"You sure this is everything?" Loneva asks as she levitates cargo boxes into Rylo's ship.

"I've double- and triple-checked," the Zabrak nods.

Jori comes out from the ship, sidestepping the boxes. "Alright, I've reinstalled your transmitter and your ignition coil. You should be able to leave."

The two women stand side-by-side as Rylo faces them one final time. "Well, ladies, I guess this is goodbye."

Jori shrugs. "It's a small galaxy. We may see each other again."

"Force willing," Loneva adds.

"I had a great time with you two," he smiles, "And I hope we do run into each other again."

Loneva steps forward, hugging Rylo around his chest. "Be safe," she says, "And give Teleena our best."

"One last thing before you go," Jori says.

"What?"

"Tell us your real name. 'Rylo Suave' is a very obvious alias."

He smiles. "It's Mahael Koth." With that, he steps into his ship, the ramp closes, and it soars into the Eol Sha sky. Loneva waves behind it.

"He's finally gone," Jori says.

Loneva nudges her girlfriend with her elbow. "Admit it: You'll miss him."

The Sith laughs. "Mainly I'll miss what's between his legs. But yes, he did have a certain charm. And you're sure he won't be able to find his way back here?"

"Quite sure. I erased his title and gave him a copy of Danica. She'll erase our location from his ship's computers the moment he gets out of hyperspace."

"And now there's the matter of you," Loneva says. "We've got to get you to Tython. We should take my ship, since it's got the right codes to get past the automated defenses."

"Very well. I'm as ready as I'll ever be," Jori nods.

"You're in for a real treat," Loneva says as they enter her ship. "Tython's a beautiful place. Long as you can avoid the Flesh Raiders."

Jori looks alarmed. "Flesh...Raiders?"

"The natives of the planet. Large, vicious creatures with wide mouths and thin heads. Not too hard to fight off, but they're still a threat." She tilts her head. "Why, what did you think I meant?"

"I thought...a gang of rapists?"

Loneva laughs. "No, the Flesh Raiders just steal food and supplies." She turns to the ship. "Danica, take us to Tython."

"You got it, boss. And should I drop you off at the Twi'lek village?"

"That would be perfect. You're a smart girl, Danica."

"I bet you say that to all the girls." The ship lifts off and climbs into the sky. As it performs the hyperspace calculations, Jori hugs Loneva. This, however, isn't a loving hug. It's a tight, scared hug.

"Are you okay?" Loneva asks.

"No," she rests her head on Loneva's shoulder. "I'm horribly nervous. The ritual, whatever it is, may help restore who I am, but it might also kill me. At worst...it will strip me of the Force completely. I couldn't live unable to feel the Force. I've grown so used to hearing the life of the galaxy around me. It's practically become a part of me."

Loneva pulls Jori off her shoulder and looks her in the face. "Listen to me. You're a powerful, intelligent, caring woman. You will survive this ritual. I just know it."

Jori pauses for a long while, staring into Loneva's eyes, then puts her hand on the side of her face. "Thank you, my love." She leans forward and kisses her.

The ship soon arrives at Tython and Loneva transmits the codes to disable the automated defenses. There's no reply, and she soon discovers that the defenses are gone, obviously obliterated by the Eternal Fleet. She takes the ship in for a landing at a pad just outside the Twi'lek village, and they step out. She takes a deep breath. "Ah...I'd forgotten how lovely the atmosphere is. And the Force is so strong here."

The Sith inhales. "It smells nice, but I don't feel anything. Perhaps because this planet is stronger in the Light Side."

Loneva grasps Jori's hand. "You will soon. I promise." They walk down the winding trail and are greeted by a male Twi'lek.

"Welcome, travelers, to Kalikori village" he says, bowing. "It's not often we get visitors here. Please, make yourselves at home. We have little to offer, but what we do have is yours. And it has been many years since any Jedi were here."

"How do you know I'm a Jedi?" Loneva asks.

"The way you carry yourself. I used to see Jedi on a daily basis. But they've all been driven away, leaving us vulnerable to the Flesh Raiders. Still, if there's anything we can give, just ask."

"That won't be necessary," Loneva smiles. "We're just headed to the Jedi temple."

"The temple? Well, do be careful. The way there is crawling with Flesh Raiders. They don't go in the temple itself because they think the Jedi cursed it, but they're still a danger."

"We'll be fine," Jori says, "Now could you please give us directions?"

"Just follow that path," the Twi'lek says, pointing to the southeast.

"Thank you." Loneva and Jori walk down the path, handily dispatching all the Flesh Raider ambushes waiting for them. They arrive at the temple to an empty yard. No Padawans, no training droids, no Masters. "Yikes, it looks like some of the rubble from the Imperial strike her is still left over."

"A sad day in our history," Jori shakes her head. "We almost lost the Empire to Revan because of that intelligence blunder."

"Oh, the past is the past," Loneva waves a hand, "Now let's head upstairs. The archives are on the second floor. I'll get the computer working again." The computer turns out only to need its power supply fixed, which Loneva carries out in minutes. She searches the archives for anything on losing one's Force connection. "Ah, here we go. It seems there's a spirit that lives in one of the caves in Kaleth. It should be able to restore your connection."

"Must be a Jedi spirit," Jori says, "Do you really think it will help me, a Sith?"

"Force spirits don't tend to focus on material allegiances, only on your Force strength and actions. You should be fine."

Jori grins. "I like them already."

No Flesh Raiders stand on the route to the cave. The two women walk slowly inside. A few steps in, a voice that they can hear, but can't feel, speaks. "Halt." A shining apparition stands before them: a ghost shaped like a human man. "Who are you, and why have you come to this cave?"

The Sith kneels before the ghost. "I'm Jori Kanath. I seek the spirit who lives in this cave."

"There is none here but me. What do you wish of me?"

"I have lost my ability to feel the Light Side, and I was hoping you could help me restore it. Will you please help me?"

The ghost nods. "This I can do. You need not kneel to me."

Jori stands, dusting her greaves off. "Who are you?" Loneva asks.

"Who I am is not important. But you must leave."

The Sith's eyes go wide. "No, I want her here! She's been by my side for years. Please, let her stay."

"If you wish my help, you will do as I ask. She will not come to harm, but to stay here would interfere with what I must do."

Loneva hugs Jori. "I'll go. I know how important this is to you."

"I'll try not to take too long, my love."

The Jedi kisses her. "I'll be waiting for you in Kalikori." She walks out of the cave.

"She is your lover?" the Spirit asks.

"Yes. I cannot imagine the galaxy without her," Jori answers.

"That is your first problem."

"I beg your pardon?"

The spirit paces before her. "You are too set upon your lover, and not set enough upon the Force."

"How can that be? I've been with her for so long, and I had my Force problems recently."

"How did you lose your ability to feel the Light?" the spirit beckons her to sit.

Jori complies. "It started about six months ago. I was with Loneva-my lover-and we were investigating a downed ship. She's a cyborg and she tried interfacing with the ship's computer. It disrupted one of her critical implants. When I got back to the ship with her, she was dead. I...I couldn't bear the thought of continuing life without her. In my fear, the Dark Side took hold of me and enabled me to bring her back to life. When she came to, I felt even more fear. I worried that using such a powerful Dark spell would pull me further down that path than I cared to go. I refused to become like other Sith, to let the Dark drive me to madness. It must have been using such a deep spell that deadened me to the Light."

"I see," the spirit says, "But you are wrong about the cause. Merely tapping into the Dark Side does not blind one to the Light. Many have tasted the darkness and been redeemed. What robbed you of your affinity was your fear. Your inability to accept your lover's death ignored the natural cycle of life. This caused your fear to cascade and grow."

The Sith glares at the spirit. "So, what are you saying? That Loneva needs to die for me to feel the Light again?"

"No," he says, "Taking the life of another when not in self-defense is not harmonious with the light."

"Then what must I do?"

"You must become able to let go of her," the spirit clarifies. "You must remember what is important in this galaxy-life. The Force is in all living things. It sustains all life. And when a living being dies, it becomes one with the Force. This is the final line of the Jedi Code."

"'There is no death, there is the Force,'" Jori recites, "But how do I make myself ready to handle her death?"

"You must explore your fears, your feelings for her, one by one. You must discover why you have them, and how they can either help or mislead you. I can act as guide to that end." He walks behind her.

"I will accept whatever help you can give me," she says.

"Then close your eyes and open your mind." Jori closes her eyes and awaits the spirit's knowledge. "Your lover-what does she mean to you?"

"Everything."

"Why is this?"

Jori thinks for a moment. "Because I've grown close to her. It started out as lust, but as I got to know her, I realized what a smart, kind person she is."

"But the galaxy is so full of smart, kind people. Do you attach yourself to all of them?"

"No, of course not. I don't know any of them but Loneva."

"So, it is your familiarity that makes the difference? If another smart, kind person came along, and you got to know them, would you grow close, like you have with Loneva?"

The Sith shrugs. "I don't know. I suppose I might, but it wouldn't be the same."

"And why not?"

"Because...I trust Loneva, like I've never trusted anyone else. I think that trust is what makes the difference."

"Could you trust another?"

"I don't think so."

"Why not?"

Jori inhales sharply. "Because...if I grew close to them, I'd constantly be worried that I might lose them. I can't bear to go through that again. It was just too painful."

"Then it is fear of pain that keeps you with Loneva?"

She bows her head. "I've never thought about it that way, but I suppose it is."

"That's the same problem. Fear. Your fear cripples you. And that is why you must prepare yourself to let her go."

"So...I must leave her?"

"No...you must be ready to accept that as a possibility." He pauses. "Let us try a test, shall we? Open your eyes." Jori complies. "Now, walk deeper into the cave. I will show you what you need to see."

Jori walks in deeper. She sees a bright meadow and smiles. "I had no idea the cave led here."

"Keep looking."

She looks around and sees Loneva waving to her. "Loneva! W-what are you doing here? The spirit told you to leave the cave."

Loneva runs up to her and embraces her. "Well, here I am. Have you figured yourself out?"

Jori nods. "I believe so."

"Can you feel the Light Side?"

"I haven't tried yet."

A primal scream comes from the trees, and the two women turn to it. A band of Flesh Raiders emerges, charging at them. They ignite their lightsabers and fight. Jori blasts one into a ravine, and takes another with her lightsaber. Loneva cuts down two more, just as the leader jumps at her and catches her in the gut with his blade. The Sith kills him and rushes to Loneva's side. "Hold on," she says, pulling her into her lap. She puts her hand over the wound and focuses, but feels nothing. "Come on, I've done this before." She shakes her hand like she would a malfunctioning electronic device. Still nothing.

Loneva touches a hand to her face. "Don't...it's my time, Jori," she smiles. "Thank you for two wonderful years. They were the best of my…" Her head drops back, leaving her sentence unfinished.

Jori shakes her. "No! No, Loneva, this can't happen again. Loneva, please, come back to me!" The Jedi's body hangs limp. The Sith checks for a pulse and feels nothing.

The spirit appears in front of Jori. "What will you do now?"

She glares at him. "You! You did this! How dare you call yourself a servant of the Light!"

"I did nothing," he spreads his arms, "But I wish to know what you will do."

"Well...I suppose I'll put her on a pyre, like the Jedi do. I'll pay my respects."

"What will you do in the long term?"

Jori wipes her eyes. "I suppose I'll...go back to Dromund Kaas. I'll resume my writing. And I'll try to avoid direct contact with anyone else."

He crouches to her level. "Have you heard nothing I've told you? You're still defining your existence through her. Shutting yourself away will not bring her back, and it will not help anyone."

"I don't know if I can help. I've always disliked spending so much time around others. I can't stand it...their inane babblings about who said what about whose husband at what party, their obsession with pointless activities, their love of superficial merit."

"And you would risk never meeting another person like Loneva? One you could carry on intelligent, meaningful conversation with?"

"But then I'd risk losing them...and putting myself through all this pain a third time."

"What is pain?" the spirit asks. "What purpose does it serve?"

"It's a defense mechanism of the body," she says, "It lets the inhabitant know when something's wrong."

"Does Loneva's death cause any problems for your body?"

Jori shakes her head. "But it does hurt my mind. Knowing that she's gone."

"Why does it hurt that she's gone?"

"Because I can't do the things with her that I so enjoyed."

"But could you not do them with another?"

"I suppose I could…" She sniffles again.

"And if she's no longer alive, does that take away the joys you experienced with her?"

For the first time since entering the cave, Jori smiles. "No. I'll always have those. They'll always be a part of me. Even if she becomes so scrambled within the Force...a part of her will always live in my heart."

"Then, what will you do after her death?"

"I will mourn...and I will cherish her. I don't suppose I'll ever completely heal, but I'll deal with the pain."

The spirit smiles. "Then you have learned." He waves his hand, and the whole meadow and Loneva's body disappear.

Jori looks around frantically. "What? What just happened?"

"You passed the test," he says. "It took a lot of work, but you have taken a large step towards a greater understanding."

"Then...Loneva?"

"Your love still lives. You will find her in the village. Go to her. Make more memories to cherish. You are ready."

"But...what about my Force connection?"

"Reach out," he instructs. Jori does so. "This planet is rich with life. Can you hear it?"

In her mind's eye, Jori sees a dark field, with a faint light at the edge. She focuses on the light. It grows slightly, but she still can't make it out. "It's...like a shout over a great distance. I can't see it clearly, but it's there."

"That is your fear diminishing. Now go...and rebuild your affinity for the light."

The Sith stands, and bows to the spirit. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

"May the Force be with you."

Loneva sits on the ground, nursing an injured Twi'lek and instructing the others on how to care for him. "Grind up those athamade leaves," she says, "They should help fight off the infection."

"Can't you heal him?" a woman pleads, "He's done so much for our village."

"I'm sorry," Loneva says, running her hands over his wound, "Healing was never my specialty. I'm much better with a lightsaber. All I can do is buy him time and take away some of his pain."

"Th-that's enough," the wounded Twi'lek says. "At least I'll die peacefully, with those I love near me."

"Stop talking like that!" the woman says. "We need you!" A rustle in the nearby foliage alerts them all. Jori emerges. "Your other friend! She's a Jedi, too. Can she heal?"

"I'm not a Jedi," Jori says, crouching by the Twi'lek, "But I will see what I can do."

Loneva looks at her. "Are you sure?"

"I won't know until I try." The Sith holds her hand above the Twi'lek's wound and concentrates. She feels the force of the life around her, pushing into the air, running into her, and directs it into the wounded man. Her hand feels warm and she runs it over him several times. When she opens her eyes, his wound is closed, though a scar remains. "It's not perfect, but he'll live. Though he should take it easy for the next month."

"Will do."

The female Twi'lek hugs Jori. "Thank you so much for saving my father."

Jori smiles and hugs her back. "It was really no trouble at all."

Loneva puts a hand on Jori's shoulder. "Does this mean…?"

The Sith nods. "Yes. I'm whole again, albeit a little atrophied."

The Jedi taps the Twi'lek on the shoulder. "Excuse me? Could I please have my girlfriend back now?"

"Oh! Sorry." She lets go and backs away.

Loneva walks over to Jori. "I'm so glad this worked out for you."

"Loneva...there's something I need to ask you."

She nods. "Go ahead."

Jori takes her hands. "All this time we've spent together has been phenomenal. The memories are my greatest treasure. I'd like to make many more of them with you, as many as I can." She reaches in her robes for a small box, and pulls it out, holding it up to Loneva. A golden ring with a large green gem inset is inside. "Loneva Delban...will you marry me?"

The Jedi's eyes go wide. Clearly, she wasn't expecting this. The Twi'lek woman has one hand over her mouth and frantically fans herself with the other hand. "Well...I…"

"We don't have to get it legally recognized or anything. No court will do that for a Jedi and a Sith. But you know how I feel about that anyway."

"Jori...I... I just don't know what to say."

"An answer would be nice."

Loneva crouches and closes the box without removing the ring. "I'm not saying no. I'm just saying 'Not now'. You see, this occupation we're under makes life quite difficult, and I'd rather not risk losing you, especially not now." She kisses the back of Jori's hands, closing them around the box. "I guess what I'm trying to say is...ask me again, when the Eternal Empire has been driven back to Wild Space. I want us both to have something to live for."

Jori clearly wasn't expecting this answer any more than Loneva was expecting the question. She pockets the box. "I understand, my love."

The Jedi stands and offers her hand. The Sith takes it and is lifted up. She kisses her. "Come on, let's go. We need to resume our training."

"Very well." The two of them wave farewell to the Twi'leks and climb aboard the ship.

"Danica, take us back to Eol Sha," Loneva instructs.

"And do a nice jig for you too? Whatever high and almighty Mistress commands, Mistress," the computer responds."

"Alright, Danica...please take us back to Eol Sha," Loneva sighs.

"That's better."

"Are you sure you want to keep that much personality in her?" Jori whispers.

"I think it's nice that I keep getting reminders to treat her like a person," Loneva replies.

"Perhaps you could install one on my ship...after toning down the personality just a touch, that is," Jori suggests. Loneva nods.

"You know...I'll see what I can do with this one." She resumes her normal voice. "Danica, when we get back to Eol Sha, I want you to drop us off, then head to Corellia. When you get there, call a restaurant called Bidu's Place and ask for the owner. Play her the hologram I'm about to record. She'll find you a nice place where you can stay."

"Oh, you think I'll just get in the way?" the ship retorts.

"Maybe I'll increase her mental age a bit," Loneva whispers to Jori, who nods. "No, Danica, it's just that Jori's ship is capable of outrunning the Eternal Fleet in case they find us. You wouldn't stand a chance against them. And that's not a criticism, that's just a fact. You're not powered by Isotope 5. I want you to be safe, because someday, I will need you. Just not now, and I don't want anything to happen to you. Do you understand."

"I...yes, I do. Go ahead and make the holo."

Loneva makes the recording, asking her cousin to find a long-term storage spot for the ship, and explains that when she's back, she will do what she can to help with the restaurant. When it ends, she sits back down, next to Jori and clasps her hand, resting her head on her shoulder. "So, what happened in that cave?"

Jori kisses Loneva's forehead. "I think some things are better left unsaid. The bottom line was, I had a lot of fear that I needed to let go of, and the spirit showed me the way."

"You're not a coward, Jori, and apart from my childish outburst shortly after we got together, I never thought of you as one. You're brave to have lived so long in the heart of the Sith Empire holding ideas like yours. I may not agree with all of them, but they're original, smart, and well-thought out. I never grow bored hearing about economics from you." She lies on her back, resting her head in the Sith's lap. "I never feel unsafe with you around. That's why I didn't give you an outright 'no' on Tython."

The Sith strokes the Jedi's cheeks. "Being brave isn't the absence of fear. It's being able to keep your fear at bay for a little longer than everyone else. When you ran off into the jungle and I lost track of your life signs, I was scared, probably more so than I've been since my Academy days. But when you came back, my fears subsided." She smiles as Loneva begins playing with one of her breasts. "The spirit taught me how to use your love to strengthen myself, and how to keep it at bay when you're not around. I'll be fine."