A/N:

Many thank yous to the readers and reviewers! I appreciate you more than you can possibly know. Miss T, Thank you, and I'm so glad you're back and I hope you are well. Yes, there will be much bad assery from Carth and Dustil to come! I also want to thank those who messaged me, I'm grateful for your input!

Wishing peace, joy and love to each and everyone of you!

Rochelle

Chapter 29

Sith Interrupted

"The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed."

- Eminem

Slowly, he made his way down the tomb-like hallway, the only sound his footsteps, echoing loudly in the otherwise silent passage. Dustil continued his approach to his father, oblivious to his presence, his attention absorbed by the datapad he was holding.

Carth's heart stopped and then began racing, he couldn't believe his eyes as he watched his son close the distance between them. It was Dustil, he knew the moment he laid eyes on him, there was no doubt in his mind. Jordo had been right, and not just about him being alive. Judging by the Sith uniform Dustil was wearing and his presence in this place, he was indeed a student here.

"Dustil," Carth called out, his churning emotions causing his voice to catch. "Dustil," he repeated, this time louder.

"Yeah, who want's to know," Dustil asked curtly, looking up from his datapad.

"Dad?" he asked, his tone and expression changed instantly, reflecting his shock and happiness, his tablet slipping from his grip and tumbling to the ground.

The first thing Traviata noticed was that Dustil physically looked just like Carth, only about twenty years younger. The second thing was that the initial delight she'd sensed from Dustil, had quickly evaporated and was replaced with rage and resentment. She mustered the best smile she could when Carth looked over to her with unrestrained pleasure. Father and son were reunited, but their emotions were diametrically opposed. Her heart ached for the pain this would cause Carth when he discovered it.

"I- I - it really is you," Carth exclaimed, returning his attention to Dustil, taking a step towards his son, unchecked tears of joy rolling down his face.

Dustil's features turned to stone, "Great. Figures you'd show up now," he sneered, quickly snatching up his device from where it had landed and stormed past his father, fixing Traviata with a withering look.

Traviata felt Carth's pain and confusion as he stood there as if rooted to the ground, his eyes glazed over. She felt the weight of all he carried settle heavily on him. Too many years filled with too many battles and too many losses.

She placed a tentative hand on his arm only for it to fall aside as he suddenly rushed after Dustil, following him to his quarters. Traviata trailed after the pair, but came to a stop just outside the room's opening.

Helplessness, it was a feeling she abhorred, and it was never so intense as it was right now. There was nothing she could do to help, but stay out of the way. Her involvement would only inflame the volatile situation, and if Dustil had his dad's temper, things were going to be explosive enough.

"What do you mean? Dustil, I rushed to Telos, I looked everywhere for you. Oh - you must think I didn't- you must hate me – Listen, I've done everything I could to find you. I've chased every lead, hired people to search for you, called in every favor - I couldn't find a trace of you anywhere," Carth explained in desperation, now only a few steps away from him.

Dustil met Carth's gaze briefly and then turned his back to him abruptly, his body rigid as he felt his father's touch on his shoulder.

"Son, I did everything I could to find you – after years of searching, eventually I came to the only conclusion that was logical. The losses were catastrophic on Telos, the house was nothing but a pile of rubble and your mother – well she died in my arms shortly after I arrived on Telos..." he trailed off.

"Typical. Never around when we needed you. Oh you'd show up eventually, but it was always too late," Dustil accused, shaking off his father's hand whirling around to face him. "It's true, some things really never do change," Dustil fired back contemptuously, his hate filled eyes focused on his father, his hands balled into fists at his side.

"YOU WERE ALWAYS SHOWING UP AFTER WE REALLY NEEDED YOU- WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE BOMBING STARTED? WHEN I FELL OFF MY BIKE? WHEN I GOT BEAT UP? WHEN I NEEDED HELP WITH A GIRL? WHEN MOM WAS CRYING AT NIGHT BECAUSE SHE WAS LONELY AND YOU HADN'T ANSWERED HER MESSAGES?"

"I'LL TELL YOU WHERE, HELPING COMPLETE STRANGERS WHILE YOUR FAMILY SUFFERED!" Dustil added, his hands on his hips, his face just inches away from Carth's.

Traviata sunk back against the archway, barely in view from inside the room. She closed her eyes, it was too heart wrenching to watch. She let her head lean heavily against the porous old stone, uncaring of how frigid it was. Her husband's anguish was palpable.

Carth already carried around so much anger, distrust, hatred and pain because of the events surrounding Telos. That burden was not going to lighten, not today anyway. Dustil's issues with his father were not going to be settled quickly or easily, and definitely not by one conversation. It could take years.

One more thing for Carth to lay at the feet of Revan, Malak and Saul.

Traviata opened her eyes and felt her heartbeat pickup at the sight of cloaked pair, intent in conversation, just down the hall from where she stood. Her spine stiffened as they moved closer, her ears straining to hear what they were saying. It was then she noted one was wearing a mask and that their forms were a mere ghostly visage. Instantly she knew, it was Revan and Malak she was watching. Then they faded away, like a mist in the wind.

She sighed, at least Carth didn't know how crazed his wife had become on top of everything else he had to deal with.

Could Malak really be sharing his memories with her somehow, she asked herself. Could it have been as Bastilla suggested, after they first met, that it was due to her memories of Revan? That didn't make sense though, unless Bastilla was there with them at the time. That was improbable, if not impossible. What then? You have to figure this out before you completely go insane, she reflected. Traviata closed her eyes one more, leaning further into the rough wall, a sinking feeling settling into her.

The Commander had listened to the list of his crimes ground out by his son with venom. He was so busy fighting the wars, he'd let down his family- not just once, but always. He'd been there for the Republic, but not his wife and son. He couldn't argue with what Dustil said. He'd failed as a husband and father. He'd thought that the videos and frequent com's had helped make up for his absence. He realized now that they were a pathetic, hollow substitute. He hadn't been available to them when they needed him, his son was right.

"Dustil - I'm sorry, I know," Carth let go a long breath, running a hand through his hair, struggling to find the words. "Look, son – I'm sorry. I can't deny one thing you just said. But believe me I never realized it had been so hard on you and your mother. I wanted to be there, I really did. I thought I was the one who'd suffered the most by my not being there. The longing I had to be with you, for all the things you mentioned, and more-" Carth paused, his memories flashing back to all the videos he'd received of missed family events.

"I can't change the past. I'm here now though. I love you, Son," Carth replied quietly, his eyes holding Dustil's. "I'm in the middle of a mission, but I'm here to rescue you. I came as soon as Jordo told me he'd seen you on Korriban. I need to get you out of here. Now," he informed him in a tone that allowed for no argument. His son was alive, he was getting him out of there immediately. He wasn't screwing up the chance to save him now.

"Rescue? I don't need to be rescued. That time's long passed. I'm a Sith now, they give me everything I need. They've taught me how to take care of myself, to be strong. I don't need you, I don't need anyone," Dustil shot back darkly.

"Sith? No way, over my dead body," Carth informed him sternly.

"That can be arranged, old man," Dustil returned, breathing heavily.

For a moment, Carth stood there. Trying to get his mind wrapped around the fact that his son had just threatened his life. This wasn't Dustil talking, it was the years of brainwashing by the Sith, he assured himself. At least his willingness to threaten his own father. There was no time now to undo the damage done. He'd have to come, whether he wanted to or not.

"You are coming with me out of here. Now," Carth took a step closer to Dustil, a muscle twitching in his jaw. The pair were now literally, toe to toe. Each of them fixed in their positions, their eyes narrowed, both breathing quickly."You are my son, you are no frakin Sith."

"Son? They gave me a place to stay, food, a purpose, they were here for me when I needed them, and are always here for me. They care about me-"

"Care about you? There for you when you needed them?" Carth spat. " I knew it- You've been brain washed. The Sith care about no one but themselves. They're the reason I hadn't been home in years. You know all this, you hated the Sith," putting firmness in his voice. "They're the ones who killed your mother- not to mention decimated your home world."

"No – you killed mom. You left us there alone-"

"I had no way of knowing you weren't safe there, Dustil. Telos IV wasn't in the F.O.B, it posed no threat to the Sith, you should have been safe. The Sith killed your mom - Saul Karath, Malak and Revan," Carth added.

"That was Revan and Saul's fault. Revan's dead, and Karath will get what's coming to him one day. Darth Malak would never do that," Dustil shot back.

"Really? I just watched Malak bomb Taris, the entire planet- it's now just a smoking pile of rubble. The casualties included Sith soldiers and personnel stationed there. You could have been assigned to that planet Dustil. You really want to be a part of that? Think of the families that were destroyed, like ours, when that happened," Carth pointed out.

Dustil looked surprised at the information. No doubt the Sith limited their access to information and more than likely it included all of Korriban. In Carth's mind Dustil was a prisoner, physically and mentally, he just didn't realize it. He'd been manipulated into thinking the Sith were something they weren't.

"You didn't know about Taris," Carth stated plainly. When Dustil didn't respond, he knew he was right.

"Son, everything you said about me is true. I was an absentee husband and father, but it was to try to make a better and safer Republic for you to live in. It doesn't mean I don't love you and it doesn't mean you have to add to my list of failings by joining the Sith. If I failed you, then it's my failure. Be angry at me, but don't do this, Son. Don't become an enemy of the Republic – of Telos. Don't join with people who would drop bombs on helpless women and children- kidnapping some of the ones left alive. Filling their heads full of lies and hate, turning them against the ones who truly care. I love you. You must know that somewhere deep down inside you."

Dustil stared at his father.

"How did you even get in here?" Dustil demanded, his eyes still angry, his tone now a bit softer.

"It doesn't matter. It's complicated," Carth replied, letting go a long breath.

"Why is she here? She part of the complication?" Dustil retorted, his eyes on Traviata.

"Always," Carth replied, his eyes flickered in her direction. " Now's not the time, it's- well, complicated," he continued, holding up a hand as Dustil started to interrupt. "I promise, I'll explain everything, but after I get you out of here and someplace safe."

"I'm sure you know the place is bugged right? You being Captain Republic and all, any minute a division of troopers are going to burst in here and kill you and- your complication as well- probably me too, just for talking to you," Dustil informed his father.

"No one can hear us and I promise you, I will get you out of here," Carth assured him. "Will you come with me, Son?"

Dustil's gaze held his father's for a moment. "Maybe. I don't know. Can you prove what you said? You know about Taris?"

"Absolutely. Come with me back to the ship, you can see for yourself," Carth assured him.

Not yet- I need time to think. Just to be clear, it wouldn't change anything between us though," Dustil countered.

"Okay, that's fair," Carth agreed nodding, drawing closer to his son. "I'm so sorry- I never realized, never meant to hurt you or your mother. I love you and I'm so grateful you're alive," Carth told him, his voice quivering a bit at the end, he wrapped his arms around his son, hugging him tightly. Dustil didn't return the embrace, but he didn't break it either.

"Devil hounds, plasma mines, and of course- the ghost," Carth paused, shaking his head at the thought.

"Not to mention the combined horrors of the other tombs, including giant bats, spiders and oh yeah one extra crazy Sith instructor- but the ghost," he hesitated, his eyes flickering to the tomb they just left.

"Offhand, I can't think of a time I've seen anything creepier," Carth continued, as he stopped just outside the blackness of the tomb, slipping on his shades as he spoke, his eyes quickly scanning the Sith Valley. There was a lot of activity in the area, students everywhere. Absorbed in archeological excavation, most seemed oblivious to their presence.

"Mmmhmm," was all Traviata could manage, her attention on the sword in her hand. Her bare fingers running along the notched ebony blade.

"What are going to do with that thing? You're not keeping it are you?"

"Absolutely not," she said, grimacing. Even now she could feel the evil emanating from the object. "But I'm not sure what to do with it yet," Traviata confirmed, dropping the sabre as she attempted to fish it through her belt.

"I've got it," Carth said, quickly retrieving the foil and sliding into his belt. "You sure you're alright, that got pretty intense in there," he asked, studying her intently.

He didn't know why he bothered asking. He knew she wasn't okay, and that he wouldn't get a straight answer. It had become SOP for them during the week they'd been at the academy.

"I'm fine, thanks, stop your worrying. Really," she replied casually.

Carth nudged down his sunglasses, revealing the disbelieve in his eyes.

"It's difficult to be here, yes, but I'm okay," she offered.

His finger pushed his glasses back in place and he looked away at her response, wondering when she was finally going to tell him what was going on with her. He knew one thing, his patience was wearing thin. Whatever it was, it was no doubt beyond his skills to help her with. If he hadn't sworn an oath to uphold his duty, he'd already have his wife and son on the ship and halfway to Republic space. Far, far, away from Sith, Jedi and ghosts.

"Actually, I'm doing better than usual. Now, that is- Ajunta Pall is no longer a ghost, turned from the dark side, found redemption and is finally at peace and one with the Force," she added.

Traviata actually hadn't been completely shocked when the ghost appeared. She'd had a vague sense he was there before they even entered the tomb, that she attributed to one her nightmares or visions, or Malak's influence- somehow. It was hard to differentiate between the two anymore they happened so often. Whatever the cause, they were starting to mash together like nutrient paste. Causing the line between reality and trance state to blur at times.

"Did you say redemption? For him? The first Dark Lord of the Sith? Seems wrong and impossible if you ask me," Carth put in.

"Still, whatever his crimes- I am proud of you. You were very kind and compassionate- it was amazing to watch."

"But see, this is where he finds redemption, Carth. It wasn't me, he was already remorseful for what he'd done. I just helped him move on- he'd suffered a millennia lingering here. Surely that was long enough, even for you," Traviata returned.

"Don't be too sure about that," he grunted. "He's responsible for a lot of deaths and deaths yet to happen at the hands of Sith," Carth snorted contemptuously, and gave his head a shake.

"You have a forgiving heart, Viata. Too forgiving in my opinion. I can't do it- I want the likes of Malak and Saul to pay for what they've done. The Jedi play fast and loose with power they shouldn't tamper with," he added giving her a hard look.

"It needs to stop- so yeah, I want to see every Jedi who's corrupted by it pay and pay dearly," he concluded.

The latest stunt he'd seen the Council pull on his wife was completely reckless. Sending an acknowledged powerful but untrained padawan on this mission after a dark Sith Lord? It was an invitation to disaster and mayhem. No wonder there were so many crazed powerful fallen Jedi wrecking havoc in the galaxy.

"I know you do, I do too. I want to see justice served as much as you do. It's the only way to keep the citizens of the Republic safe. That's one of the reasons why I joined the military in the first place. All I'm saying is, everyone needs forgiveness one time or another," she replied, hooking one of her arms in his, giving him a bright smile. "You can do both."

"Not me, I'm not built that way. We'll have to continue to disagree on this topic," Carth shot back with a frown.

"One day you may be glad I'm so forgiving," she teased, standing up on her tiptoes, kissing him lightly on the mouth, one hand clasped behind his neck. "Besides, and thankfully, you are not as hardhearted as you make out Commander. If you were, you'd never have fallen for me."

"Well that's true enough," he quipped, his eyes crinkling up as he smiled. "Ouch," he grunted as she playfully backhanded him in the stomach, chuckling lightly.

"Do you ever consider the fact that most of our conversations are in the middle of doing impossible things, surrounded by people dedicated to killing us?" she noted, her arm settling around his waist, his arm catching her tightly to his side.

"Yeah, I do," he agreed nodding, his gaze vigilantly scouring their surroundings. He wasn't willing to share his thinking on that with her, at least not yet. In truth, it had occupied his thoughts since Tatooine when she nearly died.

So much so he knew what course he was plotting when they left Korriban. Dantooine. Where he'd drop off Dustil, Mission and an undoubtedly unwilling Traviata. He'd finish the mission, but without them on board. They knew where they had to go on Manaan, thanks to the shared vision Traviata and Bastilla had when they landed on the water world. Their presence was unnecessary for apprehending the last star map. He wasn't risking those he cared about most any longer.

Dantooine wasn't his first choice by any means. It was simply the best of bad choices, something he'd grown used to over the years. He'd chosen that destination due to one important fact. He did believe that the Council would and more importantly could protect them from Malak and his forces though.

He had no intention of even discussing it with Traviata until they were well on their way to Dantooine. There was no doubt in the commander's mind what her reaction would be.

Carth sighed, bringing his mind back to the moment.

"We'd better get moving. We've been here a while," Carth said mechanically.

Traviata took a step forward, leaving the protection of the alcove they'd been standing in, a whirl of arctic air hitting her. Instinctively responding to the onslaught, a slight wave of her hand sent loose rocks and already broken stonework flying forward, landing in a pile at the foot of the ramp to the cave.

"Oritsir! Haar'chak! Could this planet be any frakin' colder," she complained, swearing fiercely, breaking his grip on her. She stamped her feet against the cold, nestling further into her jacket, shoving her hands deeply into her pockets.

Carth's brow furrowed, his expression deeply troubled. His wife had become increasingly moody. Sweetly kissing him one moment and swearing in Mando'a about the weather the next. That was typical of her behavior lately, but not for her usually. Everything considered, who could blame her, he thought. But this was something different altogether.

"C'mon, lets get this over with. Just one more and we're done," Carth noted, his arm wrapping around her shoulders, leaving a trail of dust behind them as they strode quickly to the next tomb.

"Yes, you're right. There's just one more. Naga Sadow's tomb," she replied, mustering a smile. One more, she could do that. Then she could be away from the blackness, get warm and maybe even find some answers to what was happening to her. Maybe it was time to talk to Jolee, come clean on it all and see if he could help.

"Surely there can't be another ghost- should be easy," she quipped.

Traviata felt her stomach muscles tighten as they arrived at the last tomb. It was well guarded, gun turrets in place; this was not like the others. The soldiers powered up their weapons as they reached the entry ramp.

"Move along," the guard barked, gesturing with his blaster.

"Not so easy. That definitely means..." Traviata trailed off, speaking quietly as they obeyed the guards.

"The star map is definitely in there," Carth put in.