A/N:

Heaps of thanks to the readers of this story, and loads of thanks to those who reviewed. I sincerely appreciate you all! For those who've inquired, thanks so much for your concern, I'm doing fantastic now! I'm especially thrilled to be sharing this journey with you once more!

Thanks again,

Rochelle

Chapter25

Waiting

"The wait is long,my dream of you does not end."

-Nuala O'Faolain, My Dream of You

Carth sped into the Anchorhead docking bay, expertly maneuvering around the cargo being moved about in the landing area. He ditched the bike and ran up the loading ramp, hurriedly keying in the security code. His mind was on one thing: reaching Traviata as soon as possible. He'd been in contact with the crew of the Hawk all the way back from the cave, but there was precious little they could tell him other than she was on the ship safe, alive, but in critical condition. They were doing everything that could be done.

Carth arrived at the small med bay to find a myriad of instruments on and around her. Jolee was busily working on Traviata, Mission and Bastilla standing nearby. The antiseptic smell of bacta filled the air, along with the smell of blood, which he noted she was having transfused. He deeply wished there was a better facility to take her to, but the truth was that on the small outpost her best hope was in the powers of the Jedi and his skills.

His eyes surveyed her body, now lying mostly uncovered on a gurney. There were so many cuts, bruises, and abrasions. Seeing her here, in the bright lights- she looked so much worse.

"She needs to be in a bacta tank," Carth got out tightly, his eyes reflecting his desperation.

"Yes," was all Jolee said amongst the plethora of beeping and chirping medical equipment.

"She's tougher than you could ever fathom. She can survive this Commander," Bastilla put in with her customary, authoritative tone, her eyes briefly meeting Jolee's before returning her attention to her patient.

"Yeah, she's a fighter Carth," Mission encouraged, though her eyes betrayed her fear.

"How is she?" Carth asked. Tossing his helmet aside, he moved quickly to Traviata's side. He wanted to take her hand, run a hand over hair, and kiss her cheek. What wasn't an open wound though was hooked up to some sort of medical device, so the Commander gripped the bed rails.

"Other than alive? I don't know- but I'm trying to keep her that way," Jolee responded in clipped tones. "I'm trying to stop the bleeding now."

"She's so pale..." Carth whispered in a pain racked voice, his hands holding on tighter to the bed. How could this be happening?

"That's what happens when you lose most of your blood," Jolee said with strained patience.

"Yeah, but-"

"No time to be polite. Sonny, you need to leave. You're a distraction," Jolee interrupted. Just then several alarms started beeping loudly on the various monitors.

"Stop lurking, make yourself useful and get him out of here, Canderous," Jolee said not looking up from Traviata, sensing the Mandalorian's presence.

"No, I"m staying. I-"

"You want her to live?" Jolee asked pointedly.

"Of course, but-"

"But nothing, then go. Now," Jolee instructed as he began barking orders to Bastilla and Mission.

Carth felt a hand on his elbow. "C'mon, Fleet. You can't help her this way."

There was a war going on inside Carth between the need to be there with Traviata and knowing that what Canderous said was true. Guilt, fear, regret, and anger were coursing through him. "Too late,not good enough to save her,another wife in pain and dying because you weren't there,you fail everyone you love, Onasi," his mind taunted him.

"They're doing all they can for her. Let's go," he paused when Carth shook off his hand.

"I- I can't" Carth stammered, his eyes focused on Traviata.

"You can and you will.C'mon we can wait in the com room, you'll be able to watch everything from there if you want," Canderous said placing two hands on Carth's shoulders forcibly turning him around.

Carth angrily shook him off and socked him on the jaw, jostling a nearby instrument stand. "No! I won't leave her – this can't be happening. Not again. I won't let her die without me here."

"Commander! Control yourself, or I will do it for you," Bastilla warned sternly.

"Enough! Carth, get the hell out of here," Mission said sternly, craning her head to look at him while leaning over Traviata, using her arms as a shield to protect her from the ruckus. "You're not thinking clearly. You're NOT helping her like this."

The room went silent except for the whirring and tweeting of the machines, the alarms now silenced. Carth felt all eyes on him, his intent gaze on Traviata. He quickly went to Traviata's bedside again, evading Canderous' grasp. "Fight," he paused sniffing loudly, choking back a sob. "I love you."

Carth felt Canderous' hand on his shoulder again, this time grabbing hold firmer. "C'mon, I don't want to hurt you- okay that's a lie. I'd love to, but now's not the time. Let's go, Fleet," he persisted, this time pushing him toward the door.

Carth allowed Canderous to guide him to the passageway, but stopped there, shaking him off and leaning against the bulkhead. He pounded a fist against the wall in his frustration. "Alright, I'm out – I'm okay," he said, staring down at the floor.

"Yeah, you're out – not okay though." Canderous replied, standing just down from Carth, closer to the med bay, letting his shoulder lean onto the wall.

It didn't pass Carth's attention that the way Canderous was standing facing him, left him partially blocking the way to Traviata.

"C'mon, just take a breath. Tamp down your warp coil, Carth. She'll come out of this fine, you'll see," Canderous encouraged. "Traviata's too damn stubborn and obstinate to let that bastard Calo win. Plus, hate to admit it, but that damn Jedi ice queen is right- for once. She's strong, she's a warrior, she'll survive this," Canderous added with obvious admiration.

"Hmpph," Carth snorted, nodding slightly, looking up. "Yeah, maybe- anyway, I hope so," he said quietly, considering his words. He believed she was fighting to live, but would that be enough? Did he get there soon enough or was he too late? Again. Was he cursed to always lose anyone he loved?

"You know, I'll bet it felt great killing Calo," Canderous commented, letting a bit of his envy come through in his voice.

"No. Not as good as you might think," Carth replied, trying to regain his self-control. He let go a long sigh. "It was too fast. He wasn't nearly so tough fighting hand to hand. He was nothing without his technology."

"Pity," he replied frowning. "I've got Juhani and HK out in the bay keeping an eye on things. Zaalbar's watching monitors in the com room. He's keeping a close eye on vehicles entering Tatooine's atmosphere."

"Good. I guess Malak or his commandos are on their way, especially given our luck," Carth noted, taking a deep breath he stood a little taller. He had to pull himself together, he had responsibilities: his crew, the mission, the war against the Sith. Duty, honor, sacrifice, courage- his life's mantra of sorts. He had to pull it together. He couldn't even number the lives that were counting on their successful completion of the mission. "We need to get the Hawk prepped for dustoff. We should bug out as soon as Traviata's well enough. Too risky to do now though, we could have a burnout, lose life support" the commander thought out loud.

"I'll get on it. You gonna behave? You're not going to go back in and start throwing crap around are you?" Canderous asked, his gaze thoughtful. There was no question in his mind that they'd be hip deep in Sith if they stayed much longer. Still, for reasons he couldn't quite understand, he felt sorry for this man. Compassion wasn't an emotion he was accustomed to experiencing and left him feeling uncomfortable. However, he'd linger a few more minutes.

"No," Carth acknowledged with a slight grimace. "I didn't mean to- it just felt wrong- you know, leaving her. She's hurt and she's my wife," Carth tried to explain.

"Damn- that's right. Wow. With all this," Canderous acknowledged with surprise and shrugged. "I'd completely put that out of my mind. You two are really married..." It wasn't a thought that thrilled him. Who knew what the future would bring though, especially given their beginning. He knew Traviata would pull through this, no doubt in his mind. The way Carth was breaking down over it sickened him really. Of course he was a Republic soldier, what could he expect? He'd never hold his own with Traviata, he was too weak, not a warrior like her.

"Hell of a start..." Canderous mumbled and then cleared his throat. "You're sure? You're actually officially married?"

"That we are. Well, we still have all the legal hoops to jump through when we get back to Fleet. But yeah, we're married. Actually married by a priest," Carth confirmed, his eyes holding the Mandalorian's.

"A priest huh? A guy in a fancy dress reciting a bunch of mumbo jumbo I guess?" Canderous asked.

"Something like that," Carth returned evenly, his gaze unflinching.

"Mandalorians make their vows to each other. Our honor is everything, so that's all that's required. We need no clergy or government to make it official," Canderous informed Carth just as a raised voices in the medbay drew their attention.

"What's going on in there now?" Carth asked, trying to see around the hulking man.

Canderous leaned back, taking a peek into the room. "Calm down, it's fine, just Jolee and Bastilla talking. You know how she is, someone has to keep her in line. Actually- seems a little calmer now I think. Takes time, but they'll patch her up. You'll see."

Carth nodded slightly; it was going to be a very long day. He'd had about all he could take of Canderous though. It was apparent that he still had feelings for Viata. To the extent that Canderous had feelings anyway, Carth thought. "Really, I'm okay now. You get us prepped for dustoff. I'd hate for Malak to catch us with our pants down like this."

Canderous eyed the Commander for a moment and decided that Carth was as calm as he was likely to get until Traviata was out of the woods. "I'm on it."

"Oh, and um, Canderous- thanks. You know, well for everything," Carth offered extending his hand.

Canderous starred at his hand for a moment before clasping it. "You don't have to thank me."

Carth couldn't have ever imagined a day where he'd consider a Mandalorian a friend, he did now though he realized. Canderous wasn't perfect, and he pissed him off endlessly, but he did have some good points. "Yeah, I know. You did it for her. Still- I appreciate the assist."

Canderous nodded, "Of course, Carth. I better go – tons to do – Captain on this bucket is a pain in the ass," he added before walking quickly down the steel grated corridor.

"Oh, hey Canderous?" Carth called after him.

"Yeah," he stopped and turned.

"Have someone stow my bike, it's in the loading bay. I think it's probably still running actually..." Carth trailed off, squinting as he tried to remember if he powered it down.

"No problem, Fleet. I'll get the Cathar to do it." Canderous said with a gleam in his eye. "Com me if you think of anything else," he added and then frowned as he made a hasty retreat. If the commander got back to himself, he'd bug the piss out of him. Oh well, he could always switch off the com like he normally did when he annoyed him.

Carth just nodded and gazed through the doorway. They were all three busily hovering around Traviata; he couldn't really even see her. He took a few steps back and leaned against the wall, his mind trying to focus on his typical duties before a flight. He massaged his temples, suddenly aware of a massive headache. His aching arms felt heavy at the effort. He began unfastening his armor with a practiced ease and tossed the pieces into a pile on the floor. They were set on supplies; all that was really needed was a systems preflight check and a destination. He didn't know what coordinates to set; Traviata had chosen every planet so far. He decided on Manaan. He hated the water world almost as much as the jungle world of Kashyyyk, but not as much as Korriban. Manaan was at least neutral in the war, unlike the Sith world of Korriban. Hopefully it would give them all a chance to catch their breath before Korriban took it again.

"Canderous, plot a course for Manaan into the navicomputer," Carth ordered, speaking into the communication's device on his wrist.

"Acknowledged," Canderous replied, glancing at his chrono, his eyebrows raised. It took the Commander a good fifteen minutes to contact him. That was an all time record for him during flight prep.

Carth stood vigil at the doorway for many hours. Juhani tried getting him to eat several times. He ended up sending her away each time, refusing the food, but never the stimcaf.

"You should eat something Commander," Juhani admonished, holding a tray with a sandwich on it.

"I can't. Thanks though," he replied stiffly, through a tight smile. He really had serious issues with the Cathar, and his emotions were very close to the surface at the moment.

"You love her very much," she noted, her yellow eyes softening, yet still managing to look fierce at the same time.

"Yes, I do," Carth agreed, his eyes briefly meeting hers and looking away. He disliked having to have a personal conversation with this woman, especially standing outside the medbay where Traviata lay barely clinging to life.

"I'm sorry, Carth. I've apologized to Traviata- we have had many discussions about the unfortunate incident at the Ancient Ruins," she explained.

"Unfortunate incident," he echoed sarcastically. "You mean when you tried to kill her? You may just get your wish after all. This is what you want," Carth accused stonily, taking a step closer to the woman.

"No! I would gladly die in her place," she paused, taking a few calming breaths. "Please let me explain how sorry I am. I care for Traviata too. She's my friend and mentor-"

"Yeah, I know how you treat mentors. Doesn't make me feel better," Carth cut in.

"Please, let me finish," she hesitated, and then continued when he remained silent. "I understand your anger and distrust. I know it is difficult for you to have me here. I am thankful to you for allowing me to come on this journey, Commander, but it is to her that I owe a debt I will try to repay for the rest of my life. She saved me from the darkside. How can I ever repay that?"

"If it's really true, if someone can truly turn from the darkside, which I find really hard to believe- then you can't, Juhani – Anyway, you don't owe me any thanks. If I had my way you'd be on Dantooine scooping up krath hound crap. She's the one who convinced me to allow you to come. You owe her for that one too," Carth said tersely.

Carth was surprised when the Cathar smiled. "I know all this, but still I thank you. You could have refused her plea on my behalf."

"Not hardly. She's tenacious and," Carth paused meeting her eyes with a steady stare, "she wanted to help you."

"Traviata cares, even for the ones who are on a dark path; she sees the glimmer of light in the blackness, if it's there." Juhani replied.

"I've never met anyone like her before in my life," Carth noted.

"I have met one other whose kindness was as hers is. It was the Jedi who freed me from slavery. I was sold when I was young to pay off my parents' debts. A Jedi found me and freed me while fighting against the Mandalorians who'd invaded my planet. It was that same Jedi who discovered I was Force sensitive. I eventually became a Jedi because of that experience," Juhani responded, a faraway look in her eyes.

"Hmmm, sounds like you had a rough start – when was this? During the Mandalorian Wars?" Carth asked, finding himself interested in her story now, and feeling a bit less hate for the woman.

"Yes it was, Commander. Damn them and their brutality," Juhani said her tone and expression now angry.

"Yeah, well I guess we agree on two things today: our love for Traviata and our hatred of Mandalorians," Carth noted with a raised eyebrow. Peace treaty with the Cathar, Traviata would be happy about that. Could he actually do it?

"Canderous is different. He can be a giant pain in the ass, but I don't hate him," Carth admitted. At least not today, he mentally added.

"I will consider your words, Commander. Traviata would be most pleased at our conversation," Juhani commented with a small smile. "Don't you think?"

"Yeah – no doubt," Carth said with a heavy sigh, his eyes wandering to the doorway again.

"I will leave you now, Commander," Juhani said turning and heading down the hallway.

A thought occurred to Carth. "Hey, Juhani."

"Yes, Commander," she answered, stopping and turning.

"Who was the Jedi that freed you? I'm just curious," Carth didn't know why he thought of that, but he found he wanted to know.

"It was the Jedi Revan, Commander," she answered mildly and then walked wordlessly away.

Sounded like something Revan would do, at least before turning to the darkside. Such waste and destruction and for what, he thought. The sound of clattering instruments drew his attention to the medbay.

How much longer was it going to take them? Carth wondered checking his chrono. It had been over seven hours that they'd been working on her. He'd spent the better part of that time pacing in the small corridor, stopping at the medbay door periodically to try to ascertain what was going on. He ran a hand through his hair and placed both palms on the bulkhead, leaning his forehead to the wall "Please don't die on me," he whispered.

Just when he thought he couldn't stand it any longer, Mission came through the door. She looked tired, but she wasn't crying. He decided to take it as a good sign as he rushed to her.

"Well?" Carth asked urgently.

"She's alright-" Mission barely got out before finding herself crushed in Carth's embrace. "But," she continued as she pushed against his chest to see his face, her lekku twitching. Carth tentatively loosened his hold, keeping his hands on her forearms, his blood turning to ice.

"What is it? You said..." Carth trailed off, his confused eyes darting to the medbay.

Bastilla came through the door, looking uncharacteristically haggard and concerned.

Carth quickly let go of Mission. "What's wrong? I thought she was going to be okay," his discerning eyes shifting their attention between the two. "Somebody tell me what the hell is going on. Now, I-"

"Really, calm yourself," Bastilla interrupted impatiently. "She's going to recover, Commander. You saw her yourself, you know the state she was in. She lost a lot of blood and suffered severe internal injuries. It will take a little time for her to get back on her feet," Bastilla finished, running a hand over her hair.

Mission nodded as Carth's questioning gaze met his. "She's weak, but she'll be fine."

"Now if the two of you will excuse me. It's been an exhaustive effort. I need some rest," Bastilla commented before making her way noiselessly down the dark corridor.

"She worked really hard on saving Traviata. She and Jolee did their Jedi stuff to her and I've never seen hands move as fast as theirs did." Mission offered, taking Carth's hand in hers. "Traviata's okay."

"I almost lost her, kid," Carth said quietly.

"Yeah, I know," Mission replied.

"That is precisely why you can't stay. It's also why I didn't want Traviata to accept this assignment. It's a suicide mission. First safe place I find, you're off this ship. It's only going to get more dangerous from here on out. Malak's on to us, no other reason the Sith and Calo would have been here," Carth said heavily.

Mission didn't want to fight with him, not now, so she just nodded. She'd change his mind somehow, or at least figure out a way to stay on board without making him too mad. Right now, she was tired and didn't have the energy or the heart to argue.

"I can't stand it anymore," Carth announced, letting go of Mission's hand, he entered the medbay. Mission leaned back against the doorway, watching. Carth and Traviata had become family to her. There was no way she was letting that go.

"Sorry, I won't get in your way or talk. I- I just couldn't wait any longer," Carth explained. She already looked so much better. Her wounds had been cleaned and dressed. Her skin now had more color than the thin sheet that covered her.

Jolee's tired eyes met Carth's. "Hmpph, sounds like you're talking to me, Sonny."

The gray haired Jedi was bent over Traviata, holding both her hands. He straightened and turned to Carth.

"I've done all I can for now though anyway. Come in and yammer all you want. She'll recover. I have her on some strong pain medication so don't pay any attention to anything she might mumble about. Will probably give her nightmares," he paused seeming to consider his next words. He shook his head slightly as if rejecting the idea. "Anyway, she just needs to rest now."

"So she'll be okay?" Carth asked urgently.

"Yes, Sonny, that's what I said. You deaf or stupid? How many ways do you have to hear it? " Jolee retorted.

Carth impulsively hugged the man. "Thank you, Jolee. It's such a relief and the best news I've had in a long time."

Jolee patted Carth's hand when the embrace ended. "Enjoy it; it's been my experience that good news in life is hard to come by and often followed up with equally bad news," Jolee said darkly, softening his words with a brief, small smile. "Now I'm going to bed, I'm old damn it. Need my sleep."

Carth watched Jolee and Mission leave and then made his way to Traviata's side. He ran his fingertips lightly across her cheek; it wasn't nearly as swollen or red now. He wanted to take her up into his arms, hold her, and never let her go. His eyes surveyed her body once again; she had one free hand now that wasn't hooked up to some piece of equipment. He spied a chair and quickly moved it to her side where he could safely hold her hand.

"Just rest, beautiful. You're safe now, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere," Carth promised, gently pushing some hair from her face, and then he bent down to kiss her forehead.

He sat there all night, holding her hand and watching the monitors that displayed her life signs. After a sleepless night he stood feeling stiff; much older than his years, and half dead, but very grateful that his wife was going to live.

He stretched, walking about the room and then he heard the sound of movement coming from the bed, which drew him instantly to her side. He took her hand in his again, as she continued to thrash in her sleep. How many times had he watched her have nightmares now? It was too many to count.

He brought her hand to his lips. "You're safe, I'm here with you. I love you."

Her eyes fluttered and then opened slightly, fear and confusion was her first response as she began to struggle, trying to move.

"Hey, hey. It's me, Beautiful. You're safe now. On the Ebon Hawk. No one's going to hurt you," Carth assured her, rising to his feet, her hand still in his.

The light of recognition and then relief filled her eyes. "Carth," she tried to say, but only ended up mouthing it, her throat and mouth dry.

"Don't try to talk, not yet," Carth instructed, his eyes scouring the room for water. He discovered a faucet. "I'll get you some water," he was back in a flash, with a used stimcaf cup he'd rinsed out and filled with water.

"Here, I'll get something colder, but try this for now," he instructed gently lifting her head up helping her sip the water.

"Better?" he asked when she'd indicated she'd had enough.

"Yes," she whispered huskily, her eyes not leaving his face. "I'm sorry," she offered hoarsely, barely able to get the words out.

"You have nothing to be sorry for," Carth reminded her, his eyes shinning brightly. "You didn't do anything wrong. I'm the one who's sorry. I should have been with you."

Traviata motioned for more water, after drinking she tried talking again.

"Not your fault," she countered, reaching up to his cheek, weakly caressing it. Carth caught her hand up into his, and brought it to his lips, lightly kissing it.

"You had me really worried this time," Carth admitted, clutching her hand to his chest.

"I knew- I knew you'd come for me," she said the words coming easier now, but the room was starting to fade into shadows.

"Nothing would stop me, you know that," Carth reminded her softly. "I'll always come after you and find you." Though he was determined there would never again be a need for it.

"I hung on, like you told me," she barely got out, her eyes opening and closing, they felt so heavy now.

"That you did, you did great. I know it wasn't easy," he paused, he wasn't sure what she was talking about, must be the drugs' affects. "Hey, just close your eyes and sleep. You're exhausted and medicated. I'll be right here when you wake," Carth promised, kissing her hand again.

"I love you," Traviata got out, trying desperately to hold her eyes open.

"I love you. Now shhh," he said kissing each of her eyelids closed. "Sleep."

"Wait. Malak – here," she whispered, before drifting off.

Carth's features tightened at the name. Was it a vision, nightmare or was the sick twisted bastard playing around in her head again? Malak was the reason she was in this shape to begin with, he thought, his face turning to stone. He would pay. I'm going to kill him- and Saul, if it's the last thing I ever do, Carth vowed silently.

"Malak," she said in hushed tones, her breathing faster.

"Nightmare," Carth announced darkly to the room. He brought Traviata's hand to his mouth, clasping it with both of his, kissing it lightly. "Hey, shh- shh. It's okay- he's not here. You're safe," he promised solemnly. Her body went still almost instantly at his words, a small peaceful smile on her face. He placed her hand gently on top of the sheet. Carth let go a long tired breath and leaned back into the chair, stretching out his long legs. He let his head lean back onto the wall and closed his eyes. He could now feel every muscle in his body, and they all hurt. Didn't matter, exhaustion finally claimed the Captain and he fell asleep almost instantly.

The recycled air on board the cruiser crackled and hissed as Force lightning illuminated the dark quarters of Darth Malak.

"I have many other skills my Lord, as you are aware. I can strike them with fear, I can drain the life from them, I can push them and pull them about like dolls, I can strangle them and of course I have this," Darth Bandon informed him, calling his dual bladed lightsaber to his hand. He twirled it about, going through a series of exercises, designed to impress the Dark Lord.

"I know you doubt whether I may stand against them, but I'm practically invulnerable to any Jedi attack. My Lord Malak, I've never met my match in battle," Darth Bandon said, retracting his blade coming to stand in front of Malak.

Darth Malak had been watching his apprentice's display with amusement before his mood turned ominous. "You have never faced me," he reminded him darkly.

"Of course I could never win any battle against you my Lord," Darth Bandon said bowing. "I did not mean to imply that I could," the apprentice quickly back tracked.

Malak arched an eyebrow in apparent skepticism. He knew Bandon's ego was the size of a small planet. "There is one you will face that is very strong in the Force, much like me. Not to mention that you will not be facing just one Jedi," Malak reproved. "You've never faced a foe like this."

Malak knew his apprentice would fail; he was no match for what he would experience. It would buy him some time though to put the final part of his plan in motion. He was getting so close now to achieving his goal.

"I've arranged for them to be on Korriban very soon," Malak stated flatly. "Go and find them and bring the ones I told you of to me. I want those two kept alive at all costs," he instructed. "If you can do that, the reward that I bestow on you will be of untold worth."

"Yes, my Lord Malak," Bandon said bowing, dropping down to one knee, keeping his eyes on the floor.

"You already know the penalty for failure," he paused. "Now leave me," Malak barked, turning his back to the apprentice, staring out of his viewport.

He fingered the medallion in his hand; he was holding it more and more lately. He wasn't sure why. Most likely because it brought on a rush of rage, hate, and passion. He let the feelings wash over him in waves until he felt the intense emotions coursing through his veins. It was an intoxicating, swirling mass of emotion. "What will you do once on Korriban? Surrounded by all the dark power- will you succumb to it and embrace the indomitable power of the dark side?" he murmured out loud. "Will you hear its sweet call and come to me? You will, of course you will."

He reached out with the Force searching for the one he desired. He strained, putting all his emotions into the effort. It took some time before he could finally sense the small group; they were on the Ebon Hawk. The Republic Commander was in emotional turmoil; it was an invigorating mix of anger, fear, and hate tinged with love, relief, desire and regret. Such intense feelings. The fool had no idea just how far out of his depth he was or what he was soon to be up against.

Then Malak continued feeling the life force of each being in the ship until he felt the connection of the powerful Jedi he had been seeking. She was there on board, barely conscious, her injuries severe. Then with a shock that sent him dropping to his knees, he felt it. The connection with her. He could see into her mind, much as he had previously on Dantooine; he loved the familiarity of it. He used all his dark power to probe her emotions; it was like a drug to him, wanting more and more.

"Yes," he said intently, his body shaking with his efforts. "You feel it too," his voice quaking with emotion, detectable even through his mechanical voice. "Yes- it is me."

Then the contact was abruptly severed. The dark Lord screamed in anger and frustration at the action.

Items in his quarters began bursting, braking, or collapsing, the debris floating and swirling about the room. Making it look like some horrific kaleidoscope from a thriller holovid.

What caused the disruption? Was it the great distance, her condition or the meddlesome Jedi on the vessel? No one stopped Malak from getting what he wanted, no matter what. He would have what he desired eventually, one way or another. Besides, the crew had yet to land on Korriban. Once they were there, everything would fall into place, he reminded himself; just as he had foreseen. It would happen, it was unavoidable.

Debris began raining down, leaving the area around Malak essentially demolished. He stood and positioned himself more closely to the viewport, moving the rubble in his way with a wave of his hand. He dangled the delicate chain out in front of him, studying the medallion for a moment and then he caught it up into his grasp. He called his comlink over and it appeared instantly in his hand.

"Raise Admiral Karath for me. Quickly," Darth Malak ordered the communication's officer.

"Yes, Lord Malak. Right away," the nervous Sith officer replied, busily keying at the panel in front of him.

The moment he'd been waiting had come– Darth Malak thought. Time to reap the rewards of all the careful planning and sacrifices. Very soon, the crew of the Ebon Hawk, at least the ones left alive after the events that would occur on Korriban, would soon be in his grasp. The Jedi Council would be obliterated. This next action of his would put in motion the course of events that would cause the end of the Jedi and the pathetic Republic they served.