A short little author's note here. Now that the crews of the Hawk are together again, from here on out I will refer to Brianna Tora as Revan and the handmaiden as Brianna to avoid confusion. Any time Revan will be referred by her alias is when she is alone with Carth or Dustil.

Disclaimer: Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic is trademark to Lucas Arts, Obsidian, and Bioware. No money is being made from this fan fiction.

This story contains SPOILERS from the first two games of KOTOR. If you have not played either, please read at your own risk

STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC III

FORCE OF ECHOS

Chapter Three

The atmosphere of the Outer Rim had always been somewhat of a…malevolent vibe. Most of the vile planets lay within the Outer Rim, planets that people only traveled to if they dealt with…unsavory individuals. The crime syndicate known as the Exchange had started their operations from the Outer Rim and they had quickly employed mercenaries and bounty hunters to continue their business. Some business owners had turned to the Exchange for help after the wars, in order to put themselves back on their feet. It was a deal with the devil, for sure, but some businesses couldn't afford not to be in operation.

Along with the Exchange, the Sith had also begun their siege from the Outer Rim. The planet of Malachor V was located in those parts and many Republic soldiers and Jedi had gone to the forefront of the Mandalorian Wars. It's said that somewhere out in the Outer Rim, Revan and Malak were turned to the dark side and had begun their search for the Star Maps, thus plaguing the galaxy into another Jedi Civil War. It wasn't until Revan had been returned to the light, that Malak and the Sith were destroyed, at least for a time.

Shortly afterwards, three new Sith Lords rose into ranks, continuing what Malak and Revan had begun only a few years earlier. But an unknown Jedi had taken them out, along with most of the Exchange. It was these recent events that made the man standing on the command deck contemplate his next move.

Deep within the Unknown Regions, a ship called the Destroyer hovered in space. It was one of the last Republic flag ships in the galaxy and was in the hands of the Sith. Though the galaxy now believed the Sith extinct, they didn't know one loyal apprentice remained and he had a generation of True Sith blood within his veins.

His name was Lyo. He was small in stature, but he easily made up for it in his powers of the dark side. His presence was that of confidence, but he avoided the overconfident trait that seemed to follow all the Dark Lords to their deaths. His hair was a spiky jet black, the same color matching his eyes. His skin was a light red, as if his body was under a permanent blush. His face never gave away what he was thinking, nor did it show any emotion. His former masters had all been pleased with his demeanor and his ability to learn their lessons.

And he would use his lessons for dominance and revenge.

He had studied upon this new Sith Assassin, an assassin who hadn't even taken his Sith placement among their ranks. A man who probably had gotten his Sith tattoo without so much as a ritual. He had learned much from Darth Traya, as she told him of the extraordinary Jedi padawan turned soldier turned killer. And what he couldn't learn from her, he discovered within the halls of the Coruscant Academy. And along with learning about this exile, he learned about the prodigal knight called Revan.

He learned of Revan's life, of her rise within the ranks of the Jedi, along with her friend Malak. He learned everything he could about the both of them and with that knowledge a plan was formed. He now stood on the command deck of the Destroyer, looking out at the vast darkness of the Unknown Regions. A presence behind him signaled the arrival of his lieutenant, who cleared his throat.

"Yes?" the dark lord asked, not turning.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, my lord." The lieutenant spoke. "But our troops are ready to be deployed on your orders."

Darth Lyo nodded his approval. "And the bounty hunters?"

"They have reached the planet Nar Shaddaa, my lord." The lieutenant said.

"Very well, lieutenant." The dark lord responded, his voice loud and full for someone of his size. "Have our troops sent to Korriban and Yavin 4."

The lieutenant hesitated before asking, "Korriban and Yavin 4, sir? If you forgive me for saying, but Korriban is a desolate world and Yavin 4 is just a tropical jungle. What would be our purpose there?"

"First of all, lieutenant," Lyo began, turning to face his commanding officer. "Forgiveness is a weakness and those who ask for it pay the price." The lieutenant gulped and closed his eyes, waiting for the pain to come. It didn't. "Secondly, Korriban is the home of our Sith ancestors and a sacred place. Yes, it is in ruins, but that does not diminish the fact that it is the pinnacle of all Sith history. Third, Yavin 4 is a perfect place to set up a base for us. Though it is in the Outer Rim, it is in central to many planets within Republic and Jedi space, such as Telos, Onderon, and Coruscant. Futhermore, it is in proximity to the world of Korriban."

The lieutenant nodded, slowly.

Suddenly, the officer was lifted in the air, his airways cut off from his lungs. Lyo, a small hand raised, sneered at the man. "Don't ever question my motives again." He growled. "Or I shall put you through the most excruciating pain imaginable." The lieutenant dropped carelessly to the ground, choking and sputtering as he gasped for air. "I suggest you go about your business, Lieutenant, least you anger me further."

"Yes…yes, my lord." The lieutenant quickly left to his duties.

"He is weak, my lord." Replied a voice, soft and smooth. A young Zabrak woman approached Lyo from the right.

"I am aware." He said, turning to face her. "But you, my sweet, are strong in every sense."

The Zabrak bowed slightly, smiling as she lifted her head. "I am glad I please you, my lord."

Lyo regarded her with a smile, before returning to look out the window. "Is everything in place?"

"Yes." She said. "The bounty hunters have landed upon the smuggler's moon, while another transport heads to Corellia."

Lyo nodded.

"My lord," the Zabrak hesitated. "I hate to ask, but…"

"You wonder what my motives are."

"Yes."

Lyo regarded her for a second before responding with, "Despite my slight reservations, I believe this exile could be turned back to our side. As it stands, he is still deep within the powers of the dark side and no amount of Jedi good can turn him. I even have some hope of regaining our former dark lord, though that thought is minor in comparison. Still, the exile is capable of destroying our enemies and helping our cause. We only need for him to realize this."

"But won't his comrades try and stop us?" she asked.

"From what I've learned, his comrades would be willing to join us, if the exile did as well." Lyo replied. "He has great influence over them and when he falls, they will too."

"But surely you remember Bastila Shan," the Zabrak pointed out. "When she fell, the Knight Revan did not fall with her. In fact, she redeemed her."

"Did she?" Lyo asked. "From all accounts, the Jedi Shan was killed in battle with Revan. How are we to know that Shan was turned from the dark? If she had been, would she be dead now?"

The Zabrak pondered this before nodding. "You are correct, my lord." She said. "Pardon my ignorance."

"Unlike the lieutenant, Zairia, you are worthy of my forgiveness." Lyo replied. "Now leave me. I must meditate on our plans."

"Of course, my lord."

As she left, Lyo again stared out at the galaxy before him. He would find the exile and Revan and bring them back to their former selves. And then, the three of them would crush the Republic and take the galaxy. It was an ambitious plan, but the young lord knew it could be done. It had once before and though lightening never strikes twice, Lyo was confident that with cunning, insight, and over all patience, the two most powerful Jedi in the universe would stand by his side.

Kaleb Flare had had enough excitement in his lifetime. From the Mandalorian Wars to his exile from the Jedi Order to his latest adventure, Kaleb was tired. His mind was mentally taxed, the events of the last year weighing heavily on his mind. The last thing he wanted was another adventure, especially when he knew he'd only bring death to those in the room.

When he had seen the last three Jedi Masters on Dantooine, he didn't know what he expected. He certainly didn't expect them to tell him he was the death of the Force or that he was probably responsible for the many deaths that had resulted in the Force being sucked out from the bodies of former Jedi friends. Nor was he prepared to learn that his companions were in danger as well, from him. That his way of gaining followers put them on the forefront of pain and demise.

To top that, the loss of his mentor upon Malachor had hit him harder than he realized. Though he suspected Kreia during their time together, he never saw her betrayal to him, never saw her dealings with the other crew members, never saw it coming. And when it did, it felt as though he'd been punched in the gut twenty times over. And then to learn that Atris had turned on him as well…it had been so hard to go through saving lives upon Telos when he couldn't stand to live himself. Arriving on Malachor had almost drowned him and he'd barely been able to keep himself from slipping like he had the last time.

And now, the prodigal knight had come to him for help. It was laughable. Didn't she know who he was now? He was an assassin, under the Sith, though he had never officially taken the ritual to deem him as such. It didn't matter, because he had slain many dark Jedi, had enjoyed it even. He had taken out their Sith Lords one by one, but didn't want the mantle that came with it. He just wanted to be left alone, wanted to be swallowed by the tremendous guilt and pain that he now felt. That's why he went back to Dantooine, to sit with the bodies that lay there still, the corpses rotting in the sun and turning to bone as he watched.

The argument that raged on brought him from his musings and pity. The announcement that Revan was amongst them once again didn't shock too many, well it had shocked Brianna, who had immediately unsheathed her swords and was prepared for a fight. She was still as graceful and poised when he had first met her, within the snow covered academy on Telos. Kaleb shook his head. That was another reason he would bow out of this crazy quest. He couldn't be with anyone from the Hawk. If things had been shaky before, they got downright…nonexistent from Dantooine to Malachor. The only person who talked to him was Visas.

There were so many factors, so many reasons why he wouldn't do this. He couldn't be around Atton, he couldn't be around Bao, he definitely didn't want to be around Brianna with Visas there and vice versa. And he absolutely couldn't be around Revan. And neither could anyone else. And despite what the Twi'lek and the Wookie and those other humans with her, there was too much between Revan and the second crew of the Hawk. He wouldn't do it.

He would not do this.

To Dustil, this meeting of Hawk crews certainly didn't go the way he thought it would. He'd seen Brianna Tora in action. She could walk into a room of angry dignitaries and have them singing songs with each other within five minutes. She could charm the pants off of anyone, a thought that immediately made him think of the relationship between her and his father and made him wince every time. So to see her unable to convince three people, especially when two of them were supposed to have been under her command at one time, just seemed…wrong.

And things were going down hill fast. The handmaiden had already drawn her weapons, causing Zaalbar to draw his; the man Atton was saying something about how he wasn't about to get involved in another Jedi mission; and the man against the wall, the exile Kaleb Flare, hadn't said a word the entire time. Not one word. But his eyes watched the exchanges and his face became increasingly incensed, with a large frown on his face that made Dustil gulp. He could see why the man could be intimidating, he was at least six feet tall and with his arms crossed, the outline of his biceps and forearms were present, made even more menacing by the tears in his robe.

"That's enough!" Carth exclaimed. "Now we came here for a friendly discussion."

"That's a laugh," sneered Atton. "There's nothing friendly about her."

"Watch it." Carth replied, his hand going to the hilt of his sword.

"All right, everyone just shut up and calm down." Revan interjected. "All weapons away please." She waited until everyone had quieted down and had either put away their swords and blasters or had at least stopping touching them. "Thank you." She continued. "Now look, I'm sorry I had to just drop in like this, but I didn't really have a choice. There's…something out there within the Unknown Regions. If I had to guess, I'd say some upstart got the mantle of Dark Lord and is hiding out there."

"What does this have to do with us?" questioned Kaleb.

Revan looked over at him in exasperation. "Because ten to one, they'll be after you." She said. "And me and anyone who dared to take the fight to the Sith."

"This looks like a problem for you Jedi." Atton replied. "Meaning, I don't have a damn thing to do with this."

Revan chuckled. "Atton, if I could find out who you are, who you…were, what makes you think they won't?" she asked. "And when they do, you'll be knee deep in Dark Jedi, apprentices, and troopers. Then what will you do?"

Atton remained silent.

"You haven't exactly told us what's going on." Visas remarked.

Revan nodded. "Here's a…short version of it." She began. "Six years ago, I…let's say I went on a self discovery mission, okay? This mission led me to the Outer Rim, more importantly, to Malachor V. Being near the planet brought up some…memories that lead me to the Unknown Regions." Revan took a breath before continuing. "The problem with being Force sensitive and being in tune with the Force, is you can feel the power of the dark side, especially on the Outer Rim and around the Unknown Regions. In order to…spare myself any…damage, we'll say, I decided not to travel inside that uncharted piece of space by myself.

"But I will tell you, there's a…really large patch of evil there and I…just have a bad feeling about it."

"Why?" Brianna asked.

Revan hesitated a bit before saying, "Because I think…I've been there."

"Meaning?" Mission asked.

"Meaning Revan may or may not still have a hidden base within the Unknown Regions." Kaleb stated.

"So you're saying the Sith could be using that base?" Carth asked.

"I don't know." Revan whispered. "I honestly don't know, Carth." Looking up at everyone, she said, "That's why I need your help. If there's a new Sith threat, and I know there is, who knows what they could've found or discovered, especially so far out of Republic space. So I'm asking, will you help me?"

The group looked at each. "You know we're in, Rev." Mission piped up. Zaalbar growled his agreement.

"Us too." Carth replied, as Dustil nodded.

"You already know where I stand." Bao said, quietly.

Visas nodded as well. "I will help you if I can."

Atton sighed, uncomfortably. "I don't have a choice, do I?" he asked. "Yeah, I'm in."

That left Brianna and Kaleb. Revan looked between to two, the answer seemingly answered on each of their faces.

Brianna sighed, begrudgingly. "I agree with Visas." She said. "I will help if I can."

Revan smiled, then turned to look at Kaleb. The young man wore a scowl on his face and he shook his head. "No." His eyes closed and he bowed his head. "Even if I wanted to, I can't and I don't want to."

"You can't mean that!" Carth exclaimed.

"The whole galaxy is in peril!" Mission joined.

"The galaxy is always in peril." Kaleb retorted.

"But you heard what Bri…what Revan said." Dustil replied. "They'll be after you sooner or later."

"Then I'll be prepared." Kaleb said, shrugging. "It's not like I can't take care of myself."

"But…"

"Hey, guys, it's okay." Revan said, assuring them and waving off their concerns. "Kaleb knows what he's doing. He's a big boy now. And he's right. He's more than demonstrated that he can take care of himself when in a jam." Revan shrugged and spoke to Kaleb. "It would've been nice to have aboard though."

"I have my reasons."

"I know." She whispered. Clearing her throat, she said, "Okay then. No time like the present, huh? We have a lot of things to do, so…let's get going."

The group shuffled, each standing and going to the door. Kaleb was the first to move, before being stopped by Revan. They shared a quiet discussion, with Kaleb looking most distressed. Finally, he nodded and Revan patted him on the back of the neck. The two once again began to head to the door, before Kaleb stopped her, along with everyone. He was staring at the door with a strange look on his face, before gasping and taking a step back.

"What is it?" Dustil asked, becoming very uneasy.

"It's Hanharr." He said, his face showing determination, but also a bit of fear.

"Hanharr?" Atton asked, in disbelief. "What's he doing here?"

"Who the hell is Hanharr?" Revan asked.

"He's after me." Kaleb replied, his hand quickly gripping his lightsaber. "And he's got a whole load of bounty hunters behind him."

"How do you know that?" Mission asked.

"You have precognition?" Revan asked, a look of shock and envy written on her face.

"Forget about that." Atton said. "What're we gonna do?"

"It's me he wants." Kaleb replied. "I'll hold them off."

"You can't." Brianna protested. "You know how he is. He'll kill you!"

"Believe me when I say it's better this way."

"No!" Brianna cried, grabbing Kaleb's arm to stop him from going through the door. "I will not have you sacrificing yourself!"

"You don't understand!" Kaleb exclaimed.

"As much as I would love to stand here and listen to your lover's quarrel," Revan quipped. "I have a feeling this Hanharr and his friends could break in here at any moment, so I suggest you either get ready for a fight or we get the hell out of here."

"There's a back way behind us." Kaleb replied, never taking his eyes off of Brianna. "It goes through the tunnels underneath here. There's an emergency tunnel." Turning his eyes towards Revan, "I don't know where it leads though."

"We'll just make a way out." Mission said. "So what're we waiting for?"

Revan looked at Kaleb. "Well?"

"Well what?"

"You're the only one who knows the way, genius." Atton retorted, rolling his eyes.

Kaleb started forward, but a look by Revan stopped him from hitting the scoundrel. "Follow me." He said, breaking into a quick run, just as the sound of pounding echoed through the room.

The quick run through the tunnels was only interesting because of the arguments between the group. Kaleb and Brianna were in a deep discussion on the assassin's insistence on trying to kill himself, while Kaleb made repeated pleas to Revan that 1. he not be involved with this quest and 2. to deny that there was anything between him and the former handmaiden, which seem to ignite another deep discussion between the two.

When the group finally made their way to the emergency controls, Revan exclaimed that no one was to talk for the remainder of the trip. Hacking the controls, Mission was able to open the sealed door, allowing the group to escape topside to the Refugee Landing Pad. "This explains how I got on Goto's yacht from the tunnels." Kaleb replied.

"Well, for now, we need to get out of here." Atton said, heading towards the landing pad. "You know as well as I do that Hanharr knows we took the back way and he's probably storming the tunnels for us while we stand around here."

The group headed towards the Ebon Hawk, the ship known as the fastest in all the galaxy. Revan had…procured it from the Exchange boss Davik Kang during her adventure with finding the Star Maps for a second time. Everyone proceeded to enter the ship and were greeted by T3. "Hey little buddy!" Revan cooed, patting the droid on its head.

Dwoooo

"Aw, that's sweet."

While those aboard started to settle in, Brianna was trying, and failing, at getting Kaleb to come on board.

"You don't understand."

"Then make me understand." She insisted. "What Atton says is true. Hanharr and the rest of those bounty hunters will be here any minute!"

"Then I'll defend myself and get off this planet." Kaleb replied.

"How?"

Kaleb was silent for some time. "I'll find a way." He whispered. "I've put you all in enough danger."

Before Brianna could reply, a shot rang out next to the side of the loading ramp. "We've got company!" she cried, as Kaleb turned. Coming out them were a small group of Rodian bounty hunters, with the Wookie Hanharr in the lead. "Get out of here." Kaleb growled to Brianna, as he unhitched his lightsaber and let the red energy blades shoot out.

"I'm not leaving you." Brianna whispered back, her father's staff in her hands and ready for a battle.

"Hey!" exclaimed a voice. The bounty hunters were suddenly frozen on the spot in an energy stasis. Brianna turned to see Dustil and Revan standing at the entrance. "Kaleb get on this ship." Revan said.

"And leave in the middle of a fight?" The assassin smirked. "Especially when they're just waiting to die? This calls for something special for sure." He switched his weapon to his left hand, while raising his right. Sparks of lightening crackled on his fingertips.

"Kaleb, you get in this ship right now or I'll stasis you."

The dark Jedi turned slightly to regard her. "You wouldn't dare." He sneered. That was the last thing he said before he felt himself rooted to the spot.

"Grab Kaleb and let's get out here before our friends come out of that." Revan directed, as Dustil grabbed the exile and hauled him on board. The quartet quickly hurried inside, just as Hanharr and the bounty hunters began emerging from their paralysis. "Get us out of here, Flyboy!"

The Ebon Hawk rose from its roost, as shots ricocheted off the hull. The only noise was of the ship leaving and an angry Wookie's cry.

Aboard the Hawk, Kaleb had broken from his immobility and had quickly rounded on Revan. "What the hell is wrong with you?" he screamed.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" she shot back. "I'm not about to just leave you out there by yourself!"

"I could've handled it!" Kaleb exclaimed. "Do you have any idea what you've just done!" He towered over her, his voice barely a whisper, but enough force behind to make Revan tremble slightly. "You've killed us. And everyone on this ship is in grave danger."

"I've neverknown you to stick by with what the Jedi Council suggests and doesn't suggest." Revan replied, her tone matching his. "I knew a man who would stand up against anyone and wouldn't take just anyone's word without proof. All I see now is a very paranoid individual."

"You'd be paranoid too if you saw the things I have."

"Oh yes," Revan said, sarcastically. "Because the life of an assassin is much more taxing than that of a simple dark lord."

The two stared at one another, daring the other to make a sound or a move. The intensity wasn't even halted when Dustil came back from the cockpit and cleared his throat. "It looks like we're headed to Coruscant." He said.

Revan broke first, turning to look at him. "No, we're not."

Dustil nodded, saying, "Yeah, we are."

Revan shook her head. "Look, Dustil, I know you're a little new to this, so forgive me if I seem a bit…harsh." She replied. "But this is my ship and I'm the navigator and as such, there is no way we're going to Coruscant."

"We really don't have a choice." Atton said, as he and Carth walked into the main hold. "Incoming message from the…"

"Well, well, well," said the holographic image of Atris from the center display. "I had hoped to find you both, but I could never hope to find you both together."

"Atris." Revan said, a fake smile on her face. "I wish I could say it's a pleasure to see you again, but then I'd be lying because it's not."

"I see the rumors of your demise are greatly exaggerated."

"Upset?"

"Hardly," she replied, coolly. "But then I'd be the one lying."

"What do you want, Atris?" Kaleb asked.

"The High Jedi Council would like an audience with you as soon as possible, meaning in the next few hours." She responded.

"The Council doesn't joke around." Carth murmured.

"And if we refuse?" Kaleb asked.

"I wouldn't." Atris replied. "Don't worry. You and your crew will be provided with lodgings, if that was your concern."

"Oh no," Revan huffed. "I never have any concerns when it comes to the Jedi Council and its teachings. Force knows, they're always right about anything and everything." Mission giggled, while Carth turned his laugh into a cough.

Atris' stern look remained as her transmission cut out.

Kaleb turned to regard Revan. "Looks like we're going to Coruscant."

"Revan turned to Kaleb with a grimace on her face. "Yeah." She sighed.