Okay, I was loaded with a bunch of work these past couple weeks and had really zero time to write. Anyway, hope you're satisfied with this chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars or KOTOR; George Lucas does.

Chapter 9: Preparations

The inner hull of the ship seemed to suck the light from the air. Its deep black and dark grey walls cast an ominous hue throughout the entire vessel. Darth Sion paced up and down the main hold, and on either side of him sat two rows of Sith assassins clad in black robes. Most of their faces were covered in intimidating masks, those whose countenances were uncovered revealed pale faces with eager yellow eyes that seemed to glow in the darkness. In the corner of the hold sat the small, crimson form of Visas, squatted and concentrated in meditation.

Sion paced between the rows of assassins. "The dark side is power, in power lies victory," he chanted.

They responded, "In victory, we shall achieve domination."

"On the blood of our ancestors, on the blood of our ancient lords,"

"We will ensure their legacy with the blood of our enemies."

"Those who stand before us will fall before our power,"

"We are the Sith, we are our own masters, and we will triumph."

Sion stared into the distance; his cracked, charred lips showed the faintest trace of an evil smile. "Lord Nihilus has bestowed a task upon us. Be silent and swift in your mission, and we will capture the relic as he commanded with little trouble. Always remember – Lord Nihilus does not take kindly to failure. We will have this relic at any cost."

The Sith Assassins nodded in unison. Sion approached the corner in which Visas sat. He stomped his foot down in front of her, jolting Visas from her meditation. She looked up at him with unseen eyes.

Sion regarded her with scorn. "We will arrive at Dantooine soon. Nihilus has no time for failures, and we cannot afford to have his task jeopardized. I cannot watch over you the entire time, so my advice is this: do your job and do it well."

Visas did not move. "I understand," she said firmly, making it clear that Sion's presence did not intimidate her.

Sion's exposed eye seemed to pierce her veil. "See that you don't. Know this: our task is of extreme importance, and it matters to me. Your life, however, does not."

"That makes two of us."

Sion stared at her for a moment, appearing to have more to say. Instead, he growled and lumbered off. Visas bent her head back down as a small grin played across her face.

"Oh, but Nihilus has sent me to watch you," she thought. "He is concerned about your recklessness, not mine. He knew we would be discovered, and that is why I am here."

She was once again swept over by a strange sense of intimidation about this mission. She was afraid of something, though she wasn't sure of what it was. Visas struggled to push it out of her mind and remain focused on her objective.

For a brief moment she thought of Bastila, her old friend. She sincerely hoped they would not meet. Visas couldn't bear to think of the pain Bastila would feel in seeing her old friend like this.

And yet…her thoughts kept drifting back to the exile. She had sensed him from across the galaxy like a sound on the edge of hearing. He was like her in many ways: scarred by a planet's worth of pain. She speculated that she would confront him sooner or later on this task. Nevertheless, she would deal with

Visas bowed her head and sought refuge in her meditation; alone in the darkness as the ships hurtled through space.

"Leaving Coruscant? What do you mean we're leaving Coruscant?" Mission had practically jumped in her seat at the revelation.

"I know Mission, I'm sorry. The Jedi council has given us a new task, and we cannot stay here." Bastila frowned. She didn't want to leave either.

"But we've only just arrived!" Mission protested. She slumped back in her seat and dropped her head.

Bastila grabbed Mission by the shoulders in an attempt to calm her. "I know, Mission. Believe me, I don't like it any more than you, but we've been given a task we cannot turn down." Bastila cupped Mission's chin and raised her head so their eyes met. "This is no simple errand we're running. The Sith are trying to return, and this could be the one chance we have of beating them before they resurface! I wish things could be any other way, Mission, but they can't."

Mission loosed a long sigh. "I know. I'm sorry. I'm sure it must be way harder on you two."

"You could stay here, Mission, if you wanted to."

"But who would I stay with? Carth? And do what? Sit around all day while he tries to rebuild his home planet?" She paused and bit her lip. "Bastila, can I come with you and Revan?"

Bastila loosed a sigh of her own. "I don't know Mission. I don't think Revan would approve, and I'm not sure if I do."

Mission jumped out of her seat again. "But Bastila, you can't just leave me here!"

"Mission, this mission will be dangerous! You're life could be in danger! The Sith do not make exceptions for children!"

Mission was growing frustrated. "I am not a child! And I do know what the Sith are like! I've faced them in combat before, for crying out loud! You and Revan didn't seem to mind when I was with you on your quest for the Star Forge, so why do you seem to mind now?"

"Mission, that was a different thing!"

"No it wasn't! You know what? I think you two just want some privacy for your lovey dovey routines!"

Bastila's seemed to stagger back. Her face flushed a deep crimson as her lips struggled to form words. Mission realized what she had said and was instantly guilt-struck.

"Oh, Bastila, I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean it. I was just--"

Bastila hushed her. "I know. It's okay." She approached Mission again. "I know you're frustrated, and I know you want to help, but we cannot take chances like this."

Mission entwined her hands and begged earnestly. "Please, Bastila, can't I come with you guys? I'm not coming because I need a place to stay; I'm coming because I want to help out!"

"Mission, if you got yourself hurt or killed, Revan and I wouldn't be able to forgive ourselves."

"But I've already been through this before! I can take care of myself, why won't you two see that?"

"Mission, we…" Bastila trailed off. She couldn't help but feel sorry for Mission. She knew she wanted to help so badly, but at what cost would it be? Then again, perhaps she was right. Maybe she and Revan had been treating her too much like a child. Having been through the same thing, Bastila could sympathize.

Mission released another long sigh and shook her head. "I think I'll just go to the dormitory for now. I'm kinda tired." She solemnly lumbered toward the dormitory. Bastila watched her as she left, a wave of guilt filling her.

"Query: has the little blue meatbag been giving you trouble? If so, I would be more than happy to terminate her for you. Her headtails would make for excellent target practice."

Bastila had to resist the urge to force-push HK-47 into the wall again. "No, HK! Please leave!"

"Indignant resignation: as you wish, meatbag mistress."

Practically a day didn't go by where Bastila didn't think of scrapping that droid. A moment passed and her thoughts drifted back to Mission. She decided to give Mission her privacy and wait in the main hold for Revan's return.

A while later Bastila heard the sound of Revan's footsteps as he climbed the entry ramp to the Ebon Hawk. Within seconds his form appeared in the main hold.

"Hello, Revan," she said standing up.

"Hey, Bast." He paused and looked around. "Where's Mission?"

"She's in the dormitory. She's taking the news rather hard, I'm afraid. She really wants to go with us, Revan."

Revan sighed deeply and sat down, followed by Bastila. "I know she does. I almost want her to come, but…I just don't want to put her in danger again. If something happens, the Sith might target her, and I don't want that to happen."

Bastila slid a comforting arm around Revan. "And you're right. I just can't help but feel sorry for her. If I were in her position, I would feel the same way." She let out another sigh. "I wonder, though, if we really do treat her like a child. She is 16, and she has been through so much."

Revan ran his fingers through his black hair. "I know, but I don't want her to get hurt. I'm concerned about her."

"And I'm sure she's glad for your concern, I just don't think she likes being cooped up all the time." Revan nodded in silence. After a moment of hesitation, Bastila spoke up. "Revan, what happened back at the academy?" she asked inquisitively.

Bastila noticed him perk up a little. "I dealt with Atton, as I planned." He grinned at her.

"And?" she asked Vrook-like.

"We now have a new pilot for the Ebon Hawk, it seems. He's agreed to fly this thing for us! Carth's having him released for us."

Bastila felt herself divided at this news. "Revan, are you sure it's a wise idea to trust someone like that? He's a convicted felon, after all. And with Mission on board…"

Revan shook his head and raised his hand to silence her. "Atton is not like that at all. While he is a tad unusual, he is better than some Republic soldiers I've met, if you can believe it. Besides, with three Jedi and an assassination droid on board, I doubt he'll try anything funny, anyway."

"But why did he agree to it in the first place?"

"It was either that, or a long prison sentence. I promised Carth I would keep an eye on him."

"Alright," said Bastila, although she was still a tad uncomfortable. "Wait a minute – you said three Jedi? What do you mean three?"

"That's the best part," Revan beamed. "Quaid has decided to come with us!"

"Oh Revan, that's wonderful!" She paused. "So he just upped and decided to go with you?"

Revan nodded. "Yep. He's really eager to help out again. I suppose being an exile all those years gets to you. Heck, I'd probably do the same thing in his shoes. I just hope that when he has to face combat again, he doesn't have a meltdown."

"I know, but he is strong. I think when the time comes, he will be alright. You know Revan, consider yourself lucky to have friends like him."

Revan pulled her close. "And I do. Especially when I have someone like you to remind me." His heart sank as he remembered what lay before him. "And now, we have to go through another round of fighting the Sith…unmarried," he growled.

Bastila turned his face so their eyes met. "But we are married, Revan, in our hearts. Remember, bond or no, nothing can separate us, even when we are not together, so long as we love each other." She kissed him lightly on the lips. She felt better when the smile reappeared on his face.

"You know, you never cease to astound me," he said, smiling coolly at her.

The rest of the day passed rather uneventfully. Revan and Bastila resupplied the Ebon Hawk while T3 and HK prepared it for takeoff the next day. Mission was inconsolable. Even after emerging from the dormitory, she refused to speak throughout the night and seemed to be in a separate world. She went to sleep without a word.

Meanwhile, the exile was busy preparing himself, physically and mentally, for what lay before him. A cloud of uncertainty hovered over him. Even after all this time, Malachor V still scarred him. He hoped that when the need arose, he would be able to overcome his demons. Only time would tell for him…

The following morning Revan and Bastila traveled to the Jedi Academy one last time before they departed Coruscant. Not long after they entered they were greeted by an unusually enthusiastic exile. The usual aura of gloom which hovered around him seemed to have vanished for the time. All his possessions fit into a case which he carried by his side. Revan noticed a shiny vibrosword strapped to his waist.

"Quaid! We didn't expect to see you so soon. You can't tell me you've gotten tired of the academy already."

Quaid rolled his eyes. "As a nice a place as this is, it loses its luster after a while, and I've had enough of sitting around here all day."

"Well, you'll be doing more sitting on the Ebon Hawk before we reach Dantooine," replied Revan sarcastically. "I would love to chat, but we need to see the council before we go."

"Actually, that's one of the reason's I'm here. Masters Vandar and Kavar requested that I take you to them. Follow me."

A short while later, the three Jedi arrived at the council's main chambers. The usually occupied row of chairs was empty. Only Kavar and Vandar were present, and they weren't sitting.

"Greetings, young knights," greeted Vandar as they entered. "I trust you're here to see us about you're assignment."

Revan and Bastila nodded. "Well, no time to waist," he responded. "Go on, have a seat, please." Vandar flicked his and three chairs floated off the ground and settled next to Revan, Bastila, and Quaid.

Kavar sat and briefed them on their instructions. "As you already know, you're leaving for Dantooine today. We are sending a squad of Jedi with you on your mission. We will forward a list of all coming with you to your ship. Once there, your party will meet with Dustil and Yuthura at the Khoonda settlement, and you will receive further instructions there."

"You may take anyone else with you whom you please. Admiral Onasi is also sending a squad of soldiers to Dantooine to aid you," said Vandar. "Quaid here, has to decided to join you." He motioned toward the exile. "And we will not prohibit him from it."

"And what of Atton?" asked the exile.

"He will be transferred to your ship very shortly. He is to be under guard until you depart. After that, he is your responsibility."

"We can take care of him, Master Vandar," assured Revan.

"Very well, then. If you have questions, you should ask them now. If not, we would like to have a few words with Quaid alone, if you don't mind." Quaid looked around, puzzled.

"Of course, Master Vandar," Revan nodded. He and Bastila rose and left the chambers. Once they were gone, Vandar and Kavar focused on the exile who sat before them. As they stood up, Quaid felt a pang of nervousness in his chest.

"Quaid, are you alright?" he heard Kavar ask. The question itself practically dumbfounded him. What was it supposed to mean. Of all the questions he had been expecting, this was not one of them. He spent an effort struggling to reply. What would he say?

At last, he stammered, "Yes, yes I am."

Vandar nodded. "Kavar and I and some other council members realize all that you have been through. We want you to know that if there is anything we can do to help, we will."

"And if you ever have any doubts about this mission," Kavar added, "please let your friends know. The scars of Malachor V are not easily faded."

The sudden concern from the two Masters had caught Quaid off guard. A surge of emotions flared in him. He felt gratitude and content, but with it came anger and resentment. His thoughts flashed back to his trial years ago. It was these two Masters who helped in his exile…and now they were trying to make amends?

"It's not fair…" he thought. They were not the ones scarred by a single atrocity. They were not the ones who spent years in exile. They were not the ones who were punished and condemned by those who were supposed to be their friends! Resentment boiled inside of him. As quickly as it appeared, it vanished, leaving only regret. He looked up and noticed that his fists were clenched. Kavar and Vandar looked at him with worried, yet sympathetic eyes.

"We know we took part in your exile, Quaid," said Vandar solemnly. "The crime committed that day was by us, not you. We sincerely regret our actions that day. Such actions are contradicting of the very lessons we teach. It was wrong of us, and we want you to know how sorry we are for putting you through it."

The emotions surged in Quaid again. He was shocked, to say the least. An apology? From a Master? How unusual… He felt anger growing again, only it was of a different kind. He wanted to be angry at them. He wanted to hate them, but he couldn't. He felt in his heart that they were truly sorry. No, he couldn't be angry at them, no matter how hard he tried.

He winced and replied with a simple "Thank you."

Both Masters nodded. Vandar clutched his walking stick stood up. "Are you sure you are ready to undertake this task? There can be no doubt in your mind."

Quaid thought over his question. Malachor V still burned within him, but the pain of being a helpless exile scared him even more. He knew that whatever he faced, he would do all he could to ensure that the Sith didn't destroy the very thing he fought so hard for. He met the Masters' gaze and replied with a firm "I am ready. There is no doubt in my mind."

"Very well," said Kavar. "And thank you, too, Quaid. But before you go, one last thing."

"Yes?" the exile asked.

"We know you were exiled long ago, but if you should want too…be re-accepted into the order, Vandar and I will do all we can to see that you become a Jedi again."

"Kavar speaks for both of us. If we can, we will see that you are accepted into the ranks of Jedi once more. We feel you have earned the right to carry your lightsaber again."

Once more, Quaid was at a loss for words. He was so angry at the Jedi for so long, yet…he realized that the Jedi was where he belonged. He did want to be a Jedi again, but…

"Masters, I don't think it's really that important anymore, but…thank you. Thank both of you."

"You are welcome, Quaid," Vandar responded. He straightened up. "But we will still do what we can to see that you are a Jedi once more. Now, I believe you and your friends have a job to do."

A newfound smile emerged from Quaid's face. A new hope budded inside of him. The anger and regret slowly faded away and were replaced with something new. The regret was still there, but not as strong. "Yes, Masters," he replied, and with a confident nod he exited the council's chambers while Vandar and Kavar watched.

"Farewell, exile," said Vandar softly. Kavar looked down at the small Master.

"Strong-willed, that one. The way he carries on is just…inspiring."

Vandar nodded. "Perhaps this is what he needed, not exile. A chance of redemption, like Revan had."

"And Bastila, don't forget," added Kavar.

"Indeed. Bastila has made such progress these past two years. She is much stronger since the wars," Vandar observed.

"She has. Whether it was her bond with Revan, or her trials at the hands of the darkside, I know not. Or it could be both."

"I think you speak the truth. May the force be with them."

Kavar nodded. "May the force be with all of us."

Quaid stepped out of the chambers, where he encountered Revan and Bastila. "Quaid, what happened in there?" he asked.

Quaid paused for a moment. "Oh, nothing. Let's get moving!"

Revan decided not to ask anymore questions, although he and Bastila both took note of his improved mood. For Quaid, it was like his wound had healed a little, just enough to make it ignorable for the time.

Right before the three exited the temple, a voice stopped them in their tracks.

"Revan," the voice called. The three Jedi turned to see Kreia standing silently near a wall. Quaid found it almost uncanny how she seemed to blend in with her surroundings.

"May I see you and the exile?" she asked silently and coolly.

Quaid and Revan glanced at each other, then shrugged. "Bastila, wait here," Revan told her, while noticing her look of contempt.

They approached her as she stood there, almost indifferent to her surroundings.

"Yes, Master Kreia?" Revan asked. She responded, keeping her eyes hidden beneath her hood as she spoke.

"You are about to embark upon a new task, my young knights," she said coolly. "Your war has no place for me, so I must remain here, unfortunately. As such, I will not be able to guide either of you. Before you depart, I must advise each of you."

Revan and the exile listened with interest, yet confusion.

"You will undoubtedly face many trials along your way. You will face new decisions and hardships as you go. The force has granted me sight, and this task may yet prove to be far more and more difficult than you expected."

"What have you seen?" asked Revan with concern. She only grinned calmly.

"It is not my place to tell, or to know. I have not had a vision, as much as a feeling. You will find out, though, in due time. So will the Jedi." She turned to Quaid.

"You, my precious exile. I leave you with these words: always remember what I told you on our first encounter. And remember that you can find help in the most unlikely places." She faced Revan. "You have the power. Don't be afraid to use it to its fullest, even if you use it from both sides. Let nothing stand in your way. And be careful – do not let your feelings for those around you cloud your judgment, and this goes for both of you. Let no such attachments hinder your rise to power. If need be, get rid of them. Do not be afraid to sacrifice your use them for your ends."

"Are you referring to Bastila?" Revan asked. "If you are, she is--"

"I will leave you to determine that for yourself. If the both of you see any hindrance in those around you…cut them off. Jedi or Sith, don't be afraid to use either to achieve your goals." The sly grin returned to her face. "Lightside or darkside, recognize the power of both."

Revan and Quaid stood dumbstruck for a moment. "Farewell, Kreia," they said after a time. She only nodded in response. As the Revan and Quaid approached the exit, Revan grabbed a surprised Bastila by the arm and led her out of the enclave. Kreia's wicked grin spread even further, and she laughed silently as she strode off to her own destination.

"Revan what did she say?" asked Bastila both earnestly and angrily.

"I'll tell you later, Bastila. I promise," he replied.

A quick shuttle ride later, the three returned to the Ebon Hawk, which was being prepared for take off. Carth Onasi stood next to a couple Republic soldiers who were guarding a bored Atton Rand outside of the Hawk. A surly-faced Mission was sitting on the entry ramp, looking glumly at her feet. She practically leaped up when she noticed Revan's return.

"Hey guys! You came back!" She stopped in front of them and had a pleading look in her face. Revan already knew what she was thinking.

"Mission, I'm sorry," he began. "You can't come." Her face turned an instant shade of purple.

"That's not fair! You can't just ditch me like this!"

"Mission!" Revan avoided yelling as much as he could. "I would take you along, but I can't put you in danger like this!"

"But we've been through this before! I've been through this before! It's not fair!"

"Mission, you're staying here with Carth," Revan replied firmly. She glared at him, purple-faced, at a loss for words. Her fists were clenched so hard they were trembling. "Carth!" Revan called. The Admiral stepped forward while the soldiers dragged Atton along with him.

"Well, you asked for him, so here he is," said Carth with a faint trace of humor. "Release him." The soldiers released the energy bonds around Atton. As soon as they were off Atton pumped his hands into the air.

"Yes! Oh god, I thought I'd never get those off!" He looked around at his company and then at the Ebon Hawk. "So this is you're ship, huh? Not bad. Not bad at all. It's gonna be fun to fly this thing."

"Yeah, well don't get any ideas, Atton," responded Revan menacingly. "Any thoughts about taking this thing joyriding, and you can just go back to your cell." He wasn't really angry with Atton, but it didn't hurt to instill a little intimidation to earn someone's cooperation.

Atton raised his hands defensively. "Alright, alright! Don't get mad at me! Sheesh."

"Yeah, you just behave yourself Atton," Carth warned. "Most prisoners wouldn't get to exchange a prison sentence for a piloting job."

"Right," said Atton, almost distantly.

"Well, he's with us now, Carth. Don't worry about him. Oh, HK!" Revan called. Almost instantly the red droid stepped out of the Ebon Hawk.

"Acknowledgment: You want something, master?" the droid responded.

"HK, I'd like you to meet Quaid Darin. He's going to be a new guest on the Ebon Hawk. And this is Atton Rand, he's going to be our new pilot. Say hello, HK."

"Sarcastic greeting: Hello, my wonderful new friends! It is an honor to have you on my master's ship!"

"Hmm. Nice droid you got there," grunted Atton.

"HK-47!" remarked Quaid. "Boy. The droid I've heard so much about. Where did you disappear to after the Mandalorian Wars?"

"Answer: It is a long story, meatbag. Perhaps I will tell you later."

"You know, HK," said Revan, "Atton here needs to be under guard. If he does anything funny, I may need you to wipe him out."

Atton seemed rather dismayed at Revan's comment.

"Statement: Oh, very good, master! I can already feel my behavior core quivering with a sense of what you meatbags call 'excitement'!"

"Well, this looks like it will be a fun trip," remarked Bastila amusedly. Not a moment after Jolee Bindo emerged from the Ebon Hawk.

"Well, hello children! You didn't think you'd be leaving without me, did you?"

"Jolee?" cried Revan.

"He came over not long ago. Guess he wants to help out to," said Mission glumly.

"Well, good to have you aboard, Jolee!" said Revan. "If everyone's ready,…"

Carth approached them and shook each of their hands. "Farewell, you guys. Take good care of yourselves!"

"We will, Carth," said Revan.

"And don't worry about Mission. I promise I'll take care of her." Mission said nothing, but stared at the ground.

"Okay, Carth. Farewell!" The pack waved goodbye to Carth and Mission.

"Farewell, Mission!" called Revan and Bastila. Mission only waved weakly in response as they boarded the Ebon Hawk. Carth placed a comforting shoulder on her arm.

"Don't worry, Mission. They'll be fine. You'll see them again." She remained silent. Tears were budding in her eyes, and Carth could tell she was struggling to keep them in. He wrapped a arm around her. "Come on, kiddo." He led her slowly away from the Ebon Hawk.

"Everyone strap in back there, we'll be taking off soon," said Revan through the intercom. After tapping a few buttons and quick tutorial with Atton, the hawk was ready to fly.

"Alright, we're ready to take off," Atton spoke into the intercom. As he ignited the engines, a signal rang out in the cockpit.

"What's that?" asked Atton, shocked.

Carth and Mission slowly traversed the hall away from the Ebon Hawk. Before they got very far, Carth's communicator pierced the silence.

"This is Carth Onasi," he said into the device. "Yes, Admiral Cede?"

The two Republic soldiers stared at their commander, oblivious to anything around them. None of them noticed the azure form next to them slowly blend in with the surroundings.

"Yes, Admiral. I'll be there shortly. Farewell." Carth hung up his communicator. He turned to where Mission was standing. "Well, Mission, maybe later we can—Mission? Mission? Damn it!"

She was gone.

After examining the panel, Revan found the source. "The entry ramp is still down! We forgot to close it." A few minutes later, and the ramp was up.

"Here we go," Atton breathed. The hot engines of the Ebon Hawk fired up. The sleek ship rose steadily into the air. It's engines fired again, and the ship hurtled on its way to Dantooine.

Urgh…sorry this took so long to get out. As I said, I was loaded with unexpected housework. And I guess the summer lazies got the best of me. : P. I'll try to get the next chapter posted sooner, and finally things will start happening. See you next time.