Author's notes: There's a new official KotOR II website! It's just so cool! And the wallpapers, the test of your LS or DS affinity, the… wow! And the Jedi music is sooooo wonderful! And I planned to be a Sith the first time I play KotOR II… the music changed my mind. And Krea has some great lines there. "The Jedi Order is as old as time itself – it would take the might of the entire galaxy to strike us down!" Yeah, right. But it is inspiring.

Anyway, to the important stuff – the Star Map is the next chapter, expect another intermezzo soon. I hope you'll like it – it's… I won't tell you! Wait and see.

When I post the next chapter, you'll probably kill me because of the first scene (Bastila gets a brief chance to dig in Revan´s memories… and faces the consequences), because you won't like:
a) the memory I chose

b) Revan´s reaction (highly improbable. Think dark Force powers… mwahahaha)

c)(most probable) the point of the scene. And that's a major problem, because the rest of the story kinda… depends on it… well… the whole LS/DS thing…but it won't be obvious, I'll tell you that. It'll just get more confusing… just the way it should be. :)

But it's a unique plot-twist, I don't think anyone suggested Revan turned to the DS because of this… mostly because of this. She'll be explaining details to Carth later on. Much later on.

Should I post the chapter? Dare you read it? Choose your path…(KotOR theme in the background)

Brynn – Ever tried keeping the gizka throughout the entire game? I have to try that someday…

Dark Lord Daishi – fixed and corrected. Thanks for your enthusiasm – it's encouraging.

X X X

Chapter 16 – Mirage

X X X X

Revan woke up unnaturally early, as usual, and tested Bastila slightly again by projecting various not very good scenes from Sith missions to her. Not much later, she, the now rather jumpy Jedi (who insisted on supervising), Juhani and the two droids went out into the desert. Surprisingly, a Jawa approached them before they had a chance to leave the city.

"You there, of your kind, can you help Iziz of Jawa? There are troubles from the ghosts among the sands. " The Jawa – Iziz – said in the Trade language, approaching Revan.

"What is it you want, Iziz?" Revan asked, though in Basic.

"Iziz, I am. Leader of the tribe that is mine. You are the same in kind, a leader that stands before your tribe?" Iziz asked. "There are troubles that we have. The giants made of sand, they are horned ghosts that take us away. "

"HK?"

"Translation: 98 probability that members of the miniature organics tribe are being held by Sand People, Master. Doubtless he wishes assistance. " the droid explained.

"What about the other 2?" Juhani warily asked.

"Translation: 2 probability that the miniature organic is simply looking for trouble and needs to be blasted. That may be wishful thinking on my part, Master." he added to Revan.

"There has been no help given by asking the great group that digs with machines. Now Iziz asks you. I ask that you find us, and then bring away from the People of Sand. Then we will offer a trade with you. Long have we scavenged, among you and those that came before. We have things that you will like for this service." the Jawa promised.

"Why have they taken your people? " Bastila asked, obviously understanding his language.

"We find things, and they use them. Jawas slave, serving. They lead with the whip and gaffi. With the group that digs, we trade and are free. With people of sand, we serve and die. We prefer you. " Iziz noted.

"We are looking for something called a Star Map. Can you help? " Juhani asked.

Though they really couldn't see his face and his eyes were constantly glowing yellow, Iziz seemed to brighten up, his thoughts radiating hope. "These are things I know! Yes! From those that came before, the guide to lights far and away!" Iziz chirped, "I can tell you. Please, first help the tribe of Iziz among the People of Sand and we will trade what we each need. "

"You'll tell me after I help you? Why should I believe this? " Revan skeptically asked. She didn't need his help to find the map, but Juhani didn't know that.

"Warning: More likely the deceiving little organic hopes to trick you into going there so you release his people while searching, Master. " HK seriously noted.

"Beep! Beep-boop beep! " T3 put in.

"His small stature has nothing to do with it, droid. " HK snapped at the astromech.

"I know this! Listen to the words I could not know without seeing it! A map of stars to those from before! Please release the tribe, and I will make this known to you. Your rewards will be fair with me. " Iziz pleaded.

"We'll check it out when we leave the city. Goodbye. " Revan dismissively said.

"Iziz hopes you have the luck you need."

X X X

They had barely made it out the gate when a woman stopped them, eying them with suspicion, "Hello there. You're heading out to the desert? You're hunters right? You must be if you've been allowed to leave Anchorhead. When you see Tanis, and I know you know him, tell him his wife hopes he enjoys the anniversary gift."

"What makes you think we know him?" Revan demanded coldly.

"Don't play dumb. You're just another of his playthings down at that 'hunting' club." she said coldly, "I know your type through and through."

She was immediately clutching her throat in pain as Revan´s hand curled into a fist. "You were saying?" Revan asked dispassionately.

"Alexa! Enough!" Bastila shrieked and attempted to pry Revan´s grip open. Reluctantly, Revan let go. She glared. "Watch your mouth, woman. Love is a distraction." Bastila stared for a moment. "I have no time for distractions. And your Tanis is distractingly ugly enough."

The woman rubbed her neck after released, then blinked, since she obviously didn't understand.

"Query: Shall I blast this insulting female meatbag, Master?" HK asked, weapon at the ready.

"No, HK. I want to hear what kind of present this is. I sense malice around her… besides, that Tanis guy is worse."

The woman blinked and shrugged, "Just a little something to remember me by. Something that symbolizes our years together. Something that will blow up in his face, " she gleefully added, "Of course, he'll never understand how appropriate it is. He can't talk his way out of this one. He's not smart enough."

"You sound like you're planning to kill him." Bastila warily noted.

"Oh, I'm through planning." the woman said, "I just left him a little mess that he has to take care of. If he's smart, he'll be just fine." Pure cruelty, "But he's not smart."

"I see. If I happen to see him, I'll pass on the message. Now go, before I change my mind and dismember you." Revan said coldly.

"Like I said, when you see him, tell him his wife Marlena says hello." she turned and ran into Anchorhead. Revan began leading the way to through the Dune Sea, towards the abandoned Sandcrawler. Bastila caught up with her brisk footsteps.

"Can I hope that you'll explain to me what you meant by saying along the lines that your knew love?" she asked lightly, though her interest was noticeable.

"No. I'm not the type for a "girl to girl" chat. Besides, I never said anything like that." Revan flatly noted, which ended their fascinating conversation quite quickly. T3´s beeping stopped Bastila from being able to retort. Apparently, the droid sensed what they now all saw – a man, surrounded by four droids.

"Anyone out there...? Could you help? I seem to be... ah... doomed." The man, who was unfortunately familiar to Revan, called at them. "Hey there, thanks for stopping. I appreciate it." Tanis said gratefully, "I've been stuck without water for hours. Wasn't looking good. Could you... hey, I remember you. You're the young lady from Fazza's club. Talk about answered prayers."

"Your wife Marlena says 'hi'." Revan said, just as gleefully as Marlena.

"I'll bet she does." Tanis scowled, "She's decided I've finally worn out my welcome, and she's 'fixed' my droids to do her dirty work. "

"This should be interesting. " Bastila muttered to Revan, arching an eyebrow.

"I triggered some sort of trap she programmed. She probably figured I wouldn't be smart enough to get out. Uh, she was right. I'd, ahh, really appreciate a bit of help. Please?"

"I say leave him. " to everyone's great surprise, it was Bastila who said that.

"You're pretty heartless for such a pretty lady, you know that?" Tanis noted to her, the usual leer back in his voice.

Bastila gritted her teeth, "I take it back. Let´s go congratulate his wife."

"You´re learning, little Jedi. I never thought you had the capacity for witty remarks." Bastila smiled slightly.

"Commentary: I say we blast the meatbag and save you the trouble, Master." HK suggested.

"What's with all the droids, lately? My wife get to you too?" Tanis whined to the assassin droid.

"Negative. I just don't like organic meatbags. Except for the Master, of course. Ha ha."

"Beep! Beeple beep!" T3-M4 butted in. Tanis seemed hopeful when he saw the droid.

"Hey yeah! You've got yourself a ´mech droid there! Tell it to do it! Please! "T3 let out a mechanical beep… and an unflattering sound that made Bastila snigger, despite herself. "Hey, now… did your droid just spit at me? I just need a little help here. " Tanis said, still pleading.

"Well, sucks to be you then. You can rot here." Revan noted.

"What? Why? What did I do to you?" Tanis whined.

"Who asks for my help doesn't deserve it. " Revan explained.

"And I don't like you." Bastila added when he turned to her for help.

"Well, I suppose I couldn't ask for a more valid reason than that." he said sarcastically. Then took on a desperate tone as he said, "That's all?! That's it?! What are you, my wife? So you just want me to die? That is just... so... typical of the people I meet... and marry. Thanks a lot! Well fine, I'll... stay pretty much right here I guess." he sulked a little, "You can just get lost. I'll... I'll..." he laughed nervously, "You're kidding, right. Right? Come on!"

"I most certainly am not." Revan corrected him.

"Nobody looks out for their neighbor anymore." Tanis grumbled, "Well, if this is it, I'd rather get it over with and maybe take you out with me. So, let's see how these rigged-out droids like me jumping around. Hopefully the explosion kills you too!"

He started jumping up and down, and the droids exploded around him. Bastila turned away and covered her face, but it was highly unnecessary when she sensed that no explosion hit her – a powerful Force Shield was cast around them, protecting them against the blast. Revan exhaled slowly as she removed the shield, waved at T3 to go salvage the droids and Tanis´ corpse and continued to walk past the broken Sandcrawler.

"Anyone! I'm trapped under here! Please help me!" a female voice called from the direction of a crashed speeder just as they passed the Czerka vessel.

Revan stopped Bastila as she wanted to run and help whoever was trapped under the wreckage. "If you have any faint degree of Force Sense, little Jedi, you should be able to tell me what is under that wreckage." she quietly hissed. Bastila blinked, but then tried to sense out what was underneath the piles of parts. There was no life there… life was all around them, but not where she thought it was.

"I cannot sense any life…" she whispered. "Perhaps it is a trap?"

Revan raised her palm and sent a mild lightning to the direction of the voice. The hidden mines exploded, along with the recording that counted down three seconds until another explosion was triggered. Laughter sounded through the dunes, a sound similar to that of a satisfied piglet…and, as expected, three large green pigs with axes appeared – Gammoreans, most probably the ones from Fazza´s lounge.

"We gots you good now!" One of them shouted, but then…

"Uhh… where they is?" the pigs suddenly realized someone was watching them and noticed Revan and Bastila.

"We did a good ambush and you and you better pay... uh... maybe five hundred credits now!" another of them said, waving his axe at them, "You die otherwise!" they clearly didn't understand that the blast didn't have any effect on the two women.

Revan sent a bolt of lightning at their feet. The Gammoreans jumped and squealed like the piglets they are. It was like a signal - blaster fire engaged, and the attackers were killed by HK-47, who appeared behind them.

"Commentary: These large meatbags are too easy, Master. But I greatly appreciate the chance to kill something in your honor." The droid brightly said. Juhani and T3 approached them – Juhani was carrying Sand People robes in one hand and her lightsaber in the other… T3 was storing the gaffi sticks.

"Where did you go?" Bastila asked. "I thought you were with us!"

"The Sand People wanted to ambush us… I had to kill them." Juhani said with a shrug. "I have unwrapped some of the warriors – we should be able to sneak into their enclave in these." she said, handing Revan and Bastila each a set of robes.

X X X

The disguise proved most effective against the main defenses. Inside the enclave, the disguise proved quite ineffective at close range. The Sand People guard roared angrily at them, and the Jedi went for their lightsabers.

"Interjection: One moment... I believe I understood that, Master. It may not have been his intention, but he did actually communicate something." HK noted.

Revan unwrapped her head from the uncomfortable cloth covering her face. Juhani and Bastila did the same. "Tell him we wish to speak to his leader." Revan ordered. Pointless acts of cruelty when there was something to gain were not her style.

"Translation:" HK-47 proceeded to produce a series or roars and snorts that they couldn't understand. The Sand People warrior replied, confusion radiating from him, "Translation: He is expressing disbelief... as am I... but his duty requires that he report to the Chieftain. Extrapolation: It would seem that we are at least worthy of curiosity, for the moment. I would much rather this get bloody, Master, but it is your call."

"I tend to agree with you on both points." Revan muttered.

They were escorted to the Sand People chieftain's room. The chieftain roared, and even though Revan couldn't understand him, she could sense that he despised all outsiders, "Translation: I can translate with some guarantee of accuracy that he is demanding to know why he should let us survive this encounter, Master."

"Tell him we want a peaceful solution to stop the attacks on Czerka." Bastila ordered. HK glared at her, obviously refusing to accept orders from someone other than the Master, then glanced at Revan, who nodded slightly.

"Translation:" HK-47 made a series of growls and snorts that the Sand People chieftain seemed to understand. He replied, and HK-47 turned back to them, "Translation: He claims he has no reason to believe you, Master. Your kind have tainted this land with machines and uncaring ignorant feet. Translation: He requires proof of good faith. We must make a contribution to his people that shows we are not a threat. Shall I blast him now, Master?"

"Ask what proof he requires." Revan said coolly.

HK-47 translated her query to the Sand People chieftain, and then translated the reply,

"Translation: He plans to move his people farther from Anchorhead, but they need to build up stores of water first. He says you must aid him. Translation: He wants moisture vaporators from the Czerka. If you deliver them, he will order that his people reduce their attacks on miners."

"Tell him we will bring his vaporators." Juhani said before Revan had the chance to tell HK to blast away. Reluctantly, she remained silent.

"Translation: Hmph. He does not believe you, Master. We will only be allowed to reenter the enclave when we have the vaporators with us. Translation: We are to be escorted outside. He will wait, but doesn't believe we are coming back."

X X X

"Do you have any moisture vaporators?" Was Bastila´s first question to the owner of the Czerka warehouse when they returned to the offices next morning. The Rodian eyed them with some surprise and suspicion.

"I may, but that is not something I usually sell to spacers. You don't look like a moisture farmer. What do you want them for? " he asked.

"To exchange with the Sand People to stop their attacks. " Juhani explained brightly.

The Rodian smiled, though smirked gleefully is more like it. "Ah, exactly the kind of appeasement Czerka Corporation doesn't like to support in their policies. I like it. Well, I have two of the finest vaporators that Czerka Corporation produces. Of course, they only produce one model right now. The price is 400 credits for the pair. I won't break them up. They function best when linked together."

"Fine, we'll take them. " Revan said after a brief hesitation and pointed glares from the Jedi.

"Fine, fine. I assume you'll be able to handle the deployment of them? They are surprisingly light. " The Rodian handed her the pair of vaporators. "It's a pleasure doing business with you. Do come again. "

X X X

Even through the layer of his wrappings, Revan could tell the Sand People warrior guarding the entrance to their enclave was disgusted by their presence among his people.

"Extrapolation: This guard doesn't appear honored to have the job of greeting us." HK pointed out the obvious.

Revan rolled her eyes at that. "Tell him we have the moisture converters. "

"Translation:" HK once again spoke to the guard in his language, "Translation: He will take us before the Chieftain, as he was instructed to." The guard did as promised, and the group found themselves facing the Chieftain once again. Revan watched with glee as surprise appeared in his aura. "Translation: He did not expect us to return, Master. He wonders if we have brought the moisture vaporators. "

Revan handed the Sand people Chieftain the pair of vaporators, without a word. The Chieftain roared something at her, and HK translated it to her once again.

"Translation: He does not trust you, Master, but you have done more than any other outsider. They will not attack, and he grants you his Chieftain's Gaffi as reward. Translation: The attacks will be reduced, and he will allow you to explore this enclave, but be warned that any lack of respect will result in death. " The Chieftain produced his weapon, which was clearly different from the average gaffi sticks they've collected so far. It also appeared to have the side effect of poisoning a target when it hit...

"I have a few questions for him. " Revan noted.

"Protocol: If you truly want this sadly peaceful arrangement to continue, be careful of what you ask. " HK said, with some sadness. Clearly, the droid had hoped that they would be able to massacre the entire tribe, even though Revan carefully explained the situation after they returned to the Hawk the first day.

"Ask if he knows of the Jawas Iziz told us about. "

HK translated the query and the answer. "Translation: he says that the captive Jawas have lived past their usefulness. You may take them, if you wish. "

"One more question – ask him if he knows about Mission's brother Griff. "

"Translation: He says that by his very presence, this Griff defiles their home and land. He is without any semblance of usefulness to them. Extrapolation: I would assume we are free to take him. It is doubtful they will even waste the effort to kill him. Perhaps we could do it, Master?" HK hopefully asked.

"Thank him for helping us, we leave in peace." Revan slightly mock bowed, though she was irritated by the result, everyone got what they wanted – Sand People got their vaporators, Czerka gets their gaffi sticks, Mission gets her brother, Iziz gets his Jawas. But what did she get? Nothing. Typical.

"Translation: We are free to leave." The two Jedi women also bowed, and HK led the way to the cells where the prisoners they sought were supposed to be.

"All right, so who´s behind door number 1? " Revan asked, a bit pompously, opening to door to the left. The Jawas were there, so she let the Jedi deal with them. She wanted to see if Mission's brother leaned towards Lena´s description, or that of Mission. The aura she sensed behind the door indicated the first option.

She opened the door, to reveal a blue Twi'lek man, aged between eighteen and twenty-something it seemed, dressed in Czerka mining clothes, "Uh... you there! I'm... I'm a high ranking executive of the Czerka Corporation!" he said, desperation radiating from him in waves, "Eh... there's a big reward if you take me back to Anchorhead!"

"Pretending to be a Czerka doesn't work well with me, Griff." Revan said flatly.

"Eh... really?" he asked. Then he blinked, "Hey, how'd you know my name?"

"I travel with your sister. You know, the one you ditched on Taris? " Revan reminded him. Not that it irritated her – she would have done the same. Except for the stupid decision to search for a fortune on a desert planet. Plus, she simply preferred to side with the person who was more useful to her.

"You know Mission? Are you from Czerka Corporation? Please, tell me what's going on here!" he asked.

"The Sand People said you can go. Run to Anchorhead – Mission's waiting at the spaceport."

"What? No speeder escort?" Revan´s cold eyes found him. "Okay, okay. I guess I should just get what I can, right?" he said defensively and bolted out of the enclave.

Revan turned around to see that the Jedi told the Jawas to do the same, so there was nothing more to do than return to Anchorhead with the gaffi sticks they already carried and set out to the Eastern Dune Sea the next day.

They found Iziz by the gates of Anchorhead and he thanked Revan greatly.

"Strange… you are of your kind, yet you are unlike them, too." the Jawa noted, but thanked her once again and offered a reward – an Echani shield and a few droid parts. Considering that they had no place to store their salvage, it was probably all the little creatures could afford. That alone was reason to accept it with a thanks.

"You are a good friend of the Jawas. We will remember you when you are gone." Iziz noted and with a final thanks returned to the group of Jawas waiting for him.

X X X

"Mission? Is it really you?" They walked into the spaceport to see Griff greet Mission, who seemed anxious rather than cheerful, "I heard Taris was destroyed! I thought you were dead! Joy of joys, my little sister is alive!" It was difficult to tell whether he was sincere or not… there was so much dishonesty in him Revan found it difficult to believe he was capable of telling the truth.

"I... I have to ask you something, Griff." Mission said, nervously, "It's important. I ran into Lena. She said... she said it was your idea to leave me on Taris. It's not true, is it?" Her eyes begged him to tell her she's wrong, that Lena lied, that they would be a happy family now, that everything was alright… but Griff couldn't withstand lying to his own sister, it seemed – not with the puppy eyes she pulled on. Maybe he realized he already lied too much to the girl. Or not.

"Ah, well... there's the truth and then there's the truth, you know?" he said evasively, "I always meant to go back to Taris, sis. Just as soon as I had the credits to pay off my debts. But credits have been hard to come by." He quietly added, obviously embarrassed.

Mission's eyes widened, the pleading immediately evaporating. Shock was replacing it. She obviously never thought her brother – her own brother, who looked after her for all those long years – would do such a careless thing. "You mean it's true?" she asked, mortified, "It was your idea to leave me there? I'm your sister - how could you abandon me like that?"

"Come on, sis. You didn't need me to look after you anymore." Griff pleaded. Perhaps he cared, after all. Long shot, Revan thought. The moron probably just wanted more credits to get himself out of trouble. "You may have been young, but you knew how to take care of yourself. Besides, you're here now - everything worked out fine." He said with a shrug, as if he knew how things would turn out from the beginning.

"That's it?" Mission demanded, "That's all you have to say to me after all these years after deserting me on Taris?"

Griff gulped slightly, his eyes moving to his feet, "Uh... well, I... I wanted to thank you, and, uh, you look like you're doing well. Financially, I mean. Say... um... could you spare me a few credits to get back on my feet?"

"You... you're hitting me up for credits?" Mission asked angrily, "I don't believe this! Lena was right about you, Griff! We should have just left you to the Sand People! Don't talk to me anymore - ever!" she turned away adamantly, folding her arms.

"Huh... that didn't go well." Griff muttered, "Sis always was a little too fiery for her own good. She'll cool down in time."

"Don't bet on it, Griff." Revan spoke up, entering the spaceport. The Twi´leks noticed them.

Griff dismissively waved his hand, "Ah, she'll be all right. We had our fights before. Too bad, though. I really could have used a helping hand right now. You may have saved my life, but I don't have a single credit to my name. Say, you wouldn't be able to spare me some credits? Just till I get back on my feet, you know?" he begged Revan, unsuccessfully.

"Do I look like I believe a single word of your pathetic attempt to con me?" Revan coldly snapped. "Be grateful I didn't kill you and spare the Sand People the effort."

"Err… I guess you've been talking to Lena too." he said nervously, "Okay, I'll have to get by without your credits. I always do. Besides, I've already got a job lined up for me. Greeta, the manager over at the Czerka supply shop, said I could come work for him if I ever get tired of the mines. I think I'll go take him up on his offer." he thought for a second - it looked painful - then he added, "You know, maybe there's something else you can help me with. I need to talk to a guy first and set up the details, but if you're interested in a job come see me in Greeta's shop." He walked to the spaceport exit, but then paused and turned around, "Goodbye, Mission. Uh... I'm glad you're not dead." He murmured.

"Hmph!" Mission huffed, her head high, glaring at thin air to the left from Griff.

"Not the best of reunions, huh, kid?" Revan asked when Griff disappeared.

She sighed slightly, "Look, I'm happy Griff's alive but I'm mad at him right now. And I don't know what kind of job he's got for you, but I don't trust him. It's probably just another scam!"

"Yeah… well, I´m going to the Czerka office to hand over those gaffi sticks. Care to tag along?" Mission seemed to brighten up slightly and nodded enthusiastically.

X X X

Revan was sorely tempted to take the Czerka rep's head off with the gaffi stick and partially avenge all the Sand People had to go through up till this point. Despite their economic welfare and their galaxy-spanning influence, she thoroughly disliked Czerka Corporation. She may have been the one to forge allegiance with the company when she was Sith Lord, but now that they were supporting Malak and acting as if she was a second-class citizen, she was quite… displeased… with the company.

"There. I kept my end of the deal." Revan tossed the Chieftain's gaffi at the Czerka woman, who barely caught it in mid air. Shame. It could have hit her.

"Well, that is a very big headache that you have removed." she said, ignoring the obviously hostile act, "I'm sure there are still Sand People out there, but they will be quieter now. I think I'll give you a bonus for this. You've more than lived up to your side of the bargain. Czerka Corporation thanks you."

"You want to give me an additional reward." Revan ordered, waving her hand in front of the rep´s face.

"And I wouldn't want you to leave without this additional reward. Yes, of course I wouldn't." she added, giving Revan an extra two hundred credits. "Once again, Czerka Corporation thanks you." she said cheerfully.

"A Jedi should not use the Force to acquire credits…even if we are taking them from such a corrupt corporation like Czerka." Juhani added as an afterthought of her first angry whisper.

Revan happily ignored that. She noticed the blue Twi'lek in the corner, so she decided to torment him a bit.

"Ah, just the person I was hoping to see!" he said hopefully.

"Hmph! Save it Griff - I'm still not talking to you!" Mission snapped, "I want no part of whatever you're involved in!"

"Okay, sis - I see you're still mad. Fair enough." he said defensively, "I don't think you could help me with this anyway. It's uh... more of a job for your friend here."

"This better be good." Revan snapped.

"As you may know, tach glands can be refined into a very potent powder." He explained the facts Revan already knew very well. "It's the primary ingredient in Tarisian ale - that's what makes it so strong. Of course, now that Taris is pretty much wiped from the face of the map Tarisian ale has become somewhat scarce - and uh... very, very valuable. Luckily, I know the secret recipe!"

"What does this have to do with me?" Revan coldly asked.

"I know this guy... he's with the Exchange." Griff explained, "Now, if I give him a small sample of Tarisian ale he says he can synthesize it and reproduce it in mass quantities. Problem is, I need one of those tach glands to make the first batch. And now that Taris is a smoking ruin, the only place to find tach is on Kashyyyk." Revan had a fair guess what he would want from her and didn't like it one bit. "If you can get your hands on one of those tach glands I'll make it worth your while."

"What's in this for me? I see no reason to help you." Revan´s icy voice made him flinch.

"Sorry, like I said before I don't have any credits on me. And Greeta won't lend me any credits. I mean, it's like he doesn't trust me to pay him back or something. But you come through on this and I promise you'll get a huge payday down the road. Two... no! Three thousand credits! How's that sound?" he asked desperately.

Mission shook her head in frustration. "Griff, are you blind? Can't you see you're talking to a Jedi?" she demanded, hands on her hips. The emphasis on the word ´Jedi´ made Revan grit her teeth, "We're out here trying to save the galaxy! We can't waste time on this!"

"Please, you have to help me!" Griff said, dropping to his knees in front of them, "I... I promised this guy from the Exchange a sample of Tarisian ale! If I don't come through for him he's going to break my legs... or worse! Come on, Mission - I'm your brother! I'm family! You can't turn your back on me!" he begged.

Mission rolled her eyes, "Forget it, Griff, I'm not falling for that line again. You'll have to find your own way out of this mess!"

"Look, you bring me a single tach gland and you not only save my life but you get a piece of this great business opportunity!" Griff said, still groveling, "I mean, you can't pass this up! Think about it and you'll see I'm right." He grabbed the hem of Revan´s cloak, to stop her from walking away. The fact that she stepped on his free hand made him release her. He was effectively dismissed and Revan didn't spare him a glance as she pulled up the hood of her cloak and stalked back to the Hawk.

"I've got a bad feeling about this plan of his. He doesn't know anything about brewing Tarisian ale." Mission said quietly as she caught up with Revan, "And now he's gotten himself mixed up with the Exchange. Sometimes Griff can be so stupid! Part of me just wants to let him get what's coming to him."

"Whatever happens, he brought it on himself." Revan said calmly, but from what she could sense of her own aura, there was boiling rage there. Core-slimes like Griff could really irritate her.

Mission nodded in agreement, "Maybe a couple broken knee-caps will do him some good!" she said venomously, "Maybe that's the kind of jolt he needs to turn his life around! Only... what if they do something worse?" she suddenly looked worried, "They might kill him! I don't want him to die; he doesn't deserve that. But I can't just keep supporting his crazy schemes. Someone has to teach him a lesson!"

"Look, kid. You can´t teach him the lesson he has to learn himself."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." she agreed, nodding, "I'm not going to change him. Griff is going to keep on being Griff. Maybe if we get these tach glands for him things will work out. Or maybe he'll finally see the light and turn over a new leaf. I know it's not likely, but it's all I have to hope for."

"That's your choice. I may like you, kid, but your brother's a moron."

"You like me?" Mission asked, slightly stunned.

"Yeah, kid." Revan said with a nod. "I used to be like you, a long time ago."

"Really?"

"Of course. I simply got a bit jaded over the years. As long as you travel with me, you don't have to worry about anything." Some fear in Mission evaporated when she said that. The girl smiled faintly and nodded her thanks as they returned to the Ebon Hawk.

Revan proceeded to apply her technical skills on restoring the memory of HK-47, getting farther than she had hoped, but giving him the approval of killing whoever had done this to him before she was done.