A/N: First of all congratulations to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, and the best of luck. Not that I'm much of a chauvinist (okay, perhaps a little bit), but he's still my king and everything, so there.

Secondly I want to thank all of you for the continuous support. I really enjoy reading all your reviews, so keep them coming! Special thanks this chapter for Mastermind4892, you really helped me out. And as always thanks cthulu1 for the nitpicking.

I'd like to point out that this story will stay purely Xana/Bastila, so no consensual threesomes with Juhani or any other willing party (although Xana will be… well, Xana). Some people were worried this might turn weird, but it won't. Lastly, please take a moment to look at the story's rating and second-to-last word in the story's description, and continue reading at your own discretion. Thanks!

Book Two – Rebirth

Chapter Eleven

Seclusion

The green Dantooine hills didn't really register to Bastila's brain as the landscape sped by. She was quietly sitting in the passenger's seat of the landspeeder, with Xana driving and Juhani in the backseat. This time neither of them had complained when the padawan had taken the wheel, all of them just wanted to return to the safety of the enclave and forget everything that had transpired inside the ruins. At least, Juhani and she did. Xana seemed as relaxed as ever, calmly steering the vehicle like nothing had happened, humming softly to herself. Her apprentice's resilience was astonishing.

That wasn't the only surprising fact about Xana. The former lieutenant had seemingly effortlessly guided them through combat, as if she had been working with the two Jedi Knights for decades. She had a knack for getting the fullest out of them, while keeping them safe. Bastila grudgingly had to admit she wouldn't have done it any better, though she wasn't going to let Xana in on that.

She had compromised her authority enough already, by proving too weak to resist the terrors of the dark side. It had reached down to the darkest part of her mind, pulling out secrets she had tried to bury forever. Where Juhani and Xana had conquered the invasion, Bastila had crumbled down and allowed it to tear her apart.

Once again Xana had proven herself the stronger one and had reached out to her, ripping Bastila out of her self-inflicted misery with that diamond-hard will of hers. Once again she had held on to her apprentice, reveling in her warmth and natural scent that had become so familiar and assuring. The protective aura had saved her from succumbing to the darkness.

And at that moment she had seen the light, seen the way she was behaving. Unworthy of a Jedi Knight, of course. She was supposed to be a protector of the galaxy, confident and bold, doing what the common folk couldn't. Xana's superb skills – taking the lead effortlessly, destroying an apparition no one had ever seen before – had made her feel insecure about her own ability. But she realized she should be playing her own strengths, not childishly feeling jealous about Xana's.

Immediately she had proved it, by putting her foot on the brake when Xana was about to let the droid corrupt them and by pulling her weight in the battle that ensued after hacking the terminal. She smiled from the thrill she had felt from doing something right again.

"Sometimes I wish I knew what was going on that beautiful head of yours," Xana suddenly said, tearing Bastila out of her thoughts. When the brunette looked at her apprentice, she gave her master a playful, almost knowing, wink.

Bastila could feel herself heating up slightly, but she fought to keep her composure. "Of course you do, your interest in me borders obsession." She tried to sound gruff, but the dry chuckle she elicited out of the raven haired woman told her she failed.

"Keep playing hard to get and it might one day surpass mere obsession. I've found this interesting book on Force Bonds, describing in great deal how to read one's bondmate's mind. One day I'll figure out how to use it and make your secrets mine."

The knight looked at her apprentice in shock, a sinking feeling in her gut. An ability like that would compromise more than just their working relationship. "Y-you wouldn't…"

Xana laughed out loud at Bastila's perplexed expression. "Dirty conscious, Princess?"

"N-no, n-not at all! And stop calling me Princess." She darned herself for muttering like a juvenile. One day she'd figure out how Xana managed to tear down her defenses so easily.

"It's how beautiful you are," the tanned woman shrugged, eying Bastila with a sudden sincerity that made the brunette blush deeply.

"I-I… you…" She took a deep breath to center herself. "I forbid you to read that book and I forbid you to put whatever you've already learned into practice."

The infuriating woman laughed once more and laid her hand on the brunette's knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Really Bastila, stop being so damn tense. I was joking, there's no such book. And even if there was, I'd never violate you like that. I'm no monster."

Bastila's mouth dropped open when she watched her apprentice in disbelief. "You… What's wrong with you?" she demanded. "Our minds have been turned upside down by that vile ruin, but fifteen minutes later you're already joking?"

Her remark sent a shadow across Xana's face and she was silent for a moment. "I… am not the same as most," she said eventually, not sounding very pleased with it. "My emotional response to horrible incidents can be flat, to the point where I can appear downright indifferent or even sadistic. My psychologist back at prison believed it has to do with my past. She thinks continuous emotional strain may have hardened me, allowed me to cope better by putting psychological trauma easily into perspective. Whatever depravity happened in my past, it has flattened me."

The brunette watched her bondmate with an aching heart. She had read the psychologist's report and when combined with the former Dark Lord's past things became very clear. The war against the Mandalorians had been brutal, Revan had seen comrades and civilians alike fall victim to their depravities. Republic soldiers had returned with severe cases of PTSD and shellshock, but Revan had evolved. Evolved simply because she had no other choice but to keep going, because she was more than a simple soldier, more than a simple human. Revan was a leader, responsible.

The tanned woman turned back to Bastila. "Don't think I'm indifferent about you though," she added, with a strange mixture of warmth and lust in her voice that made Bastila's stomach flutter. When the knight looked away she could practically feel Xana's desperation through the bond. "Really Bastila, this won't simply vanish by looking the other way. I'm not toying with you. You might think I'm rude and indecent, or teasing you like I like to tease other pretty girls, but my feelings for you are real."

Xana gently cupped the brunette's chin and forced their eyes to meet. The look of care and warmth made her insides melt, the face of the exotic woman was simply too beautiful. "I love you, Bastila," Xana tenderly said.

There it was, what Bastila had felt through the bond for months, now out in the open. She swallowed hard, conflicted by strong emotions and not finding the words, knowing everything she'd say would be wrong, one way or the other. Between the Code, Council, Revan and Xana, how could she possibly make the right choice?

The padawan saw her conflict and gave her a small, bittersweet smile. After a quick squeeze in her shoulder she turned back to focus on the road. "Just take your time," she muttered. "But know I'm all yours already, no matter your decision."

When Bastila didn't reply, Juhani let out an impatient tut behind her.

Their report to the Council was short. Bastila methodically described the ruin's defenses and how they dealt with them. The four Councilors were disturbed by the attempt to lure them to the dark side, but also felt the trio was unaffected. None of them had heard of the Builders or their Infinite Empire, not even the Chronicler Dorak. He'd investigate the matter if he had the time, but at the moment there were more pressing matters to tend to.

The navigation chart they retrieved from the ruins had been sent to the experts for analysis. At first glance it seemed incomplete and Master Vandar feared it was a single part of many. The other parts might be spread all over the galaxy, which would explain why Revan had taken such a long time traveling the Outer Rim.

Until the results came back there was nothing they could do, so the trio was dismissed. When they exited the Council Chambers Bastila quickly excused herself, telling her apprentice she needed some time alone when asked what was wrong. The padawan nodded in understanding.

The knight returned to her small quarters, breathing a deep sigh when the door closed behind her. She knelt down on the floor in front of the bed and buried her face in the covers, pulling them over her head to block out the rest of the world. Xana was tearing her apart. Or rather, she was tearing herself apart.

She had fallen in love with Xana.

She had finally come to the point where she could no longer deny it, she really was in love with her. This wasn't an extension of the crush she had on Revan. This wasn't a trick played by the Force bond. This wasn't Xana using Revan's ability of manipulation to mess with her head. This was real, pure love, an emotion so strong it controlled the very currents of her body. But above all this was a huge, insurmountable problem.

She didn't want to fight these emotions anymore.

All she wanted to do was give in to her beautiful bondmate. Revel in the affection she gave her and return it. Xana loved her too. She had told her so, and the bond radiated it. She shivered, feeling life was unfair. Why wasn't she allowed to love Xana? Why did the Code prevent her from experiencing what was supposed to be the most wonderful thing life had to offer? Was it truly wrong to hold someone and to be wanted to be held? Was it going to be like this forever? She had no idea how long she'd be working together with Xana, but it could be months, years even.

Could she keep suppressing these feelings for all those years without going stark raving mad?

A deep growl escaped her throat and she got up, ripping the sheets off the bed as she went. It didn't give her the relief she had hoped it would, nor did it make things more clear. She kneeled in front of her footlocker and opened it, emptying it of her sparse possessions. At the very bottom her fingers found the lid of a secret compartment and she pried it open, taking out the object that was hidden within, wrapped in cloth.

Carefully, almost reverently, she unwrapped the package, revealing a Mandalorian's mask. It was mechanical in appearance and colored grey and dark red. This object held many memories, as it was the very mask Knight Revan used to wear from the moment she went to intervene in the Mandalorian Wars, till her downfall at the hands of her traitorous apprentice. No one knew it still existed, all believed it had been lost in the destruction of Revan's flagship, the Absolution. But Bastila hadn't been able to part with this piece of Revan and had held on to it like a treasure.

Her finger traced the mask's outline. It strongly reminded her of that day. During their conversation on the bridge Revan had removed her mask, to prove something. Bastila had expected to see the taint of the dark side; a corrupted face with grey skin, yellow eyes burning with hatred and a mouth void of emotion. Instead she had seen a face full of life. Revan's olive skin had appeared lush and healthy, her mouth was curled in a confident smile and her green eyes radiated a warm light as they studied her. Hardly the evil Dark Mistress the Jedi had made her out to be.

Seeing her beautiful face had immediately rekindled the love and deep respect she felt for the leader. Revan had talked to her like a master would to an apprentice and hadn't hidden her attraction for the younger woman. And when they both saw the bright flash of the Leviathan's turrets Revan hadn't hesitated; she had wrapped Bastila in her arms to shield her from the impact. Where she could've used the brunette as a human shield, she had chosen to give the younger woman life. Bastila had lived, while Revan had died.

Tears formed in her eyes as she watched the mask. The incredible sacrifice Revan had made still made her heart ache. Where the Jedi Masters had treated her cold and pragmatic, Revan had seen her as more than a tool and had given her the chance to live on. She still didn't know what had driven the extraordinary woman to make that decision, but from that moment on she had sworn to protect what was left of Revan, beginning by healing her back to life.

And now she was destroying Revan, by ignoring the strong feelings Xana and she felt for each other. Every time she had brushed Xana's advances off she had seen the hurt expression, had felt the pain through the bond. A pain she felt as well, making it twice as hard.

Things could no longer continue like this, her body and mind ached to be close to Xana. If only she had someone she could discuss her troubles with, put things in a different perspective. Why had she always been such a loner? Xana had readily – almost greedily – accepted Mission and Zaalbar, who represented something of a family to her. Why couldn't Bastila be like that? Why did she have to push everyone away who threatened to come too close?

A low, frustrated growl escaped her throat. The only friend she had apart from Xana was Carth Onasi. She laughed apathetically, wondering how the widower would respond when the Jedi Knight he so admired came to him with her petty love problems.

When her new commander excused herself and rushed off, Juhani was left with Bastila's rude apprentice. Not knowing how to spend the rest of her day – Belaya was on duty till late in the evening – she decided to stick around the olive skinned human a little while longer, to observe her. Figuring out the padawan gave her a hard time; Xana was strange, even for a human.

No sooner had they stepped into the circular patio or they were alerted by a distressed cry. "Xana!" The cry was soon followed by a little Twi'lek, accompanied by a large Wookie, the oddest couple Juhani had ever seen. The girl's face was scrunched up in anger as she stormed towards Juhani's new companion. "You sneaked off to a mission without letting us know!" she indignantly accused when she was standing in front of the taller human.

Xana smiled at the pouting girl and patted her head. "Sorry Mission, this was one of those missions you couldn't tag along with. The shit we've seen today was almost too much, even for a trained Jedi mind."

"You should've at least taken me." The large Wookie tried to sound bold, but he was shifting nervously on his feet, a thing that startled Juhani. The proud Kashyyyk warriors were told to fight dark Jedi valiantly, and not without success. That this one was anxious about a puny padawan was strange, to say the least. "The life-debt means I must protect you at all times."

The human shook her head. "I'm not risking your mental health, Zaalbar. I don't know how others treat their Wookie, but to me you aren't expendable." If a Wookie could blush, Zaalbar would've done so, looking to the ground almost coyly.

The exchange greatly surprised Juhani. "A Wookie swore a life-debt to you?" The words seemed so unbelievable to her that she had a hard time even verbalizing them.

The girl called Mission became aware of the Cathar and her face darkened. She walked over to the feline and stood a foot in front of her, putting her hands in her sides and puffing her cheeks. "You're the one who hurt Xana!" She didn't seem scared of the fact that Juhani was a Cathar, a trained Jedi Knight and about two feet taller.

Juhani looked down at the girl curiously. Xana's companions were possibly even more surprising than the human herself. "You're a brave little creature. What does Xana mean to you that you're willing to risk your health for her?"

"Xana's my boss and she's saved our lives a bunch of times," Mission declared proudly. "She's earned our loyalty through her actions!" She pointed her little finger at Juhani's face. "And you're a bully for hurting her."

She knew what the Twi'lek was referring to and felt ashamed. Overwhelmed by the Beast, she had lashed out at the human who had only been an initiate at the time. "It was an unfortunate accident. I won't senselessly harm her again."

The Twi'lek regarded her slowly and nodded. "I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. But if it happens again you'll have to answer to me!"

The Cathar's eyes darted from the girl to the massive Wookie, then to Xana. "You're a strange woman. Wookies don't swear their life-debts casually and this…" She pointed at Mission "…is true loyalty. This girl is protecting you even though she knows the odds are against her."

"Like odds have anything to do with it," Mission huffed. "You're a Jedi, so you've got to respect my boss."

Juhani nodded and patted the Twi'lek on the shoulder. "You are honorable, you can be proud of yourself." Mission's little chest indeed swelled with pride and her face warmed up considerably when she watched the Cathar. Juhani's eyes went back to Xana. "Do not betray the trust these two put in you. As their battlemaster they are your responsibility." To her credit the human nodded sincerely, clearly understanding the gravity of her position.

The Twi'lek turned around to Xana, beaming her a bright smile. "I don't see why you don't like Miss Juhani. She's totally cool!"

The human shrugged. "Maybe when you're not at the business end of her glowsticks."

"She already said it was an accident, you big crybaby. You shouldn't hold that against her, you're bigger than that." Mission turned back to the Cathar, her eyes sparkling when she stood on her toes to get closer. "Sorry about my boss," she whispered as if she were telling a secret. "She's a sore loser, she gets reaaal grumpy."

"I heard that."

Mission chuckled softly, giving Juhani a knowing wink before continuing in a normal volume. "Hey Miss Juhani, will you have dinner with us? It'll be fun, I promise!" She placed one hand on the Cathar's stomach and lightly pushed. "You're way too scrawny. All muscle, no fat; that's no good, you should eat well!"

Xana snorted. "Mission giving nutritional advice, that's bound to end well."

The Cathar looked down on the girl, feeling touched by her genuine care. "Thank you for your concern, but there's nothing wrong with my diet. My physical build is a racial trait." Two female Twi'lek Jedi passed by and the Cathar nodded at them. "Just like you'll have wide hips and large breasts when you're grown up." Her voice was as dead serious as ever, simply because she was stating facts.

Mission looked up to Juhani with wide eyes and choked, cheeks turning a few shades deeper blue. Xana laughed out loud at the girl's expression. "You'd like that, don't'cha?"

"Shaddap, you idiot. I don't need juggernauts like yours obstructing my movement!"

"Juggernauts?" Xana cupped her breasts and looked offended, nodding at the two Twi'leks that were just rounding a corner. "Compared to those dreadnoughts my modest C-cups are more like freighters. Firm, compact and versatile."

"V-versatile?" the girl sputtered, face turning possibly even darker. "How can pair of breasts be versatile? I mean… what different uses can breasts have?"

The padawan chuckled and grabbed the girl around the shoulders. "That's a lesson best left for when you're older."

Mission pouted and gave Xana a shove, trying to worm free but failing miserably so. "Stop treating me like a kid!"

Xana laughed and started tickling the girl's sides, holding her tightly locked to her body to prevent escape. "Just admit you love it when I do." Mission started twitching and giggling madly, increasing her efforts to get out of Xana's tormenting grip.

In the meantime Juhani was watching the struggling duo in bewilderment. "Did I say something wrong?" she asked Zaalbar, who was watching his friends passively.

The large Wookie shrugged. "It's a human and Twi'lek thing. I think they reckon the size of their hips and breasts are related to their sexual prowess."

The Cathar blinked. "But that's wrong."

"Of course, but try convincing them." He nodded at the still quarreling duo.

Mission had climbed on Xana's shoulders and was trying to force her to the ground, but the much stronger human had no trouble keeping her at bay. After a quick roll it was Mission who was lying on the ground, with Xana pushing her blue wrists down – locking her effortlessly into place with one hand – and assaulting her sensitive side with fervor. Passing Jedi shot them disgusted glares, but knew better than to admonish Bastila's indecent apprentice.

Seeing the duo romping around gave Juhani a feeling of nostalgia. When she had been a whelp her parents had encouraged similar playful fights. They were a good way for children to develop muscles and insight in the flow of battle. It was commendable that Xana was using the same method on her pupil and made the esteem Juhani held for her grow. Slightly.

After a short but intense fight Mission surrendered. "M-mercy!" she managed between giggles, looking like she was having the time of her life. "P-please Xana, I s-surrender."

"Tell me I'm awesome," the human demanded with a feral grin, still holding the girl tightly down and hovering her hand over Mission's side as a silent threat.

"You're awesome! You're the awesomest, pawnsomest, handsomest Jedi ever!"

"Atta girl." With a smirk Xana released Mission, getting to her feet and helping the little Twi'lek get up as well. "You've learned well, my apprentice."

Mission made a mock bow. "I thank you, my master… Mistress. Eww… why do Jedi call their women master? Talk about sexism."

"They're outrageously old-fashioned," Xana smirked, happy that she and Mission were on the same wavelength most of the time. "You can call me mistress though, I like that."

"In your dreams, creep!"

The human pouted playfully. "Killjoy."

"Pervert!"

The padawan didn't seem to have an answer to that, because she merely chuckled and patted the girl's head. "Hey Mission, I'm going to make a quick visit to the tailor. Want to tag along?"

The girl's face immediately lit up. "Sure thing! Why do you need to go there?"

Xana quickly glanced at the Cathar. "Juhani accentuates all her features in that outrageously sexy catsuit of hers and Bastila is dressed like a proper princess. Why do I have to put up with a brown garbage bag while they get the fine cut?"

Mission gave her a knowing smile. "Usually you're not the kind of person that puts up with anything."

"Exactly," the padawan answered darkly. "So let's roll."

"Aye!" The girl turned to the two aliens and waved. "Bye Big-Z, bye Miss Juhani. See you at dinner!" Zaalbar waved the two off. They were already chatting happily as they went, no doubt discussing the events of that morning.

"You're not following them?" Juhani asked.

"Xana doesn't need my protection while inside the enclave and they need to spend some time together. Besides, it's confusing and tiring to be around them. I can't follow their fast Galactic Basic very well and most of the time they don't even mean what they say. Xana says it's called joking, but I don't understand. A joke is supposed to be funny, right?"

The Cathar nodded, feeling exactly what he was saying. "Tell me about it. Half of her time she is talking nonsense, the other half she's being rude or hostile."

"Humans have a different view on honor. They think it's shameful to submit to their betters or to admit mistakes." The big Wookie was still staring after the long gone duo. "But Xana is a good person. Rough around the edges, but with her own code of honor, how strange it might be."

Juhani shook her head disdainfully. "I have a hard time figuring out whatever honor she might have."

"You should give her a chance. She's a surprising creature, who takes better care of her tribe than she takes of herself. And she makes Mission happy, treats her like a little sister. They need that."

The Cathar remained silent. Yes, the human woman was definitely surprising. But she was also skirting the borders of Juhani's patience time after time. If the rude brat was thinking she could keep getting away with her abhorrent behavior, she'd soon find out why the galaxy had once feared Cathar claws.

About an hour later Mission and Xana left the tailor's shop. The lovely Twi'lek woman had taken all measurements and they had come up with a nice design, based on Bastila's robes but with some details that were meant to project authority. Xana knew from personal experience that instilling that little bit of extra doubt on an enemy could make the difference. Her new sets would be ready in two days, so for now she had to put up with her old ones.

Mission was almost ecstatic. "Saving the galaxy in style! You do know how to leave an impression."

"Sometimes you have to let the galaxy know who the Head Bitch in Charge is." The raven haired woman was grinning madly, she was very pleased with her new gear. "And it might help me seduce Bastila."

"If she can still resist you wearing those robes, she must be secretly blind. You look hella sexy!"

Xana watched the girl with a lewd smirk. "Always knew you were a bit lesbian. You sure you don't want me to find you a little Twi'lek girlfriend? You'd look so cute holding hands and cuddling together."

A slight blush rose on Mission's cheeks as she huffed. "Oh shaddap you. You can't even get yourself a girlfriend."

Her face fell. "I actually followed your advice today, Blue. I told her I love her."

The Twi'lek watched her curiously. "Really? How'd she respond?"

"It nearly tore her apart. I can see and feel she wants it too, but she's conflicted about it. It seems the Jedi Masters have fully brainwashed her."

"Hmm, maybe she just needs some time to come to terms with it. Maybe she thought all along you were just fooling around with her, like you fool around with every pretty girl you meet. Now she knows you're serious she's bound to come around! Certainly when we leave the stupid enclave with those stupid Jedi terrorizing her."

"Yeah, perhaps you're right." Xana smiled, feeling renewed hope. She'd just need to give Bastila some time, it was not that they'd leave each other soon with their Bond forcing them together. She gently stroked Mission's lek, knowing she loved that. "You're the best little sis ever."

"Little sis?" Mission watched her with big eyes, but then her face turned in a big, goofy grin. "Since when did you change from my boss to my big sis?"

"Because you're fired for digging your blue little nose way too deep in your boss' love life. But seeing how I love it when you do and how I want you to stay with me forever, I've promoted you to a position where you simply can't leave me anymore. You don't abandon family."

The girl giggled. "You're a big, freaking weirdo, big sis. You know that right?" Despite her harsh words she smiled brightly and she gently hugged her newly adopted sister.

"Boy, do I know it. And frankly I don't give a shit."

Mission laughed at that. The two of them continued on their way, merrily chatting and joking as they crossed the enormous courtyard. Halfway across Mission suddenly stopped dead in her tracks, eyes growing big as she recognized a pretty Twi'lek woman with golden skin and an outrageously sexy outfit. "Lena?"

The other Twi'lek turned around and recognized the girl. "Mission? Y-you survived Taris?" Relief was clearly visible in her eyes and she rushed forward to embrace the girl, but Mission held up her arms to push her way. The woman called Lena was visibly surprised by the hostility. "Mission sweetie, what's wrong?"

"Don't call me that," Mission snarled, definitely sounding hostile right now. "Where's Griff?"

"I wanted to ask you that question. When Griff and I broke up he said he'd return to Taris to find you. Weren't you still with the Hidden Beks?"

"You're lying! He didn't come to the Beks. You stole him away from me, forced him to abandon me."

Lena now looked genuinely distressed. "Sweetie, what are you talking about? You could have come with us if you wanted to! It was your choice to stay behind!

For a moment Mission was taken aback. "Why would I have wanted to stay on Taris all alone when I could also be exploring the galaxy with you two? Griff told me you didn't want his little sister tagging along. That's why he had to leave me behind!"

"W-what? But that's a lie! I adored you, remember? I wanted you to come with us, Mission. I even offered to pay for your ticket! I mean, why not? I paid for everything else while I was with that freeloader. But he told me you didn't want to leave Taris. I said we shouldn't even go then, but he said we'd come back and get you after we struck it rich on Tatooine - just another one of his lies."

"Y-you were fond of me, but… but Griff said… Griff wouldn't... he wouldn't try to leave me behind!"

"Then why would he tell us two different stories? Griff is always looking to blame other people for his own problems, that's probably why he abandoned you. Perhaps he thought you were only holding him back. He did the same thing to me, as soon as I ran out of money. He started blaming me for all his problems. Like it's my fault his get-rich-quick schemes never work out!"

"Don't you start trashing my brother, you cantina rat! Take that back or I'll smack you so hard your lekku will pop off!"

Xana saw tears forming in Lena's eyes and grabbed Mission's shoulder gently. "Blue, I know you revere your brother, by don't you see Lena's distress? It seems she genuinely cares for you, while your brother…"

"No!" Mission's voice was adamant as she cut through Xana's words. "I won't let her destroy us even more! I'm glad Griff broke up with you, he's better off without you anyway, you table-dancing, brother-stealing home wrecker!" She ripped her shoulder free and ran off to the enclave. Lena called after her, but Mission stormed off without even glancing back.

"Oh, Griff you damn Hutt-spawn," Lena grumbled, as she wiped her eyes dry. She turned to Xana. "I'm sorry, you seem close to Mission. I didn't mean to upset her. Her brother's lies must have poisoned her opinion of me, there was a time when she looked up to me like a bigger sister."

"That does sound something she'd do." Apparently Zaerdra and Xana weren't the only ones Mission had tried to gain acknowledgment from. "Look, I don't know which side to pick right now, but it seems like Griff and I need to have a serious chat. Any idea where I might find him?"

"Like I said, I thought he'd return to Taris to find Mission, but perhaps he ran out of money. I do remember him telling he had plans of making a fortune working the Czerka Corp mines on Tatooine, perhaps you'll find him there. But as far as I'm concerned he's out of my life forever!"

"Judging from what I've gathered today that sounds sensible." Xana nodded at the Twi'lek and started moving, but Lena grabbed her by the arm.

"Please, if you find Griff, and Mission sees him for the asshole he is, you must tell her I'm heading for Manaan. You know, so I can properly apologize for everything."

The padawan regarded her for a moment, then patted her arm briefly. "I'll tell her."

Lena gave her an appreciative smile.

Late that night Belaya was waiting for her lover to return. Juhani had been summoned to another meeting with the Council, together with her two new companions. It didn't bode well that her beautiful Cathar was seeing the masters so often, together with the hero that had killed the Dark Lord herself. Coupled with the mystery her mission was shrouded in it wasn't hard to piece together what was going to happen.

When Juhani finally stepped through the door the look on her face confirmed Belaya's fear. She flung herself into the feline's arms and embraced her tightly. "You're leaving, aren't you?" Her voice was soft and at breaking point.

"Belle…" It was no more than a breath. Strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. "We knew this day would come."

Tears welled up in her eyes and she trembled. "I can't join you, can I?"

"The enclave's defenses are spread thin as they are, they can't send another Jedi Knight off to war. Besides, suggesting it would only raise suspicion about us. They could separate us forever if they found out." Juhani gently kissed Belaya's forehead. "We can't change the Council's beliefs about love."

The human nodded, silently cursing the sickening secrecy. She pulled back and looked her lover in the eyes. "I'm going to miss you, Ju."

"And I you, Belle." The Cathar leaned in and placed a tender kiss on the human's lips. "But no tears. It is but a temporary inconvenience, nothing more. I trust in Bastila, she once ended Revan's madness and she can end Malak's as well. Once I've helped her end this war we'll be together for the rest of our lives, I'll make sure of that." Juhani kissed her again, but this time it was deeper, full of need. "We leave in three days, let's treasure the time we have left."

Belaya felt the same desperate need and her core began heating up. If she had three days she'd use them to the fullest. She buried her tongue deeply in her lover's mouth, where it met a much stronger one. For a moment they battled, but Juhani's tongue won out and delved deep into Belaya. A low moan escaped her when the wet muscle filled her completely.

The feline released her and took a step back, making her immediately miss the contact. "Undress." Juhani's order was spoken softly, but demanding. Belaya immediately complied, doing her best not to rip the robes right of her body as she stripped down. When she was naked she stood straight for inspection, hands folded behind her back and legs slightly apart, just how Juhani wanted it. Yellow eyes studied her body appreciatively, darting all over her almost lazily. Her folds slowly became moist as the rising anticipation nearly became too much for her.

When the still fully clothed Cathar was satisfied she slowly walked around the waiting human, eyes never leaving her nude form and a single finger brushing over her sensitive flesh. She stood behind Belaya and pushed herself against her lover, letting her hands trace the body with silk touch. The feeling of her naked skin rubbing against the warm fabric of Juhani's robes was fuel to her arousal. Goosebumps appeared everywhere the soft fingers crossed, on her belly, her chest, her breasts. She softly whimpered when Juhani squeezed her nipples between her fingers. In response the Cathar buried her lips in Belaya's neck, softly licking the delicate skin.

"Kneel." The Cathar's voice had been reduced to a hoarse whisper, but hadn't lost any of its intense authority and Belaya found herself unable to disobey.

Cathar culture revolved around a strong hierarchy, something that was reflected in their mating rituals. Juhani – being the stronger Jedi – was the one in charge and Belaya – being submissive to begin with – fully accepted that. For the Cathar it was merely respectful and dutiful to take full control of her lover, but for the human submitting to the orders of the strong and gorgeous woman was highly arousing. It gave an incredible sense of freedom to surrender completely to the woman she unconditionally trusted.

It was a game they had played often. One by one Juhani ordered Belaya to remove her pieces of clothing, allowing the obedient human to tenderly nibble on the exposed skin underneath. She was forced to follow her lover's pace, although she desperately wanted to rip the clothes right off her stunning body. More than once did she shoot Ju a begging pout, but she was always rewarded with a stern, steady gaze.

After what felt like an hour she finally had the Cathar fully naked. Sitting on her knees she took in the marvelous body towering above her. Flat muscles and bones poked through sandy skin, but there was just enough fat in the right places to give her feminine curves. Yellow eyes were burning like molten gold as Juhani studied the submissive creature kneeling in front of her, making Belaya feel exposed and vulnerable, but at the same time desirable and sexy.

"Lay down on the bed."

Juhani moved on top of her when she was lying on her back, pushing her full weight down until every inch of skin was making contact. The Cathar's fluffy skin was way too soft and made Belaya go crazy. The muscular tongue attacked her mouth again and she almost came from that sensation alone. She breathed in deeply when Juhani gave her mouth some respite.

Juhani began assaulting other places of Belaya's body with her fingers and tongue; her earlobe, neck, collar bone, then tracing powerful paths over her breasts and nipples. The eager tongue moved over her ribcage, down to her abdomen where it teased her navel for a short while. The cruel feline then completely skipped over her throbbing folds, going down to her inner ties instead. She comfortably settled between Belaya's spread legs, lazily playing around with the wet and waiting flesh, but never giving her the satisfaction she craved.

"Please Ju," Belaya begged, feeling like she couldn't take it any longer. "Please take me."

Juhani looked her lover in the eyes. "Who do you belong to?"

"To you, Juhani. I'm all yours."

Juhani covered Belaya's vagina with her hand. When the human tried to push into her and rub around she sternly shook her head, making Belaya stop hesitantly. "Whose is this?"

"Yours Juhani, everything you see is yours. P-please." Her breath had quickened and she was whimpering wildly.

"All mine, Belaya. Until the end of our lives and in the afterlife." Juhani repositioned herself so her mouth was in front of Belaya's vagina, which was radiating heat and wetness like crazy. Her deft fingers folded the human's labia apart and she pressed her nose against the exposed flesh, breathing in deeply to take in her lover's musky scent. Then she had her way with Belaya, by penetrating her with her long tongue. It filled her core and expanded in strong pulses, creating wonderful friction and compression. Soft fingertips started massaging her sensitive clitoris.

While Juhani was taking her, all Belaya could do was whimper and remember to breathe. The Cathar's muscled tongue was pulsating and pushing inside her narrow passage, soft fingers and upper lip were tormenting her sensitive bud. The orgasm was imminent, the earlier teasing and commanding had brought her incredibly close and it didn't take much to bring over the edge.

When the orgasm came, wave after wave of ecstasy coursed through her body like burning hot water and she had no other choice but to surrender to them, ride them. She whimpered and panted as she came, her lover's name on her lips, clinging to the sheets until the last pulse had contracted her body. She lay shivering in the bed and couldn't keep her legs from trembling, long after the orgasm was gone.

Juhani moved back on top of Belaya and kissed her deeply, letting the human taste her own juices. Even if she wanted to protest she didn't have the energy to do so. The Cathar grabbed her close and twisted them around so she was the one laying on bottom. Belaya was catching her breath secure in her lover arms, who was trembling under her in anticipation. "Your turn, Belle."

She laughed shakily and pushed herself up, licking Juhani's lips teasingly. "Yes, my love." She delved her tongue back in the Cathar's mouth, planning to take just as much cruel time as her lover had.

After a long night of lovemaking the two of them lay exhausted in the bed, Belaya curled up against her lover with her head resting on the Cathar's shoulder. Juhani's skin was softer than the finest silk and she couldn't get enough of it. Her entire body was still tingling from Ju's abuse and she let out a content sigh. "That was amazing, Kitten. Bastila doesn't know what she's missing out on."

A deep growl escaped Juhani's throat. "Her blatant disrespect is not only destroying herself, but the apprentice she's responsible for as well. Today Xana declared her love to Bastila, but she didn't even respond. How Xana bears with such desolation is a mystery to me."

Belaya gently traced the Cathar's ribs, loving how they poked through the skin. "You need to talk to her, Ju. Make her understand love and affection is something beautiful."

"I've tried, Belle. But she thinks the current explanation of the Code is infallible and won't be convinced otherwise."

"Poor Xana."

The feline let out a dry snort. "I'd have more sympathy for her if she weren't such a rude creature. I swear if she disrespects me or her master one more time I'll teach her a lesson she won't soon forget."

"Hmm, I'm sure a bit of discipline would do her good. But you must be careful Ju, you can't just go about hurting her for everything that bothers you." She knew she had to phrase her next words carefully. "Cathar and humans don't have the same social norms."

"Xana has no social norms."

Belaya chuckled. "Can't disagree on that. I'm sure some of your guidance will make her a better person, as it did to me." Suddenly emotions overwhelmed her, their little pillow talk made her all too aware of how much she was going to miss her lover. She wrapped herself close to the soft woman and shivered. "Do come back safely."

"You know I can't make such promises. You also know I'm strong and not foolish, so let that be a reassurance." When Belaya nodded with her face buried in the feline's neck, Juhani gently patted the human's head. "I just hope I can get along with the group. They're hiring a Mandalorian to aid us, can you imagine?"

The human knight pulled her head back, looking concerned and surprised. "A Mandalorian? Who in their right mind pairs a Cathar with a Mandalorian?"

"He's supposed to be a veteran and Xana claims he's honorable, wishing to redeem his race. Master Vandar says those who aided Bastila and Xana on Taris are tied to their destiny. I trust in his wisdom, but I don't like it one bit. If this Mandalorian is indeed a veteran, chances are he has the blood of innocent Cathar on his hands."

"Well… if he's willing to help end the war, he can't be that bad, right? Just don't let him get to you."

"We shall see." Juhani closed the subject by kissing Belaya tenderly. "Get some sleep. You'll need your energy tomorrow."

The human yawned widely and settled against the soft, warm pillow that was her lover. "Yes ma'am," she muttered contently and almost immediately drifted off to a deep sleep.