Author's Notes: Well we're back to where we were before the rewrite.

Chapter 16: Leaving Dantooine

Departure day was hectic. Two of their team members were still yet to arrive and the Ebon Hawk was still being prepared. The stolen Exchange vessel was currently being retrofitted to properly accommodate their small team, allowing it to serve as a home as well as a base of operations. The choice for this freighter had been simple, the outrageously fast ship would allow them to outrun any Sith fighters or other adversaries with ease, perfect for their mission.

Dawn, Willow, Bastila and Sarryn had been charged to find the missing pieces of the star map. The Builders didn't give out the location of their Star Forge easily; they had fragmented the navigational chart and spread the pieces all over the galaxy. To ensure the solution wasn't lost forever they had left clues in their part, which had been traced back by the experts to the desert planet Tatooine. They suspected another piece of the map was hidden there.

Their hypothesis corresponded to the intel the Jedi had on Revan and Malak. During their journey after the Mandalorian Wars they had been spotted at least once in Anchorage, a miner settlement on Tatooine. It would be their first destination, the first of what seemed to be many. Roughly twenty percent of the map was filled in, so logically there had to be four other parts, hidden anywhere in the galaxy. It was the task of Dawn, Willow, Bastila and Sarryn to find them all and eventually lead the Jedi Order to the Star Forge, whatever it might be.

A small team had been assigned to them. The Jedi Guardians Juhani and Mirin would accompany them. Dawn was happy that Mirin was coming. Zaalbar was bound to her by honor, so he was coming as well. For undisclosed reasons Master Vandar had been adamant that those who helped them on Taris were to come along, including the Mandalorian Canderous Ordo. When his name had been called both Mirin and Juhani had tensed, making Dawn and Sarryn worry old blood between the Cathar and Mandalorians might lead to fireworks. The last two to join them were Carth Onasi and – obviously – Mission Vao. Dawn was glad that Mission had been allowed to come so that she would not have to sneak her daughter onboard before departure.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

In the enclave Willow found Master Vandar on the enclave's roof. As she stepped onto the roof, she passed Bastila who was leaving. She moved beside the Jedi Master and sat down.

"Good day, Willow," said Vandar.

"I have a question," said Willow. "I know what the Code says, but I've not found any real answer as to why it says that relationships are forbidden."

Vandar studied her keenly. "Ah," he said as he looked at the door that led from the roof. As Willow followed his gaze, she realized that Bastila and Vandar had spoken on the same thing. "I take it you have seen the attachment forming between Knight Shan and Padawan Baill?"

"Among others," answered Willow.

"Padawan Summers and Knight Mirin?"

Willow looked at the Jedi Master shocked.

"They do not hide it very well," said Vandar. "We have seen Dawn form attachments and of course understand why as she and you are cut off at least for now from your native universe. She of course already had an attachment to you. Then the Wookiee swears a life debt to her, creating a second. Then she unofficially adopts Mission Vao, creating a third. It was only a matter of time before a fourth was added."

"During my training and my own personal research, according to the Code, Jedi aren't supposed to form close friendships. That it could lead one to the dark side," said Willow.

"Ah, the Code. A most peculiar text. It has as many interpretations as there are Jedi Masters, or so it would seem. Some Masters indeed claim Jedi need to shun all closeness. I take it Bastila, who learned of that opinion from her own masters, taught it to you." When Willow nodded, a sad smile shadowed his features. "I was afraid of that. You and Dawn are not from our universe. To expect you both to remain faithful to the Code is arrogance on our part. And even if you did, the Code could be interpreted by some to mean that attachments should be allowed. After all it is a biological imperative for all of us to mate and bring forth the next generation. Now Willow look at the Code and interpret it how you see fit. If you think the Code allows for attachments then allow it."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Bastila was hurrying to the docks. Canderous Ordo would arrive any minute, which was their cue to leave. Everything was prepared for their journey, all that remained was load up Ordo's luggage and depart. She had her doubts about the gruff Mandalorian tagging along, but had been swayed by both Sarryn and Master Vandar. The wise master saw something in the war veteran, so perhaps he would be useful.

Ordo certainly didn't lack enthusiasm. When the invite came, he had responded excitedly, dropping all his current work to be part of the mission. Thanks to the war space travel from the planet he was currently working on to Dantooine was difficult, but fortunately for him he had made it just in time. Bastila would've departed without him all the same, but it seemed she was in no such luck.

Halfway to the docks she ran into Dawn and Mission. When she gave the Padawan a second look she stopped dead in her tracks. "D-Dawn? What on this Force-blessed planet are you wearing?"

Dawn gave her an indifferent shrug like there was nothing out of the ordinary. "Robes."

Bastila looked her over, seeing that her clothing indeed represented something like robes. Except that they were the most sensual set of robes she had ever seen. The base consisted of a set of white pants and sleeveless polo, each stretching over her body like a second layer of skin. It was so tight that Bastila feared it might tear apart if Dawn made a wrong move. At the back of her waist hung a black half skirt that waved out widely to the floor, giving her the dignified look of a true Jedi Knight. On her feet was a pair of comfortable looking black boots.

Dawn's arms were fully exposed for the world to see and she wore a pair of black, fingerless gloves. Draped over her shoulders was a set of spaulders made from black cloth. They were similar to the ones Bastila wore, but a bit higher and more pronounced. Together with the high, black collar she looked authoritative and slightly intimidating.

The collar hung open rather lazily, with the opening plunging down to give a view of her breasts. It wasn't in any way outrageous or vulgar, but actually very tasteful and empowering.

It was all white with black details, a perfect mix of angelic Jedi and demonic Sith. The only colored detail was the wide leather belt around her waist, which was of a deep brown similar to that of the standard Jedi robes. Her shoulder length hair was tied at the back in a ponytail – with a few strands escaping nonchalantly at the fringe – and she looked ready to jump right into action.

"Did you change your robes to try and attract Willow?" asked Bastila thinking that since Willow and Dawn were from Earth that the two of them might step up their friendship into a romantic relationship.

"No," said Dawn. "I'm a happily married woman. Though the change in robes was done before that."

"Dawn, the code forbids that except in the case of a special reward," said Bastila.

"Tell that to my Cathar wife," said Dawn. "You know as well as I that they mate for life."

"So, what do you think, will Mirin like mom's new outfit," Mission asked as she grinned at Dawn.

For the first time Bastila looked at the young Twi'lek and saw she was wearing a brand-new combat suit. This too was formfitting, but equipped with several armor inserts at strategic places. Whatever curves her lithe, adolescent body already had were accentuated by the suit and her arms were completely bare, just like Dawn's. The deep grey colored suit made the girl look a few years older and – Bastila had to be honest – quite pretty.

Mission saw her looking and smirked. "You know us Twi'leks, our race demands we need to look pretty for the boys."

"Or the girls," Dawn added playfully.

The girl huffed and gave Dawn a shove. "Shaddap, mom!"

"There is nothing wrong with being gay," said Dawn.

"Except that I ain't, you ogler!"

Dawn grabbed her chest in an exaggerated manner. "Why do you always wound my feelings? I merely wish the best for you."

Mission folded her arms and cocked an eyebrow. "So, the best for me is a thirteen-year-old Twi'lek girl with slightly too large breasts for her age, who – because she's too young for you to date – you couple to me so you can see her snogging anyway? Creep!"

"Err…" Dawn scratched her head awkwardly. "Have I ever told you you're way too smart for your own good?"

"You two are insufferable." Bastila couldn't suppress a tiny smile tugging at her lips. She gave Dawn a pointed look. "So… what's with the color scheme?"

"Isn't it obvious? The perfect combination of light and dark." Dawn pointed at her brown belt. "With a little Jedi ugly to show my current allegiance. See it as a sign of good will."

"How generous," the knight remarked dryly. "Well, let's head for the docks."

Bastila wanted to push past Dawn, but Dawn grabbed Bastila's arm to stop her. "You know I am not from your universe," Dawn said. "That Willow and I both accepted training for one reason only. To complete what I came here to do. But what happens when that is done? You didn't really expect that I would remain in the Jedi Order, did you? Willow and I have family and friends waiting for us to come home. I did not mate with Mirin lightly, Bastila. This decision was a long one on both mine and Mirin's parts. I debated it hard, especially when Mirin once we mated would follow me home."

Bastila sighed. "Dawn, if this were found out before you complete what you have to do. Both you and Mirin could be expelled from the Jedi Order."

"We know," said Dawn.

"Very well, against my better judgement I will not tell the Masters," said Bastila.

"Thank you," said Dawn.

"But I will stress you must be mindful of your emotions from here on out," said Bastila. "Let me remind you of our conversation about the discussion on attachments we had a little while back."

"I know," said Dawn. "I have to watch it or I could easily slip if Mirin were hurt," said Dawn.

"Good, let's head for the docks, Ordo should be here any minute. The faster we can leave the enclave, the better."

"I should warn you," said Dawn. "Sarryn had the same idea I did. I mean he got new robes as well."

Bastila sighed and she was sure she knew why he did it.

"He's not going to give up you know," said Dawn. "He's like me and Willow. He grew up outside the Order. To him falling in love is just natural."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Back at the docks most of the team had already assembled. Juhani, Mirin and Zaalbar were calmly chatting and when Mission rushed forward to join them, the Mirin greeted her with a smile.

Sarryn and Carth – who had been checking the Ebon Hawk's hull – approached Bastila and Dawn when they spotted them. Carth gave Dawn's new robes an appraising look-over. "Nice gear, Dawn," he said with a low whistle. "Not standard Jedi equipment, I take it?"

Dawn smirked. "Hardly." She seemed rather smug about the attention; Bastila had expected her to call him a lecher, at the very least.

At that moment the final companion made his entry. Canderous Ordo looked burly and gruff. His massive repeater was slung over his back as he lazily approached them. Sarryn and the Mandalorian acknowledged each other with a nod, but Bastila cut right to the chase. "Tell me, Mister Ordo, why should we trust you to take us on our mission?"

He regarded her for a moment. "Hasn't Baill informed you yet?"

The brunette glanced briefly at her apprentice, but didn't let up. "I'd like to hear it from your mouth."

The Mandalorian shrugged. "If you insist. Our people have been humiliated by those who now call themselves Sith. The clans have been wiped out like ants, calling it pathetic is an understatement. I plan to redeem my people by ending the Sith Empire." He gave the brunette a shrewd glance. "That is what your mission entails, isn't it?"

"You will receive a full briefing aboard the Ebon Hawk later tonight. Suffice to say our mission will indeed be critical in stopping the Sith armada."

That seemed to be enough for Ordo, because he nodded. "Imagine the people notorious for burning the galaxy now saving it from a similar threat. Imagine the glory it would bring us if I aided you in bringing down this tyrant."

"You'd be a hero," Sarryn chimed in, earning an angry look from Bastila.

"And then what?" she wanted to know. "Your people are known for bloodlust and war. You aided Exar Kun and scourged most of the Outer Rim during the Mandalorian Wars. How am I to know you don't plan on selling us out to Malak when you get the chance?"

"The Sith Empire is a threat to us both. I understand your concern, our less than honorable past has muddled your perception of us Mandalorians. Unfortunately, we could discuss this topic for hours and probably not come to a satisfactory conclusion. Let me say I'm not proud of what happened and wish to show the galaxy we're not blood lusting warriors, but merely misunderstood. Will you give me the chance to prove that?"

The brunette folded her arms. "It seems I have no choice in this matter, as Master Vandar wishes you to join. He is our wisest master, so perhaps you're indeed destined for great deeds. Just remember I have my eyes on you."

That elicited a dry chuckle from the burly mercenary as he looked at Mirin and Juhani, who had been watching him with killer intent pretty much constantly. "That makes three of you. If willingly walking into a Mandalorian deathtrap won't say enough about my good intentions, nothing will. I'm going to ease some of the friction with the Cathar, before their eyes burn a hole through my skull." He slouched off in Mirin and Juhani's direction, both of whom tensed up visibly.

Dawn watched her wife with concern. "I better go after him. Wouldn't want to have to bury the first body before we even depart."

"I'll go with you," said Sarryn.

While Ordo was speaking with Mirin, Sarryn, Dawn and Juhani and Mission was goofing around with Zaalbar, Bastila turned to Carth to discuss her concerns. He was as doubtful about the Mandalorian as she was, so they agreed to keep a close eye on him. It felt good to be able to rely on her best friend again, only now she realized she had missed it sorely. Carth and she were on the same wavelength most of the time, they made a good team.

As they were talking, they were suddenly alerted by the sound of clashing lightsabers. When they wheeled around, they saw Sarryn locking his lightsaber with Juhani's and Dawn locking hers with Mirin's, standing between them and Ordo to shield him from the weapons.

"Get the heck back." Dawn spoke with raised voice that was dripping with authority. "Or Sarryn and I will let them kill you."

As Bastila rushed towards them, she saw Mirin and Juhani's eyes breathing fire at Ordo. They were speaking in swift Catharese, no doubt cursing the Mandalorian. To their credit Dawn and Sarryn didn't flinch from the display of anger.

"I told you to get the heck back," Dawn repeated, even fiercer this time. She noticed Zaalbar approaching Mirin from behind. "Stand back, Zaalbar. Mirin is my mate; she is no threat to me. But Ordo is."

Zaalbar swiftly changed course and grabbed the Mandalorian and yanked him away violently from Dawn. Ordo landed with a roll and turned swiftly to the Wookiee. The Wookiee stood tall, shielding Dawn and Mirin. "Don't threaten, Dawn or her mate!" he thundered, taking a step towards the Mandalorian. Ordo quickly held up his palms, watching the mountain of muscles with genuine concern.

The Wookiee went for his bowcaster, forcing Ordo to grab for his repeater in defense.

"You should know Ordo that, Zaalbar has a life debt with me," said Dawn. "Which I assume also includes those I call family?"

"It does," said Zaalbar. "Mirin is included since she is your mate, Mission is included since she is your adopted daughter and Willow is included since she is considered to be your adopted sister."

"Adopted sister?" asked Willow as she looked at Dawn.

"Well technically we did kind of always have that relationship," admitted Dawn. "I always looked up to you as one of my big sisters, you know alongside Buffy."

Willow nodded as she smiled at Dawn.

"Put away your weapons, at once," Bastila ordered and everyone immediately complied. When they were all disarmed the knight turned to Mirin and Juhani. "I understand why the Mandalorian's presence bothers you both, but that doesn't give either of you an excuse to lash out at him."

"L-lash out?" Juhani watched her with big eyes. "We didn't attack him! Mirin and I merely showed him our weapons to make him back off. Dawn and Sarryn must've misread our intentions."

"Why did you want him to back off so badly?" Willow asked.

Ordo had joined their group, watching the Cathar with caution, and spoke up. "I tried to explain that my involvement in the destruction of Cathar was merely because I was following orders. I figured they'd understand, considering we come from a similar culture based on a strong hierarchy, but I guess I was wrong."

"Do not compare our people to yours!" Mirin snarled, eyes still burning with anger. "We were content with taking what we needed, nothing more!"

The Mandalorian wanted to counter, but Bastila didn't let him. "This is what you consider 'easing the friction'?"

"I meant no harm." When several sets of eyes regarded him angrily, he held up his palms. "Forget it, I get the message. I'll leave Mirin and Juhani alone until they're ready to move on." With a final wary look at the felines he entered the Ebon Hawk to get settled.

"He's a murderer, Bastila," hissed Juhani. "We cannot trust him."

"Master Vandar trusts him, and I trust his wisdom."

That had a big effect on both Mirin and Juhani, for they immediately slumped down and hung their heads in shame. "We apologize, Knight Shan, we merely wished to express our concern," said Mirin. "I assure you neither Juhani or I meant harm, but if you deem punishment necessary, I will accept it."

"I too will accept it," said Dawn as she wrapped an arm around Mirin indicating that since Mirin was her wife, she would accept punishment alongside Mirin and Juhani.

Bastila knew she had to be both diplomatic and crystal-clear right now, as it was her task to build a strong team. She briefly touched first Juhani, then Mirin and finally Dawn's arms and looked each of them in the eyes. "It was a misunderstanding; punishment won't be necessary. But none of you ever point your weapons at an ally again, unless he's an immediate threat to the team." Mirin, Dawn and Juhani made a deep bow and thanked the brunette. "I do appreciate it when you three speak your minds, so please don't refrain from that in the future. As long as it stays at words…"

"Yes ma'am, we will." Juhani said.

"As will I," added Dawn.

It was then that Sarryn thought it clever to chime in, "This is all so bloody confusing. Was it truly necessary to design your codes of honor like fucking minefields?"

Bastila wanted to curse Sarryn for his awful timing, but she saw Mirin and Juhani flaring up. Things threatened to escalate again, but at that exact moment Belaya came rushing towards them. "Oh no, oh no, oh no. They told me there was turmoil at the docks. Ju, you didn't…"

Juhani immediately moved to intercept her lover. "It didn't come to blows," she assured. Belaya saw her killer intent aimed at Sarryn and led the tall alien away around the ship, no doubt to find a place of privacy to calm her lover.

Dawn looked at Mirin and she led her wife after Juhani and Belaya.

Carth had to add his two cents. "Should've expected this. Inviting politics in a military operation is never a good idea."

"I hope that Dawn and Belaya can calm Mirin and Juhani," said Willow. "From what we know of Juhani and Dawn's fight and watching Juhani and Mirin on the mission, the Cathar could definitely give just about anyone a run for their money."

Bastila placed her forehead in the palm of her hand and had to count to ten. "Sarryn, is it truly so hard to show at least some respect for their culture?" she finally dared asking through gritted teeth.

Carth quickly excused himself to make the final preparations to the ship. Mission was still soothing Zaalbar a few yards away, so Bastila was left behind with Willow and Sarryn. "

"I am not sure about this new dynamic," said Bastila as she looked toward where Dawn and Mirin had gone. "Everything seems to be breaking down before we even depart. Tension in the group is almost palpable."

"Might I suggest that leadership be shared?" suggested Willow. "Since the two of you and Dawn share this bond. Maybe the three of you can be backbone of the team on which the others can build?"

"Willow makes a good point," said Sarryn. "As it is right now, we're segregated into mini-teams. Dawn has hers, and you and I have ours. Dawn has Mirin, Willow, Mission and Zaalbar. You and I have Juhani, Carth and Canderous. If we want to succeed, we need to be one team, not two teams working for similar goals."

"You both make good points," said Bastila.

Willow nodded and smiled. She headed into the ship.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Bastila looked around to the spot where Juhani, Belaya, Dawn and Mirin had gone and clacked her tongue impatiently. "They sure take their time." She then marched after them, planning to grab them and pull them into the ship.

Sarryn rushed after her. "Wait Bastila, I don't think that's a good…" The two of them stopped dead in their tracks when they had rounded the ship, spotting the two couples in impossible positions. "…idea."

A good sixty feet away from them Juhani was locked in a deep kiss with Belaya, just as Mirin was with Dawn. Juhani and Belaya and Mirin and Dawn's bodies were tightly pressed together in an entanglement of limbs, completely oblivious to the rest of the world. Bastila watched them with open mouth, unable to repress the thought how incredibly right they seemed.

Bastila gave Sarryn a sideway glance, watching his handsome face looking back at her. A barrage of thoughts hit her. Her eyes were drawn to Sarryn's lips, noticing they were moist and slightly parted. They were looking extremely inviting and she impulsively leaned in just a bit. When she realized what she was doing she had half a mind to pull back, but Sarryn finished the motion by placing his hand between Bastila's shoulder blades and pressing their lips together.

Their kiss was tender, almost chaste, but sent an array of feelings coursing through Bastila's body that were completely new to her. The soft texture coupled with electricity and warmth, but also strength and love. It was exactly what she needed; her insecurity was instantly wiped away, the madness from before was calmed down and the feeling of solitude was crumble by the support, she felt from Sarryn.

When they pulled back, they both sighed. "I'm sorry Bastila." Bastila was startled by Sarryn's soft apology, wondering what it was for. "Sorry for making you feel like a piece of meat earlier. I didn't mean it in a bad way, I just love to compliment you because I can't bring myself over the fact how impossibly beautiful you are. But my horrible sense of humor made it come out completely the wrong way."

Bastila smiled softly and tenderly stroked Sarryn's cheek. "We've got our work cut out for us." When she saw Sarryn's confused look she continued, "Trying to finish the star map while preventing our team from killing each other. I'm glad I don't have to do it alone." She caught Sarryn's gaze. "I'm glad you're here with me."

The sincerity of her words made Sarryn swallow and avert his eyes. "No one ever said that to me."

The sad whisper was so full of desolation that it nearly broke Bastila as well. She embraced the man she loved. "I mean it," she softly murmured in Sarryn's ear. "You're not alone anymore."

"Good to know," Sarryn whispered hoarsely. They looked the other in the eye, until Bastila leaned in for another soft kiss, wanting to experience the beautiful sensation once again.

A cough startled them and they quickly separated, wheeling around to see who made the noise. They had been so engrossed in each other that they hadn't heard Dawn, Mirin, Belaya and Juhani approaching. Dawn and Belaya were beaming at them, while Mirin and Juhani regarded them with a satisfied expression. Bastila blushed self-consciously, but Sarryn greeted them openly with a grin. Dawn and Belaya went as far to congratulate them – which Bastila didn't quite know how to respond to – after which Belaya said her final goodbye to the five of them by giving them a firm hug, even Bastila.

After kissing Juhani one last time Belaya returned to the enclave, while the five other Jedi returned to the Ebon Hawk's entrance, where Mission, Zaalbar and Carth were waiting for them. Zaalbar had calmed down and Mission seemed almost giddy, smiling broadly at Dawn. "Mom, you just had to take it one step further, didn't you? A pink lightsaber?

Honestly?"

Dawn smirked. "It's violet, you colorblind imp."

"Riiight."

"It's not one of the standard colors, is it?" Carth asked curiously.

Dawn gave him a feigned look of offense. "Do I look like a standard Jedi to you?"

He looked her tight robes over and grinned. "Definitely not. So… any deeper meaning?"

"Violet is the perfect blend of Sith red and Jedi blue. I don't pick sides; I merely do what I reckon is best."

His face fell. "I've heard that before," he said, sounding like his old, suspicious self. "Revan claimed he followed a similar path. If I recall correctly, he called it a 'Grey Jedi'. Look, we all know what happened to Revan and her so-called grey path. Is it truly…?"

"Carth, please," interrupted a tired looking Bastila. "By questioning Dawn you're questioning me as her master." That shut him up effectively, though he still looked wary. Bastila sighed. "Let's just go."

She ushered her team inside the Ebon Hawk. Mission and Zaalbar happily entered the ship, with Carth and Juhani coming right after them. Dawn and Mirin brought up the rear.

Bastila watched the gangway with trepidation. Of all the battlefields she had ever entered, the Ebon Hawk was certainly the worst one. Everyone seemed to have a problem with everyone, making her task seem much more daunting. She had half a mind of returning to the enclave to tell them they had to send experienced master instead of her, until she felt fingers intertwine with hers and squeezing gently. When she looked around, she saw Sarryn smiling softly at her. She returned the smile, feeling heartened by the sign of affection. At least she wasn't alone in this.

They entered the ship together.