finished, she sat down on a chair and waited. As she waited, she found herself a little nervous; she hoped that Carth wouldn't bring up why today was a bad day. Also, she hoped she didn't have to chat around with high-ranking members of some fancy place; she wasn't good with formality speech.

Also, as she sat in her chair, waiting for Carth to return, she began to wonder something. "I wonder what it was that knocked me out? It felt like something hit me. Did someone hit me? Or was something thrown at me. Or perhaps I just blanked out from the fighting in my mind." With the shrugging of her shoulders she continued, "Oh well, it's probably for the best that whoever, or whatever that knocked me out did a good thing. Perhaps later on in the future, I will find the truth."

XxXxXxXxXx

As Carth stood outside Alora's door, he fixed his collar a little and made sure he looked presentable. With that, he stood up straight and rang the doorbell, eagerly awaiting Alora's answer and to see her face.

When Alora heard the doorbell, she nearly jumped out of her seat. Quickly gathering everything, she answered the door in haste and smiled to Carth. "My, you look handsome." With that, she slipped her arm underneath Carth's and said, "Shall we go?"

"I can say the same about you." Was Carth's reply to Alora's comment. Alora looked at Carth and asked questioningly, "What? I look handsome?" Carth slightly blushed at that statement and quickly rephrased his statement "No, I mean, you look beautiful. Only, can't you wear something other then blue? Sure you look great in it, but, isn't there another color you like?" "Well, I really don't have much of a selection Carth. But if you wish, I promise you, the next time we go out, I won't wear anything that is related to blue." "I can live with that." With that, he leaned over and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Despite the earlier happenings of today, so far everything was going all right. But would things stay that way?

XxXxXxXxXx

As the two sat in their seats, Alora leaned against Carth's shoulder and her face showed that she was quite pleased. She would hum to the music she heard or close her eyes and let the music flow into her. She seemed quite at peace, despite the raging emotions that were inside of her, trying to ruin her time of peace. It was like she was able to put aside her turmoil and anger and let the moment fill her. Looking upon Carth she said, "Thank you Carth. I really needed this." With that, she stretched up and placed a kiss upon his cheek and went back to watch and listen to the musical masterpiece that was being performed.

As Carth sat in the dim lit musical theater and listened to the music he found himself soothed by the lullaby melody. When he heard Alora speak, he smiled and replied, "I'm glad you like it." When he felt the kiss, he looked down upon her and stroked her hair gently. Despite his love for her and the peaceful moment he was enjoying with her, his mind wouldn't rest. His mind, his brain was wheeling with questions, questions that were on the verge of escaping his tongue. However, Carth found it impossible to remain silent any longer. Opening his mouth he tried to find the words to form his question; however, he could not and closed his mouth once again. As he tried to find the right words and the right question he thought, "Don't screw this up Onasi, and don't ruin the moment." As he listened in silence, he finally found the words to say, but would his tongue obey his mind? Looking down at the brown haired woman, he inhaled a breath and asked, "Alora?"

Major Thanks to: Leah C for your kind review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Authers Note: I will be away around two weeks. I do not believe I will have time to write, let alone post. However, I promise to post a new chapter as soon as I can. :D