A/N: Wonderful readers, I thank you and to those who left reviews, a truckload of thank yous. Just a heads up, it may be a little longer than usual between posts for me. I have a new gig, and it leaves me precious little time for my passions, sad face.

Thanks again you guys, you're all awesome.

Rochelle

Chapter Twenty-One

Dark Visions

"My task is set before me, girl

My mission clear and true

There'll be black knights and dragons, girl

But I will always come for you..."

- Emme Rollins

"Well, it's official boys and girls. Without the cooperation of the Sand People you can forget about finding the star map," Canderous announced flopping into the booth beside Traviata. Dust flew into the air at the action, and sand went everywhere as the warrior took off his gloves, letting them noisily hit the table.

"Damn Canderous. Do you mind?" Carth exclaimed waving at the cloud of dust that flew up.

"My apologies. I forget how delicate you Republic Forces are," Canderous shot back, motioning for the bar tender to bring him a drink.

"So no luck, I take it, with finding a guide?" Carth returned with a glare.

"No. The sand people attack anything and anyone who leaves this fortress. It's either kill or be killed. There's no getting through to them," Canderous explained.

"Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. We've been getting the same story from everyone. Given the Czerka presence here, I thought you might get a different response on your own," Carth noted, taking a sip of his ale. "One look at you and anyone knows who and what you are..." he trailed off.

"He means judging by your appearance it's easy to see you're a Mandalorian warrior, not affiliated with the Republic in any way, someone Czerka's people may be more inclined to help," Traviata put in, throwing Carth a sideways look.

Carth shrugged, "Whatever – Viata's right about Czerka; they've basically just become the business end of the Sith. Anyway, back to the problem at hand; making our way past the Sand People and finding the Star Map- how?" he persisted.

"You know Republic, the problem's bigger than that. Even if you kill all of them in your way, once you make it past the perimeter there will be a hundred more and you'll be lost in the desert. They're almost on a mission to wipe out any living creature that comes through those gates. Whatever your plan B is, I think it's time to consider it," Canderous suggested.

They'd arrived on Tatooine two weeks previously, and had spent the time looking for anyone who could help guide them out into the desert to explore the caves. Traviata and Bastilla had shared yet another terrifying vision of Malak and Revan discovering the Star Map in a cave on the surface of Tatooine. It had taken Traviata a full day to recover from the experience this time. Jolee had stayed by her side constantly, and Carth wasn't entirely sure how he felt about that. He seemed to help her, but he still couldn't bring himself to trust the old hermit.

Carth was gettting more worried with each passing day about the toll it was taking on Traviata. He could tell she was keeping something from him, more than likely the affect it was all having on her, he'd surmised. He didn't like the distance it was creating between them. He'd decided to confront her about it when she'd felt the urge to head to one of the local bars. Mission wanted to tag along too and then Canderous checked in wanting to meet them as well, forcing Carth to wait to have the conversation he needed with Traviata. This left him in a decidedly bad mood.

Carth looked up at Traviata, sitting beside him in the booth, feeling her eyes on him. It was almost as if she'd been reading his thoughts. His brow furrowed and eyebrow arched at the idea; she wouldn't do that, would she?

Traviata's uneasy gaze shifted away and back to the Commander again. "Not on purpose. I'm searching for someone- or something. I don't know- I just have this feeling. Anyway, I didn't mean to. I'm just so -" she said quietly to Carth.

He nodded slightly at her words, interrupting her, his gaze narrowing somewhat. "We'll talk about it later."

"Speaking of talking, and a plan B," Mission said leaning across the table. "Has anyone tried talking to the Sand People I wonder? Find out just why they've started to kill everything and everyone who leaves the enclave? It obviously hasn't always been like that or this outpost wouldn't exist."

Traviata and Carth exchanged looks, and Canderous rolled his eyes taking the drink the bartender handed him. "Bout' time. Keep em' comin' sweetheart," Canderous said with a wink at the attractive female.

"Bet she spits in your next drink. You'd get further being a little nicer you know. It's hard work," Mission instructed Canderous her head tail twitching slightly.

"What do you mean, Kid? Hey, I was nice, I even called her sweetheart," Canderous defended, his voice full of dismay.

"That's a good point Mission," Traviata replied, her vision drifting off into the distance.

"Hey, I was nice dammit," Canderous sputtered, his attention on Traviata.

"Don't call me kid," Mission shot back, pointing a finger at Canderous. "And no, you weren't."

"Damn good point kid-" Carth paused, pulling out his datapad.

"Why is everyone on her side? I was nice dammit," Canderous defended.

"Thanks," Mission beamed at the Commander, rearing back into her chair at the head of the table. "See, you need me here."

"Didn't say that, we'd have thought of it. You're not staying , this is only until-" Carth started.

"Hey, you're not my father, you're not the boss of me-" Mission interrupted.

"And you let him call you kid?" Canderous said downing his drinking in one gulp.

"Shut up, Canderous," Mission and Carth said in unison, both glaring at Canderous.

"We'll need an interpreter, a protocol droid would be best," Traviata supplied. "I don't speak their language."

"I saw a shop around the corner. They're bound to have something that'll do, " Carth offered throwing some credits onto the table, finding his feet. "Wow, a language you don't speak. You know you can wait on the ship with the others; we'll let you know if it goes anywhere, "

Carth watched Traivata scoot around to the end of the booth, bringing her sitting across from where he was standing, "Not a chance, you're going to need me for this."

He shot her a questioning look, taking her hands in his, pulling her to her feet. "Really? Care to elaborate?"

"I don't know what to say," she swallowed. "We're surrounded by danger here, that's all I know for certain," she said with a troubled expression.

"Oh, the usual," he said with grimace, like he didn't know that. He did his best to muster a reassuring smile. "Well let's buy a protocol droid, that can't possibly be dangerous," Carth said taking her hand in his heading for the door.

"This is the only protocol droid available. Any others that I've acquired since HK 47 arrived have mysteriously begun malfunctioning," the shop keeper explained nervously. "I'll give you a deep discount if you take him with you now," he went on.

"Protocol droid? His main function is obviously as an assasin, just look at his weapon mounts. Not to mention his built in assasin rifle. What do you take us for?" Carth asserted, walking slowly around the shiny orange droid.

"Answer: Idiotic Republic Meatbags. Observation: That does not include you, Master. This unit is ready to serve you, Master. I am an intelligent droid you know; I can interpret many languages you know. I am also most efficeint at protection, which can be handy Master, especially while keeping the company of Republic Meatbags," HK 47 commented.

"He's talking to you," Carth said casually, nodding toward Traviata as his fingers absentmindedly trailed a dusty counter. "Maybe because you approached him first. He's a menace, though his armament is impressive. He's just as likely to use it against us though," he explained, coming to stand by Traviata.

"I could reprogram him. It would be a challenge, but I could do it – I think. It's hard to tell here, I would need to get him back to the ship where I could run full diagnostics on him. He's had lots of mods, someone took great care with this unit," Mission noted.

"We don't really have any choice. Besides, I like him," Canderous put in.

"No. Not until we've exhausted all other possibilities. There are bound to be other shops," Carth retorted, heading for the door.

"Warning. You do not want to make an enemy out of me Republic Meatbag," Hk sneered.

"Too late, I'd say that ship sailed the moment I walked in the door," Carth said dryly and used his head to motion toward the door. "Come on, Traviata."

She glanced at the droid before making her way to the front of the small shop.

"Urgent Pleading: Wait, come back Master. Do not leave me here. I will be nice to the Republic Meatbags," the droid pleaded as they left the building.

The small group stood at the exterior of the droid shop, clouds of dust swirling high into the sky, dancing around them. Carth surveyed the area, they were short on choices; he swore inwardly. There were no other options, at least not on this planet, he thought. His eyes met Traviata's as an idea began to form.

"We move on to the next planet and double back here. We'll pick up a non-psycho droid on Manaan or even Korribon," Carth offered in a rush.

"We bring it back here," he added.

"Should work," Traviata conceded.

"Unless the Sith get wind of it and plan an ambush," Canderous put in.

"Yeah, I thought of that. It's a chance, but hopefully that won't happen-" Carth retorted. "It's the only good option I see. I mean, do any of you want to trust that droid to translate for us with the Sand People?"

Silence.

"Okay then, we're all in agreement," the words were barely out of Carth's mouth when a barrage of blaster fire flew over his shoulder. He turned toward the source, simultaeneously grabbing the sleve of Traviata's coat pulling them both to the ground. "Get down," he shouted. He landed on top of her with a thud.

"Warning: Hostile forces detected Master. I will save you and your companions Master," HK said walking quickly for a droid, coming to stand between them and a trio of Sith Acolytes. His weapon fired repeatedly, and his armor rippled with electricity as the Sith assaulted him.

Chaos ensued and everyone retrieved their weapons and aiming at the Sith. All training went out the window in this environment; there was no SOP for fighting Sith in an urban area like this. Carth's eyes scanned the area; thankfully all the civilians had taken cover. Next his eyes searched for Mission; she'd hidden behind a water trough for the bantha, the preferred means of travel in the area.

Traviata was still under him, struggling to get free. "Just stay down," he barked, leveling his weapon at his target, a Sith who was making his way over to them, using his lightsaber to repel Carth's blaster bolts.

Traviata reached out with the Force for strength, propelling herself upward into a somersault. Coming to land on her feet, her light saber ignited with an angry snap hiss. She could hear Carth swearing loudly in the background.

"If you listened one frackin' time-" the rest of his words were cut off as the air crackled; some unseen force choked the words in his throat. Carth crumpled into a heap on the ground, still trying to speak.

"No," Traviata shouted, fiercely bringing her lightsaber to bear on the apprentice. HK followed suit, attacking the Sith with an intense verocity.

"Quick, the others, protect them," Traviata ordered HK while speeding to Carth's side.

"Affirmation: With pleasure Master," the assasin droid informed her in his menacing tone, speeding off to do her bidding.

"Carth?" Traviata said taking his head into her lap. He had to be okay, she couldn't take it if he weren't. Everything else could go to hell, but she couldn't exist without him, she knew that with certainty.

"Carth," she tried again a catch in her voice. Traviata loosened the jacket, running her hand up his shirt, feeling for his heartbeat. It was faint, but it was there. She reached out with the Force, closing her eyes, focusing everything on healing him.

She was unaware when the battle ended and the others came to her side, until she felt a hand run along her cheek, wiping away tears she hadn't realized had escaped.

Traviata opened her eyes to find Carth watching her, "Thank God, I was so afraid." Tears continued to stream down her face.

"Hey, shhh. I'm okay," Carth whispered. "Everyone else?"

"Disdainfull Reply: All meatbags are alive and accounted for," HK-47 replied, his head darting from side to side scouring the area for more combatants, his weapons now lowered. "It is good this unit's sensors picked up the hostile combatants and escaped to assist you when I did."

Just then Bastialla, Juhani, and Jolee came running up to the group, their light sabers ignited. HK immediatetly activated his blasters "Weapons Charging," he warned.

"No! They're with us HK, stand down," Traviata shreiked.

"What? I'll be a wookie's uncle," Jolee exclaimed, coming to a quick stop by Traviata.

"No!" Bastilla said heavily, her weapon raised to strike.

They all stood watching the droid, exchanging uneasy glances amongst them.

"Well aren't we all just one big happy ass family," Canderous finally commented, followed by the sound of weapons powering down.

"We felt that you were in trouble," Juhani offered. "We came as fast as we could. The Commander needs medical treatment, we should get him back to the ship."

"Yes, she's right. Can you walk?" Travita asked.

"He's fine. Quit babying him, Vee," Canderous said walking up to the pair. "Come on, Republic. We're drawing attention," he said helping the soldier to his feet.

Carth noted the group of onlookers that had now assembled around them. No doubt that if Malak didn't know of their whereabouts already, he would soon. He grimaced inwardly, trying to hide the pain as he accepted Canderous's outstretched hand. "Yeah, good point," he mumbled in response trying desperately to keep the ground under his feet.

"Lean on me," she said, wrapping an arm tightly around his waist.

"I've got him, Vee. It's a soldier thing. No guy wants to be towed off the battlefield by his chick; it's humiliating," Canderous explained, shouldering the bulk of Carth's weight, effectively relieving Traviata of her burden. "Sorry to be blunt, but it's true, even if your girl's a tough Jedi. You can hover over him at the ship, right now we need to get out of sight. Quickly," Canderous said mildly, glancing around before finding her gaze.

"Yeah- ah, right- thanks -" Traviata stumbled over her words, feeling like an embicile for not realizing that herself. Traviata realized something in that moment; Canderous had real affection not only for her but for Carth too.

"Well I for one would like some answers. Where in the blazes did this- this demonic tin can come from?" Bastilla demanded coming up beside Traviata, glancing over her shoulder toward the droid. Traviata followed behind Carth, wishing she didn't have to endure the inevitable conversation with Bastilla.

"We found him in a junk shop, he latched on to Traviata like everyone does, what's to explain?" Mission commented.

"I'll explain once we get back to the ship. HK, I think it would be best for all concerned if you keep watch outside the ship, patrol the perimeter," Traviata offered, she knew Carth would rest better without the droid on board.

"Commentary: I am eager to serve Master. If I get to kill something, then it's just a bonus," HK replied in his creepy mechanical voice, coming to a defensive stance outside the Hawk.

"I'm not arguing with you anymore about it, things are getting out of control. Now you want a pyscho robot to join the crew too? Besides that, when were you going to tell me you were working on your shield?" Carth accused, his voice rising with his anger. "Since when do I have to rely on Bastilla of all people to tell me what's going on with you. She says you had enveloped each in our group in a protective shield-"

"Some protection- I almost lost you-" Traviata interrupted him. "I was going to tell you, you just get so touchy about that kind of thing-"

"Yeah, with good reason. So what you mean is that you knew it would piss me off and so you kept it a secret from me," Carth interrupted her this time as he hollered, gesturing with his hands as he tossed aside the blanket covering him.

"It's not like that," Traviata defended, readjusting the blanket over his chest.

"It's exactly like that. What else are you keeping from me Traviata? I want to know before we go any further, you promised me you wouldn't do this to me again," Carth trailed off.

"Hey, it's nothing you haven't assumed. What do you think I've been spending hours with Jolee doing? He's been helping me become stronger in the Force. I'm not shutting you out, we both just choose to avoid the subject and the inevitible fight," Traviata ran her hand across his chest, coming to rest at his heart. "You alone have my heart, and know what's in it. You know what's going on in there," she said running a hand through his hair. "Even if we choose not to discuss it, you knew what I was doing. If you're going to be angry, then be honest about what you're mad at."

"Honest? You're now going to preach to me about honesty? Frakin' unbelievable," Carth said with reproof, pushing her hands away. "It's not up to me to confront you about what you're doing with Jolee, it's up to you to share it with me, because I'm your Commander, because you want to. Because we're one," he threw his legs over the side of the bed. "You playing word games with me now Viata? That's what we've come to?" he asked huskily.

"No. Is it so wrong to want to enjoy what we have, without spoiling what short time we have together fighting? I feel this destiny closing in on me Carth, on you – all of us. Do I want to spend the time I have arguing with you or lying in your arms? I chose the latter-"

"Bullshit. That's just an illusion then, it's not real. That's not you," Carth interuppted, his tone making it obvious he didn't believe it anymore than she did. "You're afraid I'll talk you out of whatever crazy idea you have in your head because you know it's dangerous and not going to work," Carth corrected her, taking her by both her arms, his eyes narrowing. He was right. " That's it. What ridiculous scheme are you working on with that old coot? Or does he not know what you're up to either?"

"Stop it Carth, just leave it alone," Traviata muttered.

"No way, I knew you were keeping something from me. I wasn't sure what, it's something to do with Malak," Carth assessed, coming to his feet.

"I've just been trying to grow in my use of the Force, that's all. I knew you wouldn't like it, so I chose to avoid the subject with you. There's not some huge conspiracy, ask Jolee if you don't believe me," Traviata offered. "Would you please get back in bed? You should be resting. You nearly died today," she added soberly.

"Yeah, but I didn't, thanks to you," he admitted leaning back against the bed, his mood suddenly changed. He wasn't doing anything but chasing his tail at this point.

"No, it was my fault. When I broke free from you, I lost control, for just a second, of the shield that I had around you. That's all it took, and it almost cost me everything," Traviata said frowning.

"You've come a long way in a few weeks. You can project a shield now? " Carth asked.

"Yes, I've been working on it with Jolee. I was tired of watching the Sith freeze you everytime we battled, not to mention the effect their attacks have on us," Travita offered.

"You did that for the others too?" Carth clarified.

"Yeah, it's not that powerful. I mean against someone who was strong in the ways of the Force, I'm not sure how well it would hold. But if we just keep running into these apprentices, I should be able to keep a barrier up around us, at least from their Force powers. That is if I can maintain my focus, unlike today," she had to admit.

"Still, that was impressive. You saved my ass again Beautiful," Carth commented. "I don't like you playing with the Force, you know that, but even I can't deny your skills have come in pretty handy on this mission. You have a way of making me feel so conflicted about this -" he said throwing her a sideways look. "And it really pisses me off," he added.

Traviata watched him a moment stunned, and then broke into laughter. "Well good to know I can still drive you crazy."

"That you do Viata. How about this?" he paused wrapping his arms around her waist.

Two could play at her deflection game. He'd find out what ridiculous thing she had planned and quash it, without her even knowing he suspected her of something. He knew she had something up her sleeve, and it involved taking Malak down. The old hermit was his best bet to watch, he'd spill eventually, and probably not even realize he was doing it.

"How about what Commander?" she replied her arms now draped around his neck. "You're letting this go? Just like that?" her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"Are you kidding? Me?" Carth confirmed. "No, well just for now. You've convinced me you're just honing your skills. Doesn't make me happy, but like I said. I of all people can't argue with the results," he said pulling her closer to him.

"I have something else more pressing on my mind at the moment. You said you'd marry me-" Carth reminded her.

"Yes, I remember," she responded. "First unofficial official as I recall."

"Exactly. I found one. Tomorrow, what do you say just you and me slip away?" Carth asked, his eyes watching her closely. "I don't think I can wait much longer," in truth he didn't know how he was restraining himself now. Every fiber of his being screamed for him to pull her onto the bed with him.

"That sounds perfect, just the two of us," Traviata agreed, leaning into him.

Carth let go a low moan, turning them so quickly Traviata barely had time to register; he now had her pressed back against the bed. "You keep my head spinning Commander. This was not how I pictured this conversation going – " she trailed off, kissing the side of his mouth, making her way back to his ear.

"Yeah, you'll find I'm full of surprises," Carth warned, taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger he turned her head, his mouth hovering over hers. "You'd do well not to forget it," he added.

"You're unpredictable, that's why you always win," Traviata whispered, trying to keep a hold on her emotions, the sound of her own heart beating loudly in her ears.

"Not always- " Carth reminded her, painful memories filled his thoughts. "But, I won't make the same mistakes again," he vowed, his lips crushed hers, his tounge hungrily exploring her mouth. Traviata returned his kiss, her arms wrapped tightly around his back, unable to get close enough to him. Carth ran his hands down her back, one coming to rest at the small of her back, the other coming back up to cradle her head. He broke the kiss staring into her eyes, each of them heaving breaths. The hand on her back jerked her tightly to him, she responded arching herself into his form. His eyes held hers, Traviata felt like they burned straight into her soul, seeing everything. "One more night, then you belong to me and I to you," he whispered , his restraint evident as he loosened his grip on her. "Mrs. Onasi, I like the sound of that."

"Hmm, I do too actually. It's a bit old fashioned, but still, I like it. Who knew you were such a romantic?" she asked, still breathless. He really was just an old fashioned guy thrown into a war that tried to suck every bit of it out of him. He was galant, chivalrous even, he was like a knight in some old story she remembered hearing from somewhere in her past.

A far away look came into her eye as she stared darkly at nothing in particular, extracting herself from Carth's embrace, she glided silently to the small viewport in the room, where she now gazed unseeing at the sky.

"My task is set before me, girl

My mission clear and true

There'll be black knights and dragons, girl

But I will always come for you..."

Emme Rollins

Traviata recited, her voice just above a whisper. " Then I would respond, something like this;

"That is what the knights say

That is what they will do

There is nothing that can keep us apart

For I know our love is real and that our love is true..."

"What? Traviata? Wow, what was that?" Carth asked, turning her around to face him.

Traviata blinked several times, her head clearing. It was like she'd been reliving some long forgotten memory from her past, or maybe it was from someone elses past. Malak, she thought ruefully. Did he really have that kind of power though?

"Traviata? Answer me, you're starting to worry me," Carth brow furrowed deeply. "Lights, brightest setting," nothing happened. "Damn it, damn the frakin' manual environment controls on this ship."

"It's okay. I'm okay. Stop, I'm fine - I don't know what that was. Sorry," she mumbled, giving her head a shake. "I think it was just some old poem that came to me, you reminded me of the Knights of old – Sorry Carth. Too much alcohol, not enough sleep."

"It was more than that, you were like in a trance," Carth shot back. "Besides that we haven't had anything to drink tonight."

"Fine. Okay, don't freak out - I think I was in some sort of trance. I think Malak is somehow putting these thoughts into my head at times," Traviata admitted letting go a long breath.

"Go on," Carth said guardedly.

"You know how we've been having the visions before we land on a planet with a Star Map? First Dantooine, then Kashyyk, then here?" Traviata paused, beggining to pace. "Well you know how I had more in my vision than Bastilla?"

"Yes," he acknowledged. "On Kashyyk you mean?"

"Yes. Well it's continued, it's hard to distinguish nightmare from vision sometimes. I can't be certain, but I believe he's putting these random memories of his in my head at times," Traviata explained.

Carth stood deadly still for what seemed like minutes, his mind working through all that she'd said. "Why? Saying he could do it. Why you? Why not Bastilla? Or Juhani? Or hell why not me for that matter? Why has he zeroed in on you? I'm not trying to be a douche, I'm just trying to make logical sense out of your hypothesis."

"I wish I had a logical explanation, I don't. Maybe because I'm so raw with my power? Unpredictable? The only person I know that can give a definitive answer is Malak," Traviata answered.

"Yeah, that's not likely to happen," Carth responded, his voice distracted.

"Well then we're just left with the Council and Bastilla's cryptic responses to why I had the vision to begin with," Traviata responded. "Which just doesn't cut it for me."

"Bastilla," Carth said to himself out loud.

"What about Bastilla?" Traviata asked.

"Everything from the very beginning always comes back to her. Somehow, she's the key to the answers we need to all of this," Carth explained. "Do me a favor, don't say anything to her about it. Let me handle it, I have a plan-" he continued. "Going to try a different approach."

"Fine," she agreed, rubbing the back of her neck, feeling tired and much older than her years.

"You sure you're okay? You really were out of it – maybe we should get Jolee to check you out," Carth suggested, coming around to stand behind her, his hands now massaging her shoulders. "How's that?"

"That feels awesome, I'm fine though. You're the one who had a near death experience today, and yet you stand there obsessing about how I feel," Traviata scolded.

"Maybe so. But I also don't have the Dark Lord of the Sith messing about in my head either," he explained, turning her toward him. "Not that I know of at least," he added with a smile.

"When you put it that way - you sure you still want to marry me? I come with an awful lot of baggage Carth," she argued. "I'd understand if you want to back out."

"What's the matter? Getting cold feet? There's no way I'm letting you out of this now, you made me a promise. Sith Lords be damned, I love you and tomorrow I am making you my wife," Carth assured her, kissing her lightly on the lips then resting his forehead on hers.

"Not cold feet," she corrected. "I just don't want to see you hurt because of me, and Malak-"

"And Malak will be defeated and we will go on to live a happy life. Together. You and me Traviata," he interrupted her, his hands holding each side of her head, his determination evident in his eyes and tone. "It's meant to be and nothing - no one - is going to get in the way of that."

"Destined to be together – a love that not even an evil dark Lord of the Sith can conquer. You know there's nothing I wouldn't do for you Carth Onasi. Sounds crazy, but I've been in love with you since before I even knew you," her eyes drifted away before returning to his. "I love you, and I can't wait to marry you tomorrow."