Nine.
—
"Go!"
Eva jammed her foot against the pedal, sending herself flying down the track. Every second counted, every dodge and swerve needed to be precise to keep the seconds down. With every passing obstacle and speed pad she could feel the heat of her bike climbing rapidly.
"It's overheating..." She realised, the finish line within sight. The rapid beeping of her warning gage seemed to meld with her own heart beat. "It's going to blow!"
The second she was across the finish line, Eva launched herself forward, rolling onto the edge of the track as her bike shot forward, off the track and into the air where it exploded...showering the platform and everyone on it in dust and debris.
As the smoke cleared, a roar erupted through the crowd— Eva had finished the track in only 32 seconds.
—
"You did it!" The Ithorian exclaimed, running up to her at the end of the track. "In twenty years I've never seen anybody handle a swoop like that before! Nobody's going to beat that time—nobody!"
"Let's hope not," Eva winced. Her landing hadn't been quite as graceful as she had hoped and she suspected she was now sporting several more bruises because of it. "That bike is done for."
"Everyone will get one more heat to try and beat if they want, but they might just call it. There's first aid by the announcers podium if you need it."
She approached the podium, ready to patiently wait for the end of event; but no sooner had she taken her seat when the area was stormed by several armed guards being led by a young, tanned skinned man.
"Brejik, what are you doing? You know there are no weapons allowed back here-" The Duros behind the podium tried to say before one of the Vulkar Guards shot at the ceiling, silencing the announcer and gaining the attention of the room.
"People—Hear me!" Brejik announced to the room full of shocked racers and mechanics. "Our so-called champion is a cheater!"
"Says the guy who brought guns to a swoop race." Eva sneered.
"Your swoop bike was using a prototype accelerator — clearly an unfair advantage! I'm withdrawing the Vulkar's share of the victory prize."
"You can't do that, Brejik." The announcer tried to reason. "You know the rules: nobody is allowed to withdraw a victory prize after the race. It goes against all our most sacred traditions-"
"Your traditions are nothing to me! If I want to withdraw my prize and sell this woman on the slave market, nobody can stop me!"
"I might have something to say about that, Brejik." A voice said behind them.
Two things happened, very quickly. The first was Eva taking advantage of the momentary distraction to grab for the nearest guard's weapon, wrestling it out of his hands before the rest of them could recover from the second thing, which was Bastila Shan bursting out of her cage with a force push so powerful it brought everyone on the platform down to their knees.
"That's impossible!" Brejik scream as he scrambled back to his feet. " Vulkars—to me! Kill them all-!"
But he was too late. Eva was already on him, hitting him in the back of the head with the butt of her stolen blaster rifle.
"Enough!"
Bastila, and the rest of the room, looked up to see Eva standing over the young gang leaders body.
"It's over."
—
Bastila was startled. She had not expected any aid when she realized she could make an escape, and she certainly hadn't expected to see her.
Her shock turned to dread as the woman on the platform shifted her focus onto her, a hard expression on her face that Bastila could not read.
"This Vulkar/gang war shit is getting old and I'm tired." The woman said, slinging the gun over her shoulder and stepping forward. "I think it's clear that the Hidden Bek are tonight's victors, so if they're no complaints I'll be taking this one home with me."
Like a ronto caught in the headlights, she couldn't move.
"If there are any complaints...well they can join Brejik on the floor." She grabbed Bastila's arm and yanked her forward. "Let's go."
Why is she here? There's no reason except...does she remember?
It wasn't until they were alone that Bastila found her voice. "No! Wait, stop!"
She pulled away, causing Eva to turn around and face her.
"Where are we going, what are you doing—?"
"Bastila, what's—? I'm rescuing you."
"Rescuing me?" Bastilla exclaimed, offended. "Don't treat me like a fool! I freed myself from that neural restrain collar—"
"Yeah, after I remotely tampered with it earlier."
"You- what?" Was Revan really...helping her?
"It's the first thing I did when I saw you." Eva pulled out her data pad. " I locked onto the signal and shorted it out so you'd come-to in case there was trouble."
Bastilla looked stunned, "You….rescued me?"
Eva stopped and turned around, "Why do you sound so surprised? You know the mission isn't over just becuase we crashed, right?"
"I thought you were...I mean, I just figured you would have taken the opportunity to run."
"And leave you high and dry in the sewers? What kind of friend would I be if I did that?" Eva smirked and began walking again. "Although, if I'm being honest...I definitely thought about it. Lucky for you I landed here with Carth—"
"Captain Onasi is alive? Finally, some good news! He's one of the Republic's best soldiers" Bastila's relief was palpable. "Please, take me to Carth right away. He'll get us back to Republic space before the Order even know we're missing."
"Doubtful, but speaking of, I should probably comm him to let him know we're alright."
—
Carth, Mission, and Zaalbar were waiting dutifully by the base entrance...as were most of the Hidden Beks—they're victory party already in full swing.
"You did it!" Mission exclaimed jumping into Eva arms. Carth was right behind her and Mission had to wiggle herself out from between them.
"Hi!" The Twi'lek said, turning to the newcomer behind Eva. "I'm Mission. You must be Bastila."
Carth released Eva from his embrace and turned towards the young Jedi. "Good to have you back, Bastila. Now we just need to figure out a way to get off this planet."
Bastila frowned, "You mean you don't have a plan to get off Taris yet? What have you been doing all this time?"
"They've been looking for you!" Mission defended.
"And who is this little Twi'lek?"
Eva put a protective arm around Mission. "This is Mission, she's been a big help, and she is a part of my team." Zaalbar appeared behind Bastila, making her jump when he growled to announce his presence. "As is Zaalbar."
"A Wookiee and a child?" Bastila scoffed, "What were you thinking? Now that I'm back in charge of this mission, perhaps we can start doing things properly. Hopefully our escape from Taris will go more smoothly than when you "rescued" me from Brejik—"
"Hey, wait a second." Carth frowned. "I know you're new at this, Bastila, but a leader doesn't berate her troops just because things aren't going as planned. Don't let your ego get in the way of the real issues here."
"That hardly strikes me as an appropriate way of addressing your commander, Carth. I am a member of the Jedi Order and this is my mission. Don't forget that! My Battle Meditation ability has helped the Republic many times in this war, and it will serve us well here I am sure."
"Your talents might win us a few battles, but that doesn't make you a good leader. A good leader would at least listen to the advice of those who have seen more combat that she ever will."
Eva groaned loudly, "Both you settle down! This isn't helping and we're very close to disrupting what should be a happy victory party for our gracious hosts. Let's at least take it inside."
—
Mission led the way to an empty storage room and the five of them piled in. As soon as the door was shut, Carth continued.
"You know, I had my doubts about this mission but I figured the Jedi Council wouldn't have put you in change if you weren't prepared. But here you are, acting like a spoiled child!"
"You're right, of course. I apologize." Bastila conceded. "It's true that I don't have much military experience; perhaps I should not be so quick to judge. Very well, Carth: what do you suggest we do?"
"First off we can't get hung up on who's in charge;" Carth said, turning to the room. "We all need to work together if we want to get off this rock. The answer's out there, we just have to find it."
"Well said, Carth." Eva added, standing up. "And it's not like we haven't already been looking into this. We know we need to find a ship, and we know we need to get Sith launch codes."
"Where are you going?" Bastilla demanded, as Eva started to walk out of the room.
"We're not going to find all that stuff tonight," Eva waved her off. "Now if you'll excuse me I have a victory party to join."
"Woo! Wait for me!" Mission said, her and Zaalbar following Eva out. Bastila watched Eva and her posse leave, her eyes narrowing. As if she could feel it, Eva turned back, her eyes meeting Bastila's until they were out of sight.
"You're welcome to join the party as well, Bastila." Carth offered. "We'll get back to work first thing in the morning."
"Thank you Captain Onasi, but no. I'm going to find a quiet spot to meditate."
Carth nodded, and made for the door.
"Ah, Captain—a moment, if you will."
He paused, and turned back to face the Padawan.
"That woman...Evana...has she been cooperative?
"Cooperative? Eva?" Carth laughed. "You have met her, right?"
"Let me rephrase...Have you noticed any strange or concerning behavior?"
"I know about the brain damage, if that's what your asking. I think considering, she still quite capable."
"I see…" Bastila hummed as she considered the Captain's words.
"What's her deal, anyway? Ex-convict? Merc?"
"That's none of your concern, Carth." Bastila only smiled curtly, much to his continued annoyance. "I look forward to a full report of all the events prior to my rescue when we return to Republic space."
—
Bastila's dismissal was clear, if not a little brusque, but he'd be damned if he was going to let it bruise his ego.
"Getting bossed around by a child..." He thought, as he spied his partner sitting by the bar. "At least we have that in common."
"You're not going to drink that, are you?" He asked her, gesturing to the drink in her hand.
Eva laughed, "God no, but I figured out if I just hold a full glass, it keeps them from giving me new ones...How's our bratty new leader? Still sulking from that lecture you gave her?"
"I wasn't too harsh, was I?"
"Nah, I think she got what was coming. I'll send Mission to find her later and make sure she has a place to sleep."
"How is it that we came to be responsible for not one, but two teenage girls?"
"I blame you." Eva chuckled, before taking a small sip of her drink.
"Me?"
"Everyone's got daddy issues, and you give off major dad vibes."
"Yeesh." Carth shuddered, "What did I get myself into."
"Nothing you can't handle, I'm sure...and it's only until we get you and Bastila back home safe."
"I'm not that important."
"Bastila said you're one of the Republic's finest."
"Really? And here I thought she didn't like me."
"'Please, take me to Carth Onasi, right away!" She mimicked, taking his hand.
—
Taris — Day 12
—
"You cannot win, Revan!" Bastila's voice was full of conviction. She truly believed she could end it all here. The thought almost made Revan laugh. Instead she ignited her own lightsaber. She would try to end this quickly, and painlessly if she could. Her opponent was a child still, after all.
"I have to win. The galaxy is doomed otherwise." Maybe she could even avoid the unnecessary bloodshed. Young Jedi were easy to turn to dark side, especially if she could tug at the young girl's emotions. "None will be left alive."
But no, the Jedi wanted to fight. Fine then, Bloodshed it would be—The ship began to shake.
Revan turned to face the bridge windows, and what she saw made her blood boil. The Leviathan—one of her own ships!—was firing at her Revanchist. Only one person would have the authority, the command power—She howled his name as her ship came crashing down around her.
"Malak! You betrayer!"
—
Eva shot up in panic. The darkness was suffocating. She needed to get out before it crushed her. She needed protection, she needed—
A warm arm stopped her from vaulting out of bed.
"Hey, woah." He said, pulling her back into his arms. "Calm down. What's happening?"
She paused, regaining her composure, waiting for her mind to catch up, to remind her where she was. Bek Base. Bed. Carth. Right. She remembered, and she relaxed, letting Carth pull the covers back over them.
"What wrong?" He asked again.
"A nightmare, I think." She said, but then remembered Bastila's face. "Or maybe, a memory?"
"What did you see?"
"My death." Now Carth was the one to sit up. "I mean, the accident...no. Not my death. Someone else's. Not mine. Hers."
"Who? Whose death did you see?"
"Not mine. These are her memories. I don't want them."
"Wait, slow down." Carth shook his head. "You're not making any sense. Just take it easy. And breathe."
He seemed to realize then that he was still holding her because his face turned red again and he looked away. Over his shoulder a clock read out the early morning hour.
"It's early, but I think the mess hall will be opening soon," Carth turned back to her. "That is if you don't want to go back to sleep."
"I don't think I could fall back asleep if I tried."
"Come on," Carth said, getting out of the bed and reaching for his clothes. "At the very least they should have some caffeine."
—
He was right, the mess hall was empty, but open as the kitchen staff prepared breakfast for the base. Carth grabbed some mugs of whatever was hot and brought them back to the table where he had left a tired eyed Eva. They sat in comfortable silence beside each other, sipping from their cups as the mess hall slowly filled with Hidden Beks.
Gadon was one of the first to find them there. He approached their table with Zaerdra right behind him as usual.
"If it isn't our champion. I'm glad you didn't leave before I had chance to properly thank you for putting Brejik in his place."
"If I had known how annoying he was I would have done it for free." Eva replied, bringing Gadon to a laugh.
"Now that you've found your Republic friend I assume you'll be trying to find a way off planet soon," Eva and Carth nodded. "You're more than welcome to stay with the Hidden Bek's until you do. It's the least we can do."
"Thank you , Gadon. Your generosity is appreciated."
"Before I go, I just wanted to clear something up." Gadon said, sitting down in front of them. "Mission seems to think there's a spot for her on your ship out of here, is that true?"
"It is. As long as that's what she still wants."
"That's good." Gadon nodded. "I can tell she's taken with you two, it would break her heart if she left behind."
"There's no chance of that, Gadon. She's a capable girl, I'm honored to have her and Zaalbar on our team." Carth added.
"Mission will always be family, but Taris is a dump. Even I know that. She's young enough that she can still do something with her life if she was just given the chance."
"I have every intention of giving her that chance, Gadon. I promise." Eva said, solemnly.
"I'm glad we're on the same page." Gadon stood. "Now speak of the Devil."
He walked away as Mission came down the hall chatting away happily with Zaalbar and Bastila who was trailing behind them.
"You ever just use the Force for fun? You know, a little jolt of the Force to trip some jerk who's ticking you off?"
"I would never use the Force for such petty and trivial revenge." Bastila replied. "How preposterous."
"Ah, come on. There's got to be times when you've thought about it. Don't be so stuck up – you can tell me," Mission begged.
Bastila only frowned harder. "I am not stuck up. I merely have the years of training to give me the wisdom and understanding to see how childish such an act would be."
Now Mission frowned. "Childish? You ain't much older than me, miss high and mighty! Just 'cause you're some Jedi doesn't mean you can be a prissy little—"
Suddenly Mission stumbled, as though the air around her had been knocked right under her.
"Did you just force push me!?" Mission exclaimed. "That is so cool!"
"I have no idea what you're talking about, Mission." Bastila tried to hide her sly smile as she continued walking into the mess hall. "Come now, we have to get going. Please do try to be less clumsy in the future."
Mission scrambled to her feet, leaving Zaalbar and Bastila in line while she sprinted straight for Eva and Carth. "You guys are already awake! Did you see what Bastila did!?"
She pulled herself into the seat next to Eva, wrapping her arms around the older woman.
Eva held the girl's arms in place, and chuckled slightly. "I saw...how is she?"
Carth stood, one hand brushing against her back to get her attention, "I'll go get our trays."
She nodded, turning back to the Twi'lek.
"She's not very friendly." Mission said, honestly, "But I figured if I was held prisoner for a couple weeks I wouldn't be so happy either."
Because it was still early, the line for food was relatively short, and soon Carth was walking back, two trays in hand, Zaalbar and Bastila right behind them.
"It's actually not that bad, Bastila." Carth was saying as they reached the table. Zaalbar sat on the other side of Mission, passing her his second tray of food while Carth and Bastila sat across from them. Carth placed his second tray in-front of Eva before he sat down.
"Tell me more about being a Jedi!" Mission asked almost immediately. "We always hear about how strong you guys are—Brejik must have had a bunch of men with him if they managed to capture you."
Bastila blushed slightly, the table getting awkwardly silent.
"I was actually wondering about that too…how did those Vulkars manage to capture a famous Jedi like you? Were you knocked out when your escape pod crashed?" Carth asked.
"No, I was conscious. My Force powers were exhausted from trying to use my Battle Meditation on the Endar Spire."
"Fair enough, but I've seen you Jedi in action. How did those thugs beat your lightsaber?"
"My lightsaber was…misplaced." Bastila stammered. "I couldn't find it after the crash, and those Vulkars overwhelmed me before I could find it."
Carth started laughing, "Wait a minute, let me get this straight. You lost your lightsaber? Ha-ha! I mean, isn't that a violation of some kind of Jedi code or something?"
"Is that really a rule?" Mission asked.
"This is no laughing matter!" Bastila exclaimed. "During the crash my lightsaber must have…it must have fallen from my belt and rolled under my seat. The Vulkars probably found it there when they searched the wreckage."
Bastila was practically pouting, and Carth struggled to rein it in. "Don't get upset, I'm sorry. It's just funny to think of a legendary Jedi losing her lightsaber."
"Oh, that reminds me." Eva said suddenly, reaching down to pull something out of her boot. She passed the metal hilt over to Bastila who's eyes lit up immediately.
"My lightsaber! Where did you find this?"
"I picked it off Brejik after I knocked him out. Didn't want to hand it over in public, incase we ran into Sith or something, so I shoved it in my boot and forgot about it."
Just then, one of the Hidden Beks approached their table. "Excuse me, Champion?"
"Yes?" Eva replied.
"Sorry to interrupt your breakfast, but there's a messenger at the entrance here to see you."
"A messenger?" Eva stood, and Carth moved to stand with her. "No it's fine. I'll be right back. Lead the way."
She left Carth and the rest of their team in the mess hall and followed the Hidden Bek to the base entrance.
A green Twi'lek man was waiting for her there.
"You are the champion of the swoop race?" He asked, as Eva approached.
"That's right. I hear you have a message for me?"
"My message is from Canderous Ordo. He asks you meet him in the Cantina in the Upper city."
"The Mandalorian wants to meet me, why?"
"He has an offer for you, one you can't refuse, or so he says. Given his connections, you can see why it would be foolish to ignore his request."
"Alright. Thanks for the message. I'll find him in the cantina."
"A wise choice, human. I would advise you not to wait too long. Mandalorians are known for many things, but patience is not one of them."
The twi'lek left, and Eva returned to the Mess hall. Carth stood up again when she reached the table.
"Well?" He asked, their whole team looked up, expectantly.
"The Mandalorian wants to meet with me." She said. Carth groaned.
"You're talking about Canderous, right? Davik's top gun?"Mission asked, eyes wide with excitement.
"The very same." Eva nodded.
"What does he want?" Carth asked.
"Not sure, but he never said to come alone, so you're welcome to come with me when I go."
"Of course. When do we leave?"
"Soon. After we finish eating."
"I want to come too!" Mission exclaimed, her tray practically empty already.
"I don't approve of meeting with mercenaries." Bastila announced.
"Well it's a good thing you're not coming then." Eva replied.
"Why not?" Bastilla demanded.
"The Sith are still looking for you, Bastila." Carth reminded her. "And unlike down here, the Upper City is crawling with them. You'll be safest down here until we can find a way off Taris."
"Don't worry, Big Z can keep you company!" Mission said. The Wookiee growled indifferently and Bastila only pouted.
They finished the rest of their meals in relative silence. When they finished, Carth and Mission ran off to get their gear. Zaalbar returned to the line in hopes of seconds, leaving just Eva and Bastila.
"Evana…" Bastila began. Eva looked up from her tray. "You are still Evana, right?"
"You'll believe what you want regardless of what I say, but yes. I am still Evana."
"Replies like that are exactly the reason we have to keep questioning it." Bastila replied, crossing her arms. "Nevermind that, I don't wish to interrogate you. I only wanted to ask if you were alright."
"What?"
"You seemed troubled."
Eva scrunched her face, "It's nothing."
"Keep your secrets if you want, but we both know I can sense that there is more. Especially with our bond."
"Fine. But don't freak out." She leaned across the table so that Bastila could hear her whisper. "I think I'm regaining memories."
"Which ones?" Bastila's own whisper was frantic.
"I said don't freak out! Carth said I hit my head on the way down...ever since I've been getting little flashes from my childhood. It's all pre-force, nothing useful…except..."
"Except?"
"Except last night, in my dreams. I saw Revan's final moments. On the Revanchist. Your confrontation, Malak's betrayal. I saw it all."
"Normally this would be very concerning, but last night I dreamed the same. It may be that our bond has allowed you to experience my memory of the events."
"That's what I was hoping. I don't need anything in my head that will give Dodonna reason to go back on our agreement."
Bastila paused, but Eva could read between the lines.
"You don't think Dodonna will honor our deal."
"Dodonna is only one voice. You are a prisoner of the Jedi, and ultimately it is the Jedi who will decide your fate."
"Yeah I'm sure that will go over with Dodonna just fine."
—
She left Bastila alone in the mess hall, and headed towards the room she shared with Carth. He was still there, going through the pack of gear he had snatched from the Vulkar base.
"I forgot about that." Eva said, as she came into the room. "Did you get anything good?"
"Mesh underlays, and body armor to replace what you lost from that detonator." He handed the light armor to her before stripping out of his own civilian clothes in favor of the mesh underlay and a heavy combat suit he had won from a Hidden Bek the day before.
"Are you expecting a fight?"
"Not necessarily." Carth said, cocking his head. "But If you think I'm going in unprepared for one…"
"You're such a good soldier." Eva said, patting his shoulder. She laughed, but also started to strip down so that she could put on the combat armor he had handed her.
After they were suited up they met Mission, who was already waiting for them by the base entrance. Carth tossed her a blaster.
"You know how to use that?" He asked.
"Sure." Mission said, in a way that insinuated that everyone in the lower city knew how to use a blaster.
"Good. Don't use it unless you need to."
Eva led the way back to the elevators. No one stopped them, and when they reached the top of the lift they were shocked to find there were no Sith guards anymore.
Carth made a low growl. "No guards."
"Isn't that a good thing?" Mission asked.
"We have papers, so they wouldn't have stopped us." Eva explained, "But the fact that their not even guarding this area anymore…they might be planning something, switching tactics."
"I'm sure their superiors are angry Bastila hasn't been turned over yet." Carth said. "Hopefully we find a way out of here soon."
"Cantina is this way, let's go." Eva said, focused as she continued to lead them through the Uppercity.
