Disclaimer: I own nothing other than the quirky lines by Samirah. Or any nerdiness that may be represented lol

Omigosh! I have a really good reason for taking so long to update! Three words: Dragon Age II.

Okay, well, technically thats two words and a number but you get the gist of it. I did the idiotic thing and decided "Hey, I can start Dragon Age II, it'll be fine. I'll still be able to write and update and do all that other crazy stuff that I do." Yeah. Totally wrong. I still haven't beaten that game and theres another story behind that. But I will take up no more of your time so again: I hope that you guys can find it in your hearts to forgive me for being such a procratinator and a nerd!

Enjoy!


Tests and Trials

"Hold a friend's hand through times of trial, let her find love through a hug and a smile; but also know when it is time to let go-for every one of us must learn to grow."

"Good, keep your focus on your movements!" Bastila shouted as their swords clashed in the hall. They had been sparring since… well, since it was dark. Samirah didn't know what time it was, only that it was now bright outside. Too bright. She kept squinting her eyes but remaining focused.

She was allowed no handicap because her enemies would not allow such.

"Good. Rely on your senses. Rely on the Force." Master Zhar provided words of encouragement and gave advice as she moved. Block left, swing right. Overhead. Now slide to the right along her blade. Block, spin, block, jab. Bastila tried to keep her movements from being repetitive, aiming to keep Samirah guessing.

It was a game.

Samirah had progressed extremely well. She had originally done well when she first started, but Bastila had the slight upper hand: command of the Force and the different forms the Jedi used when in swordplay. Samirah would win some… Bastila would win more. Though, Zhar did compliment her on being able to win any at all. Apparently that was a feat that many did not expect from a neophyte such as her. Not against a fellow Jedi at least.

After one blow that left Bastila staggering backwards, Zhar clapped as Samirah huffed. She was exhausted but she didn't let her guard down. You never let your guard down. Not as a scout. Not as a Republic Soldier. Not as a Jedi. It was something you learned when battling, no matter your opponent. Not everyone played by the rules and not everyone played fair. Bastila straightened up as she dropped her blade to the floor, admitting defeat. She wasn't ashamed but proud that Samirah had come so far.

No hurt pride, no excuses.

"Well done, apprentice. I truly believe that you are nearly ready." Zhar commented giving her an approving smile as her body ached. She ignored it to smile back. Bastila nodded curtly, showing the smallest hint of a smile. During this entire training process, Samirah had come to understand Bastila a bit better. She didn't truly understand her attitude, but she understood enough about her.

"T-thank you…" Samirah murmured under her ragged breathing. She was beyond exhausted. She was at that point when you knew your body was tired but you had overcome the overwhelming exhaustion. You had enough Stamina to get things done. To do what she needed to do.

And she needed a shower… but she also needed to study.

Choices, choices, choices.

"You have done in weeks what many cannot do in years. I am honored to welcome you fully… into the Jedi Order." Bastila smiled proudly at Samirah and it gave her a feeling of… pride? No. Not pride. Accomplishment. To do something like this took more will then she thought she had. When it became apparent she had no other choice, she had accepted it as her new way of life.

Now, she had made them proud.

"Soon your apprenticeship will end and you will be granted the title of Padawan, the lowest rank of those within the Jedi Order. Yet first you must prove yourself worthy." A hint of a smile appeared on his face when she nearly groaned but was gone just as quick. She had to prove more things to them. Why wasn't she surprised by this new development?

"You have learned much, yet there is much more for you to still understand." Again. It was like he could read her thoughts and that only made her paranoid. Was she that easy to read or was the Force spying on her? She was pretty sure it was the Force betraying her feelings to her master. It had an uncanny way of doing it too. "The way of the Jedi must be entered with a clear and focused mind. In the traditions and customs of our Order, as handed down from Master to pupil for a thousand generations, you must successfully complete three tests before you earn your place among the Jedi."

She mentally sighed at the word tests. She didn't like tests. Especially the ones he gave. The last test he gave her was a blindfold over her eyes and he told her to go a week without seeing, but feeling. She had to use the Force to guide her through her daily routines. Under no circumstances was she allowed to take it off. The Force was to guide her and she was to trust in it. She was to let it be her eyes.

It was much harder than it sounded.

"Tests?" he nodded and she sighed. "I am ready when you are, Master."

"Truly?" He asked skeptically and yet, with a smile. "These tests will see if you have truly mastered the training you have been given, both mental and physical." He clarified.

"If I have done as you have said, then I should be prepared to some degree. I am confident in my abilities." He nodded, his keen eyes watching her every movement.

"Take care that your confidence does not become you. Do not let it grow to consume you, my apprentice." He said darkly and she nodded slowly. A shiver slid down her spine. Overconfidence was something easy to come by and she would have to be cautious when necessary. Be able to have confidence but not to let it go out of hand. That was easy to do.

"First, I will test your knowledge of the Jedi Code. These tenets must always guide your actions; in everything you do you must always be conscious of their wisdom. You must prove you have a Jedi's understanding of the Code. Do you recall the code, young one?" He inquired curiously and she nodded slowly. Through this entire process—Bastila wouldn't let her forget them.

She shot Bastila a smirk and she returned the small gesture. Either she was just passing on the same technique in which she was taught or she had been preparing Samirah for this moment. Master Zhar nodded again, not paying any heed to the small interaction between the two girls.

"There is no emotion…" He started, allowing Samirah to finish the rest of the code. A test that was simple enough for now, but she knew that it was only the first.


He was concerned.

Not the normal kind of concerned when you're not sure if the Bith bartender is actually a bartender because when you asked for a Green Galaxy and you somehow wound up with a Sarlacc Kicker served in a well used shoe…

He was legitimately concerned. The kind when you lose your most prized pet on a foreign world filled with animals that liked to eat pets such as your own. That kind.

It had been weeks since Carth had last spoken to Samirah. It actually worried him how much time she was spending with the Jedi now. When she had come back late that first night after speaking with the council for the second time, not only was she exhausted but she had told Carth how she had no choice but to be a Jedi. They weren't giving her a choice because of the raw power that ran through her veins. He tried to get her to talk more about it but he could already see the uneasiness she was feeling about the entire ordeal. So he let her be.

After that, he rarely saw her.

She was up before anyone else and she came back after everyone had fallen asleep. Carth was willing to wager a few credits that some nights she didn't come back at all. She was submerged in this endless training that the Jedi Council was drilling into her. Mission was worried about her and would sometimes be found pacing around in the hangar, hoping to run into her. Canderous didn't mind at first, but the Twi'leks constant pacing and nervous chatter made him grimace a few times. He never said anything to her, but Carth knew that her uneasiness made him uneasy. It was like a chain reaction. Once or twice he would set her down and make her help him tune up the swoop bike just so she would have somewhere to place her thoughts.

As for the rest of the crew, they were out exploring Dantooine and her endless plains of grass. Bastila was the only one who was gone as much as Samirah was. From what he had gathered she was assisting Samirah in her training and offering her constant guidance. Carth couldn't really say that he envied Samirah for that. What worried him the most was that there was no way that she was getting a good night's sleep, not with that schedule of hers. Who could? It seemed nearly impossible. How long until she collapsed from complete exhaustion?

Carth had occupied himself with notes and current news but it wasn't enough. His blaster could only be tuned so much and there was only so much information he could memorize. Dantooine was a nice contrast from Taris but it was a simple planet with nothing but homestead after homestead—there was nothing else. He was seated in the main hold of the Ebon Hawk, multiple datapads laid out before him, across the table. He had been keeping up to date on the events outside of Dantooine but nothing vital. Nothing to keep him very occupied for long.

Samirah was nowhere to be seen.

He kept half expecting her to walk up the hangar with that childish grin on her face and smudge marks on her cheeks. Her hands clasped behind her back as she half sprinted and half danced to the main hold to inform him of some adventure that they would be embarking on. He had told himself he would stop expecting her arrival but his eyes kept betraying him. They would always stray towards the hallway that led to the hangar, waiting for the echo of footsteps that would announce her arrival.

"Um, Carth?" The sudden voice startled him, making him drop the datapad in his hands. His eyes darted away from the hallway to see Mission gazing at him with a worried expression. He chuckled as she picked up the datapad and handed it back to him, taking the seat across from him. "Man, you look like you've been seeing ghost or somethin'…" She said a little unsure.

Carth cracked a smile, knowing full well he must seem jumpy to her. It just wasn't the same without Samirah constantly around. He hadn't realized how accustomed he had become to having her around, that child-like attitude she always had, but mature enough to still know what had to be done. She was unlike any other he had come across before, even with their constant bantering. It was just a part of the relationship they had. He could hardly believe that he… missed her companionship.

"No, no ghost this time. What are you doing here? I thought you were accompanying T3 around?" She shrugged, leaning forward with a grimace.

"I was until he caught sight of Bastila! I think he likes her better than me and I take better care of him!" She protested with a pout.

"Bastila? So I take it you saw Samirah then?" He tried to make it sound like idle conversation but the look Mission gave him made him realize it didn't.

"So I'm not the only one who misses her…" She grinned but it was replaced with another frown as she continued. "No, Sami wasn't there. Bastila said she needed time to connect with the force on a higher level."She finished in a mock voice of their Jedi friend.

Carth chuckled again before he settled back into his thoughts. A higher level? What did that mean? What was it supposed to mean? Was that their way of saying she had a free day? A break? Then why wasn't she back at the Ebon Hawk? Was she avoiding them on purpose? Now, why would she do that?

Mission rolled her eyes as she watched his face scrunch up in deep thought. She was pretty sure it would take a screaming Wookiee to break him away from his thoughts—an experiment she would have to test later on. She pushed herself away from the table and slid up to the food synthesizer. She had been eating at the local Cantina—if you could call it that—and didn't feel like going back. She had pissed off another local merchant but it wasn't her fault this time. He legitimately lost his pouch of credits. She had no hand in it all.

Mostly.

As she began to work the machine, holding her bowl beneath its dispenser, a pale blue-green substance spurted out. Her face scrunched up in disgust as she peered into the bowl. It smelled like Big Z's breath so it made her that much more weary of this goop. She dipped her spoon into the contents and was hesitant to take a bite… wasn't it even edible? Big Z had said the yellow goop was… okay but not fabulous.

This wasn't yellow. Did it even taste the same? Did she want to test it?

She slowly placed the spoon full of goo into her mouth and when it touched her tongue, she nearly gagged, spitting the vile mixture out. Carth's head snapped up at her sudden outburst of Twi'lekian curses—at least, he thought that's what she was saying. He quickly got up to check on her only to see the spoon clatter on the floor, the blue-green substance splattering along the edges of the wall.

"What is that! I thought you and Sami fixed it!" She spat endlessly in hopes of getting rid of the after taste. It was grimy and tasted like sand with a mix of metal and some other taste that, quite frankly, she didn't want to know what it was.

"We also explained that we didn't have all the necessary parts so… for now, this is what we have to deal with." He said with a grin as he watched her grimace deepen, shoving the bowl away from her.

She would be better off at the Cantina. Even with that angry merchant hanging about.

"I, uh, think I'll try my luck elsewhere. Thanks though…" She said a little guiltily making Carth chuckle. He understood. It wouldn't be his meal of choice either. He didn't even dare to try it. After seeing Samirah and now Mission try it—he would cut his losses.

Mission didn't waste any more time before she hurried off in search of better food. She might even run into Zaalbar while she was at it—forget might, it was almost guaranteed that he would be there. Big Z could always be found within reach of food, whether he was hungry or not and he was always hungry.

Carth picked up her spoon to examine the goop with disdain. He was always relying on Samirah to do things. He was always looking to her to fix his problems. Find Bastila. Escape Taris. Find the codes. Find a ship. Even fixing this food synthesizer; it didn't matter what, he was always looking to her to find a way out, to find a solution. Even now, she was becoming a Jedi just so they could stop the Sith and so that she could better serve the Republic. Doing something that she didn't want to do and had every intention of defying but giving in at the end of the day. Why couldn't he function on his own? It never used to be this way.

He never used to be this way.

It was infuriating that she had become his crutch—his ace in the whole.

He tossed the spoon aside, not caring what happened to it as he stuffed his hands in his pockets and began to leave the ship. He needed to get some fresh air, away from the ship. If he stared at another datapad about how the Republic was being pushed back, he swore he would lose whatever bit of sanity he had left. He descended down the hangar, flinching as the first ray of light struck his eyes. He hadn't realized how long he had been cooped up inside the Ebon Hawk. He wasn't even counting the days he had been aboard the Ebon Hawk, anxious to find out anything new—whether it was about the war or Samirah's training.

There was no real use moping about it, but he couldn't shake that helpless feeling he had. He also had this… ominous feeling welling up inside. It was like he was missing something. His gut was telling him that he was on a whole other starship compared to Samirah. Hell, even with the rest of the crew. He kicked at a rock and watched as it skidded across the surface of the landing zone. As he moved through the academy, he kicked the stone repeatedly, an object to keep himself content.

Now that he was finally getting away from the ship, what was he supposed to do? Mission had said that Samirah might be meditating or doing some other Jedi exercises. Should he seek her out? Make sure she's doing all right? It had been… well, it had been several weeks since he last saw her so she had to be close to being a Jedi. Had she changed any? That was one of the things she had feared about becoming a Jedi. That by trying to rid her of emotion she would no longer be the same person. She was fine the way she was and she was content to lead her life the way she had been doing since before all of this started. Now, Carth was worried about finding her at all.

Maybe his presence would be unwelcomed.

As he started to pass by the library, he glanced briefly inside and then did a double take to make sure he was seeing right. He peered inside as a grin stretched across his face. Figures.

Samirah was seated at one of the tables with several books and datapads piled up around her. They were stacked neatly, some opened up at various pages. The only problem was that she wasn't exactly reading them. Her head was rested against one of the open books with one of her arms beneath her head acting as a pillow. The other hand was slightly above her head, on top of a book directly above the other, also opened on a certain page. She had well over twenty books and datapads spread out across her table, her hair falling neatly over her face.

He simple watched her for several more moments, not ready to wake her up. He glanced at one of the books that read Tranquility of the Mind. His eyes skimmed over the spines of several books, reading each title: Peace over Power, Justice in the Order, Right from Wrong, Meditations of the Council, The Jedi Lore and Tales. All books and datapads that pertained to the Jedi and their ways… well, mostly. Only two books stood out from them all: Mechanical Devices at the Root and Working with Scraps. Carth was puzzled by these seemingly odd choices but wasn't that surprised. Why would she be studying this kind of thing when her focus should be on her training and completing it?

As he scrunched up his brow in thought, still studying the titles of each book, a young apprentice behind him was walking by with a stack of datapads in his arms. He couldn't see where he was going and ended up tripping over a few books that had been piled up beside the table—books that more than likely belonged to Samirah. He fell forward, collapsing on the floor as his datapads went flying and crashing on the hard floor. His hands shot out to catch himself as he let out a small cry of shock. Carth made the motion to try and catch the datapads even though he knew he was too far away. The sudden commotion made Samirah's head snap up as she jumped out of her chair so fast, she knocked it over.

"Not another step!" She shouted her hand shooting out as a book flew from the table. Carth ducked as it crashed into the wall behind him and she immediately retracted her arm in shock. "Carth!"

"Expecting someone else?" He joked as he picked up the book and placed it back on the table. She was using the Force now? He wasn't expecting that at all… at least not yet.

The young apprentice, who had fallen, glanced nervously at her as Carth moved to help him recollect the datapads. He fumbled with them before scurrying away from Samirah. Her eyes followed him with a tired but apologetic expression. She didn't mean to snap but… she was just caught by surprise. She had yet to relax at the academy, still certain there was some conspiracy that she had yet to figure out.

"Yes. No. Maybe. Forgive me…I—"She rubbed her eyes before she realized who she was talking too and her head snapped up to look at the unexpected visitor. "Where did you come from!" She said in surprise. Carth couldn't stop the smile from spreading across his face.

"Does it matter? You were asleep when I found you." Her face turned red when she realized she was still in the library. Carth grinned as he set her chair back up for her. She hadn't changed all that much and he was surprised to find that he felt… relieved at that small discovery.

Her eyes drifted back down to the table and she remembered what she had been doing before she fell asleep and suddenly felt frantic to finish. How long was she asleep? How much time had passed?

"Oh no, I still have so much to do…" she breathed out quickly.

She sat back down, stifling a yawn but unable to thwart its attempts to escape. She was extremely tired but she still had many, many things left to do. She glanced back at all of her items and just felt overwhelmed. She didn't have time to sleep, she needed to learn and study all of these. She began to open up a couple of the books, quickly flipping through the pages, scrolling through datapads and momentarily forgetting about Carth's presence as he sat down across from her. Her eyes searching the lengths of the pages for clues, hidden meanings, wisdom; scanning the datapads for more information—whatever they had to offer. She needed to learn as much as she could and as quickly as she could. She needed to complete these tests but she needed to be well prepared for whatever he presents her.

"You seem to be… adapting well enough… You almost fit in now, it would seem." Carth observed but something about the way he spoke made Samirah pause in her motions. She slowly lifted her head to meet Carth's eyes, actually seeing him this time. Not just acknowledging him. His hair was a ruffled mess, the stubble visible around his chin and his eyes—they looked tired and yet for some reason… content… relieved even. Why?

"What do you mean?" She asked slowly, not grasping what he was saying. He folded his arms over the table, leaning in as he observed the books instead of meeting her gaze.

"I mean—you seem to be doing well. We rarely see you anymore and it just made us a little anxious about you." He stated awkwardly. He had wanted to seek her out but now that he was here… what was he supposed to say?

"We? Us? So… you were worried, too?" She wasn't sure what she was asking but it caught Carth by surprise. Apparently he hadn't been expecting the question. Truth be told—she wasn't either. She just found herself asking him, looking for an answer but no knowing what she was wanting from it.

For a moment, they were silent. A book in her hands, opened up to some page but the last thing on her mind was the book. She was waiting anxiously for Carth to respond. He was struggling to say something, trying to put his thoughts into words. At one point, he started to respond but thought better of it. After several more minutes, he found his answer.

"Mission and the others." He clarified finally and Samirah felt her heart drop a bit. "They were worried since they don't see you very often."He offered lamely.

She averted her eyes and mentally kicked herself for hoping. What was she expecting? That he would actually miss having her around? Of course not. Why should she hope that anything would be different? They would only have bickered more and more. If anything, their relationship was a bit shaky at times, unstable even.

"Oh. Okay, then. Tell them… there's no need to worry. I just have a lot on my plate right now." She said with a small smile, but refusing to look at him as she began reading the pages trying hard not to show her disappointment.

Carth could feel the awkwardness like a fog between them. Why didn't he just speak honestly? He was worried. He was honestly worried. Was that something to be ashamed of? Was there a reason why he shouldn't worry about her? Was it because she was going to be a Jedi? If it was, then that would have been a very lame reason for not being honest. It didn't even make sense. His mind was tumbling together into a mess of thoughts so he opted for ignoring it for now. Just keep talking. Take your mind off of it. Take her mind off of it.

"A lot on your plate? Like what?" Get her talking. Get her to say something so that the awkward moment could pass.

Luckily it worked.

She leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms out and letting each joint pop, her face cringing at each sound. She started to rub her neck, feeling the soreness from hunching over the books and datapads for so long and the endless training from Bastila and Master Zhar.

"Like what? You really want to know?" She gave him one last chance to walk away but he nodded his head. He couldn't say that she didn't warn him.

"I have so much to do, Carth, it's endless. A man wants to erect revenge for his daughter's death at the hands of several Mandalorians who were plaguing the area; a woman lost her droid—which, mind you, she's a bit obsessed with it if I may be so bold to say—and then there's this problem with the Kath hounds and the problem with the Sandal's and Matale's children which has erupted into a family feud. Don't even get me started on them—they have gone a step too far. I have to lightsabers and the different effects of each crystal before I can construct my lightsaber using the Force and then whatever task they require of me! And be damned if I don't fix that food synthesizer on the ship! I tried a bite earlier hoping that the taste had improved but in fact, it had gotten worse! Worse! I didn't think that was possible but apparently I was wrong! I will fix that damn thing even if I have to construct my own components to do so! I'm but one woman, not an army like they think! But I have to do something to solve all these problems and I'm sure there are plenty more to do!" She finished in a near rant as she let out a big sigh, messaging the temples of her head.

Carth blinked, not realizing how much she was trying to do. Did she ever relax? Did she even know what a vacation was? Well, he was probably the last person who should saying anything about relaxing but hey, that didn't mean he couldn't be concerned. She was trying to fix the food synthesizer? That was still on her priority list? She was right—she wasn't an army and yet she was trying to tackle so many tasks at once. She couldn't possibly do all of that and keep her sanity. She looked exhausted. No better than the morning she went to go see the council and never returned… at least that's what it felt like. It was like nothing had changed since that morning. She couldn't possibly do all of this on her own and in that state.

Then a light bulb went off in his head.

"Let us help." She looked at him suspiciously.

"Say what?"

"Let us take on some of those tasks. We've all been bored out of our minds sitting on the ship and doing nothing. I believe Canderous is going stir crazy and about to rip that swoop bike to shreds." She narrowed her eyes.

"He wouldn't dare." Carth just chuckled.

"You haven't seen the looks he's been giving that bike. I'm sure he'd be up for taking care of your Mandalorian problem and maybe even the Kath hounds. Mission, Zaalbar and I can take care of the rest. The droid, the two families and perhaps the food synthesizer." He offered, leaning back in his chair as she stayed quiet for a few moments, thinking it through.

"No." His eyebrow shot up in uncertainty.

"No?" He thought it was a good idea. What was wrong with it? She just shook her head.

"The Food synthesizer is mine. That damn machine wants to be stubborn? Fine. I won't go down without a fight." Her face was dead serious and Carth struggled to stifle his laugh. She was serious. Apparently she liked the challenge this machine was giving her so he would let her have her fun. "The rest would be greatly appreciated though… you don't understand how grateful I am for the help." She said with a smile.

He smiled back, a feeling of self-satisfaction welling up inside of him. So this is the feeling she got every time she helped someone. Was this why she did it so often? To feel content with herself? It was a rather nice feeling to know that he could unload some of the burden on her shoulders and even more gratifying was that she was letting him. She wasn't fighting him, she wasn't arguing—she accepted his help. They may not always agree, but he felt that there was this small grain of trust between them. She trusted him to help her and… well, did he trust her to help him?

He stopped his thoughts there, cutting them off. He didn't have an answer for that question and he didn't want to dwell on something that could ruin his mood.

Perhaps he didn't want to look for an answer.

He, instead, watched Samirah with a content smile as she studied the many books and datapads, mumbling words under her breath. He was fairly certain she was doing it unconsciously but he made no attempt to correct her or notify her. As far as he knew, she had forgotten him again and was enthralled in her string of information and higher learning. It was still fairly early so he could leave whenever he wanted to in order to contact the others about their new tasks. They were in no real hurry—well Canderous might be. Samirah seemed a bit defensive of that swoop bike so if Canderous tarnished it, she was sure to bring havoc upon them.

Carth remained silent a few moments longer, skimming over one of the many datapads before her to get a gist of the kind of thing she was being taught. He only grimaced over bits and pieces that didn't really appeal to him. They had so many restrictions and so many laws that they had to know and abide by that he wondered if Samirah could even do such a thing! Overcome arrogance, overcome overconfidence, overcome aggression—Weren't these human nature to begin with? They expected a great deal of their members.

Carth shook his head as he plopped the datapad back on the table, startling Samirah from her intense concentration. She looked at him, almost surprised to find him still there. He stood up from the chair as quietly as he could and shot her a quick smile.

"Take care of yourself." That was the best farewell he could come up with before he walked quickly out of the library, leaving Samirah to stare at him with her brows knitted together.

Did she do something wrong? She let out a long sigh before slowly returning back to her studies, her mood falling just the tiniest bit. She felt a little nervous around him while he watched her study, but she also felt… well, content. Safe, even. It was silence, but it was a comfortable silence. His presence was just a comfort she hadn't realized she missed until it was gone. These several weeks, she was constantly being drilled. The Jedi code. Jedi Techniques with the lightsaber. What one must lose. What one must gain.

Conquer curiosity. Conquer aggression.

Honor your promises. Honor your master.

She had to know these things, she had to learn them. Not only that, but she had to be their embodiment. She had to know what and demonstrate qualities that other Jedi had spent years mastering. Master Zhar explained to her that the moment she left Dantooine with a lightsaber strapped to her belt, she would be looked upon in a new light. She was no longer a scout. She was no longer another Republic ensign. She was a Jedi and thus she must represent the order.

Defend the weak. Render aid to those who need it. Provide support where needed.

Practice honesty. Honor life. Honor the law.

Conquer defeatism. Conquer stubbornness.

Things she had always known and done, but with a new light shown over them. There was just so much. So much she needed to study. Master Zhar had also told her that when she was ready… she needed to construct her lightsaber with the force. She was tested and found that she was better suited as a Jedi Consular. A Jedi who seeks to bring balance to the universe—mediating between other groups, using their powers to end conflict and preserve peace. The Crystal code she was to recite in her mind as she constructed her lightsaber with the power of the Force.

The crystal is the heart of the blade.

The heart is the crystal of the Jedi.

The Jedi is the crystal of the Force.

The Force is the blade of the heart.

All are intertwined.

The crystal, the blade, the Jedi.

We are one.

She pulled the green crystal from her pocket to examine it closely, feeling the power of the Force hum through it softly. Master Zhar had explained that the Crystal code was a tradition used when constructing the lightsaber. Traditionally, the master would recite it as the Padawan constructed the blade but it was no longer used since the new method was for the Padawan's to construct it in solitude—in peace.

She pocketed the crystal and continued reading, soaking up as much as she could before she attempted to construct her blade. She had been commended for being such a quick learner during their sessions and she was bound to keep it up. She wasn't giving up that easily nor was she going to fall behind. She had no other choice but to be a Jedi and she was going to try her best. They were wrong though, if they thought she was going to give up being a scout. It was just too much fun exploring other planets. Just conceal the lightsaber and everything was the way it was before.

Except that she could use the Force.

And that she used a lightsaber.

Okay, not exactly the way it was before but close enough.

... The Jedi just had to have their way. She frowned, stuffing her nose back into her book to drive away her now severely dampened mood. She still had a lightsaber to construct after all.


"Master Zhar!" She shouted in the chambers, bursting through the door in barely contained excitement. He spun around in surprise at her sudden entrance. She sprinted across the chamber, earning disapproving glances from Vrook and yet, approving ones from Vandar and Dorak. She ran to Zhar like a little child with her arms swaying and her elbows pulled into her sides—the perfect image of a school girl.

She had spent the entire day before in the library studying until she fell asleep on the table again. When she had awoken—surprisingly on the Ebon Hawk—she was frantic about the books and datapads. When she returned, she found that someone had been kind enough to put them back for her. She had read and studied as much as she could so attempted to construct her lightsaber as Master Zhar had instructed.

And now was the moment of truth.

"Apprentice Samirah, what are you—"She thrusted her hand out to him to reveal her lightsaber, constructed together in one piece. He looked at her cautiously before gingerly picking it up and switching it on away from her, letting the green light shoot from the handle.

He swung the blade around, testing its movement, its light, its weight and even for lose pieces that had been incorrectly assembled. He was very impressed to find none. She was smiling, about ready to burst from anticipation as he examined the blade excessively if only to satisfy his own curiosity. After several moments of twirling and balancing, he smiled as he handed it back.

"You have done extremely well in constructing your lightsaber, apprentice. Your crystal seems to have been set perfectly. It is rare indeed for that to happen the first time one constructs their lightsaber." She jumped up and down in joy, so proud of herself.

The studying paid off!

"Be wary of pride, apprentice." He warned and she ceased her jumping quickly before bowing. He was right, pride could be a bad thing but it wasn't like she could eradicate it like that. That wasn't something she could so easily do so suddenly but she would try to do so in front of her master.

"Yes, master." She replied in a mono tone, pushing her excitement aside for the time being. There would be time to celebrate the momentous accomplishment later—she hoped. A hot tea would be nice.

"Your lightsaber identifies you as a member of the Jedi Order. With such recognition comes honor and respect… and the attention of dangerous enemies." He warned sternly and she nodded thoughtfully. "The Sith and Dark Jedi will seek to destroy you, apprentice. And you must prove yourself worthy in battle against a foe who also wields a lightsaber." He waited a moment as his words sank in. After several minutes of contemplation she nodded slowly and Zhar continued.

"Apprentice, you know the Jedi code. There is no death, there is the Force. You have constructed your lightsaber to perfection and now have your insignia that ties you to the Jedi—to the council. Are you ready to face the final challenge, apprentice?" She gulped, feeling a little nervous by his sudden seriousness. There was no smile greeting her this time.

This was it. She made it this far in her training. Weeks of studying, meditating and battling with Bastila over which way the Jedi robes were supposed to be folded. Samirah swore you folded the right side over the left side but Bastila argued the point. She folded left over right which simply felt weird for Samirah.

But that was beside the point.

"Yes, master. I am ready to face the third trial." She said with a new face of determination. She was going to make him proud. He nodded as he began to pace back and forth, centering his thoughts before speaking of her final challenge.

"For every Jedi the threat of the dark side is always present. You must truly understand this before you are accepted into the Order. You must see the corruption of the dark side for yourself. Even here on Dantooine there are places where the dark side holds sway, twisting and tainting nature itself."

"Can you not rid yourself of this taint? Can you not chase it away?" She asked. In a place such as Dantooine, a place full of so much power, could they not overcome it? Zhar shook his head solemnly, still slowly pacing from one end to the other.

"It is not so simple, apprentice. If it were so easy to erase, would the Sith not have fallen by now? The taint is like a shadow—no matter where the light is, there will always be a shadow lurking somewhere. There is always a place for it to hide. Remember this—once the taint is there, it can be moved and pushed away but it is never gone." He spoke wisely and she noted to remember his words.

"Yes, master." She nodded, keeping quiet so that he may continue.

"The Ancient Grove once used for deep meditation by the Jedi is now tainted, a wave of darkness perverts the region around it. The Kath hounds in the area have become savage and ruthless—this you know." She nodded, thinking back to Carth's promise of handling it. "The Kath hounds in the area have been a threat to settlers, a threat the Jedi have promised to stop and a promise that has been kept. Someone has begun to fight them back." He looked pointedly at her, letting it be known that he knew of her actions but not exactly disapproving. "But that is not all."

"What would you have me do? Kill them all?" She said, slightly horrified but he shook his head. He stopped before her, his hands held behind his back, his stern but gently face gazing at her with a smile.

"No, young one. The Kath hounds are but a symptom of the true problem. You must journey into the grove and confront the true source of the darkness. That is your task." She blinked several times, waiting for the rest but it did not come. His face remained passive and blank, betraying nothing else.

"That's it?" He nodded curtly and she narrowed her eyes in suspicion. She knew there was more. "You know more than you are letting on, Master." She said quietly and he smirked.

"I can say no more; some things you must see for yourself. None of the other Jedi at the academy are permitted to help you in this task." His smile fell as he went back to being serious and wise. "But remember this, my young apprentice: a Jedi acts with patience and care, and those on the dark path are not always lost forever. The dark side still taints the Ancient Grove. Your lessons cannot continue until the spreading corruption of the dark side has been stopped.

"This is your task, apprentice. May the Force be with you." He finished somberly.

She hesitated to a moment, waiting a extra few seconds before bowing her head and murmuring the saying back to him. She quietly removed herself from the room they had spent countless days in—training her mind, her body and her will. She felt a little lost, walking away without real direction. She was given small words of wisdom but what was she to do with them? She had no real way of preparing for any of this.

Walking past the other masters, she couldn't help but feel their gaze on her as she walked away slowly and slightly unsure. Master Vrook's gaze ever so stern and condescending whenever he caught sight of her. He believed that she was moving too quickly through her training… and maybe she was. She had years to make up for—years of training boiled down to weeks of teaching. At first, she thought she was going to die from it all but soon it became routine. Bastila was constantly at her side and was surprisingly… patient for the most part. Walking her through it step by step and giving her guidance like a master would give his Padawan.

She didn't think Bastila was capable of such… kindness.

So this was where she was. She was on the verge of officially joining the order and all she had to do was rid an ancient grove of some sort of taint. She felt a little nervous at the idea but also excited. This was it. This was her final test. She walked out into the courtyard of the Academy as Apprentices and Padawan's hurried along their daily routine, saying pleasantries to one another and even to her. She had been accepted by them and welcomed with open arms. She… fit in.

At first, she was afraid of becoming a Jedi and to a degree, she still was. She wasn't used to fitting in somewhere or even having people to rely on. Being a scout was a solitary life. Being a Jedi kind of is, but not to the same extent. She could have people to aide her, guide her and even befriend her. She closed her eyes briefly and lifted her head, willing the Force to guide her. As a Jedi, the Force would be her greatest companion.

Rely on the Force. It is your ally. It is you. Rely on it and let it guide you and it shall never lead you astray. It will lead you to where you are meant to be. To do what you are meant to do.

Words that had been read, words that had been spoken and words that would prove most wise in her times of need. It felt… natural. Like this was where she belonged and that being a scout was only the stepping stone to where she belonged. Why had she feared it? Why did the idea of joining the Order seem so… preposterous? She felt silly for making such a fuss. It was ridiculous of her to have acted in such a way. Before, she had never truly understood the Force but now… now she felt this connection to it. A connection to the Force that thrummed against her heart in a rhythmic motion—it was unlike anything she could have ever realized.

The Force was a part of her.

That is most unwise… I must argue the point…

You have our final decision. We will not waver on our verdict so abandon the thought...

She flinched as the words echoed through her head making her grimace. The dreams, visions, the void—whatever you wanted to call it—it was still there. But they had grown. The images more vivid, the sounds echoing even louder in her ears and not just when she slept, but when she was awake. She didn't tell the council because she was fairly certain they would write it off as more visions dealing with her connection to the Force. Why pester them about something they already knew? She wasn't sure what the Force was doing or what it was trying to accomplish, but it was very inconvenient if she was going to start removing taints from ancient groves.

The voices or visions weren't painful at all, just disorienting. It was like someone was right beside her, whispering into her ear. Her skin would crawl with goose bumps and the side of her neck would tickles as if someone had barely touched her but was close enough to the skin to cause that tickling sensation. She rubbed her neck in response, blinking her eyes open and glancing around to make sure that she wasn't being watched or stared at.

May the Force guide me and lead me where I belong. Direct me in the right direction… She thought, directing her words to the Force as footsteps sounded behind her. When she turned to move out of their way, her eyes found Carth Onasi walking towards her.

That was quick. And not exactly what she had in mind.

"The Force must have a sense of humor…" She said under her breath as he walked up to her, his hands at his side, his blaster strapped around his waist.

"Samirah!" He said happily. "Your tasks have been completed—save for the family feud. I now know what you meant when you talked about them earlier. They wouldn't speak with anyone outside of the order. Can't really blame them, I suppose. They are having a rough time." He said as his smile turned into a frown.

So, this was where the Force wanted her to go? To Carth Onasi? She crossed her arms and appraised him where he stood. He shifted uncomfortably under her intense gaze, looking at her a little puzzled. Well, the Force knew was it was doing right? Make use of what you've got.

"What?" He said suspiciously. She grinned slightly as it came together. Vrook said that other apprentices couldn't help her… but what of her companions? Unless Carth was instructed not to help her… he could.

"Are you free? You're not too busy are you? I could use your help on… a little mission I have." He raised an eyebrow at her suspiciously but it only made her grin widen.

Yes, she believed having him at her side would make things go a bit smoother. If nothing else, his moral support was greatly welcomed. She didn't exactly want to go off on her own; it had been too long since she had hung out with the crew. He may not have missed her company… but she missed his. When he was reluctant to respond, she grabbed his hand and towed him along with her, laughing lightly.

"Oh, come on flyboy. The fresh air can't hurt." She pulled him along, a shocked look registering on his face at her sudden brashness. She suddenly realized that she had gone for his hand instead of his arm or shoulder. Why did she grab his hand? Oh no. That was a bad idea but it was too late to just let go or drop it. It might make it awkward. But then, so did holding on. Did she need to let go? Keep holding on?

No, she was over thinking this. Why did holding his hand have to mean anything at all?

It didn't mean anything—the grabbing of his hand. He wouldn't follow her otherwise, right? She had to pull him along. There was nothing that should insinuate otherwise.

It didn't mean anything.

It was just a gesture.

Nothing else…

… And if that was true… why did it make her heart flutter and her cheeks turn a light shade pink? She could feel them get warm as her thought process continued but she couldn't just let go of his hand. She didn't look back at him, nervous about the slight blush that arose on her cheeks. Why did she have to over think this? There was nothing to over think!

… It meant nothing. It never would. It was fine.

She didn't even know what she blubbering on about in her mind.

Focus on the taint and nothing else. Nothing else matters, not now. Focus Samirah. Focus.

That's what she would tell herself.


Done! Hopefully this wasn't a let down. It wasn't exactly my favorite chapter but it wasn't like I could skip over it. I had a few bits here that I liked but overall, not a favorite lol but, I also hope that you enjoyed it! Let me know what you think. I'm setting a goal for myself. If I don't update ATLEAST every friday, then I have to put $10 dollars in a Jar and I can't touch the jar until I'm done with this story O.o so give me the strength to post every friday guys! If I post earlier then I can eat ice cream- otherwise, that's also a penalty lol so give me the support to stay dedicated or I'll be anti-Ice cream and money for a while lol and money is a good thing to have!

Oh and btw, Dragon Age II? My word, Fenris... I didn't think I'd fall for him but I am head over heels for this elf. My soul mate. For ever more. If you haven't played the game- do it! It is a must. I like Anders, I really do but I think I would have to chose Fenris each time. *Dreamy sigh*. Ok, enough of my chatter. If you've read all of this (including the story above thus far lol) props to you guys! You make me feel special and thus, you are my heroes! ^-^

Thanks for the support and until next time, May the Force be with you! ;)

~~SilverShards~~