Chapter 20: Tatooine Part 4

"Query: Must we walk so far, Master? I am eager to kill something soon!"

"I cannot believe this," Bastila muttered. "I cannot believe you bought us an assassination droid!"

"Well we needed to find Mission," Dawn reminded Bastila as she, Bastila, Sarryn, Mission and HK were walking along the streets of Tatooine, HK trailing behind the living beings.

"Statement: I can assure you, as long as my programming blocks hold, Jedi meatbag, I will not attack anyone the Master deems allies."

"Yet I am not assured," Bastila muttered.

They were nearing a cantina when a Duros came out, grumbling and brushing past them. HK's arm shot out to grab the alien. "Threat: Mind your place, meatbag, or I will crush your oversized head!"

"HK, let him go!" Dawn yelled.

The alien opened its metal hand to let the alien drop. It gasped and rubbed his throat. "First that human woman rails at me, then I almost get killed by a psychotic droid? I'm taking the first ship off this planet!"

"Human woman?" Sarryn wondered.

The Duros nodded. "In the cantina. I swear, 'Helena' must be your language's word for rancor!"

"Helena?" Sarryn stared at Bastila. Since the kiss on Dantooine, Bastila had told him about some of her life. "Bastila…isn't that your mother's name?"

Bastila frowned. "Yes but…well, it's a common name, I can't imagine why my mother would be here of all places."

"Oh, she's here all right!" the Duros continued. "You couldn't miss her if you tried! Going on and on about her Jedi daughter and how she's a dying woman yet strong enough to make sure no one gets near her! If you want to look for her, go ahead! Humans! You're all mad!" Shaking his head, he marched away.

Dawn was a bit surprised to see Bastila's emotional reaction to this news. She looked at Sarryn, who sighed. "From what Bastila told me, she and her mom…never got along. Her father she was on good terms with but her mother…"

"My mother," Bastila broke in. "Dragged him off on one treasure hunt after another, forcing him to cater to her needs. My father cried the day the Jedi came to take me and Thara to the Academy but my mother…" She sniffed. "She no doubt was grateful she didn't have to waste any time coddling us on her journeys."

Sarryn pursed his lips. "Are you going to go see her?"

Bastila shook her head. "Why? I see no reason. We said what we needed to a long time ago."

Dawn bit her lips. "Listen, Bastila…I know you're not close but…she's still your mother. She deserves at least a little consideration."

"Padawan…"

Dawn cut her off. "When my Mom died…we left so much unspoken between us. If I had a chance to see her again, to talk to her again. I'd take it in a heartbeat. Maybe you should do the same."

Bastila considered her words and slowly nodded. "I suppose I can at least listen." She took a deep breath. "Come then. Let's try to make this quick." She led the way toward the cantina nearby.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"Me too," Canderous rumbled. "It's almost as dull as Dantooine around here. I may end up going with the others just to get some excitement."

"Then I've got an alternative," a cold, harsh voice said from not far behind them. The group turned to see a man who seemed to be a Mandalorian glaring viciously at Canderous. He had skin darkened by the sun with short black hair and wore a thin suit of blue armor. "So, we meet again, Canderous. It has been quite a long time."

For the first time since they'd met him, Canderous appeared to be at a complete loss for words. He stared at the man, jaw open and eyes wide, utterly stunned. "Jagi?" he finally choked out.

"You know him, Canderous?" Willow asked, though her gaze didn't move from the intruder.

"He... he was a warrior under my command up to the battle of Althir." Canderous told her, "But I thought..."

"You thought I was dead, didn't you!" Jagi shouted, "You thought all of us that you had sent on that attack had perished! You sent us to die in a foolish attack while you directed your forces elsewhere! You broke from the battle plan and let us die for it, so that you could have the 'honor' of being the first to the enemy commander!"

"I... I did what was prudent at the time." Canderous protested. "If I had not done it, the battle would have..."

"The battle would have been won anyway!" Jagi interrupted, "I am tired of your excuses, Canderous. I have spent years tracking you down since the clans were banished, and I will not rest until I have had my vengeance!"

Mirin glared at him, "What are you planning?"

"I challenge you Canderous. I challenge you to fight the fight you fled that day above Althir," Jagi declared. "In the dune seas, I will be waiting for you. I have spread the news of the challenge since I learned you had landed on this world. All the surviving Mandalorian clans know of what I do here, and that we shall meet on the Dune Sea to settle this debt of vengeance once and for all. If you fail to meet me there, you shall be stripped of all honor and forever cast out of our society. It will be you and me alone in the dune seas of Tatooine: a final battle that can only end in death. I shall be waiting for you there, Canderous." With a final arrogant glare, Jagi turned and left.

As one, everyone turned to focus on Canderous. The warrior was getting over his shock, his face now set hard. He knew what they wanted to know and spoke. "Jagi was a warrior under my command up to the battle of Althir."

"It was one of the last planets the Mandalorians destroyed before the Republic declared war on them." Carth said. "You were there?"

Canderous nodded. "Yes. In one battle, my unit managed to defeat a force of Althiri ten times our own size. That battle gained me command of an entire sub-sect of my clan. For five days they had managed to hold off our forces, keeping us to the outer rings of their world, preventing us from attacking it directly." Canderous lit a cigar and took a slow, deep drag. "My task was to assault one of their flanks with a false attack. The Althiri would be drawn out by the units I had sent in. Once they had surrounded those units, the bulk of my forces would attack from the rear and defeat them."

"Not a bad plan," Mirin noted. "What happened?"

"Things did not go as I had planned. I saw an opening - a mistake they had made in the disposition of their forces and took it! While fending off our main force, they had let their fleet split in two! The center of their entire fleet was left exposed! I turned my forces and assaulted the center of their fleet, decimating them!"

"You disobeyed your orders." Carth said, disapproval displayed by the hard line of his jaw.

"It was a chance given to a warrior once or twice in a lifetime. The chance to change the course of history in a single act. Their slow, ponderous ship could not turn to face us without being overwhelmed. Their command vessels were destroyed in seconds. Their ranks were thrown into chaos."

"If you won, then why does Jagi want to kill you?" Willow asked.

"Because when he turned his forces to attack the middle, he left his own men without cover. Those men he sent in, on the false attack, must have been slaughtered." Contempt dripped from Carth's voice.

Canderous stood and faced off against Carth. "If I had not attacked when I did, the battle would not have been won so easily! The Althiri were fighting hard. I saw a break in their defenses that left their center exposed. I had to take the chance. I stand by my decision."

Carth took a step forward, itching to fight. "You were given direct orders and were part of a plan! You had a responsibility to…"

"You've been in battle!" Canderous shouted. "You know that you have to take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you! You're going to tell me you've never broken rank or taken a chance against your superior's orders to win a battle!"

Willow held up her hands as she stepped between them. "Settle down." She looked at Canderous. "So, you're going to go fight this guy?"

"I must," Canderous stated. "It is a matter of honor."

Willow nodded. "All right, we're going with." As Canderous opened his mouth, she cut in. "I don't trust him to keep his word."

"She is right," Juhani stated. "When he said he would be alone, I felt his aura flash with deceit."

Canderous thought and slowly nodded. "Fine. I must prepare for it." He headed to the ship, leaving the others to reflect on how seriously their companion took his honor.

"Just when I think I've got that guy figured out…" Carth muttered.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

The cantina was a bit darker and not as clean as the ones on Taris. It was much cooler inside, a combination of air machines and the architecture of the building. As the group entered, Dawn turned to HK. "HK, maybe you'd better stay outside. The customers may not like having you around."

"Statement: Oh certainly, Master. Mistreat your poor droid."

Dawn looked to Mission. "Honey, stay with him and make sure he doesn't kill anyone."

"Ah, come on, mom," Mission objected.

"Mission Vao-Summers," Dawn started shaking her head.

Mission sighed. "Come on," she told the droid.

"Complaint: Master, must you muzzle me so?"

Dawn just rolled her eyes and followed Sarryn and Bastila. They were coming to the rear of the cantina where a woman sat at a table. She resembled Bastila but her face seemed older than she really was, wrinkled and lined, her light brown hair pulled in a severe bun and she wore light tan clothing. She glanced up at the newcomers and frowned. "Yes? Can I help you?"

"I am here, Mother," Bastila said curtly. "Or don't you recognize me?"

The older woman's face furrowed in confusion before turning into surprise, which quickly turned bitter. "What you do expect, when I've not so much as had a picture of you since you left? Do you even realize how long I've been trying to find you and Thara?"

"You knew that communication would be impossible once we joined the Order," Bastila's tone could have frozen the desert. "Now, what is this about? Where is Father?"

Helena couldn't fake the paling of her cheeks, or the stunned blinking. "Then… you've not heard. I should have known."

"What's happened to him? Are you going to tell me or not?"

"He is dead, Bastila. That's one of the reasons I was trying to find you and your sister."

This hit her, sending her stammering. "Dead? Father?" Bastila shook her head and fired back at her mother. "What happened? What did you get him into that killed him?"

Helena looked up at Dawn for the first time and mistaking her for her deceased daughter. "Well, now. Hasn't this been a lovely reunion? Already flinging insults at me, already accusing me…What about you, Thara…Are you going to treat me this way?"

"I'm not your daughter," Dawn answered. "My name is Dawn."

"Thara died two years ago, mother," Bastila added.

Helen slowly nodded as if she had suspected or known that. She looked back at Dawn. "Then tell me, since you are obviously her friend. Do you treat your mother this way?"

"My mom died suddenly around a year ago ma'am," Dawn stated in a cool tone. "And I will admit there isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish I could have another day with her, if only to say goodbye."

Bastila sighed in frustration. "I was told you were ill. Is it the truth, or simply melodrama for my benefit?"

"Such sweet words," Helena threw back. "I hadn't realized Jedi could be so spiteful." She shook her head and sighed. "All right, I'll tell you everything before we start arguing again. You want me to tell you that I brought him here on an expedition and lured him to his death, right? You weren't old enough to understand. Your father loved his treasure hunting, but I was to blame for everything. What else is new?" Helena crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair. "So, yes. Your father came here to hunt for krayt dragon pearls. He took a party into the desert, and he perished. One of the guides saw it all."

"I…see," Bastila said heavily. "So, what do you want from me? Credits?"

"Don't be insulting. I want you to use those senses of yours if you can. I'd like you to find and bring back his holocron."

"Why? So, you can sell it?" Bastila asked.

"Is it too much to ask that I have something to remember your father by?" She threw up her hands. "Of course, it is, isn't it? You can't be bothered."

"We're on a mission from the Jedi Council, not on a treasure hunt, Mother. I doubt we'll have the time."

"Bastila, come on," Dawn said. "She is sick…"

"It doesn't seem to have anything to do with what she was asking," Bastila said. "Are you actually ill, mother?"

The elder Shan sniffed. "It would make no difference to you, I'm sure. Just find your father's holocron and you won't have to worry about me ever again."

"And that's the response I would expect," Bastila said. "Very well, we'll look if we've a chance. I can't promise more than that."

"The krayt cave is in the Eastern Dune Sea, past the Sand People enclave. I would check along that route. Do please hurry."

The group exited into the daylight, Bastila's face tight. Sarryn and Dawn put a hand on her shoulders. "Are you okay?" Sarryn softly asked.

Bastila let out a long breath. "I do not know. All this time apart and now learning of Father…it is much to take in."

Dawn was about to reply when she realized they were alone. "Where are…"

They heard a yell from an alleyway, followed by a loud metallic voice. "Warning: Let go of the blue meatbag or I shall crush you!"

There was the familiar sound of a lightsaber being ignited and then HK's voice came back, almost sounding joyful. "Gratitude: Thank you, dark enigmatic meatbags! You have just made my planetary revolution!"

The three Jedi were off in a flash, lightsabers igniting as they entered the alleyway. They saw a trio of Dark Jedi, red lightsabers out and facing HK and Mission. Mission was lying against the wall she'd been hurled into, holding her side in pain. HK was already moving forward, an attachment coming out of his forearm.

"More of you?" Dawn said shaking her head. She looked at Bastila. "Malak must want you pretty bad."

There was a flash and then a billow of flame shot out to engulf one Dark Jedi. The man screamed in agony as he raced about on fire. He collapsed in front of Dawn who didn't even pause to look before charging into the fray. She and one Dark Jedi began to duel, their lightsabers clashing. Bastila was behind, attacking the other man who stood up surprisingly well to her dual blades. Sarryn did his best to press Dawn's opponent, who backed up as he blocked their attempted strikes. He managed to deflect one of Sarryn's blows but it left him open for a lunging strike from Dawn that pierced his midsection.

The man screamed as he fell back and hit something hard. At first, he thought it was the wall until a cold metallic hand grasped the top of his neck. There was the whine of servos and the last thing the Dark Jedi saw was HK-47's metallic face as his head was turned completely around.

As the Dark Jedi's corpse fell, Bastila used one of her favored moves, spinning her lightsaber so the dual blades flashed as a distraction. She suddenly stopped it in mid-spin to strike. One blade knocked aside her opponent's weapon and the other sliced through his chest.

As the last of the would-be assassins fell, Dawn moved to Mission. "Pum'kin belly, are you okay?" she asked with concern.

The Twi'lek grimaced. "Yeah, mom…sorry, those guys grabbed us. Demanded to know where you were and were ready to cut my lekku off if I didn't tell them."

"Statement: While I admire their methods, I made it clear to these Sith meatbags I would not allow harm to come to one of your party, Master."

"Thanks, HK," Dawn said.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

At the end of Anchorhead was a large metallic gate that led the way to the Dune Sea. Dawn, Sarryn, Bastila, Mission and HK were heading toward it as a Jawa rushed up to them.

"You there, of your kind, can you help Iziz of Jawa? There are troubles from the ghosts among the sands."

"What is it you want, Iziz?" Dawn asked.

"Iziz, I am. Leader of the tribe that is mine. You are the same in kind, a leader that stands before your tribe?" Iziz asked. "There are troubles that we have. The giants made of sand; they are horned ghosts that take us away. "

Sarryn looked to the droid. "HK?"

"Translation: 98 percent probability that members of the miniature organics tribe are being held by Sand People. Doubtless he wishes assistance."

"What about the other 2 percent?" Dawn warily asked.

"Translation: 2 percent probability that the miniature organic is simply looking for trouble and needs to be blasted." The droid paused and then gave a slight shrug. "Admission: That may be wishful thinking on my part, Master."

Sighing, Dawn turned back to the Jawa. "What is it you need from us?"

"There has been no help given by asking the great group that digs with machines. Now Iziz asks you. I ask that you find us, and then bring away from the People of Sand. Then we will offer a trade with you. Long have we scavenged, among you and those that came before. We have things that you will like for this service."

"Why have they taken your people? " Bastila asked, obviously understanding his language.

"We find things, and they use them. Jawas slave, serving. They lead with the whip and gaffi. With the group that digs, we trade and are free. With people of sand, we serve and die. We prefer you," Iziz noted.

"We are looking for something called a Star Map. Can you help?" Sarryn asked.

Though they really couldn't see his face and his eyes were constantly glowing yellow, Iziz seemed to brighten up, his aura radiating hope. "These are things I know! Yes! From those that came before, the guide to lights far and away!" Iziz chirped. "I can tell you. Please, first help the tribe of Iziz among the People of Sand and we will trade what we each need. "

"You'll tell me after I help you?" Vance clarified.

"Warning: More likely the deceiving little organic hopes to trick you into going there so you release his people while searching, Master." HK seriously noted.

"Regardless," Bastila stated. "We can use all the help we can get finding the Star Map. We shall help," she told the Jawa.

The small creature nodded. "Good! Good! Go to help our tribe, you are! Thank you, great big ones! Thank you!" He waddled off as the group moved toward the waiting gate.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Leaving the city limits made the group realize how harsh Tatooine was. It wasn't so much the oppressive heat as the twin suns. They beat down mercilessly, giving no opportunity for shade or refuge from the heat. It also reflected off the sand, making the dunes even brighter and making the entire group happy they'd purchased some shaded glasses and goggles.

"Scratch this place off my list of potential vacation destinations," Sarryn announced as the gates to Anchorhead shut behind them.

They had barely made it out the gate when a woman stopped them, eying them with suspicion, "Hello there. You're heading out to the desert? You're hunters, right? You must be if you've been allowed to leave Anchorhead. When you see Tanis, and I know you know him, tell him his wife hopes he enjoys the anniversary gift."

"What makes you think we know him?" Dawn asked.

"Don't play dumb. You're just another of his playthings down at that 'hunting' club," the woman said coldly, "I know your type through and through."

"Query: Shall I blast this insulting female meatbag, Master?" HK asked, weapon at the ready.

"At ease, HK," Dawn said as she looked at the woman. "Just what are you talking about? What message is this?"

The woman blinked and shrugged, "Just a little something to remember me by. Something that symbolizes our years together. Something that will blow up in his face, " she gleefully added, "Of course, he'll never understand how appropriate it is. He can't talk his way out of this one. He's not smart enough."

"You sound like you're planning to kill him." Bastila warily noted.

"Oh, I'm through planning," the woman said, "I just left him a little mess that he has to take care of. If he's smart, he'll be just fine." She smiled cruelly. "But he's not smart. Like I said, when you see him, tell him his wife Marlena says hello." She turned and ran into Anchorhead.

"Okay…at least that wasn't weird," Mission dryly noted.

Dawn rolled her eyes. "Man oh man, Anya would have had a field day in this galaxy."

They made their way toward the direction of the Tusken Village and hadn't gone too far when they came across the odd site of a tall man surrounded by four spider-shaped droids. "Anyone out there...?" he called out. "Could you help? I seem to be... ah... doomed."

"Let me guess," Sarryn remarked as they walked up to him. "That must be Tanis."

"Hey there, thanks for stopping. I appreciate it," Tanis said gratefully. "I've been stuck without water for hours. Wasn't looking good. Could you... " He stopped and his smile became a leer as he took in Dawn and Bastila. "Well, well, looks like I lucked out on rescuers today."

Mission moved in front of Dawn protectively. Dawn smiled as she wrapped an arm around her daughter. "Your wife Marlena says 'hi'," Dawn said, just as gleefully as Marlena had.

"I'll bet she does," Tanis scowled, "She's decided I've finally worn out my welcome, and she's 'fixed' my droids to do her dirty work. "

"This should be interesting. " Bastila muttered.

"I triggered some sort of trap she programmed. She probably figured I wouldn't be smart enough to get out." He stopped and shrugged. "Uh, she was right. I'd, ahh, really appreciate a bit of help. Please?"

"I say leave him." Even HK seemed surprised to hear it was Bastila who said that.

"You're pretty heartless for such a pretty lady, you know that?" Tanis noted to her, the usual leer back in his voice.

Bastila snorted, "I take it back. Let´s go congratulate his wife."

"Never knew you had it in you, Bastila," Sarryn noted with a smirk.

"Maybe you bring it out in me," Bastila retorted as she grinned at Sarryn.

"Commentary: I say we blast the meatbag and save you the trouble, Master," HK suggested.

"What's with all the droids, lately? My wife get to you too?" Tanis whined to the assassin droid.

"Negative. I just don't like organic meatbags. Except for the Master, of course. Ha ha."

"Come on!" Tanis begged. "I'll die out here! If the droids don't kill me, I'll pass out from thirst."

"Sucks to be you," Dawn stated.

"Come on!" Tanis yelled.

The Jedi exchanged glances and then sighs. "Damn, that Code can be inconvenient," Dawn muttered as she headed to one of the droids. Sarryn went to another and quickly managed to fix its programming. Dawn's technical skills weren't as advanced but the droid was basic enough to handle. Soon, all four were falling to the sand in piles.

Tanis let out a long sigh. "Oh, man, thanks a lot! Really!" He made a move to hug Buffy but one look at her face stopped him. "Um…I should, ah…get going back."

"Excellent idea," Bastila bit out. They watched the man scamper back to Anchorhead as quick as he could. The elder Jedi sighed as she turned back to the others. "As much as I hate to say it, there are times when I can almost understand the Sith's treatment of certain people."

"Observation," HK piped up. "A healthy blood lust is just the thing to keep one's spirits alive."

"Let's hope we don't have to use it too much," Sarryn said as they continued on their way through the desert.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Willow, Mirin, Carth and Juhani were marching through the dunes, following Canderous. The Mandalorian was ready for battle, having donned an old war suit. His rifle was pushed aside in favor of a long vibroblade. His face was stern and emotionless as he kept the march on.

They moved over a dune and stopped. Jagi was standing in a small valley, also holding a blade. Behind him were a half dozen local mercenaries of various types, all loaded for bear.

"This was predictable," Willow muttered.

"So, Canderous," Jagi announced. "You decided to bring aid? Despite this being a duel of honor?"

"What are they supposed to be?" Canderous argued, motioning to the men behind Jagi. "An honor guard?"

"Just making sure you stick to the rules, Canderous," Jagi stated.

The Mandalorian's face was tight. "Unlike some, I still have honor, Jagi."

"Then prove it," Jagi said, hefting his blade.

Canderous moved in, pulling his blade up. The others kept an eye on him as the two Mandalorians faced each other. They held their blades in salutes and then moved in. The air was soon filled with sparks as metal hit metal and they moved about on the sand.

The group had never seen two Mandalorians fighting like this and it was impressive. Even Mirin and Juhani were thrown by the pure ferocity the two showed as Jagi cut Canderous along the mid-section. The man hissed and struck back, kicking a foot of sand into Jagi's eyes. The man hissed and backed up, wiping his face as Canderous moved in, sword flashing. Jagi managed to block a few blows, eyes watering as he tried to get his footing. Canderous spun about and jammed his sword into the man's chest. Jagi yelled in pain as he fell forward.

One of the mercenaries pulled a pistol and aimed it at Canderous. The gun flew out of his hand and across the sands into Willow's. Willow had her lightsaber ignited, as did Mirin and Juhani. Carth already had his blasters out. The mercenaries were smart enough to know they were outmatched and wisely kept their distance.

Jagi knelt on the sand, blood pouring onto the ground beneath him. He looked up at Canderous, who held his blade high. "Do it," he hissed. "Go on. Do it."

Canderous held the blade high and then brought it down. It landed right before Jagi's face. The man stared at it, then at Canderous with a baffled look. The elder Mandalorian knelt down, his jaw set. "Do it yourself," he hissed. "This was your idea, Jagi. You wanted a duel of honor. End it with honor."

Jagi stared at him for a long moment and something resembling respect flickered in his eyes. Nodding, he hefted the sword and turned it so the blade was pointing up. Taking a deep breath, he fell forward so the blade sliced into his jaw and through the top of his head.

"Oh, goddess," Willow winced, turning her head away. "It can't be through the heart like any normal suicide?"

Jagi's body fell forward, Canderous staring down at it. He lifted his head up to stare at the mercenaries and pointed back to Anchorhead. "Get out of my sight. I don't care about whatever money he owed you. Just take your lives as payment." He continued to glare as the mercenaries slowly walked away.

Willow took a step forward but Canderous, his back still to her, held up a hand. "I must bury him," he said. "This is a private matter."

Nodding, Willow backed up along with the others. "Amazing," Carth muttered. "I would never have guessed he had it in him." He rubbed his chin. "Still something. Jagi hates him enough to hunt him throughout the galaxy and ends up taking his own life over it."

"Hate's a funny thing," Willow stated. She looked to Carth. "I'd think you'd know something about that."

Carth frowned, knowing what she was talking about. "You know why I want to kill Saul, Willow."

"And then what?"

Carth frowned. "You mean after I kill him?"

"Yeah. What happens afterwards?"

Carth shrugged and looked away. "I never thought about it. I suppose I always assumed that I would be dead once Saul was."

Fear trickled through Willow, like ice water dripping down her spine. "Why? What kind of risks do you plan on taking?" she said, her face tight and angered.

Carth held up his hands defensively. "Understand that whenever I envisioned taking on Saul in the past, it was always as the captain of my own ship or alone. In those cases, I would risk everything. I'm not in the same situation, now. I wouldn't risk hurting any of you. If I saw Saul, however, if I had the chance, I don't know what I would do. I really don't. I mean his death has been my entire focus for so long."

"And then nothing?" Willow said. "You figure you might as well die with him?" She shook her head. "I may not have known your wife, Carth, but I kind of doubt she'd want that."