Chapter Three

Startling Discoveries

Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother. - Khalil Gibran

"Forn Zelka?" Carth asked.

"I am Forn Zelka," the white-haired man answered with some trepidation. "How can I assist you?" he asked eyeing the obvious military that had entered his clinic.

Carth glanced over at Traviata; he inwardly smirked as she absentmindedly browsed the contents on the many shelves and tables in the room. The doctor had quite a vast selection of remedies and equipment, an astonishing feat for such a small facility.

The Commander had come to the clinic because of a conversation he'd overheard at one of the many cantinas they'd been in; as luck would have it, they'd been speaking in basic and Carth hadn't needed Traviata to translate.

Apparently Forn Zelka was known for helping those who needed it (the no-questions-asked type of help). He also had a reputation for being a Republic sympathizer; Carth needed to know if it was true.

"My friend here needs some medical attention, as well as your discretion; I was told you could provide both," Carth answered cautiously.

"I see. What kind of discretion?" the Doctor asked guardedly while slipping his hand into his jacket pocket.

"Doesn't matter really, does it? Is it true?" Carth's thumb discreetly freed his blaster. Forn's move hadn't gone unnoticed by the Commander.

"Are you with the Sith? I've done nothing-" Forn said defensively.

Traviata had eased her way to the opposite side of the room, feeling drawn there. She noticed a control panel next to a closed doorway; silently, slowly, she worked her way over to it.

Carth had the doctor engrossed with their conversation and he wasn't paying any attention to her now. Urged by some feeling she couldn't understand, she started to rewrite the security code to open the passageway. She caught the Captain glancing at her a couple of times, but the doctor seemed oblivious to her actions. Traviata continued until a loud hiss came from the sides of the door revealing an attached room. She looked up feeling their eyes upon her.

"What are you doing? Stay away from there!" Forn shouted angrily.

Traviata took a step in the room and let out a loud gasp at the sight before her. She recognized the heavy sound of Carth's footsteps come up behind her, followed by a lighter, quicker pair. The walls were lined with glowing, bubbling tanks of liquid. Each tank contained a severely injured and mangled body. A large steel examination table was in the center of the room, covered in blood and littered with used surgical instruments.

The sound of a charging weapon caused Traviata to turn, her pistol in her hand. Carth held his particularly nasty looking blaster at the doctor.

"Even as deformed as they now are, I recognize a few of them from the Spire. The one on the end was one of the best fighter pilots I had. They're Republic soldiers, Traviata," Carth said aloud.

"They're not Republic soldiers. These people were wounded in a tragic speeder accident," Forn muttered.

Carth's eyes narrowed at the lie, his grip on his weapon tightening.

"Wait, what do you mean you recognize them? You're a pilot? Were you on the Republic vessel?" Forn asked with sudden realization. Carth heatedly pushed his blaster against the man's forehead.

"I was their Captain! I'm also the last face you'll ever see if you don't answer my questions carefully, Zelka. How many others have you tortured for the Sith?" Carth spat out.

"What? No- I-" Forn stammered.

"Sick, twisted, bastard. Rip them apart, put them on ice to let them heal, and then do it some more. Never again!" the Commander ground out.

Traviata's eyes darted to the tanks on the wall; instinctively she moved closer to examine them.

"You have one chance to save your sorry excuse for a life. And don't lie to me! Did you do this to Bastilla, too? Is she even still alive?" Carth's voice was dangerously in control. He had no problem killing the Sith scum; in fact he was hoping for an excuse to pull the trigger.

"Bas-s-tilla? I- I don't have a patient named Bastilla... that I know of. S- some of these soldiers didn't have ID, so... If she was in one of those pods, she's probably dead by now, or gravely injured if she didn't receive prompt medical attention, I'm sorry to say," Forn replied.

Traviata punched at the display in front of one of the tanks, pulling up the patient info. Patient, he'd said. Patient, not prisoner. She scanned the detailed file of all the doctor had done.

"She's tough to kill, I'll bet she's fine and just hiding out from the likes of you, then," Carth said, his finger tightening on the trigger.

"Carth!" Traviata ran up to Carth's side. "It may not be what we thought, just wait."

The Commander's shocked eyes shot down meeting Traviata's; he didn't lower his weapon.

"I just read a patient file, Carth. He's been treating that man there," Traviata said pointing to the tank.

"Trying to save his life, not hurt him. He's on a considerable dosage of pain medication. According to his records, he has been since being rescued," she finished. She lightly tugged at his blaster arm trying to get him to lower it. His arm was frozen in place.

"Please, Carth. Go look for yourself," she pleaded. She knew he would never forgive himself if he killed not only an innocent man, but someone who'd been helping the Captain's crewmen.

"I'll watch him while you look," she said targeting the doctor, fixing her eyes on him.

Swearing under his breath, the Commander slowly lowered his blaster.

Traviata could hear the medical monitor being keyed up, then the light beeping and tapping as Carth brought up additional records. Next she heard him walk to the adjoining tank, then another, and another. He checked every one of them before returning.

"Stand down, Traviata," Carth said, coming to stand along side the woman.

"It seems I owe you a debt of thanks, Doctor Zelka. Not to mention one enormous apology," Carth apologized with a small smile, holstering his weapon. "With everyone around here trying to kill us, I just wasn't expecting this. I'm so thankful for the compassion you have shown my crew," he added, his eyes never leaving the doctor's.

"I understand," he paused, nodding his head. "Quite understandable my boy," he let go a long breath. With these Sith animals in charge here, who could blame you for thinking the worst," Forn said. Slapping Carth on the arm he walked over to the tanks. "Excuse me just a moment, I need to check on my patients," he said already busily tapping away at the screen.

Carth watched the odd little doctor go about his work, so engrossed that he'd seemed to have forgotten their presence or that the soldier had almost made him a wall stain just moments earlier. With a slight shake of his head Carth turned to Traviata, still standing beside him.

"I owe you a debt of thanks too," his eyes held hers. "How did you know?"

She shrugged her shoulders, "I saw a name on one of the tanks, and I thought it was odd for a Sith sympathizer. When I looked further I discovered names on every tube. Usually people in the business of torture number their subjects, they de-humanize them. I checked the records and found he's been trying to keep them alive," she paused, swallowing hard. "Carth, most will die I think. He's done all that could be done for them, the best I can tell, but they were all severely injured."

Carth nodded, "So he knows what he's doing? I mean he seems a bit..."

Traviata smiled, rubbing at her temple distractedly. "He is a different little guy, but I'd say he's a competent doctor, judging from what I read."

"That's what I thought too, wanted to make sure you agreed. You've had some medical training, more than me at least, according to your record," Carth explained.

"Not much, just your basics really, some anatomy that type of thing. I'd say he was a more than adequate physician," Traviata replied.

"I've got no other choice. That'll have to be good enough under the circumstances," Carth said as if to himself, seeming to have made up his mind about something.

Without warning he scooped Traviata up off her feet and carried her to a clean exam table in the front of the facility. He sat her down gently. Putting a hand on either side of her on the table, he leaned over, making them eye level. They were so close they were almost touching. Traviata stared at him, in too much shock to find her voice.

"It seems I've finally found a way to leave you speechless, Traviata. I'll have to remember this next time you don't know when to shut up," Carth said with a wink.

Traviata's mouth went dry, her heart beating quickly. Her mind raced, searching for a clever retort, any response. She couldn't find her voice and just sat there, lost in his gaze.

"Hey, Doc. I've got another patient for you in here," Carth called over his shoulder. When he turned back his eyes held Traviata's for a brief moment, and then he walked away after activating the privacy screen.

The doctor quickly padded his way to the table, instructing Traviata to lie back, he tapped at the bioscanner.

Carth rested against a nearby table, his datapad now in his hand. He still hadn't heard Traviata utter one word; yeah, definitely going to remember this, he thought with a smile.

It didn't take long before the doctor was finished. "Well, she had a skull fracture with a subdural hematoma. It's good you got her here when you did, I'm sure she's been in considerable pain," the doctor said with a tsk, tsk. "I was able to heal her completely."

"Great, Doc," Carth offered. "I don't know how to thank you for all you've done for my crew."

"I just wish I could have done more for you both," Forn paused. "Well maybe I can, you two need to get off Taris. They have search parties everywhere looking for survivors. It's only a matter of time before you'll get caught. I know a bounty hunter; he comes in here all the time. He owes me quite a debt," his eyes met the Captain's. "Time for him to pay up I think; if anyone can get you out of here it's him. Oh, he's tiresome, loathsome, and offensive, but he's tough and resourceful and works for the most powerful crime syndicate here on Taris."

"Thanks," Carth's eyes lit up with the news. "We've got something we have to do first though."

"Ahh, search for this Bastilla I presume," Forn said.

"That's right, Doc." Carth looked to the sound of Traviata's footsteps. The lines of pain that he'd become accustomed to were no longer etched into her forehead. Her eyes, with her unspoken gratitude, met his. He nodded to her, acknowledging it as she came to stand beside him.

"I'm interested though and would really appreciate you making the introductions if you wouldn't mind," Carth paused. "If you could just send me a message with the time and place. I don't want to involve you anymore than you already are. In fact, when we leave you should come with us," Carth offered.

The little doctor was already shaking his head, "No, no. I am going to the under city. I've made all the arrangements to have all of this moved. There are many people who depend on my help here, and I can't leave them. I will send you the information on the meeting though when I get it."

"I understand," Carth affirmed with a nod. "You're a good man Forn, I'm honored and glad I had the opportunity to meet you," Carth said extending his hand.

"Oh, it was my honor, my boy. Anytime I can help a soldier of the Republic. Oh, how I miss the old days when the Jedi and soldiers were here. Who can forget when Revan and Malak roamed our streets? The Republic military vessels in and out of our ports. I could tell you stories, my boy! Stories you wouldn't believe..." the doctor trailed off as Carth walked to the door, clearly not interested in war stories regarding Revan and Malak.

"Thank you again, Forn," Traviata gave the man a slight hug and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Don't pay him any attention, it's not you; he gets like that anytime those two are brought up," she whispered in his ear.

Understanding came to the doctor, as he nodded his head. "Yes, tsk, tsk. Such a terrible tragedy, what happened to those two," he paused. "We mustn't give up hope my dear, always remember that."

"Traviata? We need to leave," Carth said over his shoulder, not sparing a backwards glance.

"Gotta go," Traviata said, glancing over at Carth quickly.

"Bye, bye, my dear," Forn said waving at the soldier, his eyes glazing over lost in his memories of days past.

"You could have said goodbye. He didn't mean anything by what he said," Traviata chided as they put distance between themselves and the clinic. She made several other attempts at small talk with him, but it was like talking to a brick wall. Finally she gave up, and they continued on in silence until they were in the pub for the meeting with their contact, Rex.

They asked at the bar for him and he was quickly pointed out to them by the bartender.

"Three Corellian whiskeys and keep them comin'" Traviata ordered, handing the bartender a wad of credits.

"Is that absolutely necessary?" Carth asked with a raised eyebrow. "I mean the Corellian is really pricey to waste on this scumbag. I worked hard for my money you're spending on all the lowlifes."

"I'm sorry, really. But it'll be worth it if we get what we need, don't you think?" she asked.

"That's a very large and expensive if." He rolled his eyes. "Okay, let's get this over with," Carth said.

Carth unbuckled his blaster holster, charging the weapon in one unnoticeable movement. He didn't understand what was being said, but he recognized the sound of a weapon being powered on. The soldier pushed himself slightly back from the table, his gaze taking in his companions. Traviata was sitting closely to his left, Rex was seated in the corner directly across from the pair.

Traviata bent forward to lean over the table, her voice low. Whatever she said caused the bounty hunter to power off his weapon. She fished out a stack of Republic credits, placing them in a pile on the table beside her, sitting back into her seat. The bartender brought over three more whiskeys and sat them beside her. The Private downed the one in her hand, giving the glass to the bartender. Carth's sat untouched. She slid a glass to the center of the table and then the pile of credits.

The man reached forward for the credits. The mercenary found his arm pinned in one quick movement, the Private hunched over the table, bringing her face so close to his they were almost touching. Carth let his hand rest on his blaster, his face stone, all his muscles tensed.

The woman's tone was icy as she spoke, using a finger of her free hand to jab at the table for emphasis. With a slight nod from the man and a few mumbled words, she released him. Her eyes met Carth's steely gaze. "Time to go," she murmured, rising from the table.

"Right," the Commander's athletic form was instantly upright, the sound of the chair scraping against the concrete noticeable, even in the noisy cantina. Carth placed his hand on Traviata's elbow, guiding her through the crowd, pushing their way out of the packed bar. He hated not knowing what just happened, though he had a pretty good idea.

"Let's hear it," Carth leaned in, speaking quietly in her ear, as they exited the building.

"Bastilla's being held by a gang with a hideout in the sewers, and they're hoping to sell her to the highest bidder. They know she's a Jedi, but nothing else apparently. Shouldn't be too difficult to get her out," she offered.

It was a long moment before Carth said anything. "Yeah, it just sounds off. How can they hold her, unless she's injured," he scratched at his chin thoughtfully. "He say anything else?"

"Nothing of importance, I'm pretty sure he was telling the truth though," she offered.

"Great, we're reduced to taking the word of bounty hunters now," he shot back sarcastically. "It got a little tense in there, what was that about?" his eyes narrowed slightly waiting for her response.

A group of obviously inebriated men passed by.

"He tried leveraging for more credits, you know the type. He wanted to know why we were looking for Bastilla and then he made comments about us obviously being off worlders and how the Sith were looking for Republic soldiers who crash landed on the planet," she shrugged. "It's okay though, I made it work for us," she paused as another group walked by.

Carth let go an exasperated sigh and, taking her by the elbow once again, he led her to a nearby apartment entrance.

"How? What did you say?" Carth asked, his hand guiding her to a quiet passageway.

"I told him how smart he was and how he was right. Then I told him we weren't trying to rescue the Jedi, but capture her. That we were changing sides to the Sith and needed a gift to prove our allegiance, if we hoped not to die, that-" Traviata stopped Carth's grip becoming vice like on her arm, his pace quickening.

"Ouch, Carth, a little tight," she looked up at his face, the look in his eyes murderous.

He pulled her a little further down the hallway and when they came to an empty room, he pushed her in letting her go abruptly, causing her to stumble, almost falling.

"You did WHAT?" Carth asked quietly, practically ripping the pack from his back, letting it land with a thud to the hard metal floor, barely keeping his anger from erupting into violence. He wanted to make sure he heard her right.

"I said we were traitors to the Republic, looking for a prize to save our skins and get off this wretched planet," Traviata got out, before he had grabbed her upper arms.

"You never say those words. EVER! Not under any circumstances," Carth thundered.

"You don't think I meant them, do you?" Traviata's mind raced, trying to understand his extreme response to her rouse.

"Well, did you?" he asked in his quiet tone she recognized as barely controlled fury.

"How can you ask that, Carth? I swear, what the hell is wrong with you? What the frak was I supposed to say? Pardon me, sir, but we've misplaced our Jedi, can you tell us where she is?" Traviata's voice rose, her own anger rising. "He's a frakin' bounty hunter."

"Anything but what you said would have been fine. Those words are never okay, even if your life depends on it. That is the one thing a soldier is willing to die for. Loyalty to the Republic," Carth said tersely with an accusing glare.

"I'm just as loyal as you are, Captain Onasi. I had to think fast and it was the most plausible thing I could come up with off the top of my head. This guy hunts frakin Republic officers for the credits. It's been like a damn holiday for him since the Endar Spire blew up and Republic soldiers started raining from the sky!" she finished. "I was just trying to save our collective asses and find out where Bastilla was. I did what I had to do to save us and her. End of story."

"The question then is this, Traviata. How far are you willing to go to save your ass... or others for that matter? What line wouldn't you cross? This isn't a gray area. I need to know, right now," Carth's grip tightened as he pushed her up against a nearby wall.

Stunned, Traviata stared at the man who looked ready to kill her. Mere hours ago he'd scooped her up into his arms to make sure she had her injury looked at. Now he seemed ready to give her one himself.

"It was a filthy lie made to a scumbag, nothing more, Carth," she paused as his grip tightened even more.

"No further, okay. I would never betray the Republic. How can you be thinking that? You of all people; you've read my record, I'm sure. I've spent my life training for and serving the Republic, even when it meant taking a humiliating demotion; no, especially then! And I have no idea why it happened; I was told to report to Fleet and that I was going in as a Private. I was told that they needed me there. I followed my orders, I always follow my orders, but not just because I'm a soldier!" she explained, her voice thick with emotion. "But because I've devoted my life to the Republic. They were there for me when I needed them, and I have and will do the same," she paused again, swallowing hard. "I stayed to serve and protect the people who need us. The ones who can't protect themselves. I fight for them and the ideals that make the Republic great..." she trailed off.

His eyes softened and she saw sanity return to them. She let go a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

"Carth, what happened to make you act like that? I want to understand where all that intense anger and distrust came from," she said.

Carth ignored the question, as if not hearing it.

"That's happened to you before, hasn't it? You've been betrayed," she blurted out. "Revan and Malak, did you know them?" she wondered out loud.

His eyes darted to hers at that. "His name is Saul Karath, and he was my Captain; more than that actually. He had been my mentor and friend," he said, letting go of her arms.

"It was just after Revan came back as a dark Sith lord, attacking us with our own ships, own people, too. Saul came to me saying that maybe we were on the wrong side, that there was no way the Republic could stand against such powerful Sith who had an unending supply of ships and weapons," Carth sighed and walked to the entry of the room, leaning on one hand against the frame.

Traviata walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

The Commander glanced in her direction and then stared darkly off into the distance. "Saul disappeared with the Leviathan. I never saw him again after that. No one did until the day he showed up at my home world, Telos IV. Revan ordered him to destroy Telos, to prove his loyalty. Saul had the security codes, disabling the defenses - The entire planet was helpless before them. Saul destroyed everything I held dear," Carth trailed off, the last part barely audible.

"I'm sorry I didn't know. That's where all the anger comes from, the distrust," she said.

"The words you said to the bounty hunter, well that's what Saul did to me. He gave Telos IV to Revan as a gift to prove his sincerity and ability to fight for them. It just hit too close to what I've experienced," Carth explained.

"You could say the distrust is a result of conditioning I suppose. Whatever it is, it's part of who I am now," Carth said shrugging.

"You know not everyone's like Saul. Even since we've been here you've seen people surprise you with their help and goodness, take Forn for example," she started.

"Saul did plenty of good before he turned, so did Revan and Malak for that matter," he said shaking his head, his hard eyes meeting hers. "I don't trust people, that will never change, you never know who will turn on you or when,"Carth cut in.

"What kind of life is that? How can you go on living-" Traviata tried again.

"Some of us don't have a choice!" Carth interjected.

"But-"

"Enough," he said tersely then let go a long breath; he didn't want to lose his temper with her again.

"Enough, okay" he said softer this time. "Give it a rest, Traviata. We have a mission to get back to. We don't have time for this."

Carth slung the pack over one shoulder and walked out of the room heading for the lift that would take them to the sewers of Taris. Traviata stared after him for a moment. She hated that Carth was so full of pain, anger, and distrust. What a miserable way to live; he'd missed out on so much that way, she thought. She also decided, in that moment, that she was going to do everything in her power to show him that there were people left in the galaxy you could trust.