Notes: Knights of the Old Republic belongs to Bioware and LucasArts.
Palisade of Broken Dreams
Forty-eight hours ago, the Republic had been fighting a losing battle against Malak's Sith forces, centered around the Star Forge. Against all odds and expectations, the tide had finally been turned to the Republic's advantage. With the destruction of the Star Forge and the death of their leader, Malak's forces had scattered. Instead of mercilessly crushing their enemy, they suddenly found themselves being hunted down by the members of the Republic Fleet.
However, not all of the Republic survivors had joined the effort of tracking down the remaining host of Malak's Sith army.
On the Rakatan planet, a small contingent of the Republic fleet had been left behind to initiate further diplomatic relations with the Elders. That same morning, the contingent's leaders and the Rakatan priests had decided to make preparations for a feast celibrating the Republic victory.
Many lives had been lost and many sacrifices had been made at the battle of the Star Forge. But the light had defeated the dark and as a result, the Republic had managed to survive once more.
Yet, one could only wonder if that victory hadn't come at too great a cost.
The Republic had been tattered and weakened. Would it prove to be strong and capable enough should another threat arise on the horizon?
Standing on the top level of the Temple, Ayden watched as the people moved about on the grounds below. He sighed softly. It would appear that this particular day would -in all probability- turn out to be a busy one, especially for him. It had been made clear that it was expected of him to make an appearance during the feast.
He was not particularly looking forward to the whole ordeal. It felt more than just a little awkward considering his past. Unconsciously, Ayden's hands folded into tight fists.
He felt something cut into the flesh of his left hand.
Absent-mindedly, Ayden stared at his hand. He watched as tiny drops of blood trickled onto the surface of the temple floor. Through the bond he felt that Bastila had become aware his injury. She reached for him, her concern more than evident. Ayden quickly tried to reassure her that she did not need to worry, but he could feel that his attempt barely had a noticable effect on her.
He opened up his hand and assessed his injury. The bleeding had already ceased and the cut on his palm turned out to be a superficial one. There would certainly be no need to use his force abilities to heal it.
The smooth and cold surface of the item responsible for his injury pressed lightly againt his flesh.
His medal.
A symbol meant to signify his redemption to the universe. The prodigal son had returned to the fold. Darth Revan, former Dark Lord and bane of the Republic, was no more.
There was only Jedi Knight Revan, servant of the Light.
It had been a bold statement Vandar had made during the medal ceremony. He just wished that he could be as certain about its truth as the Jedi master had been. The reality of his predicament was that not everyone would be as quick as Vandar to claim his redemption. In addition to that, Ayden knew it many people would refuse to accept it.
He doubted that there would ever be a simple way to prove them that he was no longer the person he had been as Darth Revan. There would be some who would surely demand justice and expected him to be punished for his past deeds. It would not matter to them that he had no recollection of that particular period of his life.
He sighed again.
" Observation: Master...for some reason I cannot possibly phantom...your current state seems to be what you meatbags call 'depressed'." HK-47 said, making his presence known. To ensure his master's safety, he had accompanied him to the top level of the temple. Upon arrival, the droid had meticulously scanned the surroundings for possible threats. Finding none, he had decided to take up residence in the shadows behind the human.
" Query: Would you like me to kill a couple of meatbags for you to lighten up your mood? It would certainly make me feel better."
" I have no doubt in my mind that it would make you feel better, HK. However...going on a bloody and mindless killing spree somehow doesn't quite have the same effect on me anymore," Ayden said wearily as he turned to look at his droid. If one were to look at it, one would come to the conclusion that this was not an ordinary droid. Its typical behavior displayed and exuded its Dark Side programming. " Call it a hunch, but I don't think it would be particularly appreciated by anyone else on this planet either."
" Statement: Suit yourself, Master. Pity...you don't know what you're missing out on."
Some had wondered why he hadn't changed its behavioral patterns. He had told them that the droid amused him and that it had its uses, but in reality those were not the main reasons. HK-47 was just about the only physical remnant and reminder that was left of his life as Darth Revan.
" I'll manage," Ayden countered dryly.
" I figured that it was your voice I heard. It's good to know that these old ears of mine are still working. " Jolee Bindo stood in the entrance, his arms crossed and casually leaning against the wall. "Although I am surprised to find you here...considering what happened."
" Old man...I don't want to be rude, but what are you doing here?" Ayden asked bluntly.
" The exact same thing as you're doing, kid..." Jolee countered with a shrug.
" Which is?"
" Staying the hell away from those nosy Jedi and their annoying questions," he answered. " It's times like these that make me long for Kashyyyk. At least there I wouldn't be bothered with all those people constantly following me around...poking and prodding. Is it that difficult to let an old relic like me enjoy some peace and quiet?"
" Query: would you like me to put you out of your misery, old meatbag?" HK-47 spoke with a hint of glee in his voice.
" HK..." Ayden warned.
" Don't you 'old meatbag' me, you bag of bolts," Jolee sneered as he jumped away from the entrance and started moving towards HK-47. "It might be a difficult concept for your droid brain to grasp, but people my age are entitled to complain, damnit!"
" Statement: How endearing. Unfortunately...I have concluded that the older a meatbags gets, the less useful it tends to be. Thus, it would be imperative to..."
" HK, that's enough!" Ayden shouted, interrupting the droid.
" Statement: Master. I was merely trying to offer help to one of your meatbag comrades. I thought it would be most appreciated."
" You little..."
" Jolee...HK. Both of you stop, please?" Ayden raised his free hand in the air, trying to diffuse the situation before it got completely out of control. He paused, observing his droid and his friend.
HK-47 stood motionless and simply stared back at him, ignoring the older man. In turn, Jolee had halted his approach towards the droid and found himself standing two feet away from it. He was sporting a particularly grumpy expression on his features.
Ayden ran his fingers through his short hair. " HK, people generally don't like it if someone offers to kill them. Some of us meatbags value our lives more than you might suspect us to..."
" Statement: If you say so, Master. I shall refrain from offering to help the old meatbag end his existence in future endeavors. However, I want it to be noted that I do not think I will ever understand meatbags."
" Is that good enough for you, Jolee?"
" I suppose that it will have to do...for now anyway," the old man mumbled.
" Great! Problem solved," Ayden exclaimed, his gaze moving from HK-47 to Jolee and back again. Suddenly a wave of pain shot through his brain and before he could prevent it a moan managed to escaped from his throat.
"What's wrong?" Jolee asked, concern written all over his face.
"It's nothing...just a headache," Ayden answered as he gently started to rub his temple with his fingers. "I've been having them on and off again since I defeated Malak. There's absolutely no need to worry, Jolee. I've been through worse pains than this."
"Hmmm...I'll be the judge of whether I need to worry about you or not, kid," Jolee returned, folding his arms. He watched as a frown appeared on the younger man's face. Without a doubt he knew that Ayden was trying to figure out what he was going to do next. " Whether you want to flat out deny it or not, you've been brooding ever since you set foot on this planet again..."
Ayden opened his mouth, but before he could speak Jolee had managed to cut him off.
"No, let me finish," Jolee interrupted. "Honestly...youngsters such as you should not be brooding. It's not healthy. Instead, you should leave brooding, sulking and complaining to old folks such as myself."
"What would you have me do?" Ayden asked curiously.
Jolee grabbed hold of Ayden's arm and started to drag him towards the walkway to the lower levels of the temple. "Tell me, kid...how do you feel about us grabbing some beer?"