STAR WARS
Chapter 3: Taris Escape
"Bastila thank the Force your all right. Now finally things are looking up," was the first thing out of Carth's mouth when Bastila and Rachel made their way into the apartment, "Now we can figure out how to get off Taris."
The Jedi's expression darkened, "You mean you don't even a plan to get off this planet. What have you been doing this whole time?"
Rachel balled her hands in anger trying to resist the notion to slug the Jedi, "We were trying to save your sorry ass," Rachel growled spitting of the last word like a curse.
Bastila scoffed and placing her hands on her ships she said, "I hardly needed rescuing. In fact you should thank me for saving you from those Vulkers."
"What," Rachel bit out.
"Yes," Bastila carried on heedless of Rachel's mounting temper, "Those thugs would have certainly killed you without my assistance. Now that I'm back in charge of this mission maybe things will start running more smoothly."
Rachel had heard enough and took several steps menacingly towards Bastila until Carth stepped in front of her. The last thing anyone of them should want was a fight and they needed go get off this word and as quickly as possible.
"Calm down Rachel," Carth said soothingly placing a hand on her shoulder.
Rachel sent a murderous glare at Bastila then looked back at Carth and seeing the pleading look on his face muttered, "Fine."
"You would do well to retrain your anger Mandalorian," the Jedi said in the sanctimonious tone most members of the Order seemed to possess, "it'll only get you into trouble."
"Maybe I like trouble," Rachel shot back.
"Rachel," Carth warned causing her to roll her eyes and back off. Then turning to Bastila, "I know your new this but a leader doesn't berate her troops just because things are going according to plan. Don't let your ego get in the way of the real issues here. "
A flicker of something flashed across the Jedi's face at the Captain's rebuke before it vanished and Bastila remarked, "That doesn't strike me as the appropriate way to speak to your commander Carth," the Jedi said hotly, "I am a member of the Jedi Order and this is my mission. Remember my battle meditation has saved the Republic countless times."
Rachel laughed coldly, "Please you're a glorified fireman, you plug up holes in the fronts and prevent Sith victories, you still haven't actually pushed them back."
Carth ignoring Rachel's remark continued, "Your abilities may win a few battle but it doesn't make you a good leader. People follow you because they have no choice not because they want to. A good leader listens to advice from those who have seen more combat that you ever will."
Bastila opened her mouth as if to argue then closed it then opened it again, "Your right I… apologize Carth this had been a difficult time for me and I will welcome your experience," Bastila said apologetically.
"Alright," Carth said ever the Republic Captain, "we can't get hung up on the chain of command right now. What we need to do is focus on is finding a solution."
"I agree," Bastila added, "perhaps we could find some useful information in one of the local cantinas." Then turning to Rachel, "I should apologize as well, I am grateful for your help Ms. Skirta."
Biting out a few choice curses in Mandalorian, "Rachel, its Rachel and it's alright I guess I was a bit… pissy when we first met. It's been a long week," Rachel admitted looking tired.
Pursing her lips Bastila ventured the question, "Are you not sleeping alright."
Rachel was about to tell the Jedi it was none of her business when she realized that Bastila was sincere in her question and there was something in her tone… Rachel shook it off before admitting, "I've been having… well nightmares really and the strangest thing is you're in a few of them."
Bastila frowned and again there was something about the way she looked… se looked far more interested than she shook as she said, "What are they about?"
"Well some are about you fighting a dark Jedi and Revan I guess," Rachel paused shaking her head, "The others are more complicated I think they're about Revan as a child strange as that sounds."
"This is strange," the Jedi said puzzled, "visions can often be a sign of force sensitivity."
"I'm a Mandalorian," Rachel said softly knowing that there were for whatever reason very few Force sensitives born amongst the Mandalorians.
"You're human… Rachel and even though your Mandalorian it's possible that you are Force sensitive," Bastila explained slowly and carefully as if she was be cautious about what exactly she said, "and the Force has a will of its own that we cannot always explain. Maybe a Jedi Master could better answer your questions."
"Hey Rachel were back," came the overly chipper voice of Mission Vao. Mission was followed closely as always by her Wookiee friend Zaalbar.
{Who is this?} Zaalbar barked.
Stepping forward, "I am Bastia Shan a padawan in the Jedi Order," Bastila said.
"A Jedi cool," Mission said her eyes wide.
"Carth, lets head over to the cantina and see if we and find anything new," Rachel said. Not wanting to have to listen to Mission as she started asking the Jedi questions; her mouth running a mile a minute.
Carth nodded and wordlessly holstered his pistols and slipped on his jacket, "Wait I'll come with you," Bastila added her eyes pleading with Rachel and Carth.
"That's not a good idea," Carth said with a shake of his head as Rachel repressed a snigger "Every Sith on the planet is after you. We're lucky we got you back here without them seeing you. We can't take the risk."
Bastila looked like she wanted to argue but either realizing that Carth was right or realizing that this was an argument that she couldn't win Bastila wordlessly sat back down and turned her attention back to Mission.
The moment Carth and Rachel stepped outside the apartment they were greeted by a green twi'lek, "You human," the alien said pointing at Rachel, "You were the one that won the great swoop race, right?"
Her hand on her blaster she admitted, "Yes that was me."
"Your kinsman Canderous Ordo hired me to bring a message to you," the Twi'lek said nervously noticing that both Rachel and Carth had their hands on their weapons, "he wants you to meet him in the cantina here in this part of the upper city."
"Why," Carth asked suspiciously.
"I do not know though given that he is Davik's chief enforcer I would not keep him waiting," Twi'lek finished then took off running in the opposite direction.
"We're seriously not going to go meet him are we," Carth asked.
Sighing Rachel said, "The twi'lek is right Canderous has connections and I think it would be worth it."
XXX
Rachel was the first to spot the big Mandalorian sitting at the far back of the cantina with his back against the wall. Nudging Carth in his direction they made their way over and sat at the table.
"You didn't have to bring the Republic," Canderous said in Mandalorian.
Rachel stared at the big Mandalorian who was looking back at her with… a strange look on his face. He wasn't evaluating her… she'd seen that look before, but this wasn't it. It looked as if he was… remembering or trying to remember or something. In a way it was similar to the look Bastila had been given her.
Putting it behind her she responded in Basic, "Speak basic, 'Republic,'" she said throwing a glance at Carth, "doesn't speak Mandoa. Now you said you wanted to see me."
Leaning forward the big Mandalorian said, "I saw you in the swoop race… very impressive you know how to get results. You're just the kind of person I'm looking for."
"For what," Rachel asked curious taking the seat across from him.
"As you probably already know my names Canderous Ordo and I work for Davik Chang and the Exchange," he said mentioning one of the most notorious criminal organizations in the galaxy, "the hours aren't great but they promised me a fortune to work for them."
Rachel grinned guessing where this was going, "And with the blockade they haven't been able to pay you," knowing that cheating a Mandalorian was a stupid thing to do.
"Exactly," Canderous said, "So I figure its time to break the blockade and get off this world."
"That's insane," Carth said speaking up, "The Sith will blast anything trying to leave."
Rachel frowned the Sith would have certainly have enough ships in orbit to shot down anything that tried to leave… unless, "We need the launch codes that allow the Sith to travel on and off the planet."
Canderous nodded and Carth said incredulously, "You have them?"
"No, that's where you come in I need you to break into the Sith base and steal the launch codes. Everyone knows I work for Davik and if I did it the Sith would storm Davik's compound to get them back."
"Why does it seem we're doing all the leg work," Rachel questioned leaning back in the chair.
"If you get me the codes I can help you steal Davik's private ship the Ebon Hawk one of the fastest ships in the galaxy. You can keep it or ransom back I don't care. Get me the codes and she's yours,' Canderous finished laying out his plans.
"I still don't like this storming a Sith military base, we could be up against hundreds of soldiers," Carth argued pointing out the danger.
"I don't think so Carth, "Rachel said with sudden realization that this plan could be their best chance for getting off this gods forsaken planet, "The Sith know now for sure Bastila's here they've probably got hall hands out looking for her. The base will probably have only a skeleton crew by now."
"That makes sense," Carth admitted.
"Alright Canderous you have a deal on the condition we get to bring a few friends with us on the way," Rachel said holding her hand out.
"Agreed," Canderous said reaching out and griping her forearm in a Mandalorian handshake, "There's a droid shop that will have a unit capable of breaching the Sith's security measures. It's already paid for just tell'm Canderous sent you."
XXX
Two hours later they were all ready to go. The plan was for the droid T3-M4 would open the security lock on the door and then Rachel, Carth, Bastila and Zaalbar would enter. While they were doing that Mission and T3-M4, whom Mission had taken to calling T3, would hack the computers and keep the Sith from calling for help and keep any security droids from activating.
Sighing Rachel hoped everything would work but alas as the saying went, 'No plan survived contact with the enemy.' Suddenly T3 beeped signaling that the door was now open, "Here goes nothing," she muttered under her breath wondering how the hell she had come to be in charge.
As planned Zaalbar was first through the door as few things were as terrifying as a Wookiee with a bowcaster, with Rachel, Bastila and Carth in next, followed by Mission and T3 bringing up the rear.
Thankfully no one was shooting yet, the only person in the reception was a single yellow skinned Twi'lek who currently held her arms up in the air in surrender, " Please don't hurt me," she sobbed, "I'm not a Sith I just work here they won't let me quit."
A part of Rachel, the cold logical part in the back of her mind told her to kill the woman to prevent any chance of them being discovered prematurely, but another part told her that she should let her go. Shaking off her mental war Rachel gestured to the door, "Get out and don't make a peep."
The woman nodded furiously and bolted out the door. Once she was gone Rachel said, "Alright ladies and gentlemen of all species it's time to get this show on the road. Zaalbar take point and look scary. When need to head down this corridor to reach the computer core."
"How can you know that," Carth questioned curiously.
In truth Rachel didn't know she just… felt, but the others especially Carth wouldn't like that answer so she came up with a more reasonable one, "It's an army base I spent a lot of time on army bases and they're all the same. Let's move."
The team slowly and carefully moved their way down through the hall. As the did Rachel found herself thanking the Force or whatever gods are out there that Sith security was as lax as it was.
They managed to make it through the hall and to the computer core without triggering any alerts, so good so far. Once they were at the large blast door that said 'Computer Core,' the stopped and waited for Rachel to flash them the signal.
Rachel readied her carbine and took a deep breath to ready herself. Then she reached out and slapped the open control on the door. The moment the door slid open Zaalbar gave a mighty Wookiee war cry as he, Rachel, Carth and Bastila rushed into the room, the latter of which ignited her double bladed saber and twirled it in an intricate pattern.
In the computer core there was six technicians and two guards on duty when the team busted in, "Freeze hands up," Rachel shouted as she pointed her weapons at one of the shiny Sith troopers.
The Sith in the room were so startled that they didn't even have time to drawn or reach for their weapons and obeyed the command.
"Who they hell are you," asked the watch officer who had his hands raised.
"No one's damn business," Rachel shot back, "you two," she continued pointing her rifle at the senior guard, "drop your weapons and remove your armor."
The lead guard took one look around at all the weapons pointed at him and slowly nodded. Then both guards slowly drew their side-arms and threw them at Rachel's feet and then started removing their armor piece by piece. Once they were standing in their body suits, the lead soldier said, "What now."
Rachel switched her carbine from 'kill' to 'stun' and shot both guards before they even had a chance to yell. One of the technicians leapt towards the alarm when Zaalbar took two large steps and grabbed the technician by the scruff of his neck hoisted him off the ground and let loose a defeating roar. The foolhardy technician turned pale and promptly fainted.
"What… what are you…you going to do to us," one of the other technicians muttered.
Rachel wasn't about to kill unarmed prisoners, "Tie'em up and lock'em in the utility closest," she told Zaalbar and Carth.
Zaalbar went over and slung the two Sith troopers over his massive shoulders and then headed over and threw them in the closet. At the same time Rachel and Carth went over and tied the two still conscious technicians hands together and started moving them towards the closet, "It would be easier to simply shoot them," Carth said, "their traitors anyway."
Sighing Rachel realized he was right to a degree, "It'd be simpler but it wouldn't be right, besides I don't like to kill people unless they give me a reason," she finished with a savage smile.
"I agree with Rachel," Bastila said as she shut down her saber, "These men have surrendered killing them now would be murder."
Rachel blinked, the Jedi was agreeing with her, "Maybe we should kill'em," she said humorously as they shoved them in the closet.
Suddenly Mission poked her head in the door, "It safe to come in yet," she asked.
"And if it wasn't," Rachel said dryly then added, "never mind Mission, T3 get in here and get to work.
As the pair moved into the room and Rachel and Zaalbar took guard positions at each of the entries, Mission said, "You know Rach you can kinda be pissy sometimes." Mission made her way over to the computer and logged in, "Sweeeet," she said in awe.
"What is it," came Carth's quick response.
"The Sith didn't have time to lock out the systems every mission report every defensive system, ever camera in the base is right here," Mission said cracking her knuckles and returning to typing.
"Quick find the launch codes," Rachel said checking to make sure there wasn't a whole platoon of Sith charging at them.
T3 beeped a sad sounding tone and swiveled his head round, "Damn it what do you mean they aren't here," Rachel swore, "They have too."
"T3's right," Mission said franticly typing on the keyboard, "It's not in the main computer."
"If we cannot find the codes we should leave before the Sith patrols return," Bastila said.
Rachel found herself desperately thinking of any other place the codes might be and couldn't think of any place until a stray thought it her. The Sith would install Dark-Force users to act as governors and most recently conquered planets and while Taris was several years conquered with the hunt for Bastila raging it was possible Malak had another Dark Jedi installed as a temporary governor.
"Bastila, you Jedi can tell when other Jedi or Dark Jedi are around right," Rachel said hoping she was right.
"Normally I would be able to but I am trying to hide my presence at the moment so no," Bastila said curiously, "Why do you ask."
"Where are you going with this Rachel," said Carth.
"If the Sith installed a Dark Jedi governor then the codes will probably with him as opposed to the main computer," Rachel argued.
As she spoke Bastila slowly nodded her head, "Yes it makes sense but its risky if I try to find him he could easily find me and…"
"That would be real bad," Mission finished sarcastically.
"Let's check out the governor's quarters, Mission can you pull up a schematic," Rachel said looking back at Mission.
"Sure thing," the alien girl said beginning to type away at the keyboard, "it's accessed at the end of the hall and one level down."
Rachel quickly gave the situation a few moments of consideration then said, "Zaalbar stay with Mission and T3 and start downloading everything you can. Carth, Bastila we'll go get the codes."
She started out then turned back, "and Mission try to shut down the security droids between us and the Governor's Quarters."
"Sure thing," the girl said.
XXX
Five minutes later Rachel, Carth and Bastila stood at the entrance to the Sith Governor's quarters, "I'll go first," Bastila said bringing up her saber.
The door to the chamber slide open and in the center of the room sat a man dressed in the black robes of a Dark Jedi. The Dark Jedi stood menacing, "Who dares interrupt my-" he started to say as he turned around, "Bastila," the Dark Jedi said as he broke into a vicious smile, "Well, well, well my Lord Malak will reward me richly for bringing you to him."
"You shall never get that chance," Bastila said confidently igniting her saberstaff.
The fallen Jedi in turn ignited his own saber producing a crimson blade though as he noticed Rachel the grin seemed to slip of his face and was replace with an odd sense of similarity. Rachel noticed his look but before she could say anything Bastila launched into a furry of attacks.
As the two force users engaged in the duel Carth raised his blasters and fired off a few rounds at the Dark Jedi, "Carth no," Rachel shouted as he shot.
As expected the dark Jedi deflected the blaster bolts right back at him and then threw a force wave at Carth throwing him back into the call. Cursing Rachel grabbed the vibro sword resting on a rack and leapt into the fray.
Most people who leapt into a fight with a Dark Jedi would be quickly cut down. Rachel herself was amazed at how well she fought. It was as if she knew what going to happen before it did was and she knew this fight was almost over.
Her and Bastila launched into a flurry of attacks pushing the fallen Jedi back, forcing him to retreat and given ground beneath their relentless assault. Suddenly the Dark Jedi dropped back a look of desperation etched onto his pale face.
Rachel felt a cold sense of dread fill her senses and the air seemed to become charged with electrical static. Suddenly Rachel knew what was about to happen. The Dark Jedi thrust out his free hand and a storm of blue light lightening flew out towards Rachel and Bastila.
If someone was to ask her in the next moment exactly what she did she wouldn't have been able to answer. Seeing the lightening being thrown at her Rachel instinctually raised her hand. The Dark Force engery was redirected in to her hand where it formed a glowing pulsating ball of dark energy… and then she threw it back.
The Dark Jedi was far too stunned t realized what had happen that his own attack had been thrown back at him. The redirected Force energy slammed into the Dark Jedi catching his flesh on fire and cooking him from the inside out. Almost comically at the moment the sprinkler system detecting a fire activated.
Bastila stood looking at Rachel. Redirecting the Force in such a manner is something beyond the abilities of most Jedi Masters it was something only the most powerful members of the Order could accomplish.
"What the hell just happened," Rachel growled as the artificial rain poured from the ceiling. Bastila still in shock shook her head in ignorance. Pointing a finger at her Rachel said, "Where going to talk about this," with an accusatory tone as she glanced down at her smoking hand.
As her own shock and fear faded Rachel realized something, "Carth," said with an underline of fear in her voice as she rushed over to the fallen Republic Captain.
"Please don't be dead," she repeated over and over and she reached out to check his pulse and she sighed in relief as she found it still beating strong and steady.
Bastila made her way over to Carth and Rachel announcing, "I got the codes from the foot locker."
"Good, now help be carry him," Rachel said as she threw Carth's arm around her shoulder and Bastila did the same. Supporting him in between them they started to drag their friend back up top and hopefully get out of the Sith Base more reinforcements arrived.
XXX
On the bridge of the orbiting Leviathan Darth Malak stood, hands clasped behind his back as he stared at the surface of Taris, searching for… something. He had sensed a presence in the Force, a powerful presence and one decidedly familiar. As the Dark Lord stood studying Taris Admiral Saul Karath came up behind him and there the Admiral stood until Lord Malak was ready to acknowledge him.
"Admiral," Malak's mechanical voice boomed.
Bowing at the waist the Admiral responded respectfully, "You summon me Lord Malak."
"The search for Bastila is taking too long," the dark Lord said crossing his arms over his chest and continuing to stare at the planet, "Destroy the entire planet."
"Th-the entire planet Lord Malak," the Admiral questioned too shocked to remember proper protocol, "but there are billions of people on Taris. We'd be slaughter countless innocent civilians, not to mention our own men still on the planet," Karath pleaded.
Malak wheeled about, his sulfurous eyes ablaze with anger. Karath retreated a few steps and could feel the presents of Malak's force grip resting on his throat, "Your predecessor once made the mistake of questioning my orders. I trust…" Malak led the contradictory word hang out as the Dark Lord trusted no one, "you are not so foolish as to make the same mistake?"
Karath gulped and not from the noose around his throat as grizzly images of his predecessor, one of Revan's best field Admirals, who had out right refused to carry out an order to raise and entire world to ashes. Malak had bisected him with his saber and the two halves of his body shot out the airlock.
Swiftly backing away his arms raised in a placating gesture, "Of course not my Lord Malak I will do as you command but it will take several hours to position the fleet."
"Then I suggest you begin immediately," Malak snarled, "You are dismissed Admiral," Malak finished and returned to staring out the main viewport.
"Yes Lord Malak," Karath said bowing and scurrying away. Catching sight of the Captain, Karath ordered, "Captain how long will it take to position the fleet to planetary bombardment positions."
The Captain looked shocked but was wise enough not to say anything about it, "About an hour sir," he responded.
"Now listen closely," the Admiral said, "I want to run a fleet wide check of all turbo laser, anti starfighter laser cannons and point defensive systems before the bombardment can begin. How long will that take."
Running the calculations in his head the Captain responded, "Maybe up to three hours sir."
Sighing Karath said, "I want you to begin withdrawing all ground based units as well as any naval personnel on shore leave and for frack's sake do it quietly," the Admiral cursed. "I'll be retiring to my quarters you have the bridge Captain.
"Yes Sir."
Admiral Saul Karath watched the Captain walk away and wished not for the first time that Lord Revan was still alive. Under her they had a noble purpose and not a position of wanton distraction. Chuckling under his breath he made his way to his quarters and poured himself a glass of Correlian brandy and had himself a drink.
XXX
Rachel sat at one of the booths in the far back of the dirty little cantina where Canderous had told her to meet him when she had the codes. Rachel sat with her back against the wall and her side arm lying on the table, to discourage any of the underworld scum from looking to her for a quick frack, as she nursed her drink and waited for Canderous.
As she nursed her drink she let her mind wander to what happen in the fight with the governor. After they had got Carth to Doctor Forn who told her Carth only had a mild concussion and gave him something to speed up the recovery, she had nearly dragged Bastila into the back room of their apartment and had her explain what happened.
Her explanation was weak and she could only theorize. According to Bastila, Rachel possessed enormous strength in the Force. It something Rachel would have laughed at before today. But something that she couldn't refute was that her power had instinctually manifested itself when she was in danger. However Bastila admitted she really didn't know what happened and only the Masters could explain.
Thankfully she didn't have to wait long for Canderous to arrive and take a seat across from her. "I heard about an incident at the Sith Base; their security was breached and the governor killed," he pause, "I hope that was you."
"Guilty as charged," Rachel said with a shrug as she slid the codes across the table, "Now what happens?"
Taking the data chip Canderous pulled it into his data pad and made a copy before sliding the chip back to Rachel, "I'll take you to Davik, the local exchange boss and say I scouted you and believe you would make a good addition to the organization."
"You can do that," Rachel asked skeptically.
"I'm Daviks top gun," he said if that was all the answer she needed, "and once in it should be child's play to steal the ship."
"Alright lets go."
The two Mandalorians left the cantina and made their way to Canderous air speeder. As Canderous took off Rachel leaned back in the seat and did what most seasoned soldiers did when they had time to kill; take a quick nap.
When they are arrived a Davik's palace Canderous woke Rachel up and took her straight to Davik. The pompous, arrogant and lecherous crime lord was lying on several cushions with two scantily clad slave girls feeding and pawing him. Canderous quickly explained what was going on.
"Well, well, well Canderous I must admit this is intriguing, if a do say so myself. You usually prefer to work along," Davik said with a tone of mild curiosity colored only with the slightest hint of suspicion as he ran his liver-spotted hand down the back of one of the slaves.
Another man the famed bounty hunter-slash-assassin Calo Nord sneered, "It's not like you to take on a partner Canderous. What you getting soft in your old age."
Canderous growled and pointed a finger a Calo, "Watch yourself pipsqueak you may be the newest Kath hound in the pack but you aren't top dog yet," the Mandalorian warned menacingly.
Calo visibly seethed at the remark and his hand dropped to his holster weapon, "Enough," Davik warned, "I won't have my top two men killing each other. Its bad business; I sure Canderous has a reason he's working with such a beautiful woman," Davik said sleazily undressing Rachel with his eyes.
Rachel was disgusted as she saw the crime bosses eyes swept up and down her body and had to restrain herself from strangling him with her bare hands. Canderous spoke up quickly and Rachel was slightly thankful or see might have beat the bastard to death, "This is a special case Davik. I ran into some the Exchange may want to recruit. You may have already heard of her exploits."
"Ah yes," the crime lord said a glint of recognition coming to his eyes, "now I recognize your companion the rider you won the big swoop race, very impressive as was your little show afterwards."
Letting venom creep into her voice Rachel said, "Brejik had to learn double crosses tend to end up end."
"Very true you be surprise how many people don't understand that, but we have more important things to discuss," Davik said pulling on a robe and standing up, "With a recommendation from Canderous and a thorough background check you could become a member of the Exchange, many would kill for such an honor."
"Sounds promising," Rachel said lying through her teeth.
"Come I shall give you a tour of my operations."
The tour lasted a least an hour as Davik showed Rachel all over the compound. He showed her the storage area, the spice room, the main control center and finally the hanger. When they entered the private hanger the room's only occupant was a light freighter, a smuggling vessel of a type she'd never seen before.
"Ahh there she is," Davik said proudly like a parent talking about their child, "The Ebon Hawk my pride and joy. She's the fastest ship in the Outer-Rim, had to have her custom made so she's the only one in existence. Note the state of the art security system I've had installed to protect her. The shields are completely impregnable so no one can get past them without the codes and try to steal my baby," frowning Davik continued more somberly, "unfortunatly the Sith Military Blockade as her grounded as not even she could get past the blockade. However I am currently attempting to… appropriate the codes. Now let's get you a room."
Outside the hanger he led her to the guest wing. Opening one of the doors revealed a comfortable and richly decorated room, "These will be you quarters, the slave quarters are down the hall if you need anything during your stay. However I must warn you attempt to leave this wing or disturb any of my other guests, my guards," he said speaking to the burly thuggish guards she had seen on the tour, "will deal with you most severely."
As he turned to leave he added, "One more thing dinner is at six o'clock and I have provided an outfit for you to wear. I trust you will attend it would please me greatly," and he left with the door closing behind him.
Rachel walked over to the bed and nearly gagged as she saw the 'outfit' Davik provided was two little pieces of cloth nearly as skimpy as the clothing the slave girls wore and covered just as much. Swearing out load Rachel thought that wearing that would probably get her arrested on most worlds and she swore to herself she would be out of here before dinner.
Feeling stressed she decided to head to the slave quarters to see if she could get a massage and possibly some information while she waited for Canderous to make contact. The slave quarters were actually very nice looking with steaming hot tubs, food etc.
"How may we serve you Mistress," one of the male slaves said approaching her, "would you care for some succulent fruits and berries, a relaxing bath or massage."
"I'll take a massage," Rachel said.
"If you'll follow me Mistress," the slave said and he led her to a back room with a massage table all set up.
Rachel unbuckled her armored and piled in the corner of the room along with her weapon, politely refusing any help from the slave. Once she was down to her sports bra and shorts she climbed onto the table and laid chest down.
Rachel breathed a sigh of pleasure as the slave worked over her body. She had to admit he was good at his job as he worked out all the knots and tenseness that had built up over her stay on Taris. As much as Rachel was enjoying his ministrations she had to remind herself that she had work to do, "So anything instructing happen around her recently," she managed.
"I do not know much Mistress we are kept in these quarters day and night," the slave said but Rachel could tell he was lying by the slight tremor in his voice.
"Certainly you know soothing," she pressured, "maybe other guests have said something and you've overheard. Tell me and I'll make sure Davik knows how much you please me," Rachel said dangling the bait.
The slave stopped his massage and licked his lips, "Praise from the guests is a high commodity and Davik rewards those slave who pleases his guests. I don't know much but I overheard the quests say that Hurdo got caught stealing spice and was thrown in the torture chamber. Normally he would be allowed to get away with it because he's the Master personal pilot, but since the blockade he hasn't gotten any special treatment. That's all I know."
Smiling Rachel said, "I make sure Davik knows how talented you are."
The slave resumed his massage and said, "Thank you mistress."
Once the massage was over Rachel dressed and made her way back to her quarter bumping into Canderous on the way there, "Canderous we need to talk," and she ushered him into the room.
"I think I know where we can get the codes to the Ebon Hawk's security system," Rachel said.
"Really," Canderous intoned crossing his arms over his chest, "I've been working on getting them for a couple of weeks. Where do you think we can get'em."
Rachel quickly told him what the slave told her, "Alright then lets go," Canderous said readying his weapon a viscous looking blaster cannon.
Holding up her hands she said, "I have a better Idea , if I go out with you we'll have to fight our way through and in order for this little heist to work Davik can't know whats going on till the last second."
Canderous nodded in agreement seeing where she was going, "I on the other could make it to the torture chamber get the information and get back without causing too many question."
"Exactly."
"Alright I'll be back in a few minutes and be ready to fight when I get here," Canderous said gruffly.
"Where Mandalorian fighting's in our blood," she paired.
Once Canderous was gone Rachel sat down and in a trait learned from her time in the Commandos ran a check on all her weapons and armor, striping and cleaning them in order to ensure the best possible performance.
XXX
Admiral Saul Karath stood nervously on the bridge of the Leviathan. Every few minutes he glance at Lord Malak for the Dark Lord was becoming increasingly impatient, not that he had much patience to begin with.
"What's that status of our units on Taris, Captain," he whispered, so far he had delayed the bombardment over three hours but his time was nearly up.
"We've removed close to twelve divisions' worth of men and material but we still have close to a hundred thousand men on the surface you have to give me more time," the Captain whispered.
"No, Lord Malak is insistent the attack must begin," Saul said sadly
"But Sir," the Captain protested.
"Put ten minutes on the clock, it's all I can do," the Admiral said standing back up and taking one last look at the planet that would soon die.
XXX
Rachel and Canderous cut their way through Davik's place with the brutal efficiency that only Mandalorians could achieve. They had left a trail of bodies in their wake, a deadly testament to their martial skill.
Slamming a fresh powerpack into her carbine Rachel rounded the corner and put two clean bursts into two more of Davik's guards, "Nice kill," was Canderous reply, the Mandalorian way of saying 'good job.'
However if Rachel heard him she didn't answer something inside her was gnawing away at her insides telling her to get the hell of Taris, run, move faster, leave. Suddenly four more guards come around the corner at the end of the hallway, right where they needed to go, and began shooting.
Canderous didn't even aim he just pointed his cannon in the right direction and depressed the firing stud. The gun made to take out light vehicles' roared to life spitting out over a hundred ruby red blaster bolts in the half dozen seconds it was activated. The guards never stood a chance.
Suddenly both Mandalorian were knocked off their feet and fell to the ground, "What the hell was that," Rachel yelled as there was another explosion.
Canderous suddenly swore vehemently.
"What, what is it," Rachel yelled as another explosion went off.
Canderous stood up and helped Rachel to her feet, "It's a turbolaser blast, a naval turbolaser."
Rachel's comprehension began apparent as her eyes went wide and they both took off down the hall and into the hanger way.
Once in the Bay they found themselves face to face and gun to gun with Calo Nord and Davik. Caught in a Corellian standoff, Davik his face flush with and or fear said, "Well, well, well thieves in the Hanger figured you steal my baby and leave me high and dry as the Sith destroy Taris. Sorry that aint gonna happen."
A cold grin on his face Calo growled, "Let me take care of them Davik," then speaking directly to Canderous, "I've been waiting for this for a long time, you Bastard."
Rachel winced, A Bastard was the worst insult you could call a Mandalorian, it implies one does not now their own parentage or are illegitimate… and family is everything to a Mandalorian. That taunt was a challenge and a stain to Canderous's honor and he would need to clean that stain with Calo's blood.
Glancing nervously around Davik said, "Make it quick Calo the Sith mean business if we don't get of here and find somewhere the bombs their dropping will kill us all," and if to punctuated his last statement the ground shook with a massive explosion that knocked everyone off balance.
Seeing an opportunity Rachel lunged forward colliding into Davik and knocking him to the floor. The fight couldn't be more lopsided on one hand Rachel was young, still the young side of twenty-five, a Mandalorian and a former Republic commando
Davik on the other hand was nearly sixty had hadn't fought personally since he became head of the Taris branch of the Exchange and it showed for several seconds into the fight Rachel already had him in a head lock and he could fel her chocking off his air supply, "Wait," he pleaded his voice raspy from lack of air, "I can offer you anything money, ships, slaves anything pleases don't kill me."
"Anything," Rachel asked and the crime lord nodded and Rachel seemed to ponder his question, "What I want is you dead," and with a savage snap she broke his neck.
At the same time Canderous bull rushed forward slamming the butt of his cannon into Calo's face, causing it to gush blood and knocking him to the floor. Calo however was not as easily put down as Davik and kicked out with his leg taking Canderous's legs out from under him and the big Mandalorian fell with a 'thud'.
Calo rolled to his right and swiftly stood up looking for a weapon when Canderous caught him in the face with a right hook. It became obvious that Calo was a gunslinger as Canderous manhandled him, beating his face to a bloody pulp. Calo managed to get free just long enough to pull a thermal detonator from his jacket, "If I'm gonna die I gonna take you with me," he said sneering through his ruined face.
When Rachel saw Calo reach for the detonator she pulled out her side arm and aimed it right at his head. Calo saw this and said, "You shoot me we all die. This thing is set on a dead man switch."
Canderous retrieved his weapon and he and Rachel stood aiming their weapons right at Calo. Slowly Calo reached for his gun and then a turbo laser hit the hanger causing the roof to fall in on a screaming Calo.
Not bother to check if he's dead the pair made a run for the ship, "Canderous," Rachel called out, "Take the ship to these coordinates," she said tossing up a data ship, her head hurt so bad she could barely stand let alone fly.
Rachel stumbled back to the entrance ramp her head was screaming or more correctly she could hear screaming in her head. Vaguely she heard Canderous yell over the intercom to open up the hatch. Pressing the button slumped down against the wall and curled up in a ball.
The ramp lowered hissing as it did and Carth, Bastila and Zaalbar, the latter of which was carrying a near hysterical Mission in his arms. As Carth came aboard he notice Rachel slumped in the corner.
Grabbing Bastila who looked like she was in a daze he yelled, "Go tell Canderous to get out of here." Then closing the ramp he dropped down to where Rachel was curled up, "Rachel, Rachel what's wrong."
Looking up at Carth her cheeks streaked with tears and crying she mumbled, "Make them stop, make the stop."
Reaching down and wrapping her in his arms he questioned, "Stop who Rachel."
"The voices Carth, they're screaming, so loud," she screamed and started banging her head against the wall
Frightened by her behavior and to keep her from hurting herself he scooped her up in arms and brought her to the cockpit, "Bastila get over here," he yelled.
Bastila ran over and grasped Rachel's head in her hand, "Force," she cursed.
"What," Carth said generally afraid of losing this woman he had come to care about.
"Lay her down Carth," Bastila said and Carth complied, "It's my fault she's very strong in the Force you see."
"What," Carth muttered confused, Rachel was Force sensitive.
"A Jedi or a Sith for that matter can feel death on the Force and it can be very painful for a untrained mind," she said with pity as Rachel squirmed on the floor in terrible pain.
"Can you anything to help her," Carth asked worriedly.
"Republic," Canderous yelled, "get your ass up here and fly this damn thing," Canderous yelled as the ship was rocked by a laser cannon blast."
"Go Captain, I cannot help her is the ship is shot out from under us," Bastila said. Grabbing Rachel's head she closed her eyes and focused. Slowly Rachel stilled and blinked through tear swollen eyes, "Rachel hear me and listen you have to fight, create a wall in your mind, push them back."
Taking deep breaths Rachel focused on Bastila's words. Slowly she created a wall in her mind and began to push back all the death and pain or at least enough so she could function, "What happened," she groaned weekly.
"A Jedi or a Sith for that matter can feel death on the Force and what you where feeling was the millions… the billions on Taris screaming out as the died," Bastila repeated mournfully.
Rachel looked horrified, "But I'm not a…"
"I know," Bastila said answering Rachel's question before she finished asking it, "but your strength in the Force is very great so you must have been able to feel it without being formally trained."
Before Rachel argued the ship rocked again and Canderous rushed out of the cockpit, "Hey Skirta if your feel better get or ass up to the lower gun turret and I'll take the top. Let's hope your boytoy is as good of a pilot as he say's he is."
Letting the remark about Carth being her boytoy slide she shakily stood and ran down towards the belly turret and strapped herself in.
XXX
Admiral Saul Karath looked out over the burning planet that was once Taris. Approaching Lord Malak he waited to be acknowledged and once he was he said, "Taris is defenseless against are assault Lord Malak," he said trying force the bile in his throat back down, "they are offering no resistance, the city is in ruins."
"Resume the bombardment Admiral," Malak said with a large sweeping gesture, "Wipe this pathetic planet from the face of the galaxy."
Hesitating only a second Karath muttered a, "Yes milord," and walked away. As he made his way to the fire control stations where he would order the continued genocide of Taris one of his officers caught up with him.
"Admiral," he said saluting.
"Yes Lieutenant," the Admiral questioned.
"Sir I thought I should bring this to your attention," the Lieutenant said nervously, "a freighter just exited Taris atmosphere. At first I thought it was one of ours but its making a straight line for the edge of the gravity well not any of our ships."
Interested Karath said, "Did it transmit the launch code."
"Yes sir but its behavior is irregular to say the least," the young man replied
Karath was about to dismiss it when he suddenly remembered something, a few hours ago someone had broken into the Sith base and killed the Governor so it was possible they had the launch codes. Karath ordered the CAP, combat air patrol, to intercept.
Watching the holographic display he saw the fighter's engage the freighter and promptly be destroyed and before he could give another order the ship leapt into hyperspace.
XXX
On board the Ebon Hawk the crew minus Mission and Zaalbar the first of which was mourning for her world and the latter helping her do so, sat in the 'conference' room discussing their plans.
"So where are we heading Bastila," Carth said still furious over the destruction of Taris mostly because of the memories it brought up of the destruction of his own world Telos.
"Dantooine," she replied evenly.
All heads shot to stare at her most expressing disbelief and Canderous was the first to answer, "All the excitement must have gone to your head girl there's nothing on Dantooine. It's a damn farm planet."
Bastila shook her head, "No Dantooine is the location of a Jedi enclave we will be safe there," she reiterated.
"Wait a second," Rachel said holding up her hands, "how secret can this place still be. Revan and Malak were former Jedi wouldn't they have known about this place."
"It doesn't matter," Bastila argued, "Dantooine is home to several of the most powerful Jedi Masters in the Order. Even Malak would think twice about attacking there," then Bastila continued in a softer tone, "Plus Dantooine is a place of spiritual and mental healing and I think we all could use some of that."
Carth and Canderous still looked ready to argue but Rachel interrupted by standing up. Taking a deep breath she said, "Bastila I have doubts about this, but… I owe you my life or more importantly my sanity. So I'll trust."
Bastila bowed her head, "Thank you."
With Rachel's support both Canderous and Carth agreed. Canderous got up and left to go clean his weapons in the garage and Bastila went to meditate leaving Carth and Rachel alone.
Standing up Rachel said to Carth, "I'm going go and see if I can help Mission at all, poor kid." Then leaving over and grabbing Carth's hand she pleaded, "I'd like you to come with me. You could probably help her more than I can."
Carth realized she was right after his wife and son's death he had allowed the hate to consume him revenge had been his only concern, at least until he met Rachel. Not wanting Mission to go through that he agreed.
XXX
On the planet Car'Nath in the Headquarters of the Black Hand General Jaster Skirta was beside himself with rage and his office showed it. His desk as overturned his chair had been hurled against the wall and papers and data pads were strewn all over the floor.
"That Fool," Jaster yelled slamming his fist into the wall and letting out a line of curses about Malak's parentage that would have made a Hutt blush. "Does that dikat have any idea what this could cost us?"
Colonel Reinhardt Vankonis could only nod in agreement. Revan had all ways been very particular about the 'hearts and minds' of the Galaxy at large. When she had been in command the Sith had had the popular support of the populace and the Republic was the enemy; the corrupt system that must be dismantled. Malak brutal tactics could… had changed everything.
Calming down the Black Hand General asked, "Did she make it off the planet."
Reinhardt nodded; at least they had some good news. "Yes sir according to our agent they managed to get off planet just as the attack began."
"Good, good," the General said, "you have the information I asked for."
"Of course sir," Reinhardt said pulling out a manila folder. "Form the security footage we managed to pull out of the sector 097 army base on Taris, I've managed to identify most of her companions."
Handing the general a set of pictures he started, "That as you know is the Jedi Bastila Shan. Next we have Mission Vao, a Tarisian street urchin. What I pulled from her police jacket is that she's a petty thief, though quite a skilled hacker. Next the Wookiee is an unknown. However it is worthy to note the few Wookies leave their homeworld anymore by choice. Finally we have this man, Captain-"
But Jaster interrupted his Intel chief, "Captain Carth Onasi a decorated Republic War Hero and one of their finest officers," Jaster smirked it was rarely he got to surprise the aristocratic officer.
"You know him?"
Nodding slowly he handed the pictures back to Reinhardt, " In the Mandalorian Wars the man blew my ship out from under me over Eros III and I returned the favor at the battle of the Hidan Way. He could case a lot of trouble."
"Do we have any Idea where there headed?"
Reinhardt shrugged, "Nothing definitive, though if I were them I'd run for the nearest Republic Naval base; perhaps Ord Mantell or Corellia even."
"No," the General said, "If Onasi were in charge perhaps, but it's the Jedi Bastila who will be calling the shots so they'll head to a Jedi base, an enclave perhaps. I doubt Bastila would take her to the Temple because it'd run the risk of her being recognized."
Reinhardt nodded the General theory was sound, "I'll put my team on finding the location of every surviving Jedi enclave and a priority rating to go with them," Reinhardt hesitated then continued, "Sir, so far everything we've found out is out there for Malak to find as well. While he's a terrible leader and statesmen he's no fool either. It won't be long before he knows everything we know."
"So it's a race."
XXX
Excerpt from the Jedi Civil War by Historian Karr Dor
On War Crimes of the Jedi Civil War
In the brutality of war only the naïve believes that no war crimes are ever committed. The fierce Jedi Civil War as no exception. In this war waged for control of the galaxy and for the control of the Force itself many crimes on both sides occurred. Great examples of these are the genocide of Telos and Taris by the Sith under Lord Malak. On the Republic side Colonel Vanicus Koly coldly executed over a thousand Sith sympathizers on the Republic world of Gorlon II when the Sith invaded.
Despite the reputation of the Sith, in the early years of the war under Darth Revan very few crimes were committed on the Sith side. Darth Revan had always had a very firm grip on her Sith. The only large exception to this was the genocide of Telos which went against her direct orders. For all that could be said of Darth Revan one thing is clear she fought a marginal clean an honorable war. (if such a thing is possible)
However with Revan's supposed death there was no one to hold Malak's leash and the new Dark Lord began a campaign of terror throughout the galaxy. Malak's short lived reign would kill millions of innocent sentients and destroy dozens of planets and perhaps forever mare the name of Revan's Sith Empire.