Infiltration

- Jen Sahara -


My head was spinning.

I scurried back to the apartments, stumbling over my own feet, nervously avoiding the gaze of any passing sentient as I rushed across the Tarisian courtyards. The Upper City of Taris gleamed with the trappings of wealth and civilization. There were no trees. Just durasteel and chrome and transparisteel everywhere, stretching forever into a faraway sky that was more washed-out and muted than any I had seen on Deralia.

This place was as foreign as the Endar Spire, and I hadn't been comfortable there.

What's been going on? The voice was a high-pitched whine in my head. My thoughts were a frightened jumble of fragments, tripping over themselves and spinning into a dizzying maelstrom. I hadn't been acting... normal since that horrifying attack on the Endar Spire.

I swallowed convulsively. Flashes of hair-raising adventures and crazy battles ran through my head like a horde of spooked Deralian hessi-calves. How did any of- of- of everything that has happened come to pass? I don't know how to fight!

I'd never seen a vibrosword before in my life. But I'd been wielding one, using it to stab into- into-

Sweat broke out on my forehead. My breath came in short, sharp gasps, thundering along with my heartbeat. The doctor. The doctor will help-

He was a trained professional. Doctor Forn had urged me to return, later today, and I rather thought I needed to. For my own peace of mind.

I have nothing to be alarmed about. All these strange thoughts I've been having, the frightening way I've been behaving- he'll help me. I just need to get back to safety, first, and then the doc will see me later.

I slunk back into the apartment building, evading the gaze of the resident aliens. Just being alone on this strange world was alarming. All I yearned for was to be back home, safely ensconced in the academia, or even back with Father-

He'll be desperately worried about me. At least I could count on him not hearing about the Endar Spire. Wide-band HoloNet coverage was severely discouraged in the Godsworn Commune, and only grudgingly allowed for scholarly purposes. And as for a commune inhabitant actually travelling off-world-

Sometimes, I couldn't believe Father had actually let me leave.

My thoughts were so awhirl, that I didn't even notice the body until I tripped over it.

I caught myself on the palms of my hands, rolling back into a ready crouch on instinct. Turned sideways, to see-

Dead eyes staring at me blankly. Round, dark eyes of a Duros who bore a blaster burn melting half his chest.

Victim of an Exchange take-out, a voice muttered calmly in my head. Idiots should've at least cleaned up their mess.

Horror turned in my gut. A desperate cry fell from my lips. Bodies, death, everywhere! This isn't real- none of this can be true-

I ran.

Everything was so surreal, so strange, so wrong. My eyes blurred as my feet padded desperately down the empty hallway. There'd been other deaths, deaths at my hand-

Innocent deaths-

That passerby I'd ruthlessly attacked. And- before- I'd somehow... lifted that Vulkar into the air. Fantasies. Nightmares. I can't use the Force!

Jen? Where are you?

Strange voices in my head. I'd had some delusion about sharing a mind-link with a Jedi, and what did that even mean?

Jen?

I was even hearing her voice in my mind! Jedi Shan, that powerful Force-user from the Endar Spire, the one who'd been taken prisoner-

And wasn't that a lark, someone gibed. Precious princess of the Order, held captive by a lowly swoop gang of all things-

I flinched. The dark voice fled, and I glanced up to see the apartment door in front of me. The hide-out we'd been taking refuge in. For we were Republic fugitives – Captain Onasi and Jedi Shan and myself – all striving desperately to avoid the notice of the Sith in a rundown living complex.

My entire life sounded like a poorly planned-out plot from one of those trashy holo-books that Father had always decried. I didn't think we were even paying anybody rent. Wasn't that illegal, not to mention immoral?

Jen!

The hatch control beeped in reassuring confirmation beneath my palm. Captain Onasi had programmed it with our autoprint, I knew that much – but I was at once assailed with the memory of slicing the thing open. That was nothing but pure insanity- I didn't know how to pick locks-

The entrance swished open.

Jedi Shan was sitting on the sole bed, head bowed, rich hair unbraided and pulled back into two tails. Her head jerked up at my entrance, and her expression contorted in fear.

"Jen!" she gasped, jumping to her feet.

Fear? Why would a Jedi be afraid?

I felt my shoulders shake as I stumbled inside. At least, around Jedi Shan, I would be safe.

"Where have you been?" she demanded, and whatever emotion I had seen on her face transformed back into poise. "Are you alright?"

"No," I whispered, looking down as the door closed behind me. My shoe scuffed against the tattered plyfoam floor. "Um, not really."

"What happened?" Jedi Shan breathed as she walked towards me. Her steps were cautious and slow.

"Nothing," I mumbled. The room was empty apart from us two. A heap of equipment was stacked in the corner, next to two folded blankets. My head throbbed; the echo of that injury back on the Endar Spire, the incident that had somehow turned me into- into someone else. I blinked, glancing up at the Jedi. "Where are the others?"

Jedi Shan's gaze was heavy; questioning, and pulling for answers I could not give. "Mission has ventured out to purchase the astromech droid. We are fortunate she can afford it. Carth accompanied her, although he was somewhat aggrieved that you had disappeared." Her voice was composed, apart from the slightest hint of reproach. "I understood from him that this is not the first time."

I blushed in furious embarrassment. I've been so rude to the captain. Why? What's wrong with me? He's a Republic officer, for Godsworn sake!

"Jen, where did you go?" Jedi Shan asked, and her voice was strangely compelling. I felt the strongest urge to tell her everything. She is a Jedi. I can trust her, and she can help me.

"I went to, uh, to see Doctor Forn," I answered quickly. "He works at the Central Free Clinic. He's been helping me."

Jedi Shan's almond-shaped eyes widened. "Helping you with what?" she demanded. The sharpness of her tone cut through the stagnant air.

"Um, to- um, control my anger," I mumbled. Jedi Shan was someone I could trust, I knew that much. "He was trying some hypnosis techniques, and said we made progress. I- er, I do feel more like myself, Jedi Shan."

If I believed in this fantastical mind-link, then the stunned astonishment I felt swirling through me would surely be coming from Jedi Shan. But it's not real. It is a fake construction of mine. Head injuries can do all sorts of things to a brain. I am Jen Sahara, nothing more and nothing less.

I have nothing to be alarmed about.

"Jedi Shan?" Bastila Shan replied with a touch of asperity, her face composed. "You can call me Bastila, you have certainly done so before."

I- had. And I certainly hadn't afforded her the respect someone like her deserved. "Okay," I said hesitantly.

"Jen, you must explain exactly what occurred at the medical facility." Bastila seemed to hesitate, a frown pleating on her pale brow. "You are my charge, and I sense a great change in you. You can trust me, Jen."

I did trust her. Jedi Shan would keep me safe.

Weak minded fool! A voice sneered inside my head. Bastila stumbled back a pace. No! You're not real! I won't listen to you!

The hatch behind us opened, and other voices shattered my internal chaos.

"I don't see why I can't tag along, it's my droid after all!" a girl complained. I spun around, to see a young blue Twi'lek glaring at a towering Wookiee. My eyes widened. Mission Vao. Zaalbar.

I'd met only a few Twi'leks in my life, and all onboard the Endar Spire. I'd certainly never even seen a Wookiee before. He appeared uncommonly fierce, tall and muscular and covered in snarled fur.

"(It's too dangerous!)" Zaalbar whined as he followed the teenage Twi'lek inside, ducking under the door's entrance. A small astromech droid wheeled in behind them, whistling at the girl.

I stumbled backwards, away from them. How can I understand Shyriiwook? I thought in anxious fright. Tremors wracked down my spine as other memories assailed me. And Mandalorian? And Ryl? A head injury can't do that! What's going on?

A warm hand pressed comfortingly into my arm; at my side, Bastila was staring at me steadily.

"It will be alright, Jen," she murmured, and her voice was reassurance itself. "I will help you, I promise. You will be just fine with me here."

I will be just fine with Jedi Bastila Shan, I realized.

Blithering idiot! The taunt was quieter now. I thought I caught a twitch on Jedi Shan's face, but when I turned to look, she was gifting me with a serene smile.

"It will be okay," she said softly.

It will be okay.

"Another midnight escapade, Jen?" The question was as disapproving as it was rhetorical. I glanced back, to spot the commanding presence of Captain Carth Onasi. He was levelling a heavy frown at me, raking a hand through his rich brown hair.

I flushed. "I, uh, I'm sorry." I mumbled, looking away.

"Oh great, back to the apologies," I heard him mutter. Humiliation writhed inside me; that I could disappoint a man I respected so much shamed me. Bastila's hand on my arm was an anchor through my awkward chagrin.

"Jen, tell Big Z that I'm coming along as well!" Mission complained, coming to stand in front of me. Her hands were clenched, and her face was set in an expression of pure teenage pique.

I blinked in surprise at her effusive demand. Who am I to tell a Wookiee anything? I glanced helplessly at Bastila. Oh my, did he really swear a lifedebt to me?

"You are too noticeable, Mission," Bastila said smoothly. "Your skills are useful, but non-Humans garner attention in the Upper City. The same rationale applies to Zaalbar. I will infiltrate the Sith base, along with Carth and Jen."

Infiltrate... infiltrate a Sith base? I stared fearfully at Bastila, but the Jedi's expression was resolute. But I can't- I can't fight!

Her fingers pressed into my upper arm as she leaned close. "Do not be alarmed, Jen," she whispered. "I will protect you."

"(I must go)," Zaalbar rumbled in discontent. "(I must guard Jen Sahara's back)." The Wookiee's black eyes were fierce underneath his shaggy brown fur. I was reminded, at once, of all those monstrous rakghouls down in the Undercity. He'd scythed through them- dispatched them as easily as a group of harmless tach.

The memories were fresh and raw and wholly unbelievable.

"It will be only us three, Zaalbar," Bastila repeated firmly. But Zaalbar was shaking his furry head in the face of her command. He was ready to protest further, and I realized – somewhat uncomfortably – that he was looking to me for guidance.

Lifedebt. He swore a lifedebt. How can brain damage transform me into the sort of violent warrior that produces a Wookiee lifedebt?

"We should do what Jedi Sh- uh, Bastila says," I stuttered.

"Jen," Mission squawked in alarm. "What's wrong with you?" The Twi'lek strode closer, frowning. One hand rose to push a set of tech-goggles higher back on her lekku. "Are you okay?"

"Nothing is wrong with her," Bastila countered, stepping in front of me. Her intonation brimmed with authority. "But I must speak with Jen alone, now, before we begin preparations for our forthcoming mission. Please excuse us."

And with that, Bastila motioned me imperiously into the tiny bathroom adjoining the apartment. It housed the refresher and a floor space of about three foot square. I blinked in surprise, dodged Carth's stare of consternation, and meekly followed her in.

xXx

The new droid that followed Mission about seemed very high-tech. When Bastila and I returned to the others – after an uncomfortable conversation where the Jedi became highly frustrated at my inability to recall much of my conversation with Doctor Forn – Mission had cornered me to espouse jubilantly about all of T3-M4's capabilities. We had droids back at the Godsworn Commune, but only medical and utility bots. I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable at all the slicing and security functions this highly modified class-two astromech boasted.

Mission's enthusiastic spiel was interrupted eventually by Bastila, who was keen to get moving. I wasn't. The prospect of entering a Sith base was simply, frightening – for all that the Jedi's presence reassured me. Why, I wondered, couldn't we just stay on Taris, hiding in the apartment where it was safe?

Yeah, why not. It's not like the Sith are looking for us or anything. I shook my head, dispelling the strangely sarcastic voice.

Bastila was poking through the ominous pile of weapons on the apartment floor. She retrieved a double-bladed implement and hefted it thoughtfully. It was obvious the Jedi was at home wielding a melee weapon.

Just as it was obvious that I was not. The Godsworn commune was a pacifistic society; other than shiv-blades and standard kitchen utensils, I'd never held an edged blade before.

Except recently. Against the rakghouls. Against all manner of opponents.

Bastila was looking at me again, a steadying gaze of concern.

Maybe I'm possessed, I thought frantically. Maybe I'm having a mental breakdown.

Relax, Jen. Her voice rang in my mind. It will be okay. Trust in the Force. Her expression, her very sense of being, seemed to embodiment a state of serenity... and it did comfort me. Bastila smiled, before handing me a light blaster. I swallowed, and clipped it to my belt hurriedly.

"No blades," the captain broke in. "No unconcealed weaponry. Bastila, I heard the Sith are arresting citizens on sight that don't have permits. I'm not sure about the validity of that intel, but striding through the courtyards brandishing vibroswords isn't exactly keeping a low profile. We shouldn't risk it."

Captain Onasi was right – but I'd taken to hiding one underneath that bulky coat. Like some sort of ridiculous criminal-

"Jen," Mission began, stomping over and placing herself in front of me. "I helped in the Vulkar base. You know I did. I'm the one that bought Teethree-"

"Only blasters then," Bastila murmured in disappointment, before placing the double-blade back on the ground. "The Force is with us. Perhaps we shall not even need those."

"Mission, Bastila has a point about the Upper City," Carth said wearily. "And being a Tarisian, I rather think you know that already."

"(I don't like this any more than you, Mission)," Zaalbar added in a low voice. "(But this is not the place for us. Allow the others to do what they must)."

Mission's alien blue face twisted in a scowl, but she was looking at me as if I made all the decisions. I gave a tiny shake of my head, before dropping her gaze to glance back at Bastila.

"Fine!" the girl snapped petulantly. "Well, if I'm not needed, I'm gonna go skive back down-level, find someone who actually wants me around. Teethree, stay here and listen to Jen. She's the one who's been leading us all this time, after all."

Carth sighed. "Mission, don't go, we'll be back soon-"

With an irritated huff, the Twi'lek spun on her heel and stormed out.

"(I better follow her)," Zaalbar rumbled disconsolately. "(Even our path to the Lower City can be sighted by upworlders if Mission is not careful. I will ensure she returns)."

An uneasy silence descended on us after the large Wookiee left, and I felt strangely uneasy. I wasn't sure exactly what I'd done to earn the Twi'lek's ire, but I could only hope she wouldn't stay angry for long. My shoulders hunched as I noticed the captain staring at me in confusion.

"Come," Bastila commanded, standing protectively at my side. "I am beginning to feel a certain urgency to start moving." She was frowning, her gaze growing oddly distant. "I am uncertain if this is premonition or purely..."

She trailed off as the astromech wheeled closer, beeping jauntily at me. It's shiny dome swiveled, blue led lights twinkling as it tootled something in Binary.

"You need to do what Bastila asks," I told the droid hesitantly. "Bastila or Captain Onasi."

Bastila's smile at me was approving, but still- there was something watchful in her expression. "Let us depart," she said softly, before shooing Teethree out ahead of us. "I only hope we can accomplish this mission in stealth. I am not entirely sure we could handle a squadron of Sith guards."

"You'd be surprised what Jen can do," Carth commented, but his eyes on me were... worried. I glanced away.

"Regardless," Bastila continued. "I have faith that T3-M4's computer skills and my persuasion techniques will keep us out of any unnecessary bloodshed."

"Unnecessary bloodshed?" Carth scoffed, as I followed them out the door. "I'd like to think you're right, but we're breaking into a heavily guarded Sith base." His tone rose slightly with derision. "We'd better all be prepared to kill, if required."

"T3-M4 should be able to access the Sith mainframe from any terminal," Bastila replied quietly. "With the Force by our side, we may only have to reach one computer to achieve our goal."

"And you think it'll be unguarded?" Carth muttered under his breath.

I trudged behind them reluctantly as we made our way through the Upper City, and found myself walking beside the new droid. Despite it's rather... unethical list of capabilities, the little astromech appeared an innocuous sort. Teethree was a better name, I thought, than that mouthful of a model number Bastila insisted on using.

"Hi there, Teethree," I murmured. I'd always liked the utility droids back on Deralia.

"Beep! Beep-bop whoop," T3-M4 whistled at me. Aww, I wish I could understand the little fellow.

We lapsed into watchful silence as we crossed through the commercial sector. The place didn't seem so scary, now. Peaceful Tarisians strolled along the gleaming courtyards, as a weak sun beat down on our heads. It was hard to believe how different this world was, just metres below our feet.

I noticed one small squad of patrolling Sith guards, bedecked in anonymous black armour as they marched along the fringes of the thinning residents. I kept my gaze down after that.

"There it is," Carth broke the silence some time later, his steps slowing. Up ahead, in a relatively deserted cul-de-sac, loomed the entrance to a large complex bordered by obsidian pillars. "The Sith base. Used to be some noble's home before the Sith repurposed it." He let out a disgruntled sort of noise. "Are you sure about this, Bastila? The whole plan seems... riskier than I would like."

Bastila halted next to him, frowning into the distance. "It is the only way, Carth. And, in truth, I feel a sense of certainty about this. Sometimes, a trained Jedi can sense possibilities upon the Force. Have faith. It will work out."

"Jedi feelings," Carth muttered. I had the distinct impression he didn't think much of her answer, but maybe the captain didn't understand just how powerful a Jedi could be. "We call that gut instinct, Bastila. Half the time it's nothing more than adrenaline spurring you on."

I closed my eyes. I want to go home. The spare blaster dug into my hip. I can't use a weapon! My breath was shaky. A foreign feeling of irritated fury swelled inside me, and that sneering voice snarled once more. This is bantha crap. I'm going to disembowel someone... anyone!

"Jen!" Bastila snapped suddenly. I jerked my eyes opened, startled. She had a fierce expression that dissolved once my gaze met hers. She walked closer, placing a gentle hand on my arm. "Relax," she said softly. "Trust in me, trust in the Force."

I nodded slowly, and the dark thoughts disappeared. I glanced sideways to see a frown of suspicion etched into the countenance of the Republic captain. His gaze was darting between the both of us.

"I shall proceed to have a polite conversation with the Sith guard," Bastila said smoothly. Further afield, I could see the lone figure Bastila referred to, standing at attention near the base's entrance. My stomach clenched. "As soon as he permits me inside, follow. And please, act nonchalant. There is little foot-traffic here, but we cannot be too careful."

Bastila breathed in, surveying the area. The bustling courtyard behind us had a steady stream of sentients, but the cul-de-sac was quiet. Which made sense, as who would want to attract the notice of the Sith?

With a nod to us both, Bastila motioned for the astromech to follow her, and began striding confidently towards the guard. The little droid whistled once, and then followed her obediently.

Carth took a step to my side. I glanced at him sideways; a lock of hair had fallen into his eyes, which were dark with confusion.

"Okay, want to tell me what's going on?" he said in a low tone.

"N-nothing," I muttered, my shoulders hunching.

"Nothing?" he countered sharply. "Jen… are you alright? You- you're acting like a different person."

I blinked, staring at him. His frown was slowly transforming into a scowl.

"S-shouldn't we, uh, be keeping an eye on Jedi Sh- I mean, Bastila?" I stuttered, looking back to Bastila. She'd reached the guard, now, and was deep in conversation.

"Jedi Shan?" Carth echoed in disbelief. "What are you playing at, Jen? Are you trying to toy with Bastila? Or is it me?"

My eyes flew to his; his brows had lowered, and he was glaring furiously at me. "No!" I said in horror. "I'm not playing at anything! I don't understand what you mean!"

A stony shutter fell over his face, and he stared at me coldly. "Fine. Have it your way." Carth turned to face the Sith base entrance once more, folding his arms. My face heated with humiliation, and I felt slightly nauseous. I don't understand, what have I done to offend him?

I don't give a ronto's arse. A dark sneer.

This is frelling ridiculous. An annoyed retort.

No, I am Jen Sahara! A desperate plea.

Jen! Stop it! Focus! Again, I seemed to be hearing Bastila. I gulped, and stared down at the ground. It was made of a sort of poraclay, up here on Upper Taris. Parts of it sparkled in the sunlight. Back in the commune, only our best dinnerware had been made of poraclay.

I must trust Bastila, I reminded myself. These voices are not real. They are merely some sort of residual trauma from the head injury. Later, I would go back to the medical facility. Doctor Forn would know how to help me.

"She's in," Carth whispered. He began to stride towards the Sith base as I glanced around nervously. I saw a handful of citizens walking away from us, back towards the bustling courtyard, but there was no foot traffic in between us and the ominous building. The Sith guard had escorted Bastila inside, and Carth was halfway there already. I blinked, and raced after him.

We slipped into the double doors that heralded the entrance of the base, entering a large foyer. It appeared to be a reception area of some description. The same black obsidian pillars as outside also adorned the corners of this room, with a silver filigree pattern inlaid upon them. The ceiling itself was incredibly high, perhaps even the full height of the building. This place would be terribly expensive to heat in winter, I thought inanely.

Two auto-hatches exited the foyer on both sides. A green-skinned Twi'leki stood behind a large desk made out of the same black stone as the pillars. Her face was heavily plastered in cosmetics, and she was flanked by two Sith guards in the same full-body armour as the outside sentry.

That one was still chaperoning Bastila, as they approached the receptionist together.

The Twi'lek turned heavily outlined eyes on Bastila, pursing her bright red lips in annoyance. Her lekku were freshly waxed, and shone beneath the artificial lighting of the place. I noticed with trepidation that the two Sith guards had straightened to wary attention.

"What?" the Twi'lek drawled. She sounded utterly bored.

"I am here to see the governor," Bastila said firmly. "He is expecting me."

"Where is your identification?" one of the guards snapped out.

Bastila's head turned to appraise the Sith guards. "You are not needed here. Your superior wishes to see you now." Her words were weighty and strangely compelling, and one of her hands twitched slightly at her side. It seemed a benign and almost abstract gesture, and yet I somehow knew I was seeing Bastila Shan's mystical power at work.

I felt a sense of awe awake within me.

"Uh, I think the captain wants to see us," the guard on the left said mechanically.

"Yes, he requests to see all three of you now," Bastila intoned again, turning to eye over the sentry who had ushered her in.

"We had better see him," the second guard echoed.

"Uh, yes," the sentry stuttered. I stared in stunned astonishment as all three guards turned, and left through one of the doors. Wow! That is amazing!

The receptionist, however, was frowning in confusion. "Just who are you?" she demanded, tapping a lacquered fingernail impatiently next to an inlaid console on the desk.

"You need to go powder your nose," Bastila snapped.

The Twi'lek blinked dazedly, stepping backwards. "I'll be right back," she muttered, and fled out the other door.

Carth snickered. "Nice one. A little disconcerting how easy that is for you, though."

That was so powerful! No wonder people admired the Jedi so. No wonder Bastila knew she could protect me. I had never met a Jedi, before my contract onboard the Endar Spire, but I'd read my share of transcripts and accountings of their fantastical deeds.

"It was not easy." Bastila sounded weary. "Nor does it always work. T3-M4, see if you can slice into the main system from here." Her gaze had moved to the exits. Carth had already unclipped his blasters in readiness as Bastila continued snapping out commands. "Search for the latest launch codes, and retrieve them."

The droid whistled in acknowledgement, and wheeled over to the reception terminal. A small probe extended from the astromech's chassis, before inserting into the bypass slot of the console.

"Jen, guard the other door," Carth hissed, and his voice sounded angry. I whirled around to see him leaning to the side of an exit, his dual blasters held firmly upright.

I'm no guard! With difficulty, I swallowed my fear and rushed to the other exit, fumbling to unclip the foreign weapon. I could only hope, desperately, that no one would enter.

"Bastila, this place will have surveillance," Carth clipped out. "If you don't want the Sith to know we're here, get Teethree to disable that first. Here's hoping no one's watching right now."

Bastila nodded. "Good thinking," she murmured, leaning down to relay the orders to Teethree.

I stood nervously by the hatch as the minutes ticked by. Silence lay thick like mola-syrup on the air, broken only by the clicks and whirrs of Teethree. My palms were sticky with nervous sweat, and the blaster felt unwieldy in my grasp.

I gasped as I heard footsteps in the distance.

"Someone's approaching my door," Carth muttered. "How far is Teethree?"

The droid whistled something encouraging.

"He's decrypting the codes," Bastila murmured. "Almost there, but we need more time."

"Well, you don't have it," Carth said curtly. "Get the droid to disable the hatch, or we'll end up with a fight on our hands."

"T3-M4, can you disable the right access door into this foyer?" Bastila fired at the droid. "Quickly?"

The droid beeped, whirred and then whistled. I heard a thunk from the wall behind Carth.

"The door's not opening, sergeant," someone snapped out from beyond the thick durasteel door.

"Damn. Why does everything break on this gods-cursed planet? These Tarisians can't do anything right. Davis, call maintenance," another voice commanded, and the sound of soldiers walking away met my ears with profound relief.

Carth grinned at Bastila; a hard, roguish sort of grin. "That'll buy us ten minutes while the tech finishes his caffa and donut."

"That was close," Bastila said softly. Her eyes looked tired. "T3-M4, download those codes and let us depart."

A minute later, and the droid whistled victoriously. A smug smile curved Bastila's face, dispersing the weariness, and she strode away from the desk. Her manner was confident and victorious.

"Mission accomplished." She smiled at Carth, and motioned us to join her. Part of me found it impossible to believe everything had fallen into place so easily – yet, that was the power of the Jedi, wasn't it? I'd certainly studied enough history to know just how amazing the Force could be.

"Let's get out of here," Carth muttered, striding along with Bastila to the exit. "Next up, we've got a blasted Mandalorian to meet."

xXx