Carth had just finished getting the report from the droid, the computers were cleared, and no traces would be found by the new owners. He had stopped to check on the droids progress of the final scan, still clutching the datapad that held the scouts medical report. He was all set to begin pouring over the data when an incoming ship changed his priorities.
He stared at the incoming vessel, analyzing the ship that would ultimately lead him on the mission to find his children. It was similar in size to the Ebon Hawk, boasting a familiar horseshoe shape, but a slightly larger height. It definitely had a second story, probably sleeping quarters. No identifying markings or color were present, instead it was a dark shade of silver and would probably be considered grey by most. He nodded in approval as his eyes fell over the mounted weapons and modifications that were only revealed by a keen eye and the slightly darker shade of color.
Glancing around the control room he couldn't help but feel a bit of sadness, soon he would be leaving The Fore Runner once and for all. It had brought him to Revan, its walls held the secrets of his past and his future. He had discovered so much, lost so much and it somehow had made the ship feel as much a part of him as the Ebon Hawk once had.
He comm'd Revan before leaving to greet the ships new owner. "It's time, be ready in case things don't go as planned."
"I'll meet you there." The message came back as he was making his way towards the docked ship.
The merchant was not alone and his group of five glanced wearily around, obviously ready to take down anyone, at any moment.
As Carth approached, he couldn't decide if they were more worried about him or if he should be worried about them. "I believe we have a trade to settle," he mentioned nonchalantly.
"Indeed" the merchant's eyes raised and he stopped speaking when he noticed Revan moving towards them.
Carth turned around for a split second, not wanting to risk leaving the new arrivals out of his sight in case they made a move, but he had to do a double take when the image of Revan registered in his mind.
She was walking towards them, light saber unlit, but held in a threatening gesture. But the thing that had caused Carth to risk a second, longer glance, was her attire.
She wore the all too familiar Jedi robes that draped over the high boots, leggings and tunic, but the color was all wrong. The contrast of brown, beige and white was now replaced by dark black boots, lighter black pants and an undershirt that had a darker black tunic vest covering it. The garments were fastened by a black belt that held another light saber in its holster. Covering all this was a long black robe that fell almost to the floor. The folds around the collar suggesting that a hood was also a part of the robe but had been left to fall loosely down her back.
Is she trying to get us killed! He couldn't stop the thought from flashing through his mind.
She grinned in satisfaction at everyone's reaction to her as she approached, "I believe we are all in a hurry here to get this over with." She flashed a menacing smile at the merchant as her eyes fell over his companions, "As long as there isn't a problem."
The merchant finally recovered enough to speak, "Oh no, no trouble from us. Although, if you continue to other worlds in that attire, you will earn your share of trouble."
He looked back to Carth, "Before the exchange is made I need to do some inspections, as I am sure you also do." His hand gestured towards the ship he had arrived in.
"Yes, thank you. Feel free to look around, the droid will serve as your guide until I am finished here."
"Yes, and Tri'skt here" he gestured to the Mon Calamari that was standing guard, "will accompany you on your inspection."
It was obvious to Carth that Tri'skt was left there to watch over him but he obliged and moved up the boarding ramp of his new ship.
Revan remained watchful outside, staring at the backs of the departing group, a hard scowl on her face. She had this incredible urge to just strike them down. She knew she could handle the lot of them without even taking an injury to herself. Then she and Carth would have both the new ship and The Fore Runner under their ownership. She glanced up the now empty ramp, wondering if she had enough time to finish off the others before the Mon Calamari suspected anything. Weighing her options and timing, her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a hushed voice.
"Where the hell did you get that outfit and just what were you thinking?"
She snapped out of her thoughts, noticing an agitated Carth standing off to her side. "I thought you were inspecting the ship?" Irritation was clearly apparent in her reply.
Lowering his eyes at her, trying to keep his voice in a low whisper, he replied,
"Well I would be if you hadn't made such a spectacle of yourself! Now answer my damn question."
Dismay crossed her face, "I just wanted to make sure they weren't going to trying and back out on the deal. Besides, I needed a change of clothes and I found these while packing everything up. Honestly, I don't know where they came from."
Carth eyed her suspiciously but the look on her face was just one of honesty. "Come on Revan, I'm not stupid and neither are you. There is more to this than that."
She moved closer to him, running her hands up his chest, leaning her face towards his ear. A wave of heat flowed through him as she whispered in his ear, "Honestly Carth, there isn't anything more." She brushed her lips against his cheek as she moved away and he had to stop himself from grabbing her and kissing her fully on her lips.
Focus Onasi. He shifted uncomfortably, "That outfit came from somewhere and I really don't think you should be wearing it. The merchant was right, it will just be asking for trouble. What happened to the other clothes, the ones that don't scream out Jedi, let alone Dark Jedi!"
Rolling her eyes, "They were already packed. Really Carth, you should be thanking me. The crew that accompanied the merchant had other plans in mind. They weren't just going to hand over that ship and walk away." She crossed her arms and looked at him smugly.
Exasperation and scorn flowed through his reply, "Maybe not, but did you give any thought to how easily they gave Juhani information? You think they aren't going to be spouting out how they met a Jedi and know exactly what ship she is now traveling on?"
"That would not have been a problem if you had just continued your inspection instead of venturing out here." She glanced up at Tri'skt who was standing at the doorway of the ramp, eyeing them carefully.
Carth couldn't hide his astonishment, "You … Revan, you aren't serious!"
She looked thoughtful for a moment, her lips pursing, "Maybe not. You're right, it was a stupid move. I should have thought it through more. Too late now though, what's done is done."
He grabbed her arm as she spun around to walk away. "Revan, don't!" It came out as an order and that was exactly how he had meant it. He only hoped it was one she would follow.
She was definitely not pleased, her face scrunching in disgust, "Fine Carth, but don't blame me when a bunch of bounty hunters come looking for us!" She pulled away from his hold and moved towards the other side of the room.
Carth couldn't believe the nerve she had to even say such a thing. If not for her stupid antics they wouldn't even have to worry about any bounty hunters. She is falling to the dark side Carth, Juhani's words rang in his head but he shook them away. I have to get her focused, once we're on that ship and looking for Aaron and Ariana she will be fine. He moved back up the ramp, nodding to the Mon Calamari.
