Disclaimer: I. Own. Nothing. Thanks.

Ah, hey guys, been a while, right? As I have always said, I'm still here, just sometimes floating a little aimlessly. I have resurfaced with more content

and my page has a life update for you if you're interested. I won't bore you with details so I'll just be happy to announce the new chapter!

Please enjoy and bless you all for still being here with me!

~SilverShards~

Chapter 33: The Mistakes We Made

"If you make the mistake of looking back too much, you aren't focused enough on the road in front of you."

Ah, Tatooine.

Typical that this would be the next stop.

This blasted place was one wind storm away from being swept away into the far reaches of the galaxy- where it belonged.

There was a reason Jolee had only ever been to Tatooine once and then never again. And that didn't have anything to do with him being stranded on the forest floor of Kashyyyk for decades. It was just a giant dust ball that should never have been able to sustain life but yet, here we were. Jolee hated it. When you spend a good deal of your life in one particular climate, a drastic change such as this was rarely welcomed.

He groaned and somehow missed how damp Kashyyyk had been. His skin was cracked and his head felt like a thousand sunburns clumped together despite the cover he wore to protect his fragile scalp. And don't even get him started on the sand.

The sand simply got everywhere.

He licked his parched lips, waiting outside the Cantina in Anchorhead. Moments ago, he had seen Bastila conversing with someone, before hurriedly slipping inside the Cantina by herself. Once Bastila was gone, the woman in question went about her business, slightly concerned from what Jolee could gather. This woman wasn't anyone from the crew, nor did they look like any kind of official who would be able to get them closer to the Star Map.

Who was she?

And what have they said to Bastila?

Whatever it was, it put her in a mood. Jolee wasn't going to just casually approach her and ask, that was suicidal. But, he was curious and didn't have anything better to do. Best to just watch from afar and keep an eye out. She was a hot headed girl so left to her own devices and she could be put in quite the spot. She was obviously frazzled by whatever was said and for Bastila to voluntarily enter a Cantina was a humorous thought to Jolee.

Samirah and the others split up to cover more ground and Jolee just figured that the youngsters could handle that sort of thing on their own. He wasn't exactly eager to find himself out in the dunes of Tatooine so soon.

After a few minutes had passed, and after he felt a tickle in his throat, Jolee made the courageous decision to follow after and quietly entered the Cantina.

When the doors opened up, he was momentarily both blinded and deafened by the lack of light and the surplus of typical cantina music. There was a time in his life when Jolee despised this music.

Hearing it now, he realized, that he still did.

Taking a precursory glance around the cantina, he spotted Bastila at the bar and proceeded to sit quietly in a booth in the corner. The usual scowl on her face being her biggest give away. She obviously was not enjoying the conversation.

Jolee chuckled. What conversation did that girl enjoy?

A young Twi'lek girl came up to him, a perfectly timed smile in place as she handed him a menu to which he promptly handed back.

"Just a black tea, dearie. Preferably Alderaanian if available. And if you have any of those crisps with the sauce? A bowl of those too. I'm tired of synthesized food..." She tilted her head, slightly perplexed but nodded and left without a word.

He sat there quietly, keeping to himself as he took cautionary glances at Bastila, careful to not stir up any suspicion. He took note of how rigid Bastila was. She seemed to be uncomfortably talking to an older woman whom seemed to slightly resemble Bastila. They both shared the same scowl on their face, the same flippant gestures and every now and again, one of them would raise their voice at the other. Luckily they weren't drawing as much attention as one would expect.

Jolee didn't need to see anything else as he became aware of who she might be talking too. The thought made him smirk.

Now why would she be meeting her mother on Tatooine?

"Jolee…? Jolee Bindo?"

He was startled for a moment, as he looked up to see a man looking down at him. A man he vaguely recognized though he didn't believe it.

"Well, I'll be a Wookiee's uncle. Davin! Davin Kotras! " He clapped Jolee on the back with more force and vigor than Jolee had expected. He grunted a bit as Davin chuckled.

"Why, you old freak! Last time I saw you, you were still wandering the galaxy in that old tug. I thought you were dead, old man!"

Jolee chuckled as he offered Davin a seat at the table, which he graciously took.

"I crashed somewhere and decided to stay." Jolee said, remembering the not so fond memory, rather fondly. Destiny had a weird way of working out.

"Now that's a story I've got to hear." He laughed. He waved at the waitress, trying to get her attention before looking back at Jolee with a smirk.

"Damn, old man, you look exactly the same as the last time I saw you! You pickle well."

Jolee had to thank the forest floor for keeping him moisturized then.

"Yes, well, I'm not the young lad I used to be. Neither are you, for that matter." He said looking Davin up and down, finally taking a real good look at his old friend. "Looks like you've been on this dust ball for too many years or do you always look like a Krayt Dragon just spat you out." Davin grabbed at his heart as they both fell into a fit of laughter.

It had been many, many, MANY years since they had spoken. Even more years since laughing like school boys. He had known Davin from way back when. When he had a full head of hair. When he was a neophyte Jedi learner. During the Jedi Civil War. He smiled inwardly, albeit a bit bitterly, at the thought of just how strange destiny really could be. Of all the places to find Davin Kotras...

"Seeing as how you've suddenly resurfaced from the dead, I take it you've heard about Sunry…"His voice trailed off as he leaned back in his chair, a melancholy look on his face. "A real shame, there's just no justice in-"

"- Wait, what have you heard? What happened to Sunry?" Jolee lurched forward, his palm falling hard and flat against the table, startling Davin a bit. Jolee flinched at his own outburst and leaned back a bit. "Sorry, old friend. It seems I've been living in the forest for too long. Does terrible things to your table manners. Please, tell me what's become of Sunry."

"Jolee… I… He's been arrested for murder."

"Murder?!" Jolee raised his voice again and startled the poor Twi'lekian girl as she approached with his tea and crisps. He took a deep breath and accepted them from her, before looking at her seriously. "Better go ahead and bring two glasses and some Corellian whiskey. The good kind, not that swamp water they try to pass off to the young kids. I don't think I'm going to like this conversation."

She looked between the two old men before stammering out an acknowledgment and hurrying back to the bar.

Murder? Of all things to be jailed for, murder?! He knew Sunry and Sunry wouldn't kill out of cold blood. Jolee couldn't believe it. He wouldn't. Something else must have happened. He looked up at Davin who had been watching Jolee with a look a sympathy.

Davin knew that Sunry was close and dear to Jolee. Right after Jolee left the order, he was lost. For a time, he didn't know what he was going to do. It was a dark time in Jolee's life but Sunry and Elora, they were good people to him. They took him in and housed him for well over a year and asked for nothing in return.

Jolee owed this to Sunry.

"Tell me what you know, Davin. Tell me everything."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Samirah waited by the bay doors leading out into the Dune Sea. She played with a round token between her fingers as she watched people conversing and trading in this small courtyard.

It had been a while since she had been to Tatooine. Not that she was particularly fond of Tatooine but when you've spent most of your time in a ship, the sun was sometimes a welcomed sight. Even if minutes later, you hated every decision you made that led you here. The last time she was here, she was on Mos Espa, doing… what had she been doing on Mos Espa? The memory was fuzzy and trying to remember only caused her head to ache. The heat must be frying her brain a bit. It didn't really matter, she supposed. It was some time ago after all.

With the back of her hand, she wiped at the sweat forming on her forehead. HK was standing guard beside her, patiently waiting for her command. It was the only spot that she trusted him to be, honestly. If she had learned anything, it was that he was a bit trigger happy from time to time.

Or, all the time.

The party had split up to procure provisions before setting out. Least that's what she made them do. Carth was having a fit, as usual, about their new companion while Mission and Canderous were giddy school children at the potential HK brought to the table. Mission was amazed at the ingenuity of such a droid while Canderous found himself an ammunitions partner, she was sure.

Moments ago she had used the comms to make sure everyone was in the loop with the plans. Some would stay here to keep an eye on the ship, and Czerka, while she and HK made their way to the Tuskan Raider's encampment.

However, Jolee and Bastila never responded. Through the bond, Samirah knew that Bastila was okay so she didn't necessarily have to be worried just yet. She did, however, still feel some concern bubbling up in the pit of her stomach. Bastila wasn't in danger but she was… distressed?

It made Samirah anxious.

Jolee, on the other hand, had been making a habit of doing his own thing since they landed. Tatooine was the complete opposite of Kashyyyk so perhaps he was enjoying the sunshine?

The thought of Jolee sunbathing and enjoying anything brought a small smile to her face. He was more likely to be finding a place to rest that wasn't the ship. Probably a place with decent food that wasn't synthesized. He was also more likely to hate this place than to enjoy it. She stifled the small giggle, trying to focus more on the coin she was moving between her fingers.

Then, she frowned, momentarily losing focus on the coin and dropping it.

She didn't hear from Juhani and that was likely to be expected.

She wondered how she could hope to bridge that gap between her and Juhani. It would be awkward to try and save the galaxy while one member of your team plotted your death.

Samirah reached down, picking up the coin and dusting it off. Waiting around was giving her too much time to think. The more she thought about these things, the more certain she was that it was going to be a pain to sort out. Nothing about this journey was easy.

She needed to get a move on.

There was a lot to get done and she felt like time was being wasted. It was also very likely that Carth, Canderous and Mission would find a way to accompany her when it came time to venture out into the Dune Sea. Despite her insistence that she and HK would be fine. She knew better than to try and plead her case with them. They were just going to do whatever it was they wanted.

She let out a hefty sigh, catching the coin in her palm and squeezing it slightly. Her mind was just a hazy mess, it seemed.

She smiled despite herself because she also knew she wanted the company. She didn't know what she'd encounter. Just like on Kashyyyk. When she fell from the basket, she was alone. If Jolee hadn't been there…. If he hadn't found her, she wasn't sure she would have survived. The thought of the darkness snaking around in her mind was enough to send a shiver down her spine again. The memories were still fresh.

She cast a cautious glance towards HK who remained, for the most part, motionless. His head was the only thing that would momentarily jerk to the side and back again, likely surveying the area. He hadn't said anything since the group split up and Samirah hadn't decided if that was a good thing yet or not.

"HK..." She began, pocketing her small token. He abruptly turned, giving her his full attention.

"Statement: HK is ready to serve, Master!" Did he sound happy?

Samirah grimaced at the response, almost immediately regretting her decision.

"First things first, HK," she groaned, "You're going to have to stop it with this master nonsense, okay? I'm not your master."

"Query: Don't I? I was under the assumption that organic meatbags such as yourself enjoyed such forms of address."

She rolled her eyes.

"Whoever originally-"She paused. "Did you just call me an organic meatbag?"

She narrowed her eyes, thoroughly confused. How did they go from talking about formal titles to meatbags? What the hell was a meatbag? She was insulted, that was for sure, but also perplexed. She was certain that meatbag was an insult… right?

"Retraction: Did I say that out loud? I apologize, master. While you are a meatbag I suppose I should not call you such."

She poked him in the chest quickly, with an accusatory look on her face.

"THERE! You did it again!" She raised her voice more than she intended too.

"Explanation: It's just that… you have all these squishy parts, master. And all that water! How the constant sloshing doesn't drive you mad, I have no idea… "

She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

She also didn't like that imagery. Sloshing. She did not slosh around… did she?

"Do you want to end up in a trash heap?"

HK seemed to reel back at the very idea.

"Objection: But Master! Am I not far too useful to be thrown aside in such a casual manner? Can I be faulted for my perfect artificial construction?"

"PERFECT ARTIFICIAL-" She stopped herself and took a deep breath before continuing. "Talking to you is absolutely maddening, you know that, yes?"

"Observation: I do not see how. I am the pinnacle of droid manufacturing. A catalog of superior intellect. I am what droids should aspire to be. Not mechanical toothbrushes."

Incredible.

Who made this droid? Whoever it was must have been just as maddening as the droid himself this really the only droid that could help her carry out her mission? The only droid possible to help her achieve a peaceful resolution.

The irony did not escape her.

"Just… stop calling me master, let's start there, shall we?"

"Apology: I am afraid I cannot comply with your command, master, as much as I would like to."

"HK, what does that mean?"

"Explanation: Someone has hard-coded it into my system that my current master always be addressed as such."

"Hard-coded? Why? And by who?"

"Conjecture: I do not know… some organic meatbag?"

He sounded distressed at the thought.

"Of course, the meatbags…" She said sourly, looking away from him finally to scan the area. Everyone was taking their time.

"Correction: Err… fluid-filled biped? Watery flesh-sentient? Which would make you happier, Master?"

She pulled up her wrist to check her communicator, noting that about 20 minutes had passed. Not as long as she had originally thought. It had felt like an hour already and she could probably blame that on the droid.

"You're really not helping your case here, HK. I'd suggest-"She stopped.

She could feel it before she saw it.

The world slowed to a crawl as she felt the ripple through the force. Her right hand summoned her lightsaber. It pulled itself from her waist as she deftly caught it and ignited it immediately.

With barely enough time to form a stance, she lifted her blade up quickly as a red lightsaber clashed with her own. She grunted from the impact, being pushed back ever so slightly by his strength. When she looked up, she was met face to face with a Dark Jedi. His face was mostly covered, but his eyes glowered down at her. She was certain that underneath his cowl, there was a sinister snarl forming.

Where had he come from? Moments ago, this courtyard had been mostly empty. She had been too distracted, it would seem.

"Lord Malak was most displeased when he learned you had escaped Taris alive. He has promised a great reward to whoever destroys you."

"Is that so.." Samirah grunted as she pushed back against his saber, the light casting hues of color across their faces.

He was strong. They were inches apart and she couldn't maneuver herself out of it without creating an opening.

"Any chance you were thinking of sharing that bounty?" She retorted.

Before he could formulate a response, he abruptly pulled back, shielding himself with his blade as HK unleashed a flurry of blaster bolts at him. Any people left in the courtyard took that as their sign to quickly leave. HK moved to stand in front of Samirah, pausing his shots for only the briefest of moments. Samirah hadn't expected him to move so quickly.

Or to be so accurate.

Three more Dark Jedi revealed themselves from various corners of the courtyard. They moved to stand in the middle, igniting their own lightsabers. Samirah could feel her body tensing up, her breathing slowing as she focused.

This wasn't going to be easy.

"Query: Are they enemies of ours, Master?" Samirah was startled by the question.

He sounded so casual in the heat of this moment. By all accounts, he ought to have sounded more serious. A smile slowly started to tug at the corners of her mouth.

"It would seem so, HK. It would seem so."

"Request: May I now rip these meatbags, limb from limb? I would be most satisfied by this."

She smiled a little more.

"As a matter of fact, you may." She flourished her blade, walking to the side of HK as the Dark Jedi did the same. A good several meters separated her and HK from them. "Do as your programming allows."

HK let out a small, giddy laugh which, frankly, was terrifying. She was happy that he was seemingly on her side for now.

"Statement: You hear that, meatbags? You have deliberately come to your slaughter. Fear not, I am an artist above all else." He patted his gun against his chest before pointing it at the foes before him. "I will kill you in a way that will be most satisfying. For us both."

Samirah couldn't hide the smirk his statement brought her. Of all the things she could have purchased, she found the most homicidal droid on the market. At the moment, she was grateful. By herself, she would likely not come out unscathed. If she came out at all.

She could just see Carth pulling out his hair.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Juhani wasn't sure where she was going. She did not favor Tatooine all that much as the sand was finding its way into her fur and it was becoming a bit of a problem. She fussed a bit as she attempted to dust herself off and only found that even more sand replaced it. Juhani was a little distressed by this planet.

She should have stayed on the ship with the panicked droid and severely distressed Wookiee.

Where had that woman gone? She grimaced at the thought of her. It wasn't that she disliked Samirah, exactly, but more that she was frustrated by this woman. Constantly frustrated.

She had heard Samirah's voice come through the commlinks to determine the status of everyone. Juhani opted for not responding as it likely didn't matter. She mentally chided herself for being so pessimistic. Samirah, did, repeatedly ask for updates from everyone. Juhani was not the only one not to respond so it was possible that Samirah wasn't referring to her at all…

Or perhaps Juhani was becoming cynical.

She let out a deep sigh as she moved through Anchorhead. The people barely paid her any mind which suited her just fine. She wanted to find Samirah before she decided to travel across the Dune Sea, leaving Juhani behind yet again. The Council had sent her along with a purpose. To help. To redeem herself. She very well wasn't going to accomplish anything sitting aboard that ship.

She groaned at the thought. At least the ship had less sand on it.

Despite her feelings towards Samirah, however complicated they maybe, she needed to make some effort.

Quatra would have expected at least this much from Juhani.

As she started to pass by the Cantina, she was caught off guard as the old man from the ship quickly darted out. He scowled as the hot air hit his face, throwing a scarf around his neck and muttering to himself about something incoherent. Something about water breathers? Juhani wasn't sure. After a moment, he turned to look at her.

His scowl softened, but by only a small amount. So his usual scowl.

"What are you staring at? Something on my face? Most people would just call them wrinkles, lass, and then they would tell you it's rude to stare!" He raised his voice at the last part, startling a few people walking by. He paid them no mind.

Juhani couldn't understand this old man either. Unlike Samirah, he was properly trained… at least, she thought he was? He was a Jedi but he acted like a child to her. The short time she had been on the ship, the only thing she really heard from this old man was his own grumblings about the food and the company.

Why was he even here if all he was going to do was gripe and complain?

When she didn't say anything, Jolee continued.

"Tired of sulking, are we?" He said, looking pointedly at her.

Juhani decided that maybe she disliked this old man more than she did Samirah.

She crossed her arms and affixed a steady stare on him. He didn't flinch. He seemed more amused by it.

"I am looking for Samirah. Where can I find her?"

"It just so happens that I'm on my way to find her myself. Perhaps we can just travel together, eh?" Juhani grimaced at the idea but begrudgingly agreed.

There was no point in trying to argue, especially if they both had the same objective. She said nothing more. Juhani nodded her head and gestured for him to lead the way. He only grunted as a response before proceeding.

They were silent for a moment, something Juhani had hoped would last. Jolee, however, was not a fan of silence.

"So you fell to the dark side, did you?"

Juhani stopped walking abruptly, exasperated almost immediately.

When Jolee turned to look at her, she was focused intently on him, her hands balled into a fist. He rolled his eyes, taking a deep breath.

"Yes, yes, I know, the scary dark side. So tantalizing."

"What do you know?" She said through gritted teeth, looking away quickly.

Did she need to be constantly reminded? Was everyone going to go through this with her? Quatra. The Council. Bastila. Samirah. Now, even an old man whom she'd only just met was going to give her a lecture and she-

"Plenty. I know that it's not the boogie man under the bed they make it out to be. They like to teach you young kids that the dark side is a one way ticket but that's not so. It's not impossible to come back. Be wary of it, sure, and don't let it consume you, but you won't just casually fall. There are steps involved, lass. Steps that you, yourself, intentionally take. The dark side can be evil but to ignore it completely and know nothing about it… that's the biggest mistake a Jedi could make."

When Juhani looked at him with narrowed eyes, he just scoffed at her.

"Don't look at me like I'm mad, I get enough of that from Carth. Would do him some good to loosen up and not be so damnable suspicious all the time...Oooo they can't be trusted oooo." He mocked.

This kind of behavior bothered Juhani. How had someone as old as Jolee become so… so bitter? He wasn't anything like the council members. They were disciplined.

"For another Jedi to speak-" Jolee popped her on the head with a stick. She winced, not because it hurt but because she was startled. Where did he get the stick?

She momentarily marveled at how quickly he had moved.

"Oh don't you start with me either, missy! All these kids coming around, thinking I'm some old Jedi to be revered just because I was lost in the forest for so many damnable years! I'm old, yes, and I use the force, sure, but I'm not like those old bag of bones you call the council. If you ask me, they spout more nonsense than a drunk zealot in the heart of Coruscant."

"Oooo thats the way of the dark side, oooo alderaanian chocolate is bad for you oooo." He wiggled his fingers in the air as he mocked the council before stopping in place for a moment to think. "No, wait, alderaanian chocolate is bad for you. Ever seen them make it? It's a wonder they all haven't died from it yet. They got some rough years ahead of them." He muttered to himself, momentarily lost in thought before waving it away and walking ahead.

Juhani pursed her lips. Surely this was some other test that had been presented before her. There was no way that the council would willingly put her in the company of someone as… unhinged, as Jolee was. Perhaps she truly did fail Quatra's test and this was her way of getting back at Juhani.

"The point is," Jolee continued, undeterred, "You better pull yourself together and start making some changes, lass. I can see it in your eyes when you skulk about. Like a shadow monster creeping in the dark. You're angry and that's somewhat understandable but it's not going to help anyone out, is it? I doubt it's going to help our efforts to stop Malak." He turned to make sure that Juhani still followed before speaking more.

This time, he lowered his voice and Juhani could see that his mind was elsewhere.

"Somethings brewing and I can feel it. Forces are at work and if we don't start getting a move on, we'll be swept up in this storm without any hope of salvation. There's a lot at stake and all of it is going to depend on the decisions of one small woman doing the best she can. She's going to need all of us to support her. All of us." He reiterated that last sentence, casting back a look at Juhani.

"Maybe it's time to let go of grudges, hm? To grow from our decisions and not be defined by them, perhaps?"

Juhani said nothing.

She was angry. By the Force, was she angry.

Angry that what he said was more insightful than she wanted him to be and angry that he made perfect sense. She knew this, she had always known this. Nothing he said was new but how he said it… well it made her feel ashamed. He was right. Quatra was right. Of course they were. How foolish Juhani had been, always looking back and never forward.

"I am… I just-"

"Was hiding?"

The words spoken to her by Quatra flooded her mind and she could feel the memories bubbling up to her eyes, ready to spill forward.

"Do not lose yourself to your own misgivings…"

Ah, so that was what she meant. That was what Quatra saw and warned Juhani about before she left. She knew. She could see it even when Juhani tried to hide it. What a failure she was to Quatra. How could she keep making the same mistakes, one after another? The memory of Samirah fluttered to mind and she felt sympathy for this girl. After all Samirah had done for her, after all that Samirah had done, Juhani had repaid her with disdain. With piercing looks and a sharper tongue.

The same way Juhani had treated Quatra.

Quatra would be disappointed in her. Juhani was failing. Again. She had known this from the start but facing her mistakes? Being made to see them? Juhani wasn't prepared.

She let out a shaky laugh as her emotions took form in her eyes. Jolee raised an eyebrow but said nothing more.

It seemed like he made his point clear.

They remained silent for most of their walk, Jolee trying to navigate Anchorhead in search of Samirah. He was certain she had said something about a droid shop and the main gate to the Dune Sea. It was just a matter of making the right turn.

By the force, did he hate Tatooine.

Juhani was so lost in thought that she didn't notice when Jolee stopped walking nor when he reached for his lightsaber. She nearly walked right into him when she felt the familiar ripple through the force, stopping her in her tracks. Her eyes darted up, wide, as she and Jolee stared straight ahead.

"By the Force…" Jolee, breathed.

Samirah was standing in the middle of the courtyard, her back to them as an unfamiliar droid stood between her and a Sith. The droid held up this man by the collar of his robes. He was bloodied and from the looks of it, Jolee could see that he was on the brink of death. Around them were the bodies of three other Sith, unmoving, and Jolee didn't need the force to know that they were long gone.

"Statement: You only still breathe because my master wills it. I could crush your windpipe like it was a stick. And I would very much like to do that." The sound that echoed from this droid sent a shiver down Juhani's spine.

"How did you find us?" Samirah's voice was cold.

Jolee narrowed his eyes but didn't step closer. Juhani started to move but he held his arm out to stop her. They shared a look and then stayed quiet. The Sith just chuckled, a small gurgle in his throat telling Jolee that his lungs were filling with blood.

"Darth Malak…. Will have your head… yours and Bastila's… He won't stop…" He fell in to a struggled laugh. "It is only… a matter of time...one...by...one..."

"Your arrogance is your mistake," She said, nodding at the droid before looking away. "HK."

"Statement: Yes, master. With pleasure."

There was only the sound of blaster fire before the Dark Jedi was dropped into a heap at the droids feet. When Samirah turned around, there was a dark shadow on her face that only Jolee saw. She didn't notice them at first, as she went through the belongings of the Sith, checking pockets and holo's, looking for anything useful.

Before long, Samirah's eyes slowly moved up to meet Jolee and a smile spread across her face. In an instant, the dark shadow was gone but Jolee was certain it had been there. Something happened. What was it, he wondered.

What was plaguing her now?

Her eyes moved to Juhani and for a moment, her smile faltered. She quickly regained composure as they slowly started to move towards her. The droid she had called HK started to move but Samirah held up her hand instantly.

"Easy boy, they're friends."

The droid stopped moving, his head twitching for a moment before he held his gun to his chest. The closest Samirah was going to get in terms of HK relaxing.

"Resignation: If you insist, master."

There was an audible sigh that could be heard from the droid that gave Jolee cause for concern. So, he snorted back at HK.

"I see, the old man you got from the forest wasn't a blood thirsty enough addition to the team. So, we got a droid to make-up the difference, did we?" Samirah rolled her eyes.

"Don't be that way, he can understand and speak the Tuskan Raider language and if I'm going to try my hand at diplomacy… well, he was my only option."

"Ahhh, so that's it. We buy a homicidal droid so that we can try diplomacy. Makes perfect sense, lass. Why didn't I think of that..." He was dripping with sarcasm.

Jolee crossed his arms, looking at Samirah pointedly. She returned the same look, gesturing around her.

"The Force works in mysterious ways, what do you want me to say?"

"Anything that doesn't involve bringing home a weaponized droid!"

"Correction: I am more than just a weaponized droid. My functions include-"

"Not helping!" Samirah interrupted before he could begin to explain every little gruesome detail Jolee didn't need to hear.

"Samirah…" Jolee started, using her name as if she were a child. She raised an eyebrow at him in response.

"You're starting to sound a lot like Carth…" This made a shiver go down Jolee's back.

"Point taken…" He grumbled.

Jolee would rather take a blaster to the head then become like Carth.

"Just… trust me. I'm not about to massacre an entire village or anything. There's a lot at stake here and we only get one chance." Jolee looked to HK. After a few moments, he let out a sigh and nodded.

"Alright, Lass. But don't you do anything stupid." He said pointedly, knowing full well that he wasting his breath. "Now, let's move these bodies before we get any more attention than we've got."

Samirah nodded as they moved the bodies to a corner in an alley. Anyone who walked by, didn't ask. It was Anchorhead. Stick your nose where it didn't belong and you'd come to regret it sooner rather than later.

All the while, Jolee would take cautionary glances at Samirah. He could see that she was hiding her earlier turmoil well. He would have to give her at least that much credit. However, he still knew that something troubled her and worse yet… he knew he needed to ask something of her.

When the mess had been mostly cleared away, Samirah dusted off her clothes and made sure that she still looked somewhat presentable. Luckily, with HK, she was barely touched by the Dark Jedi. The droid was very accurate with his weapon, keeping them on the defensive. She had to give credit to his targeting system as well. If she didn't know any better, she would think that this wasn't his first time against the Sith. The thought made her smile.

Honestly, how did she know it wasn't?

She glanced at the one Dark Jedi in particular. The last one to fall. His words were still ringing in her mind.

Malak won't stop looking. Nowhere is safe. No one is safe. You can't save them all, can you, Jedi? Just like Taris.

That was all it took to unleash the pent up fury inside Samirah. Fury that she hadn't realized she had been harboring. She had felt power rippling through her fingertips and coursing through her veins. She came at them with all of her might, determined to silence them in that moment. No one would arbitrarily threaten those she cherished. Especially not the Sith.

Kelko's face flashed through her mind.

She began picking at her nails as the anger bubbled inside her again. The Sith was wrong. She could save them all and she was going too. Malak wasn't going to win. He dragged her into this war and now she had no choice but to finish it. Thinking back to being a scout, she remembered being alone. To being a ghost. She remembered only ever having to look out for herself, her ship and Kelko…

She remembered the face of Trask. His sacrifice to ensure she made it off that ship alive. He hadn't even hesitated.

She was going to keep everyone safe. She refused to be useless. She refused to make the same mistakes she made before. It was time that she got stronger and that she protected those closest to her.

She would end Malak if he touched anyone close to her again.

Malak thought he knew her. If he was going to hunt her and Bastila down, she was going to make sure Malak knew exactly who he was dealing with.

"Lass, we need to talk…" Jolee's voice startled her for a moment. She blinked, clearing her mind before slowly dragging her gaze to see Jolee next to her.

"Uh, sure, what's on your mind?" It was then that she finally noticed the concerned look on his face. "Is everything all right?"

Did he know about the storm that was brewing in her soul? Jolee never approached her like this.

"No, lass, I fear it isn't. I need to ask for your help. You would be doing me a huge favor."

Jolee almost smiled as Samirah straightened up, giving him her full attention. He noted how her eyebrows knitted together, her face clouded in concern. A difference when compared to how intent her gaze had been moments before.

"Anything. Whatever I can do, I'll do it."

"I have a friend. His name is Sunry and he's been charged with murder. I knew him-know him. That isn't like him at all. He's not a murderer. He's being held on Manaan and when we finish here, if there is still time, I would like to help him." Samirah didn't move for several moments.

Then her eyes softened and she nodded slowly.

She would not be powerless to save anyone, ever again.

"I still owe you for saving my life on Kashyyyk. Even still, regardless of what I owe, I would help you no matter what. Whatever I can do, you will have it. We'll save him."

Jolee wasn't sure why, but her response pulled at his heart. The damnable thing, always being so meddlesome.

He nodded his head slowly, a small chuckle rumbling in his chest to hide his touched emotions. He never doubted her. Not even once. He knew that if he asked, she would have replied this way. But hearing her say it, seeing the look on her face to show that she meant it… somehow he was immediately put at ease. He was grateful.

Samirah said they would help. That was all Jolee needed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Carth was pulling his hair out. Strand. By. Strand.

He watched as Canderous haggled with a merchant to purchase thermal grenades, plasma grenades and…. Carth didn't really want to know what else. All attempts to talk the Mandalorian out of his arsenal were futile. It was bad enough that they now had an assassin droid but now that droid was to be paired with a mandalorian mercenary with an itch for carnage.

And where the blazes did Mission go? Carth could have sworn that she was beside him moments ago. He was going to get grey hairs before they left Tatooine, he just knew it. Why hadn't he retired yet...

"You can stop with the theatrics now, soldier boy." Canderous called over his shoulder. He was paying the now petrified merchant.

Hoisting the bag over his shoulder, Canderous smirked. Carth just looked like he was going to have an aneurysm any minute now. For some reason, this thought pleased Canderous. Anytime Carth freaked about something, there was this little feeling of satisfaction that budded in Canderous.

Soldier boy just made it too easy for him.

"Anyone read me? You guys almost done? We need to get a move on. It seems time is becoming more and more of the essence ..." Samirah's voice came in over the commlinks.

Carth and Canderous shared a look before Carth responded.

"Yeah, I, uh, think we're all done here. Is Mission with you?"

"No, shouldn't she be with you? Did you lose her?" Carth flinched when she raised her voice, seemingly distressed at the thought.

"No, no, you know how Mission gets. Kid likes to-"

"Who are you calling a kid, old man!?"

Right on cue, Carth thought, turning to Mission. He was about to make a sarcastic remark when he saw what Mission had in her possession.

"Mission. What is that?" He pointed at the bulging bag in her hands while she shrugged with a smile.

"A surprise. In case things go bad."

Canderous let out a roaring laugh while Carth's face drained of color.

Oh no. No, no, no. There was no way in hell.

"Mission, I swear to the force if that is any kind of explosive, I'll-"

"Carth? Carth, where is Mission? Are guys okay? Someone respond!" He was interrupted by Samirah shouting into the commlink. Before he could reply, Mission chimed in on hers.

"Calm down! I'm all good, Sami. Carth just wasn't paying attention, like usual," Carth didn't like the look Mission was giving him. It was suspicious. As they always seemed to be. "We're ready to go if you are."

They all heard Samirah audibly sigh.

"Just… be careful and meet us at the gate. T7 and Zaalbar are staying with the ship. T7 says there's some sand messing with the engines and Zaalbar refuses to leave while the gizka run amok. Mission you should-" Mission shook her head quickly.

"No can do, Sami. Griff is out there and I won't just sit this one out."

There was silence.

After a few seconds passed, Samirah sighed again.

"Canderous-"

"Now wait just a blasted minute-" Canderous started to retort but was stopped as Samirah kept talking.

"CANDEROUS- you stay on the ship with Sasha then. We need someone she trusts there until we can get her home. The last thing we need is T7 or Zaalbar freaking her out. Or the reverse happening. If things go south, we'll notify you ASAP, okay? I can't take an army into a Tuskan Raider encampment. Jolee is staying behind too."

The audible grumbling sounds of the old man could be heard in the background.

Canderous frowned, thinking of all the fun he was going to have sitting on the ship. Guess it was time to upgrade the swoop bike. Maybe it was time he took some practice runs on the track.

He looked at his bag of grenades he had just purchased and let out a grunt. Then he had an idea which gave him a bit of joy. A slow smile formed on his face as he looked intently at Carth. For a moment, Carth was both uncomfortable and confused as to why the Mandalorian was staring at him. He didn't like that look. Then, Canderous did something that drained all the color from Carth's face. Again.

Canderous handed his arsenal to Mission.

"Now hold on!" Carth started to protest but it was too late. Mission gladly accepted and offered a small salute to Canderous.

"She's not a kid anymore, soldier boy. She blew up a whole Czerka docking bay. I think she's earned it." Carth couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Mission beamed like a child who had just been given a full bag of candy right before dinner. The irony did not escape Carth, either. He rubbed his eyes as if he was some old man. Was this why Jolee was cranky all the time?

"For when things go south." Mission confirmed with a wink at Canderous.

Canderous smiled and momentarily thought about how Mission might have made a good Mandalorian. Maybe. He especially liked her penchant for espionage and blowing things up. Made his heart feel full just thinking of all the mayhem this girl could do if she was ever let loose on the world.

Carth just groaned inwardly.

This was a recipe for disaster.

"Fine." He finally said, "Fine. Let's just get a move on before Samirah comes looking for us herself. She sounded a little distressed so we better make haste."

Mission and Canderous exchanged a high five, making Carth roll his eyes. Where had this friendship formed? Carth just half-heartedly waved at Canderous, knowing full well the Mandalorian could care less.

Carth only prayed that when they left, things would go smoothly and that Mission would have no reason to use all the explosives at her disposal this time. Surely Samirah would say something… he grimaced knowing that it was unlikely.

Though they moved in silence, Carth could tell that Mission was anxious. Despite her earlier enthusiasm, the silence gave her time to think. They were getting closer to her brother. He could see that Mission had put all of her hope in Samirah, as all of them often did. After Taris, Mission was broken. They all knew that Mission tried to not think about all the people she had lost. The family and friends she wouldn't see again. It was hard for her and it took some time for her to come out of that depression.

Though she refused to show it to anyone except Samirah, everyone knew.

Carth couldn't imagine what she must be feeling now, knowing that her brother was close to being lost as well. It must feel a lot like the day Taris was bombarded. Carth knew that feeling all too well. What it felt like to lose something and someone so precious. The memories made his chest ache.

"I'm okay, Carth." Carth didn't realize he had been staring. She just smiled up at him as they turned a corner. "Everything is going to be okay. Right?"

Carth felt a tug on his heart.

"Yeah, Mish. It'll be alright."

She nodded.

He didn't know what else to say and so they fell into silence again. It was only for a brief moment though.

"Because if not," She began, looking straight ahead, "Someone's going to pay."

There it was.

Carth could see that Mission was no longer the child they found on Taris. He had made a mistake in thinking that she was still a kid. Of course not. After what she had been through, how could she? This was her family and he could see the raw determination in her face. He was worried about her now. What would happen if Griff wasn't okay?

"Samirah won't let anything bad happen." He finally said.

Mission only nodded.

Carth hoped that he was right. That Griff was still alive and that they would make it in time. If not, he was afraid of what would happen to Mission. Of how this could affect her.

He was afraid of what she would do.

What was Samirah's plan if this failed? What was she going to do? He became nervous at the thought.

Carth needed a stiff drink for this one. One way or another, the team was going to come out of this a little differently he suspected. All he could do was hope for the best.

May the force be with us… He thought to himself.

If you enjoyed it, please let me know! It also makes me happy to hear from you, even if it's a simple "WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN" kinda comment. Thanks for reading and for being the best friends and readers a writer can ask for. I hope to still bring you all some kind of joy :)

I'm writing less here than normal because I'm actually very eager to get to the next chapter as I have a head full of ideas to try!

So Thanks for reading, you guys are literally the shit!

Happy Reading~~

~SilverShards~