Disclaimer: I do not own KOTOR or anything Star Wars related... except for the imaginery scenarios that I create. Those are mine. And this bottle of soda. It is also mine.

Ok. I know I apologize in just about every chapter and I'm about to apologize again. My computer has been having what would be best described as 'technical difficulties". In a nut shell: It erased this chapter more times than I could possibly bare. I believe I have fixed the problem and if not- well then I'm chucking this baby out the window and hijacking someone elses computer for my own needs. Having to rewrite this chapter was by no means fun because each time caused me to change certain bits because I couldn't remember how I had it the first time. I really do hope this chapter meets your expectations. If not, please let me know and I will try my best to fix it and re-update ASAP.

Enjoy!


Too Safe

"The way to be safe is never to feel secure."

Well, she couldn't complain. That was for sure.

After a while, you just kind of see these things coming. It's to be expected, especially when dealing with the council. Samirah had this small little inkling of what the council was going to say and that definitely didn't prove her wrong. First they congratulated her on graduating from an apprentice to a Padawan. Apparently it was a feat to do so in such little time but they didn't seem as surprised as she expected them to be. Perhaps they were just anxious for her to leave and start fighting evil and what not. The mere idea of it brought a smile to her face. It was like the stories she heard growing up, the kind of stories that made every child idolize the Jedi and dream of becoming one. The kind that made them grab a stick and pretend it was a mighty lightsaber that often became a beacon of hope. They'd fight evil and they'd always win. Their fairytale Jedi were invincible and almighty... they were perfection.

But it was so different from the stories… so very different.

"For good or ill, you are now a true Padawan. The time has come for you and Bastila to investigate the dream you shared." Master Vrook spoke in a clear and strong voice; the urgency of the mission clear even to Samirah. "The secrets to stopping Malak may lie hidden within the ancient Dantooine ruins you both saw in your visions."

"I have nothing left to teach you, Padawan, though a Jedi is ever learning. Even the Masters know their training is but in its infancy." Master Zhar had this twinkle in his eyes, and an almost proud smile as he spoke. Perhaps he was the happiest one of them all. "Now is the time for you to seek wisdom outside the training chambers."

She nodded slowly, rolling the new mission around in her mind and trying to figure out her next course of action. It was a sudden assignment but not far from unexpected.

"Thank you masters… I will do as you ask." Master Vandar nodded, offering one last piece of advice.

"Keep Bastila close to you, Padawan Samirah. There is a powerful link between you and you will need to draw strength from each other during the trials ahead. Keep that in mind always… Padawan." His gaze on her seemed to hold a lot of weight on her and she fidgeted, nodding quickly.

He made it sound like she had to fight the entire Sith on her own and she wasn't sure if she could do that. One person against an entire army never turned out well. Sure, there were some stories where the lone hero would win but... it was always at a high cost. Most stories were famous though because the single person held their own for so long before they died horribly. That wasn't exactly the kind of story she wanted.

She bowed to the council, saying her good-byes before turning to leave with Bastila. She felt a little uneasy not just by what the council said but also because she knew very little about the bond. What it entailed, what she could expect and so on. Personally, Samirah wasn't sure if she liked the idea of someone poking around in her head. Did it make them telepathic? Jedi could do that? So then did that mean that Bastila knew what she was thinking? Could they do that weird thing where they finished each other's sentences? She didn't want that. That would be weird. Was it one sided? Could others tell through the Force that they had such a thing? The thoughts swirled around her head until she decided answers would probably be nice. She'd get a lot further by asking rather than constantly pondering the idea.

Before they reached the door of the council chambers, Samirah stopped Bastila and pulled her to the side, making sure that the council had adjourned and moved to discuss other issues at hand before continuing. Bastila looked at her curiously before glancing at the hand still clinging to her forearm.

"Samirah, is something the matter?" She shook her head.

"No… not exactly. I just wanted to know a bit more about this bond of ours… not that I'm against it but if it means you'll know my every thought and so on then… that would be a bit nerve wracking, wouldn't it? Not that I'm trying to say that I'm hiding something but I think the same can be said about you if I could hear your thoughts. Some things are just never meant to be heard. They're thoughts and not words for a reason, correct? If not, there would be no point in having private thoughts... it would just be... a second voice." She was trying not to sound the part of a fool but she was getting the distinct impression she was. She let out an exasperated sigh, closing her eyes, still unsure what to make of this. "How did our fates ever become linked…?" It was a question she hadn't been expecting an answer too.

"I… I don't know." Bastila frowned as she looked away. "Believe me, I certainly don't find the prospect of being joined to you enjoyable in any fashion."

"Well… thanks a lot." Samirah said half smiling and half surprised. That wasn't what she expected but if that's how Bastila felt… it would have to do. Bastila immediately realized the error in what she said and immediately tried to back track.

"Please, forgive me. I did not mean to imply that you were repulsive in any sense of the word. That we shared something so personal is just not something I'm used to." She reassured, giving an apologetic smile.

"I can hardly blame you for feeling that way then…" Samirah muttered. "It's new to us both so we'll just have to make due, right? So we check out these ancient ruins. Should we bring Mission along? I'm sure Carth needs time to rest after our little adventure."

The thought of it brought a slight blush to her cheeks along with the tiniest smile. He didn't have to come, but he did. He was sweet. Protective and prone to worrying a lot, but very sweet. The mere thought of him made her smile and her smile made Bastila very curious. Through the bond, Bastila felt something warm and comforting flitter through. It was like this warmth was spreading from her core and filling out into her arms but she couldn't place it. What did such a feeling—a feeling of comfort and protection—mean?

"Samirah?" She inquired, bringing the young scout out of her thoughts with a start. And then it was gone. Replaced by that happy, innocent smile and energy. How odd. She ignored the feeling for the moment, mentally noting to revisit it at a later date. "Mission would be a great asset. Her ingenuity would be greatly appreciated."

Samirah nodded her head slowly. Mission would be very helpful, actually. Just so long as she didn't decide to blow up the ruins out of frustration. Canderous seemed a little bored but this was a delicate mission… she wasn't sure he could handle being delicate. Zaalbar probably wouldn't last without a meal or two packed for the very, very small journey.

Speaking of food…

"Hey, Bastila…" Samirah asked a little shyly as she felt the grumble in her stomach, rather than hear it. "Do you care if we grab a bite to eat? I haven't exactly eaten…"

"What?" It was more a response than a question. Bastila hadn't even considered the thought that Samirah had yet to eat.

Food wasn't a bad idea before they left for the ruins. Bastila had already eaten though, so she would more than likely speak more with Master Dorak about the ruins. There was no point in Samirah starving herself so it would be beneficial that she ate. Bastila smiled at the sheepish look Samirah was giving her. Bastila had the feeling that when she was a child… she was irresistible and charming.

"Alright, how about we meet outside the enclave in… two hours?" That would be enough time for Samirah to eat and for her to find Mission. "Be sure to find Mission and inform her of our plans so that she can also be ready."

"I think I can do that."

Samirah smiled as they both opened the dual doors to the Council Chambers. Bastila had opened her mouth, ready to respond with a comment when Samirah suddenly froze. She followed her gaze to meet an apparently unhappy Carth Onasi. His arms were crossed over his chest, tapping a finger on his bare bicep. They were bare because his usual orange jacket seemed to be missing so all he wore was a thin t-shirt and slacks. His hair was a mess but somehow he managed to make it look good. The stubble around his chin completing his look all together. The look of a soldier.

"C-Carth! W-What are you doing up and about already?" Samirah stumbled over her words, the surprise evident on her face and in her voice.

"I could ask you the same thing." He countered as she averted her eyes. "Shouldn't you be resting? What is the council sending you off to do this time?" She shifted her weight from one leg to the other, clearly uncomfortable. When she opened her mouth to respond, Bastila decided to chime in. She didn't have time to for him to pester Samirah.

"That is hardly any of your concern, Carth. Samirah is in my care and I will look out for her." His eyes flashed over to her before back to Samirah.

"Like hell it doesn't concern me. Samirah…" There was a warning underlying his tone and through the bond, Bastila felt the uneasiness emitting from Samirah.

Do we have to keep it from him…?

Samirah and Bastila looked at each other and the discomfort built up inside Samirah. She wanted Carth to come, she felt safe around him and felt like nothing in the galaxy could harm her… but perhaps she was relying too heavily on him. Perhaps it wasn't good that she felt so safe around him on the battle field. She wasn't invincible, clearly not. She suffered more wounds than needed because she was just so reckless but she always knew the danger. She was aware of its presence and she knew of her recklessness but it was for a good cause. It was to protect the people around her. When Carth was around, she didn't know the danger. She felt like he would keep her safe no matter what odds they were faced with and she wanted to do the same.

To keep him safe.

She looked from Bastila to Carth who was still eyeing her angrily as he waited for her to respond...but that wasn't the only thing she saw. He was worried—for her health and well being. Always worrying. If he wasn't upset with her, he was worried for her. She wanted him to come along so badly but it wasn't good. She had always relied on herself and now she had unconsciously relied on others. Formed a connection, a bond with them all but most of all with Carth… the one person who hated her for existing—for not being trustworthy enough—and yet worried about her well being every single time. He was a conundrum, a puzzle that she wasn't so sure she could solve.

She couldn't take any chances. Not this time. She was a chance taker but this was one wager she didn't want to test. To lose this gamble... that would be something she didn't think she could bare. Maybe she was over thinking this but if a high ranking Jedi couldn't survive in those ruins... she didn't want to take any chances. She had to draw a line.

When you gamble, there's no sure way that you'll always come out the winner.

"Bastila's right." She said firmly but in a soft tone. Her response caught both Carth and Bastila by surprise. Carth's face shifting from anger to shock at her abruptness.

"What…?" He was speechless.

"It doesn't concern you for now so please let me take care of this. It's my duty as a Jedi, not yours. You've done enough, so please take care of yourself and allow me to do the same. Excuse me. I have a few things I must take care of first." With that, she brushed past Carth who was at such a loss for words that by time he realized that she was leaving, she was already gone.

Bastila remained where she was, her eyes following after Samirah and knowing full well that she didn't want to sound so cold to him. Through the bond, Bastila could feel the conflict inside of her but Samirah didn't know how to solve it. This was obviously something that was bothering Samirah and Bastila wanted to solve it. It needed to be solved. Conflict like this within a Jedi wasn't good. It could cloud her judgment and make her unreasonable… well, more so than usual.

The only clue Bastila had was Carth Onasi. She was fine until he arrived… and maybe that was all Bastila needed to know.

"Doesn't concern me…" Carth's voice pulled Bastila's attention away from her thoughts and to him. "We'll see about that." He spun around to take after her when Bastila caught his arm. She wasn't about to let him cause more conflict.

"Just… give her some time, Carth. She's trying not to put a strain on you so please take this time to rest. You'll be of more help to her if you remain calm and let us handle this. Build your strength." She stated firmly as she held on to his arm tightly. Carth narrowed his eyes.

"And what about her, Bastila. She needs to rebuild her own strength and—"Bastila cut him off, making her voice clear and steady.

"Leave that to me. For now, you should do as she asks. If you make her worry while we're gone and make her lose her concentration on the task at hand, the Sith will be the least of your worries, Carth." She spoke low enough for him to hear.

"Is that a threat, Bastila?" He asked just as quietly which only made her smirk.

"No, Carth. It's a promise." She released his arm and bowed her head slightly to him before moving back into the council chamber to find Master Dorak.

Carth watched her, slightly surprised at her response. Only slightly. He had half a mind to still go chase Samirah down and demand answers from her. She was keeping him out of the loop. She wasn't telling him everything and yet, telling him to relax. Did she know how hard it was to do that? To relax knowing she's out there doing only the Force knows what—it seemed like an impossible request. Not knowing was just as bad as knowing but that didn't mean he didn't want to know what she was doing.

If he asked enough times, would she cave in and tell him? Yeah, she probably would out of guilt, but that wouldn't make him feel good about it. So he was expected to just sit and twiddle his thumbs for now?

Ok. He would do that for now, but he was going to start demanding answers when they returned.

He started for the Ebon Hawk, completely put out and gloomy. He pitied any person who got in his way today because he wasn't in the mood for pleasantries or the blasted Jedi. He was very much irritated and figured it would be best if he removed himself from the prying eyes of passing Jedi and apprentices. They didn't mean to annoy him but at this moment in time, their curious eyes only made his feet go faster. He only hated that in order to reach the Ebon Hawk, he had to walk through the center of the enclave where just about every Jedi on Dantooine liked to congregate. When the ship was in his sights, he moved faster, in a hurry to escape their notice.

He boarded the small ship, his feet hitting the metal of the ship loudly to announce his presence. Funny thing was, no one was on the ship. Canderous wasn't seated by the swoop bike, gripping about being grounded for so long; there was no Wookiee lounging in the main hold, eating whatever edible substance he could find—No one. He had the ship to himself and he hated it. He hated not doing anything, not moving and not being in the action. Most of all, he hated being left out of the loop.

When he arrived at his cot, he paused in his motions when he saw a vibrant orange colored jacket sitting on his sheets. It was folded nice and neatly, waiting for him to pick it up. He tried to think back in his mind the time frame between the moment she left and the moment he got here. When had she done this? He couldn't have possibly have missed her could he? That wasn't nearly long enough for her to retrieve the jacket and put it here without being noticed.

Then again, she did make a career of not being seen. He remembered being told about her transfer to the Endar Spire and how it had taken them nearly two months to track her down. It was a very difficult process and he nearly gave up when they finally found her searching through some old Jedi Ruins in the Adega System. He smiled as he picked up his jacket, noticing the note that was neatly written and placed under his jacket. He picked it up, unfolding it to reveal and neatly written message.

I'm sorry, but the least I can do is return this to you. Hope you can rest easy, fly boy…

He stared at the note a few moments longer, rereading the short and simple note but unable to erase the small smile it gave him. She moved quickly. How in the name of the Force had she been able to write the note and place it with the jacket? She was something else. A riddle without an answer… no matter how hard you tried to solve her, you couldn't find an answer that would adequately explain what she was. He dawned on his signature jacket, slightly intrigued of this new smell that had embedded itself into the seams and each fiber of the jacket. Something crisp and fresh like apples but also sweet and fresh like new flowers blooming—a cherry blossom tree.

It was a faint scent but present. He smiled slightly as he sat on his cot, the note still in hand. She was something different entirely.


It wasn't her proudest moment.

She sat at a table by herself, drinking tea and picking at her food. Her hair was lying loosely on her shoulders, the waves turning into natural curls that she would tuck behind her ears. Samirah had managed to return the jacket to Carth without his knowledge but only barely. As she was leaving the ship, she had to quickly hide herself before she was caught in his apparent war path. He was practically oblivious to his surroundings so it didn't take much skill to hide from him. He didn't seem to happy with her for practically telling him off. She didn't like the idea any better but it was for his own good in the end. He was the one thing she wasn't about the risk on a game of chance.

She had found a quiet little booth in the far corners of the Cantina that was out of sight. Tactically speaking: she was in the shadows, had a clear view of all exits and of every patron within the contents of the Cantina. Not very many Jedi visited this place- or in reality they did, but they never stayed long to avoid giving the wrong impression. Settlers had come to enjoy a nice dinner with friends and family. The day wasn't quite over but it was coming to its end for these people. The sun would only stay in the sky for another hour or two.

She sat quietly, sipping at her Ansionian tea that the waitress had been kind enough to bring her. She had long lost her appetite so her food sat on the table, half eaten and picked at as it grew colder. The room wasn't extensively lit but was bright enough for her to see her surroundings. It wasn't as easy as it used to be to remain inconspicuous seeing as how she was now recognized as a Jedi. It was like having this flashing sign on her forehead indicating that she carried a lightsaber. Everyone seemed to cast cautious glances in her direction but the plus to that was that they all seemed to steer clear of her. She would have to learn how to get used to this new way of living. Samirah wasn't one to attract attention. That was usually anti-productive.

She sipped her tea, her eyes scanning the room, looking for a certain Twi'lek. Mission was usually always in the Cantina but Samirah couldn't find her. She wasn't even answering Samirah's calls on her comlink. What was she doing? It was shocking to find that Zaalbar wasn't even here eating. The absence of those two was slightly unnerving because they weren't on the ship either. So, where had they disappeared too? She had a little less than an hour before she was too meet Bastila and she had yet to find Mission. If she didn't find her then it would be just Bastila and herself because she wasn't asking Carth- she'd strike herself down before she did that. Not after the way she told him no.

She lowered her head as she occupied herself with her tea that had started to grow colder with each second that passed. She wasn't afraid of going alone but the extra help would always be appreciated. What was she going to do now? The fact that the Jedi named Nemo had yet to return still bothered her. She was going in blind and had no idea what she was in for. Did she really want Mission to walk into something that could very easily be a trap? Could Mission handle that?

Her eyes caught the shadow of a newcomer to the Cantina but they weren't so new to her. She smiled as the Mandalorian entered the Cantina with a nonchalant attitude and a purposeful walk. Canderous had this smirk on his face and his chin lifted slightly in the air to give the impression of superiority, one that came easily to him. He was smirking but Samirah couldn't help but think that he may have looked slightly bored.

He casted his gaze around the cantina lazily, not particularly interested in any of the participants. He caught a waitress by the arm, scaring her momentarily until she saw his face before nodding and walking back to the bar. Apparently he had been here enough times to become a regular. He leaned against the bar, completely bored as he watched a nearby game of Pazaak with disinterest. Samirah just watched him quietly, her cup of warm tea held up to her lips but not sipping at it. She simply inhaled the sweet scent as she watched him with curiosity.

After a moment, Canderous' eyes lifted as he furrowed his brow and began to glance around the cantina again until he found the poorly lit corner Samirah was nestled in. A big grin appeared on his face as the waitress handed him his ale and he began to make his way over to her table. He had found something to keep him amused- he genuinely didn't look bored anymore. She smiled to herself as he slid into the seat across from her, throwing an arm over the back of his chair.

"Well if it isn't the kid. Aren't you and the Princess supposed to be out doing the Council's dirty work?" He joked. Normally this would cause Samirah to frown but this time... it was kind of true.

She was only a newly appointed Padawan and they had sent a Jedi by the name of Nemo to search those ruins. He was of higher rank than she was and he had yet to return. So what did they expect from her? Hell, she didn't even have the years of training that most Padawan's received. Her training had been rushed. They claimed that her progress was exceptional but still, you could not ignore the fact that it was rushed. Nemo was a Jedi Knight. A Jedi Knight. He had years of experience so what could she possibly offer them that he couldn't. The thought slightly worried her.

"We still are. We're meant to leave soon and I was meant to bring Mission along but she seems to have disappeared on me. Have you seen her?" Canderous took a swig of his ale before shaking his head.

"That little hustler? Haven't seen her since she scored a few hundred credits off some traveling merchants. That was a day or two ago." Samirah groaned but was still smiling.

"I told her not to start scamming the poor unsuspecting fools. You would think they would have realized something was off if a girl like Mission starts playing high stakes." Canderous chuckled.

"Gotta hand it to her, she knows how to play her cards right." Maybe it was for the best, Samirah thought.

Samirah nodded as she swirled around her now cold cup of tea. She didn't want to drink it anymore. She didn't like cold tea. It was silly, but she always preferred it to be hot. Just something about hot tea could soothe her and make the whole world better in her eyes. Cold tea was just empty to her... it was odd. She was never picky about anything except for how her tea was. She always preferred hot tea. Always.

She stared at the liquid as it swirled around in the cup, a deep frown settling in to her features. Now what was she going to do? Mission would have been nice to have along but perhaps it was a good thing she can't be. She could try to bring someone else but would Bastila approve of her choice? Her eyes moved up to Canderous who was busy watching the crowd in the Cantina while he took gulps of his ale. That man had an iron stomach. He also carried a lot of ammunition... and big guns. They didn't know what to expect in the ruins. Enemies? Traps? He would be useful...

Then again, he might blow up something that was even more useful. He wasn't trigger happy but with the way he fought, he wouldn't care to bounce a grenade off some ancient Jedi history... if that's what awaited them. As long as the enemy was dead, he would be happy. She was running out of time and couldn't exactly be choosey. Bastila would just have to deal with it.

"Hey, Canderous..." She started, earning his attention. He pulled his gaze away from the crowd and raised a questioning eyebrow at her. "Would it be fair to say that you don't have any plans for the day? Evening really..." She didn't meet his eyes as she swirled her cold cup of tea around but it was easy to tell he was smiling.

"Listen kid, I don't have time to go on dates. Not really interested in Jedi either, no offense. Maybe you and soldier boy should go on one instead." Her cheeks immediately flared as her head snapped up to meet his grin.

"W-w-what are you talking about!" She stuttered, completely taken off-guard. Her body went stiff at the idea as shock registered across her face. She hadn't meant a date at all! And what did it have to do with Carth? Canderous chuckled as he set his glass down on the table.

"Come on, Kid. We have a Princess waiting for us and it's never good to keep royalty waiting." He said with a hint of sarcasm. He stood up from his chair, tossing a few credits on the table and heading for the exit.

Samirah jumped up from her chair, nearly spilling the tea as she chased after him with a frantic look.

"Canderous! CANDEROUS! What are you talking about?" He laughed as he looked over his shoulder.

"That small fry was right, you really don't have a clue." Her cheeks turned redder at the indication of some secret regarding her.

"A clue about what! Canderous!" He kept walking this time. She didn't need to see his face to know that he was grinning to himself... again.

Maybe she had made a bad decision after all. Cursed Mandalorian's. This time, she was the one out of the loop. Something was going on. She crossed her arms and pouted as she followed him out of the Cantina and to the meeting spot outside of the enclave. She already knew Bastila would disapprove of her selection especially since he had taken a liking to calling her the "Princess". A nickname she was sure to greatly disapprove of.

They weaved through the hallways of the enclave, Samirah quietly following Canderous as she stared intently at the back of his head in hopes of finding the secret there. Obviously futile. Maybe, just maybe the force could just... pluck... the secret from his head. Just pluck it like you would the string of an instrument or the feather from a bird. It wouldn't be bad, would it? Just a small little pluck and all would be clear.

She couldn't do that.

That would be misuse of the Force and Bastila would find out about it somehow. It was like she could feel the misuse of the Force... a disturbance, if you will. The bond would somehow inform her and that was a road that Samirah felt was quite frankly, better left untraveled. She wasn't even sure the force would allow her to do such a thing... could it? It was a tempting notion. Very tempting. She could very easily find out, right? All one needed to do was try.

As she debated internally, Canderous had been smirking to himself the entire time. Mission may have dropped a few details in passing while he watched her swindle a few credits off the merchants. That kid was so excited to tell someone what she had figured out. He wasn't one for juicy gossip but this was something he could definitely use when he was bored. Best part was that neither one of them had noticed anything. They were still as clueless as the Jedi during the Mandalorian war. Still, the idea was amusing... Soldier boy and the kid...

He passed through the double doors that led out of the enclave and into the outer courtyard. It was bright outside and fairly warm but it was bearable. He could see the Jedi Princess already, seated on a bench and in what looked like a meditation stance. He lifted an eyebrow as they neared her, Samirah immediately moving past him to walk in front. She needed to break the news to Bastila and protect him from any projectiles like say a rock, a twig... a bench. Better safe than sorry. She didn't want Bastila breaking their back-up.

She slowed down as she approached Bastila who had already sensed their presence. Her eyes fluttered open before meeting Samirah's with a small smile. A smile that quickly faded when she got a glimpse of Canderous behind her.

"I thought we agreed to bring Mission... this is not Mission." Her voice rang with disapproval as her eyes remained transfixed on Canderous. He grinned right back at her.

"Calm down, Princess. I'm not here to interfere with you and your work. Think of me as... a traveling mercenary, tagging along for artillery support." Bastila rolled her eyes, clearly unhappy with the unforeseen events.

"You are a traveling mercenary and if I remember correctly, all you do is offer your gun." He grinned proudly.

"So you won't have trouble imagining it will you." He said before turning and walking away from the enclave. Bastila shot Samirah a disapproving glare as she followed behind him.

It wasn't Samirah's fault. Bastila would have probably preferred if no one joined them rather than having the Mandalorian but Samirah couldn't bring herself to ask Carth. She didn't want to get him mixed into all of this and she didn't want to have to worry about him. Mission was missing in action and it was probably for the best. She had very little choices and she got the feeling that some extra help couldn't hurt.

The thought of Carth bothered her. She was messing everything up. She told him off and then walked away. She was pretty positive that it would come back and bite her back later on... More than likely in the form of a Carth who found another reason not to trust her. She'd rather have him angry to be quite frank. What was she going to do now?

She quietly followed them, no one daring to say a word. If they wanted to stay quiet, that suited Samirah. She didn't want to try and play the negotiator between Canderous and Bastila. She should have just left it alone and gone with Bastila by herself. She peeked a look at them, trying to sneak cautious glances at each companion without their notice. Canderous seemed fine actually... it was Bastila she would have to worry about. From the bond, she could feel discontent boiling up inside of Bastila. All it would take to set her off was a few snarky comments from Canderous and Samirah really didn't need that. It was a disaster waiting to happen.

She ran her fingers through her hair before tying it up into a ponytail. What was she thinking, bringing Canderous along? She just wanted to get this over with—she wanted to investigate and leave because she didn't like this feeling she was getting.

The moment she stepped away from the enclave, this feeling slammed into her like a wall of… darkness. When she had gone to find Juhani, she hadn't felt it but now it was like this miasma that was snaking out, trying to wrap itself around her. It was caressing her but not in a way that was comforting. It was… tainted. It was corrupted. It was everything defined by the dark side.

The darkness… what are you thinking…?

No! Are you crazy? The council does not approve…

It's too late…

The voices echoed throughout the far reaches of her mind as they sent shivers down her spine. Moments like these really made her wish Carth was here. Were these visions and voices all a part of her new connection to the Force? Was it because of her new found proximity to Bastila?

… and why did she only feel safe around Carth?

Why had she felt so safe and warm with him around? Why?

As much as she hated to admit it… she wanted to run back and beg him for his forgiveness. She wanted him by her side. He made the void feel like it was nothing. He made her world feel so much better. She didn't have to touch him but by just being near her… he provided her with so much safe and security, it was hard to go without him.

She never knew safety or security… not until he dragged her away from a crashed escape pod. Not until he protected her from the Sith as she healed from her injuries.

Her cheeks started to turn red as she remembered their time spent together. He was there for her. Even if he didn't trust her… he was there. He never abandoned her. He protected her. He worried over her.

He always kept her safe.

She smiled sadly, realizing that she wanted him beside her. She wanted Carth right there beside her… telling her how reckless she was more than likely about to be.

Carth Onasi. Her little piece of safety.


Again, I thank you guys who have waited so ever patiently. Especially omolina100 and Crystal Vice who messaged me to make sure I hadn't given up on the story. :) I really do appreciate it guys. I promised not to give up and I will keep that promise. Just have to avoid technical difficulties because that was just the worst.

The support I recieve from you, my readers, is simply phenomenal! These chapters are for you guys so thank you ever so much. I am forever in your debt.

~~SilverShards~~