A/N: As we celebrate Memorial Day in America this weekend, I remember those who've sacrificed their lives for our country fighting to preserve our freedoms. I respect your bravery, sacrifice, diligence, and fortitude. My real life heroes don't wear capes; many of them wore or wear dog tags.

"And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier's tomb, and beauty weeps the brave."
– Joseph Rodman Drake

KCCO,

Rochelle

Chapter Sixteen

Lost & Found

"For whatsoever from one place doth fall,

Is with the tide unto an other brought:

For there is nothing lost, that may be found, if sought."

- Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene

"Kashyyyk, now there's a planet that's a hostile environment. A challenge, even for me," Canderous said, entering the cockpit. "I mean even the frakin' plants try to kill you there."

Carth looked up from the instrument panel and at his chrono, Canderous was right on time.

There was no hint of animosity at all from the Mandalorian ever since their brawl. He'd backed off Traviata and had stopped with the war stories too, just as Carth knew he would. Mandalorians were so predictable, all they understood was force. Once he proved himself to Canderous there were no issues. It would hold for a while, but not forever.

The Commander keyed at the control panel and glanced over at his datapad, making sure they were in sync. He should be able to monitor all the major systems from his tablet when he wasn't piloting her. Just like on the bigger cruisers, he knew he couldn't spend all his time on the bridge. The link gave him some peace of mind when he was away. It wasn't like he had Jake as his second any longer; he gave a sideways glance at the Mandalorian. There was no reality, imagined or otherwise, that Carth would have seen himself piloting a vessel with a Mandalorian as his second.

"Yeah, it could be tough at times," Carth commented blandly.

"Huh, not so tough for you though I suppose. With your own personal Jedi at your service," Canderous put in.

Carth's features went still. "Do you want to explain that remark?"

"Not that I blame you for taking advantage of her skills. Not after the fight we had before, I used several medpaks and was still in pain for days. You healed up overnight and I know I did more damage to you than that, Fleet. Yeah, that was an okay fight," Canderous explained, his tone almost happy.

Carth thought about it, he'd realized he'd recovered much quicker than he should have, but it hadn't occurred to him that Traviata had healed him until now. He should have thought of it, but he'd had no idea she knew how to do that. Pissed him off that Canderous had to point it out to him. She'd been holding out on him; he wondered what else she could do now that she hadn't shared with him.

"I'm not taking advantage of her skills and she's not at my service, Canderous. Don't talk about her that way. It's disrespectful and I don't like it," Carth demanded gruffly, shooting him a sideways glare. "It sounds, well- just wrong."

"You're so touchy, of course not that I blame you for being that way about her. I didn't mean anything by it, just that you're lucky to have her," Canderous went on.

"Yeah, I know that. Will you just keep your mind on the mission?" Carth shot back, trying to regain his own focus.

"Alright Fleet, don't get your blaster overheated," Canderous retorted.

Dantooine was in the outer rim territories and Kashyyyk was in the mid rim. Even traveling by hyperspace, it would take them a while to get there. Kashyyyk was the first planet Traviata wanted to explore; she'd known that since before they left Dantooine. She couldn't explain why, only that she knew that she was supposed to. More blurry Jedi hocus pocus, only now it was coming from her. It made him uncomfortable, but he trusted her motives if not the Force. His brow furrowed at the thought of her; they hadn't had the chance to talk since their quarrel. He was anxious to see her, clear the air and make sure they were okay.

"Talk about levels of hell. There are seven you know," Canderous said casually. "Levels on Kashyyyk I mean. Who knows about hell," he added, with a shrug.

"I know," Carth replied, checking the readings on the critical systems. Everything was green across the board. So far, so good; the ship was an amazing freighter. All of the upgrades made her a vessel that would be hard to catch, unless they were ambushed.

"The wookies barely even go lower than the fourth level. The further down you go, the larger the creatures are and the more deadly it becomes," Canderous went on. "They have plants that can swallow a grown man whole."

"I know, Canderous," Carth confirmed evenly. The plants seemed to have made an impression on him. Carth knew all about the dangers of Kashyyyk. They'd have to take some heavy weapons and wear some rugged armor for protection. The intense heat coupled with the humidity, could make the heavy armor a no go though. Canderous was not overstating the danger.

"Knowing Vee, we'll end up on the first level. They call that the-" Canderous started.

"The Shadowlands. Yeah, I know Canderous. I'm well informed about the planet," Carth retorted, getting to his feet. "She's all yours. We're safely in the hyperspace route. All systems are good. That's the way I want her when I return. Got it?"

"I got it, Fleet. Don't get your panties in a twist," Canderous shot back, flopping into the pilot's chair.

"Let me know if anything goes wrong or if there's anything unusual," Carth said over his shoulder, leaving the bridge.

"It's not my first time. Relax, Fleet, she's in good hands," Canderous assured his retreating form.

Carth peeped into his quarters; no Traviata. He continued on past communications and the med bay, entering the main hold. Juhani was seated with Bastilla sharing a meal at the table.

"Hey," Carth greeted them, his eyes searching the area for Traviata.

"She's not here, Commander. Would you care for something to eat?" Bastilla asked.

"I made a dish from my home world, Carth. Can I make you a plate?" Juhani offered.

"Thanks, maybe later. Where is she?" Carth asked Bastilla, his brow puckered. He tried to have as little contact with the Cathar as possible. The last thing he wanted to do was to sit and eat with those two, even if it did smell fantastic. He'd rather eat a protein bar.

"Last time that I saw her she was headed toward the cargo bay, Commander," Bastilla replied with a sigh.

"Thanks," he said, quickly making his exit. He wondered what she was doing down there as he climbed down an access ladder to the lower levels.

He heard a voice softly talking on the other side of the room when he entered. He followed the sound, hovering on the perimeter when he saw Traviata speaking to Zalbaar.

"I can't tell you what to do, but I think you should tell your father exactly what happened. We'll go to him as soon as we land if you want. Your brother has to be stopped Zalbaar, if not by you then by someone," Traviata said.

Zalbaar growled his angry response.

"Okay, I understand. We have an opportunity here to end the slave trade of your people. We will have to act thoughtfully, it will require careful planning. You say your brother is helping the Czerka Corporation?" Traviata asked.

The wookie roared in reply.

"I wonder why your father hasn't stepped in," she thought out loud.

"We'll find out what's going on when we get there. I'm going to help you Zalbaar, and your people. I'll do everything I can, I promise you," she paused, sensing Carth's presence she turned to find him watching her.

Zalbaar picked Traviata up in a hug, growling a greeting to Carth as he approached the pair.

"Hey there, Big Guy, Viata. I didn't want to interrupt," Carth greeted them.

Zalbaar let Traviata go gently, growling a response to Carth.

"We're just having a discussion about Zalbaar's home world. It seems he knows who's behind supplying Czerka with wookies on Kashyyk. Zalbaar here is the Chieftain's son," she paused, her gaze drifting to Carth's.

"The Chieftain's son. Seems you've been holding out on me, Big Guy," Carth looked over to Zalbaar and back to Traviata.

"His brother framed Zalbaar for a crime he didn't commit when Zalbaar caught him selling out to Czerka, betraying his own people into slavery," Traviata informed him.

"Go on," Carth said, his eyes narrowing slightly, coming to stand by Traviata.

"Zalbaar left Kashyyk in shame, as a criminal. He wandered from planet to planet for a bit and was going to go back to confront his brother, Chuundar. Then he met Mission," Traviata paused as Zalbaar interrupted and she shook her head in response to him.

"Zalbaar asked me if you know how Mission is doing. I haven't heard from her since her transport picked her up. Have you?" Traviata asked softly.

She'd felt uneasy anytime she'd thought of Mission since her departure. Mission had been so upset about leaving, she'd refused to say goodbye to anyone. Traviata had stood with Carth at the stern viewport, watching her enter the vessel. She knew Carth had spoken to the Captain and toured the ship, before she'd boarded, but other than that she'd heard nothing. It had been over 36 hours now. Carth was hurt over the way they'd parted, she knew that much. He'd become almost instantly attached to the Twi'lek. Traviata had noticed that he often spoke to her as she imagined he would his own child.

"No. She's still not talking to me. The Captain said she's fine. I'll talk to Paul when she arrives at his place," Carth checked his chrono. "Another 12 hours and 34 minutes, according to the flight plan."

Zalbaar grumbled softly.

"He says not to feel bad, she was mad at him too. He also says you did the right thing," Traviata translated.

Carth nodded. "So you want to finish explaining to me about Zalbaar's situation?"

"Where was I? Oh, yes. Now he's about to be back on his home world," Traviata explained. "There's not only his brother to deal with, but Czerka as well. He's got a lot to handle when we get to Kashyyyk," she paused, her eyes searching Carth's face.

"I know it's not part of our mission, and that I should have spoken with you about it first; but I promised I'd help him," Traviata admitted. "I had to."

"Of course you did," he said dryly, shooting her a sideways look.

"We'll all help you, Zalbaar. I've wanted a crack at stopping these bastards for years. The war's got in the way of that before, we'll do everything in our power. I can't let it interfere with the mission, but we can't ignore the opportunity to at least try to put an end to the slavery of your people," Carth promised, his eyes on Zalbaar now.

"First we need to find out what your father's stance is on all this. If he's still chieftain even. We need to know if we're fighting your father and brother or just Chuundar," Carth paused turning to Traviata. "That will make a huge difference in the wookie culture, since his father is Chieftain," Carth commented. "We need the wookie's support, that's the key to ending this. Don't you think?"

Zalbaar roared his agreement and gratitude.

"I'll see you a little later in the communications room and we'll go over the holo-maps I have," Carth said.

"You guys have fun with that. I'm going to try to get some sleep. I'm exhausted," Traviata replied. She was tired and also hoped to have a vision that might help them in their search. Not that she wanted to, more like needed to. It would be a huge help to at least have an idea of where to start searching on Kashyyyk.

"I'll walk with you," Carth said.

The pair trod silently side by side until they reached the ladder. He put a hand on hers, stopping her from her ascent.

"You're quiet. You okay?" Carth asked, his eyes watching her.

"Fine, just really tired," she said with a shrug, letting her back rest against the ladder.

"I should have said this before now, but I haven't had the chance. I owe you an apology. I'm sorry about the way I stormed off yesterday," Carth offered, taking her hands in his, threading his fingers with hers. "Will you forgive me?"

"There's nothing to forgive, its okay. If it had been over us fighting, then I'd be mad. Hell, we both know I'd have gone after you," she admitted.

"That's a fact," Carth agreed. "Still, I didn't and don't like leaving things like that between us."

"I know, I feel the same. You didn't want to discuss it though and you needed some space," Traviata replied. "Don't worry; I'm not going to push you to open up about it. You'll talk to me about it when and if you want to," she was careful not to mention the name that stirred up so much pain and anger in him. Dustil. "I get it Carth."

"You are really something. I've never known anyone like you before," Carth moved closer, bringing her hands to his chest. "You never cease to amaze me, Viata. Every time I think I have you figured out, you do something that completely surprises me."

"The feeling is very mutual you know," Traviata responded, swallowing, her mouth suddenly dry.

"Is it? Do you know how much I feel for you? I don't think you do," Carth said quietly, his face just inches from hers now. "I want, no- I need you to know how I feel. Before we go any further with this mission."

Traviata felt like her heart would explode it was beating so fast.

"All of this going on around us, all I have to do is look at you and you make it all disappear. My thoughts are of you constantly," Carth said quietly, taking her head in his hands.

"We've known each for month's now and I can't see a future any longer without you in it. I want you in my life always, Viata" Carth murmured, his eyes tender.

"Carth, you must know I feel the same way. My life was just a blur before I met you, meaningless. I can't imagine my world without you in it, ever," she replied softly.

Carth's face moved slowly to hers, prolonging the moment, his eyes holding hers.

His mouth was not gentle, some part of him previously restrained now free. His kiss was hungry, searching and fierce. None of their other kisses had held this unchecked need. Traviata's lips parted under his, responding with an urgency of her own, filled with her desperate need for him. Traviata felt her blood turn to fire as he leaned his full weight against hers. She was the one who broke the kiss, her breath coming in gasps. His lips trailed down her chin lingering on her throat.

She pulled his head back to hers kissing him, her hands wrapped in his hair. Carth responded placing a hand on the small of her back, pulling her against him, his other hand cradled her head. His lips were hard against hers, his kiss this time even deeper. It was Carth that broke the kiss, himself breathing heavily. When his eyes met hers they were glazed over. He ran a hand over her hair and leaned in kissing her lightly on the mouth, placing am arm on either side of her, his hands above her head, gripping the ladder.

"You are driving me crazy," Carth whispered heavily in her ear, trying to regain his composure.

"Sounds familiar," Traviata replied with a smile, her heart still racing, her voice slightly shaky.

Carth chuckled, "It does, but two very different types of crazy. I'm partial to this kind."

"Me as well," she responded.

Carths eyes had returned to normal; he took her hand in his and brought it to his mouth, kissing the inside of her palm, keeping her hand in his. "Of course with a name like Traviata, what could I expect? My linguistic skills are nothing compared to yours, but I believe it means, one who goes astray."

Traviata smiled at the sound of his laughter. "I love to hear you laugh," she said, her fingertips gently caressing the lines around his eyes. "You would be right about my name. I come with a warning label," she said with a small smile.

"Were you born with that name?" Carth queried, wondering why any parent would call their baby such a pessimistic name.

"I don't know actually, being an orphan. It's the only name I can ever remember though," she supplied.

Carth nodded, his eyes scanning her face, noting the circles under her eyes. "You were on your way to get some rest. Let's get you to your quarters. I'd apologize for keeping you, but I'm not sorry, Beautiful," he said, running a finger along her jaw line, his eyes holding hers.

"Good, I'm not either," Traviata replied. He looked in her eyes as if he could see clear through to her soul, and liked what he saw. The idea made her stomach flutter as her heart began racing again.

Carth took her hand and placed it onto the ladder turning her to face the ladder. "C'mon, let's go. You should get some rest while you can."

She thought of the turmoil inside her, that she barely kept contained. The dark shadows of her dreams haunted her waking hours more and more. Malak's face flashed in her mind. It was so bizarre, her life now. How could Carth want to be involved with her? "I really don't deserve you. You shouldn't get involved with me," she murmured.

"What? What are you talking about?" Carth asked, his surprise evident in his voice.

"I'm a mess, Carth. I'm not really a soldier, or a Jedi. I have a dark Sith lord stalking my dreams. The thoughts of the dreams are with me often when I'm awake now too. The nightmares are so vivid, seem so real, it's hard not to think about them. You don't need this, you've been through enough," Traviata answered quietly.

Carth took Traviata by the shoulders turning her to face him.

"First, you are a soldier in the Republic Fleet. You're expected to act accordingly, which you do," Carth said, taking her chin in his hand, making her meet his eyes.

"Second, I'm betting the nightmares will end when we kill Malak. And we will, it's just going to take a little time," he added. He wished he had the power to eradicate the evil monster plaguing her dreams and mind. Even with her Jedi training the nightmares had gotten worse, taking more of a toll on her than he imagined possible.

"Third, I have my own ghosts that haunt me. We both have problems to deal with but, more importantly, I've told you not to worry about protecting me. I can take care of myself. What I can't do is live a life with any meaning without you. We'll get through this together, I promise you. I'm not going to let anything happen to you," Carth assured her, running a hand through her hair, before wrapping his arms around her pulling her tightly to him. He had a chance to do it right this time; no one was taking that from him. No one.

Traviata felt an icy cold chill run up her spine. He would willing sacrifice himself in order to save her. She had the unpleasant feeling that the more things progressed, the further they would travel into danger and darkness. No matter what it cost her she wouldn't let Carth die trying to protect her from the blackness she felt hunting her. For the moment though, she let herself sink into the warm strong embrace of the man she'd come to love. If she could, she'd stay like that forever, it was the only place that felt safe to her.

"Stand by sublight engines," Carth ordered, watching the hyperspace timer count down to zero. "Almost there."

"Sublight engines ready. You know, Fleet, I was thinking-"

"Not really your strong point, Canderous. Will you just pay attention to the board?" Carth cut in, gripping the hyperdrive levers.

"Funny. I could do this in my sleep. Relax, Fleet," Canderous offered. "Anyway, I was thinking we might have faced each other on the battlefield at one point. And now look at us, two warriors brought back together by the fates to face the ultimate challenge."

The proximity warning beeped from the control panel; Carth eased the hyperdrive levers forward. The blur of hyperspace disappeared, starlines streaked by them before fading into stars.

"Engage sublight engines," Carth said. "I'm not a warrior, Canderous. I'm a soldier. I don't seek conflict. I protect those who need protecting, usually against warriors."

"Yeah, well lucky for you I'm here. Anyway, what the hell are we doing now, Fleet? Seems to me; we're seeking conflict, chasing after frakin Darth Malak," Canderous shot back. "In fact, I'd say we were pursuing the ultimate conflict."

Carth rolled his eyes, "Only because he's attacking and conquering Republic planets. We're the protectors, not the aggressors, " he corrected sternly.

"Wow! That's one frakin green ass planet," Canderous changed the subject, as they entered the atmosphere.

"That we can agree on," Carth said, expertly jabbing at the controls, landing the ship with a soft thud.

"Not bad, Fleet. I'll go get the gear ready. You sure you don't want to take a speeder?" he asked.

"No, not at first; but make sure the packs have everything in them we discussed," Carth instructed, rising from the pilot's seat. Carth thumbed his comlink. "Let Bastilla and Zalbaar know we'll meet out front in 20 minutes. Juhani-" Carth paused scratching his chin, he didn't want to leave her on the ship alone, but he also didn't want to take her with them. "Have her meet us out front too," Carth added. At least he could keep an eye on her that way.

"This is going to be fun," Canderous said, his voice unusually cheerful.