The Star Witches Saga: EPISODE II Chapter Ten Now Up

[caz]

More kissage - excellent! Tara seems to have accepted that something is happening between Willow and herself.

So Tara saved Willow from being dismissed from the Jedi. It's a good job that she took notice of the feeling she had the first time she met Willow.

I can't wait to see what the Gungans will do with our girls!

Caz

[AlysonGoddess]

curious to find out more anxiously waiting for more plz update soon!
Erin

[Willowlover]

Yay! update.
awsome job with the moment of closness between Willow and Tara.

can't wait for next update.

[sinkinghearts]

woohooo!!
thanks for the update. now my day is complete

[eirnlove]

yay!

[grimlock72]

It was nice of Tara to defend Willow on the council. Master Yoda might have been correct in seeing there is a lot of goodness in Willow, she does usually want to do good... true . That doesn't nessecarely mean Willow will fit into the Order and its rules. Don't really see why she should either, surely there's life outside the Order? Nice to see Tara felt something that night, esp. since she has now told Willow about it.

Both Tara and Willow would do well to keep their guard up. Planet is at war remember? Anyway, Tara didn't want to fight the Gungans .. I damn well hope two Jedi should defeat such a tiny group of hostiles :-)

Keeping their relation secret is never going to work long-term. Might as well make the choice early on and life with it. If the Jedi Order opposes such relations, so what? Enjoy life, you only live once you know .

That OOM droid is awfully convinced he'll deal with the Gungans that quickly. It doesn't have that much intel on them, yet it is jumping conclusions already. Goooood, gives them a chance.

Grimmy

[Darth Pacula]

G'day, Sith.

Right now, you asked me a question earlier, and laggard that I am, I'm only just now answering it. Consider me abashed, mon ami.



Oh, right ... whoops. Forgot the part where I actually give an answer.

When you say "conflict", I kinda imagine that you had a problem with what I had done. But it looks to me that you didn't. Am I correct in that assumption?

Right, well I see I managed to be as coherent as Chewbacca or Artoo. Now, what I was trying to say was that I didn't have a problem with what you'd written, it was more that I was personally conflicted over whether or not what happened was a good thing in the SW universe.

I could waffle on further about how they are risking everything they've dedicated their lives to, on the basis of nothing more than chemistry and an unspoken attraction. At least, for all they know, that's all it is. We know better, but anyway, who wants to listen to my claptrap, right?

But anyway, lets hear it for kisses that seem to drag on forever, especially kisses of the variety.

You know, in some ways the Jedi Council reminds me a bit of the Watcher's Council, in as much as they are overly bound by tradition, and seem too swift to try and break contact with potential problems. I mean, come on! Turfing Willow out of the Jedi Order at such a young age? No wonder the dip shits got stomped by the Sith in the end.

“I know. It’s just…y’know, keeping within the rules of the Jedi and all…”

Tara couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. “And yet you’re about to kiss me again.”

Willow blushed. “What can I say? I like to color outside the lines once and a while.”

Great line, mate!

But once again, they seem to prove that they aren't best suited for frontline combat duty, at the moment anyway. Ambushed by Gungan's? Not especially awe inspiring. But I suppose if the Gungan's didn't have any particular enmity towards Willow or Tara, it makes it harder to sense them coming in the force. After all, that's why the clones had such an easier time carrying out the Emperor's purge.

One thing I especially liked about this last update was that you seem to be intending to dovetail it into the cannon story nicely, inasmuch as it seems you're going to be showing why, and how, the Gungan's abandoned their cities to move to that temple in the swamp. Nice touch, Sith.

Gunray turned to leave the throne room, his mind now on what he would do when this was all over.

Silly, silly Nute! Don't count your chickens before they hatch, you Neimoidian numbskull!

Keep it up, mate.

Cheers,
Paul.

[Miss Kitty Fantastico]

Gosh, I'm sorry it took me so long to reply to your last couple of updates, I really liked them, but by the time I got ready to reply, my mom kicked me off the computer. I can't wait to read the next chapter. Should be interesting to see what the Gungans do to the girls.

[sacinema]

Sorry for not leaving feedback sooner even if I didn't catch your story from the beginning. But once I started reading I got hooked to it. Can't leave proper feedback for now because there are some things I don't get. Just felt bad for never giving any feedback at all. Seen all Starwars films but know nothing about the surroundings. So I have to find some time to read all your statements about the Starwars world.

Love the story plot with Tara as Jedi Master and Willow as her Padawan. Hope it won't bring them in to much trouble that they have strong feelings for one another. And I'm really looking forward to all the nice story arcs you are planning to show us. Thanks.

[Alcy]

Okay, okay, you pulled my lekku so hard I had to find time to leave some much needed feedback.

I love Star Wars but have never really gotten into the Expanded Universe for a whole bunch of reasons so forgive any ignorance on my part! I have watched all the episodes to death though.

Firstly, Jedi are devilishly tricky characters to write. How did you write a character who is supposed to show no emotion or passion? (Which in my view are the key elements of a great fic!) Quite simply, you write Jedi that do show emotion and passion. Therein lies a whole lot of fun in exploiting their resulting internal conflicts - I'm mean, but I love angst!

The exploration of Willow and Tara's growing relationship within the confines of the Jedi order is fascinating and is definitely far more interesting than the formulaic and badly dialouged relationship between Anakin and Padme. It's refreshing to read Episide 1 written by someone who can write a realistic relationship. And they have great histories which gives a greater understanding of who they are as Jedi.

An interesting marrying of Buffy and Star Wars, while it doesnt sound realistic that a Padawan would say 'frilly' - given that it's coming from Padawan Willow, I can!

I'm looking forward to seeing the way their relationship develops and also the way you delve deep and explore and expand the SW canon.

Cheers
Alcy

[SithLordWiccan]

Caz:

So Tara saved Willow from being dismissed from the Jedi. It's a good job that she took notice of the feeling she had the first time she met Willow.

I think it was important of me to establish the fact that Tara's always had feelings for Willow. She's just never acted on them...until now, that is.

Erin: I'm working as fast as I can in trying to work out the bugs for Chapter 11. Hopefully I can get it up this week.

Willowlover: Thanks.

Shane: Glad to make your day complete.

eirnlove: Wow. Someone's on a sugar rush.

Grimmy:

Master Yoda might have been correct in seeing there is a lot of goodness in Willow, she does usually want to do good... true . That doesn't nessecarely mean Willow will fit into the Order and its rules.

Of course. I'm of the school that believes that as long as you go from Phase 1 to Phase 3, Phase 2 really doesn't matter.

Don't really see why she should either, surely there's life outside the Order?

I'm not sure she'd like it, though.

Both Tara and Willow would do well to keep their guard up. Planet is at war remember?

They haven't forgotten. They just...temporarily forgotten. Yeah. That's it.

Keeping their relation secret is never going to work long-term. Might as well make the choice early on and life with it. If the Jedi Order opposes such relations, so what? Enjoy life, you only live once you know .

Did I say that they wanted to keep their relationship a secret? I don't think so. After all, this isn't Anakin/Padme we're talking about here. They're in the perfect situation to cover their relationship under a more "professional" screen.

Paul:

Right now, you asked me a question earlier, and laggard that I am, I'm only just now answering it. Consider me abashed, mon ami.

Oh, don't worry. As long as you (eventually) get around to it, then I don't particularly care.

Oh, right ... whoops. Forgot the part where I actually give an answer.

HA!

Now, what I was trying to say was that I didn't have a problem with what you'd written, it was more that I was personally conflicted over whether or not what happened was a good thing in the SW universe.

I could waffle on further about how they are risking everything they've dedicated their lives to, on the basis of nothing more than chemistry and an unspoken attraction. At least, for all they know, that's all it is. We know better, but anyway, who wants to listen to my claptrap, right?

Hey, if you're claptrap helps me write better chapters, then clap away, dude.

You know, in some ways the Jedi Council reminds me a bit of the Watcher's Council, in as much as they are overly bound by tradition, and seem too swift to try and break contact with potential problems. I mean, come on! Turfing Willow out of the Jedi Order at such a young age? No wonder the dip shits got stomped by the Sith in the end.

I completly agree with you, dude. The Council are such a bunch of dumbasses.

Great line, mate!

Thanks.

But once again, they seem to prove that they aren't best suited for frontline combat duty, at the moment anyway. Ambushed by Gungan's? Not especially awe inspiring. But I suppose if the Gungan's didn't have any particular enmity towards Willow or Tara, it makes it harder to sense them coming in the force. After all, that's why the clones had such an easier time carrying out the Emperor's purge.

I think you've given me a way to explain that. Thanks, dude. (Y'see, this is what I like. Not only do you guys get to read it, but you also get a chance to be part of shaping it.)

One thing I especially liked about this last update was that you seem to be intending to dovetail it into the cannon story nicely, inasmuch as it seems you're going to be showing why, and how, the Gungan's abandoned their cities to move to that temple in the swamp. Nice touch, Sith.

I hadn't really planned on doing it this chapter (since I had planned on doing it in the next two), but thanks.

Miss Kitty Fantastico: No rushy with the feedback. Take your time.

sacinema:

Sorry for not leaving feedback sooner even if I didn't catch your story from the beginning. But once I started reading I got hooked to it. Can't leave proper feedback for now because there are some things I don't get. Just felt bad for never giving any feedback at all. Seen all Starwars films but know nothing about the surroundings. So I have to find some time to read all your statements about the Starwars world.

Glad to have you aboard. And don't feel bad that you haven't left feedback yet. Take your time, read the fic and enjoy it.

And I'm really looking forward to all the nice story arcs you are planning to show us. Thanks.

I'm glad you're looking forward to reading them. I'm looking forward to writing them.

Alcy:

Okay, okay, you pulled my lekku so hard I had to find time to leave some much needed feedback.

I really hope you didn't think of my comments in UO thread to be rude and make you leave feedback. If so, I'm sorry.

I love Star Wars but have never really gotten into the Expanded Universe for a whole bunch of reasons so forgive any ignorance on my part! I have watched all the episodes to death though.

That's OK. Most people I know are familiar with the basics. And if they're not, well...that's what the Wookieepedia is for.

Firstly, Jedi are devilishly tricky characters to write. How did you write a character who is supposed to show no emotion or passion? (Which in my view are the key elements of a great fic!) Quite simply, you write Jedi that do show emotion and passion. Therein lies a whole lot of fun in exploiting their resulting internal conflicts - I'm mean, but I love angst!

I think I'll never get tired of hearing how much I've been able to pull off writing Willow and Tara in this universe. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I managed to do it so well that it just seems natural.

The exploration of Willow and Tara's growing relationship within the confines of the Jedi order is fascinating and is definitely far more interesting than the formulaic and badly dialouged relationship between Anakin and Padme.

Thanks for that.

It's refreshing to read Episide 1 written by someone who can write a realistic relationship. And they have great histories which gives a greater understanding of who they are as Jedi.

I'm glad that you think I can write a "realistic relationship", as I've never been able to convince myself that I could. (And as an aside, if you think I can write good here, you should see the fic I'm writing on the side, which I hope to have up by the end of the week. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I strongly suspect it'll rival some of the other smutty fics here... )

An interesting marrying of Buffy and Star Wars, while it doesnt sound realistic that a Padawan would say 'frilly' - given that it's coming from Padawan Willow, I can!

Well, I tried to compensate by having her say "Sithspawn" (the SW equivalent of "holy shit") first. Of course, it just wouldn't be Willow if I didn't have her go "frilly heck", now would it?

I'm looking forward to seeing the way their relationship develops and also the way you delve deep and explore and expand the SW canon.

Glad to have you onboard.

[FineyMcFine]

Big hoorahs for the smoochies! And might I add that I am also glad that Tara is taking this development with equanimity. Willow's a little naturally spazzy so I wasn't too worried that she would have a freak-out about propriety and rules, but I was worried that Tara might have that reaction. I guess she's pretty naturally in touch with her feelings and stuff in addition to being a Jedi Master and having control over her emotions, so doing something rash at this point would be out of character anyway.

I love it that Yoda said that Willow would be okay if she had Tara to guide her. It makes me nervous that this could be foreshadowing, though - what happens if they get separated?

Tara couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. “And yet you’re about to kiss me again.”

Well, this was almost too cute for words. Although if I were sitting on Tara's shoulder I'd probably whisper in her ear "You know, you DID kiss Willow first, toots."

Great stuff, Sith!

[SithLordWiccan]

Irene:

This is a great insight into Tara's inner thoughts. On the one hand she 'feels' that this is inappropriate behavior between a Master Jedi and a Padawan and on the other her feelings for Willow have drove her into the situation she finds herself in. Will she regret her actions? I hope not.

It's great for me to be able to write Tara the way that I am in this fic. As much of a complex character as she is in Buffy canon, it's quite a different thing to reinterpret her in this situation, where she's essentially the same, but somewhat different. I can promise that she's not going to regret what she's done, and that the revalation will come rather soon.

Lead her down what path? Unconditional love for Willow? I feel like it will come to a point where Tara will have to choose between being a Master Jedi or be Willow's one and only. Why? Because the dummy's in the Order frown upon their Jedi's having a personal relationship with anyone. Dilema, dilema. *sigh*

Yes, it is quite a dilema. But that's what makes it so fun for me to take this journey. I'm a SW geek and a W/T shipper in the purest sense of the word. I'm also a rather damn good fanfic writer (though I don't apply the label very often). When it all gets together...wow.

So Tara is responsible for Willow not being thrown out of the Order. I am very impressed with her. She automatically felt and saw something in Willow, even back then. She stepped up and spoke on Willow's behalf. She vouched for her and agreed to take on the responsibilty of training her. This shows how mature Tara was even at that age.

Yes, it was. It really was meant to show that Tara would do almost anything to look out for her.

Your use of dialect in this chapter is very impressive. Master Yoda's dialect as well as the Gungan's was right on the money! Outstanding work!! Mesa very impressed wit dat!! (<----how'd I do?) This just goes to show how much time and effort you put forth, in order to produce fine piece of writing in this chapter. Thank you.

Thanks for the kind praise. I was kinda worried that I'd goofed up this part (much less so with Yoda than the Gungans, because I think I can write Yoda pretty damn good). Half the praise has got to go to Chris, though. He deserves just about as much of your kind words as I do. I mean, I write it, but he's the one who makes sure that everything works.

So now Willow and Tara are in the custody of the Gungan's...hmm, could be a good thing. I mean, Nute Gunray has dispatched his army over to that area and it wouldn't be a good idea for the girls to be left alone. This way Willow and Tara can speak with the Gungan's about their current situation...wait, haven't Qui Gon and Obi Wan been there already? Shouldn't the Gungan's have an idea about what might be transpiring?

Yeah, it would be a good idea to get them out of harms way. And yes, they already know. But if you watched the movie, you'd remember that they couldn't give a toss about what's happening on the surface. And that its not going to be such a sanctuary much longer.

You know I am pro Willow and Tara, right? Well don't hate me because what I'm about to say, you might not like...here it goes:
Strategy wise - I like the way Nute Gunray is thinking. If I were him, I couldn't afford to believe that the two Jedi's have been taken care of.

That's true. Then again, he's a Neimoidian, and the race is somewhat genetically predisposed to stay out of harms way as much as possible. Telling himself over and over again that Willow and Tara are dead when he has no evidence is pretty much the best way to convince himself of this fact. It also showcases how paranoid he's starting to get about the situation.

Writing wise - you've excelled.

Thanks.

Can't wait to see what the Star Witches Universe has in store for us next.

You may not have much longer to wait.

[Artemis]

Gungans! I was hoping this would be the path Willow and Tara took when they got left behind on Naboo, because I always wanted to see the Gungans without every scene being contaminated by the presence of their prize idiot Jar Jar. I don't know if it's that it's text, or if it's the extent to which you've chosen to give them an accent without making it a caricature, but already I can take them seriously as an alien race. I'll be interested to read W/T's further interactions with them (which, having the latest chapter in my inbox, I guess I'll be able to pretty soon ).

I did not see it coming at all that Tara actually kept Willow in the Order, when otherwise she would have been turfed out - yet in light of what we've seen of her background, it makes sense. Brave and resourceful as she is, she really doesn't come across as the ideal Jedi-in-training. And it adds a new dimension to her relationship with Tara that Tara is the one who allowed her to stay - as much as she considers herself bound to Tara by their first meeting, Tara feels the same way, as Willow as a Jedi is essentially her responsibility - though of course, in a good way, rather than an onerous one.

And Nute's introspective moment was a nice touch - it adds a depth (that was sorely lacking in the film) to him that he's smart enough to realise he's made the wrong choice in associating with the Sith, even though nothing's going catastrophically wrong right at the moment. Sadly, he's also smart enough to see that he's dug his hole, and now he's got to stay in it - it's the Sith or the grave for him.

[SithLordWiccan]

Chris:

Gungans! I was hoping this would be the path Willow and Tara took when they got left behind on Naboo, because I always wanted to see the Gungans without every scene being contaminated by the presence of their prize idiot Jar Jar.

I've wanted to do that, as well. And since I wanted to get into the nuts and bolts of the story, I always wanted to know how it was that Otoh Gunga was invaded. Of course, the EU does have an explanation for that, but I've decided to bypass that in lieu of doing my own version, as that version is too complicated for me to try and figure out.

I don't know if it's that it's text, or if it's the extent to which you've chosen to give them an accent without making it a caricature, but already I can take them seriously as an alien race.

I really wanted to portray them that way, too. They (like much of the stuff in the movie), didn't really get their props. Of course, the EU was able to accomplish this...somewhat.

I'll be interested to read W/T's further interactions with them (which, having the latest chapter in my inbox, I guess I'll be able to pretty soon ).

Oh, good. I was hoping that you had gotten it. My disc was acting up last night, and so I didn't know if it had gotten attached and sent off.

I did not see it coming at all that Tara actually kept Willow in the Order, when otherwise she would have been turfed out - yet in light of what we've seen of her background, it makes sense. Brave and resourceful as she is, she really doesn't come across as the ideal Jedi-in-training. And it adds a new dimension to her relationship with Tara that Tara is the one who allowed her to stay - as much as she considers herself bound to Tara by their first meeting, Tara feels the same way, as Willow as a Jedi is essentially her responsibility - though of course, in a good way, rather than an onerous one.

Like (I think) I've said before, I figured it was important for me to establish a prior history between the two of them that could have naturally progressed to this point in the eleven years that they've known each other. And I also knew it was important to imply an attraction between the two of them, though for Tara to be reluctant to latch onto it, given her background. I think it comes across rather well.

And Nute's introspective moment was a nice touch - it adds a depth (that was sorely lacking in the film) to him that he's smart enough to realise he's made the wrong choice in associating with the Sith, even though nothing's going catastrophically wrong right at the moment. Sadly, he's also smart enough to see that he's dug his hole, and now he's got to stay in it - it's the Sith or the grave for him.

That's exactly what I was hoping to convey. Thanks.

[Emms]

Damn....I keep thinking there's going to be an update.....

[SithLordWiccan]

Damn....I keep thinking there's going to be an update.....

Maybe I should wait till the update before I respond to comments?

[Emms]

Naaaa don't bother with that Sith... reply all you want. I'm just being impatient gal.

xoxo
Emms

[SithLordWiccan]

I'm just being impatient gal.

You really like this fic, don't you?

[Emms]

I refuse to answer that on the grounds that I'm holding any further praise hostage until you post an update...

[SithLordWiccan]

I refuse to answer that on the grounds that I'm holding any further praise hostage until you post an update...

Then you should really go bug Chris, not me. I've already written it. He just needs to beta it.

[Darth Pacula]

Then you should really go bug Chris, not me. I've already written it. He just needs to beta it.

What kind of excuse is that? Slackass.

[SithLordWiccan]

What kind of excuse is that?

The truth. It's not my fault he can't beta my shit fast enough.

[Darth Pacula]

The truth. It's not my fault he can't beta my shit fast enough.

Bah! The Truth.

[SithLordWiccan]

[quote="Darth Pacula"]

[Darth Pacula]

[SithLordWiccan]

:lol

I'm always good for a cheap laugh.

[SithLordWiccan]

Enough with the mexican jokes...*continues pushing cart*...

Chicklets...chicklets...tacos...tacos...burrittos anyone!

Don't you start.

[SithLordWiccan]

Oh hush Sith before I break out in a lively mexican rendition of the Disney's theme song to The Little Mermaid. I'll even throw in a sombrero and zarape to boot. O'Ley!

Under thee see, under thee see...vamonos muchachos!

It's times like this I really wish I had something else to do...

(I'm just teasing, BTW)

[SithLordWiccan]

OK, Chapter 11's all ready for posting, though given Paul, Emms and Irene's little prodding, I thought about waiting a couple more days to do it, but that would be mean, and I just can't be mean to people, no matter how much I try...or I want to.

Anways, here it is, and for those people wishing to see our girls engage in a little more... , go check out my other fic, Under The Sea.

[center][/center]

[center]Chapter Eleven[/center]

Willow and Tara were escorted through the swamps by the Gungan sentries, who were constantly prodding them with their spearlike weapons. Neither of them felt particularly happy about it, though neither of them actually voiced their complaints, lest they earn yet another series of jabs.

At least they hadn’t bothered to try to separate their hands. That was some comfort to the two of them.

Willow squeezed Tara’s hand, hoping to get a comforting squeeze in return. The squeeze came back quickly, though Willow could feel a nagging sense of doubt through the Force about the emotional welfare of her Master, who was starting to close herself off, feeling guilty for having let themselves get captured.

Willow wished she could talk to her Master, let her know that everything would be all right. Unfortunately, she couldn’t bring herself to say it. It was in part due to the fact that she didn’t feel the same way.

But mostly it was because she had let it happen.

She was the one who had been talking non stop ever since they had begun moving and allowed Tara to get distracted. She silently blamed herself for allowing the situation to deteriorate as much as it did. If she and Tara hadn’t allowed themselves to get distracted, they would be free right now.

”And I was just beginning to get Tara to express herself, too,” she silently mused. ”So much for that.”

The two arrived at the edge of the swamp, where a strange looking craft awaited them. They noticed that a Gungan was sitting at the controls. One of their guards jabbed Willow in the back again with the spear, no doubt wanting her to step inside.

Tara moved to step inside the craft, though Willow silently stood her ground.

“I’m not getting in until I’ve get some explanations,” she said, trying to sound more confident and brave than she actually felt. Sadly, it was all for naught, as the guard jabbed the spear into her ribcage again, this time with enough to cause her to flinch and cry out.

“Gettan inside,” the guard commanded.

Tara turned to look at her Padawan. “Willow, please?”

Willow caught the tone of her voice, and realised that she was cooperating with their captors in an attempt to keep the situation as under control as she could. By openly defying their captors, Willow was placing them in danger that she had hoped to avoid.

Her heart caught in her throat, and she moved to enter the vehicle, feeling a fresh wave of shame over the situation she had inadvertently brought upon themselves.

**

The trip had taken several minutes, during which Willow had attempted to spark conversation with both their pilot and Tara, though none were exactly willing to talk back to her. She had expected that from the Gungan, but from Tara…

She felt the emotional walls that she had so carefully began to deconstruct going up once again, and knew that she wouldn’t talk to her the way she had done before ever again. It was something she knew couldn’t last, given that their oath to the Jedi Order prevented it. But still, she had wished for it to last somewhat longer than it had.

Willow’s eyes caught sight of their destination, and found herself amazed at the sight, despite the situation that brought her to it. It was a series of bubbles through which she saw several figures and other craft passing through. It was quite the sight to behold, she had to admit. The perfect blend of organics and technology.

Their craft passed through one of the bubbles, oriented itself and came to a stop. The pilot pressed a button, withdrawing the canopy that had kept the water from seeping in. Before she could move, however, she found herself staring at yet another spear being thrust at her head.

“Comen wit dus,” the guard holding the spear said. “Da Boss wanten to see youse.”

**

Willow and Tara found themselves, once again, being escorted by several Gungans to their destination. Willow noted, however, that these ones seemed to be a tad more on the aggressive side, jabbing them with their weapons whenever they thought they were moving too slow. Which, Willow thought, as she grimaced as yet another jab impacted against her back, seemed to be far too often for her tastes.

Eventually, they arrived at one of a room that appeared to be some sort of council chamber, a series of chairs arrayed in a half circle at the opposite end of the room, a Gungan in each one of them. The one in the centre chair looked considerably different than the others. Whereas the others were slimmer and had sleeker faces, this one was rather heavyset and had a pronounced ridge above his protruding eyes, giving him a flatter, more imperious face.

“Ah,” the Gungan, obviously the Boss the guard has spoken of earlier, grunted. “Mesa thoughen you Jedi already leave. Mebbe mesa too generous.”

Willow’s head lifted ever so slightly. “Wait. You mean…Master Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan…they were here?”

The Gungan’s face creased. “Theysa heren. And dey bringen back Jar Jar Binks.” He shuddered in obvious disgust. “Mesa thought thatsa bad idea, ledding dem go. It seems theysa bringen der friends here to causen more trubble.”

“We’re not the one’s you have to worry about,” Willow spat out. “There’s a whole army of droids up there that could be coming for you at any moment.”

The Gungan spat out a laugh. “Yousa spouten da same nonsense da uders say. Theysa thinken that da machaneeks comen here doo. Mesa say do usa the same thing mesa sayen da them. Wesa safe here.”

It was then that Tara spoke up. “Then…may we…may we stay?”

The Gungan fixed his gaze on her, and Willow saw Tara shrink further into herself. “And whyen shoulda mesa doin that? Mesa already trusten one pair of outsiders mesa apparently shouldn’t. What maken you different?”

Tara was hard pressed to come up with an answer to that question, and lowered her gaze to the floor. ”I…I don’t know, sir.”

Willow would have expected outright disgust at the comment, or even thinly concealed resentment. Instead, she was rather surprised when the Boss smiled. A rather evil looking, vicious smile, but still, it was a smile.

“Dasten a gud answer,” he said. “Mesa have no reason to trust you, justen like you haven no reason to trust me. Dat mean that, either way, wesa need to cooperate.” He waved a hand. “Mesa agree to your request. Yousa can stay in Otho Gunga. But only till sunrise. Den yousa go on your way and never returnen.”

Tara bowed her head in thanks. “Thank you.” She turned and left the room. Seconds later, Willow and their guards followed.

**

The two were escorted to what passed for a set of quarters, though Willow noted that it was the strangest room that she had ever seen. And having travelled across the galaxy, she had seen her fair share of living arrangements.

She noted that Tara had moved to the bed, discarding her robe as she moved and placing it on the bed.

“Master,” she began to say. “I’m sorry for what happened. I know I was out of line and that I could have put us in more danger than was necessary. It’s just that…well, if it wasn’t for me, we wouldn’t have got into this situation in the first place. I suppose we could have if we had been fully alert, but it seems to me that the Gungans know their way around the swamps, and are probably expert trackers and huntsman to be able to move that stealthily. I guess we’ll never know now…”

“Willow,” Tara said softly, patting the bed beside her. Willow grew silent as she moved to sit beside her Master, prepared to receive whatever rebuke she knew was coming. Instead, she was surprise to find Tara placing her hand on her shoulder, slowly moving it towards her head. Then, even more surprising, moving it gently over to her own shoulder.

Willow was surprised by this act, as she had fully expected her to discipline her for her actions both on the surface and in front of the Gungans. Instead, she was feeling more protective than she had been before.

“Master?” she asked.

Tara sighed. “Don’t be sorry, Willow. You were speaking your mind. I’ve always admired that about you.” She smiled faintly. “Though there are times when I think you shouldn’t.”

“You mean like now,” Willow said, her tone neutral and tinged with sadness.

Tara shook her head as she let go of Willow and lay down on the bed. “No. I’m really glad you did. I…I froze. I let my guard down.”

“So did I,” Willow said as she moved to join her. “I mean, I was there, too.”

Tara smiled. “Willow, you don’t have to do that. I mean, this is me you’re talking to. You don’t have to be all worrisome and blame yourself for every problem we have to face. We may be Jedi, but we’re also people. And people have their flaws. It’s just you and me here, Willow. This is where you don't have to be brave.”

Willow couldn’t believe what it was that she was hearing. “But..I thought that…since this happened that you’d…you know…close yourself down. I mean, I only just got you to open up.”

Tara moved her hand, ruffling Willow’s short hair and twirling her fingers around her Padawan braid. “And I thank you for it, Willow. You’ve opened me up to the galaxy around me. And I still love you. I always will. You can tell me if you’re worried.”

Willow sighed as she moved to stretch out, the need for sleep finally overcoming her. “I’m worried, Tara. I’m worried about us. I’m worried about Qui-Gon. I’m worried about Obi-Wan. I’m worried about everything.”

“I know,” Tara said as she moved to join her. “I am, too.”

**
OOM-9 surveyed the area, detecting no signs of life. The search had progressed throughout the entire latter half of the day without any success. Still, this would not deter him. He was under orders to find and eliminate the aquatic settlement, and he would not rest until this task was accomplished.

Switching to infrared scanners, he searched the area once again, and once again detected no anomalous readings. He was about to order the squad to move on when he detected something.

Focusing in on sector 327, he could make out the imprint of series of booted feet, heading in a northeastern direction. Following the trail for several more feet, he discovered that the feet were joined by several other footprints that headed off in a westernly direction.

“All troops advance,” he broadcasted to the troops, who moved forward to comply with the request.

**

Willow slept soundly, her mind on thoughts other than the current situation. She had managed to keep Tara’s respect and love despite her lack of respect towards her. And she had managed to keep her from falling back into her shell. The past few days, despite the situation, had been good to her.

Tara, however, was once again plagued by a nightmare, this one showing herself, Qui-Gon and others inside a starfighter hanger with a group of soldiers moving towards a heavy blast door at the room’s opposite end. Tara didn’t know where Willow was, and the thought left her rather worried.

Her worrisome feelings were magnified when the blast door opened and a black cloaked figure stood waiting for them. Tara noted, with some horror, that it was the same demon creature that she had seen in her earlier nightmare, the one who had killed Qui-Gon. The one who, it appeared, could have killed Willow.

And on its belt hung…

Her heart caught in her throat. On its belt hung her former lightsaber, now Willow’s.

As the soldiers moved off to one side and Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan stepped forward to face the demon, Tara found herself rooted to the spot, not knowing what to do. She had a choice to make, and knew that whatever she decided, it would dramatically impact those around her.

An earth shattering boom brought her out of her hesitation, and she looked around for the source. She found none, however, and wondered where it had come from.

Another boom sounded, this one much closer and louder. Her danger sense flared to life, along with her eyes. She got up out of bed quickly, thanking the Force that she still wore her tunic and pants. She looked outside and saw a sight that greeted her as badly as any nightmare.

“Willow, wake up!”

On the bed, Willow stirred and sat up. “What is it, Master?”

She turned to face her Padawan. “We’re under attack.”