Chapter Nineteen
One of These Things Is Not Like the Other
"No matter how bad things are, you can always make things worse."
- Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture
"You're sure you're okay with this plan? I mean I don't want to feel like we pushed you into this Freyyr," Carth said soberly. "A lot of your people could die taking back the planet, Zalbaar included."
The wookie roared his response, shaking his sword.
"He says he knows that, but enslavement is worse than death. He is ashamed he stayed down here so long in his grief over Zalbaar. He says he should have known that Zalbaar was innocent; he had always been a source of pride. When he disappeared though, he assumed Chuundar was telling the truth, at first anyway. He also says it's time to reclaim his throne and remove all the outsiders from the planet, no one will be welcome here for a very long time who is not a wookie," Traviata translated for the others.
"And so ends a most unpleasant chapter in the history of the wookies," Jolee put in gravely.
Freyyr growled a response.
"He agrees and thanks you and all of us for our help. He also adds that we are all welcome anytime we wish to return to Kashyyyk; we will be the only outsiders allowed to land," Traviata added, her eyes meeting Carth's.
"Thank you, Freyyr," Carth replied looking at Freyyr. "Good luck to you. We have something else to take care of down here, or I'd be up there with you."
"We'd be up there with you," Traviata corrected.
"Indeed, we all would," Jolee agreed.
Freyyr rumbled his response.
"He says thanks but this is their fight, we've done more than enough. He'll make sure the ship is protected when the fighting starts. He's going to go send tree climbers now to spread word of the revolt," Traviata explained.
Carth nodded, "Thanks for your help Freyyr. Your assistance with keeping the ship safe would be greatly appreciated. I'll warn the crew on board of what's happening so that we can avoid any misunderstandings. We'll be leaving as soon as we complete our task down here," he replied.
Freyyr roared, lifting his sword and ran off into the jungle.
"Amazing creatures, the wookies," Jolee said thoughtfully.
"Yes they are," Carth replied distractedly. "Listen, I hate to be abrupt, but we need to get a move on. We've got the Sith and Malak looking for us, they probably know where we are by now and we need to find something before we leave. It's technology located down here called a Star Map. There may have been others down here before looking for it since you've lived here," Carth said, his attention on the small balding Jedi.
"Abrupt? Sonny, you damn near gave me whiplash," Jolee quipped, his eyes trailing off into the jungle before returning to Carth.
"I bet Malak's looking for you," he snorted, stroking his gray beard. "Well we need to make sure he doesn't find you then, we can't let that happen," he added.
"Anyway, I can take you to your technology. There's a force field around it. I don't know about any Star Map though, whatever that is," Jolee explained.
Traviata and Carth exchanged looks, "That has to be it, if they went to the trouble to put a force field around it," Traviata replied.
"Most likely. Can you take us now?" Carth asked his impatience evident in his tone.
"Yeah, you two try to keep up," Jolee offered.
"Let me notify the others about what's going on, and have Juhani and Canderous wait for us on the Hawk," Carth said, keying at his datapad as he spoke. "Okay done, let's go," Carth's eyes widened as the Jedi took off so fast he looked like a blur.
"Wow, he's spry for an old guy," Carth said in awe.
Traviata smiled softly, "He's using the Force. We're going to need to as well if we want to keep up," she explained, eyeing him hesitantly, meeting his confused gaze. It would probably go faster if she just took his hand and ran, not giving him the opportunity to protest. His anger wouldn't be worth it though later.
"We can run that fast too. Give me your hand," Traviata said offering her hand.
"You've got to be kidding," Carth said staring at her hand as if it were poison.
"We're going to lose him, we should go. Come on," Traviata encouraged, holding her hand closer to him.
"Every moment we're on this mission, it causes you to use the Force more and more. This is exactly what I was afraid would happen," he paused letting go a long breath.
"The speeders are right over here; Canderous brought them down a couple of days ago. We'll take those," he said moving to the vehicles not waiting for a response.
Traviata followed, sliding behind him onto the speeder. "Fine, we can argue about my Force use later, I need to get stronger before I face Malak. I can't do that unless I practice," she shot back.
"You face Malak? Oh, that's gonna be a hell of a conversation. Can't wait," Carth finished sarcastically, retrieving the two helmets hooked on the front of the bike. The last thing he wanted to envision was Traviata going toe to toe with the Dark Lord of the Sith. It wasn't happening, not while he was still drawing breath.
"Yeah, me either," she returned. "What are you waiting for? Follow that Jedi," she said impatiently.
"This is really just a big engine with a seat, you might want to hold on," Carth tossed over his shoulder, handing her a helmet. Capable of 600 km per hour, swoop speeders were fast, maneuverable, and deadly. They were known for their popularity with criminals who liked them for a fast retreat and to race.
"Do I want to know where you learned to fly one of these?" Traviata replied over the headset of her helmet, wrapping her arms around his waist, as he snugged on his helmet.
"Probably not, either way I'm not saying," Carth said, shifting the bike into high gear, causing the engine to roar and smoke as he took off with the expertise of a professional racer.
"You can deactivate force fields by using the Force, Jolee? I didn't know that was possible," Traviata said, her tone and expression conveying her shock. The trio were now standing in front of the force field.
Carth's brow furrowed, his gaze going from Jolee to Traviata. She had that same look on her face he used to have around Saul Karath. He could tell that Traviata was starting to really admire this man and his considerable skills in the ways of the Force and that meant trouble, at least in his book.
He knew her, and he also knew what would come next. She'd ask him to mentor her, to help prepare her for the showdown that she thought was coming with Malak. He had a news feed for her though, that wasn't happening. He'd seen video of Malak in action before, his power was enormous, able to incapacitate an entire squad of troops with just a wave of his hand.
"There is almost no end to what you can do through the Force. That is with discipline, time, and practice. Don't get too impressed, Missy. It's nothing you aren't capable of yourself," Jolee paused. "Bah, anyway, I can manipulate it for a brief moment, that's all."
"Malak and Revan must have left this in place to protect the Star Map when they were here," Carth surmised. "I wonder why they left the maps," he added.
"That's what I was just thinking too," Traviata commented.
"Let's just see if there's even a map in here," Jolee counseled. He concentrated for a few seconds, his eyes going glassy and the shield dropped.
"Go on you two, what are you waiting on? An engraved invitation. I can't do this long, I'm old damn it," Jolee grouched.
When they had cleared the shield it appeared once again.
"It's-" Jolee started.
"This way, I know where to go now," Traviata finished, walking into the jungle.
Jolee's eyes followed her. "There are powers here at work, Sonny, that baffle even this old tired man."
"She's had visions of Malak and Revan finding the Star Map here. She has nightmares about them too," Carth explained following after Traviata, pushing back vines that were in the way, smacking an annoying insect buzzing around his neck.
Jolee walked beside him silently.
"I don't suppose you know any way to stop them from happening do you?" Carth wondered out loud. "They are taking a toll on her, haunting her during her waking hours."
Jolee let go a heavy sigh. "No, Sonny. I'm sorry," he paused. "I'm afraid you're just going to have to let her figure it out and see what happens. The Force is working it's way to some end here, I have no idea what that end is. I really am sorry," he finished, walking a bit faster bringing him up closer to Traviata as they approached a massive computer terminal.
"Well there's the blasted thing. Good luck getting anywhere with it," Jolee said, glaring at the machine.
Traviata looked at Carth standing beside her, both of their eyes wide.
"Another Star Map," they both said at the same time.
"A computer terminal is in front of this one though," Carth commented. "Did you notice how everything is overgrown accept over this equipment?"
"It's creepy. What do you think? Try to access it's main functions?" Traviata asked, stepping up to the large console.
"Yeah, try-" Carth began.
"Computer activated. Access allowed." the computer voice informed them.
Carth and Traviata exchanged startled looks. "Is this what it did before Jolee?"
"No, it always denied me. Said something about unauthorized access not allowed. Bah, stupid machine," Jolee replied.
"Why did you allow me access? " Traviata asked the computer, meeting Carth's gaze.
"As good a place to start as any," he said with a shrug, pulling out a scanner from his pack.
"Further information unavailable. First I must confirm identity," the machine responded.
"Great how will it do that do you think?" Traviata asked Carth.
"I will ask a series of questions. Are you ready?" the mechanical voice asked.
"What do you think Carth?" Traviata asked. "I mean what choice do we have?"
"This technology looks similar to what we found in the temple on Dantooine, the materials are like nothing I've seen before, except in that Temple," Carth said putting his device away. "Go ahead I guess," he paused. "But remember the droids in the Temple. Be prepared for what could come if you don't pass it's test."
"I'm thinking it's more than just a bad grade," Jolee put in.
"Yeah, you could say that. Can you still use that light saber you wear Jolee?" Carth asked.
"I'm never too old for that," Jolee replied, patting his weapon.
"Okay, lets give it a try," Carth said, moving closer to Traviata, his eyes scanning the surrounding area.
"Computer? Ask your questions," Traviata said.
Three droids immediately surrounded the group, appearing from under the base of the Star Map. Carth's blasters were in his hand leveled at the machines, Jolee's light saber in his hand.
"They're not attacking," Traviata said, her light saber humming loudly.
"Not yet," Carth replied.
"Your companion Zalbaar can free himself if he betrays you and your group. What will he do? What will you do?" the machine asked.
"He won't betray us," Traviata replied.
"Are you sure? You could kill him and not take the risk," the machine continued.
"Yes, I'm sure. I would never do that. Besides he would never betray us," Traviata defended, her confused eyes meeting Carth's concerned ones. "How does this thing even know about Zalbaar?"
"That's a good question," Carth replied. Strange forces were indeed at work; he'd never encountered anything like this technology.
"Very well. Next question," the computer continued.
"During this war, you learn of an impending attack on a city. If you warn them and evacuate them, saving their lives, you will also tip off the enemy and you will lose the chance to attack them. If you sacrifice the city and inhabitants, you can destroy many of your enemy's most valuable assets. What would you do?" the computer asked.
"Evacuate them. There's no question," Traviata quickly responded.
A barrage of blaster fire rained down on the group from the droids.
"Access denied," the computer answered, its response almost inaudible in all the noise.
Jolee put a shield up around the trio and jumped to the furthest droid, fiercely attacking it.
Traviata and Carth engaged the other two.
"Not this time," Traviata said to the droid she was fighting when it tried to stab her with its hidden blade, narrowly evading it's jagged edges.
After several minutes of intense battle the three droids lay in a smoldering heap amongst them.
Carth holstered his weapons, Jolee and Traviata put away their light sabers when it was all over. Carth's eyes scanned Traviata, placing a hand on her arm.
"I'm going to check on the old man, he seems like he might be hurt," Carth said, giving Traviata's arm a slight squeeze. "You're okay, right?"
She nodded slightly, "I'll be there in a minute; go on, make sure he's all right."
His brow puckered slightly, not thrilled with her response, wondering if she was really okay; but when Jolee squatted down to his knees he went over to him in a flash.
"Access granted," the computer said.
"Why the change?" Traviata's stunned voice asked. "Because we destroyed your defenses?"
"Brainwave activity noted during battle. No further information available," it replied in its mechanical voice.
"Everything okay?" Carth shouted at her, his eyes now on her. "What's it saying?"
"It's alright. We passed the test is all," Traviata assured him. "Take care of Jolee," she said meeting his gaze briefly. This machine's abilities were disturbing to say the least.
"Wait for me, don't touch anything yet," he responded, before turning his attention to Jolee. "Are you okay?" Carth asked, leaning down to the Jedi.
"I'll be fine, Sonny. I just need to catch my breath," Jolee replied.
"I've got med paks," Carth offered reaching for his bag.
"Patience Sonny, I don't need that. I'm a healer, I just have to wait a moment," Jolee explained.
"A healer, that explains how you survived so long down here. I mean that and your other skills," Carth replied. He'd seen Jedi Healers in action during the Mandalorian wars. Their skills were amazing; he'd seen people near death brought back to nearly full health at their hands. They were highly sought after during the wars and still were on the battle fields.
Traviata watched as Malak and Revan walked up to the Star Map and activated it. She followed them, pushing at the control panel the arms of the map opened and the orb floated upward.
Then it was just Malak, he was standing there, towering over her his eyes staring at her. Without hesitation Traviata's light saber was in her hand as it ignited with an angry hum, she raised it moving closer to him.
"You've got bigger problems than me, Sonny," Jolee said breathlessly.
Carth's gaze had gone to Traviata immediately at the sound of the Star Map powering on, he watched as she crouched slightly into her defensive stance.
"Yeah, I do," Carth said his gaze narrowing as he watched Traviata.
"Go on, I'm fine, shoo," Jolee said waving Carth away.
Carth stood quickly dashing back to Traviata.
She moved closer to the image of Malak, her light saber glowing brighter. Malak just kept watching her, making no move to engage her in battle. His eyes seemed to penetrate her, as if taking inventory of what was inside her mind and very soul.
"Traviata?" Carth called from slightly behind her.
Traviata swung around her light saber raised.
"Whoa, whoa. It's me, Carth. Put your weapon away, you're safe," he said, putting out his hand toward her arm.
Her gaze looked around wildly, trying to make sense of what she was hearing and seeing. She looked back to where Malak was standing, his image shimmering in the dim lighting, now full of fury. He raised his weapon now ready to strike. She shrunk back causing her to stumble back into Carth.
"Hey, come on. Snap out of it, it's me," Carth said, catching her by both her arms, trying to keep them controlled so that neither of them were hurt by her saber.
Traviata's mind raced, her heart pounding in her ears as she watched Malak fade away, leaving nothing but the jungle before her. She vaguely became aware of her arms being held in a vice grip.
"Traviata?" Carth tried again.
Traviata closed her eyes trying to clear them, nothing but trees. He was gone.
"Yes," she said huskily.
"What is it? Another vision?" Carth asked tentatively. She was acting similarly to how she did in the Temple, though this was more intense.
She shook her head. "Not really, well maybe at first," she amended. Her heart was so loud it was difficult to hear, a faint buzzing in the background now.
"You're safe, it wasn't real," Carth said, his grip loosening slightly. "Will you put away your weapon?"
Her light saber closed in response and he turned her around to face him.
"Tell me what happened," Carth said, his hands lightly on her arms, his eyes searching hers.
"Malak was here, he was watching us. He knows where we are," Traviata explained, her eyes wildly darting all over.
"Malak is not here, it's just you, me, and Jolee," Carth replied.
Traviata broke free of his grip darting over to the nearby bushes as an intense wave of nausea hit her, causing her to lose the contents of her stomach. Another wave hit her and she fell down to her knees retching violently. She reached out with the Force trying to calm herself and stayed as still as she could waiting for it to pass.
Then she felt an arm on her shoulder as a flask of water appeared at her side. She took the bottle from Carth's hand, her own hand shaking badly. He took her other hand and wrapped it around the bottle too, giving her a firmer grip of it, she took a sip and washed out her mouth. "Thanks," she said huskily. "Sorry, about that."
"It's okay, don't worry about it. Believe me I've seen and done worse myself. Remind me to tell you the story some time about the first time I had- well, another time," Carth said lightly. "Feel better?"
"Yeah, thanks," she said feeling embarrassed, standing slowly, feeling his hand on her elbow.
"Don't move too fast," Carth said, his eyes searching her face, she wouldn't meet his gaze.
His hands pushing back the hair off her face before holding her head in his hands. "Hey, look at me."
Her eyes darted around the area, still checking to make sure Malak wasn't there before coming to meet his. "He wasn't here, it's impossible."
Traviata nodded, "It was so real, he was here, I swear he was, Carth."
His eyes searched hers, she was convinced Malak had been there. She was terrified and her face was ice cold, which was a feat given the considerable heat. Something had happened to her, that was for certain.
"Shh, it's okay now. I've got you, you're safe," Carth said, kissing the top of her head, he wrapped an arm around her pulling him against his chest.
"No, none of us are," Traviata warned, pulling slightly away to look at him. "He's hunting us."
"She's right you know. The best thing to do now is to move on," Jolee advised coming to stand beside the pair. "Is this a map?"
"Yeah, that's what we're here for. We need it to stop Malak and the Sith advance," Carth explained.
"How will this map do that?" Jolee asked.
"We think it will lead us to the Star Forge, well with the other maps. There are three more on three other planets. If they have parts of the missing coordinates that we hope they do that is," Traviata paused, her voice shaking slightly, she took a sip of water.
"We believe that Revan and Malak followed this same trek we are now making, putting the pieces together to find whatever it was they found that has made the Sith nearly invincible, presumably this Star Forge. We're working from a lot of presumptions and guess work," Carth explained further, his eyes drifting to the Star Map. "I want to take a quick look at this. You okay?" he asked his gaze now on Traviata.
"Go on, I'm fine," she replied with a nod, stepping away from him slightly.
He gave her arm a squeeze and began walking around the map, quickly deciphering the information. When he was finished he picked up the orb and placed it carefully in his pack. "Well I have to admit, this map does have additional nav points on it. Bastilla may have been right about going to the different planets looking for these. I'll never tell her that though," Carth said with a frown.
"Are you sure you want to find it? It annihilated Revan and Malak turning them into monsters," Jolee countered. "Look at the path of death and destruction they've left in their wake, and there are a few more of you than just two. Lotta damage your company could do if it falls."
"It's a risk, but our only hope is to find the Star Forge and destroy it. It's the only way to stop Malak and the Sith," Traviata replied.
"We'll never completely stop the Sith you know. That's a battle that can never truly be won, but must always be fought," Jolee responded.
"Agreed, but we must stop Malak or the Republic will be lost," Traviata said heavily.
"When we find the Star Forge and destroy it, that will stop him or at least take away his advantage. Whatever advantage that is..." Carth put in.
"You know that he will defend it, we will end up having to confront him eventually," Traviata shot back, her voice now completely back to normal.
"We could use your help, Jolee. Specifically, I could really use your help, I'm new at using the Force. I believe I could learn so much from you, you have skills that I had no idea were even possible with the Force. Would you come with us?" Traviata asked impulsively.
She could feel Carth's anger at her words as soon as they left her mouth; she met his glare unflinchingly. "I know you have a lot you want to say at this moment, but please just let me finish before you do Carth."
Carth's gaze narrowed as he met hers, crossing his arms in front of him, his features turning to stone. "Fine, have your say."
Traviata returned her attention to the older Jedi.
"I'm going to be really honest with you Jolee, I have no desire to become a Jedi. I'm a soldier, for the Republic, but it seems I suddenly have this gift I don't understand. I want to learn how to control it and wield it to help end this conflict, or at least put an end to this Star Forge and Malak. I know Carth doesn't exactly agree with me," Traviata explained, glancing at Carth, not surprised to find him scowling at her, his face hard as steel.
"Why don't you want to be a Jedi?" Jolee asked.
"Lot's of reasons, the biggest reason is because I'm in love with Carth, I'm sure you know how the Jedi feel about that," Traviata explained.
"Yes I do, if you two have found love then good for you I say. You still have to be careful though, I'm sure you've learned already about the dangers of emotions for Jedi," Jolee replied. "There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no passion, there is serenity."
"Yes, I'm well aware of the Jedi truths and I will be careful," Traviata said. Bastilla had drilled that into her from the very beginning. "I don't let my emotions or passions rule my life or thinking."
"Hmm, but what will happen when you have hard choices to make I wonder. That is the test to come for you my dear," he replied.
"So that's your only issue with being a Jedi?" Jolee asked.
"Well, that's a big one, at least for me. I mean it's a deal breaker, I don't want to think about living my life without him in it. My feelings for Carth were already there before I had any clue I was strong in the Force," she paused, feeling Carth's arm slip loosely around her waist.
"I can't picture my life without you either. You've given me a reason to believe that I could have a future beyond revenge. I didn't think that was possible," Carth added. He still thought often about exacting his revenge on Saul Karath, but the difference was now he saw a possible future after that. Before he always saw his vengeance ending in his death as well.
"I can see and feel you're both in love, that's beautiful, blah, blah, blah," Jolee said impatiently. "So you don't have an issue with the main tenets of being a Jedi, the code of conduct, the ethics behind them?"
"No, most of their beliefs follow the conduct and rules for an officer in the Republic Military actually. I mean some of the rules are silly to me, and I tend to see more gray than black and white, but overall I agree with it," Traviata responded.
Jolee looked from Carth to Traviata. "You don't trust the Jedi much, do you Sonny?"
"No, I'm sorry, but I don't Jolee," Carth replied.
Jolee snorted, "Well then maybe you're not as dumb as I thought. You know that I'm not a Jedi either, I follow the Jedi way, that's all."
"I've seen them do some terrible things wreaking untold devastation throughout the galaxy. The number of lives left in ruin is incalculable. I think that it's best to leave that kind of power alone. It seems to be too much for those who have immense skills to handle once they've discovered it, at least most of them," his eyes held Jolee's for a moment.
"That's my concern with Traviata using the Force and wanting to learn how to do more with it. Trying to gain more abilities, no matter how great the cause is, seems to corrupt the Jedi. I'm not going to let that happen to her," Carth hesitated.
"I know she means well, but I've seen how quickly her skills have increased and I'm terrified to think what she could become," Carth continued.
"Good, you should be," Jolee shot back. "You need to understand one thing though Sonny. She will face a choice and there will be nothing you can do to help her on that day. The best thing you can do is to help her prepare for that time now, when you can," Jolee added.
"Let me guess, by supporting her desire to learn more about the Force," Carth said sarcastically.
"She has the power already, she'll learn to use it one way or another. Yeah, she sure reminds me of Nomi Sunrider," Jolee looked at Traviata and back to Carth.
"I'm right here. Will you two stop talking about me as if I'm not?" Traviata's irritated voice cut in.
"I'll be back at my place, my jaw aches from all this jabbering anyway," Jolee replied.
"He's a strange cranky old man, but I can't help but like him somehow," Carth said frowning as the Jedi disappeared into the jungle.
"I like him too. He's scarred by events in his past, I can feel the pain he still carries with him. Almost like a second skin," Traviata commented.
"You, Commander, just like him because he's not a real Jedi and doesn't trust them either," she added dryly.
"I'm not gonna lie, that doesn't hurt," Carth replied. "It doesn't change anything though either. Before you start in on me about him coming with us, save your breath, the answer is no," he said firmly, his steely eyes holding hers.
"Because you don't want him training me," Traviata supplied, her gaze hardening.
"You know how I feel about it. It's too dangerous for you to use the Force so much, who knows what it will lead to. Look at what happened earlier. I mean seriously, what the hell did happen Traviata? You had another vision, like back at the Temple? You really thought Malak was here again, fighting the air with your saber," Carth's said his tone and expression tense.
"He was here, at least part of him. He knows we're here now, we should leave as soon as we can," Traviata replied.
"That we can agree on. Come on," he assured her, taking her by the elbow.
"How can Malak do that? I've never heard of a Jedi projecting themselves somewhere," Carth returned, leading them quickly through the growth toward the speeder.
"It's difficult to explain; it wasn't a projection, it was more like he connected to me somehow. Maybe because of being here and the vision I was having of him and Revan when they found the Star Map. I don't have any answers. Who knows what he's capable of at this point?" Traviata responded.
She screamed in alarm, yanking free from Carth's grip, gingerly stepping over a giant snake that suddenly slithered across their path. It's movement sped up, bringing it back in their path. This time it coiled up, hissing at them.
"Yeah, that's my frakin' point,Viata," he paused, seemingly unaffected by the snake. "Who knows what that freak is capable of? You're like a child playing with explosives with this stuff."
Carth aimed his blaster, already in his free hand and shot the offending creature. He stepped over the carcass, taking Viata by the hand helping her do the same.
"That's unfair," she shot back as they continued on their trek.
"No it's not. You want to continue to rush into this mission and push your limits with the Force and you don't even know what the hell you're playing with. It's reckless and risky and I don't like it," Carth finished, placing a hand on his hip as he came to a stop in front of the speeder. He hated it in fact, especially her involvement with it.
"Listen, I don't like it either. You think I enjoy feeling him reach out and touch my mind like he did today? You think I want him in my head?" She asked irately.
"What? You're saying he was reading your thoughts?" Carth's eyes narrowed.
"Yes, it was only for a moment, but we were connected, I'm positive," Traviata replied, nodding, her eyes drifting away at the memory. Something like that should work both ways, the thought occurred to her. If she could learn to do that, then maybe they'd actually have a shot...
Carth's face tightened, a muscle twitching in his jaw. The idea of that monster touching her in any way infuriated him and sent a cold chill up his spine. "All because you continue to mess around with this Jedi hocus-pocus. And you think I'm going to agree to Jolee coming on board?" he added.
"You're impossible to talk to about this subject, we continue to have the same conversation every time," Traviata shot back, tucking some of her hair behind her ear.
"Good, then you know what I'm going to say. So don't act so surprised, I will never change my opinion about the Jedi or you messing around with and using the Force," Carth said, his voice rising. He used the sleeve of his field shirt to wipe away the sweat beading on his forehead. The heat and humidity on the planet made it feel like they were wading through water most of the time.
"You knew I was training to learn how to use the Force on Dantooine. We left hoping for more visions to help guide us. We are trying to stop Malak. How exactly did you expect this to play out Carth?" Traviata demanded. "You're being unreasonable."
"I'm being unreasonable? Frak it, Viata, you just told me that The Dark Sith Lord was in your head. I'm your Commander, you know how I feel about the Force and I'm in love with you damn it," he paused, grabbing a helmet and roughly shoving it into her hands.
He fished out some assault gear stowed in the speeder. He took back the helmet he'd just given her in exchange for one designed for battle. He tossed a flack vest at her. They would no doubt run into a fierce battle as they left the lower levels, that is if Freyyr was able to rally his people.
"Now you want to pick up some old Force using hermit, whom we know nothing about? Really? Except that he has some powerful Jedi skills and oh, by the way, coincidentally while he's around, Malak starts poking around in your head. How did you think I'd react to you wanting to do this?" Carth added, pulling on a pair of pants over the ones he had on. He wished he had heavier armor for them, but their heavy armor was too hot for them to wear on Kashyyyk. They'd have passed out within ten minutes from dehydration and heat stroke.
Traviata stared at him for a moment, considering his words. They were going round and round and it was getting them nowhere. He was right, he was never going to change his mind, she knew that about him. More than that, she understood his viewpoint on the matter. She didn't agree with it totally, but she got it.
"Carth, I'm in love with you too, you know that. I don't want to argue with you about this. I'm not trying to change your mind, at least not at the moment," she said, giving him a small smile. "I respect and understand your view about it, but we are out of options. Listen, I know I'm no expert or some powerful Jedi Master. That's not what I'm trying to become either. I do seem to be able to connect with the path those maniacs took though, for reasons I can't begin to fathom. I think Jolee can help me become stronger in the Force and help us complete this mission," she said drawing closer.
"I know I'm asking for a lot, but I need you to trust me on this. We need Jolee to come with us," Traviata added, her eyes earnestly pleading with him. She slipped into her pants in one movement, then shrugged on her vest.
Carth's eyes held hers for a moment, briefly looking away before returning his gaze to hers. "You're right you know, you're asking for a lot from me on this. You and the Force, this whole crazy mission. It's been a disaster and the Jedi have been behind it all," Carth let go a long breath, shaking his head.
"It all flies against my better judgment, instincts, and training. You're asking me to push all that aside," he added, adjusting his vest. "Again. I might add."
"I know and I'm sorry. You said you trust me Carth, I need you to trust me in this. We cannot succeed without him, I know it – somehow," Traviata replied.
"You missed a cinch," Carth said adjusting her vest in one quick movement.
"Hey Fleet, you there?" Canderous came over Carth's comlink.
Traviata and Carth exchanged looks, before he thumbed the controller. "Yeah, go ahead."
"I'm picking up a Sith cruiser entering orbit," Canderous replied.
Carth swore under his breath. "So much for Bastilla being our early warning system. Go figure," Carth said to himself out loud.
"Acknowledged. Get us ready for dust off. We'll be there shortly. Onasi out," Carth said thumbing off his comlink. His eyes held Traviata's for a moment and he ran a hand through his hair, swearing loudly this time.
He couldn't really go off and leave the old man to face the Sith alone after he'd helped them. Carth swore again, he was backed into a corner.
"This doesn't mean that I've changed my mind about you using the Force. More and more everyday I feel that it was a mistake for you to train with the Jedi," Carth informed her, snugging on his helmet. Traviata instinctively followed his lead, her arms grasping his waist as they climbed onto the speeder.
"It's not about trusting you, Traviata," Carth said quietly over the headset. "Fine, I'll go along with it for now. I can always drop him off at another port. I don't really have a choice and we don't have any more time to argue," Carth added before gunning the engine, causing them to tear off toward the upper levels of Kashyyyk.