Anakin was watching her. She had a distinct routine. She rarely deviated. Her life was so simple. Anakin almost envied her. She didn't have to worry about the world. She lived on her own. She didn't fight in Wars. She just lived. In spite of her cold personality he couldn't help wishing he could help her. He wished he could find out what made her so bitter.

Kodah wished he would leave. He disturbed her peace. He was always watching her. Why.... she wondered. She didn't even know her and yet he expected her to drop every thing to help her. She expected not care.... but somehow, she did.

Anakin finally left his position watching to ruins and started walking toward the place she had made her home. It was nothing special. Just a group ruins obviously arranged to provide the maximum comfort for the situation. She had used water to move things and create a small oasis. He arrived in front of it where she sat. She barely looked up. "So, you have decided to quit stalking me." He fixed his gaze with hers. "Are you honestly so opposed to helping me? Are you truly so far removed?" She lowered her gaze. "I have no reason to aid anyone." "Why?" He pressed. "What happened to you? Why are you here." "I don't see how that's your concern." "And yet you know I won't stop asking until you tell me." Her expression softened. He thought he saw a ghost of a smile. Then her face hardened. "It was a long time ago..... a man. He came here. I was just a girl......." she trailed off. "What happened" he asked gently. "He killed my family. He forced he to flee. He would have taken me. But I killed him. I swept him away." "Who was he?" "A monster. He had black and red skin. A red laser. He wanted me. I hate him." Anakin was shocked. He realized that he knew the person in question. "Darth Maul!" He exclaimed. "You knew him!" Her voice was venomous. "Yes. You didn't kill him. He escaped. But I know the person who did kill him. He is a friend of mine." Anakin looked her. "You have Force. That's why he wanted you. He wanted to make you a sith." "The Force ruined my life!" She yelled. "The Force took everything from me!" "No. Darth maul did. He is the one who killed your family." She shook your head. "I don't care. All I know is I had a life once. And it was taken from me. So why should I save anyone else's life?" "Because standing by and letting people die is as bad as what Darth maul did to you. Maybe by saving lives you would find you own." She watched him for a long time. Then finally said, "I don't even know your name." "Anakin." "Kodah."
"I can help you Kodah.... if you help me." Her eyes watered. Then in a very faint voice, "I.. I will help you."

He smiled at her. She smiled back slightly. Kodah  had a beautiful face. In spite of her harsh life she had a delicate features and long, shiny black hair. Her eyes were dark green and very wise looking. Anakin realized that as a Jedi he shouldn't think things like that, but being a Jedi didn't make him blind.

"So. Are you coming with me?" "Yes I will." He grabbed her hand and helped her to her feet. He noticed that her hand lingered in his slightly longer than necessary. When she noticed him staring she blushed and dropped his hand. Anakin lead her to where R2 was waiting and together they walked toward his ship, ready to save coruscant.