Cargo Hold
Pol and Bastila completed their meditations. Pol ended by running through some stretching exercises alone, and tested her skill with the lightsaber against a remote droid. When she had had enough she sought out her crew members finding them with the Force as she and Bastila had discussed earlier. Carth was speaking to Bastila, he was nervous. Bastila was confused. That's weird. Mission was up to mischief. Uh oh I better go see what this is all about.
Pol found Mission in the galley; the young girl was provoking her Wookiee companion. She had been slicing the food synthesizer. She was daring Zaalbar to drink a mysterious concoction she had coerced the food synth to produce. Zaalbar protested. Pol chuckled at the scene and left Zaalbar to his fate. He's big enough and ugly enough to work it out. She found T3 in the engine room. He was running a system check, and gave a dwoo of recognition when she entered. Well your ok little fella.
Pol sought out Canderous with the Force, and found him in the usual location. She got the distinct impression of anticipation, from him and it made her nervous as hell. Pol locked herself in the refresher. Oh boy. I better see what cards I am dealing with. She scrutinized herself as she undressed and readied the shower. She started with her face. I wore a mask, to hide the malicious signs of my alignment, and to undo the humanity in me. Hateful girl who hid within, there were no traces of those demons to be seen anymore.
She was honest looking, but not plain, a strange beauty, her mouth was full and a little too proud, her eyes were impossibly dark. Long lashes, pencil thin eyebrows. If her eyes weren't so wide and child like in her small face she supposed they could be pretty. She took out her hair. It was almost black, voluminous and soft. It shone healthily. It is a bit big, but it could be worse. She lifted it off her shoulders and held it up. He ears were small. Oh look I have ears under all that. She dropped it down again it framed her face like a cloud of black smoke. It spilled onto her shoulders down the strong line of her long neck.
She stepped under the water and lathered up; white soap on golden brown skin. A gift of Pol's breeding not of the sun. No tan lines. She mused. Oh loads of scars! Pol tried to form a chronology from the bleaching of the wounds. Pink new scars and vague white lines of the old; some puckered hideously she recalled sewing some of them up herself during the war.
Pol left her game once she was rinsed off. Trying to remember each scar was like forcing toothpaste back into a tube. She dressed in her Jedi sleep wear, lamented what she thought was their unflattering cut and left the cubicle.
Pol walked into the garage like she was arriving at a crossroads. Attention passengers all those departing from the Jedi code please collect your emotional baggage at the door watch your step. Canderous let out a low whistle, admiring her shapely legs. His eyes trawled upwards and his heart stopped when he caught the sadness in her eyes. He dropped his work and held her as she cried. "You can't bear this for me." Pol warned.
"I know". He said, but you don't have to endure it alone.
Help
Carth met Bastila in the common room; she was sipping tea and gazing emptily at the air. "Mind if I join you?" he asked. She nodded her consent and he sat across from her.
"Is everything ok?" He asked. She never says much to me… I wonder if she is holding anything back.
"Yes Carth. You keep asking me that." She said. And you're not wearing a shirt
"Do I?"
"Yes. If I promise to tell you when things aren't ok will you stop asking?" What in space does he want?
"Ha, look I was only going to offer my help."
"What with?"
"I don't know what can I do to help?" This is going no where
"Fly us to Kashyyyk tomorrow morning."
"Ok." She's so intense. "I ah I saw Canderous just now. He was raiding the bunks for bedding." Carth said with a wince. Ok so this is going some where after all: destination unknown. ETA: Pretty soon.
Bastila grimaced. "Is the garage floor getting too hard for him in his dotage?"
"Damn I wish I had thought of that line! No I suspect he is uh broadening his 'domain'." Carth's voice resonated with apology for the behavior of all men.
"The Force give me strength." Bastila sighed and rubbed her temples. She did say she was going to follow the code her own way.
"It's not common practice is it for Jedi to uh, double bunk with …Well anyone is it?" But especially not Mandalorian mercs that foolish girl, Carth added privately.
"The code warns Jedi about close emotional attachments."
"I have heard that the Sith code does to." Carth had been reading broadly on Jedi beliefs since their arrival on Dantooine in an effort to comprehend the darkside lightside concept. He had been devastated when his mentor Saul Karath had left the Republic for the Sith. In his leaving Karath had destroyed Carth's home world Telos to prove his new allegiance to Malak.
Pol had wrangled a hard truth out of Carth on Taris, he was out for blood, and Saul Karath's in particular, for the act had killed his wife and possibly that of his only son Dustil. She hadn't shared the information; she was not one to break confidence. But it stayed with her, she feared Carth learning of her identity most of all because of this.
"Yes but for different reasons. They see closeness as fallibility." Bastila swirled the last of her tea about the base of her cup.
"A chink in the old battle armor, it's surprising they hold the same view as the Jedi."
"The Jedi do not see it that way, well not exactly. Emotional attachment is different for Force users."
"That's a valid perspective for some, but it is different for the rest of us. When I went to war I gave it my all. My family was never far from my thoughts. Isn't your bond with Pol a kind of emotional attachment?"
"Certainly not," Bastila looked horrified at the notion.
"So Pol and Canderous?" Carth asked carefully. Bastila's face darkened. Course reset, destination: downhill. ETA: Any second now.
"I do not approve."
"Well nor do I, but I don't think he means her any harm. And she is a good moral influence on him."
"That can't be denied. But I doubt he is good for her."
"I have known Pol just a little longer than you Bastila. I don't presume to know what this Force bond entails, but I just can't see Pol being lead down the dark side by anybody. She's a rebel, but a good kid."
"Carth she is older than you."
"Yeah I keep forgetting. Ha! She's been calling me 'little brother' since day one. So you're just going to hope she gets bored with him?" She is so beautiful, her eyes.
These are dangerous questions, the Jedi thought anxiously "I'd rather not talk about Pol and the Mandalorian, their 'friendship' is a matter for the council not for you or me. I'm off to bed, goodnight Carth."
"G'night Bastila," What a trip, I reached downhill in record time in fact I think that was probably a personal best. Carth groaned inwardly and made his way back to the portside dorm.
Rude Awakenings
Juhani arrived at the space port with a small bag slung low over one shoulder. She was met by a beautiful but shabby looking Bastila at the boarding ramp. "Come in Juhani, were leaving as soon as Pol wakes up, I am afraid she is not very disciplined."
"Well her training was cut rather short. You yourself look a little worn Padawan Bastila are you well?" Juhani tilted her head slightly, her eyes a maze of concern and with good reason Bastila looked like the wrung out victim of excessive laundering.
Why does every one ask me that? Oh I knew it mother was right I do have a face like a pie! "I am fine Juhani, thank you for asking. You have been briefed by the council?"
"Yes, I am aware of the nature of this mission, though I found it a shock, learning of well…you know." Juhani looked to her boots as if for guidance.
"She is much changed." Bastila excused.
"She does not know her past perhaps that is for the best. She is as she was before the Mandalorian wars a strong and good Jedi." Juhani had the same knowledge as the council of Pol's condition. This meant that she was still under the impression that the mind wipe had worked. Bastila loathed maintaining the lie but saw no option. "Of course, I feel badly for using her so."
"As do I it is not the most dignified way for a Jedi to be treated. Perhaps they council will see this as sufficient atonement for her actions?" Juhani was hopeful but Bastila shook her head sadly.
"I am not certain what they have in store for her Juhani, once her task is completed, they will be keeping a watchful eye on her."
"A shame when she has always had so much potential." Juhani followed Bastila onto the Ebon Hawk where Bastila introduced her to nine tenths of the crew.
Canderous looked at Pol. She had camped down in the garage with him sleeping chastely by his side. It had been a rough night. Not the good kind of rough either. So he had let her sleep. It had been a long night of her tears. He slept fitfully at the best of times but after being woken hourly by Pol's nightmares he felt especially un-rested.
Canderous crouched beside their bed and stroked her hair hoping to wake her gently. Pol frowned in her sleep. With a tentative touch he brushed her cheek with the back of his hand marveling at the silk like quality of her skin. Pol slapped out angrily still mired in sleep, unaware of the cause of her discomfort. Bad tempered little thing aren't you? He thought with a laugh.
His peripheral vision snagged on Bastila standing in the door way, with the new Jedi behind her. With lightening speed Canderous automatically withdrew his hand; stood and carved his face into its familiar scowl.
"Is she still not up?" Bastila carried blame in her voice as she looked at him.
"I was just about to fix that." Canderous growled at Bastila. Turning his attentions to his sleeping friend he said, "Pol, get your ass out of bed." Bastila left respectfully and Juhani followed.
Pol woke suddenly to the sound of his voice, her pajama clad arm snaked out from under the covers. She extended her middle finger in defiance.
Canderous nudged her in the ribs with the toe of his boot. "Drop the attitude. There's a galaxy to save." He ranted.
"It wouldn't need saving if I hadn't gotten out of bed to frack it up in the first place." Pol groaned in Mando'a. She was hip deep in self loathing and pityI should quit while I am ahead and never ever get out of bed again.
"Oh for frack's sake, get your sorry ass out of bed before I get nasty."
"I deserve it. Do your worst." Pol pulled the covers over her head.
"OUT NOW!" Canderous threw back the covers of their bed and when Pol scowled morbidly up at him he retaliated by tipping up the mattress roughly. She rolled inelegantly across the floor of the garage coming to rest near the swoop bike.
"Mean old bastard." She grumbled staggering to her knees crabbily.
"Yeah you love me. Now let's clean that filthy mood up." He hauled Pol upright and pushed her to the refresher. Shoving her in the door he yelled, "And don't come out 'til you can be useful you moral-less juvenile Jedi cow!"
Juhani gaped. Carth chuckled. Bastila colored. "They have an unusual, friendship." She explained mortified by the odd couple. How do I explain this fraternization to Juhani?She worried, but she didn't need to Juhani had formed her own conclusions and demonstrated an unexpected tolerance.
"Pol seems, an unusual Jedi, perhaps she is what this unconventional assignment will need." Juhani said to her companions.
"Let's hope so Juhani. Ok time to get this girl off the ground." Carth headed to the cockpit, followed by Zaalbar and T3.
Bound For Kashyyyk
Juhani met Pol and Bastila in the starboard bunkroom. She had not commented on Pol's nightly absence from the communal sleeping quartersIt is not my place. Bastila sat atop a footlocker, and Pol lounged on a low bunk. Bastila spoke first. "We do not want to draw undue attention, for the time being we should dress as civilians."
"Here here!" Pol exclaimed wholeheartedly. She was eager to be free of the robes for many reasons, the main one being her deviance from the Jedi code.
Juhani spoke next. "It would be the sensible thing to do, but three women traveling together Jedi or not, will attract attention." Especially when two of them are exceptionally beautiful she observed privately as she examined her gorgeous companions.
"Not with Pol's wookiee and that Mandalorian thug trailing after." Bastila said drearily.
"They should be an adequate deterrent." Juhani admitted.
"Did anyone bring spare clothing?"
"I did not." Juhani frowned; she hadn't expected she would need it.
"Nor did I, what about you Pol?"
"'Gave them up at the enclave. Mission has civvies. I don't know how well they would fit us though." She surveyed he women about her. Juhani was tall and lean, but as slender as she was strong. Bastila was full of breast and hip in that desirable way, but small of stature. And I am the strange looking something in between.
Bastila called Mission to their conference. She took a space on the floor in the crowded room. "What can I do for ya?"
"We need some civilian clothing; do you have anything you can spare?" Bastila asked.
"Hmm, Pol and maybe Juhani could get into my shirts ok, but I doubt the rest would be of use to you."
"Ah the problem of pants," Pol laughed. Mission fetched the shirts and Juhani and Pol tried them for size. They weren't too bad, but when Mission's trousers were held against them it was clear that Juhani would be showing a lot of ankle and Pol would be baring her butt.
"What about Carth's trousers?" Bastila suggested.
"I'll tell him you asked after them!" Mission laughed running to the cockpit, her grin blazing mischievously.
Juhani covered her mouth to screen an ill-disciplined smile and Pol laughed outright. Bastila rolled her eyes. While Bastila viewed their reaction as puerile, but in fact it was their life experiences outside of the Order that was the origin of the two older women's amusement.
Cockpit
"Hey Carth, Bastila wants your pants." Mission said taking the copilot seat.
"What!" Carth spat caffa all over himself in shock.
Canderous's brows shot up. "Carth I really don't think she will want them pre-moistened" He ragged. "I'll take over here while you play 'lord of the pants' with Bastila."
Mission cackled. "Lord of the pants! That's a good one C-note."
"Shut up Canderous. What is this really about Mission?"
Mission giggled, "It's like I said Carth; she wants your trousers."
Canderous snickered again, that poor bastard. "Is it just me Blue or does that just get funnier every time I hear it?" He said.
"No it's funny alright, especially now Captain Complain-o has a lap full of hot caffa!" Mission trilled again.
"If you are done laughing at my expense I guess I'll go see what this is really about." Carth straightened his apparel, brushed the hair from his eyes took a deep breath and made for the bunkroom uneasily. Mission and Canderous's laughter dogged him down the hall.
Bunkroom
"You ask him Bastie." Pol teased.
"Why me?" Bastila asked.
"It was your idea." Juhani purred.
Bastila blushed hotly at Carth's arrival. At least he is wearing a shirt, but what in space has he got on his pants? "Carth, would you happen to have two pare sets of trousers?"
"I would but as you can see I spilt my caffa and so I will need one of those pairs." Carth remained dignified, a death defying feat when you're an average guy facing three stunning Jedi women. Bastila had to give him credit for it.
"One pair then?" Pol asked, prolonging Bastila's discomfort.
Juhani smiled a little as she spoke. "One pair should do the trick Padawan Bastila."
Oh this is ridiculous Bastila thought. She neatly, but childishly, parceled the pants debacle to Pol with one clean sentence, "Carth, Pol would like to borrow your trousers." To her annoyance Pol wasn't phased.
"Me? Fine I'll wear Carth's hand me downs and Missions shirts until mish and I get to a store. Then we can kit ourselves out properly."
"Wait so you really want my pants?" Carth looked staggered.
The three women exchanged a look and answered in unison. "Yes," Idiot.
Carth left the room his expression was on of utter 'barrel of a blaster eating' embarrassment. He returned with clean trousers and the spare pair of threads. Pol accepted them and Juhani shooed him out of the room with a laconic 'be gone man thing' gesture.
Pol shrugged the pants on below her robe, discarded the top half of the vestment and bound her torso up in Mission's shirt. She did a twirl for her audience. "What no applause? Oh it's cuz I got dressed not undressed; I'll get the hang of stripping one day you just wait!" She joked.
"The shirt is a little stretched across the bust." Bastila observed.
"But it is not indecent. The pants need taking up" Juhani added.
"I don't think Carth is going to like that." Pol pointed out. The pants sat about low about her hips, she was only an inch taller than Bastila so the cuffs dragged, but the good news was she wasn't naked. "I'll just make do till we get to a store."
Cockpit
Carth returned with a triumphant smile. "Turns out Bastila didn't want my pants."
"Then why are you smiling?" Canderous asked with a laugh pfft these backward Republic boys.
"Because Pol wanted them," Carth dug at the Mandalorian's weak spot as payback for his bullying. Canderous was about to serve Carth an acerbic surprise when Mission intervened.
"Whoa C-note easy big fella, they're just looking for civilian clothes to wear in public till they get their own. My pants are too small and yours are too large…"
Canderous relaxed, he looked thoughtful for a split second before asking, "Who's shirt she wearing?" suddenly intrigued.
"Mine." Mission answered.
Kandosii, excellent! "Excuse me ladies." Canderous smiled shamelessly and left the cockpit to find Pol; before she changes back into those god-awful robes.
History
The common room of the Ebon Hawk was decked out to Davik's taste. A 15 man purple lounge dominated the room clashing rudely with the tangerine carpets and mimicking the octagonal shaped lighting fixtures. Mission sat at one end of the couch conning Juhani out of credits over a friendly game of Pazaak. They were both from Taris, as Juhani handed over another credit note Mission had a feeling that it was to be the start of a beautiful friendship.
Zaalbar shuffled over to make room for Pol to sit beside him on the couch. He could see by her expression she had more questions.
"You still don't want to talk do you?" Pol asked taking a seat a meter away from him.
(Mission should stay.) He woofled softly, Mission overheard him and her head snapped back.
"Zaalbar, why are you trying to get rid of me?"
(Mission I'm not, you don't understand.)
"Perhaps you should explain it. If you don't want to tell me; then why not tell Mission?" Pol suggested.
Canderous saunter into the common room joining them. He sat a respectable distance opposite from Pol. He lit a cigarra and propped his boots up on the caffa table. From behind a cloud of blue smoke, that made Mission gag, his eyes wandered in Pol's direction frequently. A fact that was not lost on anyone present, no matter how discreet the Mandalorian thought he was being.
Zaalbar growled. (It may not be safe.)
"It is not safe anywhere for any of us let alone Mission." Pol looked to Canderous for support.
Canderous heard Pol's silent plea, and rescued her, "Would it help if I watched Blue for you?" he offered the wookiee. Zaalbar mumbled a reply discontentedly. "What did he say?" Canderous asked with a frown.
"He doubts your ability to watch anything other than my chest while I am dressed this way." Pol translated Zaalbar's comment to Mando'a.
"Pfft. It was one appreciative glance. You know you could cure me of my obsession…"
"Behave yourself." Pol said before reverting their conversation to galactic basic. "Zaalbar, Canderous promises to protect Mish on Kashyyyk."
Zaalbar nodded and groaned his acceptance Canderous's offer. (If your mate promises Pol, then Mission can come.)
"Don't talk about me like I'm not here!" Mission protested.
"Sorry Mission." Pol apologized. "I am going to need your help finding clothing when we get there. Fancy a bit of shopping?"
"Woo yeah!" She cheered.
"Bastila and I will remain behind until we have appropriate attire." Juhani intoned.