"Thank you," Octavia whispered.
Tor chuckled. "Getting a little too close?"
"Let's say I was ready to use the Jedi Mind Trick of 'go dance with someone else.'"
He laughed out loud and pulled her closer to him. "I hope you won't feel the need to use that on me."
She joined in his laughter. "No, I think with you, no mind tricks are needed."
He moved with the music, leading the dance with her. "I think I'm glad to hear that."
Tor chuckled and leaned down to Octavia. "Seems everyone is dancing."
"Yes, it does, I think that's why they call it the market gathering dance. So how did you find your other partners?"
"Most of them found me," he laughed. "They were nice, but... they weren't who I wanted to be dancing with."
"Thank you for giving me and Alida time to talk."
He smiled. "Not a problem. Everything okay?"
"Oh yes, everything is fine. She's enjoying herself, though her feet aren't used to all of this."
"How are your feet holding up?" he asked. "Up until you two sat to talk, you did a lot of dancing."
"My feet are fine, though they welcomed the brief rest."
"I never did get you a drink, did I?"
"That's only because Lady C'rman swept you away. She's very hard to resist."
"I didn't think saying no to her was a good idea."
"Oh, she would have understood, but she's the safest one to dance with, she will ..." Octavia stopped herself.
"She'll what?" he pressed.
Octavia leaned her head against Tor. "Keep her distance."
He shifted his hand to her back. "Is that something I should worry about?"
"What?" Octavia asked. "About Lady C'rman keeping her distance?'
He nodded. "About anyone. Why is she safe?"
"Because she won't ... try to take you away. There I said it." Octavia said softly. "Makes me sound so possessive of you, doesn't it?"
"I don't mind at all," he said. He tilted his head down to kiss her lips.
"You don't?" she whispered when they parted.
"Mind you being possessive? No, I don't mind." He grinned at her.
"I could use that drink now." she smiled
He offered her his arm. "Let's get something to drink, then."
'Yes, that does sound like a good idea." Octavia took his hand and he led her through the dancers toward the refreshments.
"So many people, at first glance you'd think all the planet is here," she said.
"You'd think people would get tired of this every couple weeks, but everyone looks like they're having a good time." He smiled. "I like it."
"It is probably to make up for the long time they spend to work for what they earn."
"It's a good idea. The people here seem pretty happy."
"Yes, they do." Octavia stayed close to him. "I don't sense anything out of the normal day to day worries."
"That's all they should be worrying about," he said.
He picked up a drink and handed it to her before taking one for himself and. Tor tossed something into the bowl set there for donations.
"I agree."
"We should find a place to sit and rest for a while," he said. "You got a break. I didn't." He laughed.
"A strong man like yourself needs a breaks?" She laughed, looking around. "Follow me."
"Unless you want to dance and drink at the same time... yeah." He nodded. "Lead the way."
"I think that would be messy and while I'll make sure you have a pressed uniform, I won't clean it." She joked, leading a way to a small bench where they could watch the dance but not be overheard. . "How's this?"
"Perfect." He waited for her to sit.
She did, making sure he had room. Tor sat down next to her, moving close. "Yeah, this is nice." He slips his free arm around her. "Are you having a good time?"
"Yes, reminds me of some of the parties the crew on the Electra had, though I prefer who I'm with now than then."
"Tell me about them," he said.
"Who?"
"The parties on the Electra. The crew."
"Well the captain is borderline drunk, but sharp as is needed if his ship or crew is attacked. He always said if I ever changed my mind about the Jedi or needed him, all I had to do was call."
"Have you ever wanted to?" he asked. "Go back to the ship, I mean."
"Oh, there were times I thought of it. Times when I felt like I didn't belong or when I made the wrong decision. But I always knew the path I was to walk." She took a sip of the drink. "As for the parties, Art is the one who Lord Alderson reminds me of: happiest when he's dancing and having fun."
He looked down at his drink, then up at her. "What about the path you're on now. Do you think you're making the right decisions?"
"You want me to be totally honest?" she asked, looking at him sideways.
He tensed a little, but nodded. "I think we should be totally honest with each other."
"Then know this: I wouldn't change this anymore than I would change what has led me to this point." She paused. "I'm thinking of returning to Yavin for a short time to talk to the Jedi."
"I don't want you to go," he said without any hesitation.
"Why?"
"I don't know," he said. "I... You'll come back, won't you?"
She looked at him. "That is my plan. Tor what is it?"
"I don't want to lose you to the Jedi," he said.
"You think I won't want to come back?"
"Part of me is afraid of that."
"Don't be, I have every intention of coming back ..." Octavia couldn't finish her sentence, if she was allowed, if the Jedi let her or the alliance. She never thought of that, what if the Alliance wouldn't let her leave if she went back.
She could read worry emanating from Tor. "Octavia, what is it?"
"There's a possibility I won't be allowed to return, I don't know if it's my own fear and doubt or not."
"I won't let that happen," he swears. "If I have to go to Yavin myself to get you back."
"I can see that, you taking on the Jedi Council." She smiled.
"I'm serious," he said. "Why do you think you have to go?"
"It's something I feel that has to be done, but I'm not totally sure. I'm uncertain of my direction in this."
"Don't go unless you know you *have* to," he said. "What about Alida? Can't she make them let you leave?"
Octavia shook her head, "No, she has no influence in that area."
Tor released a slow breath. "Maybe you won't feel led to go."
"Maybe I won't. Know whatever I do, I will only do after strong meditation and thought."
"I know you will," he said. "Will you let me know when you do decide?"
"Just because you go back to Arridor doesn't mean I won't stay in touch, I promise if I plan on going I'll let you know otherwise I won't mention it again."
He moved to hug her and she leaned into it. "Besides, I don't think Lord Du'Cruet would be too happy about that idea."
"That's good," he said. "If he says no, you won't go, will you?"
She didn't answer at first.
"Octavia, you won't, will you?"
"Not if I don't feel like I have to. But if I feel it's something that has to be done..." Octavia leaned next to him. "Then yes I will."
He sighed heavily. "This isn't something you're going to decide any time soon, is it?"
"No, it isn't." Octavia chuckled. "It's not like I'm going to leave tomorrow. I'm not even sure ... if I'll ever go. To be honest ... I'm not sure if I feel comfortable enough to go back."
Relief poured off Tor. "Good."
She looked up at him. "Good?"
"That you're not leaving right away."
"You don't think I would leave and leave you here all alone do you?"
"I kind of hoped you wouldn't, but if you had to... I would understand."
"You're not going to get free of me that easily, Captain Kyrsk."
He laughed and tossed back the rest of his drink. "I'm glad to hear that, Jedi Jinn. Ready to join me on the dance floor?"
"Yes, I am. Before the others think we are being unsociable."
He gets to his feet and holds out his hand for her.
Taking his hand, Octavia rose. "I now know how you felt when I made you get up from that bench last night."
He laughed. "And just how is that?"
"Not wanting to."
"A few more dances."
She frowned for a brief moment. "Agreed." she grinned. "That's what we came here for, wasn't it?"
He laughed. "We did. We can't let the others show us up."
"No, we can't."
He set their cups down and whisked her onto the floor.
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