Normally Carth would have enlisted a few more soldiers to help with the mundane operations of the ship. Due to the classified and important status of this mission, however, he had only requested two droids, fresh out of memory wipe, with just the most basic of programming.
His talk with Dustil had gone about as well as expected. Over the years they had become friends. Not quite a father son relationship, but still far better than most and for that he was grateful. Revan's departure had certainly helped the process and had given Carth the time he needed to explain things to Dustil. Dustil had been a bit more understanding, after the initial scathing remarks and attitude. Carth had explained to him more than once that finding Revan had become his number one priority and his son seemed to accept that these days, although he often wondered if it was because his son believed it would never come to pass. Even so, he had to be grateful for what was 'their relationship' no matter what the reasons were that led them to this point. If any positive could come from Revan leaving, this was surely one of them, although it came at great cost to Carth.
His mind began to wander to the times before Revan left.
"I'm fine Carth, just a little too much Juma Juice at the Cantina last night. Either that or I'm loosing my marbles, finally, after all that's happened." She smirked at him.
Carth looked at her, with a worried expression on his face. She had been a bit lost lately, not physically but mentally. The time in particular that she was referring to had to do with a bunch of rowdy Rodians. When no one could make them understand that Mission had clearly won the games of Pazaak without any cheating, Revan had tried a mind trick on them. Unfortunately, it had elevated them about 6 feet into the air and two tables over.
"Ack, Juhani, a bit of help here please" she had called through the force.
She was fine though after that, carrying out three missions for the Jedi order, complete with blazing lightsabers and raving Padawans recounting her trips.
The situation in the Cantina had been only a few weeks before her final departure, before that final note left on the pillow. It was the day his world came crashing down around him, once again.
For weeks he wasn't coherent. Juhani had been the most supportive while encouraging him to delve into making the Republic safe, respecting Revan's wishes. It was the only thing that made him go back after his long leave of absence.
Jolee had also given him some words of advice, or rather stories. He had been too confused and mired in his own emotions at the time to even know what the heck the guy was trying to say to him. Even now, he couldn't recall even one of the stories. Thinking they might have held some clue as to why she had left, he had asked Jolee to retell them. The only response was a snort and some comment about how he should have been listening in the first place, the stories weren't appropriate for him to tell anymore. Suffice it to say, Carth had been more than a bit angry about this and other members of the Crew hadneeded to bring him back to reason before he did something he would regret. Jolee had just 'hurraphed' then went on his way. To this day their relationship held signs of strain.
His comm beeped, reminding Carth that it was almost time for depature. He gathered the few items left in the apartment that he wanted to take, gave a few orders to his house-droid then left without another glance.
He made his way to the exiting bay, excitement building. Finally, he was doing something he felt was important. "Does this mean I'm moving on?" he thought. "NO, never, I won't stop until I find her!" were the resounding echoes in his mind. Followed by, "Or at least until I find out what happened to her." Anger quickly rose in his face as he realized that he had actually contemplated the thought that he may never find her again, alive. "How dare I EVEN THINK such a thing".
Carth made his way onto the ship, wondering what these new thoughts meant. Silently cursing himself for even letting them pass into his head.
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Juhani entered the second part of the code into her transmitter. Moving next to the security comm she entered another phase of the code.
"Fueling complete" resounded from the speakers.
She made her way to the cock pit and started to run her final checks. A beep from the transmitter told her the code had been accepted. She would now need to travel within range before sending the next part. Gathering determination she set about making the final preparations.
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Bastilla had just finished her meditation session when the sensation hit her like a rock. "She's dying" was the only thing that echoed through her mind. She quickly left the chamber making her way to the Jedi Council's meeting room. They had blocked her off from her force-bond shortly before Revan had disappeared, but she couldn't ignore what she was feeling. Her complexion grew white as she rounded the final corner, the feeling growing stronger.
