Chapter 1: Aftermath

EDIT: Due to revising, and the help of a friendly reviewer, I have fixed a lot of the smaller typos along with some common errors, like Bastila's name (Which bugs the crap out of me, that I spelled it wrong I mean.) I apologize to everyone who read the version prior to this and hope you will give me the benefit of the doubt. Thanks for the support.

Legend

Italics show thoughts

Underline/Bold show date, time, location

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Dantooine

Another beautiful evening on the newly peaceful Dantooine. A gentle breeze bending the knee high grass towards the setting sun which was descended over the northern horizon. A small fire to warm the weary travelers as they returned from their long journey. And the twinkling stars dancing into sight as the sun set and took with it the light that blocked them from view.

In a brown and tan Jedi robe, Bastila, stared up at the multiplying stars in the sky, knowing that hundreds of those balls of fire were heating just as many of solar systems, allowing life to grow on the surface of numerous worlds.

The Universe was surely a vast place…almost too vast.

It had been two years since he had left. Two long years since he said no one could follow, that where he intended to tread was a place so dark that to take anyone with him would be death…and the life of his companions he would not gamble.

She remembered when he had left, left everything, even her. Even she who loved him and was loved by him, she who he had strove so hard that day on the Star Forge to call back into the light. The day, roughly five years ago, she accepted the love of the most powerful Force user the galaxy had ever seen.

A man who turned a defeated Republic into a force that would destroy a people who lived for battle and war, for struggle and strife; the Mandalorians, and their leader Mandalore. The same man who entered the regions of unknown space and returned a Dark Lord of the Sith to conquer the people he had protected only to be cast down by his apprentice. And finally it was the same man who rose up once more and ended everything he had started, on his own with only a handful of companions.

A Jedi Knight, a Dark Lord of the Sith, a Jedi Master. Both a man who had walked into the deepest depths of the Dark-side and basked in the greatest of glories that were the Light. A master of both sides, a man whom the titles Master and Darth meant nothing, he was simply -- Revan.

But he was gone, gone from her sight and from her Force awareness. He had passed beyond her and she could not gain any more of his being, be it better or worse. It had hurt her, shaken her to her core, when he left, yet she understood why he did it. Only he could remain unharmed, uncorrupted, pure even. Only he could and so he left alone and she could only watch.

But time moved on and events began to stir. She had helped Carth Onasi to stabilize the Republic and found herself powerless against invisible Sith foes. That was before the Exile came and defeated them though. But even she, the only person who might have known or been able to learn something of Revan, left. She, it seemed, was strong enough to walk Revan's path. It pained her to think that another woman had the strength she did not…but such was the will of the Force, and she was content with the simple knowledge that Revan loved her, and only her.

But time moved on and the Jedi, scattered and weak, came together. Bastila, Jolee, who surprised all by showing that he had survived Darth Nihilus's attack on Katarr, Juhani, and the Jedi companions of the Exile gathered at the ancient temple of the Jedi on Corcuscant. There they convened and spoke of the future of the Jedi, and of the fallen Order. The question had been of what to do without any of the artifacts to teach. The answer came almost as soon as it was delivered, in the form of an Echani Handmaiden who had brought the relics that her newly fallen teacher had kept so secretly.

That day, roughly two standard years and a half ago, those present were convened as Jedi Masters, tasked with the rebuilding of the Order.

And here she was, Master Shan, with two apprentices of her own. Bastila looked to her right at the sleeping forms of her two students. One was a young girl of seventeen, a native Corcuscanti. Drabbed in the basic garbs of a apprentice she added a slight bit of flair in the form of a ribbon tied around her left sleeve, a keepsake of her family that the Order allowed her to keep. The new Jedi didn't have time to bark about everything. She had a bright golden mound of hair on her head, tied into a bun. The girl had originally been pale skinned, but time out in the sun had darkened her a few shades, which didn't help the image she held…she was a short girl for her age and thinner then Bastila though safe.

The other, a young man of twenty, was an actual survivor of Taris, the planet that Darth Malak had bombarded. He happened to leave the planet just one day ahead of Malak's blockade of the world. He refused the robes of an apprentice and wore instead his tanned leather pants, matching shirt, and leather jacket. He looked more ruffian then anything else. To match his clothing were his features, dirty brown hair, the kind naturally looked unclean, that he kept just short enough so it didn't get in his face, and a dark complexion from rough days in the sun. He was a brutish looking boy, with strong muscles and stockier then most but he always said it was better to be compact anyway.

Sighing to herself she wondered how she ended up in this. The new Council decided on taking older students, mostly due to the example set by the Exile's companions who were all trained later in life but still possessed the skill of those who had been raised from youth. But it was mostly because of time, they never knew when a new threat might come…they needed trained Jedi soon, Jedi who could fight, who could defend their new Order.

Bastila closed her eyes and felt their presence though the Force. Lallia, the girl, was quiet and content in her dreams, nothing seemed to be disturbing her. The girl had always been uncannily calm, serene, and free of most taints that plagued adolenscents, such as pride, impatience, and arrogance.

The very traits that lead me to fight Revan and all of our companions. The traits that turned me to the Dark Side, into a Sith…

Lance, on the other hand, was half-filled with apprehension, almost fear. The new Jedi Master found it disturbing that this was the same feeling she felt in him every time he slept, ever since day one. She had wanted to talk to him about his past, his time before the Order, but he refused each time with that brutish attitude of his, using his body to intimidate, though Bastila could hardly be intimidated by such maneuvers. She had run the thought of creeping into his mind to find the answers but concluded that it would only push him farther from her, and that was not what she wanted.

But more then anything she feared it was because of her. Oh she remembered the day when she felt she could be a master, just as powerful as Vandar or Vrook. She remembered how she was so impatient with the Masters, so headstrong and full of herself,because of her gift with battle meditation. Was such a person, though humbled by her experiences with Revan, fit to teach these two padawans? The feeling seeping out of Lance made her doubt her own ability to teach.

What would you do, Revan? What would you to with this boy whose past seems to only haunt him. What would you do to make him speak of his fears?

Bastila looked to the sky and wondered how the rest were doing. Juhani was at the enclave on Dantooine, not far from where Bastila herself was. They were working together, along with Juhani's two apprentices, on rebuilding the Enclave. To have as a second refuge for the new Jedi.

Jolee was at the Temple on Corcuscant. He was, ironically, teaching the youngest of the order in the basics. She had heard that he was quiet popular with the young ones who loved his tendency to forget things, though Bastila knew it was all an act for the children. She never knew that Jolee was such a knowledgeable Jedi, indeed he had known far more than some of the old Masters knew. She was glad that Revan inspired him to leave Kashyyyk.

Though Jolee was not a typical Jedi, not a complete believer of the light. Rather…he was more like Revan, who believed in what was right rather than what was considered correct by the Council. (She last heard that Jolee was trying to instill a sense of…moral thinking in their new students, in making them think for themselves and choose the light out of choice…not because it was right.) Mical, a companion of the Exile, was also in charge of rearing the new younglings.

As for Bastila's non-Force sensitive companions they were known to be going here and there, helping the Republic how they could, even in the small ways.

Bastila sighed and laid on her rolled out bed, a thick blanket essentially, and closed her eyes and drew herself into the deepest confines of her mind. She checked on her apprentices once more, saw them in the same state as they were moments ago, and slept.

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Sleheyron

Master Rand, the ex-Sith assassin Atton, was traveling the Outer Rim by himself, searching for any sign of a new threat coming from the Unknown reaches of space. Atton had picked this assignment due to his training as a spy, and the various techniques he acquired from the Sith, refined by the Exile, which would help him remain undetected to all but the most skilled of Force-users.

His current search had led him to Sleheyron, a world controlled by the slug, or so Atton called them. The planet was covered with massive industrial cities, dotted with gas refineries, fuel mines, dozen of slave quarters (slaves were what the Hutts were famous for), and enough landing bays to accommodate a small fleet. It was, like one would expect of a planet ruled by gluttonous Hutts who made their slaves tend to their every need and desire.

Atton had come to this world after hearing of Yuthura Ban's life tale, she was one of the few Jedi who were able to escape and hide from Darth Sion's and Nihilus's Jedi purge. Since the Hutts were a valuable source of fuel for the now healing Republic it was crucial to make sure that no outside force was attempting to cause friction between the two….partners.

As if a Hutt could be trusted. If they could, I wouldn't be here. Atton thought sourly. Even though he had gotten over his grief, the feeling of loss he felt when the Jedi Exile left, he still had the bitterness of mind in him. He didn't blame her though, she did what she had to do…even if she gave him the option he knew that he could never have stopped her from leaving, even though he could not come along.

Angel…

The new Jedi master, he hated being called Master Rand by the other new 'Jedi', was sitting in one of the few pubs in the cities. It was a nasty place packed with slaves who had nothing better to do during their brief free time than to drink and forget the sorrows of their everyday life. It was sad, but ultimately they had no one to blame. The slave to master ratio was absurd and a coup, if the slaves could motivate themselves, would be a simple matter of bum rushing their fat slug like rulers and killing them.

Perhaps I should do it myself…than we'd have free gas from here.

Clamping down on the murderous thought Atton reminded himself of the Exile, and how such thoughts had to be controlled and even though the Hutts were a horrible species, most of them anyway, he had to do things the right way.

The pub was dimly lighted and ugly, with broken tables and chairs everywhere, causing most patrons to have to stand. Scattered bottles of various drinks littered the ground, the liquids often dried and making a sticky mess for those that were unlucky enough to walk into it. Atton had put his back to one of the far walls and waited for the contact to approach him. He doubted that he couldn't not be found, since all the women wore skimpy outfits and the male clothing was so worn and tattered that Atton, with his fine Jedi robe that concealed his entire person, stood out like an ignited lightsaber in a dark room.

Approaching from his left a small man, his growth probably stunted from lack of nutrition, came to his side and mimicked Atton's posture. He stood silent for several seconds with a small cup of ale in his hand, though it looked more like poison to Atton's eyes.

After several more seconds, "I've heard a few rumors."

"Really now? I'm shocked." Atton hissed.

Not missing a beat, obviously used to the tone Atton used, probably from his masters, "Some of the Hutts are upset with Vogga's success and accumulating wealth. I believe they intend to disrupt the trade route."

Atton groaned inwardly. Perfect. That meant he had to do something about those upstart Hutts and that would mean he would probably end up getting blasted at by brain washed flunkies. Expanding his awareness through the Force, to check his surroundings, he instantly became aware of several individuals who were….restless so to speak, but anxious was probably the better word.

"…This won't end well." Atton muttered.

The man hardly seemed perturbed, "Sorry, Master Rand, there are simply too many eyes on this planet…and I don't want to die."

Don't do it. The man reached to his left and pulled a small hold-out blaster from a pocket that had been stitched onto his pants. He pointed the blaster at Atton and got as far as flexing the muscles in his fingers before Atton froze him with the Force.

"Hey now. Starting pulling stunts like that and I'll have to kill you." Atton said, nonchalant, as he took the blaster.

With such a dense body of people around Atton was sure that no one would panic until 'after' the blaster fired. The ex-Sith assassin turned his head to his informant and found him sweating profusely. Not that Atton blamed him, being held against your will without being able to so much as twitch your finger could make anyone a bit nervous.

"Please, I just want to live…I want to escape here and make a better life. If I kill you…"

"Than you get to live a better life, right?" Atton almost laughed, almost. He had tried to sympathize with the man, really Atton wasn't so cold hearted, but he had to be hard to make this man do what he wanted. Had to be cold, like a Jedi, no emotion. Or maybe it was like the Sith? He couldn't find the dividing line sometimes.

Atton released the man, who slumped against the wall with such a sigh of relief that Atton 'did' feel sorry for him. However bad he thought it was on this planet, Atton now thought it was ten times worse. Feeling that irritating sense of guilt and compassion Atton fired a blaster bolt into the ground with one hand, pulling his lightsaber as he dropped the ranged weapon to the ground.

Instantly the room became a frenzy of bodies as people ran for the exits while several other men, of various species, stood and pushed through the crowd to get to the source of the commotion. By the time they got to the scene, though, nothing but a loyal man with a blaster at his feet would be present.

Despite the bitterness he felt he still felt the warmth of her, as if she were nearby. He held on to that feeling at all times. It was that feeling that made him realize that no one need die today, he had what he came for, information, and now he could leave. And leave he would, to plan his next move after reporting to the Council.

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Corcuscant

Master Mical, temporary Grand Master of the order for his previous knowledge of Jedi training, history, and his personal demeanor. He wore the flowing brown robes of a Master along with a full body cloak as he passed through the halls of the new Order.

Though he passionately refused to take the position of Grand Master it was, to his extreme dissatisfaction, forced on him. To all those around, even the senior members who traveled with Revan, agreed that he carried that air about him, the air of cautious, analyzing, leadership.

Though unsure of his own ability Mical had set out at once to try and remedy the fatal flaw of the Jedi Order; a lack of training in dealing with the emotions that every being is innately born with. He remembered that to ignore, suppress, was the way he had been taught. He believed that accepting the emotions and learning to cope with them would make the Order stronger, more resilient to the Dark Side.

After all, we are all born with some measure of taint in us. She showed me that courage was facing evil, not turning from it. Like I had to learn that turning from my Jedi training was a cowardly thing to do.

As the brooding Grand Master returned to the council chambers he heard a beep from his comlink. Pausing for a moment, "Yes?", Mical began walking to his assigned seat.

"We have a hologram from Master Rand, Grand Master." The Order's secretary said.

"Put Master Rand through, audio only." Mical took a mediation position as the crisp, if haggard, voice of Atton Rand poured into his ear.

"Reporting in." Atton started. "I have contact information showing that the Hutts on Sleheyron are making some kind of maneuver to disrupt Vogga's fuel shipments to Peragus, and possibly to take them completely."

Mical breathed in deeply, giving himself time to think. Much to Atton's annoyance by the sound of a very audible grunt. "Very well, I will send you a small group of Jedi reinforcements to allow you to make a decisive move."

Even without the Force Mical could tell that Atton was one of his greatest supporters, simply because Mical was willing to take action and some risk in order to keep the Republic's peace…peaceful. One of the greatest controversies for the new Order was how much it involve itself in the affairs of the Republic. The new Grand Master was intent on keeping the peace even if it meant breaking a few rules, he couldn't even count how many rules the Exile had broken to save Onderon, Telos, and Peragus. Destroyed fuel stations, detonating planets, bringing Mandalorions to Republic aid. Yes, at this time the Jedi needed to show that they were still fighting for the greater good, it is what Mical felt the Force was leading him to think.

"That sounds great, but I know it can't be without a catch." Atton responded finally.

"Two of them will be padawans with their Master." Mical fired back instantly, though retaining his calm.

"…." Atton sighed, "Who is it going to be?"

Mical smiled, "I have just the three in mind to lend you a hand."

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A/N: Questions galore, eh? Well I planned that, so don't worry. I don't have much to say about this, it is the first chapter and won't show too much. And for those Atton fans who think that Master Rand chuckle shouldn't be so dark...well, just wait until I give my reasoning before you jump down my throat.

Basically I'll update depending on reviews, if I get a lot I feel inclined to update sooner, since I feel more energized by knowing that people find the story interesting. If I get a few I will update, but a tad bit slower. If I get none...well, it depends on me. So, voice your opinions, pointers are always accepted and thanks.

So, review after reading and enjoying! Hopefully

-Arc