Chapter Twenty Eight-Ghost of Malachor
"My name Exile, is Ni'veus. My plan? I wish to be free," he raised his hands expansively around him, "from all of this. I have been on this planet as long as I can recall, I grow weary of it all. I have heard them speak of the far regions, and it awakened my curiosity. They wish to destroy that which I have not seen, or felt." He paced the floor restlessly, his robe trailing behind him. "I am but a young man. My view on things, has been somewhat restrained. Oh, yes, I have been on the star ships, I have watched Malachor as the planet burned, and I have learnt much from the Sith that journeyed here. But such things grow tiresome…"
"Why should we trust you, and what you say?" Jennra demanded
"Haven't I aided you already, Exile? I am honest in my intentions, I do not wish to see you harmed, and I will protect you and your companions. As for my words, you will have to trust that what I say is true. There is no reason for me to lie to you."
"So how do you plan on leaving? A shuttle wont take you far…" Jennra gripped Mical's hand tighter. She was not sure where this was leading to, but she was sure that she didn't like it.
"Foolish Exile," Ni'veus said affectionately. "I have a cruiser, one that might interest you, Mandalorian," he replied turning slightly to face Canderous, "It is a remnant of the destruction that Malachor wrought; a Mandalorian battle cruiser. The ship itself is in poor condition, but is space worthy. It is my own vessel," pride was evident on his face.
Canderous laughed deeply, "Then why haven't you left?"
Ni'veus turned from them, "I have no crew," he said softly, "And I am kept here like a prisoner." He peered over his shoulder, his white hair framing his pale face. "I must stop them before it is too late," he spat as he whirled round to face them, his black robe billowing around his legs. "They must not succeed."
"We will need to discuss this, amongst ourselves," Jennra replied, noticing the look on the Mandalorians face.
"What is there to discuss Exile? Do you not have faith in my words, in what I tell you? Go then," he waved a pale hand at them dismissively, "Talk, but ultimately, you know what you will choose."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelborn bashed his fist against the large metal door, growling in temper. He turned and raised his blaster, firing at the metal. The metal glowed orange as plasma reigned over it. But it didn't open.
"Sith's blood!" He cursed loudly. He could hear sounds within, and remembered that Bralor was somewhere within the facility. If he still lives…
Kelborn knocked the thought from his head; I have grown weak from being amongst the Jetiise. He glanced across the massed warriors. "Did anyone remember to bring mines?"
A blue clad warrior stepped forward, "I have two Kelborn."
He nodded at the warrior, and watched as the Mandalorians trooped up the hallway, apart from one, who stayed with him. He walked to the door, and knelt, priming the mines for use.
"Mine laid," he called out, as he and the other warrior turned and quickly ran up the corridor, observing from a safe distance. A low boom reverberated, followed by a clank as the door fell broke in half.
Kelborn walked back up to it, admiring his handiwork. A movement inside caught his gaze.
"Are you just going to stand there ogling, Mandalorian, or are you going to let us out?"
Kelborn stared at the flame haired woman, smiling as he saw the hostile look blazing in her eyes. Mira, he had missed her fieriness.
"Of course, Jedi." He stood aside as she nimbly stepped out between the ruined doors, followed by Visas and a third person he had wondered if he would see again.
"Bralor, su'cuy!" He said warmly, grasping the dark haired man by the forearm.
Bralor returned the gesture, his grip firm about Kelborn's armour plated wrist, "Vor entye ner vod." Thank you my brother.
Mira rolled her eyes at the scene, "Well as much as happy reunions touch my heart, we must move on. I have been stuck in that crappy cell…"
"Of course, Jetii," Kelborn bowed in mockery of the diminutive red haired woman who stood irately before him.
"I have sensed where they are. Follow Mandalorian," Visas smiledat him.
The Mandalorians trooped down the hall way, their feet clattering dully as they marched, Mira and Visas leading the way, using the Miraluka's Force sense to guide them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mandalore glanced across and saw a small room sparsely attired with a few chairs and a lone low table. He pointed to it, and growled, "I don't wish to discuss this in front of him, let's go." He turned and strode into the room, stopping as he heard the sound of many marching feet. He looked at the two Jedi, and saw that they had lit their sabers, and were stood waiting.
The marching grew louder, echoing through the deserted corridors. Mandalore unsheathed his scimitar, and stood with the Jedi.
He started as he saw the mass of blue warriors that came towards him. Kelborn came across to him to him quickly.
"Mandalore," he intoned deeply, as he clasped arms with his leader. He refrained from comment on his leader's odd choice of mixed armour. While the Mandalore's helm was on his head, and the familiar black and silver encased his lower half, his torso bore blue chest armour.
Jennra stood behind Mandalore, with Mical at her side. She turned and with disbelief in her eyes, stared at the black haired man stood amongst the warriors, he was easily identified with his lack of armour.
"Bralor?" she whispered.
Bralor turned his head quickly as he saw the Jedi approach. His dark stubbled face broke into a slow grin as he recognised her. He turned from his fellow warriors, and went across to her, "Exile…Jennra?" He hugged the small Jedi to his chest, then stood back from her.
She smiled up at him, staring into the Mandalorians blue eyes. Sadness crept into her heart, and she looked away, "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"Why the sorrow?" he replied, mirth in his eyes.
"I…I didn't mean to leave you. I wanted to go back for you, but I was wounded and too weak…"
Bralor tilted her head with one hand, "You don't have to apologise."
"Did they hurt you?"
He ran his hand over the stubble on his chin, "They grew tired of me, and threw me into a cell," he laughed deeply, "I have been there since."
She smiled as she felt Mical's hand slip around her waist, and turning to the Mandalorian, she said, "Mical, this is Bralor."
Mical acknowledged the Mandalorian with a nod of his head, "We met on Dxun."
Bralor laughed, "Ah, I remember, you were with Jennra when she beat me in the battle circle."
"Yes, although it seems that was a long time ago now," Mical replied ruefully.
"Jennra!" She turned and stared at the red haired Jedi who stalked across to her. Mira grinned, "Well, you're looking okay," she replied as she hugged the older woman to her.
Jennra glanced over her shoulder, and saw that Mical had left her, and was talking in depth with the Miraluka. A wave of jealousy hit her, and she fought against the unwanted emotions it stirred.
She turned her eyes from the sight, and disengaging herself from Mira, she went across to Mandalore, her hand gripping his elbow firmly. "We still have to discuss what Ni'veus has suggested," she reminded him.
"I had not forgotten Exile. Kelborn, join us,"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jennra and Mandalore sat while Kelborn stood in the doorframe, his blaster slung across his shoulder.
Jennra watched as Mical entered the small room with Visas. She studied them; the Miraluka inclined her head towards him as he spoke quietly to her. Jennra could see the smile on her red lips, and inwardly seethed. She glanced up as Mical walked across the room from Visas and sat next to her, his hand reaching out for hers. Dimly, she became aware that Mandalore was addressing her.
"This is how I see it. Two choices. We stay, or we leave. Simple," Jennra replied.
Mandalore nodded his agreement, "Plainly put, I agree with the Exile. Ni'veus has already told us that the others are on their way to Republic space. They have undoubtedly taken most of their military with them, leaving a few to guard this base. We have not seen any Sith for a while now."
"Then we leave here," Visas replied softly, "The threat lies to the front of us, not behind."
"I agree," Mical stated, his hand tightening over Jennra's.
"There is Ni'veus to consider, and the fact that we can't trust him," Jennra said.
Visas turned her attention to her, "Why say that Jennra? If there is a concern, then it needs to addressed."
"I was merely asking opinion, Visas," Jennra replied scathingly, noting the downward turn to the Miraluka's lips.
"No, Jennra is right. I do not know if he can be trusted, but he is the only chance that we have to get off this planet," Mical replied softly. He glanced at Jennra, and offered her an encouraging smile.
"We will watch him," Mandalore mused. "The Exile is right, we can't trust him, but he can be of use. This ship has some value at the least."
"Then I suggest we leave as soon as it is possible," Jennra replied.
Mandalore got to his feet, "Let's go meet with this Sith, and tell him we concur."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jennra watched the others leave the room, but lingered in her seat. She felt a hand touch her shoulder.
"Is there something wrong, Jennra?"
She looked up into Mical's gentle blue eyes, and felt the resolve soften inside her. She shook her head gently, "No. Mical, you keep asking me that…"
"I only ask because I am concerned," he replied softly.
"It is good to see Mira and Visas again," Jennra said, feeling the seed of hate grow in her chest. She stared at him, watching his reaction closely.
"Yes, at least they were not harmed. That was most fortunate," he smiled.
Yes, how fortunate "Now we are all back together," she replied jadedly, except for Bao…and Atton.
"Jennra?" Mical touched her cheek with his hand, "Tell me, what is wrong? There is something troubling you, I wish you would tell me. It would help to ease the burden you bear."
Jennra sighed wearily, "Is there something that I should be aware of Mical?"
He looked at her in surprise, "What do you mean?"
"Well, you seem close to Visas…"
"Visas? Force no! She is more than aware of my feelings for you," he replied in puzzlement, "She has been a great help in locating you when we were aboard the Ebon Hawk. What makes you ask this?" Mical looked down at her dark head. Why would she think this? He thought in amazement.
Jennra glanced up at him, and saw the confusion in his eyes, "N…no reason," she replied weakly.
Mical tilted her chin with his hand, and saw the sadness in her eyes. His heart ached with her pain, "I love you, Jennra, I always have done." He silently cursed their situation. There was something that she needed to talk about, but the timing was all wrong. He hated to see her feeling so torn and confused. The weight of her sorrows lay like lead within him, and he fought against the feeling of inadequacy that swamped him.
He turned slightly in his seat, and pulled her to him, smoothing her hair with one hand, as she pressed her face against his chest.
"Lately, I…I feel so confused," she mumbled against his tunic tearfully. "So much has happened, I can't think straight. I need to free from all this."
Mical bent his head to hers, resting his chin on top of her head. He wrapped his arms around her, feeling her pain echo through the Force.
"You kids finished in there?" Mandalore barked from the doorway.
"We will be there now," Mical replied slowly, cursing the Mandalorians timing silently.
Jennra glanced up at him, her dark eyes swimming with tears, "We ought to go…"
"No. That can wait, you cannot," Mical said. "I do not know where you have got this idea about Visas from, but let me assure you it is far from the truth."
She lowered her head from his gaze, and gripped the front of his shirt between agitated fingers, twisting the material in her hand, "I trust you, Mical…but there is so much that you don't know. I wish I could tell you, but we don't have the time."
"Yes, I wish we had time to discuss this," he wiped the tears from her eyes with his thumb, "but I fear Ni'veus is one that will not wait, even on account of a beautiful woman." Mical smiled as he saw her cheeks redden slightly under his gaze.
She raised her face to his; her eyes soft languid pools that entranced him. He leant down and kissed her, his hands cupping her face gently.
"Exile. We move now!" Mandalore strode from the small room irritably. Damned Jetiise and their love lives
Jennra sighed against him, "We must go, Mical."
"Yes, you are right," he got to his feet slowly, and pulled her up with him, his hand clasping hers firmly.
Jennra went to step out of the room, but Mical held her back.
"Jennra," he said earnestly.
She stared up at him, "What is it?" she asked softly, noting the warm look he gave her.
"I will protect you, you do know that?" His fingers tightened about hers, and he led her out of the room, her head leaning against his arm as they walked resolutely up the corridor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ni'veus turned to face them in a whirl of black robes, sighing in irritation, "Have you come to a conclusion? If you have, will you kindly tell your hounds to back down; I mean them or you no harm." His pale face was impassive as he regarded them with his violet eyes. Around him the Mandalorians were massed, each toting their weaponry menacingly.
Mandalore raised his hand, and they fell back a few paces. "We have made our decision. We concur with you, Sith."
"And you Exile, what are your thoughts?" Ni'veus smiled benignly.
"It seems our paths lay together, for the moment, Ni'veus. We should leave now," she glanced at Mandalore whom nodded at her.
"As the Exile says," he grunted.
"Is there anything that we should be aware of?" Mical asked the Sith Lord curiously.
"Why would you ask such a thing, Jedi?" Ni'veus replied stiffly, "I am alone, I have nothing to gain should anything unfortunate happen to you. Yet again you doubt me…"
Mira strode from across the warriors ranks, and stood close to Jennra, "It looks fine to me. I just want off this planet, the quicker the better, ya know." She raised her green eyes, and stared at the Sith; he was watching Jennra intently. What is it with her? Sheesh, she has all the men hounding her…
"Tsad'tome Verde, group together warriors, we leave now!" Mandalore rapped out. The Mandalorians assembled themselves, and turned to march out the hallway.
"Exile will you accompany me?" Ni'veus approached her, and proffered his arm to her in a gentlemanly fashion.
She glanced up at Mical, "Remember my words," he said quietly. I will protect you.
She laid her hand on the black sleeve of Ni'veus' robe, and walked up the corridor beside him uncertainly, Mical following closely behind.
Mira became aware of the Miraluka beside her, her veiled head facing the direction that Jennra and the Sith Lord had taken. "There is something that we should watch out for with that one. I cannot read him fully, he walks partly in shadow."
"Yeah, well I think he's our ticket off this dump," Mira replied hotly.
Visas regarded her questioningly, "I would not be so hasty to leave, despite the urgency which compels us. There is trickery to that one, and I feel her faith in Mical will be tested."
Mira turned her head slightly and glanced at her, "What is it you can see, Visas? Tell me…"
She laughed, "Mira, you are as impatient as always! You were as much even before you became a Jedi. No, we must watch and be on our guard."
"Well, if anyone tries to stop me getting on that ship, I'll blast 'em," she scowled. "Come on Visas, everyone's leaving."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The shuttles lay in the morning light, dew gleaming brightly off the dark grey of their hulls. Silhouettes fleeting passed over head, the rancorous calling of strange alien tongue reaching across the harsh landscape. Jennra glanced up at the skyline at the large outlandish winged beasts that flew overhead, and stifled a shudder. She longed for the tranquillity that the plains and steppes of Dantooine offered. She felt a hand on her arm, and turned, glancing into Ni'veus violet eyes. "Such sights bore me," he replied mockingly, "Tell me Exile, what is it like beyond? Is it as corrupt as I have been told?"
"Corrupt? You get that anywhere you go. From the small gangs that hustle on street corners, to the big crime lords," she shook her head, "But, there is more than that though, I can assure you. To feel at peace with yourself…"
"And when have you ever felt at peace, Exile? I know of the burden that you carry and I know it still haunts you. It is something that you can never escape from, that empty hollow feeling. Surround yourself with people that you think care for you, but ultimately you will always feel alone."
Jennra stared at the shuttles as they waited; condensation evaporated off the small ships hulls in therising light, "You are wrong."
"Am I Exile?" Ni'veus laughed gently, "We are almost kindred spirits. Weren't you shunned from the Order that you grew up with? Embraced by the loving heart of a family, only to be cast out with repugnance because you fought your convictions? We are more alike than you know."
"I am no Sith," she replied quietly, trying to regain some semblance of inner calm, but why is he right in what he says? They did shun me…even when I tried to help them…
"You know as well as I that the Sith is just a name, and an empty shallow name at that. Don't you feel that the Order where to blame, as much as the Sith?"
"I don't need this," she hissed as she turned from him, her hands clenching at her side. Her eyes roved the large landing area for sight of the tall blonde Jedi. She relaxed when she saw him approach with the Mandalorian Kelborn at his side.
"You misunderstand me, Exile," Ni'veus explained in a cajoling voice.
Jennra glanced over her shoulder at him, "I do have a bloody name you know!" She strode across to Mical, and stood close to him, his hand resting possessively on her shoulder.
"Are you alright Jennra?" He asked, concern tingeing his voice.
"Yes, Ni'veus was just saying that he is looking forward to Republic space," she glanced up at the Mandalorian, who had joined their party, "Kelborn?"
"I am accompanying you Exile," he intoned deeply, "Mandalore's orders."
Great, doesn't anyone trust me? She thought bitterly. "Anyone else? Mical, is Visas joining us?" as the words come out of her mouth, she instantly regretted them. Mical's hand dug into her shoulder painfully. What the hell is wrong with me?
"Exile, come, it is time to depart," Ni'veus called out to her, as he boarded one of the shuttles.
Jennra broke away from Mical's grasp on her, and ignoring him, she stalked up the lowered ramp, Kelborn and Mical trailing behind her.
Ni'veus sat in the pilot's seat, and smiled as he sensed the Exiles presence behind him, already disharmony flows off her. He fired up the small ships engines, and stared ahead as the shuttle lifted and rose gently into the air.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the shuttles small window Jennra could see the looming hulk of the battle cruiser growing larger with their approach. She leaned her hands against the pilot's seat, her fingertips unintentionally brushing Ni'veus' robe. She stared as the cruisers docking bay gaped like a hungry mouth, waiting; ready to swallow them whole. Ni'veus' fingers stroked the console in front of him lovingly, the small coloured lights reflected off the window as the cruisers immense bulk cast shadows over the small ship.
The shuttle decelerated, and levelly entered the docking bay, turning and landing on its small feet with a low thumping sound. A metallic whine signalled that its wings folded into their stationary vertical position. A button was pressed, and the boarding ramp lowered with an audible clunk.
Ni'veus turned to her, and smiled, "So Jennra, we have arrived." He stood slowly, his dark robes drowning him, his pale face gleaming in the dim light. He gestured to her, "Shall we?"
Jennra followed him down the ramp, and stood in the large docking bay of the cruiser. She sighed as Mical walked towards her, an intent look on his face. Kelborn strode after him, his heavy repeater firmly grasped in his armoured hands. He glanced around, the black T shaped slit of his helm masking his face and his emotions.
She watched as the tall Jedi approached her; their journey in the shuttle had been awkward, and she dreaded what he had to say on the matter. Mical stood at her side silently, his hand resting on the hilt of his saber. He frowned as Kelborn neared, and Jennra stifled a smile; as much as he had been around the Mandalorians recently, his unease and unfamiliarity with them was clearly evident. She touched his arm, and was awarded with a broad smile. Jennra felt her heart flutter at his look, but quickly pushed aside the feelings that it awakened.
Ni'veus beckoned her to him, and she followed after him sullenly, the Jedi and warrior following after her.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bridge was deserted as she had expected. Shuttles flew back and forth, transporting blue clad Mandalorians to the waiting cruiser. Ni'veus paced like a shadow, impatience exuding off him. Jennra walked across the large bridge, resting her hands against the cool glass of the large observation window. The planet below gleamed darkly, small fires lit in the blackness of space by the diminutive engines of the shuttles that flew back and forth.
Mandalore waited below on the planets surface, Jennra knew that he would remain until the very last man, and Jedi was safely aboard, before departing. She felt a shiver run through her, and a thousand voices filled her mind as she thought of the last time that she had stood watching shuttles fly from a dark planet below. Malachor, will you ever leave me in peace? She thought wondering.
"Jennra?"
She turned to face the Miraluka that stood before her. The red veiled head was inclined slightly to one side, a sign to Jennra that she was sensing.
"It is not like before, you know, this. Let it be Jennra, it was a long time ago," Visas said quietly.
Jennra faced the window, and rested her forehead against the cool glass, "How can you know that?" She felt a hand press her forearm reassuringly, and she glanced at her, her eyes narrowing cautiously.
"Do not trust this Ni'veus, he will only bring you despair. He seeks to come between you and Mical, and all that you hold dear."
"Oh yeah, and you would know all about that," Jennra said accusingly.
Visas took a step back, her head shaking, "I do not know what you mean, Jennra…"
"Oh, don't give me that!" Jennra spat heatedly.
"You have this all wrong. If you think that I covet your mate, then you are mistaken. All the while that you think this, he is winning. It is what he wishes-to estrange you from all that you hold dear to you. Jennra, you have been through enough, I am concerned about you. I have not forgotten my vow to you; I would gladly give my life for yours. I will not see you harmed." Visas said stubbornly. She turned from the dark haired Jedi, and walked from the bridge.
Jennra watched her and grumbled, who does she think she is?
The turbo lift opened, and the figure of Mandalore stalked across the bridge. "All men aboard," he said in passing to Jennra. He ignored Ni'veus and sat in the pilot's chair. The turbo lift doors opened again, and blue clad warriors spilled out onto the bridge, taking positions with their weapons within easy reach.
Jennra turned and faced the large observation window again, her thoughts stepping back several long years. She wondered about her Zabrak technician, and if she would ever see him again. A tear rolled down her cheek at the thought of him, her loyal unquestioning friend. She flinched as a hand slipped about her waist, and she involuntarily stiffened.
"Jennra?" A voice questioned softly near her ear.
She glanced and saw Mical looking down at her. "I did not want to leave you alone…"
She growled, "Not you as well? I am fine! I wish everyone would leave me alone!"
He shook his head, "I do not know what you mean, but if you wish to be left alone, so be it." He turned from her, and strode across to the turbo lift.
The last image she had of him was the sad reproachful expression he gave her, as the door shut.
Damn it, she thought angrily, why do I keep pushing people away? She stared out of the window miserably. The dark planet lay wreathed in blackness below. She closed her eyes, and rubbed at the tension spot that ached in her head. Bright orange lights flared past her closed lids, and she wonderingly rubbed at her eyes again. Dazzling bursts of light blazed, and she opened her eyes, as she saw the planets surface being bombarded. Not again, she thought heavily in despair, as she observed the destruction of the planets surface. Small pockets flared brightly, and she closed her eyes against the tears that threatened. I am haunted by ghosts of the past, she thought in anguish.
"It is done Jennra. Believe me, there was little choice in the matter. I do not wish them, or myself to return here. At least the darkness will abate, and I had hoped that that was something you would approve of."
Jennra stared up into Ni'veus' ashen face, and grasped his arm, "Did you not learn anything?" she whispered, "After all, you have seen Malachor burning. What pleasure can be gained in the destruction of a planet? Too many have fallen…Telos, Taris, Dantooine…and yes, even Malachor."
"But you of all people should see the greater good," Ni'veus tutted at her, "All things must come to an end." He turned and leant his back against the window, "We have much to discuss Jennra, and our journey will be a long one. You must have questions, as do I, but do not forget it goes both ways, however. What you give me, I shall return to you, twice over."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jennra stood tiredly outside the door of the bunk room that had been allocated to Mical and herself. Nervousness coiled in the pit of her stomach, like a lazy snake. She took a deep breath, and opened the door.
Mical glanced at her as she stood in the doorway, "I was waiting for you," he said apologetically.
"I...I had a few things I had to do, sorry," she murmured.
He walked across the narrow room, "You have no reason to be sorry, Jennra."
Jennra entered, her eyes taking in the layout of the room. The room itself was sparse in its decor. Twin bunks lined the white walls, in the aisle between them lay a long gunmetal grey foot locker, Mical's robe was folded neatly atop it. A Plasteel storage container occupied the space to the right of the door.
"We must talk, Jennra."
She sighed quietly, her nervousness doubling as the seconds ticked by. She sat on the far bunk, pulling her tunic nervously from across her neck; it felt that the material was trying to choke her.
"You have spoken to Ni'veus?" His question seemed almost like an accusation
"Yes, I have spoken with him, so what of it?" She said scowling.
"I do not trust him, Jennra."
"He has shown himself to be an ally, and he hasn't done anything to..." Except destroy a planet.
Mical sat on the opposite bunk, his foot scuffing the floor restlessly, "He is taking an interest in you that I do not find healthy."
"What in space is that supposed to mean?" Jennrafrowned, the conversation was not going down as she had imagined.
Mical glanced away from her, and breathed deeply, "All I am saying is that you need to be careful..."
Jennra got to her feet angrily, "Is that it, Mical? We cannot afford to alienate everyone that we meet. He has offered aid, aid that we desperately need, of course I'll be careful. How can you be like this?"
Mical glanced up at her, consternation creasing his brow, "Jennra, listen to yourself. I...I know that you have a lot that is worrying you, please listen to me. I fear that he is exploiting you. I only say this because I care about you greatly."
She looked down at the blonde haired Jedi, sat with his head bowed, and felt a rush of emotion for him, "Mical...I'm sorry..."
He sighed quietly, "Come sit with me. You are too much of a distraction pacing around," he patted the bed, and smiledas she sat next to him, a confused look on her face. He glanced down at her hand, which was wrapping and twisting the sheets of his bunk restlessly. "Jennra, please talk to me," he said gruffly.
Jennra stifled the tears that threatened at the tone of his gentle voice, Force, I can't do this, she thought miserably. She stiffened as she felt his hand against her arm, and tried to ignore his insistence.
"What occurred between you and Atton? I know that something transpired-I am not a fool," he said forlornly.
She felt the tears slide down her cheeks, and cursed them silently. Not wanting to draw attention to herself, she turned the questioning onto him, "What about you and Visas?" she demanded weakly.
"There is nothing to tell. Jennra, why are you doing this? If you do not care for me…please just say so," Mical sighed wearily, "Contrary to belief, I am not an idiot," he ran his hand agitatedly through his blonde hair; "I know what some think of me. I am too placid, I am too…"
Jennra leant across and kissed him, "You are not a fool, Mical, and yes, I do want you!" she replied passionately, "And as for what others think, I do not care."
He turned to her, his eyes a blazing blue, "Then tell me what happened. Do you c…care for him?" he asked miserably.
Jennra took his hand within hers, and held it tightly, "Yes, I care for Atton, but as a brother, a friend," she shook her head sadly, "What he did…I don't understand why or even if I can forgive him…"
"What did he do to you?"
Jennra looked away from him, "This is hard for me to say. I feel such a stupid schutta. I should have seen it, for it was worth," A tear slipped down her cheek, but she was ignorant of it, "H…he said that you and Visas were having a relationship…on the Hawk. Then I lost you to the Sith and I felt s…so confused…we went to the temple, it was so dark and cold inside. We found the Mandalore, and healed him. The last I remember is of feeling so tired and depleted of the Force, and that I was in my bedroll…then he got in," she felt Mical's hand tighten against hers uncomfortably. "He was kissing me…he tried to…but I was sleeping and I thought it was you!" she cried, the tears rolling down her cheeks freely as she revealed the pain that lay in her soul, "I truly thought it was you…I…I pushed him away, I was scared, and I…I ran because I wanted to kill him."
Mical glanced down at the dark haired woman before him, and reaching out he crushed her to his chest, her sobs muffled against the material of his shirt. He held her as she cried, his hand brushing her hair soothingly. He knew what had happened. He had seen it within the Force the day she had found and healed him at the Sith facility. All he had wanted to hear was her own words. And he knew she spoke the truth.
"Jennra," he said softly.
Jennra heard him speak, but ignored him, the pain and confusion tearing through her, as she gave voice to the emotions that raged. She wrapped her arms around his waist, and pulled him closer, her tears soaking through his shirt.
He kissed her head softly, and held her close as he felt the emotions pour through her, and through their bond in the Force. The depth of her emotions frightened him; he had not been aware how damaged she had been over the encounter with Atton. Suddenly, everything made sense to him.
"It was not your fault, Jennra."
She glanced up at him, her face tear stained, and Mical swept away the hair that clung damply to her forehead. He brushed her tears away, and smiled warmly, "Force, Jennra, you do not know how much you mean to me. When I asked you to marry me, I do not think you realised how much I want that." His eyes shone with devotion as he stared down at her, "I love you…I do not know if I have said this before, but it has always been you. There has been no one else. I…I wish us to be wed as soon as…"
Jennra looked up at him, and for the first time, she smiled, "I wish that too, Mical," she said softly. "I want an end to all of this. I would gladly hang my lightsaber up to spend the rest of my life with you. I am so tired of war, the Jedi….all that matters to me is you," she leaned up and kissed him.
Mical gazed at her, and read the sincerity in her brown eyes, "I wish that too," he murmured as he kissed her fervently.
Jennra sighed as he kissed her, and placed her hands against his chest, feeling the rapid thump of his heart through the material. She tugged at his shirt, smiling as her hands met with no resistance from him, and she slid it off from his shoulders. She ran her hands across his smooth skin, as he opened her tunic with hesitant hands. Her hands moved across his back, and trailed up towards his strong shoulders, pressing him to her. He sighed against her neck, his hands soft against her skin. Hurriedly, they divested themselves of the remains of their clothing, and fell to the bunk in a long anticipated embrace.
"I love you," she whispered as his soft cheek pressed against hers. His arms tightened around her, his kisses trailing down her jaw to the base of her throat, and for the first time, Jennra felt the peace and happiness that flowed through her, and through the Force, unmindful of who else sensed it. She loved him, and that was about the only thing that she was totally certain of.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deep in the keel of the old battered Mandalorian cruiser, a squad of elite secret Sith assassins moved about silently, personally trained by Ni'veus himself, they were expert at making themselves unknown to all that surrounded them. They were his elite soldiers-well trained and prepared to battle Jedi against Sith. Their numbers bore testament to their success rate. The fifty assassins waited quietly for word from their master. No Mandalorian or Jedi could stand against them. Their training encompassed all the knowledge gleaned from the events of the Mandalorian wars; these assassins knew the ways of Sith, Jedi and Mandalorian alike.
They awaited his command silently, content in their secrecy.