Finalizing Plans

Back in the main hold once again, I stand with Canderous and Bastila, leaning against the projector. Sitting on the couch across from us are the two Jedi Canderous' team kidna- *cough cough* ESCORTED to the ship, as well as Qui Gon. The queen decided that she needed to rest and is currently in the Starboard dormitory.

(A.N: The one next to the loading ramp. Hey… anyone ever noticed how there aren't enough beds on the ship for all the crew members? There are eight meatbags, but only six beds.)

The two groups stare at each other, the young Twi'lek with more hostility than either of the masters. Though I note with amusement that she also holds quite a bit of curiosity. Deciding to mess with her a bit, I snake my arm around Bastila's waist and pull her close. She makes a small noise of surprise at my unexpected action, but then proceeds to wrap her arms around my neck with a smile.

The two of us manage to hold back our chuckles at her slight blush, but Canderous does nothing to hide his snort.

"So," I start off the conversion. "First of all, I'd like to apologize for the fact that my crew members beat the crap out of you without provocation. We don't usually start random fights." I hear snorts to either side of me but continue. "But seeing as we've provided medical aid, I feel that we are now even. As such I would like to move the conversation along to what your plans are."

Irritation is plain on the Master's face while the padawan is clearly angry. The Master pushes it aside though after glancing at Qui Gon. "I plan to head back to the Council to make a report on our mission. As well as some interesting ENCOUNTERS." He glares at me, his words clear.

I look at Qui Gon and he hesitates briefly. "I will accompany them back, along with my padawan. They should be made aware of the situation on Naboo."

I nod, thinking about their answers. As I do, my gaze wanders to the Twi'lek. She's still glaring at me, but instead of her, I'm looking at the Force around her. Unlike Qui Gon, it does not flow, pure and steady with their beliefs. Nor does it resemble her Master's, volatile and lashing out with his restrained emotions.

No, hers is something that I've seen before. In fact, it resembles someone I know very well. The first person to wield a lightsaber against me after my memories were erased.

And before I realize it, I'm speaking. "I would like for the young padawan to accompany us on our quest to free Naboo."

To say that the three of them are shocked is an understatement. My own crew takes it better, considering how often we do things on a whim. But Bastila does pinch my side and whisper into my ear. "Don't go trying to make Mission jealous. You know how she gets."

Ah, well this might be a problem. "And in exchange," I continue before they can post any objections. "Bastila will accompany you to see the Council as my representative.

Now even my crew is shocked. I signal with my eyes that I'll explain later, so Bastila simply presses her lips into a line, pouting.

The Twi'lek's Master seems as if he wants to object, but Qui Gon pulls him to the side, gesturing for the padawan to follow. As they do, Bastila rounds on me.

"What do you think you're doing?" She hisses with narrowed eyes.

Despite her displeasure, I reply calmly. "We need to make contact with the current Jedi Council. Trying to avoid their notice would be impossible due to our interactions with these Jedi without killing them. And even if we did, they would surely hear of our involvement with Naboo. As such, we should open communications with them as soon as possible. And you are obviously the most suited to do that."

As I explain my reasoning, Bastila calms down. She sighs. "Fine, but why do you want the padawan?"

"I feel like Juhani can help her through her issues. So I figured, why not?"

She facepalms at my words, but there's a smile on her lips. One that twists into a smirk as she adds her own amendment to my plan. "Fine, but I'll be taking Mission along to keep me company."

"Hmm, I would rather she stay with me to help the padawan be comfortable. Having another Twi'lek around would put her at ease considering her first meeting with the crew."

The smirk on her face grows wider. "You just know that if neither Mission or I are around, Juhani won't sleep with you. So you'll be spending this trip all on your lonesome."

I look to the side. "I will neither confirm, nor deny, that statement."

"I'm taking her."

"Yes dear."

She pecks me on the cheek as the Jedi return. The still unnamed Master gives me a deep, probing look. "Can you assure my padawan's safety should she accompany you?"

"Nope."

His face starts to turn red, but I continue before he can voice his anger. "Nothing is certain on the battlefield. As such, I can not guarantee that she will come out unscathed. What I can assure you of though, is that whatever happens, she will survive. And she will be stronger for it."

He's quiet for a moment as he considers my words. Qui Gon and the padawan also consider them, though the girl seems more impressed than contemplative.

Coming to his own conclusion, he speaks. "Very well. So long as you can guarantee she will live, I shall allow her to accompany you." He turns to her. "Be safe, and remember your training."

She nods, determination filling her eyes. "Yes Master. I will not disappoint you."

I roll my eyes at the scene and decide to interrupt before they can try to make it sappy. "Once Zaalbar returns from patrolling the area, we will depart."

Qui Gon takes over their side of the conversation now. "And we shall depart immediately. I feel that this meeting with the Council will be… interesting."

I hear the sound of someone boarding the ship and turn to the doorway. "Ah, looks like he's here now. Get ready Zaalbar, we're-."

He comes into view and I stop my words. Not because of his appearance, but because of what he has with him. Everyone's eyes are drawn to it and I can't help but sigh. Then I throw my hands up in the air, like I do sometimes.

"Nope. No way. I'm not dealing with anything else. Throw it out."

"Rawr." He holds up a second object, one I recognize. But still, I shake my head.

"Nope. Just throw them both outside. Once our guests leave we're departing to save a planet."

"Rawr. Grr. Rawr."

"Yes, again. I'll explain on the way. In the meantime, throw them out."

And so, the sands of the desert of Tatooine have something new once again landing. The unconscious body of a red Zabrak and their double-bladed lightsaber.