Author's notes: Merry Christmas! Enjoy, guys.

X X X

Chapter 25 – Sapphire

X X X X

Bastila woke up suddenly, her eyes popping open. She didn't know what caused the sudden fear she felt. A sense of foreboding… well, traveling with Revan always brought that sensation. Her eyes scanned the darkened room. Revan's bunk was neat and ordered, with no sign that someone even slept there. The fact that Revan had been on watch during the flight to Manaan slipped Bastila, but she was still somewhat disturbed to sense that Revan had wandered into Ahto City alone.

Bastila hated losing control. And it seemed that ever since she had begun her travels with Revan, she hadn't managed even the slightest bit of authoritative behavior. After all, it was her mission as well. in fact, it seemed that most of the crew preferred avoiding her when possible. It did nothing to better her mood.

The Jedi got up slowly, but was dressed within seconds. She felt a sudden guilt that she didn't supervise Revan on Kashyyyk and spent the most of their stay sulking on the Hawk. Childish. She shrugged that feeling off. Her task was to supervise the Dark Lord. And that she would do, no matter how many times would she have to search the entire city.

She stormed out of the female quarters, meeting Carth on the way, in the main area of the ship. He was also fully dressed, but seemed to be rather bored. That was one of the things that irritated Bastila about the entire crew. They could just sit idly and do nothing sometimes. The fate of the galaxy was in their hands! Surely there was something more useful…?

"Hey, Bastila." she jumped slightly – zoning out like that wasn't good. Carth smiled at her, ignoring her stressful mood.

"Hey yourself. Have you by any chance seen Alexa?"

From what he had managed to get out of Alexa, they had a Force bond. Or were supposed to have one. He might not know much about the Force, but the way Alexa described the connection between them, it struck Carth as odd that Bastila was this… jumpy. "No, why d'you ask? I thought you could sense her presence or something."

Bastila sighed, "She has wandered into the city. I simply wished to know in which direction she went. Ahto is not a small spaceport."

"Well, I don't know where she went, sorry." Something was wrong again – this wasn't just his paranoia, as Alexa often commented. But comforting Bastila Shan? Few could manage that difficult task and Carth was quite sure he wasn't in that small group. Better retreat before it gets bad. "I'll see you later, then."

Leaving her alone was best, but… "Carth?" He stopped. Getting into some argument that was between Alexa and Bastila wasn't wise… but he didn't want bad blood between the crew. Well, Bastila wasn't exactly a team player.

"Yes? What's on your mind?" he asked, trying not to show concern in his voice. This… something was wrong. Bastila never seemed this miserable – the directive tone was gone. She had something to say.

"I…I think we should talk about Alexa." Even the name sounded so unnatural to her. "What I sense within you troubles me. I see you watching her at times you don't seem to want to watch her. Your entire focus is she. You must understand…" Understand what? That there was absolutely no chance of her returning any kind of affection? That she, Bastila, didn't want Carth to cling to hope, even though Revan almost always effectively showed that her concern for the crew was only because she was their leader?

It almost gave her relief that Carth interrupted her. "Look, Bastila. I know all about the Jedi celibate and all that stuff. But… she's not like you Jedi. I don't know." He sighed. "She's completely different from any woman… any person I've ever met."

If you only knew who you're talking about. If only I could show you what it was like to face her, to face death. "Carth, I can understand that you find yourself attracted to her, but please reconsider your choice to woo her… if that is your choice, that is." Bastila added after a second. "What do you even know of her, Carth? I cannot speak for her or tell you things the Jedi Council has forbidden us to say, but I can tell you that she is a great danger."

"Have you appointed yourself as her babysitter or something? She's a grown woman – she can make her own choices." Carth snapped, "A great danger? I´ll admit that she´s cold, but she cares about all of us, Bastila – why else do you think she didn't leave Mission and Zaalbar when she could? Or why she simply doesn't make you stop your preaching?"

Such decisions were surprising to Bastila, but she knew that Revan was nothing if not a strategist. Somehow, she assumed that it was simply part of the game she was playing, a gamble, so that no one, not even her shipmates, would ever have a reason to suspect her.

"But do us all a favor and stop your chants. Don't you ever get tired of being so preachy? The entire crew is already sick of it."

"I am simply trying to help. The dangers of the Dark Side are not to be overlooked." Bastila snapped.

"Yeah, well let's just hope you don't overlook them."

He hit a nerve with that one. "You speak of things you could never understand, Carth. But I get your point. I will endeavor not to be so… preachy… in the future." she sighed, "Please, Carth. She… she isn't all that you might think. That is all I can say. And please consider that her main priorities lie elsewhere." Bastila paused for a moment. "Forgive me my outburst. I had thought my training had put me past this kind of behavior. I am simply concerned… for both of you."

Carth finally flashed her a small smile, putting a hand on her shoulder. "You worry too much. But I guess you're partly right. We should set things straight… now or never, huh? Let's go look for her. Jolee's bunk is empty, so maybe he went with her."

Bastila nodded slightly. She simply hoped she would be able to warn Revan in advance and ask – no, order – her not to be too cold to Carth when explaining her immediate rejection.

X X X

After a considerably long search throughout Ahto City, Carth suggested they look in the mercenary enclave. Bastila agreed once again, still scanning the area for any trace of Revan. She had hoped the Force Bond and the fact that when it came to the Force, Revan stood out, would help, but apparently, there was little it did when in such a large city. Bastila herself had qualms about entering cantinas. They were so… crude.

Finally entering the bar, Carth spotted the pair they had been looking for and made his way towards them. But a Selkath man stopped Bastila.

"Human, I wish to speak to you, if you have the time." Bastila nodded, so he continued. "My name is Nilko Bwaas. I hope you are enjoying yourself here in Ahto City. Our floating city is beautiful, is it not?"

"It's truly a wonder beyond." Bastila truthfully said.

The Selkath smiled, "You are too gracious, human. The beauty of Manaan is delicate. Our ecosystem is complex and fragile, and I fear for the preservation of my planet. There is a task I would ask, human… Jedi." he said, almost calculatively. "I fear there is nowhere else I can turn." He gestured her to sit down to a nearby table, quite separated from the rest of the bar. "Rest assured, there will be an ample reward for this, human. I only require information, nothing more. The Republic has been hiring mercenaries – many more than usual. As an official of the Selkath people, this is of great concern to me. I only seek to reason for this change of Republic policy."

"Why are you approaching me with this?" She warily asked. She was used to infiltration… she was a Jedi Sentinel, after all. But infiltrating her own side… that sounded strange.

"I cannot trust anyone else. The Republic obviously wants to keep their secret – I have inquired often as to their purpose and have been rebuffed. The Sith cannot be trusted to give me an accurate report of the events – they will twist the truth so that it furthers their own goals. And the mercenaries are well aware of the high wages the Republic is paying – they would not report anything that might slow the flow of credits into their accounts. Uncover the truth behind the Republic's actions and I will pay you 500 credits." Nilko offered.

Bastila evaluated the pros and cons, then shrugged, "I doubt the Republic would be involved in anything illegal. Still, we could look into it for you."

Nilko nodded gratefully, "Please – see if you can find the answers I seek. Find why the Republic is hiring so many mercenaries, find where they are going. Find why they do not return. Once you discover some information, please come speak to me. Believe it or not, I am a friend of the Republic. Whatever the truth, I shall do my best to protect the Republic's interests – and those of the Selkath, of course."

Bastila nodded and stood up, proceeding to the other table, where the others were already discussing something. The discussion was getting heated - she only caught glimpses, but it was obvious that Carth was also having troubles with convincing Jolee about something. She already tried persuading him to return to the Jedi... quite unsuccessfully.

"So, Jolee, you've finally decided to leave your little hermitage in the forest and come help us stop the Sith. I guess you finally realized this was worth coming out of retirement for, huh?" Carth asked. Jolee stretched his arms for a moment, then nodded.

"Yeah, that's right, sonny. The Sith are the greatest evil to hit the galaxy since, well, the Mandalorians. And they're the worst thing since Exar Kun. Blah, blah, blah, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera."

Revan watched the whole scene without touching her drink, her mind obviously elsewhere. Carth, on the other hand, seemed puzzled. "Okay, old man, you lost me there. Are you trying to make a point?"

Jolee rolled his eyes, "Look, everybody always figures the time they live in is the most epic, most important age to end all ages. But tyrants and heroes rise and fall, and historians sort out the pieces."

"What he means is, Malak should be stopped." Revan added before Carth had a chance to ask for a simpler and less enigmatic explanation, "If the Sith conquer the galaxy, a couple of rough centuries will follow. Eventually, the Light Side will get back to its feet and balance will be restored. The Force likes it that way – you'll notice is soon if you study Jedi history long enough."

Jolee smiled at her, nodding in approval, "Exactly, girl. So, we do what we have to do, and we try to stop the Sith. But don't start thinking this war – your war – is more important than any other war just because you´re in it." he concluded to Carth.

"That's an interesting theory, but I don't buy it. The Republic stands for something; it's stood for something for fifteen thousand years. And if it falls, everything will change forever." Carth claimed. He glared at Revan when she shook her head and sighed. "You don't think so?"

"The galaxy will always be in turmoil, because there will always be someone who will assume they can control it. The Republic believes it guides it and is slowly becoming complacent in that belief. Better that they realize it now before a real threat hits them."

"A real threat?!" Carth could hardly believe his ears, "You don't think the Sith are big enough a threat? What is?"

But Revan had already returned to her thoughts, promptly ignoring him, moving her attention to Bastila, who had just arrived.

"You believe what you need to to get you through this, sonny. The bottom line is all of us want to stop Malak, so let's not get hung up on the details." Jolee said dismissively.

"I was looking for you on the Ebon Hawk." The Jedi sat down next to Jolee, opposing Revan.

"I needed some fresh air. Besides, Manaan is a wonder of a world."

"I suppose that is understandable. And there is little danger for us here… unless we foolishly seek it out on our own." Bastila noted, also ordering a glass of some soft drink.

"Bastila, did you ever think of joining all the Jedi who were running off to follow Revan and Malak when they went to fight the Mandalorians?" Carth asked after a few quite silent minutes, matter-of-factly. Jolee saw Revan shift slightly and focus on her drink.

"That was nearly five years ago. I was still an apprentice, my Battle Meditation hadn't even manifested itself. Yet even then I had the wisdom to obey the will of the Council.Unlike Revan." She voiced. How tempting it had been, however, and how much strength it had taken! No one would ever believe it. Not that she would be keen to say it.

Carth shrugged, "I guess. But have you ever thought if it could have been different? Would Revan and Malak still have been corrupted if the Council supported them instead of dragging its feet?"

"Do not blame Revan´s corruption on the Council!" Bastila snarled at once, "Your Republic saw only the threat of the Mandalorians, but the wisdom of the Masters saw past that!"

"Destiny is inevitable – just ask Jolee." Revan noted calmly, looking at her drink. Jolee sniggered at that – he knew well she was referring to poor engine-sucking Andor. It didn't seem that she was actually listening to the debate. After all, she had heard thousands of versions of the same argument. But it had been inevitable, the war. They needed to be ready.

Bastila glared, "You´re asking me if things could have been different? I know they could have. If Revan had only listened to the Council, millions of innocent people would still be alive!"

Be careful, kid. Bastila jumped slightly, but then noticed it was Jolee´s voice echoing in her mind. Start poking your nose where it doesn't belong and you may not like what you'll find.

I already found out things I didn't like. And I am telling the truth!


So is she. Bastila scowled.

"Yeah, right. And every single one of them would have been speaking Mandalorian. I think we're done here." Carth said dismissively he then jumped up to run after Revan, who had vanished from the bar without any of them noticing. When they were out of sight, Jolee shook his head.

Kids these days, bah!

He watched Bastila examine her drink as if it was the most interesting object in the universe. The girl sat there motionlessly for the past fifteen minutes, which gave him more than enough time to finish his food. Finally, he sighed.

"Kid, you can try all your life, but you won't change her. She´s trying to be civil to you, but each time you snap like that, it´s a little colder than before. Don't you see it?" the old man asked, not unkindly, but almost as if talking to a stubborn child.

Bastila's eyes remained fixed on her glass. "I thought I could guide her… help her return to the Light… and it seems I have only allowed the darkness within her fester." she said quietly.

"I don't think so." Jolee said, shaking his head, "You've offered her more a fair share of advice… useless advice, but advice nonetheless. You're repeating the lessons she had already learned, but ceased to believe in."

A slight nod. "I think­­… I think I may have made a very big mistake, convincing the Council to allow me to come."

"Nonsense." Jolee objected, "I think you've learned more from her in months than you learned during your entire life from the Jedi."

Bastila's eyes darted into him, "Do not insult the Council, Jolee! They had the wisdom to foresee all this. She didn't – you know that."

"But she had so much compassion that she couldn't bear to witness what the Mandalorians did to the Republic. Is that not what a good Jedi should have? Compassion with those in need?" Bastila remained silent. "Listen, Bastila. A good teacher, and I'm not saying I am one, but a good teacher doesn't throw a book at the student's face, shouting 'Learn this bit here!' The best way to teach someone is letting them discover things on their own. Whether she remains this way or decides to change is her choice. You can only give her a little nudge in the right direction. Or more likely a solid push." He amended after a second.

Bastila finally smiled faintly, "You seem to know much about that." she noted.

"Oh, I've seen my share of the Dark and the Light." the old man noted nonchalantly. "But the point is to find a balance – like the Force likes to – a path where you can be neither "the fire of hate" nor the "heart of ice". A path where you can be alive. Like water – accustom yourself to the situation. Melt the ice, but put out the fire once you're done." he explained and returned to his drink. "That's why Manaan´s so fascinating – it's neutral. Though the kolto is a good thing too."

Bastila stared at him for a moment, her mind working on the new information. Finally, she understood. It seemed like madness, but she understood what he was getting at.

"Now, when you see Tall, Dark and Mean, tell her I´ll ask Juhani to help me and go see if we can get some evidence for the upcoming trial - she'll know what I mean." He added when Bastila gave him a quizzical look. Then, the Jedi nodded and departed.

A Selkath man walked over to Jolee once she was out of sight. "Greetings, human. My name is Shaelas. I have heard it said that you are no friend of the Sith. Is this true?" he asked.

"The Sith are a blight upon the galaxy!" Jolee retorted pompously.

"Though I suspect we have little in common, human, I share your dislike of the Sith." Shaelas noted, taking Carth's seat.

"I will look into this for you." Jolee noted after Shaelas explained his troubles to him.

"I cannot imagine where to begin with the investigation, though I suspect the Sith did not act alone. Perhaps the off-worlders in the mercenary enclave know something." Shaelas suggested. Jolee finished his caffa, nodded and walked over to a group of mercenaries.

X X X

Carth had no idea where to look for Alexa. Knowing her, she probably ran somewhere where no one would look for her. In truth, he had no idea where to look for her. She would show up sooner or later, with another miraculous solution to find the Star Map they sought. Finally, he noticed some screens that identified her as the new Manaan swoop champion, so he headed in the general direction of the swoop hall.

But he couldn't get past the fact that she seemed to be defending Revan and Malak – she seemed to be outraged that Bastila would even suggest that the Jedi should have waited for the Council's approval before charging into battle. He didn't have to agree with Bastila´s option, but it still disturbed him that Alexa felt so much obvious dislike towards the Jedi Council. It had to be something more than that, though.

And he remembered the Jedi's concern on Dantooine. Something was definitely going on. It wasn't just him… and it wasn't just Bastila, either.

He had never expected to be so intrigued by the ex-scout, really. She was pretty – no, more than that, smart, but very clear in the fact that she preferred to distance herself from others. A bit like him, really. But there was something undeniably cold in her, something wicked, vicious… a disregard of life, really, as if the galaxy were simply one large Dejarik board and she was the one moving the pieces.

At last, after a long search, he found Alexa talking to a strange looking Rodian. She frowned and snapped something at the Rodian, who didn't flinch. Instead, he nodded and departed hastily. He had no idea that Revan had just rightly accused one of the Genoharadan Overseers for planning to use her to eliminate the other three after he revealed some more about the secret society of bounty hunters. After eliminating Calo Nord, she caught his eye.

After eliminating the insane terrorist Loorgal without even being noticed in the Republic embassy (stealth was the key), Revan sorted things out. Hulas – the Rodian – was highly impressed by her deduction skills. But Revan knew better than to let such a traitor get away. Without him noticing, she poisoned him through the Force, granting him about two more hours of life before he would collapse and die. She typed something into T3´s console and the droid hurried past Carth, disappearing in the streets. Revan shook her head slightly, then walked over to the railings and began watching the ocean.

"Credit for your thoughts?" Carth said from behind her. She didn't turn around, just continued to gaze at the water. He also leaned to the railings stopping people from falling into the deep ocean.

"Just thinking." Too laconic an answer from someone like her.

"Look, about that thing with Bastila…"

"I´m beginning to think I made a serious miscalculation in bringing the likes of her with me." Revan noted quietly, "I should have traveled alone from the beginning. The Jedi Council, as always, didn't know what was best for us all. I could have been there already…"realizing Carth was watching her still, she shook her head. "No point musing now."

The soldier didn't know what to say about that. But he assumed she was talking about the Star Forge. While he could imagine her being there already, he didn't quite get why she would refuse help. "Well, you pull off the near impossible without much problem and you always interrogate everyone. I expected you to be using some Jedi Mind Trick on the Sith representatives here."

"Oh, no, the Sith Embassy is probably hiring strong willed people. Affecting minds only works on the weak minded. Domination could work, if I would try it. But I need a break." Her eyes wandered around the horizon once more.

"I suppose I can understand that. Leading a bunch like us on such an important mission must be quite a job."

"You don't know the half of it." He raised an eyebrow at that.

"Well, perhaps you could fill me in on the details now that we're almost done." Revan resisted the urge to sigh. There he was going on again. "No, no, seriously, I want to know what's bothering you. Don't give me that look, I know something's wrong!"

"Once this is over, everything will be all right." She said dismissively.

"That brings us to the point." She merely raised an eyebrow, so he continued. "I mean, you've interrogated the entire crew about their life stories. Hell, you've even managed to put something together from Jolee´s rambling, and that's saying something! But I just can't get past the fact that I know so little about you. Except the stuff from your service records, which isn't very helpful."

"I can imagine. Name, class and abilities don't tell you much about a person."

"About as much as you do. So, care to share some memories?"

"I suppose I could tell you something. But that would ruin my mysterious image."

"So it's a no?"

"Tell me about yourself, first."

"Me? Well, I've been a star-pilot for the Republic for years. I've seen more than my share of wars... I fought in the Mandalorian Wars before all this started. But with all that, I've never experienced anything like the slaughter these Sith animals can unleash. Not even the Mandalorians were that senseless."

"Sith destroy worlds for power, Mandalorians for honor. Both cultures are quite egoistical." Revan tilted her head slightly. "Saul Karath. Why do you hate him?"

"My home world was one of the first planets to fall to Malak's fleet." Carth said acidly, "The Sith bombed it into submission, and there wasn't a damn thing our Republic forces could do to stop them!"

"The only planet Karath bombed per Malak´s orders I can remember is…" she frowned. That one wasn´t on her orders. "Telos. One of the planets on the Hydan Way."

Carth nodded, with clear bitterness. "Yes, that's the one. My homeworld. Four years ago, Saul led the Sith fleet there and demanded its surrender. The planet refused and Saul proceeded to devastate its entire surface. Millions died. I had... a wife and son on Telos. I thought they would be safe there. But my task force arrived too late to be of much help." he said, "We didn't have enough medical supplies. The colony was burning and the dying were everywhere. I remember holding my wife and screaming for the medics. They... didn't come in time."

"If it makes you feel better my family died during a bombardment, too." Revan said, looking away.

But he seemed concerned. "That's… that's terrible. You were on the planet at the time?"

"I was just a child back then, only five, I think. I barely got out alive… when the Mandalorians left…"

"Mandalorians?" it seemed he thought it was the Sith.

"Yes, it was long ago. I got taken in by good people. I grew up, learned what I could and left them." she paused for a moment, "So what happened to your son? You didn't say."

"His name was Dustil and I don't know what happened to him. The colony was a complete ruin, and we never found any trace of him. I made inquiries and followed the reports from Telos for years, but... I stopped. Anyway... that's the story. For what it's worth."

Revan nodded. "Thank you for telling me."

"I, uh, never talked about this to anyone. I'm not really accustomed to talking about my past much. At all, actually. I guess we're not so different in that." Then… "You never did say why you wanted to kill your friend."

Revan blinked. "You still remember that conversation?"

"All the insanity you put me through is not easy to forget." he said with a smile.

"Glad to know I'm not losing my touch."

"I remember everything you say, beautiful."

"Unfortunately, you always seem to remember the parts that irritate me."

"It's the truth."

"Which part?"

He grinned, "I'd say both. But you seemed to be pretty much pro-war a back at the cantina."

"Even the very wise cannot see to all ends."

"But Revan and Malak turned out to be traitors. They did more damage than the Mandalorians ever could."

Revan raised her eyebrows delicately. "And what do you really know of them?"

Carth frowned at her interest and, moreover, at the fact that she seemed to be defending them. "To think that I once looked up to these two as the best humanity had to offer. Now I'd like nothing more than put a blaster to both their heads."Although I suppose only Malak is left, isn't he? Turned on his own Master. Not that Revan didn't have it coming. Heh. Typical for their kind I guess."

"It does seem to be endless, the Sith circle of death and betrayal, doesn't it?"

"Of course it is like that! You stab your ally in the back for no other reason than to gain power! And what purpose does that power have?"

"More power. Endless power." Revan explained. "Not that it isn't bantha poo-doo, mind you."

"Exactly. Take Revan and Malak for example. No one knows why they turned to the Dark Side. When they left, they were Jedi. When they returned…they were something else. But did they really get away with everything? Revan was betrayed by Malak and Malak hasn't won. In the end, the Dark Side won't help him."

Revan nodded slowly. "Point taken. The Jedi say the life of a Sith Lord is short – their rule even shorter. You're sure you aren't a Jedi whose memory has been wiped?"

That made Carth feel a bit better. "Ha ha, no I'm sure I'd remember something traumatic like that."

"You would think so. The Force is a terrible weapon, when used by, as you would say, evil people. Wiping memories and reprogramming minds is possible." she saw him wince at the idea. "It's not commonly used, so don't worry. No Jedi would use something like that. That ability leans towards the Dark Side." She frowned. "Come to think of it, what do you know of the Dark Side?"

He hesitated for a moment. "I, uh…I used to think it was a fancy name for things I see every day – you know, people are greedy and stupid, corruption is everywhere. I'm starting to think it's different for you Jedi, however. That there's this evil, watching, waiting for its chance. It's not just you, it's Bastila as well. She's so…intense. You have so much courage in you and the fact that you managed to remain strong is amazing, but somehow I don't have a problem with imagining it differently – like the flip side of a coin. And you do have a… a darker side to yourself, too. Sometimes you seem to be so cold and heartless at times and then you end up doing the right thing."

"Everyone has a darker side. I have a practical side."

"I know that. I'm just saying that when you have so much power, the stakes are higher. I can only imagine the kind of conflict that goes on within you."

"I can handle myself." She replied, trying to be diplomatic.

"I know that and Bastila says the same thing. All I'm saying is that when you have so much power, the stakes are higher. Well neither you nor Bastila are fully trained how to handle your power. But I suppose finding these Star Maps is more important than your own safety. I just hope the price isn't too high." He waved that thought off. Revan slowly nodded and continued to watch the sea.

"You've been watching me very closely as of late. Why is that?" she suddenly noted.

The remark seemed to surprise him. Strange, really, when one would have to be blind to miss him staring at her. "Oh, I hadn't thought you've noticed."

Typical Republic behavior – always avoiding a confrontation, seeking a way to avoid conflict or fights. "If you were any more obvious, your eyes would fall out of your head."

"Ah…I'm not that bad, am I?"

"Not for a monkey-lizard, no. Not bad at all."

Carth frowned. Managing to hide the mock-scowl was hard enough – she was bad influence when it came to sarcasm. "Damn it, woman, if you keep hounding me, I'm gonna put you over my knee and teach you a lesson."

"I'd like to see you try." Her tone was a little colder.

"Oh no. I'm not even going there, sister." Carth said defensively, pausing for a second. "At any rate, I haven't been ogling you, I've just been admiring you. I've just been watching you in action, your, your skills. You have a natural talent that's incredible. Not that, ah, all I do is watch you or anything. I don't mean anything by it." He added hastily.

"Calm down, it's alright. I don't mind."

"Ha! Why didn't you tell me that sooner? You would have saved me a lot of trouble. I will say one thing, however. I wanted you to know that we've come a long way with your help. We probably wouldn't made it this far without you. Whether it's the Force, or fate or just dumb luck, I'm…I'm glad you're here. I should have said that long ago instead of doubting you, so…I'm sorry about that."

Revam nodded curtly. One argument resolved. "Apology accepted. And forgive me for underestimating you, Carth."

Strangely, he seemed to come slightly closer. Her acute awareness of their proximity could practically be pictured as a fluorescent red blinking alarm, with terentatek roars instead of beeps.

She took a step back immediately. This ship wouldn't fly. "Don't do this. I don't want to hurt you. Don't."

Disappointment filled his face, but Revan was glad that it had ended this way. "Oh. I thought that maybe… I mean I…"

"Forget what just happened." Well, the embarrassing situation wasn't any better. But she had never even dreamed that… "There's no need to dwell on that. It would be regretted either."

"Why would I regret doing that, Alexa? Just please don't tell me the Jedi Code is your reason. I know damned well you only heed it when it suits you."

"Enough sentiments for today." Her eyes froze again. "We have work to do here."

"I agree with that." Juhani materialized behind them, still pushing a few buttons on her stealth belt. A datapad was in her left hand, seemingly encrypted. "Jolee has summoned me. I have… located… this piece of evidence for the Sunry trial." Located was clearly not the word she wanted to use. Jedi were brutally honest in official matters. "And I have spoken with the Republic diplomat here – they could help us get to the ocean floor."

"That's great news." Carth forcibly looked away from Revan, who already had her attention on Juhani. "What's the catch?"

"They need help with one of their droids." The Cathar wrinkled her nose a bit and glared at the camera droid that flied past them, beeping happily. "Perhaps we should discuss this back at the Ebon Hawk. It is a very sensitive issue and we will need help from the others."