A/N:
First, I want to say thank you, I really appreciate you taking your time to go on this journey with me.
Second, a giant load of thanks for the comments, follows, and favs. You are so very kind and generous.
Third and lastly, about chapter nine...
I make mistakes but I own them, so here's some honesty. I ran into some issues with this chapter. I have an awesome editor; she does her best to point out when something doesn't make sense or reads poorly. I heavily rely on her for assistance with grammar and sentence structure. Also, she understands who my characters are and tries to help me stay true to them. I had a scene in chapter nine between Carth and Traviata in which the original version sounded a bit porn-y (her word). Well, that wasn't my intent. The resulting change (read quick-fix) then didn't fit with the conflict that I had envisioned. I shouldn't have posted the previous version of chapter nine; I should have waited until I wrote this corrected version. I was just so excited she'd finished the edit that I added it, wanting to move on with the storyline. My characters deserve better than that, and my readers especially do. It was sub-par and that is unacceptable to me, I can't leave it that way.
I apologize to my readers for the previous posting of chapter nine, it shouldn't have ever happened. I won't make the same mistake again; that's a promise. Thank you for your patience with me. I hope you'll continue to read about the ongoing struggles of Traviata and Carth and their growing circle of friends.
Rochelle
Chapter Nine: Beginnings and Endings
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
- Albert Einstein
The tall, thin, graying Admiral entered the bridge of his massive ship. He noted the crewmen and officers busy at their posts, or at least pretending to be. They had all been working without much sleep since the blockade of Taris, and he didn't know how any of them were continuing to perform their duties at their usual excellent level. It was madness to push a crew this hard, but it wasn't his decision to make; at least not at the moment.
His gaze went to a nearby viewport and the planet below them before turning his attention to the man standing at the helm of the bridge gazing out onto the planet below. The Admiral had to go tell him news that would make him extremely unhappy, and you never knew how it would go when you had to tell a Sith Master bad news.
Saul Karath stared at the man; he was immense at two meters tall, his physique muscular and obvious in his skin tight clothes. Darth Malak's long red cape flowed, spilling onto the deck and adding to his intimidating appearance. Karath knew he'd copied that from Revan, who'd returned as a Sith Master wearing similar clothing that seemed ripe with malevolence. It wasn't the robes, as menacing as they were, but Revan's face mask that really intimidated. Saul had wondered why Revan wore the mask. Though most assumed it was to hide an injury, it was rumored to hold dark power. It definitely added to the creep factor, which neither of them really needed with their skills and penchant for destruction.
Malak had returned with Revan from the Unknown Regions, but had left behind his lower jaw in some horrific encounter no one knew the full details on. When they'd left for unknown space pursing the Mandalorians, Malak had black hair and a jaw. Revan and Malak had both returned as very different beings
But Malak's voice was what affected Karath the most. The artificial jaw, reflecting the bluish-gray skin and tattoos of Malak, caused him to sound as villainous as Karath knew him to be.
"Admiral?" the communications officer inquired.
Karath turned to the officer standing just to his right. "What is it, Nellan?"
"We just got that update you wanted on the whereabouts of Bastilla. Still no sign of her sir," the officer reported. "She continues to elude our forces."
"Carry on, Nellan. Notify me immediately if there is any change," Karath ordered.
"Acknowledged, sir," Nellan replied.
With that Saul straightened his tunic and began the trek to give Darth Malak the news.
The Admiral came to stand just behind the dark lord, hesitant to speak.
"What is it Admiral?" Malak asked in his deep mechanical voice without diverting his attention from the viewport.
"I have the latest update on the search for Bastilla: still no word of her location," Saul's voice wavering a bit at the last.
"This search is taking too long, Admiral. I cannot risk her escaping Taris. Destroy the entire planet," Malak ordered, his voice, as always, deep, husky, cold, and filled with venom.
"The entire planet? There are billions of innocents on the planet, as well as our own troops," Saul blurted out.
The Dark Sith lord turned, his cape swirling as he did. "You dare to question my orders? Are you so foolish Admiral?"
Saul swallowed hard, his heart beating fast as he struggled to get air past the invisible vise around his throat.
"No, no, my Lord Malak," Saul said when he was abruptly able to breath again. He took several steps back as if the added distance would do anything to save him if the Dark Lord turned his full wrath upon him.
"What I meant was that it will take several hours for us to position the fleet for such a massive bombardment," Saul back-peddled.
"Then I suggest you begin immediately, Admiral," Malak said, his deep voice rippling with dark menace.
"Yes, my Lord Malak," Saul said, giving a slight bow, backing away from the Sith Master.
Darth Malak returned to his vigil, using all his senses to reach out and discover Bastilla's location.
He'd wanted to take her alive, but dead would have to do unless he found her before the assault on Taris.
Traviata padded out of the back bedroom, feeling more human after some rest. They had made it out of the Sith base in one piece and with the necessary security codes, but they had met heavy resistance, taking a toll on the entire group. Exhaustion prompted all to collapse on their return to the apartment, Traviata opting for a much needed shower first.
Traviata came in to the living room to find Carth lying across the couch, one foot on the floor, eyes closed, the holonet on the large screen on one of the planet's many news stations. No one else appeared to be around. Traviata picked up the controller for the device, not wanting his sleep disturbed. Leave it to him to crash on the couch where he could keep watch over them. She smiled softly, clicking off the talking heads.
"Don't do that," Carth said, his eyes still closed. "I'm watching it."
"Really? You have some powerful eyes there Commander, that let you see through your lids," she replied, turning it back on and setting the controller down. "Did you get any sleep?" Traviata asked, crossing the room to stand in front of him.
"As much as I needed," Carth said, stretching and fighting back a yawn. "I'm conditioned for it at this point, comes with the job.
"How about you? You all rested and feeling better?" the Commander asked, his eyes still closed, crossing his arms over his stomach.
"Yeah, I'm great, ready for whatever's next," she replied enthusiastically. She thought she noticed his face tighten slightly in response.
"Good," was all he said in response.
"Where is everyone? The place seems empty," Traviata noted; looking around the room, feeling uneasy. It was too quiet and she'd noticed the vacant rooms as she'd passed by.
"Bastilla is waiting outside, watching for Canderous. I told him to come to the courtyard across from here when I contacted him. Bastilla will bring him up when he shows. Mission and Zalbaar are up on the roof," Carth finished sleepily, his eyes now open and watching her.
"You should get some rest while you can," Traviata suggested.
"I want to have a conversation with you, a personal one," Carth explained, his eyes watching her intently. "There's something I really need you to understand."
"Of course," Traviata agreed soberly, sitting on the edge of the coffee table near his head. She leaned her forearms on her legs. "What's this about?"
Carth came to his feet in an instant and grabbed her by the arm. Moving swiftly behind her he pinned one arm behind her back, his other arm reaching around the front of her he held her tightly to him, immobilizing her.
"This is about getting through to you – it's about what can happen when you go rogue and end up alone in enemy territory. It usually doesn't end in a massive celebration later with your team, like you experienced at the Academy-" he said tightening his grip as she tried to free herself.
"Are you crazy? What are you doing? Let me go," Traviata demanded, cutting in.
"I assure you I'm perfectly sane. What I'm doing is trying to save your life – you can't keep being so reckless; it'll catch up with you one day. What happens when you're pinned, helpless, lost your weapon, and have no backup? You're deep in enemy territory, no communication and you're discovered by someone other than a sweet kid like Mission? No one knows where you are..." he murmured in her ear, further increasing his hold against her struggles.
"Frakin' let me go!" she screamed, her frustration building, her breath coming hard as her anger rose.
"Make me," he taunted, pulling her arm back further. He knew it hurt; he'd been in the same position more times than he cared to remember, but it wouldn't injure her.
"If you insist," Traviata ground out. She head butted him, causing him to lose enough of his grip that it allowed her to send her right elbow to his stomach.
Carth stifled a painful grunt at the action and using his leg, knocked her feet out from under her, bringing her to the floor, face down. He straddled her, holding both her arms to the ground.
"Now you're completely helpless," he said bending over to her ear.
Traviata struggled to turn her red face to the side. "Let me go - Carth! I mean it -"
"You don't give the orders. You're my prisoner - I can do whatever I want – no help is coming, you're completely alone..." he said darkly.
Traviata struggled fiercely under him, trying to free herself.
"The Sith base- that was stupid, careless, and unnecessary. What if there's no one to come back after you next time and save you?" Carth asked.
"Fine, you made your point. Let me up."
"Let you up? Humph. Still trying to give orders?" He shifted her arms behind her back once again.
"Ouch, no. Alright? Will you just stop?"
"No, but better, you're at least asking. Your enemy will not show you mercy," he replied loosening his grip slightly.
"Ok, I get it. Alright? Now will you let me up? Please?" she nearly choked on the please, but just wanted the humiliation over with.
"Start following orders and procedure. There are good reasons and long tested principles behind military protocol. I don't want to see you become another dead hero," he said soberly.
"Fine, got it, you made your frakin' point," she bit out, her temper rising again.
"I hope so, for both our sakes," Carth let go a long breath. "I care a great deal for you Viata. I don't want anything to happen to you," he released her arms abruptly, coming speedily to his feet. She ignored his outstretched hand as she jumped up.
Silence.
They stood staring at each other for a moment. Carth reached over to brush her hair off her face, but she smacked his hand away. "Don't touch me ever again, you bully."
She would be mad for a while, he'd expected that. If it got through to her, it was worth it as far as he was concerned. His feelings for her made things much more complex than he liked. If he could only treat her like any other soldier, things would be so much easier.
That's why there are regs about this kind of thing, Onasi, he reminded himself. Relationships like this, especially in the field, were bad news for all involved more often than not.
When they got back to Fleet, he'd take care of making sure she wasn't under his command. He could have her assigned under any command he wanted, Paul would do it for him. He mentally ticked off the list of his fellow Commanders, wondering who he felt the best about reassigning her to. None came easily to mind. The thought of sending her off, far away from him, gave him a hollow feeling. No easy answers to this one. He could figure out where he'd get her deployed to later, had to be someplace safe. Of course she'd hate that. Damn, how the frak did I get myself in this mess, he wondered silently, running an agitated hand through his hair.
"I'm going down to wait for Canderous so Bastilla can come up," Carth informed her, retrieving his blasters from the nearby table.
"You had this little - demonstration plotted from the beginning, before I even entered the room," she said as it occurred to her. "I'll bet you sent Mission and Zalbaar up on the roof, too."
"That would be a safe bet," Carth agreed, a hint of self satisfaction in his eyes that his plan had worked out so well.
"You were just literally lying in wait for me," she stammered, the realization hitting her full force.
He walked swiftly to the door. "Just like our enemies do. Remember what I said," he warned, pausing at the door, his eyes holding hers for a moment before sliding on his shades. "Oh and there's stimcaf in the kitchen," he tossed over his shoulder and was gone.
She grabbed a nearby pillow and sent it flying at the door, wishing desperately it was something heavy and very breakable. I hate him, the overbearing frakin bastard. Who does he think he is?! she fumed inwardly. She stomped over to the nearby kitchen, forcibly closing cabinet doors and drawers. She wasn't sure what she was looking for; she was just pissed and it felt good to slam things.
Several minutes later as her anger began to subside, she thought of what he'd said. On many levels he was right, she had to admit. She just wished she could get him to understand what it was like to feel the sensations she had. The reason she'd disobeyed orders each time was to do something she knew, somehow, was what she needed to do for everything and everyone to be okay. It sounded crazy even to her.
Wait, he said he cared a great deal for me; Traviata absorbed the words for the first time.
Her anger before hadn't allowed her to focus on those words and what that meant to her. She knew she cared for him, but never thought he'd return her feelings. Their kiss had made her hope he felt something for her, but she wasn't sure until now.
That knowledge warmed her, though her anger with him was still there too. This was going to be complicated.
Zalbaar and Mission came bounding into the flat, followed by Bastilla, jerking Traviata from her thoughts.
"Hey, Traviata. What's wrong with you? You don't look well," Mission pointed out "Didn't get enough rest?"
"I'm fine," Traviata replied, sipping on the stimcaf she'd absentmindedly made herself when she'd tired of abusing the kitchen. The soldier decided she needed a walk; she'd go see Forn and say goodbye since they'd hopefully be leaving very soon. Traviata had become attached to the kind doctor and admired him for his charitable work and his bravery in helping the Republic forces.
"Your face is all flushed. Are you sick?" Mission quizzed.
"I'm fine, Mission, will you just give it a rest?" Traviata said sharper than she'd intended.
"Sorry, just asking. I guess Carth ended up getting more sleep than you; he's not cranky like some people," Mission quipped.
Traviata felt Bastilla's eyes on her and she returned her gaze, ready for a fight. "What is it, Bastilla?"
"Nothing," she paused, her eyes shifting away. "I think I'll go meditate; there is much to contemplate," Bastilla said distractedly.
"You do that. I'm going to Forn's," Traviata replied.
With that, Traviata deposited her dish in the sink noisily and hiked to the entry, only to have Carth and Canderous come bursting through the door.
"I think we'll clear the area," Mission supplied, eyeing Canderous warily. "I've seen him around the cantinas, he's trouble."
"Well, hello again," Canderous said, his eyes taking in all of Traviata.
"Hey, Canderous," Traviata turned to Carth. "I'm going to go say goodbye to Forn, thank him for all he's done for us. You don't need me for this do you?"
"Yeah, I do as a matter of fact. I wanted to see Forn too anyway, we'll go together when we're finished here," Carth countered, not happy with the idea of her running around the streets of Taris in her current state of mind.
Traviata gave Carth a quick nod, not meeting his eyes. "Fine," she said blandly.
"I heard all about the Sith base terrorist attack, that's what they're calling it anyway. You know it was damn ugly when the Sith classify it as an act of terror. They're also saying that at least ten well armed assailants perpetrated the crime," Canderous paused. "I just have to know one thing. Which one of you took the head off that Sith bastard?" Canderous asked, his eyes scanning the pair, coming to rest on Traviata. "Please tell me it was you."
"It was, I can tell by the way Fleet just looked at you. What a woman; you may actually be worthy of me," Canderous continued, his eyes ardently admiring Traviata.
"You should stop now, while you still can. I gave you fair warning before," Carth reminded him. He hated the way the Mandalorian was looking at Traviata and his close proximity to her. This guy just wasn't going to let up. Carth had wanted her there for the planning of their escape, if Canderous could focus for ten seconds with her in the room. Maybe if she didn't talk too much, or play the Mandalorian's game, he'd lose interest. Hopefully...
"Canderous, just so you know, he's a bully and a brute and personally I really want to escape Taris. Since you're our ticket outta' here, I suggest you keep your mind on our ride and off me," Traviata put in, her gaze on Canderous.
Frak, Carth cursed to himself. He was going to have to stop this now, she wasn't going to let up knowing her and it would only egg him on.
"Oh darlin' my mind is on our ride, believe me," Canderous replied, twisting her words, his eyes openly ogling her. "What a ride that would be."
"I'm flattered but not interested," Traviata informed him.
"I accept that challenge," Canderous returned with a glint in his eyes.
So much for hope, Carth thought. Time to end this.
"Traviata, you really need to stay out of this," Carth snapped, his face like granite. The Mandalorian would never stop pursuing her now. "In fact why don't you go down to Forn's and wait for me there." Okay, so it made him sound like an idiot. The fact was that getting her out of there was the most important thing to him at that moment, for reasons more than needing to plan their escape and save their skins. The Mandalorian had infuriated him to the point where now he couldn't focus either. Damn it, once again he thought of the added complications of his feelings for this woman.
"What the frak? That's what I-" Traviata's gaze shot to find Carth's eyes flashing a warning. "Fine, that's where I'll be," she added, storming out of the apartment, swearing under her breath the entire time. The sound of Canderous' raucous laughter followed her out the door.
Canderous turned his attention to Carth, "Tamp down your power core, Fleet. Let's get off this rock first; there'll be plenty of time to fight over her later."
Carth crossed his arms, a muscle twitched in his jaw; there was no doubt about it. He was angry, no not just angry. Jealous. He'd love to kick this guy's ass over his attention to Traviata and then shoot him in the head for being Mandalorian. It would have to wait though, the fantasy would have to do, for now. "What's the plan?"
The Mandalorian laid out his elaborate plan of having him and Traviata coming on to work for Davik, just to get on his compound. Then they'd appropriate the Ebon Hawk and leave, picking up the rest of their group along the way.
Canderous pulled out a datapad, punching at it. "This is where you can meet me tomorrow morning. It'll give me a chance to finish laying the ground work."
Carth nodded, reading the information on his screen. This Davik was no small time crook by the looks of it; his estate was vast and included a massive hangar bay. "Wow, this guy isn't a Hutt?"
"No, but almost as bad," Canderous replied.
"Okay, we'll…" Carth paused, listening, thinking he heard something. "We'll meet you," he stopped again, turning his head, straining to make out what he heard.
"Did you hear that?" Carth asked, not waiting for a response he walked to the window.
There were at least twenty Sith transport ships taking off from nearby. He looked to the street to see troopers scurrying to the base.
"What is that?" Canderous asked soberly, following him.
"Not a good sign," Carth commented. This was a withdrawal of troops, a fast one. Not planned by the looks of it, but something recently ordered. He felt a chill run up his spine.
"Agreed," Canderous said over Carth's shoulder.
Canderous checked his datapad, "Communications are out."
Carth scowled, "They're going to attack and they've sent out an evacuation order. It's the only explanation for it."
"I wonder how long we have," Canderous thought out loud.
"If we're lucky, a few hours, could be less though," Carth mentally calculated the time it would take to prep a bird for the air. "Change of plans, we leave now and just steal the ship outright. Hopefully, your boss has noticed all this activity and has already started pre-flight. Do you think we can take him in a straight out fight?"
"Yeah, with all of us, the Jedi should be a help. Calo Nord will be at his side; that'll make it more difficult," Canderous answered.
"Calo Nord is here?" Carth asked startled. Nord was an infamous bounty hunter, known to Carth because of the number of high ranking Republic Officers he'd assassinated. "Well, that's just a bonus if I get to kill that scum."
"We may find common ground yet, Fleet, besides the woman I mean. Yeah, he's an annoying little whelp hound. He's a tough bastard though, and he'll be well armed," Canderous explained.
The sound of a far off explosion wiped away any question in Carth's mind. "This is the beginning. They'll target strategic areas first. They've taken out communications already. We don't have much time," Carth paused, a plan formulating in his mind. "You take Bastilla and the others to Davik's, I'll meet you there."
"You going after your girl?" Canderous asked.
Carth didn't hesitate, "Yeah, I am."
"We'll wait as long as we can," Canderous informed him.
Carth nodded, checking his weapons.
Bastilla came running out of her room. "It's Malak," she said, her voice distracted. "He's frustrated since he can't locate me; he's going to destroy Taris in the hopes I'll be killed."
"Yeah, we figured that out," Carth said on his way to the door. "You're all going with Canderous, I'm going after Traviata."
"Where is she?" Bastilla asked.
"You can't tell? She's at Forn's," Carth informed her half way out the door. "It's the opposite direction."
"I was meditating Commander," she replied aloofly. "Why did she go there?" Bastilla's wondered. "Was she hurt?"
"No, wanted to say goodbye. Since she met him, she's really been attached to the old guy for some reason," Carth said, not waiting for a reply.
The Commander made his way down the frantic street filled with people rushing and crying children; others just stood in a daze. Several people passed him, pushing carts filled with obvious stolen goods; the looting had started. He knew what would happen, had seen it with his own eyes on countless planets at various stages over the years. Not to mention his experience on Telos IV.
It would be all out chaos soon, when the bombs really started to fall. There had been several more explosions, all distant from their location. He knew it would intensify; it was only a matter of time before fire from the sky began raining on them.
His heart was racing as he picked up his pace to a full run. It wasn't going to happen again; he wasn't going to lose Traviata. The Commander was relieved as the medical center came into view. He ran into the facility, his eyes searching frantically for Traviata. Then he spied her, in the back of the building with Forn where the Republic soldiers were. She was helping him remove one of two soldiers left in the bacta tanks to critical transport gurneys. Carth stood mesmerized at the scene before him, forgetting momentarily why he'd rushed there. The two were oblivious to his arrival, so involved in their task and their conversation.
"Gently, now. Yes, that's it. Very good my dear girl," Forn's soft voice could barely be heard over all the noise.
"Is he going to be okay in that contraption?" Traviata asked, covering the soldier with a sheet, taking great care.
"For a short time he should be stable long enough for me to get him to the undercity in the clinic I have set up there. As I said before, most will die, but I will not allow them to suffer," the doctor said with a tsk, tsk.
"Thank you for the care you've given them. Whether they make it or not, they don't deserve to be abandoned here. They gave their lives protecting the Republic," she replied, running a hand along the one bacta tank still containing a soldier.
"My dear, have I told you how happy I am you came back to see me. You know I wasn't sure you would, with…" he paused, scratching his gray hair. "Well with everything you have going on," he said pushing up his glasses.
"I wanted to say goodbye, and, well, now I'm glad I did so that I could help you with this," Traviata said soberly. When she'd arrived he'd been struggling by himself, trying to remove the soldiers to safety. "I think you should be okay underground. It's good you already had the new place set up there." It all depended on how intense the attack became; his chances were much better though in the undercity.
"My child, now don't you worry, I will die a happy man just getting to see you like this, helping me. Your kindness and compassion, well, it reminds me of times past, much better times indeed," he paused, tsking again. "I'm just a sentimental old fool I guess."
"Nonsense, this is my duty and I wouldn't knowingly leave you here to struggle with this alone. Anyone would do this, Forn. Besides, these are my fellow Republic soldiers, my shipmates, and I owe it to them. Are you ready to get our last patient?" Traviata asked, her eyes drifting to Carth's, suddenly realizing they were not alone. Something electric passed between them, they stared at each other for a moment and then they rushed to each other, Traviata finding herself caught up in a crushing hug.
"I got here as fast as I could once I realized what was going on," he whispered into her hair. "I was so worried. I was afraid I'd be too late," he said, his hands now cradling her head, his mouth crushing hers in a hard quick kiss.
When they broke away, Carth wrapped an arm around her, pulling her against him. "I'm fine; I could feel we were in danger. I wanted to warn you, the comlink was out, but I couldn't leave our friend, or our shipmates, like this," she explained, casting him a sideways glance.
He removed his arm, standing in front of her so that he could look in her eyes. "Traviata, the timing isn't great, but I want you to know something. I haven't felt like this for a very long time. The way I feel about you-" Carth trailed off. Watching her with Forn had brought to life something in him that had been dead for a very long time. Deepening his feelings he'd already had for her.
"Carth, I feel the same way," Traviata declared. "Even though you're a bullying brute," she reproved mildly.
Carth rocked back on his heels, a smile on his face. "If it has the lasting impression that I wanted, and I'm hoping it will, then I'm okay with that description," he finished his smile broadening.
The sound of a very nearby explosion shook the room, reminding the two of their situation.
The pair's gaze intensified, "We'll have to continue this later," Carth said. Traviata nodded her response and they both bolted over to the last soldier and began extricating him.
"Where are we going with these guys?" Carth asked as they worked busily, their hands moving rapidly. He didn't want to just abandon them, but he wasn't sacrificing the living for those who were as good as dead anyway.
"Just to the turbolift my dear boy and you came back too, I'm so pleased. Yes, yes, such a happy day for me. And you're both falling in love, though you don't really know it yet. New love is not unlike It's so beautiful. Brings this old heart happiness that's seen so much misery. Yes, all in all a good day," Forn piped in from where he'd been watching the couple.
Carth and Traviata were on either side of the extricated soldier now and held each others eyes for a moment before lifting him onto the last gurney. Another large explosion caused dust to fall as the foundation rattled to its core.
"We need to go. Can you get that one?" Carth directed Traviata, pointing to the first soldier on the gurney.
"Got him," Traviata answered.
"Okay, follow me and stay together," Carth instructed, pushing the stretcher to the turbolift.
The bombardment had increased, as Carth knew it would, making it difficult to maneuver the soldiers in the panicked masses. They made it though, and had Forn and the last soldiers on the lift in mere minutes.
"Goodbye, you two. You may have some dark days ahead," Forn said, a shadow crossing his face. "Yes, yes, there's no doubt, certainly you will. Hold on to each other tightly though or you both will be lost. Remember who you are and your love and you will make it through fine, I'm sure. You two will conquer the evil that threatens to overtake us all, if you just hold on to what is real and that is the love the two of you have. May the Force be with you," he finished, with a wave of his hand the door shut speedily.
Carth and Traviata stood speechless for a moment, both unsettled by the doctor's words.
"Did he-" Traviata started, unsure of what she saw.
"Use the Force to shut the door? I think so," Carth finished, his brow furrowed.
"Did it seem like he-" Carth started, trying to make sense of what the doctor said, scratching his jaw.
"Knew the future?" Traviata completed, nodding her head vacantly, meeting Carth's troubled eyes. "At first I was thinking fortune teller, but now I'm thinking-"
"I knew there was something off about him; I always thought he knew way more than he was telling us. He's some sort of frakin' Jedi. Damn it!" Carth paused, hitting the turbolift door, his mood now changed.
"He still helped us and the crew of the Endar Spire," Traviata offered.
"Maybe, but I wanted to ask him about what he and Bastilla discussed. There's something going on that only the two of them know. Now I know why she wanted to chat him up. Damn,I certainly can't take Bastilla's word for anything."
Traviata let go a breath, "I wonder sometimes if you're capable of trusting anyone."
"Stop wondering, the answer's no," Carth registered the hurt that flashed briefly in Traviata's eyes. He ran a finger across her cheek, "Hey, I want to trust you, and I'm starting to. Give me a little time to work on it."
A new wave of bombs exploding around them quickly moved the pair to action. Carth grabbed Traviata's hand, and they bolted toward Davik's estate.