Chapter 1

Rest and Relaxation

On board the Ebon Hawk, the Main Hold was full with all its members present. Bastila looked around at all the wearied faces before proceeding with her arranged meeting.

"I realize that this mission has taken a heavy toll on us all," she began. "We have found three of the five Star Maps without much a delay in between. However, when I compare our performance on Manaan with the other worlds, we are not doing so well. Indeed, our fighting is sloppy and we have made some errors in judgment."

"Hey!" Jolee interrupted. "How was I suppose to know that right when I was saying that the Sith are stupid, one was standing right behind me?"

Bastila shot him glare. "In any case, we have all made errors. And so, I want to ask all of you: what do you think will improve our performance?"

"Well," Carth said, "I think that all we really need is some rest. It's just like you said, since this mission began, we've been working non-stop."

"I know," Bastila agreed, "but with each passing minute, the Sith are closer to gaining a hold over the Republic. The sooner we stop them, the better."

"That's true," Ayla said, "but I have to agree with Carth. Bastila, if we continue as we are, I fear we might make a fatal mistake. I wish that we could just keep searching for the Star Map as well, but our bodies aren't accustomed to that kind of stress."

"Yeah," Mission chimed in. "Everyone here deserves a break!"

Bastila sighed as she watched the other group members nodded their heads and made murmurs of agreement. Do they not understand what's at stake! Bastila thought. But I cannot make them work. "Very well, we will all have 'a break.' However, this will be a short break, only lasting for three days starting tomorrow."

A few people cheered while others sighed with relief.

"So, where are we going?" Jolee asked.

"What do you mean 'where are we going?'?" Bastila asked.

"Where are we going to spend our time?" Jolee rephrased.

"I know a spot," Canderous interjected. "It's a small planet but I know that it will definitely appeal to you guys."

A mischievous grin spread across his face as he nudged Jolee in the ribs. He turned to whisper in his ear while Jolee eagerly leaned in to listen.

"No!" Bastila said firmly before Canderous had the chance to say anything. "We will not leave this planet."

A sudden silence descended on the Main Hold.

"Um, Bastila?" Carth said. "Frankly, this planet is a little boring."

Bastila glared at him. "I agreed to let you have a three day rest and you are complaining about it? Be fortunate I allow you to have this break at all."

"Oh, yes, you are most generous," Canderous said sarcastically.

"Do you really want me to cancel your rest then?" Bastila asked.

"Well, if it was going to be spent here, then maybe you should."

"Canderous," Ayla said, "we all need the rest, even you. Bastila, we would be happy to spend it on Manaan." Ayla turned to everyone. "If we try to leave, it will just waste time, and with our luck, the Sith will intercept us."

"Those were my thoughts exactly," Bastila said.

"Query: Master, can the droids attend this break as well?" the HK-47 asked.

"Sure," Ayla replied.

"Really, Ayla." Bastila turned to her, lowering her voice. "The droids do not need to rest."

"Well, what are they going to do, find the Star Map without us? Besides, HK seems eager to."

"I thank you, master. I shall take a leave of rest and relaxation."

"Um," Ayla hesitated, "you realize that rest and relaxation does not mean killing anyone, right?"

"Reply: Only at your command," the droid sighed, sounding disappointed.

"Well, then it's settled," Bastila said, "three days of rest here on Manaan."