A/N: Thank you so much fabulous readers and a barrel of thanks for the reviews, followers and favs.

I sincerely appreciate your kindness.

Rochelle

Chapter 23

Haunted Honeymoon

"Adversity is like a strong wind. I don't mean just that it holds us back from places we might otherwise go. It also tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that afterward we see ourselves as we really are, and not merely as we might like to be."

-Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha

Carth just concentrated on breathing at first. Air in, air out.

He let the Jedi's words wash over him again, his mind having difficulty grasping onto the reality.

Breath in, breath out.

Traviata was captured and severely injured, according to the Jedi. She was being held somewhere out on the dune sea. They had no way of knowing exactly where. What was certain was that there were native hostiles between them and where she was being held. Lots and lots of angry Tusken raiders who would swarm them the minute they stepped foot out of the confines of the outpost.

Traviata was out there, captive, dying and alone. His heart stopped at the thought. How did this happen? Again.

"Here, give him a glass of water," Mission said coming to the table.

"Allow me," Canderous said, with strained patience. He took the pitcher of water and dumped it on to Carth's head.

Carth sat there for a moment, unmoving, blinking.

"Snap outta' it Fleet," Canderous said handing the pitcher back to a fuming Mission. "Thanks, kid."

Then Carth looked up at Canderous, his previous vacant stare now replaced with his alert gaze.

"Thanks," he said taking the towel handed to him by a waiter.

"I need to get back to that lodge," Carth said standing. He needed some details, that woman had a lot of questions to answer.

"Seriously? That's what you want to do/" Canderous asked gruffly. His accusing glare burning into Carth. "You shouldn't have left her there alone."

"I didn't leave her there, she was shopping and was supposed to meet me after," Carth shot back. "At any rate, running around in circles will only waste time. Time my wife doesn't have. We need an idea of where she is and what we're up against," Carth defended. "I want her back alive."

"Bastilla, has handled that," Jolee said reaching out with the Force to Bastilla. " She's thinking that the hotel owner isn't involved, and panicked when she saw Traviata carried out and then you were so innkeeper's story is that her cousin helped her move you here," Jolee explained. "She knows nothing, Bastilla's not sure if she believes her and is uploading the security footage of the attack, seems surprised by whats on it. They'll meet us back on the Hawk."

"Fine. I need to grab some gear anyway," Carth ground out. "You got anything to say about that?" Carth asked flippantly, tossing a sideways look at Canderous.

"Yeah – gear, good idea," Canderous said distractedly.

Carth and Canderous exchanged glances, Canderous looked almost green, sad even, Carth noted. The Republic Captain didn't have the time or inclination to find out why, though he could guess. Canderous had a thing for Traviata, had since the beginning. Traviata's abduction had no doubt shaken the Mandalorian. The Commander didn't care at the moment, his wife was missing and who knew in what condition. With that thought he turned and tore out of the bar heading for the Hawk, without another word. Zalbaar who'd been standing watch outside was right behind him. Time, he had a very short time. Whatever Traviata's captors plans were, to escape with her or kill her, either way, didn't give him long.

"You would do well to cut him some slack Canderous. I know you're upset, but it wasn't his fault," Jolee admonished.

"Yeah, Carth loves Traviata, Canderous. He'd give his life for her. He had no idea she was in trouble," Mission added. "You shouldn't have said what you did."

"Yeah, I had no idea. I thought – " he grimaced. "Well I don't want to waste time talking about it, I'm gonna' kill the bastards that took her. I'll meet you at the ship," Canderous said quietly to the pair, his large form moving quicker than should be possible.

Jolee and Mission exchanged looks. "Don't you worry we'll get your friend back young lady," Jolee encouraged, putting an arm around her. "And don't worry about those two, they will work it out. You'll see."

"Calo Nord," Carth said under his breath, grimacing as he watched the footage of them jumping Traviata as she entered their room he'd reserved at the Lodge. There had been six of them, wearing camouflage armor. Her guard was down, she'd been smiling. There were no voices, no commands given. They attacked her like a pack of wild kinrath hounds, still continuing to beat her long after she had collapsed.

"Stop it, enough," Carth barked, turning away from the screen. He'd watched the playback several times now, he didn't need to see them punch and kick her mercilessly again.

"Son of a bitch. I thought he died on Taris," Canderous commented, coming closer to the monitor, his eyes squinting.

"Oh he's dead, believe me," Carth said darkly, strapping on his armor. A myriad of weapons, armor and technology lie before him.

"Did you learn anything else useful from that woman at the lodge?" Carth asked Bastilla, stuffing duffles with supplies.

"Well, perhaps, she-

"Yes or no, it's not difficult," Carth demanded, cutting her off. "This is my wife we're talking about here. I don't have time for your frakin' Jedi double talk," Carth shouted angrily. "She's out there captured and hurt, who knows what else. If you can't help me then get the frak' outta' my way," he spat, tossing a bag on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Yes. She believes the mercs are buying safe passage around the dunes with water," Bastilla stated plainly. "I do believe she's hiding something."

"See now that's helpful," he paused in thought and then tossed another duffel across his other shoulder . "Teach a man to fish..."he trailed off, loudly checking his weapons. If water was the price for safe passage then what if he could give the Sand People the means to make their own water? Should buy a little assistance as well as a ticket to traverse the dunes, he thought.

"Fish, Commander?" Bastilla asked puzzled. "What about fish?"

Carth didn't acknowledge her, his attention on the vast weaponry laid before him, his mind quickly forming a plan to deal with the Sand People.

"I'll meet you in the cargo bay," Canderous informed Carth, the loud thud of his boots echoing in the room as he hurried down the passageway.

"We go in 5 Canderous," Carth called after him and picked up his helmet. "I hate to ask this old man, but you're our most powerful healer. I need your help," he said turning to Jolee.

"Wouldn't miss it sonny, of course I'll come," Jolee replied, heading to the cargo bay as well.

"Bastilla, save your breath. You're staying here with the others. If we don't make it back, it will be up to you to complete the mission. I want your word you'll get Mission to Admiral Paul Connors and Zaalbar back to Kashyyyk," Carth said frowning. He didn't place much value in her word, but it was all the comfort available to him.

"Yes, of course. May the -

"Don't say it, or I swear," Carth sneered, his fist pounding the wall for emphasis. "If she comes out of this okay, then fine. In fact I'll even say it myself," he promised, regaining his temper. He grabbed the rest of his gear deliberately, let his eyes rest on Mission for a moment before quickly treading after the others.

"It's my fault, I could have stopped it. I was the last one to see her, you know," Canderous started, uncomfortable with having to explain this to Carth.

Canderous had been doing a lot of soul searching, something he wasn't that familiar with. He'd lived his life without regret; he'd make a decision, take action and then lived with the consequences. In this case however, he was second guessing himself big time.

He had blamed Carth at first, but now he was more angry at himself. They'd both failed her, that was true. The difference was that it was Carth's responsibility not his. After all, Carth was her mate. That idea gave the Mandalorian a little comfort. Not enough though, not now, because now he understood, he was the last one with her. He could have stopped it, if he'd only known...

The Commander's head jerked up at his words. "You've been acting really odd, even for you Canderous. Are you saying you're involved?" he paused. Briefly noting the new addition to the hangar bay and then returning his attention to him. "You might want to clarify that remark. Nothing's adding up - I'm running on a very short fuse here Canderous," Carth warned, his blaster aimed at Canderous.

"Damn Carth, of course I'm not involved. I mean I was the last one of us to see her, don't be stupid. You know how I feel about her. I've been honest about it from the beginning. If I'd known she was in danger, I wouldn't have left her," Canderous handed Carth a data chip as he walked around the swoop bike, covered with a tarp.

"You're not making much sense. What's this?" Carth demanded, he holstered his blaster and held up the chip, looking at it. Come on, she doesn't have time for this. If Canderous couldn't focus, he'd have to cut him loose. Why did it feel like he was the only one who understood they needed to hurry? Her chances were better though if Canderous was fighting for her as well. He hated it, but he needed Canderous, hell anyone who would help him at this point. The only thing that mattered was saving her.

"Listen Canderous, we don't have time for a pissing contest over who let her down the most. We have no time for games," Carth added, making a supreme effort to be patient, checking his chrono.

"Oh this is no game Fleet. I need you show you something, it's important," Canderous swallowed visibly, yanking off the tarp, letting it fall unceremoniously to the floor. "She contacted me and met me at the lodge bar. That's where I met the guy to begin with,given what – um went on today – you know, your marriage – Um I, I'm pretty sure it was a wedding present- I know she got it for you."

"She met you at the lodge and purchased this? When?" Carth asked, running a hand over the bike, his eyes barely glancing at the machine.

"It was about an hour or so after you guys left here, the best I can figure," Canderous answered.

"Just after we got married, that's where she went," Carth said quietly, then he froze. "She had been at the lodge the entire time. All they gave Bastilla footage of, was from the entrance to the hotel room. Her cape - I'd noticed she wasn't wearing her cape during the ambush, I wondered – she must have gone into the room before the attack-"

"That's it, I knew it. Crazy old lady- never believed that story," Carth thought out loud.

"The bike," Canderous and Carth said simultaneously.

"The woman at the front desk and the bike guy, they were in on it together, I guarantee you," Carth put in, his mind quickly putting together the pieces.

" All that time we were having drinks, checking out the bike-" Canderous started.

" they were setting up an ambush," Carth finished. His mind moving quickly over the days events. I was sitting around day dreaming, could I have stopped it if I'd contacted her as soon as I'd picked up her ring? Did they pass by me with her and I didn't even notice while lost in my thoughts?

"Why though? Probably saw the attack of the Sith, or recognized us somehow. Who knows," Canderous wondered out loud, his own mind putting together the lost pieces of the day. If I'd just stayed, had some drinks at the bar. Waited to greet Fleet, but that's what I didn't want to do – to see them together and married, at least not at that moment. Instead I went back to the ship to lick my wounds. That's what cowardice gets you- you're Mandalorian- sack up man and act like it, he berated himself with a grimace.

"Yeah, one things for sure. Calo Nord got wind of her being there somehow. May have been on the planet already," Carth pointed out, shaking off his thoughts. Plenty of time for self recrimination later. Right now what he needed was laser focus, one of the qualities he was known for.

"Anyway, no use speculating. Let's go, doesn't matter. What's important is that it means that old lady has to have some idea where Traviata is, or knows who does," Carth said. "She knows more than she's shared, something I'm going to remedy right now."

Jolee had been standing at the mouth of the open hangar bay unobserved. Doing his best to reach out with the Force and calm the two military men, both racked with guilt and rage. He'd best be at the hotel first. "I'll meet you two at the lodge then, try to keep up," he instructed before tearing out of the hangar.

"I have the banthas lined up, but I figured-" Canderous trailed off.

"You figured right, no time – we'll use the bikes," Carth warned, climbing onto the swoop bike Traviata had purchased, he inserted the chip, swallowing back the lump now in his throat before throttling it on.

"Just remember, Canderous, I'm in charge. We stay calm - I need answers, not revenge," Carth instructed gunning the engine. "There will be time for that later."

Carth closed his fingers tightly around the grip of his heavy blaster. He wanted to beat the hell out of the people, but instead he held the nuzzle of the charged weapon up to the man's head who sold Travita the swoop bike.

"Easy, Carth," Canderous warned from a nearby computer console. Carth was having a difficult time executing his own instructions. "Just wait, he may get smart."

"You see my friend here want's nothing more than to tear you to pieces, bit by bit. But I've convinced him that it will be quicker my way. So my advice to you is - don't make me a liar," Jolee explained. "You'd better tell us whatever you know and now young man - or this will not end well I'm afraid."

"The big cave, out east, past - past the Tusken enclave," the man offered, Carth's grip tightened on his blaster. "That's where she is. They were holding her there until they got the other one."

"The other one?" Carth demanded.

Silence.

"Or maybe not," Canderous noted sarcastically, his eyes staring at the monitor in front of him.

The Commander used his free hand and punched the man in the nose; breaking it with a loud crunch, causing a stream of blood to trickle down the mans face. When he still didn't answer Carth pulled out his second sidearm and aimed it at the woman.

"Hey Carth, I sped through all the footage. Calo came in, talked to someone on his comlink and left. Returns ten minutes later, with his pack of dogs. They waited upstairs at Traviata's door, so someone gave up your room number," Canderous said in a rush. "You saw the rest already."

"You don't say no to Calo, and when he recognized your friend, well- I didn't have any choice," the man stammered, his eyes darting from Canderous to Carth. "I had no choice!" he reiterated.

Carth rested the nuzzle of the gun on the temple of the woman. "I don't either," Carth knew he was intimidating, as terrifying to them perhaps as Calo. He'd find out if he got the answer to his questions. "I'm done being nice. Tell me what I want to know or you're both dead – really, it's a win for both of us that way- I get to kill you and you don't have to ever worry about Calo Nord again."

"Fine - Calo knew exactly who all of you are. I had to give him the room number," the woman said crying. "He's looking for some other Jedi too. He didn't give a name – he said the rest of you he'd take care of later. Have you met him? He's not exactly talkative - that's all I know. Other than they had me get her cloak from her."

Carth and Canderous exchanged looks. "He knew her weapon was in the cloak," Carth murmured. "Probably picked it up with a scanner - bastard loves his tech. He knew ahead that if he got her cloak, it would be much easier to capture her." That didn't explain the rumpled bed or the blood in the bathroom though.

"Yes, damn stubborn girl - didn't know what I'd do -she wouldn't part with it," she paused Carth's blaster now pushing into the woman's forehead so hard it was drawing blood. "Well, she wouldn't . So I offered to show her the suite so she could freshen up while the credit transfer went through for the bike."

"Go on," Carth ordered, mentally picturing all that happened. Trying his best not to fry the woman's brain or hit her. He hated to hit women, could count on one hand the number of times he'd been forced into a situation to do it. He may have to start using two hands to count the number if she didn't hurry up with her story.

"She said no at first- didn't know how - just couldn't figure how I'd get that cloak. Then a funny thing happened at that moment - a miracle - her nose started to drip blood- so then she let me take her up to get her cleaned up-"

"You scum," Carth ground out, his face full of hate. "It was her wedding day, she was vulnerable and she thought you were trying to help her," Carth's slapped the woman and spit on her. It was official, it would now take two hands...

She screamed and cowered, and it didn't phase him at all.

"Checks out Fleet, I saw them both enter and leave the room in the security footage. She went in with her cloak and left eleven minutes later without it," Canderous supplied, running back through the footage. "I can't verify the nosebleed, the picture quality is grainy, looks like she probably did though."

"So then you went into the bathroom to clean her up, some blood dripped on the floor. You got her a cold rag and helped her to the bed where she laid down and you conveniently removed her cloak," Carth supplied the rest.

The woman nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Yes, it was like that."

"You set her up, if she'd had her weapon-" he screamed he so badly wanted to crush her skull in. See her bleed and suffer like he'd been forced to watch happen to Traviata.

Traviata- she'd hate for him to kill the woman in cold blood. Carth holstered his weapons and he stormed to the other side of the room where he flipped over tables and chairs in a frenzy, before charging back, his eyes filled with rage.

"You'd both better hope you never see me again and that she's still alive," Carth warned before quickly exiting the building, not waiting for the others.

"Wait, you can't just rush off into the desert at night, alone" Jolee warned, running after him, Canderous on his heels.

"Watch me," Carth said climbing onto the swoop.

"Fine, we're coming with you," Canderous informed Carth sliding easily onto his ride.

"Well, I have a stop to make first at Czerka supply. There's something I need to pick up," Carth informed the pair.

"They're not open," Canderous pointed out.

"Don't care," Carth shot back.

"You're more like a Mandalorian everyday. Lead on," Canderous said, gesturing with his hand.

"You don't have to be a part of this old timer, I'll meet you at the gate. I'm about to break the law and this isn't your fight," Carth informed Jolee.

"Sorry, you're wrong. It's not just your fight sonny. I love her too. You don't have exclusive rights on that girl," Jolee replied.

"As of today, I know a priest who will say otherwise," Carth shot back, then gestured to the back of his swoop. "I get it. Come on then, climb on."

"Remind me later, when this is over and she's safe, to tell you about my smuggling days. Circumstances alter cases and this is one of those times," Jolee offered, ambling onto the bike.

Carth glanced back at the enigmatic old man. "So she'll be okay- you've seen it?"

Jolee cleared his throat, his eyes holding the Commander's. "You will have the chance to save your wife Carth. Bad things happen and we yell and scream and ask why – sometimes good comes from them. She's still alive, that gives you the opportunity to do what you were denied before. Save your wife. Allows you the chance to move on and stop clinging to what you saw as your failure. Let go of some of that hate you insist on lugging about," Jolee offered.

Carth nodded, "You sound like Viata," he said huskily.

He handed the man a helmet and slid on his own. She was still alive, he'd save her, he had to. Jolee had another thing coming though if he thought he'd let go of his anger, it was stronger than ever. The thoughts of holding his dying wife on Telos IV ran through his mind. He had Revan and Saul to thank for that, not to mention Dustil. He owed Malak and Calo for Traviata. If it was the last thing he did, he was going to make them all pay. He was done playing by the rules, all that got him was pain.

Jolee grimaced as the wave of anger rolled off Carth and he let go a long breath. "Come on, Sonny. Lets go get your wife. What a strange course of events the Force has brought about. The two of you in love. Who would think she's the only one to save you and you're the only one who can save her."

"You talk in riddles I have no time for old man, but somewhere in those words I know you mean well," Carth acknowledged gunning the bike into gear.

The horizon was turning a purpulish hue as the suns began to rise, Carth ran a hand across his jaw rubbing it thoughtfully, paying no attention to the rough stubble. He looked down at the guidance system, he was in the right spot. It was dawn, so that made it the right time as well.

After acquiring an entire moisture vaporator and the vehicle to transport it from Czerka supply Carth left the confines of the outpost. He parked his swoop and hopped onto the transport Jolee was now driving.

"You wait here with Canderous, I've got this part taken care of," Carth instructed.

Jolee hesitated momentarily and then climbed onto Carth's swoop without argument. The Commander went about 200 meters when glowing red eyes rose up before him, causing him to break hard.

"There you are," Carth commented as the droid jumped into the passenger seat.

"Commentary: I've been scouting, I found the Tusken Raiders as you requested," HK replied.

"And? Were they willing to negotiate a truce?" Carth asked. If he didn't get their cooperation they were all dead.

"Exasperated Reply: Of course Master's Republic meatbag. They are just up ahead. They will escort us all to where Master is being held prisoner. It is all arranged. Once they have the vaporator," HK explained.

"Good news for a change. With any luck we'll have her back with us soon HK," Carth said coming to a halt at group of Raiders now in their path, all astride Banthas.

"Excited Affirmation: Yes and we'll slaughter the ones who took her from us," Carth's gaze met the droids excited eyes, wishing he could reprimand the unit. The truth was he had no intentions of attempting to negotiate with Calo. If he could, he'd kill the rotten bounty hunter over and over again. Why was he so intent on finding them? Was Malak offering such a high reward for the Jedi's capture? And when did Traviata make it onto that list?

"Calo Nord is mine, make note of that HK. The rest I could care less about. Just do whatever it takes to protect Travita," Carth ordered.

"Insincere Response: I have made note and will try not to kill him," Hk returned.

"Traviata?" Carth said casting him a sideways glance. The weird pink hue that now colored everything as the suns rose, made HK looks even more sinister, made him look other worldly.

Unnecessary Clarification: Master's protection is always my number one priority and is part of my core programing.

Carth's eyebrow shot up at that, then he nodded his head slightly. Protection of the person who owned the droid was common programming, not specific to any one person, but rather to the owner. He'd handed her the credits to pay for the unit, but HK had decided Traviata was his owner.

"Okay, let's get this water vaporizer unloaded," Carth watched as a an unbelievable amount of sand people came from everywhere. Swarming the moisture vaporator and then carrying it off in easy to manage pieces.

"Well never mind, it's not necessary. Send our coordinates to the speeders, they'll come meet us," Carth ordered.

Irritated Observation: I am not a personal assistance droid. Never the less, I have completed your request.

Carth nodded his acknowledgement. His thoughts on Viata." I'm close. Just hang on a little longer. After everything that's happened - don't die on me, not now," he said out loud. "I'm coming for you."

He knew what it was like to be in terrible pain, the type of agony that makes you long for death just for the release. Judging from what he saw on the video and what he gleaned from the Jedi, Traviata was in that type of misery. He felt his fury rise again at the thought, causing his nostrils to flare, his breath coming quickly. Calo Nord, Saul and Malak would pay dearly.

There was just white nothingness, almost like the blurred starlines of hyperspace. Just bright ambiguous fuzzy clouds and she was floating in the middle of them. Then Traviata felt someone touch her hand lightly, she looked down and saw nothing. She held up her hand and stared at it for a moment, still she couldn't make out anything.

Then there was something touching her forehead, she reached up to scratch it, but felt nothing there.

She looked around, still just billows of light- shinning light.

Something touched her chest, she instinctively smacked at it, like you'd shoo away a bug. There was just more nothingness.

Then she felt someone. A presence. She was not alone in the void any longer.

The touch on her hand again, she looked down. There was a hand on hers, a large masculine hand. She jerked her head up to see a familiar face.

Carth, she thought with relief, a soft sigh escaping her lips. He was here in the light with her.

Her eyes soaked in his smiling face, her heart filled with joy and she embraced him, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight embrace. Traviata luxuriated in the feel of his strong arms now snugly around her.

Then she heard a sound. There had been none. Traviata turned and found a man smiling at her. A man dressed in long robes, holding a book.

She knew instantly, it was the minister.

Traviata looked back to Carth, both of his large hands now holding hers. Her eyes met his. They were shining brightly, happy, filled with pride.

He smiled hugely, and brushed some hair from her face.

"My wife," his tone reverent. "I'm the happiest man alive. I love you," he said softly before kissing her gently.

My wedding. This is my wedding. Carth is my husband. We will love each other forever. Nothing could change that, ever.

Travita smiled, her hand caressing his ruggedly handsome face. "My husband. How did I get so lucky? I love you," she said breathlessly, her bliss evident.

There was a loud sound, like a groaning. Then there was blackness, Carth was gone.

Traviata looked around in the darkness, her heart racing. She was not alone.

Her eyes strained to see who it was, but there was nothing. Nothing but a soft gold light far off in the distance.

Suddenly she was swallowed up into a gold misty cloud. It was beautiful. It reminded her of the Khoonda Plains.

Immediately she was standing there, on the grassy breeze blowing across her face, through her hair., causing her dress to billow. She took a deep breath, loving the fresh clean scent of the grasses, holding her hand out into the warm sunlight. It was her favorite spot and it was such a perfect day.

She felt a hand on hers. Then something lightly touched her head. Next something light was on her chest, so light that she could barely feel it.

"I'm close. Just hang on a little longer. After everything that's happened- Don't die on me, not now," a disembodied voice commanded sternly. "I'm coming for you."