Ch. 9
I felt a rush as we were ejected into space, Carth skillfully maneuvering between Sith fighter and the debris of the Endar Spire, the orange and white of it's hull. It's mass drifting though space as I tightened my hold on the young Jedi, electing a soft moan and a cuddle in response and it was frustrating to say the least. Her body unconsciously seeking my warmth, pressing into me. I thanked the dark side for my iron control. Thankfully Carth noticed none of this, instead focused intently on our survival but it was seconds before we neared Taris' atmosphere that we were really shook us around. I was too concerned with our direction and the Jedi in my arms to notice that the strap of our seat was ripping, tearing. About to give under the onslaught of Taris' atmosphere and our combined weight. When it finally tore apart, myself just finally noticing, we were hurled to the other side of the escape pod. I reacted in the only way I knew; they way that most furthered my plans.
I snarled wordlessly, mentally roaring. 'She will not die until she has outlived her usefulness. Not before then.' I swiftly spun my body and took the full impact of slamming into the hard unforgiving wall. Feeling as well as hearing several of my ribs breaking, though luckily not puncturing any vital organs. I laughed, blood spluttering from my mouth as I slowly lost continuous. 'There is no luck, fool. Only the force.' Then all was darkness.
*Revan's dream*
I watched, as though blurred glass, what was clearly the bridge of my flagship, Pillar. As the arrogant young Jedi padawan, Bastila Shan, quickly dispatching one of my Dark Jedi. Her face strained from the effort as she looked in my direction. One second our eye locked. Then the pain…
*Young female Jedi*
Curled up in a tight ball, my body covered with a large blanket, toes curled to mimic my body. I didn't know when I had woken from my dream. At least I think it was a dream. There was the most beautiful man in it. He saved me from the Dark Jedi, with the most beautiful white hair. I didn't know how long I lay their, not moving. Just thinking of my savior. It took over an hour to get a hold of myself enough to assess if I were harmed. Searching, looking though the force. I seemed okay, a few nicks and cuts and a small wound at the back off my head. I knew instantly that I had a small concussion. 'It could have been far worse.' I murmured softly to myself in my head. I smiled brightly, my face aglow, burning at the thought of my beautiful savior. I grew excited, wanting to get up and see him. Thank him, maybe…
With a shake of my head, a small one, not to hurt myself, I scolded myself. 'Get your head out of the clouds and find out why you're still alive.' With a nod to myself I slowly rose from where I lay and scanned my surroundings. I have been sleeping in a small bed, dresser across from it that preceded a table and an array of chairs. Two doors, one that was open, clearly showing it to be a bathroom. Which equally showed that the other door was her exit. I stood for a time, debating whether or not to take a bath when I finally opted to take on at later time. 'Answers now, bath later.'
With more effort than I thought was needed, I rose and proceeded to the second door. I shakily twist and tug the door opened, revealing a large room. It was housed a table, with chairs set around them, a workbench and three beds against a wall. One chair was moved to set beside one bed. The chair was occupied by who I was pretty sure was Carth Onasi, seeming engrossed in his thoughts, grimfaced muttering to himself. But it was not he who had completely captured my attention. At the bed Carth so closely watched laid a humanoid form a face, which I will never forget. Pale skin, white hair and what I knew were red eyes, even though they were closed at the moment. He was beautiful. Even though men were not supposed to be. Handsome maybe, but never are they suppose to be beautiful.
'But he was, by the force he was!' I shiver, as I thought this, not noticing that Carth had seemed to finally stop arguing with himself and finally took notice of my presence. So I was scared out of my wits when he spoke.
"So, your finally awake. That's good news, somewhat." When he noticed me still gazing at my savior, he shrugged and continued. "He been out for a while, thrashing about in his sleep. Must be one hell of a nightmare. I'm Carth by the way, Carth Onasi. One of the Republic soldiers from the Endar Spire. Him too, whatever his name is."
I processed all this with only the a nod, without thought. Just continuing to look at the face of my savior. I felt a gaze on me after a moment and looked up to see Carth looking at me in curiosity. My face burned in embarrassment at having been caught, ogling the beautiful man. I cleared my throat and hesitantly answered him. "I'm Ira'lin Promise or to most people just Promise. Um… where are we? How'd we get here? What happened to the Endar Spire? Is Bastila okay?"
A hardy chuckled escaped him before he answered me. "So many questions. Calm down I'll explain everything but I want to wait until," He nodded towards the unconscious form of my savior lay. "he wakes before I begin. I don't want to have to repeat myself over again. Why don't you get yourself some something to eat? There is food on the table. I'll be back in a little while. Watch him for me while I'm gone, won't you?"
Without waiting for my response he was gone, doors closing swiftly being his fast moving form. I stood, frozen. I. WAS. ALONE. WITH. MY. SAVIOR. With quick steps I flung myself into a chair by the table, where the food Carth spoke of lay. I couldn't bring myself to move for time until my stomach furiously voiced its disproval, groaning for all to hear. I was embarrassed even though I was the only one to hear. So I proceeded to sort though what Carth had gotten, eating more than I thought, surprising myself. When I'd eaten my fill and I had scrounged enough courage, I tiptoed to my savior's side, bare toes on the cold floor. I finally came to my goal, the seat that Carth had vacated some time ago. When I sat upon its soft surface, I curled into a ball, gazing at his still form. For some time, nothing happened then with almost a jerk, he rose; snarling, his red eyes ablaze in his fury. At first he nothing but then he sat back, head in hand, gripping it tightly.
I was at his side before I could think, hand on his arm gently, rubbing his arm. Trying to soothe his pain. At once, right as I touched him, his body froze. I didn't stop, he was hurting, and I had to help. But I at once felt a strong hand grasp my face, turning my face to look into his gaze. Two fire blazed eyes, stopped my motions immediately. "Why?"
At first I was so captivated by his eyes to understand what he asked me but I hastened to answer him after he growled in anger. "I…you were hurting. I wanted to help you."
He just looked at me that I began to think he had not heard me until he softly nodded and released my chin from his grasp and sat back down onto his bed. With a shaky step, I fell into back onto the chair I was a moment ago sitting upon. We sat in silence, an uncomfortable silence until it was broken when he asked me. "Where is Carth?"
I hesitantly answered his query. "He left a while back. I don't know where he went." That seemed unsatisfactory so I told him. "I'm Ira'lin Promise but you can just call me Promise."
He just looked at me, with only a lift of his brows showing that he was listening to me so I just asked. "What's yours, if I may ask."
He merely sighed before answering me. "I am known as Vaka Avata Shiva."
'Yeah! He told me his name!' I couldn't help a deep blush even though I knew he couldn't hear me. Including doing a little victory dance in my head. But before we could continue our conversation, the door, which I assumed was the exit opened, Carth proceeding though it, towards us.
He smiled when he took in that Vaka was awake. "Good to see you up, instead of thrashing around in your sleep. You must have been having one hell of a nightmare. I was wondering if you were ever going to wake up. I'm Carth, one of the Republic soldiers from the Endar Spire. I was with you and Promise on the escape pod, do you remember?"
Vaka blanking looked at him until he responded, his head tilted to the side. "Right. I'm Vaka. How did we come to be here?"
"Well you and Promise have been slipping in and out of consciousness for a couple of days now, so I imagine you both are pretty confused about things. Try not to worry. We're safe…at least for the moment. We're in an abandoned apartment on the planet of Taris. You two were banged up pretty bad when the escape pod crashed but luckily I wasn't seriously hurt. I was able to drag you guys away from the crash site in all the confusion and I stumbled onto this abandoned apartment. By the time the Sith arrived on the scene, we were long gone."
"What is the planets status?" Vaka wasted no time asked, his voice emotionless.
"Taris is under Sith control. Their fleet is orbiting the planet, they've declared martial law and they've imposed a planet-wide quarantine. But I've been in worse spots." He answered back calmly while my face froze with shock.
'We're trapped, surrounded by the Sith.' I thought numbly. I quickly turned to look at Vaka's reaction to this news. I was surprised to see that he was calmly laying back, an almost smug look upon his face. I was shocked once again, not understanding why he reacted that way until it hit me. 'He knew this would happen. He had anticipated it.' I had no time to think about what I have discovered before Carth continued.
"I saw from your services records, Vaka, that you understand a remarkable number of alien languages. That's pretty rare in a raw recruit but it should come in handy while we're stranded on a foreign world. There's no way the Republic will be able to get anyone through the Sith blockade to help us. If we're going to find Bastila and get off this planet, we can't rely on anybody but ourselves." I and Vaka processed this information together before Carth spoke again.
"Why is this 'Bastila' person so important to find?" he asked.
With a rueful shake of his head, Carth answered. "That smack to your head did more damage than I thought. Bastila's a Jedi. She was with the strike team that killed Darth Revan, Malak's Sith master. Bastila is the key to the whole Republic war effort. The Sith must have found out she was on the Endar Spire and set an ambush for us in this system. I believe Bastila was on one of the escape pods that crashed down here on Taris. For the sake of the Republic war effort, we have to try and find her."
Vaka just asked another question. "How can one person, even a Jedi, be so important?"
"Bastila is no ordinary Jedi. She has a rare gift the Jedi call Battle Meditation. Bastila's power can influence entire armies. Through the Force Bastila can inspire her allies with confidence and makes her enemies lose the will to fight. Often that's all it takes to tip the balance in a battle. Of course there are limits to what she can do. But from what I understand of her ability, it requires great concentration and focus to maintain her Battle Meditation. The attack on the Endar Spire happened so fast she never had a chance to use her Battle Meditation. Like us, she barely got out alive."
By the end of his speech, even I wanted him to shut up. But Vaka had to ask him, "So what do you suggest we do next?"
"Bastila's going to need our help. Many of Darth Malak's followers can use the dark side of the Force and the Sith have already killed more than their share of Jedi in this war. With Promises help, it will be easier though." I gave a start at my name, suddenly remembering that I am a Jedi. I blushed in embarrassment. "Nobody will be looking for a couple of common soldiers like us. And if we're careful we can move about the planet without attracting notice; a luxury Bastila won't have. She's going to have half the Sith fleet looking for her. They know how important she is to the war effort. The whole planet is under quarantine. No ships can land or take-off. So if Bastila's going to need our help. And we'll probably need hers."
He stopped hurryingly, face pale, gasping for air from his long speech. I was shocked by his continuing speech and through the whole thing, was wondering when and if he was ever going to breathe. I couldn't stop myself from giggling, almost hysterically. I stopped when I felt a gaze burning into me, his gaze. With hesitation I looked to where he sat and to my utter amazement and relief; he was smiling me. Barely a ghost of a smile but he was. For me. I almost jumped for joy but I restrained myself. Barely.
I was shocked when Vaka asked. "What's in this for me if I help you out?"
Then commenced, inside my head, a battle. Between the Jedi in me and the new part of me. The part of me born when Vaka saved me.
'You're a Jedi, you can't get attached like this, especially to a traitor like him. Asking such a question like that. Traitor!' The Jedi roared in rage, which prompted the other half to laugh.
'Hypocritical Jedi scum. Where is your peace now, huh? Vaka is our savior. He's always right, without question. Don't doubt him!' The new part of her retorted calmly, almost smugly. As if it already new she was right.
'Yes… he saved us and yes he is our savior but… that…he… we're not suppose to-' The Jedi stopped for a moment, not knowing what to do. Knowing the other is right. 'He is always right.' She finally conceded but had to ask. ' What are we now if not Jedi?'
'We are whatever Vaka needs us to be.' The other half stated simply. With that they became one, waiting for Vaka to mold her to his choosing.
This happenstance spanned only a moment, which as it ended she rose from her chair and sat beside Vaka on his bed, surprising them both and told Carth while gazing deeply into Vaka's eyes. "Yeah, what's in it for us if we help you out?"
I heard Carth's gasp and I couldn't help the blush that spread across my face but I maintained eye contact with Vaka. And to my surprise and delight he smiled again. It was a little bigger than before, barely. I turned to look at Carth as he responded. "You mean besides a chance to get off this planet before the Sith find you? Do you…do you have any idea what the Sith do to prisoners of war? And Promise," He rounded on me, his face red with anger, veins producing on his forehead from it. "What is wrong with you? You are a Jedi! That is your duty, to protect and serve the Republic, your master's demand that of you!
Any part of me that was hesitant/doubtful was dissolved and wiped away upon hearing what Carth had to say. All that remained, determined and confident, was the new Ira'lin Promise. And she took orders from only one person, Vaka Avata Shiva. No longer from Jedi scum, that so-called council. So with a nod to myself I scooted closer to Vaka and responded to Carth, my voice cold. "I am a Jedi no longer. I answer to Vaka only. So there, you Jedi-worshiper!"
I spat that last bit as a curse. Giggling as his eyes boggling from shock, mouth agape. I felt quite pleased with myself that I chanced a look at my savior. Vaka's face blank, nothing from it telling me anything but his eyes, oh his eyes they showed much. He looked so pleased, maybe even proud of me. I blushed, feeling so honored. We sat there a moment in a silence, both Vaka and I looking at each other, Carth glaring at us both in disgust. It was finally broken with Vaka's question, his tone deeply amused. "If you want our help you better make it worth our while."
"Oh I get it. Never mind that the Sith will destroy the Republic and ravage the galaxy. You're only in this for the credits. Don't worry. The Republic pays its mercenaries well. You help me find Bastila and they'll make it more than worth your while, I'm sure. Plus, it might be your only chance to get off Taris." He glared on with disgust at the two of us but I just beamed with pride. I knew I had done the right thing.
"Sounds fair enough. Let us begin." Vaka almost purred, causing goose bumps to spread across me.
Carth grunted and responded. "Good. We need to work together if we're going to survive. While you were out I did some scouting around. There are reports of a couple escape pods crashing down into the Undercity. That's probably a good place to start. But the Undercity is a dangerous place. We don't want to go in there unprepared. It won't do Bastila any good if we go and get ourselves killed."
Vaka ignored Carth's cold tone and merely nodded with an easy response. "The sooner we start our search for Bastila the sooner we find her. Let us begin.
With a begrudged nod Carth told Vaka. "I've heard some grim stories about the Dark Jedi interrogation techniques. They say the Force can do terrible things to a mind. It can wipe away your memories and destroy your very identity! But I figure if we don't do anything stupid we should be okay. I mean, after all, they're…they're looking for Bastila, not a bunch of grunts like us. Alright, you mercenary-scum, let's move out."
The last bit of his speech was scorn filled, his face set in a scowl. I wanted to skin him alive with my lightsaber right now, for talking that way to Vaka. 'How dare he! He has no right for such behavior!' I thought in a yell, my hand clawing for my lightsaber attached to my side. My hand came up with nothing. I froze, my body and mind not seeming to know what to do. With a jolt, I felt a hand on my arm, soft but strong in it's grip. A shiver of delight erupted across my form, goose bumps spreading swiftly up my body. From what I told myself was just surprise. Nothing else.
I turned to look at upon Vaka's form, which now that he was standing, towered over my small frame. He merely quirked an eyebrow and told me. "Carth has your lightsaber. Show him what is rightfully yours, little one. Do. Not. Fail. Me."
My face burned with glee. 'I'll make you proud, Vaka!' I felt so honored that he would ask this of me but I restrained myself from leaping into his arms to clearly show my joy. I had to show him that I could control myself. I took a deep breath and responded without thinking. But it felt strangely…right. "Yes, my master."
I had turned from him, heading toward my goal before I let myself blush in embarrassment but I stood by what I had said. It felt right. 'My master…yes, he's my master!' I gleefully thought.
It did not take me long to reach Carth, seeing as he was just at the other end of the room. My face hard in fury, green eyes ablaze in it I coldly told him. "You have what does not belong to you, Onasi. Return it to me."
He turned to me in surprise, having not heard my approach and coldly responded. "I have no idea what you are talking about, now go back to your boss."
"You lie, Onasi. Do not forget I still have the power of the force on my side. I can feel the lie. Now give me my lightsaber or I will have to resort to something you will not enjoy, This I promise you." I snarled knowingly, my anger only increasing from his attempt to lie to me.
We stood there for a moment, just locked in our gaze before Carth finally turned away from my cold gaze and with an almost hesitant step he tossed me a, what I saw as it flew at me was my beloved saber. With it in my grasp I turned away from Carth and quickly proceeded back to where master was standing a moment ago. He was not there, but I quickly felt that he had gone to my room. I followed in his wake.
I looked on in surprise to see that he had taken my bed, his eyes closed, body relaxed. When I stood over him I couldn't look away from his beauty. But a moment later, his lids flew open and he gazed into mine as he sat up and finally stood, easily towering over me. I felt so small but I dare not look away from him. He coldly told me. "Kneel."
With no wasted time I did as I was instructed and knelt before my master, my head bowed. There we stayed for a time, no movement before he finally spoke again. "You have achieved your goal?"
"Yes master." I answered him.
"Give it to me." He commanded, and without a moments hesitation did as he ordered.
Master looked upon my lightsaber form for a time before he gazed at my kneeling form again. "Ira'lin Promise, do you solemnly swear to pledge your mind, body and soul to my service?"
My eyes glowed from unshed tears from receiving this great honor. "Yes my master."
"To follow all my orders, no matter they may be??"
"Yes master."
"For as long as you live and beyond?"
"Yes master."
I stayed in my kneeling form before he told me. "Rise young one, you have one more task to finish."
I couldn't stop the surprise from appearing on my face but I quickly cleared it eagerly awaited what he had for me. "You are no longer a Jedi, even more so not a Jedi with your oaths. You must now destroy all that was from your life before your oaths. Beginning with your lightsaber and then your clothes."
I hesitated a moment before I, with the help of enhanced strength from the help of the force, I tore my lightsaber to pieces and proceeded to stomp on what remained. Only a small amount of regret festering in my gut but I quickly stomped it out. I was about to finish my mission when it finally came to me. I had no other clothes from what I wore. My Jedi padawan clothes. I looked at masters face in confusion.
"You can wear my spare clothes, they are in the bathroom. I'll take care of your old clothes." I nodded and did as I was told. 'Master knows best.' I thought happily. I swiftly changed and when that was done gave him my clothes. I stood for a time, waiting for master's return. Not knowing what to do or if this was where I will be sleeping.
When he returned, my old clothes gone. I knelt without being told and asked. "Where will I be sleeping?"
All he did was coldly look at me and then told me in a calm voice. "You will sleep on the floor.
No blankets, pillows or anything with you. I will take the bed."
I rose from my position and lay at the foot of his bed, his form moving over me, into bed. I giggled before I was gone, sleeping. 'Master is always right."
