The Vulkars' guard

- Jen Sahara -


Depression weighed down on my soul as I gulped another swig of Tarisian ale. Mission had disappeared into the pazaak room beyond, and I'd leapt at the opportunity to finally imbibe some much-needed alcohol. I'd like to see you try and stop me boozing now, Flyboy. Unfortunately, rather than relaxing my tense nerves, the alcohol seemed to be sinking me into introspection – what I'd been avoiding ever since I woke up with a splitting headache and multiple personalities.

I was almost convinced that neither Jen nor Evil Bitch were really me. But the detail with which I could recall studying - the days spent poring over electronic databases and archives - convinced me that Jen must be real, somehow. I could list specifics about the founding of the Republic, or posit a theory regarding the true origins of Coruscant's first colonists. Anything that hadn't happened in, oh, the last millennia or two. I can see my father's face so clearly. He scares me; he protects me. Not my father... hers.

Evil Bitch's identity, in contrast, was more just a mass of seething emotions; rage, a lust for power, hatred, and at times, an undercurrent of grief so immense I could barely fathom it. The feelings were so vibrant and overpowering that they must belong to me. Or to someone.

If a stranger asked me to describe myself, I'd say I was confident, cheeky at times; quick to anger, but quick to forgive. I wanted to understand people and their motivations, and the foreign intrigued me. Perhaps I had an inclination to be reckless and take chances, but overall, I felt like my heart was in the right place. That description is about as far off Jen or Evil Bitch as possible.

I sighed morosely, and took another swallow. My glance caught on the mirror behind the bar, and I latched onto my own reflection. It didn't look familiar. Curly dark hair, cropped short. Wide-set green eyes, tilted nose, plainish face. A fairly normal looking female Human, really. Was that face really mine?

I downed the remainder of the glass, and ordered another. A hopeful Twi'lek tried flirting with me, but disappeared after I threatened to tie him to the ceiling fan by his headtails. I just want to be with myself. Whoever that is.

I continued drinking, and my thoughts edged into wooziness. I wonder who this face belongs to... doesn't look freaky enough to be Evil Bitch. I giggled. I bet she's really ugly.

I finished the next glass, and rested my head on the damp bar. My eyelids drooped closed, but I was still dwelling on my appearance. I've never been vain; I've never obsessed over my looks. Have I? A comforting sense of tiredness conquered my wayward thoughts, and I let them slide away into oblivion.

I could smell the fritla blossoms as I knelt next to the river. I love spring. Everything comes back to life. The afternoon was mine to do with as I wished; I had completed all of Father's chores, and he hadn't wanted me at home with the Minister around. So here I sat, at my usual spot, next to the gentle trickling of water. Even if it was a man-made canal, I still loved it.

My reflection smiled shyly back at me as I leaned over the bank. Wavy dark hair framing hazel eyes. I wish I didn't have freckles. I wish I was pretty. Although, Father told me to be glad I was plain, for beautiful girls attract the attention of troublesome boys. And I certainly didn't want that.

"Jen!" A masculine voice called out, irritated. I jumped to my feet, a little fearful. Better run, Father wants me.

The cold stars in the distance winked at me as I stared through the ship's space-strengthened transparisteel. Almost back in known world. We'll build a better galaxy. A stronger one, that will withstand any threat. Amazing how the anger hadn't left me. If anything, it had strengthened. They never taught us that, no; they wanted to control us. Didn't want us to realize the sheer power in embracing one's emotions.

I caught a glint of my own face on the window, and I stared at it absently. A white flaky complexion surrounded by greasy lank hair. Two eyes as black as space. Good thing I never cared for how I looked. I grinned and an evil rictus reflected back at me. And it always helps if you appear intimidating. With that thought, I reached for the steel mask that provided an even better front than my corrupted features.

I searched the edges of the cracked mirror. Gotta be a safe in here somewhere. My reflection frowned back in concentration as I ran my fingers behind it. I grinned as I felt the catch. Easy target, easy credits.

I paused, and stared into my own eyes before lifting the mirror. I don't look too bad. I wonder if he'll ever see me differently? I'd never particularly cared how I looked; dark curly hair, green eyes, olive skin; the fact that I was healthy and had all four limbs was enough to keep me happy. But lately... I scowled at myself. Great time for vanity, in the middle of a heist. Stupid, get back to work! I clamped down my thoughts, and started dismantling the safe.

"Jen? Hey Jen!" A young voice cracked through my swirling dreams. "Wake up! Gee, never took you for a drinker!"

My cheek was glued to something. As I slowly prised open a sticky eye, I saw a blue grinning face tilted to one side. Oh. My face is stuck on the bar. I groaned as I slowly raised my head.

"Ugh," I moaned.

Mission laughed. "Wow, you musta' bin busy while I was pulling in the credits! Heh, I bet your grumpy friend isn't going to be too happy with you."

Reality sank slowly into consciousness. "He doesn't need to know," I mumbled. "I need some sleep."

"We should head back to the others," Mission agreed. "But can you walk? You're as drunk as a spacer on lockdown!"

Well, I am from space. And this planet is locked down. "I can walk, just watch me," I grumped determinedly, sliding to my feet. I squeezed my eyes shut as dizziness set in, and heard a giggle from the teenage Twi'lek.

"Laugh at me, would you?" I murmured. "Bet I could drink you under the table."

She sniggered loudly. "Says you now, when you're already sloshed."

"Mmmm," I replied, with my eyes still firmly shut. "Lead on."

"We'll go a different way, though," she said brightly. "I don't wanna run into any Vulkars, not with you in such a state." She giggled again. I opened my eyes to shoot her a filthy glare, but followed her in silence.

As we wandered through the grimy corridors of the Lower City, my head began to clear. I hazily recalled the dreams I'd had, and it brought on another case of contemplation. I look most like the street kid. My skin's not as tanned, but then, I've been indoors. I'm also a lot older. That'd make sense though, my vision of both Jen and Street Kid seemed to be when they were young teenagers. It was a lot harder to tell with Evil Bitch, whose dreams of power and grandeur seemed so far-fetched and delusional they were almost amusing. If they weren't so violent, at any rate.

I sighed to myself, and shadowed Mission around the next bend. That's it, then, isn't it? I must be Street Kid. Right?

Theories swirled hazily through my head. I still don't know why I have three identities, other than it has something to do with Bastila. I seemed to know a little of the Force; perhaps I'd fought Evil Bitch. Doesn't explain Jen, though. Maybe I'd been a Jedi apprentice who'd got dragged into a duel, and somehow Evil Bitch's memories, or soul, got trapped inside my own. Bastila… or someone… must have done something. Something with the Force. Perhaps Jen had also been involved. Maybe she'd been caught in the middle of a Jedi duel.

This is getting me nowhere.

Bastila would have the answers, but did I really want to hear them? The bond had not yet returned, but somehow I was certain it would.

Should I really continue with this rescue… should I really let her anywhere near me?

And yet… if I didn't find out the truth, would I ever learn how to safely navigate the minefield that was my head?

With a sigh of drunken irritation, I quelled my thoughts and silently followed Mission back into the depths of Taris.

xXx

I woke up the next morning, groggy and nauseous. It took a moment to re-orient myself; I vaguely remembered stumbling after Mission into the outcast village. Our makeshift camp was really just shelter under a rat-infested building, but it was enough for me to sleep. Thus far, I seemed to find it easy to sleep just about anywhere.

As I crawled to my feet, I noticed the others eating some sort of stew by the entrance. I wondered briefly where the food had come from; Onasi must have sweet-talked some of the villagers. I don't see many supplies around here. And the only animals are vermin. I shrugged when I realized that might very well be a viable food source. If it wasn't killing the outcasts with food poisoning, then I should be alright.

Somehow, I had the feeling Jen Sahara would be feeling substantially more squeamish.

Mission saw me first as I slowly approached the group.

"Bet you're feeling awful today!" Mission exclaimed brightly, grinning. Carth shot me a small, disappointed frown before turning away, and the Wookiee grunted in acknowledgement.

"Mm, I've been better," I said noncommittally, ignoring the thumping in my head.

"Want some?" the Twi'lek offered. My stomach rumbled loudly, and I eagerly took a portion. Chunks of unidentifiable brown cubes floated into an equally brown sauce. Well, it certainly matches the Undercity. I slowly ate a spoonful; it was warm, filling, and about as bland as the Upper City cantina fare. So far, my opinion of Tarisian cuisine was decidedly average.

Carth was still injured, and by mutual consent we decided to wait another day before infiltrating the Vulkar base. Mutual, all apart from Flyboy himself, who wanted to get it over and done with. We have six days before the swoop race; five if we get the accelerator tomorrow. To my surprise, Carth didn't argue too loudly. In fact, he seemed to be ignoring me. I saved his life, and he's pissy with me?

I spent the day hanging around the Lower City. Mission tried to cajole me into a game of pazaak, and by the look on her face I surmised someone had told her about my awful last performance. Thank you, Flyboy. I was vaguely aware that we were driving each other crazy. It's a good thing Mission and Zaalbar are here to diffuse the tension, even if not for long. I expected we'd part company after the Vulkar base raid.

I had a quick trip back to the apartment, picking up the few grenades I'd left behind. Hopefully I wouldn't be back; all going according to plan we'd acquire the accelerator, rescue Bastila, and then I'd be off. I don't want to be around her. Just fulfil my deal with Onasi, and then disappear. I wondered if it would be that easy. I quenched the traitorous voice that pointed out I'd already done enough by saving his life.

We were all kitted up and ready to go the next day; even Zaalbar emerged with a vibrosword strapped to his back. Mission had disappeared briefly on a shopping expedition, whether she actually paid credits for her equipment I wasn't sure. Regardless, she'd come back with a couple of bio-scanners and lowlight sonic visors for us all, excluding Zaalbar whose night vision, it turned out, was as incredible as the rest of his species.

Bio-scanners and sonic visors. Stars, I realized ruefully, we were terribly equipped last time.

I'd dallied with the idea of delaying matters one more day – we had the time to spare, and Carth was still in pain despite his protestations to the contrary. Somehow, I doubted he'd listen to reason. Besides, I want to finish this as much as he does.

Heading to the Outside, we kept Mission between us as she scouted on the 'scanner, her other hand grasping the sole light-rod we'd need in the sewers. Even sonic lowlight visors wouldn't help in the absence of all light, but the faint glow from just one rod would be enough for technology to grant us full vision.

There were two small groups of rakghouls it was difficult to avoid; I stuck with my blaster, while Zaalbar charged in and dispatched them. He'd assured us that Wookiees could not get the rakghoul disease, and I was glad he didn't have to prove it, as we made swift progress towards the sewers. After Onasi's close brush with death, I was particularly appreciative of the extra muscle. Wookiees were tough.

The decomposing, fetid stench of the sewers swamped me as we entered, and I struggled not to gag. Our light-rods illuminated a similar expression on Carth's face; we shared a silent look of disgust at the smell, and then followed Zaalbar into the bowels of the Undercity.

"So guys," Mission whispered as we journeyed through a long, dank corridor. The light-rod threw up shadows along the walls; I could see what looked like green slime oozing down one side. "What are we doing inside in the Vulkar base?"

"(You are not doing anything inside the Vulkar base, Mission)," Zaalbar growled, prompting a sulky pout from the Twi'lek.

They deserve to know, no matter what Onasi thinks. "Gadon's asked us to retrieve or destroy a prototype accelerator," I told her, my eyes searching the sewers for any hint of danger. I sensed Carth stiffen in annoyance next to me.

"Really?" Mission squeaked. "I thought he was going to send some Beks after it!"

"I daresay we're more dispensable," Carth said. His voice was very dry.

"(That is a dangerous task)," Zaalbar commented. "(Gadon is doing something for you in return?)"

"Yes he is," I confirmed. "But I shall say no more, in fear of Flyboy's blasters."

"Jen," Carth said sharply. "Do you- are you answering the Wookiee? There's no way you can understand those howls-"

"(Shyriiwook is as much a language as your Galactic Basic!)" Zaalbar growled in annoyance. "(What is it with Humans and their self-absorption?)"

Carth glanced back at Zaalbar, chagrined as he realized the noise was directed at him. "Er, sorry Zaalbar. I didn't mean to offend- it's just that, Jen? Can you really understand him?"

"Gee, Carth, don't be such a dumb nerf-herder," Mission cut in. "I can understand Shyriiwook."

In the dim light of glow-sticks, I was sure I could see the faint red of embarrassment flush on his neck. I grinned, refused to answer, and walked on.

We journeyed further into the sewers without incident, skirting to the east of the rooms Zaalbar had been kept captive in. He looked that way numerous times, and I wondered if it was nervousness, or a desire for vengeance should any Gamorrean slavers make an appearance. As long as there weren't too many, I was fairly confident we could handle them. The four of us make a great team.

Eventually we reached the forcefield Mission had told us about. It glowed a faint, shimmering blue, and halted access to a solitary tunnel. A terminal was bolted on the wall, looking decidedly out of place.

Mission skipped ahead, retrieving a datapad out of her utility belt. By the time I'd walked closer, she was already running commands through the system with practised ease. Either she was the fastest splicer on Taris, or she'd somehow gained access through another method.

Regardless, the Twi'lek obviously knew what she was doing with computers. A minute later, a slithering hiss sounded as the azure forcefield deactivated.

"Easy as kassi-loaf," Mission chortled. "I've been wanting to get past here for ages. Lucky I lifted those codes when I did."

She's only just acquired the deactivation sequence, I realized. How coincidental is that? I shivered, and felt a familiar faintness creep in around the edges of my sanity.

A robed Zabrak woman was staring at me intently through intelligent turquoise eyes. "The Force is the energy of all living things, Padawan. It surrounds us, it binds us. It is life in its purest form," she said. Her voice was quiet, yet strangely compelling. "And it works through us all, Jedi and non-Jedi alike. In the end, there is no such thing as coincidence."

Something nudged me and I gasped. A sharp pain stabbed deep into my head from where I'd banged it on the 'Spire, before fading into a dull throb.

"Jen, are you okay?" Carth asked in a low voice. I realized that Mission and Zaalbar were some steps ahead, looking back at us in confusion.

"I'm okay," I muttered. "Just my head playing up."

He was frowning at me, his eyes dark with concern, when a roar in the distance grabbed everyone's attention. I noticed warily that the walls shook slightly with the vibration.

"What in the blazes was that?" Carth asked. He'd raised his blaster, pointing it down the shadowed corridor that was now accessible. He was standing in an alert, military stance, feet apart and hands steadily aiming his weapon. He certainly is the archetype Republic soldier, I thought in half-irritation, half-admiration. He made it look good.

"I dunno," Mission replied in a quieter voice. "You hear the roars down here sometimes, but I've never known what creates it."

"Maybe it's the Vulkar door chime," I muttered. Mission giggled.

"(It is the planet slowly dying)," Zaalbar howled mournfully. "(Of death and disease and decay)."

While I didn't doubt that Taris was a chivhole of a planet, I didn't think Zaalbar had the right of it. Regardless, we had to move on – and if the Vulkars came this way, then they must have a path that didn't encounter whatever made that noise. I hoped.

Gripping tight my blaster, I followed Zaalbar into the unknown. We reached a large chamber that was eerily empty.

My boots crunched on something, and I looked down. A pile of old bones, the final resting place of some poor sod. I crouched, and moved the rubble aside. Huh, a journal of some description. The words 'Promised Land' caught my eye. That's the second one I've found. Well, I suppose I could make a loony old man happy.

There were two exits, and we veered off to another long, empty, dark corridor. The creepy atmosphere seemed to affect us all; no one had spoken a word in quite some time. I wondered if I could hear faint munching noises in the distance, or if the atmosphere was beginning to fray my focus.

The passageway emptied out into a vast cavern, half of it in lightless shadow. The room was huge, far bigger than any we had come across so far. I peered suspiciously at the far end of the catacomb – anything could be hiding there.

"There's something wrong with the 'scanner," Mission murmured, following Zaalbar into the room. Carth and I were some steps behind as Mission picked a path through piles of rubble that littered the area. "Again. Sheesh, there ain't nothing that big. This 'scanner is scrap. Who's got the other one?"

It was an enormous room with large heaps of debris dotted throughout it. Deeper in the bowels of the place we could see the outline of a door on the left, and an open entrance on the right. But further still, there was nothing but shadow. The meagre glow from the light-rod would only travel so far, it seemed.

Movement caught my eye; I turned to see a gigantic shadow enlarge from the darkened end. I froze. Nothing could be that big. Nothing!

A deafening roar slammed into my eardrums, and the obscure shape lumbered towards us in a sudden move. Mission shrieked in panic and ran to the side of the catacomb. I caught a glimpse of her struggling with a door that did not budge. Zaalbar sprinted after her, skirting past the monster. It hadn't seen them, and instead was heading straight for me.

It roared a second time.

I stared at the oncoming mass in a sense of bewilderment and growing determination. I will not flee! Nothing frightens me! My throat clenched. Flee!

I was yanked unceremoniously backwards as Carth grabbed my arm.

"Run!" he bellowed. That broke my trance, and the two of us turned and bolted to the only other exit. Adrenaline spiked a fire through my veins as the beast howled. An eerie, bone-shaking noise of death. I could almost feel its hot, sticky breath brushing my neck.

Carth reached the doorway, turning his head to yell something at me. Another roar, and something whisked along my back, barely making contact. I stumbled. I won't make it! Hot desperation lurched me forwards. I need to move faster!

I screamed, and jumped the last few metres.

The air around me stretched. I was suspended forever as time telescoped into nothing. A faint buzzing tickled my ears. I hadn't thought my leap would carry me to the doorway, but now it seemed like I was going to crash into the wall beyond. I raised my hands belatedly.

As my limbs collapsed against the hard surface of freedom, there was a loud crash from behind. It took a dazed second before I realized the monster had barrelled straight into the doorway. Pellets of rubble spat fierce arrows into my back as my hands steadied against the wall.

I threw a frantic look over my shoulder to behold a horrifying sight. That's a rancor, a voice muttered. The monster snarled, thrusting a giant head against a doorway too small to fit through. A chunk of torn panelling ripped free from the side of the doorway.

Sun and stars! This is too frelling close! My horrified gaze slid sideways, catching on the prone figure of Carth. Crumpled and lifeless, in a heap on the ground. Sithspit!

Another piercing howl had me jerking back to the rancor; it had retreated just far enough to drive a claw through the damaged opening. Sharp talons scrabbled at the sides, tearing through framework that wouldn't hold it back for long.

Fright vanished out of necessity. I jumped into action, grabbed Carth's unresisting arms, and yanked him fiercely down the corridor. With the heat of need adding strength to my grip, Carth didn't even feel heavy. My skin prickled as I focused on only one objective: get further down the narrow corridor where the monster cannot follow.

The illusion of safety slowly, slowly calmed my thundering heart. I stared back at the distant entrance - a gaping hole that had been a door-sized aperture moments ago. It's still far too small for a rancor to get through. And it can't follow down us down here. The rancor seemed to agree, for it retreated again, this time disappearing entirely.

Muffled grunts and growls of annoyance reverberated through the ancient stonework as the rancor moved back into its prison of a chamber. I expelled a shaky sign, and knelt down to check on Carth.

I just hope Mission made it through the other exit. Carth groaned as I searched for a pulse, mumbling something incoherently. If they didn't make it out-

The high-pierced shriek of a girl iced my heart. The familiar sound of a Wookiee howling immediately followed. Oh no. My stomach lurched. They're still there.

I stood. I ran. I was back at the damaged doorway-

The rancor roared from further back in the cavern. My mind had frozen over, but my legs were sprinting forwards. I was metres deep in the cavern when I saw them. Trapped in a corner, Zaalbar standing protectively in front of Mission.

They're going to die. This is their end.

…unless I did something.

"Come back here, you filthy beast!" I shrieked, running into the room.

I can't let them die.

If they can't take care of themselves, they deserve to die for their weakness.

I must get out of here! This is too terrifying!

I can't let them die.

"Turn around, you flea-bitten kath pup! Are you too scared to face me?" I had no idea where the words were coming from. The rancor ignored me as it advanced on the others. Zaalbar stepped back, growling, pushing Mission deep into the corner behind him.

My eyes caught on a fist-sized rock, and I scrabbled to pick it up. I hurled it with all my might, and watched numbly as the rock bounced harmlessly off the rancor's naturally armoured back. The monster lurched within swiping distance of the Wookiee.

"(Run, Mission!)" Zaalbar roared in desperation.

"I can't!" she sobbed.

Speed. Desperation laced my steps as I sprinted towards the creature, drawing my blade as I ran. Everything around me lengthened. Each step took an eternity, but the others appeared frozen in time. The rancor had a claw upwards, the start of a killing blow aimed at the Wookiee. A long, deep scream erupted viciously from my lungs as I hurled my vibrosword at the rancor's leg.

With a soundless snap, my surroundings clicked back into place. Reality shortened.

The rancor stumbled as the blade dug into its lower limb. It screeched and turned around to face me.

"Run!" I bellowed at the others.

They gathered their wits, and made a dash for the exit I had come from. The beast shook his leg in annoyance, and my vibrosword went whirling into the dark. I resisted the insane urge to go collect it.

The creature drew itself up to its full height, the top of its head brushing the ceiling of the extensive cavern. It roared in anger, huge red eyes glinting with madness. Focused solely on me. Terror tightened my limbs, as I stared in stunned shock at the monster. A small voice whispered, bring it on! I could vaguely hear screaming from the recesses of my fragmented mind. The rancor crouched back onto its massive limbs, preparing for the kill. Get out of here! I twisted on the spot, and sprinted for my life.

The beast lumbered after me, bellowing in anger. My muscles pulsed and burned. Use the Force again! I saw Mission and Zaalbar sprint into the broken doorway, and out of sight. I reached out mentally and clutched at the power I was beginning to recognize, and once more everything took on that surreal, stretched look as events were frozen in time for an instant or two.

The rancor smashed head first into the broken doorway, as the Force propelled me around the corner. The foundations of the sewers rumbled in discontent as the monster howled and tore through ancient stonework. My vision was speckled and mottled, my lungs burned as I panted, and as I stumbled into relative safety from the rancor's claws, I could feel the shaky weakness of my limbs.

Well, that was fun. I tried desperately to control my breathing as I caught up to the others. I could have killed it, no pathetic rancor frightens me! I closed my eyes as the panic slowly ebbed. I was pretty frightened, alright.

"Jen!" Mission sobbed, and clutched onto me. Adrenaline still burned fire through me, along with a simmering senseless rage, and I was quick to disentangle myself. I gave her a cursory pat on the shoulder. "I thought it got you!" she wailed.

"I think it almost did," I muttered.

"Whatever possessed you to run back in there?" Carth was awake, and speaking in a very quiet voice.

"Just my daily dose of lunacy," I quipped, somewhat breathlessly. My vision had cleared now, and normality was slowly seeping back into my bones. I sucked in a deep, calming breath of air.

"(You have saved my life again, Jen Sahara)," Zaalbar rumbled, walking over to me. "(And now Mission's, as well)."

I shrugged uncomfortably. Gratitude was not something I particularly wanted. "Forget it," I mumbled.

"(I cannot. You put your own life in jeopardy twice to save mine. There is only one way I can repay such an act: I will swear a lifedebt to you)."

I froze; my muscles clenched in surprise. A lifedebt? I felt like the rancor really had walloped me. It was still roaring furiously back in the chamber. A Wookiee slave, that could be useful. I swallowed. I don't want anyone around; just finish the quest and get out of here. I heard Mission squeak in surprise. But Zaalbar is such a nice guy. What's a lifedebt?

"A lifedebt?" Mission whispered. "Are you sure about that, Big Z?"

"A what?" Carth sounded puzzled.

"(This is an issue of great importance to me, Mission)," Zaalbar rumbled. "(Jen Sahara has twice now saved my life; once from slavery which I consider worse than death. She has also rescued you, when I could not)."

"Wow – this is major." Mission turned to face me. "Do you realize what this means?"

"I don't need this, Zaalbar," I told him seriously.

"What are you all talking about?" Carth asked. "And Jen, I suppose you learnt Shyriiwook during your study as well?" he ended sarcastically.

Zaalbar bellowed at Carth, who glared in response.

"(Nevertheless, Jen Sahara, it is my decision. You have kept Mission from harm, and saved me twice from death)."

"But I don't know where I'm going! I don't know what my future holds." I didn't mean for my voice to sound so desperate. And Carth was looking at me strangely. I bit back a scowl.

"(Then I shall follow, and endeavour to help you)." Zaalbar took a deep breath. "(In the presence of you all I swear my lifedebt. Forever after I will be by your side, Jen Sahara. My honour and my strength are yours. May my vow be as strong as the roots of the great wroshyr trees of Kashyyyk)."

My head had bowed during Zaalbar's speech, whether out of dismay or respect I could no longer tell. The vow is done now; Zaalbar cannot take it back. I should at least accept it graciously.

"I am honoured to accept your vow, Zaalbar."

"You know this is a sacred, irreversible vow?" Mission interrupted. I nodded at her, and she continued. "I guess this means you're stuck with me, too. Wherever Big Z goes, I'm going. I almost lost him once - it's not gonna happen again."

I blinked. Well, if I get the walking rug, I may as well take the snot-nosed kid too, I thought sourly. Stars, Onasi is going to have a fit.

"Stuck with...? Just what's going on?" Carth had folded his arms, frowning at us all.

"Geez, Carth, you're so slow!" Mission rolled her eyes. "Big Z's just sworn a lifedebt to Jen. So I guess we're all one big happy family now!" She beamed.

I felt slightly nauseous.

"Family?" he echoed weakly. He blinked at me. "Lifedebt? Why?"

"While you were snoozing, Jen ran back in and saved our lives!" Mission enlightened him. "We'd have been Mr Rancor's dinner if not for her!"

Carth's mouth dropped open, and he stared in confusion at me. Heh, I think I worry him when I do the right thing. "Oh," he said quietly, his dark eyes searching mine.

I turned away. "Let's go find that Vulkar base, it can't be far. I want to find out which gang member had the bright idea of using a rancor as a guard."

And then I'm going to castrate him.

xXx