A/N: Thank you so much readers. Thanks Miss. T and I won't forget you all, please don't forget me as well!
Thanks again for reading.
Rochelle
Chapter Twenty – Two
Heaven and Hell
"The tragedy in a man's life is what dies inside of him while he lives."
- Henry David Thoreau
A healing trance. That was her only hope.
The thought echoed through her mind; she'd have to be fast, or it would be too late. She knew she was in trouble.
Traviata coughed, making a gurgling sound, choking on her own blood as it poured from her mouth and nose. Her eyes were crimson, shedding red tears. Her ears strained to hear the distant sounds of someone talking, they were close. It was friendly chatter, laced with occasional laughter. She tried moving, it was impossible, her entire body was racked with pain at the effort. Tied upside down, her broken limbs secured to the worn stakes stuck deep into the sandy dirt.
She reached out with the Force; nothing, there was nothing but wave after wave of agony. Traviata managed to partially open one swollen, blood encrusted eye. The form of the man who was responsible for her being here was in the shadows, but he seemed familiar. But wait how did he get here? Where was she? What was happening? Everything was cold, vacant, dead to her.
She'd grown accustomed to feeling and sensing so much. To be able to assess the moods of those around her, feel the life in the smallest of creatures. Even the chirping insects that sat upon the sweet green grasses of the Khoonda Plains as the wind gently caressed them. She remembered, at first it had all been so overwhelming, uncontrollable, and confusing. Now, she felt the same but because of the void she now felt where there had once been so much. The presence absent that had filled so much of her being and thoughts was but a distant faint memory. Carth. Where was he? Was he in trouble too? Her head throbbed at all the questions, no answers came.
A Jedi hibernation trance. That was her only hope, it would work.
If they didn't chose to injure her further that was. They seemed to enjoy hurting her, but they stopped just short of killing her.
A healing trance. Wait, I'm going around in circles. I keep thinking the same thing.
The edges blurred around the area, her eyes tried to focus on the man wearing goggles. Her panic filled mind raced as she realized why he was familiar. She had to warn the others somehow.
Traviata coughed again, more blood spilling out, like a baby who'd had too much formula. The room went dark, the buzzing in her ears drowning out the talking of the others in the room. She tried to concentrate on her breathing, focusing all her strength on it. Her breath was shallow though, several broken ribs and a punctured lung took care of that.
Jedi hibernation trance was her last thought before losing consciousness.
Carth checked his chrono again, squinting against the bright light of the twin suns of Tatooine. It was precisely one minute later than the last time he'd looked. She was late, not by a lot, but enough to be irritating. Cut her some slack, she may be out shopping, stealing a few minutes to do something personal, like you just did, he reminded himself. He stretched out his long legs, enjoying the warmth of the suns baking his muscles. Relax, be patient. After all, it's not everyday you get married.
They both deserved a day off from all of it. The galaxy owed them at least this one day to think of themselves, he reasoned. Carth's eyes took in his surroundings; normally the outpost looked run down to him. Not today. Everything looked new, fresh, luminous and full of life he thought, watching the sunlight dance and sparkle in the nearby water trough. Even the putrid smell of the warm liquid didn't stink quite as much today.
The Commander felt around in his jacket pocket, fishing out the item he'd purchased. He held it up into the light, watching the facets reflect the brightness onto the nearby wall. It was a simple ring, but beautiful with intricate carvings made by a local artist. Like their wedding ceremony earlier that day he thought. Simple but beautiful and packed with meaning. It was all he needed. The promises and declarations they'd made to each other and then the Priest pronouncing that they were now a couple. Two bound together as one, neither of them was a single entity any longer.
He felt the smile cover his face as the images of the day floated peacefully around in his mind, like wisps of clouds dancing about a clear blue sky. He felt like he wandered into a dream, how could all this be happening to him? Trust. Love. Hope. Future. These were feelings that mingled with his happy thoughts, the antithesis of what he felt before falling in love with Travita.
"Wow,you look stunning," Carth said standing at the doorway to their quarters,his mouth literally agape for a moment.She gave him a quick twirl,giving him a 360 degree view ,the musky cologne she was wearing wafting over as she moved.He felt like an animal.He swallowed hard, his heartbeats coming quicker at the thoughts running through his mind. He always found her attractive and wanted her,but this was something carnal ,primal.He realized it was the first time he'd actually seen her dressed in something so feminine and overtly sexy.
Traviata smiled brightly at him. "Thanks. I – borrowed it from Mission. It's a little tight," she said glancing down self-consciously at herself. It was a one piece, ankle length dress, with cut outs in very strategic places. She wore a pair of simple sandles and her hair pinned back, she was even wearing some makeup. Mission had insisted on glaming her up when Traviata asked to borrow a dress. It was something she'd resisted at first, but now, to see the look in his eyes, it was worth every painful moment of Mission's fussing over her. She'd have to remember to thank Mission again.
Carth smiled, a glint in his eyes as they ran over her with undisguised lust. "Trust me, you look amazing, delectable and tantalizing. Too perfect to be real," he said holding out a hand to her, his eyes held her's turning serious. "I'm the luckiest guy alive. You ready to go, beautiful?"
"Thanks, but I'm the lucky one, Carth," Traviata replied,visibly swallowing.
"You should bring something to put on over that – there's a storm coming and,well,the way you uh,look..." he trailed off.How did he say he didn't want all the lowlifes that they'd pass oggling her and making comments,without sounding like an overbearing sexist pig?It was an outpost,there was a small population and out of that only a miniscule percentage were female,much less humanoid.That caused normally sane men to do irrational things.
"You worry too much.I'm prepared," she replied,deciding to ignore the last part of his comment. " So,what did you tell the others?" She paused grabbing a cloak from the foot of her bed.Carth helped her shrug on the garment before taking her by the hand.This religious ceremony meant so much to him,she wanted it to be special.Their commitment to each other,their love,was all she was really concerned with.She could care less really for the legal and ceremonial ties to each other.Traviata knew that was largely true for Carth as well,except for the symbolism of a ceremony before a religious official.
"I told them that you and I would be occupied today,unless it was an emergency not to contact either of us.I told them not to be alarmed if they didn't hear from us," Carth explained,leading her down the passageway.
"Wow.An entire day?I'll believe it when I see it," Traviata said,pausing mid-stride placing a hand on Carth's chest.
"Prepare to become a believer,I've even booked us a room at the hunting lodge.It's not what I'd choose,but under the circumstances-
"Under the circumstances can we afford an entire day?Malak is searching for us,we just ran into his apprentices.Do you think this wise?" Traviata asked,a feeling of trepidation coming over her.
"It's one day,not even a full one at that.Traviata,we've got 18-24hours.The galaxy can give us that much at least," Carth gave her hand a squeeze. "Relax will you?We have nothing to feel guilty about," Carth pointed out, guiding her down the tiny corridor once more.
"I suppose,it's just,with so much at stake," Traviata reminded him,her sandles making a light clicking sound as she moved quickly to keep up with his naturally long stride.
"It's one day.Why so worried?I thought that was my job," he said,coming to an abrupt stop,giving her a sideways smile. "Come on,you're not getting out of this."
"Carth – Over" Canderous boomed in Carth's earpiece he was wearing.
"Go ahead-" Carth said placing a hand on the earpiece to hear better. "We're just heading out."
"You are not going to believe this-Found a sweet swoop bike,met a guy at the cantina and he needs to sell it.Quick like.Divorce.You know the story-Anyway,she's a beauty,fast too.I'm talking about the bike," Canderous paused,clarifying. "Carth,she's got the largest engine I've ever seen on a swoop.I know you used to race,you'd appreciate this baby – besides that,the guy is willing to throw in crates of parts and mods.Great project for downtime.You sure you want Bantha mounts for everyone?" Canderous asked incredulously. "Did I mention she's fast?".
"Yeah,you did." Carth paused,mentally picturing the bike and riding it. "How fast?" he couldn't help asking.
"I was going over 614," Canderous trailed off.
Carth let go a low whistle. "Damn, that is fast."
"Go on and take a look at it Carth.Wouldn't hurt to have another bike on board," Traviata offered. "Shouldn't take that long."
Carth glanced down at Traviata; damn he loved this woman. He motioned with his head toward the gangplank and began walking.
"Negative on the bike.Affirmative on the Bantha's.We just need half a dozen though;not everyone will be going in the morning.Bike's could be a pain on the dunes.Don't forget the provisions,and make this the last time you contact me today.Unless-"
"There's an emergency.Got it Republic.I'llhaveourteamreadyandassembledat0darkthirtyinthemorning.I'll keep everything in order,monitor the systems;blah,blah,blah.Relax,it's not my first camp out," Canderous confirmed. "See you two later,hey,and don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"Thanks,I owe you one Canderous," Carth put in,pausing at the foot of the ramp to the ship.
"We owe you one," Traviata corrected leaning into Carth's earpiece.
"Where's yours?" Carth asked puzzled,ready to head back into the ship.
Traviata pulled out a portable comlink from the inner pocket of her robe revealing her light saber tucked away as well.
"Relax.I didn't want to wear mine with my outfit so I grabbed this field unit,besides we'll be together.I can use yours if I don't get signal," Traviata said tucking the com device back into her pocket.
"And so it starts," Carth said with mock berevity.
"You begrudge sharing your comlink with your soon-to-be wife,mister? " Traviata asked,wrapping her arms around his waist,pulling him closely to her.
"My wife," he swallowed. "I like the sound of that," he replied,his hands lightly on her hips.They kissed lightly and then both stepped quickly toward the dusty confines of the small city.
"My wife," Carth murmured out loud. Where the hell is my wife? He wondered checking his chrono once again; twenty minutes.
He'd been lost in his thoughts for twenty minutes. Okay, now he was starting to get concerned. Maybe she went to their hotel room at the lodge. He'd com her and just ask. The outpost was tiny but he wasn't wasting time running all over it looking for her when all he had to do was call. He had different plans on how he wanted to spend the rest of the day...
"Traviata?" he asked, walking in the direction of the lodge, putting the ring safely back into his jacket pocket.
No response. The wind swirled madly, the tiny grains of sand assaulting any visisble skin on the Commander. He ducked into a nearby doorway for shelter since he'd opted not to wear a helmet or any of his normal field gear. He planned on spending the day in bed at the lodge with his new wife, not playing hide and seek in a sand storm.
"Traviata. Respond. Over," Carth tried again, straining to hear.
He swore under his breath, the portable unit she grabbed had terrible range and in this storm she probably had spotty signal at best. Or it could be something else. He felt his stomach sink before he tore out into the worsening sandstorm, heading for the hotel. She had to be there. They had parted after the ceremony each wanting to run a private errand. Carth had wanted to pick up a ring for her, something meaningful to mark the day. He'd assumed Traviata had something similar in mind. He didn't pry, not wanting her to.
"Onasi. I have a room reserved for two. Did my other party member check in yet?" Carth asked the weathered woman standing behind a long desk as he entered the hotel.
"Yes. Your – uh, 'mate' she said. I hope it's okay, I gave her the room code," the woman answered, adjusting her head scarf. "I mean she said it would be okay with you-"
"Oh, that's better than okay, that's perfect," Carth interrupted, his voice dripping with relief. Only thing better would have been if Traviata had let him know she was here.
"What's our code?" Carth asked, glancing at his chrono. They had now been married for two hours and he had hardly spent any of that time with Traviata; something he was going to remedy.
"Here," she said handing him a card with the code. "It's the top floor, room-"
"With a view of the dune sea. I know. I chose it. Was the closest I could get to the Khoonda Plains. Thanks," Carth interrupted. Taking the card he bounded up the stone stairs as quickly as he could without drawing attention to himself.
Carth knocked lightly on the door,. When there was no response he keyed in the code and entered the well appointed room.
"Traviata," he called softly, his eyes scanning the dimly lit area. Her cloak was tossed aside on the nearby table, the bed was rumpled, but no sign of Traviata. He felt tension begin to gather at the back of his neck.
Carth punched at the control panel near the door. "This is Onasi, I just checked in. Listen, did my – uh, wife say anything else to you when she arrived? She's not here," his brow furrowed. It was strange but amazing to refer to Traviata as his wife.
"Oh, no. She left shortly after checking in with a group of sordid looking folk. If you don't mind me saying, they-" she stopped when she heard the loud swearing on the other end.
Don't panic Onasi. Maybe it was Canderous, he could look pretty seedy. "Was she with a tall Mandalorian? He'd have been really big, wearing a stupid hat, would have a rough manner," Carth added.
"No, these were not Mandalorians. Two of them were locals I've seen around, the other was not someone I'd want to question. He was carrying your mate. He said she wasn't feeling well as he left. I assumed he was a physician," the woman trailed off.
"You think you could have frakin' mentioned that when I checked in?" Carth swore some more and then proceded to take a closer look around the room. She had been there, he could smell her perfume.
He made his way to the spacious bathroom again. This time noting that there was a stain on the tile floor. He hurried over, squatting to inspect the blemish. He ran a finger across it, it was blood. A cold chill ran up his spine, fearing whose blood it was.
"It's just me sir, wanted to check on you," the old woman from the reception called out in a sing-songy voice upon entering. "You seemed so upset."
Carth's gut tightened as he rubbed the sticky substance between his fingers. His heart skipped a beat; Traviata was in trouble. Someone had captured her, which was no small feat. He stood up quickly, his finger punching at his comlink. "Canderous?"
He walked toward the large wall that was nothing but a window from floor to ceiling, staring darkly out at the vista. It was desolate out on the dune sea, a hot unhospitable climate. The thought of Traviata out there brought a lump to his throat. His thoughts raced through the possibilities, lightly touching on each idea.
She could be on a ship on the way to anywhere... Stolen by one of the locals, she'd looked so beautiful today. No, it would have to be someone who knew what they were doing, someone prepared to capture a Jedi... A bounty hunter could have picked her up... Could it have been another group of Sith acolytes? If so she could be severely injured somewhere, or worse... He shook off the thoughts. He needed to organize a search, he needed to talk to the woman first from the front desk. Something wasn't right with her story, it was all wrong, didn't make sense. He briefly noted the reflection of the woman walking up behind him, he began to turn. "Hey, I've got some questions-"
Just then everything went dark as a vulkar shock stick hit the Commander across the back of his head, causing him to fall to the floor with a thud.
"Yeah, she's a beauty. Sure glad Traviata met me and bought this baby," Canderous gushed, his eyes gleeming with adoration as he polished the speeder with a soft rag. "I didn't even know she rode. Of course she's crazy enough to."
Mission looked at Canderous like he'd lost his mind. "She doesn't drive swoop bikes," she said as if she were doubting his sanity. She hopped down from the workbench she'd been sitting on. "Why would you think that? Have you ever seen her drive one of the swoops on board?"
"Well, no," Canderous returned, wiping the sweat from the back of his neck with the rag before tossing it onto the ground. "Why else would she buy it? What are you saying kid?"
"Canderous? How old are you?" she paused and gave her head a slight shake. "Never mind. Do you know how much Carth loves swoops? You have to know they're in love," Mission pointed out, her brows drawn together noting his blank expression.
"Yeah, maybe, or something that passes for it. At least for a short time," Canderous replied.
"Listen, did you notice how Trav was dressed today? I mean you had to have gotten a glimpse at some point."
"Of course, earlier when she came to the hold for a stimcaf, and later when we met for the bike-" he paused a gleam in his eye. "Well, hell kid. You'd have to be blind not to have noticed how she looked. Never seen her look so done up, strange for a warrior like her to do that. I mean while we're on a mission anyway. I hope she's not changing for Carth. He has to know-" Canderous started, his eyebrows raised.
"He does, don't think that about him. Today, well that was my work, thank you very much," she paused, placing a hand on her hip. "If you'd seen her the first time we met. Sheesh," Mission cut in. "Believe me, he doesn't love her for her looks."
"Really? I don't understand- What?" Canderous started again before being interuppted.
"First time I saw her, she was covered in every disgusting form of slime and goo you can think of, including Rancor dung," Mission paused, wrinkling up her nose. "She was injured, trapped and all she could think of was him."
"Him, Kid? I still don't-"
"Listen – Anyway, she was so worried about being in trouble with her Commander. So concerned she hadn't followed his precious orders and was going to disappoint him. Not the fact I had her blaster leveled on her and that she was at my mercy. I knew then, well at least suspected," Mission took a deep breath, her eyes distant. "When he saw her, it wasn't anger or disgust all over his face. It was extreme relief and happiness. He was pissed later, but that look at first - I knew , once I saw them together that they were in love," Mission added.
"Okay, maybe they are. What does-"
"Really? You still don't get it? How many hits to the head have you taken Canderous?" Mission asked feigning concern.
"A lot kid, and given twice as many, don't forget it. Will you just spit it out?" Canderous demanded impatiently.
"You've heard Carth talk about marrying her, I know you have. He's told everyone on board. Also, Traviata asked me to borrow an outfit today. So then I took the opportunity to do a make over, well as much as she'd let me. Carth was all bright and shiny this morning and gives strict instructions not to disturb them for 24 hours, unless it's an emergency," she trailed off, waiting for Canderous to catch up.
"Yeah I saw him early, disgustingly chipper, even before a stimcaf. Then I com'd him about the bike, Traviata was there with him - son of a bitch," Canderous growled as the realization hit him. "I helped her buy the bastard's wedding present. Picked it out, delivered it, hell even gave it a courtesy detail -"
"My work here is complete," Mission said eyeing Canderous. "Don't feel too bad, you never stood a chance. Like I said, they've been in love since I've known them. I'm pretty sure they always will be. It's the real deal, you may as well accept it."
"Like hell, I'm Mandalorian, we do not accept, we fight," Canderous replied, already picturing the special mods he'd make to Carth's new ride. Carth's voice came over his comlink.
"Canderous." Then it went dead.
"That was Carth. I wonder what's going on?" Mission asked, coming closer to Canderous.
"Really? I didn't hear a thing kid. Besides, if it's important he'll try back," Canderous replied gruffly.
"So you're saying you had a wife? " Juhani asked Jolee. The two were seated at the large table in the main hold.
Jolee nodded, taking a bite of his breakfast.
"You? You were married?" Juhani asked incredulously.
"You know of another way to get a wife?" Jolee shot back gruffly.
"Of course, but while you were a Jedi? I thought they didn't approve," Juhani returned.
"They didn't and still don't," Bastilla put in from across the room, where she was seated in a large armchair.
"It's not love that's the problem. It's controlling the emotions that come with such depth of feeling. I say if there's love between a couple, then good for them. The Council should then take extra care to help them, not secretly watch and disect every little thing they do or say," Jolee responded.
"Really. So when a Jedi is married and finds out their spouse is secretly a Sith. What course of action then do you council? Wait of course, just let me try to remember how you handled that with your wife," Bastilla shot back.
"What? What is she talking about?" Juhani stammered. "Your wife- I'm sorry- how tragic. What did you do?"
"I was weak-" Jolee started.
"Weak? She was your wife. You were a Jedi. It was an impossible predicament," Bastilla offered. "That's why Jedi should not marry."
"The problem was my weakness. If I'd only been able to kill her when I'd first discovered the truth, when she refused to listen," Jolee returned.
"Your emotions ruled you, love ruled you," Bastilla supplied. "That was your failing."
"She's right about that much, Juhani. I don't regret love though, I regret letting it control me," Jolee offered, patting her hand.
"Emotions and Jedi do not mix. Love and hate should be avoided at all costs," Bastilla said matter of factly, coming to her feet. "There is no emotion, there is peace."
"Well it's too late for you to stop Traviata and Carth," Jolee shot back. "It's done. There's nothing you can do about it now," he added with a smug smile.
"What? Stop talking in circles Jolee." Bastilla reached out with the Force. "You've shielded their thoughts from me somehow."
"Not just you, all of us. They deserve their privacy today. They were married early this morning by a local priest Carth found," Jolee announced.
"What?" Juhani asked.
"No. Don't you realize what you've done by assisting them with this? Are you certain? Remove this barrier at once Jolee," Bastilla stormed, her hands balling into fists as she jumped up from the chair, quickly crossing the room to Jolee's side.
"Careful there Bastilla. You're letting your emotions get the best of you," Jolee warned. "But very well." Serves her right to get a blast of real love and physical passion that he felt certain to wash over them all as the shield dropped. He'd been helping Traviata learn to protect her thoughts in an effort to keep Malak out of her head, but it was such a new skill for her and required a great deal of practice and concentration. He'd decided to give the happy couple a little protection from the meddlesome Bastilla. He had known of Traviata's plans; she'd confided in him about their intentions. As a sort of wedding present he'd decided to make sure they could have a short time of privacy before Bastilla could attempt to intervene.
He had never met Bastilla before the mission. She seemed to know an awful lot about Jolee though. He'd also felt a spark of something dark in her he thought. Perhaps from her contact with Revan, he wasn't sure. It was elusive and he'd decided to watch her and wait.
Bastilla and Jolee both grimaced as it hit them like a wall.
"Something's wrong," Bastilla gasped out. "Traviata- I've lost- she's-"
"Not dead, and not with Carth," Jolee filled in. "Surprising. They were joined in a ceremony though. Not a fight."
"What would separate them then? Sith? Where is Carth? " Juhani asked.
"Carth? I don't know ask Canderous," Mission said entering the room. "Dumb jealous jerk wouldn't answer him when he called earlier. I've tried a couple of times or twenty, but no response."
"Mission, we need to track Carth and Travita and find their whereabouts. Now. They're both in trouble," Bastilla instructed.
"I can save you the time. I tracked his signal already," Canderous explained, holstering his weapons as he entered the room. "His life signs are strong, he's just passed out in a booth at the cantina. I pulled up the local feeds; passed out cold. I'm just leaving to retrieve his pathetic ass," he sneered. What kind of a man does that on his honeymoon?
"Travita?" Jolee asked, knowing she was far away across the desert.
"Her comlink's in their quarters. I picked up one of the portables though at that Hunting Lodge. I was going to check it out after I sobered Carth up," Canderous felt obliged to hear his side of the story first. At least before he kicked his butt and stole Travita away from him.
"Carth's not drunk, and you won't find Traviata at the lodge," Bastilla came to her feet as she spoke.
"Jolee, you and Canderous go get Carth. It will take the two of you to handle him, keep him thinking straight. He'll be enraged, irrational when he comes to. Juhani and I will go investigate the lodge, Mission-"
"Mission will go with Canderous and Jolee. Carth will need me," Mission said curtly. "You, don't talk to me. We could have left an hour ago," she said jabbing a finger at Canderous.
"Alright, kid. I'm sorry. It hasn't been an hour though. I didn't wait all that long before I started calling him back," Canderous assured her.
She glanced at her chrono, in truth it had only been about thirty minutes since his call. "Then I tracked their signals, then I came up here and that brings us to now."
"Yeah, okay, you're right. I'm just worried," she said hurrying toward the gangplank. She stopped at the control panel near the ramp, keying madly. "I'm arming the ship, hey wait- where's Zaalbar?"
"Are you kidding me? He's probably already at the Cantina. He's the first person I told," Canderous responded wryly.
Mission nodded, grudgingly shooting Canderous a look of appreciation. "Good. Nice to know that sometimes that brain damage isn't too bad."
"Everyone meet back at the ship. Let's maintain radio silence. We don't know who's involved. Can you Jedi communicate, you know using your – uh Force crap?" Canderous asked, hurrying down the ramp.
"We can, in a general way- nothing too intricate though," Bastilla returned.
"Fair enough," Canderous said, hurrying toward the cantina. How could Carth, Canderous asked himself. If she wanted him that was fine, but a warrior looked out after his brothers and sisters. Carth had clearly failed in that. Then there was the fact that she was now his mate. He should have died protecting her. He knew the danger they were in. He was the male, it was on his shoulders to look after her at any cost to him. She was literally his family now. He'd come to think a lot of him, even though he had the woman that Canderous knew belonged with him.
If Carth couldn't convince him that it wasn't his weakness that allowed for Traviata's capture, then all bets were off. That was once she was back on the Hawk and things had settled down. Because one thing he was certain of was that no matter what it cost him, he would save Traviata and prove himself to be the worthy mate since Carth couldn't do his duty.