Disclaimer: I hold no rights to Star Wars or the Star Wars Franchise. Would be a dream come true but for now- it's simply the dream lol.

Okay, so I ended up updating much later than I had anticipated. With work and christmas around the corner, I ended up getting sick. So, I apologize immensely for taking so long. So, i figure, this will be the last chapter of the year! It'll be a nice send off of 2010 and i'll try and start 2011 with yet another chapter! So Happy New Years guys and I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Thanks for reading and enjoy!


Close Calls

"A little sincerity is a dangerous thing... and a great deal of it is fatal"

When she awoke the next morning, Carth was still sleeping in the bed with sheets pulled over him. His jaw was set firmly as he slept and she was pretty sure he had his blaster close to him. Was she that much of a threat to him or was it simply a habit?

A soft tap on the door jolted her straight up as she quickly opened the door to prevent them from waking Carth. The tap wasn't that loud but with flyboy over there—she didn't want to take chances. She figured any unexpected event could send him off on a blaster frenzy.

She was pretty sure he would wake up trigger happy if startled and would probably shoot her on sight. You know, the whole: Shoot first, ask questions later kind of guy.

She slipped outside and closed it gently before turning to see Mission standing before her with a smile. She had a bandage wrapped around her shoulder where the blaster had nicked her. It wasn't serious but it wasn't exactly enjoyable either.

"Mission? Is everything alright?" Her voice sounded off but that was simply because she had just woken up. She rubbed her eye, trying to adjust them to the fluorescent lighting in the hall. The lights were going to kill her eyes.

"No, everything's fine I just wanted to say thanks and good luck out there." She smiled up at Samirah, looking the part of a kid. No matter how old she tried to act, she was still a little kid—a remarkable kid with a Wookiee friend. Samirah couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped her lips as she hugged Mission softly. Mission froze, a little startled before she hugged her back.

"You don't have to thank me, Mission. I'm just happy that your arm was the only thing hurt. I'm afraid Zaalbar would never forgive me, life debt or not." She pulled away and Mission was gleaming. Mission was happy and felt warm on the inside. Samirah was like an older sister that she never had.

"Knock them dead out there, Sami. We'll be watching you race." Samirah was taken aback a moment when Mission said Sami... She slowly smiled before nodding. The last time someone had called her by that nickname was aboard the Endar Spire and that was when she had told Trask he could. She never figured she wouldn't see him again either.

And you can call me… Sami if you'd like…

She heard his final words echo in her ears: Good luck, Samirah. She never realized how big of a part luck played in all of this. Even though she told him to call her Sami, in his final words he called her Samirah. And somehow, that made it sound all the more sincere.

Maybe because he knew those were his final words.

"I'll take the championship, for sure. Now go cheer for me and wish me some good luck." She finally said when she pulled herself from her thoughts. Mission grinned before turning around and running off as a Rodian walked up to her. Mission rounded a corner and when she was out of sight, Samirah turned to the Rodian who stood in front of her. Now what?

"You Samirah, yes?" When she nodded, he nodded. "You ready for big race?"

"Give me five minutes to change and look presentable and I will be." The Rodian nodded again and was obviously not one for words. She opened the door and slowly slipped in, making a bee line for her bag and then the refresher, careful not to wake up Carth who was still knocked out on the bed.

At least, he looked knocked out but she wasn't about to go stepping on his feet just to be sure. She knew better. It was easy to rile him up and she knew that from experience.

She changed quickly and ran a brush through her brunette hair before throwing it up in a ponytail and brushing her teeth. Like usual, her bangs that weren't long enough to fit in the ponytail fell lightly around her face like a frame. She strapped on her weapons for extra measure, slid on her backpack and quietly moved to the door as Carth slowly began to stir. When he opened his eyes she already had the door opened.

He wondered what she was doing awake already… how long had they been asleep? How long had he been a sleep. As she slowly moved through the door, he found his voice and spoke, his voice barely audible but loud enough.

"Samirah…" he said her name groggily and she only stopped briefly. She had almost not heard him. When she turned around to see him, she smiled. It was like they hadn't fought the night before.

"Wish me luck, flyboy." She then closed the door softly before turning to the Rodian who was leaning against the wall. "Alright, lead me in the right direction."

"Your friend, he stay out of racing pit. Only racers and mechanics allowed. He stay out." She frowned. Well, she supposed he'd just have to send her good vibes as she raced.

"Can people watch the race?" If a Rodian could visibly roll their eyes, she was sure he would be rolling them at her right about now.

"What, you new? They watch on screen, it show race, people bet, everyone happy! All racers know this. You new? No doubt. Race for Beks? Oh, we in trouble. Much trouble." He said hopelessly at last before gesturing at her to follow. "Come on."

They way he spoke made her feel so much better about racing. He didn't have a shred of hope for her. She followed him as he led her down the corridors, passing by several Beks who casted sideways glances at her. Some were encouraging, some were worried… and some were just plain terrified. She was pretty sure they didn't have that much faith in her either.

Thanks guys… that's really a confidence booster right there…

They walked into the racer pit and she was met with an Ithorian Mechanic who was busy tinkering away at a swoop bike. When he turned to see her standing there, the Rodian walked away mumbling about the end of the Beks and again, Samirah was inspired by their nonexistent confidence.

"So, you're the one who's going to ride this swoop bike, eh?" He tapped the swoop bike and when he did, the panel he was working on popped off and terror filled Samirah. She was dead. "Don't worry—"He quickly fixed the panel and closed it softly, turning back to her. She noticed how he was careful not to bump it again. Fabulous. "—I've been working on the accelerator and stability won't be a problem… I hope."

"You hope. Well if that doesn't inspire confidence then I don't know what will…" She sighed out loud. This wasn't going to be an easy task then… damn.

"Just to give you the time-frame of the accelerator—you may have no more than four or five races before the accelerator overheats… I think."

"Again. The confidence? Inspiring…" She mumbled, laughing nervously and he attempted to make amends.

"I wish you good luck, human. Don't worry about the prototype overheating and exploding causing your untimely death while you're out on the track or anything… that probably won't happen." She placed a hand on his shoulder and looked at him with a nervous smile. Too many details. She admired how he tried to remain honest with her but maybe that wasn't the best thing to tell her.

"It may be best if you don't say much more about the prototype. The less I know, the better, I'm sure." He nodded as she pulled on some fingerless gloves and tightened them.

"I think you may be right. Head over to the announcer and he'll get you started." He looked like was about to add something more but stopped and Samirah was grateful. If she heard anymore about how bad her odds were… she might start twitching. She would then be the new Twitch at the dueling ring.

She walked over to the race announcer who scheduled the heats. She glanced to the side where a woman was unconscious in a cage and she only guessed that it was Bastila. Guards were posted around her, a neural disruptor strapped to her forehead. There weren't too many guards stationed around her and that was probably because they didn't think anyone would be stupid enough to try and steal the prize.

They obviously didn't know Samirah yet.

It took every fiber of her being not to just attack them, pick the lock and escape with her. Unfortunately, she had promises to keep and she knew better. The assault had too many flaws anyway. It would have put too many people in danger too. Innocent people. As she approached, the announcer was scrolling through a datapad and nodded.

"Ah, you're the rider for the Beks, I see. I always liked them and do hope they show the Vulkars a thing or two. We've only lost one guy out there and I want to keep it that way so do your best and good luck." She paused, regretting the question she was about to ask.

"Wait—the other guy? What happened to him?"

"Same as usual—he was pushing himself beyond his limits and he hit some debris on the track. The deflectors kept him from crashing, but the force of the impact jarred him from his swoop. Don't worry too much though… they scraped what was left of him off the track already. Just remember to hang on and you should be okay. You can hit the track when you're ready." They both paused for a moment before he looked up from the datapad and just stared at her with a neutral face.

"Not literally of course." He amended after a moment.

"Right… of course not…" She laughed a little to herself in an attempt to calm her nerves… which really wasn't working, at all.

Oh my stars… I'm dead…

When Carth exited the room, refreshed, he glanced around for Samirah and found her nowhere to be found. Where did she run off to? She hadn't waited for him to wake up. Instead she just bolted out the door when he did wake up. Was she avoiding him today? They didn't have the time for it! She needed to be focused!

Mission rounded the corner and when she found Carth, she was frowning.

"There you are! What, you don't want to watch her race?" he looked at her, a little more than surprised.

"What? It's already started?" Mission nodded.

"Samirah hasn't gone yet, but she's up next! Come on or I'll just leave you here and watch her myself." She took off and Carth immediately followed after. What, she didn't think to inform him first? The nerve!

They entered this area full of terminals where people were watching the races and were betting among each other and he could even hear a few as they betted on the racers. Zaalbar was seated at a booth, a plate of food in front of him. Mission smiled and rolled her eyes—of course, all he wanted was food. He was completely oblivious to the banter around him.

"…What? No way, the human girl racing for the Beks can't possibly…"

"Don't you recognize her? She's the Mysterious Stranger! So this has to be good. I've already got tickets to see her fight Bendak… no one thought she had that kind of talent until she actually stepped in the rink. I say she's already got this race down pact."

Mysterious Stranger? Bendak? What did that all mean? Mission hadn't been paying attention to their conversation as she stared at the terminal watching the stats update. She was watching as Samirah strapped herself into the swoop bike, her anticipation spiking. She had faith in Samirah's ability and new she would bring them victory.

"Carth, it's her turn!" He spun around and watched as the lights changed color and her race was about to begin. He felt a little helpless leaving it all in her hands but he had to have some faith right? It was to free Bastila. Samirah had to win.

Samirah was shaking but she refused to let it be obvious. The odds were for and against her in this race. She began to breathe deeply, in and out of her mouth. She gripped the handles tightly as she watched the lights turn on. The time to beat was 0:38:43. She was fairly sure she could beat it… in Nar Shaddaa she had won—then again, it was just a lucky win since her competitor had crashed… never really making it across the finish line so she could have walked across the finish line and still won.

The second light switched on. One more light and she would begin.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. She could win. She can win. She will win. She had no other choice then to win.

That's just what she had to tell herself.

The light turned green and she didn't waste a moment hitting the accelerator. She dodged the debris that was placed to slow her down. She watched carefully, making split second decisions whether to turn left or right. The clock ticked as she raced down the lane, holding her breath as she inched closer, giddy that she was doing so well. She could see the finish line and her hopes soared. She could see the stretch that was between her and Bastila. She was so close. She could see the end of her troubles on this awful planet.

What she didn't see was the debris too close to her left side.

The left side of her bike skimmed the wreckage but it was enough to spin her. She held on to the handles for dear life as the wind whipped her hair around her face and she thanked the stars for having straps on her bike. She didn't dare open her eyes or to even move for fear that she would lose her grip. She tightened her muscles willing her bike to keeping going and to cross the finish line. She wasn't sure how much longer she could hold on and as each second ticked by she swore she couldn't hold on any longer.

When her bike finally came to a skidding stop, her fingers were gripping so tightly they ached and she was shaking so badly that she couldn't move. When she opened her eyes hesitantly, she looked at the clock and couldn't believe it.

0:27:69.

When the Ithorian came running up to her she gasped for air, not realizing she had been holding her breath for so long.

"You did it!" He yelled. "You got the top time! You just beat racers who've been doing this for twenty years! This is amazing! Even when you hit the debris at the end, had you crashed and died, you still would have won since you still crossed the finish line!" She couldn't even think of a snarky comment to his even if you died remark. She was still shaking too much.

She was breathing so heavily that she wasn't even breathing right.

He was dancing as she hesitantly disentangled herself from the bike, wobbling as she tried to move. The track mechanics swiftly moved her bike out of the way and the Ithorian moved her in the pit, helping her from falling over. He was beaming with joy.

She on the other hand, had trouble being excited as she felt a little light headed. She was sure all the blood had been drained from her face and that her nerves were shot. It was all she could do to keep from falling over. The spinning hadn't really helped anything either.

She really didn't feel like being sick either.

Mission and Carth watched as her bike dodged the debris like a pro. This was amazing! Mission couldn't believe her eyes! Samirah was doing absolutely wonderful! Incredible! Remarkable! They would win for sure! The Beks would win and the Vulkars would be left with nothing! Everything was—

Her bike hit the last bit of debris on the track and her bike began spinning out of control. It had no course, it had no direction, it just started to spin wildly.

Mission froze, as did Carth, afraid of what would happen. The room seemed to go quiet as they realized what was happening and watched as the bike continued to spin. The worst case scenarios began playing through Carth's head.

Each one ending with her death. Each one, a scenario he didn't want to happen.

Unfortunately, like most events that happened, all he could do was watch and hope that her fate wouldn't end in death. How many close calls can one person have in a life time?

The bike kept going straight until it crossed the finish line. It was like the debris did nothing to halt her progress other than to make her a little sick.

It continued to spin until it came to screeching halt and Samirah didn't move. Everyone in the room had stopped watching and had begun to cheer when they saw the time: 0:27:69. She beat the winner and had even miraculously survived. Carth let out a deep breath and tried to control his breathing and panic that had begun to build up, as did Mission. They weren't sure if she realized how close she was to… well, painting the walls.

Carth couldn't believe it. She escaped death… again.

The two started to smile at her time as it ranked number one. They were ready to celebrate until the number one rank was replaced with a new time: 0:27:59. She was out done and they watched as Samirah glanced at the scoreboard and stared horrified. Carth seriously thought she was about to attack the racer—she even inched in his direction but stopped at the last moment. He watched as several emotions leapt across her face and changed just as quick. Horror. Anger. Frustration. Confusion. Fear. Contemplation. Resolution. And then, that all familiar look—Determination. She let out a deep breath and tightened her gloves: that look of determination he knew so well taking hold of her.

She couldn't be serious.

She was going back? After that last race, she was going back out there? Carth couldn't believe it. She was tempting fate. He knew it, but he couldn't do anything about it. She was a risk taker. She would do just about anything to free Bastila and he knew it.

He knew she would take and risk at her own cost to complete her goal. Why couldn't she be a simple girl who was cautious?

He was really hoping that she would change her mind and find a different way to save Bastila.

Unfortunately… he knew better.

She was 85% sure that she was losing her mind. She had to be crazy to be going back out there. Even she knew that she wasn't ready to go back. Her legs still shook and she couldn't keep her hands still as they shook immensely. She would manage. She would be able to do something

She always did.

The Ithorian glanced at her as she tightened her gloves, not seeing how her body still trembled from the first heat. He had faith in her abilities, after seeing her last heat. He figured she'd still be able to make it across the finish line—whether she lived through it was still to be determined.

As she raised her head to meet the curious Ithorian's gaze, she found her resolve. She was ready to take this race, she made that a promise. No Vulkar was going to outdo her.

"Redros was the one who beat your time, I should have known. But that's okay; the day ain't over my friend. Oh no. The accelerator's still holding together so you can still race. You just have to get out there again and show them how it's done. You have the potential so I know you'll win." She nodded as she walked over to the announcer before he could tell her about the potential she had of dying.

The announcer looked up at her and began setting up her new heat. He figured she wasn't done racing yet either.

"Ready?" She nodded.

"Just set it up and I'll win this time." If he could visibly smile, he would and she could tell that. He looked at her with what only could be his version of a smirk.

"I'll hold you to that. You're ready to hit the track… again, not literally. We don't need more of those." She laughed incredulously as she walked over to her starting point and climbed into her swoop bike. Always so pessimistic, weren't they.

She tried to calm her trembling body and found it difficult. Her nerves were so shaken that she really didn't have control over her body. She shook her arms out trying to will them to do what she wanted and she was finally able to regain some control. Some.

She was ready. She had to be.

She didn't exactly have the leisure of time.

She strapped in again and took several calming breaths as everyone around her was ready to see what she had to offer. She was going to beat the Vulkars and she refused to lose. She cleared her mind of the pressure, her emotions, her guilt, her stress; everything that was crammed into her mind was pushed to the far corners of her mind.

Her body slowly stopped shaking… completely.

There was no fear. There was nothing.

All she knew was that she was on a bike and racing like there was no tomorrow—which would be the case if she couldn't free Bastila. Again, not an option. She didn't hear anything around her. She stared at the lights as they changed color and when they hit green, she hit the accelerator. She glided through the lane like she had been doing it for years. She dodged the debris and sped through, switching gears when necessary. A few times the bike would shake and she would mentally pray to the stars that it held together and it did.

When she flew across the finish line, she let out a shaky breath before she looked up at the clock to see her final time… she gasped, unsure how to respond. What emotion was she supposed to display? What was she supposed to do?

Carth and Mission stared at the terminal as Samirah stayed focused on the track, moving so gracefully on the bike and skidding to a halt across the finish line. Her final time flashed across the screen and everyone inside the room leapt up in the air in excitement.

0:19:14

It was nothing short of a miracle. Mission screamed and hollered as she danced around in circles and Carth… well he still couldn't believe it. She said she had raced once or twice before… but this was not what he had expected at all. It was… unexpected and that wasn't even a word to describe it. Astonishing. Startling. Shocking. People were so amazed and in such awe that no one was sure how to respond but be excited—until they remembered who won and lost the bets.

Though, some of them didn't care that they lost—it was a race worth betting on.

Carth watched as Samirah finally looked up at the board and shock flashed across her face. Her mouth opened a few times but she wasn't sure what to say. The Ithorian Mechanic ran out on the course and hugged her as he danced around, throwing his arms in the air. Carth just didn't know what to think. She did it. Now, they only had to wait to see if anyone could beat that… but it didn't seem likely.

From the looks on the other racer's faces… he was pretty sure they could tell it was useless. Even they didn't think they could beat it.

How was it possible? How did she do it? He wasn't sure if he believed it himself. Samirah Noval Alda. A little scout who traveled across the rims of the galaxy was winning back the freedom of a Jedi. If he hadn't been there to witness it… he wouldn't have believed it. Never would he have thought she had the capability of doing the things she did.

He never expected so much from such a small girl.

Samirah sat down in a corner as the Ithorian brought her a bottle of water that she accepted graciously. Her elbows were resting on her knees as she held her head in one hand and drank her water with the other.

"I still can't believe it, you did it!" He said for the fifteenth time. "In twenty years I've never seen anybody handle a swoop like that before! Nobody's going to beat that time—nobody! And you didn't have to die to do it!" He was still giddy with excitement and Samirah continued to drink her water, sad that it was almost empty already. Glad she hadn't died? At least there was some optimism in that. Did that even count? "I suppose Gadon knew what he was doing when he picked you to ride for us. Now the only thing is to wait for the time to become official and go collect your prize." He said triumphantly before he went to tinkering at the bike.

The moment he touched it the panel fell off again and a screeching noise was heard on the inside the engine. It sounded like metal grinding and shredding against something vital. He casted an uneasy glance at Samirah and when he met her eyes, he tried to smile before returning to the bike to tinker. A chill ran through her body, a tingling feeling that chilled her to her very core.

So it was a good thing it only took two heats. After that, it was a time bomb ready to explode.

Perfect.

She waited patiently as time passed by and each racer emerged cursing and kicking the air. Many tried to beat her time and she lost count at how many tries they had. It was definitely more than her restriction of two. Some times were just getting worse and worse with each attempt. She emptied the bottle and sat patiently until the announcer was sure everyone was done racing. They sort of lost their enthusiasm. Everyone crowded around him and she hoisted herself up to stand close so she could hear him speak as well.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the winner of this year's swoop race! Samirah Alda! Put your hands together and show your appreciation for one of the most daring riders this swoop track has ever seen!" She blushed as she gained applause from fellow racers—save for the Vulkars, of course. "Through your skill and courage, you have proven yourself the premier swoop rider on Taris, and brought great glory to the Hidden Bek gang!"

A couple of Beks whistled and cheered. By winning, the Beks stood a chance. The announcer continued as Samirah's face continued to blush. She wasn't used to a lot of attention. She actually tried to avoid as much attention as she possibly could.

"Now, here to present the champion's prize: Brejik, leader of the Black Vulkars." A man walked in front of everyone, glaring at Samirah. He was obviously not happy that she won. His body was tense but even through his glare he wore a smirk on his face. A smirk she didn't like. Why was he so smug?

"Hear me! Before I present the so called champion of the Beks with their prize, there is something you must know: the winning rider cheated!" Everyone gasped at the accusation and Samirah moved to the front of the crowd, staring him down. Was he crazy?

"Excuse me! Cheated?" He nodded with a self-satisfied look.

"Yes, its' exactly as I have said and so—"She interrupted him, clearly not pleased about his response.

"Where's your proof Brejik? I have not cheated because I can't alter the times that we have! What you are saying is untruthful and clearly insane! Duh! " She shouted. He pointed a finger at her as a sneer spread across his face.

"Your swoop bike was using a prototype accelerator—clearly an unfair advantage!" What? Was he serious! "Because of this Hidden Bek treachery I'm withdrawing the Vulkar's share of the victory prize!" Samirah stared at him as an uproar erupted from other racers and onlookers.

He wasn't going to give her Bastila? Like hell he wasn't! She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him like he was crazy. That was low to bring up the accelerator when he was planning on using it himself.

"You're taking back the Republic officer? You must be a few starships short of a fleet if you even think about laying one hand on her you Kath hound! I dare you to take one filthy step towards her…" He glared at her and was about to respond when the announcer broke in.

"You can't do this, Brejik! You know the rules: nobody's allowed to withdraw a victory prize after the race. It goes against all our most sacred traditions." Brejik looked at him with a scoff.

"You old fool, your traditions are nothing to me—I am the wave of the future!" He raised his hands in self glory. Self satisfaction.

What a moron.

"Brejik, I don't give a Psadan's patoot what you think you are but you can't withdraw the prize... I dare you to try and take her." Samirah was ready to battle this out if he so much as inched closer to her. He grunted like he thought her to be some petty little girl… oh, this man pissed her off by just the way he looked at her.

She really wished he tried to make a move. One step to give her a reason to attack him.

"If I want to withdraw the prize and sell this woman on the slave market myself, nobody can stop me!" Samirah was about to retort when a voice rang from the side.

"I might have something to say about that Brejik." Bastila stood, the neural disruptor breaking from her head. She flicked her wrist and the guards flew back against the cage and slumping back down. Brejik looked at her with wide eyes. She knelt down to retrieve the keys dangling from one of their pockets. Samirah watched, unsure what to think.

Bastila? Could she do that the whole time?

"What? Impossible! You were restrained by a neural disruptor! How could you have possibly summoned the will to free yourself?" Bastila opened the cage and stepped out, picking up a sword that one of the guards had been holding.

"You underestimate the strength of a Jedi's mind, Brejik—a mistake you won't live to regret!" Brejik stepped back, shaking his head.

"You think you can do this? I will teach you what happens when you mess with the Vulkars. The same for you!" He shouted as he pointed at Samirah. "Vulkars—to me! Kill this woman! Kill the swoop rider! Kill them all!" The Vulkars brandished their weapons as did the Beks—they were willing to fight for her. Samirah pulled out her blade and immediately leapt at Brejik as the others began to fight.

She wasn't going to make it this far just for Brejik to take Bastila away. She wouldn't allow it.

Mission and Carth watched in complete surprise as Brejik refused to hand over the prize: Bastila.

"What? No, he can't do that! This was our chance to rescue Bastila!" He slammed a fist into the wall as Samirah argued with Brejik... Carth, recognizing that forceful look and posture. He knew that she would battle them, not even thinking about her odds—just as long as she got to Bastila. They watched as Bastila finally stood and exited the cage. A battle then ensued as people began running and leaving the racer pit trying to avoid a fight. Carth and Mission cast glances at each other before they spun around and darted out the door, heading straight to the racer pit in an attempt to help.

Zaalbar looked at his food a moment longer before finally getting up to chase after them. He really hated leaving perfectly good food behind but he also hated it when Mission left him to go find trouble. She really was reckless.

Neither one of them noticing the one man who stared intently at the screen, a grin on his face as he watched the fight. He liked what he saw.

She was exactly what he needed.

She was just the right kind of crazy.

When Brejik finally fell, Samirah let out a sigh of relief until she turned to look at Bastila. The relief felt like it just melted off of her. She got her. She finally saved Bastila. As she stared at Bastila, she noticed how her attention was focused on the body of the dead leader of the Vulkars.

Well, Ex-leader.

"… Maybe those bloody Vulkars will think twice next time before trying to keep a Jedi prisoner!" She turned to glare at Samirah, which caught her by surprise. Had Samirah done something wrong… already? "As for you, champion, if you think you can collect me as a prize—"She stopped as she suddenly recognized Samirah. The recognition flashing on her face.

"Wait… I don't believe this! You're… you're one of the soldiers with the Republic fleet, aren't you? Yes, I'm sure of it. How did you end up racing for those swoop gangs?" She asked puzzled. What an odd thing to do.

Samirah put her blade away and smiled meekly at Bastila. Wasn't exactly the kind of reaction she had expected but it would do. Just as long as she was safe, nothing really mattered.

"To be quite honest, it's a bit of a long story."

"Well, we don't have time for it now. We have to get out of here before the Sith show up to sort out his mess. Is there somewhere safe we can go?" She asked, picking up her things that Brejik kept on him. He had been planning to sell them but never got the chance… and never will. That, Bastila was sure of.

"Yes, an apartment I was planning on taking you back to once I saved you from Brejik. I was actually—"Bastila's head snapped up at the word save and she looked at Samirah with an incredulous look. Was she joking?

"Save me? Save me? Is that what you were trying to accomplish by riding in that swoop race? Well, as far as rescues go this is a pretty poor example." Any respect Samirah had for Bastila evaporated in that moment. A pretty poor example? Did this woman seriously just belittle all of her efforts?

Oh, heavens no.

"Excuse me!" Samirah said a little annoyed. "Do you have any idea what I've gone through to get here?" She ignored Samirah and crossed her arms.

"In case you hadn't noticed, I managed to free myself from the neural restraint collar without your help. In fact, it's more accurate to say that I saved you! Brejik and his Vulkars would have left you for dead if I hadn't stepped into that fight. You're lucky I was here to get you out of this mess!" Samirah laughed humorlessly and more out of disbelief.

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me! I can handle myself, thank you. If you think Brejik stood a chance then you are poorly mistaken. As for your escape, you very well took your damn time escaping. What, decided you wanted an audience or something? Show how flashy you could be? Didn't think you needed to escape until now? I think you're just a little bit confused, Jedi. You were a helpless prisoner until I came along. Face it." She narrowed her eyes at Samirah. Did this Republic scout really want to start a fight with a Jedi?

"I may have been a prisoner, but a Jedi is never helpless. Maybe you've heard of a little thing called the force?" Samirah matched her stance with a glare of her own.

"And maybe you've heard of a little thing called humility?" Bastila started to say something but closed her mouth. Samirah just smirked."…thought so…" she mumbled.

Oh, she wasn't going to back down. She had put up with Carth and his insults, his accusations and his distrust of her every motive. Like hell she was going to put up with Bastila's too.

Enough was enough.

"I suppose I shouldn't be too hard on you… you did try to save me after all, even if it didn't go quite as planned. So let's get down to business—we're not out of danger yet. If I'm going to figure out a way for us to get off this planet, I need to know what kind of resources we can draw on. First, are we the only survivors left from the Endar Spire?" Samirah crossed her arms, not liking her self-imposing attitude.

"You know, Carth and I are already working on a plan to get off Taris… jeez… a little appreciation wouldn't kill you…" Bastila immediately perked up at the sound of Carth's name.

"Carth Onasi is alive? Finally, some good news! Carth wouldn't have sent you if he wasn't confident in your… abilities." Bastila frowned and Samirah wanted to laugh. Right… if only she knew about his so called confidence. "Forgive me—despite my Jedi training, I still tend to act a bit rashly sometimes. Please, take me to Carth right away before the Sith realize we're—"They were interrupted by Carth and Mission who arrived breathing heavily with their weapons drawn.

Ready to start shooting… only they were a bit late to the party. Mission seemed a little upset that she had missed the action and Carth was just content to see that Samirah was still breathing.

"Samirah!" She turned to look at him, surprised at his sudden arrival and relieved expression. "Thank the stars you didn't get yourself killed… again!" When he looked up and saw Bastila, he was astonished and excited! "Bastila—you're alive! Finally things are looking up!" he shouted. Samirah only frowned.

Obviously, once she saved Bastila… everything would change. She would become an accessory and those two would do the rest… he probably trusted her more so then he did Samirah. Who wouldn't trust a Jedi of Bastila's caliber even if she was… a snob about it. As soon as they got away, she was requesting a transfer. She was going to go back to scouting and away from all this. She couldn't do it anymore.

She wasn't needed anymore. Carth only needed her to save Bastila. What more did she expect? What did she think would happen when they found Bastila? Once they were out of here, she would leave. She could go back to being on her own.

She never should have expected anything from this.

"Listen, we can have your reunion later, let's get out of here. We don't want to attract any unwanted attention… or more of it." Samirah finally said a little irritated which surprised Carth.

Was she still upset about the conversation the night before? She had seemed so much better that morning—what happened? When she spun around, not waiting for an answer, they followed after her obviously noting her change in attitude.

She figured, the sooner they were off this planet the better. She didn't want to spend anymore unnecessary time there.

As they walked through the door, they ran into Zaalbar who growled in irritation. He could have stayed with his food in the cantina. Mission grabbed his arm and pulled him along with the group as he sulked about the casualty. His food.

They hurried down the hall and avoided the shouts from gang members and racers as everyone tried to get their bearings, trying to figure out what had happened and what they were supposed to do. Samirah maneuvered herself around everyone avoiding people who were just running to run. Some didn't know what was going on but knew they needed to get away before some kind of authority arrived—say like a couple of Sith?

They figured that the Sith would just open fire on them. That would not make for a good day.

People bumped into them and she hoped no one recognized her as the swoop race champion… or as the Mysterious Stranger. Wow, she really had made a name for herself here.

A couple actually.

As she got closer to a way out, everything around her disappeared. It was like falling into that void again. That same solitary, cold, lonely void where she resided when she fell asleep or unconscious or whatever it was: It was bitter. It was nothing. It was emptiness.

It was unusual.

She never fell into that void while she was awake and still conscious… it just never happened.

She wasn't sure what happened, but she was no longer in the Undercity or with her companions, she was aboard a ship with… Bastila? She was attacking Dark Jedi and when the fight was about to turn toward the leader of them all, an explosion erupted behind the person who fell, crumpled to the ground. Revan? When Bastila spoke, she confirmed her suspicions about the fallen Dark Jedi. What was Bastila doing there? What was Samirah doing there, watching the event?

What was this? It was different then it was at night, when her mind drifted away to whatever emptiness awaited her. It was more than a dream or vision, but she wasn't sure what.

Carth watched as she slowly stopped walking and wobbled. He watched her cautiously before she suddenly fell over and he leapt out and caught her before she hit the floor. She lay limply in his arms, her head lolling back and he immediately knelt down to the side of the hallway. He positioned her so that she was lying in a cradle on his lap, her head back and eyes closed.

Bastila and Mission knelt down beside them, alarmed at the sudden movement, Zaalbar keeping watch as everyone focused on her.

"What happened, Carth?" Bastila questioned, uncertain. Carth shook his head.

"I-I don't know." But an answer of sorts breathed through his mind.

Had the serum not worked? Was this what happened when someone turned into one of those creatures? Did it take this long? Fear rippled through his body at the very idea of this tiny form in his arms becoming such a creature. Her face contorted, not exactly in pain but he didn't like it all the same.

"Hey, Samirah! Hey!" He yelled out at her shaking her, hoping to keep her with him. He didn't want her becoming one of those creatures. He wouldn't allow it. He just wouldn't. Not after everything she went through to get to this point.

The void was suffocating. She never liked being there. She didn't understand why she was there and why it constantly showed her things like this about people she didn't know, events that didn't concern her and things she had never done. Her mind was playing tricks on her.

She never really thought she was the type to go insane… maybe she was. How would you know if you were going insane or not? Could you tell? Or would you simply tell yourself that you were normal? She didn't know. How could she?

A familiar voice spoke in her head.

Now how do you know if you're not just insane, acting sane?

She couldn't remember who had said that but she remembered the conversation. They had a point. How did you know? Her response had been simple: Now that is the real trick, isn't it?

Answering his question with a question.

She didn't have the real answer. Did he? Who was he? Why couldn't she remember?

Insanity. Sanity. How did one really know? Talk about timing because this had to make history books for worst timing ever—of course it would happen when she was an inch away from freedom.

She couldn't blame the empty space on Carth and his doubts either because it had always happened ever since she could remember—the void at least. The visions? No, those were something new.

The suffocating feeling intensified before slowly lifting. It was like a concrete wall being lifted from her chest—from her mind. She was yanked out of the dark space. It felt like someone had tied a string around her waist and yanked on it, dragging her out.

Samirah blinked her eyes several times until everything disappeared and she saw Carth shaking her, a frightened look on his face. When she blinked a few more times she stared at Carth, a little hesitant. Why did he look so scared? After a few more moments she found her voice and asked the first question that came to mind.

"…Why are you shaking me?" She asked not out of frustration but surprise. He looked at her just as confused. After a few moments he was able to speak back to her. Was she ok?

"You blanked out… you just sort of fell… What happened?" He asked. His voice was a little shaky from the thoughts he had had earlier. She wasn't exactly sure why but she put on her best smile and meekly spoke. She wasn't there anymore—in that void. She was here.

"I don't know… I'm fine now though... I think. Nothing to worry about, I'm sure. Maybe it was just the stress finally getting to me." Carth breathed out unsteadily. She hadn't been changing. She wasn't becoming a creature. Maybe it really was just all the stress up until now, catching up with her. He knew she must have had the weight of the world on her shoulders trying to get to Bastila. She had done most of the work, now that he thought about it.

Suddenly, it occurred to them both that he was holding her on his lap in a cradle. That familiar blush rising to her cheeks as the situation hit her. He was holding her. She froze, unsure what to do just as he did. They kind of just stared at one another. Was he supposed to move? Was she?

It was Mission who smirked and broke up the situation.

"Alright you two, come on. Best if you guys get up off the floor before attracting more attention." She smiled before holding out her hand to Samirah who gingerly took it.

She stood up as Carth gave her a little push and kept his hands held out to make sure she was stable. He finally hoisted himself up off the floor and they dusted themselves off, Samirah still blushing immensely. She casted a sideways glance at Carth.

He caught her? He didn't let her fall.

For whatever reason, she was surprised by it—even though he had done the same thing back at the apartments with Matrik. It just didn't seem to fit him since he was adamant about not trusting her… at all. She supposed that with all of his hostility towards her lately, he would be smug at the idea of her falling and getting injured.

Maybe that was mean of her to think, but she couldn't help it. He hadn't ever really given her a good reason to trust him in such situations. It reminded her of a trust fall. Those things you did with friends when you were supposed to fall back and trust that the person behind you would catch you. She had always thought that he wouldn't catch her and now that she thought about it… maybe she had judged him too harshly.

She should never have judged him to begin with—that was never something she usually did but with Carth… it was so easy. Too easy, in fact.

Now that she was really thinking about it, he did save her from the escape pod when they escaped the Endar Spire. He had done other small things afterwards and doubted her… but he usually came through. Of course he would voice his opinions—no matter how hurtful or critical they were—but in the end, he wouldn't hesitate to step up and help her out.

She shook her head and decided to postpone the rest of her thoughts for later. This wasn't exactly the place to start wondering about all of that.

"Come on, we can talk more when we get to the apartment." When she got worried stares, she smiled and laughed softly. "Really, I'm fine. Honest." Carth looked at her not really trusting her words, but he let it go again. Like most things she said.

He was worried. He wasn't going to deny that. It worried him that he didn't know what was going on. Stress? Rakghoul disease? He just wanted to know what was happening. He wasn't exactly sure about her being okay though. He was pretty sure she wasn't. As they walked to the apartment, he kept his eyes on her, noting how distant her eyes seemed. It was like her body was on auto pilot.

He just hoped she would be okay—he wanted her to.

Walking to the apartments, she shoved the void and the visions to the back of her mind hoping that she could at least wait until they were out of Taris before resurfacing again. She had never blacked out before, at least randomly. Sure, in the middle of a fight if she had been hit hard enough but it was rare. Especially when the opponent wouldn't hesitate to kill you had you done so.

She went to great pains to keep conscious.

But she wasn't in the middle of a fight. She hadn't been hit. She had merely been walking.

She wanted to scream since all she had was a bunch of questions and hardly any answers.

It was simply infuriating. She rubbed her head as the visions danced before her eyes again. They had to be visions or something because they weren't her dreams and they weren't her memories. She saw people suffering and dying, she saw the battles between Jedi and then sometimes she saw nothing. She simply listened. To sounds. To screams.

She couldn't remember if it was one of the many holovids she had found on planets she explored, recorded in datapads left behind by Sith, or simply scenes described in the stories the criminals would tell over an alcoholic beverage in the many cantina's she had been to. Had her mind put an image to the stories? To the datapads? Reviewing holovids in her mind?

Why couldn't she remember? Was there this empty slate in her mind?

Surely she wasn't that sadistic. She wasn't sadistic at all, she hoped. She tried to be as peaceful as she could and avoid as much conflict as humanly possible. The last thing she wanted on her mind was the thought of people dying but she couldn't escape those thoughts. She couldn't escape the terrified looks and battles that ensued.

And the fact that she didn't recognize any of it… made it all that much worse.


Thanks for reading yet another chapter to my story! I hope it was to you expectations and maybe more. I would love to hear what you thought and should post another chapter within the next few days to kick-start the New Year! We'll make this year a fantastic one yet!

"The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are."

So let's move forward guys!

Thanks again for all the support and I wish you the best ending to 2010 and a wonderful start to 2011!

Samirah is anxious for me to continue so I won't let her or you guys down!

Much love and appreciation to you guys!

SilverShards