Bastila, Chapter Two

Bastila sat ensconced in the limo, but her thoughts were elsewhere as the beautiful scenery passed by. Resting her chin in her hand, she stared dazedly as her thoughts drifted on the winds.

In the time Bastila had been in Denver, she had only seen Adria twice, the first being in Angel's office. As far as she was concerned, that wasn't a bad thing. The woman drove her insane sometimes and up the wall others. Both knew that if Adria were to make Master, Bastila would have a hard road ahead of her and, at least in this instance, she and Adria probably agreed that it would be bad for the both of them. Besides, things had been such a blur lately, and she didn't really want to have to face the newly promoted Knight day in and day out. Far from it, she dreaded it.

On the second occasion, there had been no one around except for Bastila and Adria and that had almost ended badly. As it was, it hadn't gone well at all. Thinking back, Bastila felt her vision blur as the Force took her and revealed the encounter again, probing, guiding, as if there was something she should be seeing, sensing, aware of. All Bastila could see was the anger, hurt, and the fact that she had been right.

Bastila stood on the top deck of Warhawk's riverboat and gazed across the flickering waters of Sapphire Lake, the lake that Warhawk's cousin, Shadowlake, she chuckled at the thought, purchased after his first successful mission into the Coalition, which had garnered he and his sister a great deal of military equipment worth millions. After that, he had been able to afford it. Since then, it had come to be a Tintallin Enclave with six or eight lake houses around it belonging to the family and, of course, Warhawk's custom built Riverboat. He maintained that he preferred it to a house, the three-story structure with over fifty or so suites and plenty of other space for dens, libraries, a game room, an entertainment area, and who knew what else. Bastila was still exploring.

As she stood there gazing at the beauty and at nothing, she took a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, a breeze gliding across the lake and gently disturbing the water. Strangely, when she heard the soft scuff of a boot on the decking behind her, she nearly jumped, stopping herself by force of will alone. Turning serenely, she looked to see who her visitor was and nearly lost all composure. Again, by force of will alone, she looked back at Adria with a serene look as if the roiling in her belly wasn't there. She knew it was too late. For a Jedi, the light scuff had been the equivalent of Adria screaming her presence, an announcement, a courtesy, if you will. The fact that Bastila hadn't sensed her until then was...disturbing.

'So, what can this humble Padawan do for the mighty Knight today, hmmm?'

The slight tightening around Adria's eyes spoke her disapproval clearly enough, both at the insult and the fact that Bastila would stoop to it, but she didn't voice it. Instead, she said lightly, 'I was thinking that we should talk. We haven't done that in some time.'

'And what wisdom would you bestow upon me, Knight Teksuni. I'm all ears.'

Again, Adria didn't rise to the bait, but she did clench her jaw from the effort of it. This woman drove her nuts and that was on a good day. This one wasn't. 'I am here to inquire about your welfare...your training. Are you still performing your exercises, etcetera. You don't seem well, Bastila and I am concerned. I was thinking...'

'You always are, Adria...I'm sorry...' She said the last sarcastically, drawling the words. 'Knight Teksuni.'

Before Adria could react, a saying Angel had imparted on her in their earlier conversation about Bastila occurred to her, calming her with the humor of it. 'Stress. The confusion created when the mind overrides the body's compulsion to slap the shit out of some asshole who desperately needs it.' She had grinned then. Right now, it was enough to calm her, but she knew that she was certainly experiencing stress. Trying to remain calm, she was now convinced that there was a genuine danger and sought to calm and control the situation. The edge was very near and now was not the time to leap off.

She thought, there is no emotion, there is peace. Again, lightly, she said, 'You don't have to address me so formally, Bastila, there is no one to hear.'

Bastila smiled and her eyes flashed. Sweetly, she said, 'Why, thank you, Adria. That is such a relief. Now. What brings you to my sanctuary? Are you looking to move in? The view is wonderful and the men...' She hugged herself and growled. 'Delicious.'

Eyebrows raised over blue eyes. Adria knew that Lightbringer, the assistant to the Matriarch of the Tintallin Family, Tomokata Horukin, had visited earlier in the week on business with Warhawk. She also knew that Bastila had more than introduced herself. Adria was not, nor ever had been opposed to a roll in the hay, no strings attached, but for Bastila, and the way she was acting now, it wasn't from desire or a simple need to scratch an itch, it was from a crumbling will and the influence of the Dark Side. She didn't know how or why or when, but at some point, Bastila had been poisoned to it and it had finally caught up to her. Taking a step forward, she said, 'Bastila...'

The lightstaff snapped up between them in the blink of an eye, Bastila dropping into a defensive stance, but the threat was there. Through gritted teeth, she said, 'One more step, Adria, and I will defend myself. Do not presume to exert your will on me. I was a Jedi for years before you came to the Council and your own training. You know nothing compared to me!'

Adria withdrew the step she had taken, but she did let the Force flow through her, her lightsabers milliseconds from flying into her hands. She had sensed the outpouring of Force from Bastila when she had pulled her lightstaff and it hadn't felt...right. Bluntly, she stated, 'That is proof positive that you need help, Bastila. I came to talk, one last effort to help you with...whatever it is that you are dealing with. Aaron...'

'Don't say that name! The Council except on their business forbade me to see him. It doesn't matter anyway! I've found...other distractions!' Mimicking Master Vandar, she continued, 'Passion for Aaron guides you. To the Dark Side it will lead.' Lowering the blade into a more offensive stance, she said, 'I am fully capable of dealing with my feelings. Now leave me alone or face the consequences.'

Carefully, Adria said, 'We still have to return to the Republic and you will need to face the Council. You need help, Bastila.'

'Bullshit! Isn't that what they say here, Adria? I should have been promoted to Knight! I earned the right, not you! It was I that led that mission; it was I that made it a success! It was my sacrifice to Malak that enabled you to succeed!' She screamed the last. 'Again, do not presume to preach to me of the Code or speak to me of the Council. You are a pitiful child in the Force next to me. Get away from me!'

Adria was still guarded, but didn't want a confrontation, not now. The outcome, at best, would be very ugly. Instead, she straightened and slowly backed to the stairs, lips pursed. When she was there, she turned and headed down slowly, but not before stopping and looking back at Bastila. As she did, Bastila shut off the staff and stowed inside her robes, a sweet smile coming to her face as she hugged herself again. Turning, she faced out towards the lake, a serene smile on her lips, a tuneless hum floating through the air to Adria. Sighing, Adria walked down the steps and out of sight.

Insert after Bastila and Adria's encounter...

As Adria crossed the living room of the boat, she took the cell phone Angel had given her and hit the speed dial button. As the line was answered, she said without preamble, 'Whatever you're going to do, do it quick. If that git pulls that lightstaff on me again, I'll likely take it away from her and kill her with it.'

On the other end, the masculine voice said, 'Don't worry. I'll take care of everything.'

And now...

Putting thoughts of the encounter aside, peace with herself wrapped around her like a comfortable shroud, Bastila looked up the road ahead of her to the building they approached. Warhawk had made mention of a cabin, but this was far from such a mundane structure. For starters, it was huge. It was more of a mansion than a cabin, but she accepted his wisdom in this and waited patiently as the limo pulled in front of the building and stopped.

She was alone on this trip today, Warhawk explaining that she would be fine to go alone and pointing out that he had not been invited. On the other hand, he had encouraged her to accept the invitation that had been delivered the day before, the envelope black with her name inscribed in gold lettering on the front. Inside, she had found an invitation to get away for a day or two to the Tintallin Holding commonly known as 'The Cabin' as a guest of Angel's. Since their first meeting, she had only spoken to him briefly, but Warhawk had told her that Adria had accepted a similar invitation just a few days before and had attended. When she inquired as to whom the other guests were to be, he looked and told her that it only indicated her and Angel would be in attendance. With some urging and convincing, he had managed to get her to accept, she smiling as she thought back to her first meeting with Angel and the electricity she had felt. He had told her that she would be treated according to how she wanted to be and that there were no expectations. She had been sure of herself and had taken his word that she would have fun and, most likely, learn a great deal in the process. With no trepidation, she accepted via RSVP and now found herself sitting in front of the aforementioned 'Cabin.'

As the door opened, she stepped out onto the hard driveway, her boot heel clicking as she stood up. Warhawk had helped her pack and dress, as she had zero knowledge of what to expect. At first, she had been unsure if she had wanted to project the image of what he picked out, but he had raised his eyebrows and cocked his head at her. Assenting, she did as he said, he explaining each thing he packed and how best to present it and when. Several times she had blushed, but took it all in and had enjoyed the naughtiness of it all. Now, as she stood up, she straightened her skirt walked towards the stairs, her baggage already at the top as the driver shut the door and got back in to head off. She wasn't sure what she would do if no one was here and he left her on the steps. She figured she would change into her Jedi Robes and hike back to town, just in time to kill Warhawk before the sun went down. Before she could follow through on that thought, the front door opened and Angel stepped out, his grin of welcome relieving her of any further anxiety.

Bastila was not as wound up about coming here alone with a man she hardly knew as she might have been previously, in another life, or so it seemed. Being propositioned, especially here in Denver, wasn't unknown to Bastila, and it had happened far more recently than she would have expected. Denver seemed to have that effect on a person. Or was it just the Tintallins, she wondered. It didn't matter, really. For once, she felt very free, uninhibited, and ready for anything. Looking at Angel, she hoped for anything. Two wives or not, she craved anything he wanted to do.

Things had been that way for a week and, as Bastila met Angel's grin with a small smile of her own, she couldn't help but think that this would probably end the same way, something she definitely desired. After all, she had felt a complete freedom with the men and women of the Tintallin family that had enabled her to recharge from long bouts of battle and wariness and was finally able to relax for just a bit, the Tintallin's ensuring her safety in Denver and in their company. Knowing this, she ignored the slight tremor of danger that emanated from Angel as nothing more than facing a new man and the tingle of excitement or fear that came from it.

Picking up her bags, Angel said, 'Why don't you join me. I have refreshments inside and we can sit and relax for just a bit. After that, we'll get to know each other better.' His grin only widened at the last.

Smiling enthusiastically, she replied, 'Sure, Dr. Tintallin. I have no doubt we will.'

'Call me Angel, Bastila.'

'Alright, Angel.' Walking up the steps, she entered the door he held open for her and walked into the expanse of the Great Room of the Cabin.

As she had expected, it was not anything she was familiar with as being identified as a cabin. The room was, however, decorated as something resembling it. The center of the room was dominated by a large, round fireplace, almost a pit, built from smooth river stones with a large hood over it that allowed the smoke to drift out through the roof. Around the outer edge were a raised platform that allowed someone to walk the entire circumference of the room without ever stepping into the middle and three steps that led down into the center. A rail separated the upper and lower sections and couches were placed all around the outer edge of the fire pit, some facing the fire while others were drawn together in circles or squares for more intimate conversations. Just above the flared hood of the fire pit, attached by some unknown means, were eight large screens angled down towards the floor. They were set so that any scene on them could be observed by all of the occupants of the room with speakers hidden everywhere that relayed the sounds there. Now, the scene being displayed was of a burning fire in a fireplace, the snap and crackle of the fire pit accompanying the sound. Even though it was cool outside, brisk even, it wasn't cold, but Bastila enjoyed the feeling of warmth it conveyed. Setting her bags on the floor, Angel led her down into the depression and to one of the couches where she saw a bottle of wine chilling with two glasses. Motioning for her to sit, Angel poured them and joined her on the couch, their view of the fire pit and screens unobstructed. Relaxing back, he leaned towards her and put his boots up on the low table as he leaned on his elbow and put his head on the back of the couch tilted towards her. Taking his cue, she leaned back into the soft couch and put her own boots on the table, sipping the glass of wine as she did. With surprise, she noted the fruity, delicious drink she tasted was no mere wine.

'Oh my,' she sighed in pleasure. 'What is this?'

'Elven Ambrosia. The finest from Aquilonia, made by the Elves there and marketed now, thanks to Horukin Enterprises, all across the Megaverse. It brings quite a tidy profit and I get first pick as I am the husband and consort to the Queen.'

Bastila raised an eyebrow at him. 'Really. And does the Queen know where her husband is?'

He grinned. 'Of course. The Queen, and my other wife, both know I'm here, alone, with a beautiful Jedi of the Order.'

She smirked. 'Charming and brash. And what do you anticipate of our...being alone.'

His grin was nearly feral. 'I hadn't thought about it.'

Bastila couldn't help herself. From deep within, the laugh escaped her, deep and throaty and Angel chuckled with her. Catching her breath, she asked, 'Are you Tintallin's always so...transparent? Uh...I mean obvious?'

Angel laughed at that. 'No, you meant transparent and yes, sometimes. Surely, Warhawk warned you.'

'He may have mentioned it.'

'I'm sure he did, but you're not necessarily here for the obvious. Why did you accept my invitation?'

She smiled. 'It is you who are wrong. I've spoken with many of your...family, and the women were most enlightening about...well, you and your gifts. I was tempted.'

'Tempted? I like the sound of that.'

'Well, since your clan has been so...inviting, I figured that I would enjoy myself before I had to return to the Republic and the business at hand. Coming so highly recommended, I certainly couldn't pass up the opportunity to...meet you privately.'

Angel grinned at her. 'I'm glad to hear that, but I think you misunderstood the invite. Here, I want to show you something.' Picking up a remote, he pushed a couple of buttons and the screens all faded to black and then back to reveal a most interesting, and shocking scene, at least to Bastila. She had never seen anything like this.

The camera was pointed at the fireplace when the scene faded from black, but didn't stay there for long. As the camera panned, she could hear the soft moans from somewhere else in the room, the camera moving at an agonizingly slow pace as it tracked the walls. Soon enough, it caught sight of the bed and the occupants there, obviously engaged in their own pleasures, too busy to notice the camera. As the scene expanded on the monitor, Bastila sucked in a breath as the scene unfolded. Settling in, she watched the...action, as it were, of a woman and more than one man, a few to be sure, enjoyed themselves carnally. At first, she was shocked, but something inside of her soothed that emotion and replaced it with another. Pleasure. Bastila watched entranced as the bodies moved, entwined, separated. For her, it ended too soon, she breathless as the screen faded and was replaced by the slowly burning fire from before. She sat silently for several minutes before she turned to her host, still pausing in...shock...desire...lust...she couldn't tell.

Finally, she turned her attention to Angel and asked the question she hoped he might answer in the affirmative. At the same time, she dreaded the same answer. 'Is this what you have planned for me?'

Angel smiled. 'Is that what you want? I thought we might do something...different.'

Bastila looked at him, torn between confusion and something else she couldn't identify. It was just a funny feeling. 'Uh...Well...I don't...maybe...what did...damn! I must say...it does intrigue.'

Angel smiled. 'How do you feel?'

The question took her by surprise. 'Pardon?'

'How do you feel?'

'I feel fine...maybe a little sleepy, but...' Bastila felt her eyelids droop. As she said that, she realized that something wasn't right. 'What...what...did you do?'

Angel's smile grew to a grin. 'Elven Ambrosia is known for its' unique properties. Left alone, it enhances desire in a person to...unique heights. However, when mixed with other things, it tends to heighten their effects. Take for instance, spice, Mélange as Warhawk surely told you about, or...something to make you sleepy.'

Bastila staggered to her feet, the cup in her hand spilling to the floor. She couldn't seem to keep her balance as she pushed away from the couch. 'What...did...you do?'

'Just a simple sleeping agent mixed with a drug that suppresses magic, psionics, and...the Force.'

'What?!' Bastila reached for the Force and encountered something...a shield or something else. She couldn't concentrate or think. 'What have you done?'

'What I had to. Now, how do you feel?'

'I...' Bastila watched as the floor approached and her vision faded. By the time she rested her cheek on the thick carpet, she was unaware of anything, including the crack of her head against the table in the center of the floor.