Disclaimer: Rights to KOTOR or the STAR WARS Universe do not belong to me but if someone wants to buy them for me... I'm not complaining ^_^

I am so sorry it has taken me this long to update! I fear you guys might be ready to shoot me! I have reasons! Mind you, they aren't good reasons... I really hope you guys can forgive me. I feel awful for taking so long so without wasting anymore of your time: The chapter!


Don't Test Me

"I do it because I can, I can because I want to, I want to because you said I couldn't."

Samirah punched in the code to unlock their apartment door and quickly entered the room. It wasn't the most pleasant room she had ever had but it definitely wasn't the worse. She was sure the fluorescent lighting would kill her eye sight so that was definitely some incentive to get the hell out of there. Mission was seated across from Zaalbar, dealing out a hand of Pazaak. She turned when Samirah strolled in and smiled happily at her.

"Hey." She greeted casually before her face fell. "Did something happen?"

Samirah smiled as casually as she could muster at Mission. It really shouldn't be a big deal. She should be used to Carth and his ways by now. She just needed a moment to get her mind in check and get over it.

"Nothing, just dealing with Carth and his style… I really shouldn't expect much anymore."She said nonchalantly. Mission just laughed.

"You shouldn't take him too seriously, guys will be guys. You can't do much about them except smile and nod your head, ya know?" Samirah paused in her movements before she slowly turned to look at Mission with her arms crossed and a small smile.

"And when did you become so wise?" Mission turned and gave her the most innocent face she could muster.

"Us girls, we're born like that, we have to look out for each other. Guys are born with just one too many screws loose." She said as neutral and indifferent as she could. It almost sounded like the truth. Samirah bursted into a fit of laughter and Zaalbar just roared with disapproval.

"Mission…"She just shrugged at him.

"Oh, come on, Big Z. You don't really fall in that category." She smiled before laughing with Samirah.

They continued to laugh for several moments before Samirah was able to stop. She really needed that. She couldn't remember the last time she had laughed so hard and it was actually a little refreshing. She was indebted to Mission and grateful that she was here. Maybe it wouldn't be that bad having her and Zaalbar around.

She suddenly remembered the life-debt and how those two would always be around. Before, the idea had seemed so preposterous that she tried to think of ways out of it but to no avail. Now, it didn't seem so bad. Zaalbar kept mostly to himself and Mission was a good outlet. She felt like Mission would always have her back and would be there if Samirah ever needed it.

"So, what's the big plan?" Samirah pulled a chair up and watched as she played her game of Pazaak with Zaalbar, casually talking but never losing focus.

"You know I have a plan, huh?"

"Knowing you, you'd still be out scowling all of Taris if you didn't." Samirah laughed softly at the idea of her scowling the streets like a hungry Kath hound.

"Alright, so let's say I do have a plan. Would you be interested?" Mission looked at her with a raised eyebrow and a half smirk on her lips before turning back to the game. A smile spread across her face as she folded her arms on the table and rested her head against the lengths of them.

"Ok, so you're interested. How much more interested would you get if I told you Canderous Ordo approached me and was the one who came up with the plan?" Mission spun to look at her so fast, she nearly lost her cards. She fumbled with them and finally had them all together before giving Samirah an incredulous look.

"Canderous came to you? As far as I know, he's never asked for help." Samirah nodded.

"Right, he usually doesn't. This time he did because he believes that if he broke into the Sith Base himself, everyone would know that it was him and that he was the one who stole the Launch codes. The plan would be in shambles before it hardly began." This time Mission dropped all of her cards across the table, not caring as she shot Samirah a look of shock.

"The Sith Base? The Launch codes? Are you serious?" When Samirah nodded slowly, her face serious, Mission looked at Zaalbar who was more curious than surprised. "Wow, this is big! Like, really big!" Samirah nodded again.

"That's why I'm going to need your help. You and I can slip in undetected. We would be able to get in and out much better than anyone else here. Canderous had us pick up a droid that could get us inside." When Mission frowned, Samirah held her hands up to stop any comment she was about to release. "I know, I know, I thought the same thing. Then again, you never know how serious they are. It might take us an hour or two to get through the door but this droid will be able to get us by in seconds."

Mission thought carefully about that as she gathered back up the cards she had dropped. She patted them together before spreading them out in her hand so she could make her next move.

"Ok, so we get the launch codes after hopefully not dying in the base. I get that. What do we do with them then?" She asked as Zaalbar waited patiently for her to move. She placed down a +/-2 card, adding 2 to her score. She was at 17.

"Well, that's where it gets tricky. We're supposed to meet Canderous in the lower city Cantina and he's going to somehow take us to Davik Kang's home and get us inside." She shot Samirah a weary glance. And she hadn't even gotten to the good part yet. "And then… somehow, with Canderous' help, we'll steal Davik's flagship, break the Sith quarantine and get the hell out of here!"

When she finished, Mission was staring at her in surprise, waiting for the punch line. Zaalbar had already placed his card down—a +2 card, making his score 19. He was now waiting for Mission to place her card down but she was too focused on Samirah, waiting for her to tell her the real plan and that she was only joking. When it never came, she tossed her cards and turned fully to look at Samirah.

"Are you crazy? We're breaking into the Sith base and then breaking into the Davik Kang's estate? That's—that's insane! Isn't it?" Zaalbar just tossed his cards in the air, realizing that the game was all but forgotten to Mission. He mumbled incoherently before turning to the fridge to fish some more food out.

"Well, you're half right—I think. If Canderous works for Davik, I think he can get us inside without having us break down any doors… I think. That's all theoretical of course and we'll get to that part once we get in and out of the Sith base. We're having to rely a lot on Canderous but what can we do? This is kind of our best option out of here. Are you in?" She asked.

Several different emotions passed over Missions face. She thought Samirah had to be crazy. You had to be to break into the Sith base and then to steal a flag ship from the number one crime lord on Taris. The plan went from bad to worse. It was almost ludicrous to think that they could break in and out without any problems or incidents. The idea was crazy… but between Samirah and Mission, it could be done. Theoretically.

Mission finally settled on a resolute emotion.

"Alright Sami, I'm in." She smirked as she stood, placing both hands on her hips. "When do we start?" Samirah stood, placing the chair back in its rightful place, smirking at the Twi'leks enthusiasm.

"Well, I don't know about you but after the day I've had… I think I may fair a little bit better if I've had some sleep." She said and Mission glanced at her scrapes and the bandage on her arm, frowning.

"Yeah… you don't look all that well. What did you do? Make enemies with someone else while I wasn't looking?" Samirah laughed as she moved to her little corner of the room. She smoothed out the blanket and the small pillow, patting it down in hopes of fluffing it up a bit. She slowly lowered herself down, wincing every time her body moved.

"I guess you could say that… I killed Bendak Starkiller." Mission froze for a few moments, alarm covering her face. After several moments she laughed uneasily.

"What's funny is that I believe you… I'm not sure why, but… wow, Bendak? He was an old legend, right? I thought he retired?" She asked, thinking out loud. Samirah was finally resting her head against the pillow, trying to find the most comfortable position. It wasn't hard; anything was more comfortable than being tossed around in a duel.

"He was… but he came out to fight me. Thought I was worthy. When I wouldn't kill him… he blew himself up. I think he was waiting for someone to kill him in a match… that final glory or something, I don't know. It's weird… I'd probably understand it better if… I asked a Mandalorian…" She said softly and Mission just nodded. She sat down, not really paying attention to Zaalbar or what he was eating. There was really no telling with him.

Though, it was better than a Gamorrean slaver's arm.

"Why don't you lie down in the bed?" Mission asked curiously. Samirah just shrugged.

"Habit… I guess…" She said much quieter and Mission took that as her queue to stop asking questions and let the poor girl sleep.

She watched as Samirah's breathing went even and figured that she was out. She must be tired. She probably never really got a decent night's sleep, not here at least. Not with the quarantine and their constant search for the Jedi. Even when they found her, they weren't at ease. Sleep probably didn't come easy to them.

Mission didn't know the half of it. Samirah was back in that bleak and empty space. The usual. Faces flashed in front of her eyes and so did the voices. A voice that tickled the back of her mind.

"…What are you doing? Won't they get angry?"

"… No, that's a bad idea…"

"It's just how things are… you can't change it anymore than I can…"

None of it made sense and she was sure it was just the stress of everything building up and then releasing itself when she slept. It was… normal… right? As her mind drifted away to the unknown sounds and faces that she would more than likely not remember when she woke up, she unintentionally grimaced. Just once, she wanted to sleep and dream of nothing. Anything to put her mind to rest.

Mission sat quietly at the table for mere moments before the door was being jingled. Someone didn't know the code. Mission was quickly on the move as she grabbed her vibroblade and Zaalbar had his bowcaster out and pointed at the door. After several moments the door popped open and Mission leapt at the door, ready to attack the intruder.

As the intruder walked in, Mission had her blade in the air as she charged. When she saw Bastila stroll in, it was too late to stop her attack. Bastila's eyes went wide before she threw her hand out, using the Force to halt Mission's attack as the droid rolled in quickly, beeping angrily at her. Bastila held Mission in front of her with the force before setting her down with a stern look.

"What the devil was that for? That isn't exactly a proper greeting. I'm beginning to realize that having a weapon pointed at your face may indeed be a greeting to you people." She shouted recalling how Carth had tried to shoot her at the dueling arena. Mission hushed her quickly, ignoring her enraged remark.

"Keep it down, will ya? Sami's sleeping over there." Bastila looked over to where Samirah resided, asleep in the corner. That was fast.

"She's asleep all ready? Do we have the time for it? And why in the world is she asleep on the floor!" She cried. Mission shushed her again earning angry beeping sounds from T3-M4.

"She said something about it being a habit…" That was the only question Mission could answer.

"Habit? What kind of—" Bastila let out a sigh of frustration before nodding. Of course Samirah needed to rest. Though, she wasn't sure why she was asleep on the floor, she was going to make it a point to find out. She would let Samirah get some rest. She deserved that much.

It was just going to be stressful as the next few hours ticked by.

Bastila needed to get to the Jedi Council and she knew every second counted. Then again, she also knew that without Samirah in tiptop shape… they weren't exactly going anywhere. She fumed for a moment before letting out a big sigh and taking a seat on the couch. The droid moved till it was sitting beside Bastila's leg and she let out another sigh, just giving up.

"Oh, alright. But just for now, after this I don't want any attachment." She said and he chimed excitedly. Mission closed the door as Zaalbar sat back down, resting the bowcaster down against his chair, mumbling to himself.

Mission glanced at the door and then back at Bastila, a little concerned.

"Quick question… Where's Carth? And why did you hack the security system?" She questioned.

"Well, it would seem that Carth is taking his sweet time returning and without him, I had no way of entering the room. Luckily, this droid seems to have taken a liking to me and hacked the system. It's very skilled, I'll give it that." Mission nodded as she settled back in her chair but not to play pazaak.

So that was the droid Samirah had mentioned. Must be one heck of a droid to have that kind of potential. She had examined the lock Sami had put in and it wasn't some crumby security. It was pretty good. She had to give Samirah some credit.

Bastila's mind drifted elsewhere as she stared at … well, nothing really. Mission watched her for a moment before it became apparent that she wasn't paying much attention. She decided that she would just shuffle through her deck of Pazaak cards and improve it while she waited for Carth to appear. It didn't take long either.

The sound of the security system being disengaged was heard inside and it jarred Bastila from her deep thinking. The door opened as a perplexed Carth entered. Speak of the devil. He closed the door and didn't even take a look at his surrounding before taking a deep breath.

"Samirah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to sound like that. I hadn't meant to sound so… To be honest, I don't know what. It just didn't come out the way I had planned so…"He kept his eyes pointed at the floor and fidgeted as he spoke. Mission and Bastila glanced at each other, neither one of them wanting to say anything to Carth. They wanted to see how long he would talk until he realized she was asleep.

He was keeping his eyes averted hoping he could say what he had to say without worrying about her interrupting or that disbelieving gaze she would sometimes wear. He figured it would be easier if he wasn't looking directly at her.

"So, I'll say it properly. I think what you did was amazing and frankly, I'm surprised you were able to walk out alive. I'm not sure how, but you—"He finally dragged his gaze back up to meet a pair of brown eyes… but they weren't the chocolate brown pair he had hoped to see. Bastila? But then… where was Samirah?

He then took a moment to actually look around. Mission was seated at the table, staring at him with a smirk while Zaalbar ate whatever food he had scavenged up, across from her. He seemed oblivious to his surroundings. He then turned his head to meet Bastila's eyes as she eyed him curiously.

"Endearing. Would have been better if she was actually awake to hear you, Carth." His eyes darted to where her sleeping form was and he cursed himself.

"What? Why is she sleeping!" He said angrily. Mission shushed him, annoyed that she had to keep doing that. Did everyone not understand that it's hard to sleep with noise?

"Carth, it is best if you do not wake her." Bastila mused. "She may not be happy to find it was you who woke her." Carth opened his mouth to respond but promptly closed it. Bastila was smirking and Mission had turned around to hide her smile.

Of course. They were getting a kick out of his embarrassment. Out of his mistake. This is what you would call karma, he was sure. He sighed before giving up and walking across the room and sitting in an empty chair. Bastila's eyes never stopped following him and he wasn't sure he liked it.

"What do you want?" He finally breathed. He would have liked it more if Bastila was the one sleeping instead of Samirah. Samirah was probably easier to deal with than Bastila and her superior behavior. He almost wondered if she really was key to winning this war.

"Why is she sleeping on the floor?" Wasn't exactly what he expected to hear.

"What?" He asked completely taken off guard. Bastila rolled her eyes and shook her head at him. She didn't think it was a hard question.

"Carth, why is she asleep on the floor? It's a simple question." Carth looked over at Samirah's sleeping form in the corner. Her back was facing them and she was curled up under the thin blanket. He could see the small movement that indicated that she was breathing.

"Well… I don't know exactly." Bastila furrowed her brow, not understanding. "She said it was a habit of hers… I offered her the bed but she refused saying she was more comfortable on the floor." He shook his head.

"So you just left it at that? You didn't argue the point?" Bastila couldn't believe what she was hearing. She gave him an answer and he just… what, left it at that?

"What was I supposed to do? Force her to sleep in the bed?" He said a little louder than Mission would have liked. When she cleared her throat he glanced at her as she looked at him pointedly. He quickly raised his hand in acknowledgement before returning his gaze to Bastila.

"I expected you to be more like a gentleman. At least keep her from sleeping on the floor and catching a cold or something." Was she serious? What more was he supposed to do? She was so stubborn and probably didn't care what he wanted when it came to her well being. She was pretty sure that she knew how to take care of herself.

"You know what? Then you make her. If you're so adamant about her not sleeping on the floor, then you make her take the bed." He challenged. She raised an eyebrow before nodding curtly.

"Alright, if I must." She stood up, straightening her robes and turning to Mission. "Mission, may I acquire your assistance?" Mission was hesitant at first but slowly agreed.

Bastila stood by Samirah's head and pointed for Mission to take her feet. Mission hesitated again before slowly walking to the end. Carth knew where this was going and knew it wouldn't end well if they dropped her on the floor. As they bent down and were about to pick her up, he approached them and swatted them away.

"You drop her and we'll all get an earful." He stated. Bastila and Mission backed away, allowing him room as he slid his arms under Samirah and lifted her up. He bit his lower lip as he hoisted her and made sure he had a firm hold on her.

Her head fell back and for a moment her eyes flittered open. Her head shot forward and for a second, Carth was sure she had woken up. Her eyes were open, but she wasn't really seeing anything. Her eye lids were drooping as she tried to keep them open and become aware, but Carth could tell she was too tired. Her body had tensed up and ready to attack whoever had a hold of her.

"Hey, hey… shhhh…" He soothed and after a moment, she slowly relaxed back into his arms.

Her eyes slowly closed as her head fell against him and her body fell still in his arms. He paused for a moment when her head fell against his chest, smiling slightly as he positioned his hold so that it was more comfortable.

He breathed a sigh of relief before slowly moving to the bed and gently laying her there. She tossed for a moment before settling into the pillow. He draped the blanket over her, pausing for the briefest of moments, before turning to look at Bastila. She was smirking with her arms crossed, an air of triumph emitting from her.

"Was that so hard?" She asked, making him frown.

"You know, you could have just used the force and moved her yourself." He mused. She looked at him in shock.

"I would never use to force for personal gain. It is beneath me. The very idea of it is preposterous." Carth chuckled, not believing it for a bit.

He was going to let the conversation end there but Mission wasn't about to. She was seated in the chair at the table, her legs crossed as she tinkered with her blade. She looked up at Bastila curiously. Surely that wasn't correct. Surely she had done a few things, Mission knows she would have. Tossed a Vulkar around for picking on her and Zaalbar or maybe even those Rodians who always bothered them. It was a waste to simply not do anything with it.

"Ah, come on. There's got to have been times when you've thought about it. Don't be so stuck up—you can tell me." She winked. "Our little secret? Samirah would never have to know."

Bastila's eyes went wide at the accusation. She didn't see it, did she? Of course not. Who would admit to being stuck up? Bastila placed her hands delicately on her hips and held her head high while looking at Mission.

"I. Am not. Stuck up." She stated sternly. "I merely have the years of training to give me the wisdom and understanding to see how childish such an act would be." She finished as calm as she could. Carth leaned against the wall by the bed, trying to avoid any contact with either one.

He figured it was best to sit this one out.

Mission piped up at the mention of the word childish. If there was one thing Mission hated—it was any accusation that she was just a kid. She may be young but she was by far not childish.

"Childish? Is that a crack about my age?" She glowered at Bastila who ignored it. "You ain't much older than me, miss high and mighty! Just 'cause you're some Jedi doesn't mean you can be a prissy little—"

The chair Mission sat on was pulled out from the front two legs sending the chair backwards. Mission tumbled out in shock. Both Carth and Zaalbar had jumped up and hurried over to her to make sure that she was ok. She wasn't hurt but just startled out of her blue Twi'lekian skin. When they set the chair back up, she was hesitant to sit back down. She turned and glared at Bastila who hadn't even attempted to help. She didn't even budge.

That smug little—

"Hey, that wasn't funny!" She shouted. Carth glanced uneasily at Samirah and shushed Mission. She in turn, waved him off like he had earlier making him smile. He was beginning to like this kid more and more.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Mission. Though, I would recommend that you try to be less clumsy in the future. It may benefit you." She said smugly before sitting back down on the couch. Mission was about to retort something but Carth gave her sharp look before nodding in Samirah's direction.

She sighed, letting it go. She figured Samirah needed sleep more than she needed to fight with Bastila. She spun in the chair, frowning as she began tinkering with Zaalbar's bowcaster. Zaalbar on the other hand, went back to eating his food, allowing her to do as she wished.

Carth settled for sitting in a chair where he could see everyone—even the sleeping girl not too far away. They sat quietly for a while, everyone keeping to themselves. Bastila's mind wondered as the droid beside her made audible sounds, trying to relay his attachment to her. She wondered what was going to happen once they left Taris. Would everyone split up? Go their separate ways? She didn't care as long as Samirah came with her to see the Council.

She would very much like to see the Jedi Council because she required their guidance.

How much longer was Samirah going to sleep? They weren't going to get the codes with her sleeping the world away. How long had it been? An hour? Was it really only an hour? Bastila mentally groaned as time ticked away and she grew impatient waiting. She tapped her finger against her arm and she focused on the wall but not really looking at it.

Carth noticed Bastila's growing impatience and wondered how much longer she could last. They wanted to keep quiet for Samirah's sake but they were also at a loss as to what to do. Mission had moved from tinkering on Zaalbar's bowcaster to playing yet another game of Pazaak with Zaalbar. Carth didn't understand how the game could provide her so much amusement for so long. He didn't understand the fascination of the game.

As time ticked by slowly, Carth had settled with tinkering on his own weapon while Bastila began meditating off to the side. Mission and Zaalbar were deep into a game of Pazaak—Mission winning for the fifteenth time in a row. Carth glanced around at everyone quietly working before looking at Samirah. She had turned over and was facing them as she slept, her hands placed neatly under her cheek, the blanket rolled down to her waist. He was concerned when her face was contorted and she kept wincing like she was in pain.

Was she having a bad dream? A nightmare? Whatever it was, she didn't seem to be resting easy. He tentatively stood up from the workbench and casually walked over to her side, pulling the blanket up over her shoulders. She jerked away from the movement before slowly relaxing under the warmth and comfort the small act provided her. He mildly wondered what could make her sleep so uneasily, what made her look like she was in so much pain? She was so determined to help him figure out his problems but he had no idea what problems she could be facing.

Hell, her only problem was probably trying to restrain herself from killing him for being so damn stubborn. The thought brought a half smirk to his face as he just gazed at her sleeping face. He knew he was difficult to deal with, but he didn't know how difficult he was to her. What did she think of him? Did she think he was more trouble than he was worth or that there was something worth finding out?

"Carth…" He jerked his gaze away to the Jedi off to the side. She was watching him from her corner of the room, still seated in her meditation like posture. "I dare say that smiling to yourself while hovering over her makes me wonder what you're thinking."He simply shrugged at Bastila before stepping away from the bed and leaning against the wall, his hands stuffed into his pockets.

"She just makes me wonder… after everything that's happened, she remains so strong and sure of herself. Optimistic even." Bastila scrunched up her brow, giving him a puzzled look.

"You'd rather she wasn't?" She questioned and he shook his head slowly. Mission quietly got up and silently began to brew a small pot of tea, hopping it would help somehow.

"That's not what I meant. It's just unexpected. I don't know, I guess I expected… so little from a recruit like her. I never expected her to get us this far…" He said in a tone that made Bastila believe he was astonished by the small girl. He really didn't expect so much fight from her.

"She certainly is… something." Bastila said quietly making Carth knit his brows together, giving her a questioning look that she promptly brushed away. She wasn't about to delve into details, not with him at least. "Forget I said anything… to move to matters more at hand, I believe we should wake her."

Everyone turned to look at her in alarm. Carth crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at her suggestion.

"She's really tired, Bastila, I think we should let her sleep a bit longer, don't ya think?" Mission questioned as she returned to her seat with a cup of tea, earning an agreement from Zaalbar. Bastila rolled her eyes, not really caring what they thought was best at all.

"We don't have time for such luxuries. We need to get away from this planet as soon as possible. The longer we stay the more at risk we are. She's had enough time to get a bit of rest, but we need to leave." She said, standing up from her seated posture and standing tall. She brushed her pink robes off before looking to Carth expectantly. Apparently his opinion held a bit more weight.

But only a little bit.

He eyed her for a moment wondering how much weight his words really held with Bastila. She was still under the impression that she was in charge of the mission even if Samirah was doing most of the work—not all, but enough. He didn't care how powerful she was, she couldn't just assume the role of a leader if she can't be reasonable.

After a moment he nodded slowly as a smirk tugged at his lips but he did his best not to show it. He had an idea.

"Alright, I see what you mean. We should get a move on and get this over with. I'm not one to procrastinate when it comes to taking action." Bastila started to smile and he couldn't help showing his own. "But you'll have to wake her." Bastila's smile faltered as she stared at him with a startled look.

"I have to—you want me to wake her up? Why can't you?" He shook his head. Mission stifled the laugh that tried to break through her lips.

"That's right. You. The last thing I want is her to be mad at me for anything else—this time, you take her fury, not me." He said, satisfied that someone else would take the brunt force of Samirah's rage. He'd never waken her up so he didn't even know what kind of reaction to expect but he did know that he wasn't going to be the one to play the guinea pig. Not this time.

Bastila stood up tall, showing her resolve as she curtly nodded her head. The very idea of fearing the rage of the small scout was insulting. She moved gracefully over to the scouts side and cleared her throat, giving Carth one last glance. He was smiling as he nodded in her direction and Bastila returned the nod. She placed her hand on the girls shoulder and shook her gently.

"Samirah… Samirah, wake up…" She said softly, almost a whisper. Everyone had gone completely still as they watched her. Samirah's face scrunched up and Bastila leaned closer before shaking her again. "Samirah, wake up…"

"Enough… Bastila…" Samirah groaned quietly, her head shaking and Bastila frowned.

She didn't care how tired the girl was, she needed to get up. Bastila simply did not have the patience to wait. She stood up straight before holding her hand out and in one fluid motion, flicked her wrist.

The bed jolted up on its side, flinging Samirah off. Her eyes flung open and she was tossed to the floor as Bastila moved out of the way. Carth's eyes went wide in horror as he started to move to her side but stopped, thinking better of it. Samirah was immediately on her feet and in Bastila's face in mere moments, her body poised to attack. After a moment, Samirah realized it was Bastila and when she glanced around she realized there were no enemies in the room either.

There was no immediate danger.

She was woken up in such a manner for no apparent reason. Samirah didn't care if Bastila had done that to save her life or to get her moving but there was no reason for it.

It was for the fun of throwing Samirah around.

Mission looked at Bastila before a grimace formed on her face. So much for not being childish. If this didn't count, she didn't know what did.

Samirah slowly turned, her gaze settling in on Bastila and turning to a glare.

"What. The hell." She breathed, rubbing her temples with her fingers. She blinked her eyes just to make sure she was awake before continuing her glare. "Why did you do that? Explain yourself." She demanded and Bastila crossed her arms. Carth was surprised to see Samirah so agitated so quickly. He thought he was the only one who could ignite her anger like that.

"I needed you awake and you wouldn't wake up—you left me very little choices."

"So what, you think using the force was the best one? You're lucky I realized it was you before—"Bastila raised an eyebrow, a small smile forming.

"Before what, Samirah? I doubt you would have done any damage." Carth looked at Bastila with shock. Was she crazy? She was practically egging Samirah on. Her stare turned cold.

Whatever progress Bastila had made with Samirah—was gone.

"You're too cocky for your own good, Jedi. I'd be careful; don't they say it leads you down the path to the dark side?" She challenged, erasing every bit of humor from Bastila's face.

The two women stared at each other, neither one letting down their guard. Carth could feel the tension from where he stood. He glanced at each one and then at Mission who couldn't decide if this was good entertainment or if she should be thoroughly concerned. Carth stepped up and between the two, deciding he would try and play the part of the mediator. A part he was unaccustomed too.

"Alright, just settle down you two. There are more important things to do then to pick fights amongst ourselves." He said, glancing between the two. Samirah let up her gaze to rub her eyes. She was still tired but he was right. Bastila did the same, but reluctantly. She looked away from Samirah, crossing her arms.

Carth figured they were getting nowhere, fast. And he thought a fight between him and Samirah was bad.

"Alright, so there must have been a reason to wake me. What's going on?" She said, slouching against the back of the couch and stifling a yawn. Mission popped out of her chair and brought her a cup of tea. Samirah smiled at her before sipping the warm liquid and sighing happily.

Ok, if she got tea in return, she was fine being woken up. The only thing that agitated her was the way the pampered Jedi decided to get it done. Bastila didn't look at her, but spoke anyway.

"We need to get off this planet and we won't get it done while you're sleeping." Samirah rolled her eyes, now awake after the commotion.

"Well, I'm sorry that we aren't meeting your time quota. That's on my list of things to fix." She mumbled earning a sharp look from Bastila. Samirah didn't care. Right now, there was very little she cared for. "I'm on it. Give me five minutes and I'll be on my way…" She said reluctantly before sipping more of the herbal tea and setting it down on the table.

She moved away from the living area and towards the refresher, closing the door behind her. Carth shot Bastila a look of disapproval. When she caught his glance she only looked away, unaffected by his dissatisfaction by her method.

"Very smooth." He stated curtly. He only earned a curt and high pitched humph from her as she moved away from him and to the couch, sitting down with her arms crossed.

"Like you could do better, Onasi." He didn't respond. He knew better.

No matter what he did, he would have probably irritated Samirah but in a different way. He was just content that he wasn't on the receiving end this time. He was already in hot water with the scout; he didn't want to make matters worse.

Even though she complained to them, Samirah would get the job done and would be so excited at the end. She probably only complained because of Bastila and himself. They did tend to make things a little bit harder on her.

After a few minutes, Samirah emerged looking refreshed. Her hair was neatly pulled into a ponytail and she was dressed in clean clothes, her belt and weapons already strapped on. Her brown eyes alert and attentive as she glanced around the room: all signs of her earlier annoyance gone. She was ready. Carth couldn't believe she was ready so quickly and awake too. He pushed himself from the wall as he moved to the bench and putting his blaster back into the holster around his waist. He jostled the handle a bit and checked to make sure it was in working order after his tinkering.

Mission popped up out of her chair, prepping herself and checking to make sure that T3-M4 was up and ready to go. Samirah noticed Carth getting ready and she bit her bottom lip. Apparently, he didn't know that he wasn't coming. It wasn't that she didn't want him to come along, it was just that it would be better if it was just the droid, Mission and herself. They could get in and get out and be done with it all.

"Carth…" She started. He glanced up at her as he finally left the blaster alone, deciding it was fine as is. She took a deep breath and let it out before looking him in the eye. "You're staying here." She said bluntly. The room became very quiet as everyone was watching him for a response.

When he didn't respond she leaned forward, wondering if he had heard her. He simply looked at her, blinking and seemingly waiting for something. After several moments passed and no words were said, Samirah frowned before repeating herself.

"Carth, I said you're—"

"I heard you." He interrupted, folding his arms over his chest as he leaned back on one foot. "And that's not happening. I'm coming with you." She shook her head.

"I'm trying to keep this as quiet as possible. T3-M4 is getting us inside while Mission and I sneak around. She's better suited for this than you. Anymore more than us and for all we know, they could raise an alarm. We have to keep to the shadows and keep this all under wraps." She stated it firmly, leaving no room for negotiations.

Unfortunately, she had a point. Carth didn't like her going on a little escapade like this without him around to help her but he couldn't really argue the point. If they kept it quiet then the infiltration would be a success and hopefully without a hitch. The last thing they needed was to be on the run from a horde of Sith chasing them down alley ways and streets. It would have been really counterproductive on their part.

Carth grudgingly nodded his head. He didn't like it, but he really didn't have a choice this time. Samirah's face lit up, happy that she didn't have to restrain him and have the Wookiee hold him back while they snuck out. This way was much easier. Besides, he had yet to apologize for earlier and she seemed to have already gotten past that so this was the next best thing he could do for an apology.

He hated admitting he was wrong anyway.

"Alright, I'll stay." He said quietly, taking the blaster out of its holster and sitting down at the workbench with it. For once, Samirah was ecstatic that he agreed without fighting her or arguing with her.

"Thanks Carth. We won't be long, I promise." She said with a soft smile. He just nodded his head and gave her the best smile he could.

Samirah and Mission talked quickly with each other about the plans when they got there. Samirah slid her backpack on, letting it remind her of the debts she owed and that she had no intentions of being taken prisoner to the Sith. Zaalbar gave them a few supplies and Bastila gave them a few words of her wisdom—wisdom that irritated Samirah. Bastila was acting as if between her and Mission, they would screw it all up.

Her confidence was really inspiring.

"Thanks…" Samirah mumbled as Bastila finished her lecture, earning a glare from the young Jedi.

"My guidance is something you are going to need and without me around to give it to you, I must do the best I can to give it to you now." Samirah sighed, shifting her weight from one foot to the other as she crossed her arms.

"Listen, don't take this the wrong way Bastila, but I've done just fine without you and I think with my experience, I can get these codes without getting myself killed." Bastila took a similar stance as Samirah, her head tilted slightly higher to look superior.

"Yes, well, I suppose we'll find out won't we." She stated haughtily and it only made Samirah grimace. This woman… it was a wonder that she was a Jedi at all. Sure she could use the force but her attitude half the time was very un-Jedi-like.

Not wanting to argue any further with her, Samirah kneeled down beside the droid with a smile.

"Are you ready?" She asked and he beeped his response before rolling towards the door and waiting patiently. Apparently their little banter didn't weigh too heavily on the droids mind… or circuit board.

Samirah and Mission were fitted with their weapons, utility belts and the small backpacks on their backs. Samirah tightened her ponytail and pulled her gloves on tighter as Carth watched her from the bench. She caught his eyes and smiled at him.

"Don't worry flyboy, we'll be back soon." He let out the breath he didn't know he was holding with a light chuckle.

"Yeah, I know. Be careful and… don't die." He said with a smirk and Samirah couldn't help the tug on her lips either.

Words similar to what he had said before she entered the ring to fight Bendak. She shook her head, a smile spreading across her lips as she moved to the door. Mission was holding it open as T3-M4 rolled out and waited for Samirah. She gave one last glance to Carth before darting out the door followed by Mission. The door closed slowly behind them, clicking loudly to ensure that it was now locked.

Carth stared at the door a moment longer until he finally pulled his gaze away. Again, he was left to sit idly by while she goes off on some dangerous quest to get them off Taris. What was worse was that he had to rely not solely on Samirah, but Mission too. Mission was good but she was also just a kid and the very thought sent shivers down Carth's back. He would have rather he had gone for back up.

He fiddled with his blaster, not really focusing on what he was doing as he allowed his mind to wander elsewhere. He thought about the different scenarios that could happen as he tinkered away at the blaster and the different components. Not a healthy habit at all. If he continued like this, his mind would implode from stress and bad thinking.

Bastila studied him for a moment before rolling her eyes at the pilot.

"Carth…" She started, not really catching his attention. She narrowed her eyes and spoke louder, but slower. "Carth Onasi…" When he didn't move her hand twitched before picking up a pillow and throwing it at his head.

"Carth Onasi!" She shouted as the pillow connected with his head, startling him enough that he dropped the blaster and spun around to stare at her.

"What in the blazes do you want, woman!" He shouted and for a moment, she was stunned.

"Woman? Is that how you address a superior officer?" She scoffed, folding her arms neatly across her chest and fixing a glare on him. He slumped in his chair, not really wanting to fight with her. Was that all she did? Complain, gripe and cause problems? They might as well pull out the white flag for this war if she was supposed to be their savior.

"Ok, Bastila, what do you want?" She waited a brief moment before speaking, letting the silence between them stretch on a bit.

"For you to have a little faith." He rubbed his face and gave her an incredulous look. Now she wanted to act like she was a wise and all knowing Jedi? Maybe Samirah throwing the dark side in her face was bugging her.

"If you tell me how the force is working through her, so help me I'll—"

"You'll do what Carth Onasi?" She challenged. Apparently, she didn't think anyone would do anything to her. They glared at each other for a moment more before Carth stood up abruptly, making the legs of the chair screech against the floor.

He picked up his blaster from the floor and holstered it, keeping his eyes set on the Jedi. He adjusted his jacket before walking straight for the door and yanking it open roughly. She raised an eyebrow before a sneer spread across her face.

"Where do you think you're going? You're not going after her are you? Surely you don't plan on telling on me like a child?" She chortled only irritating him more. He stood in the doorway, holding the door open with a grimace.

"No, I'm not chasing after her; I'm getting away from you. If they're get to be away from your arrogant nature then why can't I?" He said matter-of-factly, not really posing it as a question before he closed the door shut.

The only thing he felt bad about was leaving poor Zaalbar alone with the overwhelming Jedi. He could handle himself for the most part anyway. He was so quiet; she would probably forget he was even there to begin with.

As for Carth, he was off to the Cantina to relax, away from the nitpicking woman who was insistent that the force was everything. She thought that the Force alone was keeping Samirah alive and that it was always with her. Carth couldn't accept that idea as easily as she could. It would be a great relief if the Force was watching out for her but… It was difficult to acknowledge.

He decided he would just go to the Cantina and wait for their arrival—better yet; he could wait for them in the lower city Cantina. That's where the Mandalorian was going to wait for them right? If he waited there, he would be able to catch up with Samirah before she handed him the launch codes. He didn't trust that guy—just a gun for hire. If you could afford him, he was yours. Carth was sure the Mandalorian had tricks up his sleeve and Samirah was too trusting to probably see through it.

He maneuvered his way through the crowds, making his way towards the elevator that traveled to the lower city. As he got closer, a sudden realization hit him and he felt like an idiot: He didn't have the security papers to get him past the guard. Damn. He was about to just give up the whole idea of it when he turned the corner just to see if he was lucky enough to have a careless guard by the door.

He wasn't. The guard was standing at attention, his gaze staring at nothing in particular. He was probably waiting for some idiot—One probably by the name of Carth Onasi—to attempt to get past him and to the lower city. While on the topic, why guard the elevator to the lower city? People coming up? Sure, but why would you care who went down? Carth wondered if it was worth it to try and bribe the guy.

He was about to find out.

Carth stepped out from behind the wall and was about to walk towards the guard when the soldier's hand flipped up to his head. He held it beside his ear, probably listening to a transmission before his head whipped up to his right. The guard nodded and muttered something back as he slowly moved away from the door. Carth was hoping that it wasn't just a ruse to lure him in for an attack.

Why would they need to lure him anyway? He was about to just walk up to the guy anyhow so there was no need for him to go to the extra effort on his account.

"What do you mean—No, no one's here—"He shook his head."—I understand, but no one suspicious walked by. Are you doubting me? I work just as much as you do so don't you—"He let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing the armor wrapped around his neck. "Alright, I'll check, but the idiots inside probably screwed up… damn it…"

The guard nodded his head before walking to his right and through a threshold leading to another building. Carth peered around the corner to find the guard heading straight for the Sith base.

The base Samirah was in.

Carth was really hopping that she hadn't gotten herself into a mess that she couldn't get out of. He looked at the vacant and unguarded elevator before looking back at the base. Go after Samirah or go to the Cantina. He really wanted to go after Samirah but in the event that they had yet to be found… he didn't want to ruin their chances. Damn it, he hated being useless. It was the worst feeling possible.

He dragged himself away from the wall and turned to the elevator, opening the doors. He quickly stepped in and quickly ordered it to take him to the Lower city before he could change his mind and join them on their suicidal mission. The elevator descended and he was glad that he was able to get inside without the guard there to question him.

He wondered if the guard was referring to the inside of the base and if so… Samirah worked quickly. What was going on? Did she slip up? No, she couldn't have. Then why did the guard leave his post to go to the base? Not knowing was eating at Carth like no other. If everything went smooth, she would be in the Cantina in no time and following that, they would be off this damn planet and on to better things.

He hoped at least. Nothing ever went as planned, especially in a life of military. That was probably a rule of the universe. Probably Samirah's rule too…

Now he really wished he had chosen to follow Samirah…


End!

Okay, hopefully this was a good chapter. I really enjoyed writing this one for some reason lol Give me a resview and let me know how it is, I love hearing from you guys! It makes me so happy to know what you guys think! And We are almost off of Taris! Thank the stars! I want to say one more chapter and we'll be off this rock! Only took about 15 chapters but we're nearly there! ^-^ Thanks for reading guys and I'll try and update again sometime this week!

That's right, update this week! It is my apology present to you for being patient and loving readers! ^-^ The world would be drab without you!

Much love to you guys and thanks for the support!

-SilverShards-