STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC III
FORCE OF ECHOS
Chapter Nine
The majority of the Ebon Hawk crew had been a bit surprised when the two men that met them instantly recognized Revan, but it was more of a surprise when she addressed the older man. "Hello again, Master Cres."
"Master Cres?" Atton asked, staring at the man, who was now shaking the hand of Kaleb. "I thought all you Jedi were dying out. Or had died."
The older gentleman named Cres chuckled. "It seems you share the point of view of my aid, Mr. Rand." He ignored the look of surprise that filled the scoundrel's face, instead pointing to the younger man by his side. "This is Roth, he's a great help to me and a close friend."
"Master Cres has spoken of you and your arrival, Lady Revan." He said, making a grimace when Revan shot him a look.
"Revan is no longer in charge of the Sith, Roth." Cres replied. "She has made her way back into the light. Or as close as she can get to it." He gave a small smile, before turning to Kaleb and patting him on the arm. "And you, Kaleb, look at you. The last time I saw you, you were just a small little twig. And now look at you." The assassin smiled at the man. "But we can't just stand out here and reminisce all night. Come! I'm sure you're all tired and hungry." He began walking towards the little town, Roth on one side of him, Revan on the other.
"Roth has prepared small houses for you, which he will show you after lunch." Cres said.
The group walked through a town center of sorts. It was well lit, with a few offices along the way. Towards the back was a medium dining area, which held a long table to fit at least sixteen people. This was where they sat for lunch. A few droids brought out food, placing plates in front of them, then turned to leave for drinks. Everyone sat around, with Cres seated at the head of the table and Revan and Kaleb on either side of him.
"How long has this place been here?" Carth asked, swallowing a large portion of his sandwich.
"I discovered this place during the Mandalorian War." Cres answered. He let out a sigh, giving a look towards Kaleb. "I was visiting a friend during one of their raids. It was horrible. I managed to get to my shuttle in time and leave. I took some liberties with the ship I had, needing to get as far away as possible. I had gone as far as Nar Shaddaa, realizing I couldn't go there and have someone see me. So I kept going and I noticed this planet in the navcomputer. So I landed."
"Were there people here already?" asked Dustil.
"Some." Cres replied. "With my help, we created this. It's not much, but we like it."
"It's lovely." Brianna commented.
"Thank you, my dear." Cres turned to Kaleb. "I am glad to see you in good health, Kaleb. Your sister will also be happy to see you."
The smile Kaleb wore faltered into a look of sadness. "Master Cres," he whispered. "When…when the Mandalorians came to Kalab, they demolished it. No one…no one was left. My family…"
Cres put his hand on the young man's shoulder. "I know that most of your family perished then," Cres replied. "But your sister Katrina survived."
"What?"
Cres removed his hand and looked at the assassin. "Katrina is alive and well, my boy."
Kaleb was standing in an instant. "Where?" he demanded.
"She is here." The former master responded. "Roth will take you to her."
The assistant walked over to Kaleb, but the assassin was in too much of a rush to wait, and nearly knocked the man over. He was almost to the door, when he realized he needed the guide. Looking back, he saw Brianna and Bao following the aid. "This isn't your concern." He spat, his voiced hitched because of his anxiousness.
"Take them with you." Revan said, looking over her shoulder at the assassin. "It's always nice to have back up."
Kaleb sighed, before heading out the door, the trio following behind him.
Revan turned back to the elder gentleman. "Sorry Jon." She whispered. "Things haven't gone so well with him."
Cres raised his hand. "You need not apologize, Revan." He replied. "It's a terrible shame about what happened with Kelis and Maron." He shook his head sadly. "Kelis Flare was my best friend and I was close to Maron. Hell, I was the godfather to their children. I didn't give a second thought to saving Trina."
"But if you were there and you knew what happened, why didn't you at least let the almighty Jedi Council know?" Atton asked, a bit harshly, which caused Revan to throw a look at him.
"That's just it." Cres said, his eyes filling with anger. "I did notify them. I told them while I was fleeing from the destruction of the planet. But as you saw, they apparently didn't get the message to Kaleb. I only hope that the time that has passed has not corroded the bond they shared."
"Katrina is alive and well, my boy."
Kaleb had been in a haze, a nervous haze since those words left the mouth of Master Cres and had entered his consciousness through his ears.
"Katrina is alive and well, my boy."
He couldn't get the sentence out of his head. His sister? Alive? Alive all this time? How long had she been here? Since the destruction of their home world? How did she get here?
It was so hard for him to think beyond the moment he knew was coming. He was going to see his sister. His oldest sister; his parents' first born. And she had survived. Survived the hell hole the Mandalorians had left Kalab in after they razed it. What would he say to her? The last time she had seen him, she had just gotten engaged to a young man from their city. He had just been made a Knight. Then all hell had broken loose and he had gone to fight the Mandalorians for executing his family.
Are you all right?
Kaleb ignored the concerned question, only hurrying ahead of the group, trying to find his sister. Realizing he didn't know where he was going, he turned back to Roth, who gulped and pointed to the east. Kaleb rushed off in that direction, not waiting for the others. "He seems in a rush." The aid noted.
"Wouldn't you if you just discovered a dead family member was truly alive?" Bao asked, eyeing the man.
"Well, yes of course." Roth agreed, hurriedly. "I'm just commenting on the fact that he doesn't know where he's going, therefore he could get lost."
"He's up the street and wants to know which way." Brianna replied. She looked at Roth, who was looking at her in confusion. "Well?"
The aid opened his mouth, then closed it, before saying, "He…he needs to go to the left. Katrina's house is the second on the left side." He replied. "How…how did…?"
Both Bao and Brianna paid little attention to the aid as they continued on to where he had directed. Roth watched them go, suddenly aware that they had ignored him and were currently walking away from him. He went into a quick run, finally trailing behind. When the trio reached their destination, they found Kaleb standing in front of a small home. It was light tan in color, with a row of flowers stationed around the base of the house. A round window was placed on the front side of the home, a few inches away from the door.
A young woman stood in the interior of the house, humming, and seemed to be making lunch for herself. She was slightly taller, maybe about 5'9, with long black hair, tied in a ponytail.
Kaleb stood looking through the window at the woman he hadn't seen in nearly ten years. He was speechless, but had a longing in his eyes. He didn't notice Roth walk to the door and buzz, causing the woman to turn from the sink in order to answer. The assassin snapped from his reverie to walk over to the door, either to prepare to greet his sister or to stop Roth from ringing again.
But when the door opened, Kaleb had no choice but to confront his past.
"Yes?" the woman asked. "Who's there?"
"Hello Katrina." Roth replied.
"Roth," the woman smiled. "How are you? It's good you've come to visit."
"I'm fine, Katrina, thank you." The aid nodded. "I brought some friends with me today."
"Friends? Who are they?"
Kaleb fought to find his voice, swallowing several times before saying, "Hello Trina."
The woman's smile faltered slightly and then was replaced by a thoughtful look. She stretched out her hand until she was touching his jacket, then moving her hand, she touched his shoulder before reaching his face. She placed a hand on his cheek, making a small gasp. "Kaleb?"
The assassin covered her hand with his own, taking a shaky breath as he did. "Kaleb?" she repeated. "Is that you?" He couldn't speak, so he only nodded, suddenly overwhelmed when she hugged him tightly. "I didn't know if you were okay or not." She sobbed. "It was so horrible, Junior, it was so horrible. And we couldn't get a hold of you."
"I know." He whispered. "I…I only knew…how did…?"
Katrina Flare wiped her eyes and took her brother's hand in hers. "Come inside." She whispered. "It's better if we sit."
The group went followed the woman inside and after making introductions for Bao and Brianna, Katrina began her story.
"It started out as a normal day, a wonderful day." She began. "I was engaged to a man I had met in our city of Saris. I had invited him over that day; we were going over our wedding plans with Mother. It happened so suddenly, just out of nowhere." She shook her head. "Uncle Jon had come with news that you had been made a Jedi Knight. Daddy was so proud, Junior, he couldn't stop saying how he had the most wonderful children in the galaxy. Katie had just gotten this job working with the administrator and he was so proud of all of us.
"Then it happened. We heard a loud blast close by, Daddy and Jon ran outside. Then there was screaming all around us and people running. We could hear the sounds of blasters, then Daddy ran back inside and grabbed his lightsaber."
"They let him keep his lightsaber?" Brianna asked, who immediately began to blush at her rude outburst.
"He left voluntarily." Katrina replied. "Meaning he really shouldn't use it, but he can keep it."
"What happened after that?" Kaleb whispered.
"Daddy…he…he had his lightsaber, then he ran back outside." She sniffed. "He told Mother and I to hide, that there was trouble. Mother…she and I…well, you know how we are. We were worried, so we glanced out the window, to see what was going on." She grew silent, her head lowered. "They were everywhere. There were explosions and fights and blasters…we weren't prepared for something like that, even with Daddy and Uncle Jon there. But even they were overpowered and then…oh Kaleb, it was terrible!"
Katrina began crying in earnest, while Brianna handed her a napkin to use as a tissue. The woman sniffed before continuing on. "It was such a blur, but when it was all over…I awoke on a ship and Uncle Jon was flying it. He said…he said the planet was gone, that the Mandalorians had destroyed it." Again, she looked down at the floor. "He said everyone was gone. Daddy, Mother, Katie… Madden, my finance…everyone was dead.
"He told me that after watching…he saw…when our father fell, Uncle Jon came back to the house, only to find it in ruins. He didn't know what happened, but he found Mother dead, crushed by a crumbled wall. He said…he said, the damage…whatever was inflicted on me, left me sightless. I don't know how long we traveled, but soon we reached this planet."
Kaleb sat silently across from his sister, hearing for the first time what had happened to his home world, to his family, during his tenure at the Jedi Academy. "I think we'll go see our rooms for our stay." Bao replied, standing and glancing at Brianna, who also stood.
Roth perked up at this, saying, "Oh yes, of course!" he exclaimed, nervously. "I'm terribly sorry. I shall show to them now. But how…?"
I'll let you know which one will be yours.
Brianna placed a hand on the assassin's shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze, receiving a short nod for the gesture. Then she, Bao, and Roth left the siblings to their memorial silence.
After the return of Roth, Bao, and Brianna, the aid showed them to their huts. There was a small, unoccupied section of the town, which Roth explained was for visiting guests. The houses were smaller versions of their own homes, but that didn't mean they were in any way inferior. There was a variety of huts, from one bedrooms to two. These homes were lined in the same fashion the rest of the city was, houses on either side of the dirt street.
"Our population isn't big enough, so we have these extra houses that extend to those who get lost on our planet." Roth replied.
"You mean other people come wondering past here?" Atton asked.
"You'd be surprised." Roth said. "It was during the Mandalorian Wars that Master Cres landed here and during the war between the Jedi and the Sith, Revan found her way here. I'll admit we're very far out of the way, but we do get visitors every once in a while." The group stood in front of the row of houses. "I'll let you all decide which houses you'll want." Roth continued. "There're small maps inside, so you'll know how to return to the town center and Master Cres if need be. It also shows some of our other areas, like our pond. Well…I'll leave you to it then."
The aid gave a small bow before turning and heading back the way they came.
Revan immediately picked a center house, because it had gardenias in front of it. Carth followed her, watching as she stood in the middle of the room, doing a 360 view of it. The homes reminded Carth of his own housing on Telos and watching as Revan walked around only cemented it. "Hey, I found the map!" she exclaimed, jumping over to a console with a mini map. She ooh-ed and ah-ed at the discoveries she made and the seasoned pilot realized this wasn't the first time he imagined their children to be as awed and excited as his lover.
"Hey, handsome, check this out." She called, waving him over. The man walked over and put his arms around her middle. "There's a training facility not too far from here." She continued, glancing over her shoulder at him. "What do you say we take Dustil over and put him through the ringer?" she asked, with an impish look in her eyes.
"Sounds like fun, gorgeous." He murmured, bringing his lips to hers. They exchanged a few kisses, before the raven haired woman giggled.
"Perhaps we should get settled in first?" she asked, dropping another kiss on his lips.
The pilot untangled his arms from her, instead taking her hand, and headed towards the bedroom. "Let's take a tour of the bedroom, yeah?" he chuckled.
A few hours later, Dustil heard a knock on the door. Looking up from his meditative stance, he called out for the visitor to come in. He wasn't surprised when both his father and Revan walked into his living room. "Hey D," Revan began. "Your dad and I thought we'd try out this training facility that's down the street. What do you say to a little friendly rumble?"
The young man raised an eyebrow. "Haven't you two already had enough of a workout?" he asked, trying to keep a grin from breaking out on his face. He watched as his father's face grew a dark red, while Revan laughed.
"Is that a challenge?" she asked, her face gaining a new determined look.
Dustil stood and smiled at Revan. "It is."
"All right." She said, nodding in agreement. "Then let's begin your first unofficial day of Jedi training."
The trio left the house and headed down the street. To the left of them was a large building that would be the makeshift training facility. Inside was just as large, with mats that covered the floor. Revan was instantly reminded of the training facility that was housed inside the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine. Dustil must of also seen the similarities because he said, "This looks like the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine, only…more put together, I guess."
"This is what it looked like before…" Revan stopped, not wanting to say how the enclave was destroyed. "It also looks like the one on Coruscant. Ever been in that one?"
Dustil shook his head. "You think Master Cres was responsible for this?"
"Probably." She replied. "Wouldn't surprise me. He's been a Jedi for a long time."
"So why'd he leave?" Carth asked.
"You heard him earlier, Carth." Revan replied. "Kelis was his best friend; he's Kaleb's godfather, and he thought he'd lost everything when Kalab was destroyed. That and knowing the council didn't bother telling Kaleb about it…well, they either thought he never made it to his destination or they simply forgot that he was ever in the Jedi Order."
"Much like Jolee." Dustil answered.
"Or you." Carth said, looking at his lover.
Revan shrugged. "They're just jealous of my popularity." She commented, causing a snort from Dustil. "It's true."
"Let's get started." Carth replied, walking around to the center of the room.
It was near dusk when Brianna finally found him, sitting in a meadow, underneath a large tree. He had been gone all day long and by the time she had contacted him through their link, he had said he'd be waiting for her, and gave directions as to where he was. She didn't know what he and his sister discussed, but she knew it had to be hard for him.
Kaleb had been sitting under that tree for who knows how long, just that he needed refuge from everyone at the moment. Everything his sister had told him about the day their planet, their family was obliterated had brought his level of happiness down from when he had first seen his godfather, a man he hadn't seen in years. He had always just assumed he was one of those Jedi that perished when Katarr was destroyed.
The young assassin didn't know what to make of things. Should he be happy that his sister was alive? Should he be angry that he wasn't allowed to even know about this? He didn't know what to do now. And what about the threat that loomed above them? The bounty hunters, the Sith, his own threat brought upon them. He closed his eyes, realizing he had now just lured Brianna and Atton into certain death. He wondered if there was so much a man could take before they completely had a break of it.
Isn't that what happened to him after the Mandalorian War?
Could he do it again?
You've been gone for so long. I was worried about you.
I had a lot to think about.
Are you all right?
Yes. No. I'm not sure. Sit with me?
Where are you?
He had told her where he was, hoping she could find him, help him. She could calm him down, maybe help him understand what he could not. It had been a few minutes, but when he heard the crunch of grass, he felt her presence behind him, and then she was next to him, rubbing his arm. Then suddenly, he was in her arms, sobbing. Sobbing over the family he had found, the family he had lost, and everything in between.
When he finished, he wrapped her in a loose hug. "Sorry." He whispered.
"Don't be."
They sat in silence for a time, watching as the dusk turned to night and the stars came out. "It's a nice place, this planet." Brianna murmured. "It's quiet and serene."
Kaleb nodded solemnly, before moving away from her, and standing. "Come on." He whispered, holding his hand out to her. He helped her stand, pulling her into a hug, and kissing her forehead. "Thank you."
She pulled back and smiled at him. "Let me show you the guest quarters you'll be in."
The days passed into weeks. Both Carth and Revan worked Dustil through his fighting skills, while Revan took the time to work with him on his Force powers. The young man enjoyed the teachings he received from both. He began to learn more about the man he called his father, though he had done so for months after returning to Telos. While things had been strained at first, the two had found a relaxed truce, but now on Kal'Shebbol, even before landing here, Dustil began seeing his father in a new light. Not only was he a talented pilot, something Carth had been not so subtly trying to teach his son, but he was an excellent marksman and swordsman. He always assumed Revan and his father teamed together because they were lovers, but now he realized it was because the former lady of the Sith trusted the pilot to watch her back.
Dustil especially enjoyed the teachings by Revan. Though he enjoyed the teaching he received from Jolee, Revan did seem to understand him better. She understood the pressure he felt, having been in the Sith and now hoping to serve the Jedi. Revan knew what it was like to have both dark and light sided powers.
The former dark lord had even suggested the young man take some lessons from Kaleb, who had been concentrating on teaching both Atton and Brianna. At first, Dustil had looked at her as though she had turned into a three headed rancor. "You keep forgetting Kaleb was a Jedi before he became an assassin working for the Sith." She said. "Besides, he's done some good while in that haze the dark side creates. Remember, he helped Dantooine and ended a civil war on Onderon. And single handedly destroyed most of the Exchange's big bosses. For every five bad things he does, he does one hell of a good deed."
In the mean time, Kaleb spent those weeks training with his two Jedi charges, while also getting to know his sister once again. On that particular morning, he found himself in her kitchen, helping to make lunch. "I can't say I'm happy about the whole dark side fall, Junior." She replied. Anticipating his look, she retorted, "Don't think because I can't see what changes it's done, I did know you had fallen. I feel the Force as you do, though I never wanted to be a Jedi."
The young man nodded. "I had forgotten."
"Though…you're not fully on the dark side, are you?"
"I tend to…do some good deeds, ever now and then." He stated.
His sister chuckled. "Too good for your own good, huh?" she asked, slicing a tomato. "Even when I felt it, I knew you couldn't be completely on the dark side, no matter what you may have done." They continued on in silence, until she asked, "What is it that keeps you so rooted within the light then?"
Kaleb looked over at her, a questioning look in his eyes. "I'm sorry?"
She turned, glancing in his direction. "There was a reason you turned from being a Jedi." She replied. "But there must be a reason that keeps you from falling totally into the darkness that surrounds those in the Sith."
Kaleb went to answer, but was interrupted by her musings. "I mean, from what you say about Revan, the person she is now, it sounds as though something…or someone...has kept her from falling again. Is that the same with you?"
"I don't know, Trina." He muttered. "I mean, there wasn't even a reason for me to be on the dark side, I guess."
"Junior, everyone has a reason to be on one side or another." She stated. "And sometimes, there are those who are just border line."
"Like you?" he asked. "If you knew I was on the dark side, knew I was a Sith, why didn't you…I don't know, have the kind of reaction most people do when I walk into a room."
"Maybe it's because you're my brother, nerfherder." She retorted. "I know lesser people who would not admit that someone they're close to were on one side or the other, but I think our parents taught us better than that." He didn't refute her thoughts. "Besides," she continued. "The Jedi Council is just as bad as any empire the Sith could create. And I know you feel the same."
Kaleb was silent, surprised his sister would feel that way about a society in which her father, godfather, and brother belonged. "Maybe," he began. "Maybe you're right, that I may have some good left in me, but what…what would you say, if I told you that I was responsible for the deaths of so many?"
Katrina stopped her activities, picking up a plate and walking to the sink. "What do you mean by that?" she asked.
"I mean, what if I said I was responsible for the deaths of Sith and Jedi alike?"
The woman sighed, saying, "That would make sense, wouldn't it? When you were a Jedi, you killed members of the Sith. As Sith, you killed Jedi. Why would I be surprised?"
"So Jon never said anything about what was happening?"
"To the Jedi?" she asked. "Don't you think I felt it as well? Uncle Jon felt it stronger than I, yes, but I still felt…the disturbance." She turned to face him. "Are you saying you're the cause of that?"
She heard nothing from him, but he's breathing, until in a sigh, he said, "Yes."
"That's impossible."
"The masters told me." He insisted. "At least those that were left. They tried taking the Force from me and I had no choice…"
"They told you…that you were the cause of this?" she asked.
"They said I was the death of the Force." He explained. "That somehow I was causing some… negative energy or something, but that somehow I was causing it."
"How?"
"I…I don't know." He whispered. "They never really explained it. They just said…when I came back from the war, I was…shattered, I guess. I cut myself off from the Force, not knowing that I had done it myself. They said that action caused a backlash, created a new Sith regime, who fed off of what I was feeling. It ended up killing the majority of the Order.
"I gathered them together, because they said they would explain everything, that everything I needed to know, they would tell me. But it was a set up. I left the enclave with more questions than answers…and more blood on my hands."
"So you killed them?" she whispered.
Kaleb shook his head, before realizing the action went unnoticed by Katrina. "No," he said. "But they attacked me first. They tried taking the Force from me. I had just gotten it back, so I refused to give it up without a fight."
Katrina took their plates and led him into the living room, placing them on a table in front of the couch. "You should speak to Uncle Jon." She said. "He'd know what to do. But you never answered my question, Kaleb. What keeps you on the side of light?"
Kaleb busied himself with his lunch, making an 'I don't know' sound around the food in his mouth. "Hmmm," Katrina hummed. "I bet it's a girl." The assassin looked up, trying to keep himself from choking. "Even Jedi, or Sith, can't ignore the trappings of love." She commented. "So who is it, baby brother? Some girl you have stashed on another planet? Or is it one of your crewmates?" She could feel his emotions spike when she mentioned his shipmates, whom he had spoken of during his visits.
"Ah, so it is a member of the crew." She laughed. "Could be Revan? No. She's…already involved. Then who?"
"What're you digging for?" he asked, obviously irritated with her questions.
Katrina laughed once more. "I'm just having some fun, Junior." She chuckled. "No harm done. Besides, it's my job as your older sister to make sure all your groupies have been properly screened."
The young man snorted in annoyance. "Groupies." He muttered.
"Again, there's no harm done." She repeated, taking a sip of her tea. "Besides, you shouldn't be so upset. I like her."
This time, Kaleb did choke, clearing his throat as he looked at his sister. "What're you talking about?" he sputtered.
He only received a laugh. "You may be good with wielding the Force through battle, baby brother," she said, a slight twinkle in her eye. "But I was always better at emotion and empathy than you were. You never notice how…romantic your voice gets when you speak of Brianna, do you?" Without waiting for his response, she continued on, giggling as she did. "I thought not. The first time she was here, she was concerned for you. So was your other friend, but hers was a deep concern…as one would feel for a loved one." She took another sip of her drink.
"Do you care for her?"
Kaleb ducked his head, feeling a blush creep over his face. "Very much so, yes."
"Are you lovers?"
"What?"
"You heard me." She replied.
"I…I…I am not…" he stumbled, the thought of discussing such things with his sister was just out of the question. "I am not having this discussion with you."
"So you're not?" she asked, coyly. "At least, not yet anyways."
"You know, it's getting late…"
"I'm teasing you, brat." She giggled. "You never could take our teasing about you."
"I can take anything you can dish out." He retorted.
Again, she giggled. "Though you were very good at getting angry about it." She said. "In all honesty, I am glad you found someone to care so much about you. Remember what Daddy used to say, about sacrifices?"
"Love and family should never be sacrificed, even by a Jedi." He repeated. "Dad…he spoke from experience."
"Nothing could have ever taken him away, if it weren't for Mother." Katrina whispered. "And he loved her so much."
"Yusanis did that." He murmured.
"Yusanis?" she questioned.
"He was Brianna's father." He replied. "Her mother was a Jedi and her father followed her into the Mandalorian Wars."
"He was a man in love. Could you really blame him?"
"No." Kaleb looked through the window, seeing the sun getting lower in the sky, and an idea struck him. "Trina, I have to leave."
"I understand." She said, standing. "Will you come tomorrow?"
"Of course." He said. He gave her a quick hug, before rushing out of the house and into the outside.
Atton walked down the street towards the training facility. He felt like one of those old fashioned gunslingers he'd seen on one of the holovids, the lightsabers Kaleb had given him and helped him put together on either side of his hips, swung lightly as he came closer to his destination. A frown however marred his features when he heard the sounds of a familiar workout.
He wasn't surprised to see Brianna, already inside, and working on her Echani lessons. "Don't you ever give it a rest?" he asked, sarcastically, walking over and watching her.
"You know," she said, stopping in mid form. "I'm starting to think you're all talk, Atton."
"Meaning what, exactly?"
"Meaning, even though you know the tiers of my people's fighting styles," she elaborated. "I'm sure you couldn't use them on me."
"Oh ho ho." He chuckled. "Is that a challenge, sister? Cause I guarantee you that I'm a little more than you can handle."
She turned to face him, a predatory smirk on her lips. "Then come and try." She said, readying her stance.
"My pleasure." He grinned, unhooking both lightsabers. "What say we get in some Jedi training as well? That way Kaleb doesn't feel too bad when I mop the floor with you."
The hiss of lightsabers being ignited were the only sounds before the match. Atton smirked, nodding his head towards her staff. "Did your boyfriend give you that?" he asked.
"No need to be jealous," She retorted. "Just because my saber is bigger than yours."
The scoundrel went to retort, but soon narrowed his eyes at her. He went to attack with his right saber, while going for her stomach with his left. The staff she used blocked both attacks and she used his momentum to knock him back momentarily. The two continued their fight, only stopping to throw insults at one another.
"Where exactly did you learn the Echani style of fighting?" Brianna asked, using the pause in battle to ask some questions.
"And why would I tell you?" Atton shot back. "If you need to know, I learned when I was fighting Mandalorians in order save the galaxy. Happy?"
They struck each other again, going back and forth. Atton would attack; Brianna would block. Brianna would try and attack; Atton would block.
"So then my father taught you." She huffed.
"I'm not telling."
"Why?"
"Why do you need to know?"
"Why won't you say anything?"
Brianna flew backwards, thanks to Atton's Force Push. "The only person who needs to know about my past is the exile." He spat. "Now, to be fair, you're an exile too, but I don't care if you and he can change into one another. My past is my business, not yours."
"If we're traveling together," she said, using the Force to dig deeper. "It's important…"
"Don't try and lay that on me." The scoundrel interrupted. "In case you didn't know, we're the sidekicks here. Revan and Kaleb are the important ones at stake. We're just fodder. You know as well as I do if that new Sith lord ever got a hold of us, he'd use us in a hostage exchange and for the greater good, we'd be the ones sacrificed."
"You don't know that." She said, standing.
Atton snorted. "Do you really think they'd put the entire galaxy in danger just to save us? To save you?"
"If you're so against the Jedi," she asked, walking up to him. "Why are you training to become one?"
"I'm training to help." He said. "I don't know why, but I got it in my head to make sure our little exile travels safely and that nothing happens to him. I know you have an ulterior motive…"
"Is that what you think?"
"Hey," he said, putting his hands up. "I know women and I've known women like you, so if you think…"
"No, no," she replied. "I would protect him with my life. And I wouldn't hesitate to kill someone who I thought might endanger or harm him, including anyone on board the Ebon Hawk."
Busy?
Just having a friendly discussion.
Ah. Well then, when you're finished, go make yourself even prettier, and meet me by that big tree. Remember? The one you found me at?
I remember. But why?
I have a surprise for you. Please come?
I'll be there.
I'll see you then. Oh, please don't kill Atton. He's an ass, but a courageous ass.
Concerns noted.
"You're having a conversation with him, aren't you?"
"As much as I enjoy getting into these verbal sparring matches with you," she replied, replacing her lightsaber and heading for the door. "I have some where to be. If you'll excuse me."
"Wait a minute." He said, jogging to catch up with her. "Just so the record's straight here, I'm not too fond of you and you're not fond of me, but I have a hell of a lot more respect for you than I had for that schutta Kreia. So just a word of advice," Looking her in the eyes, he continued. "If you ever try getting into my head again, you'll regret it. I've killed a lot of people for doing that and I'd really feel bad for killing you if you try it again."
With that, Atton gave her one last blazing glance before continuing on his way.
Kaleb felt a nervous twitter in his stomach. Even though he had had his crushes in the past and certainly wasn't a stranger to the company of being with a woman, he realized as he sat outside that this could be considered a date. A first date.
With Brianna.
He hadn't told her that was what he had in mind, but he hoped she would understand he wanted to see her, to at least make a good impression on how he felt about her. He definitely didn't want her to think that as soon as this galaxy quest of theirs was over, he wouldn't continue their relationship. He wanted this thing between them to work. Kaleb had never felt this way about anyone before and he was slightly bitter about that. While everyone else his age may be halfway into a relationship or even married, he was drifting through life.
He had been thinking a lot about Brianna, even before being reunited, he had thought about her; wondering where she was, if she could forgive him for his behavior. But now, now seemed to be a lull in the activities that concerned them. They hadn't heard any reports about worlds being destroyed or people being killed. They hadn't even heard from any bounty hunters that may be after them. So the young assassin decided he would make his intentions known, show the woman he loved that he indeed loved her.
So he had rushed to the town center, in order to utilize the cooking droids. He then showered and dressed in a button down maroon dress shirt and black slacks. When he saw himself in the mirror, he was quite surprised. It had been some time since he'd been dressed in regular clothes and dress clothes at that. For years, he had always been in Jedi robes and recently dressed in stylish, but intimidating dark Jedi robes.
He had brought out a blanket for them to sit on and saw by the setting sun, they would only have a few minutes of light, but he was relieved to find lights that outlined the meadow he wanted this dinner to take place. And when he thought about it, a moonlit picnic was better than just a regular one. And so, he sat on the large blanket, with nervous twitters the size of shyracks floating around in his stomach, waiting for his lady love.
He didn't wait for long.
Hearing the crunch of the grass, he turned and saw her. Against the setting of the sun, she was a vision, at least to his eyes. She wore a simple blue sun dress that seemed to match her eyes and a shy grin on her face. Kaleb immediately jumped to his feet to greet her, his smile matching hers.
"You look good in maroon." She said.
"You're stunning in blue." He replied, causing her to blush.
"I haven't worn this in a while." She whispered. "Not since my father bought it for me."
Taking her hand, he said, "Then I'll do more things to get you to wear it often." He led her towards their supper, each taking a place on the blanket.
"What's this then?" she asked.
Kaleb shrugged. "I…just wanted to have dinner together."
Like it?
"We could've had it in the town dining hall."
It's a sweet gesture, but you didn't have to do all of this for me.
"It wouldn't have been the same."
I wanted to.
She leaned into him, her hand resting on the back of his neck. "Thank you." She whispered, placing a chaste kiss on his lips.
"No problem." He sighed, happily.
The two talked and ate, watching as the sun sank into oblivion, Kaleb telling her about the visits to his sister. "I can't begin to tell you how I feel about all this." He said, staring up into the sky. "For years, I thought I had lost her, thought I had lost everyone. And now, I have a sister again."
"You should see her as often as possible." Brianna replied, leaning her head on her shoulder.
"That'll be hard." He sighed, putting an arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer. "Even if we take care of this new dark lord, I'll still have bounty hunters after me. I can't bring any of that back here, especially with Master Cres on the planet. I can't have my problems falling on to them."
"We'll get to the bottom of this." She said, snuggling against him. "I have a feeling Revan wouldn't just finish this quest, if you will, with loose ends. She doesn't seem like the kind of person who would."
"She isn't."
They sat for another hour or so, before standing and heading towards their quarters. Kaleb dropped off the basket at the town center before walking Brianna to her lodgings. Coming to her door, the handmaiden turned and asked, "May I show you something?" Kaleb nodded, a curious look on his face. Following Brianna inside, he watched as she entered her bedroom, then heard a drawer open and close before she returned to him. She stood before him, holding a small box in her hands.
"My father gave this me, shortly before meeting in battle with Revan." She said. Opening the box, she revealed a gold necklace, with an emblem hanging on the chain. "My mother gave this to him." She continued. "He told me that she gave it to him, before she had to return to the Jedi Academy on Dantooine." Brianna pulled the necklace from the box, admiring the way the medallion turned slowly. Her hand stretched out to him, the necklace dangling from her fingers.
Kaleb took the item from her, studying it closely. The medallion had several markings on the face, while the back was smooth. "I want you to have it." Her words caused him to look at her in surprise.
"But it was your mother's." he replied, shaking his head. "Brianna, I couldn't…"
"I want you to have it." She repeated, interrupting him and stopping any arguments. He looked at her for a moment before undoing the clasp and putting it around his neck. The medallion seemed to lean to his right, even after his straightened it.
"It seems to lean to the right." He noted, looking at her.
Resting her hand on the right side of his chest, she said, "Father said that as well, that it leaned towards the heart."
Kaleb took her hand, placed a kiss on the inside of her wrist, and whispered, "Then I'll cherish it, as I cherish you." The handmaiden blushed. "I should…probably go." He walked to the door, with Brianna following him. When he stood outside, he turned to face her. Taking a few steps forward, he leaned in. The kiss was heated, but short, and left them both breathless. "Goodnight." He said, his voice deep and soft.
"Night." She replied, breathlessly. Kaleb gave her a last, hungry look before turning and walking towards his own quarters.
"Are you out of your mind!"
Revan was used to people thinking she didn't play with an even deck of Pazaak cards, she usually shrugged and did what she wanted anyway. So when she had gotten the great idea that morning, she had rushed out to find Kaleb, who was doing a training session with Brianna and Atton. "Hey, hey, hey, hey!" she exclaimed, running in with an excited look on her face. "I just had this great idea. Did you happen to see a beat up looking droid on the Hawk?"
"You mean one of those HK look a likes?" Kaleb asked, to which Revan nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah. I wanted to destroy that thing, but with everything that happened…"
"Destroy him?" Revan asked. "Why would you do that?"
The three looked at the woman in shock. "You're kidding, right?" Atton asked, tossing a glance towards Kaleb. "You want to activate one of those droids that's trying to kill us?"
"Are you out of your mind?" Kaleb exclaimed.
"First of all, calm down." Revan replied, holding a hand up. "Two, you guys don't have to worry about HK. I built him, meaning he's mine."
"So then we hold you responsible when he blows our brains out." Atton spat.
"Will you shut up and listen to me?" Revan retorted. "As I was saying, you don't have to worry about HK. He knows how to toe the line, because he knows that if he gets out of line, he's offline. No worries. Now, which one of you stellar gentlemen wants to help me with this?"
Kaleb and Atton looked at each other, neither one wanting to do what the former lord wanted. Atton shrugged, looking at Revan. "We don't have a choice, do we?" Revan answered his shrug with one of her own. "Right." The scoundrel replied. "I guess I'll go. Leave the two lovebirds to themselves."
Revan chuckled. "Why Kaleb," she teased, following the co-pilot as they headed toward the door. "I didn't know you had it in you."
"Very funny." Came the retort as she and Atton headed towards the Ebon Hawk. Bao was already waiting for them on the loading ramp, a skeptical look on his face.
"Hey BD." Revan replied, patting him on the shoulder.
"Just so you know…" the alien began.
"I know, I know." She said. "Everyone isn't thrilled about this, but believe me, with HK on our team, we have that needed firepower."
"Revan," Atton said, following the woman inside the ship. "We're trying to stay away from the killing assassin droids, not bring us to their attention. I'm sure that thing's got a tracking device that can easily lure us out of hiding and…"
"I don't know how you guys got anything good done." The former lord exclaimed. "You're all a bunch of pessimists. The only bright spot in the whole crew is T3 and he's a droid! He's not programmed to think of the glass half full! Now look," Revan turned to look at her helpers on this task. "I know you guys have had run ins with these new, sleek looking HKs, but I'm telling you, that this HK is my HK. Meaning I built him. I don't know who the hell gave out his schematics, but I assure you, my assassin droid isn't going to kill anyone unless I tell him to. Okay?"
The two men looked at each other, then nodded at Revan. "If you can vouch for him," Bao replied.
"I guess we could give him a shot." Atton finished. "Besides, it might work in our favor. Maybe we can find out where the hell these things are coming from."
"See?" Revan said. "We're doing a good thing here. Let's go put back together my droid."
The three got to work, installing the pieces the last crew of the Hawk had come across during their journeys. When it was all said and done, the trio stood back to look at their work. The beat up assassin droid hummed to life, all his circuits online. His eyes lit, surveying all around him. He soon spotted Revan, who smiled at him.
"Exclamation: Master! It is good to see you again. I had thought something dreadful had happened when I was deactivated. But I see you are still in one piece. I hope you did not take it upon yourself to manufacture another assassin protocol droid."
"Nope," she replied. "You're still my favorite psychopathic droid."
"Mocking query: I see that your peculiar sense of humor still has a place in meatbag conversations."
"It was a compliment." She retorted.
"Amendment: Of course it was, Master. And I am certainly flattered by it."
Revan gave the droid a look, saying, "I'll ignore the obvious sarcasm in that statement. But all in all, I'm glad you're back among the living. So to speak."
"Statement: I seem to be fully functional, save for some minor alterations to several of my components. Query: I am unable to retrieve some of my memory banks. And I seem to remember taking a blaster to my processor."
Bao and Atton looked at each other, before glancing at Revan. "Ask him about those other droids." Bao asked, looking at the woman suspiciously.
"Irritated answer: Oh. Them."
"I knew it!" Atton exclaimed. "I told you he'd be hooked up to those assassin droids and now he's gonna rat us out to them."
"Amusing answer: Oh, I know who they are, Master, but I can assure you that I would never willingly be around such inferior designs of my own programming."
"Well?" Revan asked. "How the hell did someone get your design in the first place?"
"Irritated answer: I do not know, but I can assure you, Master, they are of primitive design."
"If this droid is indeed linked to them," Bao began. "Then perhaps he knows where we can find the others."
"Statement: Oh, I am aware as to where theses inferiors are being made. They are being manufactured in a factory, somewhere along the Outer Rim of the galaxy."
"Where?" Atton asked. "If you know where, then you'll tell us. Unless of course, you are working for them and you're out to kill us, too."
Revan gave the scoundrel a slight push. "Don't mind him." She said, addressing the droid. "So, where's this factory?"
"Clarification: Oh Master, I couldn't possibly tell you where it, for I do not know the location. Rectifying answer: Unfortunately, I could not attempt to even destroy those that try to pass themselves off as an improved version of me."
"And why not?" Atton growled.
"Clarification: Why Master, deactivating one of those inferiors would be like deactivating my own protocols, something I which not to repeat."
"So basically," Atton said, sarcastically. "Killing one of those droids is like committing suicide, right? I'm not sure I see the problem."
"Statement: Master, is this irritating meatbag causing problems for you? Because it has been entirely too long since I have had the enjoyable pleasure of riding irritating meatbags."
Atton gave the droid a threatening glare, before Revan whacked him on the arm. "Enough." She said. "Either way, HK, I'm glad you're back on the team."
"Recitation: Thank you, Master, though I do have a few queries on the damage inflicted on my memory core."
"Later." She said, looking at Atton and Bao. "For now, just…make sure the Hawk is safe. I promise you'll be shooting up meatbags in no time." She walked past the two men, intent on making it to the exit ramp before they could question her. When she reached her target, she turned, seeing Atton and Bao in a discussion of their own. "You boys coming?"
Atton gave the techie a look before walking past Revan down the ramp. "He's not happy, is he?" she asked, rhetorically.
"I don't believe anyone else will be either." The alien replied, heading out of the ship as well. Revan sighed, before following her companions out.
"You know, I'm impressed with the way you're learning so fast."
Kaleb and Brianna sat in their spot, as they would call it, watching as the afternoon settled into dusk. Earlier, the assassin had continued training Brianna and Atton on their Force powers and was surprised to see how much the two had learned in such a short time and how rapidly their powers grew.
Brianna smiled up at him, her back resting against his chest. "Perhaps it's because I have such an incredible teacher." She replied, receiving a grin from him. "And may I just say I'm very impressed with you."
"Oh?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "And what have I done that has gained me such notoriety?"
"Other than being incredibly sweet?" she asked, shyly, grinning when he delivered a kiss to her temple.
"Enlighten me then."
"This planet agrees with you," she began. "You're much calmer than I've known you to be and you're happier." She ran a hand down his cheek. "The darkness that clouded you seems to be fading."
"Maybe it's not the planet," he murmuring, capturing her hand in his. "Maybe it's the company I'm keeping."
Brianna blushed, slightly embarrassed with the way she seemed to melt around Kaleb. She had never felt this way about anyone before, having learned emotions were the way to the dark side. She only made it a few days before she ignored the side that was loyal to Atris. She loved Kaleb, always had from that first meeting, and she did now. She hadn't told him the real reason she had given her father's necklace to him, but she knew he understood what it meant. Brianna would do anything for him, had betrayed her own mistress for him, and was currently betraying the oath of the Jedi…for him.
"Stay with me tonight." She whispered, looking out into the horizon.
Kaleb glanced at her. He could feel her nervousness, so he kissed her neck, moving up until he reached her ear. "Are you sure?" he whispered. She nodded, slowly. Placing a finger against her chin, he turned her head to face him, before kissing her deeply. "I love you." He whispered against her lips.
Her lips curved into a small grin. "I know." She responded, kissing him again.
Atton felt it was his civic duty to teach his teacher about women. So when he saw Kaleb, goofy, happy grin on his face, the scoundrel knew he had to inform the assassin the ways of life. "Hey Capt'n," he called, strolling over to the young man. "How goes things?"
"Fine." The young man sighed. "Never better. You?"
Atton nodded. "You know, I…um…well, I've noticed you've been pretty upbeat lately." He replied.
Kaleb looked at the man. "Yeah?"
"Well, I mean…" Atton stuttered. "You seem to be…I don't know…calmer, I guess. Must be all this clean air."
The young man shrugged. "It seems to be that way for everyone." He replied. "Hell, even you're not as annoying as you usually are."
"Your jokes could use some improvement."
"I'm serious." Kaleb said. "The…air must be affecting you as well."
"Yeah, well…" Atton looked off into the distance, clearing his throat as he did. "I've noticed something else, too."
"Have you?"
"Don't think I haven't seen the way you and that handmaiden have been spending more time together." Atton replied. "That's still going, huh?"
"I don't think I need your approval on who I want to see in my romantic endeavors." Kaleb stated.
"Hey look," Atton said, holding his hands up. "Don't let this get around, but I happen to respect our little warrior princess. I'm just saying, as one guy who knows women to another guy who may not, you need to be careful with the opposite sex, especially those that have the power of digging into your head and emotions."
Kaleb put a hand on the man's shoulder. "I appreciate the words of advice, okay?" he replied. "But first of all, I trust Brianna and if anything, I'm the one that taught her that whole digging in my head thing and so far, I haven't heard any complaints about what I've been thinking." Kaleb grinned, seeing the surprised look on Atton's face. "Oh and another thing, though I appreciate it, I do, I think I know a little something about women, too."
The assassin gave the scoundrel a wink before heading towards his own quarters, leaving Atton standing in awe at the young man.
The stay on Kal'Shebbol lasted close to a month, with the morning of their departure opening to an odd sight, at least that's how Dustil saw it. He had awoken to the sound of an incoming call from his computer console, with Revan waiting patiently on the other line. "Rise and shine, sleepy head," she said, happily. "Get dressed and come outside. Oh and make sure you've got your lightsaber." And with a click, she was gone, leaving Dustil confused as to why he needed his weapon.
When Brianna woke, she noticed Kaleb already dressed in his dark Jedi pants, his lightsaber dangling from his hip. He was shirtless and stood in front of the computer console, apparently speaking to someone on the other line. He turned, smiling when he saw her sitting up in bed. "Morning." He said, taking a seat on the side of the bed.
"What was that about?" she asked, placing her arms around his neck and delivering a kiss to his cheek.
"A little training session, if you will." He replied. Dropping a kiss on her lips, he replied, "Get dressed." He stood from the side, grabbed his shirt, and headed out the door.
When Dustil walked to where Revan told him to be, he was surprised to see Atton and Brianna already there, apparently wondering what was going on as well. In front of them stood the rest of the Ebon Hawk crew, standing in a line, with Revan and Kaleb standing a few meters behind them. "Hey, what's going on?" the young man asked.
"Call it a…final test," Revan replied. "A battle simulation, if you will."
"Your task is to get to us." Kaleb said.
"Sounds easy enough." Atton replied.
Carth crossed his arms across his chest, a smile on his face. "You have to get through us first."
The three looked at each other. "Let me explain," Revan began. "As I said earlier, think of this as your final test as budding Jedi apprentices. Part one of said test is you have to fight your way to us. Meaning, you'll have to get through our first line of defense here. When the three of you have defeated the combined talents of Mission, Carth, Visas, Bao, and Big Z there, I'll let you know what the second part of the test is."
"The rules are simple." Kaleb added. "No Force powers, from anyone. Weapons only, but this is just a friendly sparring match, so no going for a kill or anything. But that doesn't mean you should slack off. These guys in front of you have been given instructions to not hold back."
"And we won't." Mission piped up.
"You can use energy shields, but that's it." The assassin continued. "And if you're hurt, you're down. End of story. Whenever you're ready."
The 'first line of defense', as Revan called them, each brought up their own energy shields, before readying their weapons. Dustil looked at his fellow students in this exam, each ready to go ahead with their task. Brianna smirked, sending a message to Kaleb that he wouldn't stand a chance. Dustil took a breath and said, "Let's do this then."
Dustil made his attack at Mission, who was ready for it. He had figured she would be the easiest to defeat, until he began battle with Zaalbar as well. The young Jedi fought the duo, wishing he could be well equipped like Atton and Brianna. He didn't feel one lightsaber could do the kind of damage two or even a staff could do, but perhaps that was the point of the exercise. Certainly Revan and his father had taught him to get out of anything, even when stacked against many opponents. He found a weak point on Zaalbar, using the wookie's own momentum to graze his stomach with his saber. One down, four to go.
Revan and Kaleb looked on, watching their students do battle with some of the finest fighters they'd known. "They're good." Revan remarked, watching as Bao fell against Brianna's staff. The young woman continued her assault against Visas, the two going at a fierce pace of blocks and attacks. Kaleb nodded, admiring the way Brianna stood her ground against the former Sith slave. His eyes moved to watch Atton battle against Carth, keeping up with the seasoned pilot.
"Maybe a little too good." He quipped, as Mission fell, allowing Dustil to join Atton against his father.
Revan smirked. "Hundred credits says my student is the better."
"Just a hundred?" he asked. "Two says not only will my students come out on top, but they'll defeat you in a tick."
"You're on." She whispered, shaking the man's hand. They turned back to watch the remaining battle, leaving Carth to fight off the trio. He was down in moments. "Heal your foes, then come over here." She said, watching as the three used their powers to heal their opponents. They then walked over to stand in front of their masters. "Well," Revan began. "I gotta say I'm impressed. Congrats on getting this far."
"Piece of Duros cake." Atton chuckled.
Revan chuckled along with him. "This next part won't be that easy." She replied.
"Welcome to part two of your test." Kaleb instructed. "In true Sith tradition, the students come to face their masters."
"Of course, you're not going to kill us," Revan amended, glancing over at Kaleb. "But the idea is the same. In this round, everything goes. You can use the Force and your weapons. Again, the point isn't to kill us, but to uh…incapacitate."
"Don't let me down." Kaleb said, addressing his students. "I've got two hundred riding on the outcome."
"You bet two hundred credits on us?" Atton asked.
"That does seem a little insulting." Brianna muttered.
"You're telling me!" Atton exclaimed. "I think we're a little better than just two hundred credits."
"Oh?"
"I mean, I think we're at least five."
Kaleb gave Revan a look. "That doesn't sound too bad." He said. "Five hundred says that not only will my students stay standing, but they'll defeat you."
"You hear that?" Revan asked, looking at Dustil. "Kids today, always throwing their money away, when they know the outcome." Dustil gave her look, to which she cringed. "For making me sound like Jolee, you're on. Five hundred says my student is going to floor you. How do you like that?"
Kaleb smirked, sending a wink towards both Brianna and Atton. "I'll buy you some drinks with our winnings."
"Hey, can we discuss how this will go?" Dustil asked, looking between the two teachers.
Revan shrugged. "Go ahead." She said. "Whenever you're ready."
Dustil gathered his two comrades, huddling them together in order to make a plan of action. Kaleb and Revan waited it out, until the trio broke apart and faced them. "Ready now?" she said, sarcastically. Dustil nodded, glancing over to his fellow learners.
Dustil wasn't sure what he was getting into, but he knew it would be an interesting fight. He had limited experience fighting against Force sensitives and now would be his true test. Not only were both Kaleb and Revan former Jedi, but they were former Sith members as well, just like him. If they were going to pull out all the tricks, he would too.
He immediately used Drain Force, knowing it would do little good, having figured their teachers would prepare themselves against that, but it provided a distraction as Brianna and Atton attacked. Atton used a burst of speed and was in front of Revan in a beat, throwing her slightly off guard. The former lady of the Sith was able to recover though, coming at Atton with little resistance. Brianna soon joined in the fray, leaving Dustil to face Kaleb.
The former Sith assassin didn't seem to be fazed by the ruse and was ready for the young apprentice. He went after the young man, using his knowledge of the Ataru lightsaber form against him. It certainly threw Dustil for a loop, trying to block the assassin's rapid flurries. He managed to cast Slow at him, disarming the assassin for a brief period. Dustil used his time to quickly use his Force Potency, while throwing a stasis at Revan, freezing her.
His action didn't go unnoticed though, as he suddenly flew back, his ears ringing. Before he was even fully to his feet, he was being lifted off the ground by an unseen force, a powerful hand wrapped around his throat, and cutting off his air supply. He was only saved when Brianna used her Force Push against Kaleb, making him stagger, but it was enough to break his concentration on Dustil, allowing the young Jedi to fall to the ground, gasping for air.
Kaleb turned and looked at Brianna, who wore a predatory grin on her face. She beckoned him towards her, challenging him. He couldn't resist.
Meanwhile, Revan had broken from her stasis, using Drain Life to stop Atton from attacking. She then charged at him.
I'm impressed, but I don't think you can win this.
We shall see.
Kaleb and Brianna continued their battle, each meeting the other blow for blow, their training together enabling them to scout each other's moves. Kaleb stepped to the side, seeing the orange energy coming from Atton's saber as it past in front of him, causing the assassin to change focus from Brianna and over to Atton. The two battled, as Brianna attacked Revan, and then it changed again, the handmaiden once more becoming the assassin's opponent.
You're sexy when you're determined.
Their sabers hits against each other. "So are you." She stated, looking at him in the eye. She used her own staff to tip his up, leaving his side open to attack, but he countered, bringing his staff down to block her. He then sent her back with a Force Wave, knocking her to the ground. Brianna immediately made an attempt at a leg sweep, catching Kaleb's ankle as he rushed her and bringing him to the ground as well. The sudden land caused him to lose his lightsaber, which rolled away. When he went to reach for it, he was confronted with the blue light from Brianna's weapon at his throat.
He smiled up at her, folding his arms behind his head.
Atton and Revan continued their fight, until Atton uprooted Revan with a Force Push, which doubled when Brianna also hit the former Sith lord with the same tactic. The actions by both landed the raven haired woman a few feet. "I think we have a winner." Bao replied, grinning at Atton, who nodded at Brianna, before blowing out a breath of exhaustion.
After the final test was over and after Revan forked over the agreed amount of five hundred credits to Kaleb, the group once again met in the town center for a late breakfast. Master Cres sat at his usual spot at head, with Roth standing by his side. "I heard you had a little skirmish this morning." He replied, placing food on his plate.
"Call it a final exam." Revan replied.
"Yeah," Dustil muttered. "One I failed."
"You mustn't be so hard on yourself, Dustil," Visas replied. "You fought brilliantly."
"And it was your idea to change our targets instead of concentrating on one." Brianna added.
"I, for one, think that was a solid plan." Kaleb replied.
"Me too." Revan said. "It was a good strategy. I was too busy concentrating on Atton and Brianna to even be bothered with you, which was a mistake on my part, allowing you to put me in stasis. And then having Atton break in between Kaleb and Brianna was good as well. The change up got us off guard, which is what you're supposed to do to your opponent."
Dustil nodded, still feeling the sting of defeat, but appreciative of the praise from his fellow companions.
"So it seems your students have learned much from you both." Cres mentioned, nodding at Kaleb, before turning to Revan. "You still have command of those around you, Revan. Which begs me to ask if you'd be able to command troops once again, gather followers to you as you did before. If you could…crush your opposition."
Revan looked at the former Jedi master. "That would all depend, wouldn't it?"
"On what then?"
"On whom I'm supposed to be crushing." She replied, flippantly. "The Sith? Or the Jedi?"
"For the sake of playing devil's advocate," Cres began. "Let's say Jedi."
The whole table seemed to stop their activities, in order to hear the answer Revan was forming. The woman folded her arms across her chest, leaning back in her chair as she did. "Are you asking me, Jon, that if I wanted to destroy the Jedi Order, could I do it?" Cres only nodded.
"I hate to disappoint you, Master Cres," Kaleb began. "But there is no Jedi Order anymore. There're three members of the Jedi Council that remain, both Academies are in ruin…there's really nothing left."
Master Cres chuckled. "As I told my aid," he said. "There will always be Jedi and there will always be people who want to be Jedi. There will be more, eventually, but that hardly answers my question." His gaze turned to Revan once more.
"I could." She said, honestly. "But I wouldn't. And I won't. It doesn't mean I wish the council didn't exist, it just means I won't be making a strike against them any time soon."
"I'm actually glad to hear you say that." Cres replied. "I have a…feeling the Jedi need you more than you need them and that your leadership, the one that led us through the Mandalorian War, that nearly destroyed the Republic during the Jedi Civil War, will be needed to lead us through again, against a foe that may be tougher than anything you've ever faced."
"Uncle Jon," Kaleb whispered, staring at the elder man. "What exactly do you mean by that?"
"I don't think my comment needs to be explained." He replied, standing. "Now if you excuse me, I'd like to have a quick word with your students."
Dustil, Atton, and Brianna looked at each other, before looking at the man who requested their presence. They stood, wondering what the elderly master would want with them. The master headed out into the street, the trio following behind him.
"What do you think he wants with them?" Mission asked, continuing to eat her breakfast.
Kaleb shook his head. "I don't know." He turned his attention to Revan. "What do you think he meant?" he asked her. "About what he said before."
Revan continued to follow the path the quartet had gone, even though they had already disappeared. "I have a feeling we'll soon find out." She whispered.
The Ebon Hawk geared up for departure from the planet of Kal'Shebbol to parts unknown. The crew was all aboard and those who hadn't known about HK-47's reactivation were now very aware when the droid asked which one of the 'meatbags' was giving Revan trouble.
"No one on this ship is an enemy, HK." She sighed.
Deet beep dwoo
"Now that was rude." Revan replied, admonishing T3's statement about HK.
"Gleeful retort: Perhaps Master would like me to rid us of this meddlesome inferior."
"Stop it, both of you." She stated. Looking at the smaller droid, she said, "Now you're going to apologize."
Deet dweet boop
"Oh yes you are." She replied, placing hands on her hips.
Dwooo.
"I am so the boss of you."
After getting somewhat of a reluctant apology from T3, Atton and Carth launched off into the sky. The plan was to head into the Unknown Regions, to try and find where this new Sith threat was coming from. But it was just their luck that the Sith threat had been looking for them. The first shot came from the port side, rocking the ship. "What now?" Revan exclaimed.
"I think we're in trouble." Atton replied, checking the system stats.
"Damn it!" Carth cried. "We've been locked out."
"You've got to be kidding." Revan groaned.
"We're caught in a tracking beam." Atton bemoaned.
"What the hell's going on up here?" Kaleb asked, standing in the doorway of the cockpit.
The answer wouldn't come as the quartet watched as the ship that had trapped them came into view. "No way." Kaleb breathed, looking at the huge vessel that loomed in front of them.
"Hey, what's going on?" asked Mission, as she too entered the cockpit. She looked at the group around her, then looked at the ship in front of them. "Are you guys all right?" she asked, looking at them again.
"What's up?" Dustil asked from the hallway.
Mission shrugged. "I'm not sure." She answered. "Guys?"
"This is not happening." Revan muttered.
"That ship shouldn't even be in orbit." Atton gulped.
"What're you talking about?" asked Mission. "What's going on?"
"We're gonna be boarded." Revan said.
"By the Destroyer." Kaleb finished.
A few moments later, the crew of the Hawk found themselves standing in the main hold, trying to think of a way out of this. Carth couldn't help but get that feeling of déjà vu, from the time the Hawk had been in a similar predicament against an unwanted seizing. The console beep, signaling an incoming message. "We've got a greeting." Atton replied, sarcastically.
The image that appeared was of no knowledge to the first crew of the Ebon Hawk, but the most recent crew knew very well who the man was. He was middle aged, balding, and with a long beard that had two pointed ends. "You!" Kaleb exclaimed.
"Ah," Goto smirked. "The exile and friends. I had hoped you were good and well."
"You miserable, son of a…"
"Is that any way to thank your rescuer?" Goto asked.
"Rescuer!" The assassin cried. "If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place!"
"Just who in the hell are you?" Revan asked.
The image turned to view the raven haired woman. "Ah yes," he said. "The former dark lord Revan. It is a unique pleasure meeting you. I see my former…comrades didn't bother to mention my help in their survival."
"Help?" Bao growled. "You nearly cost us our lives."
"Not to mention you ever so conveniently involved yourself into matters which did not concern you." Visas retorted.
"I see you're very popular among the crew." Revan said, sarcastically. "Now maybe you can tell us why your ship has us in its sights."
"Oh, this isn't my ship." Goto replied. "Unfortunately, you have your…friends to thank in destroying my vessel."
"That's what you get for kidnapping." Atton quipped.
"Let's just say, I have obtained a new partner in making sure the economy of this galaxy is strictly protected." Goto stated. "I had tried to make you understand the implications of what your actions were doing, exile, but I apparently underestimated your arrogance and insolence. While some of your actions have helped put a splint on the Republic and its situations, most have caused another rift in the fabric that keeps the galaxy together."
"Let me guess," Carth muttered. "Your new partner is a Sith lord."
"As I told the exile," the holo image continued. "I don't choose sides, just the ones who I think will make a difference, whether it be Sith or Jedi. And quite frankly, at this point, there is no Jedi to speak of. Except for the two of you. You took us off guard for a time, as we tried searching for you, but here you are."
"If you think I'm going to just let you take my ship…" Revan began, but was cut off by the former head of the Exchange.
"There's no reason to get violent." He replied. "I'm just sending you a message that my partner would like to talk to you. He tried asking nicely for a word, but it seems it went over your heads. So we are now forced to take matters into our own hands. In a few moments, members of the Sith will be boarding your ship. Do not resist. This is meant to be a peaceful exchange, though I would like to see the exile myself. I have a…matter that needs to be addressed." The image faded, leaving the crew in a bitter state.
"Now what?" Atton asked.
Revan stood silently, bottom lip between her teeth, her face in a thoughtful mode. Looking at Atton, she asked, "How's your stealth ability?"
Atton stood up before disappearing before her, then returning. "Answer your question?" he smirked. Revan nodded before turning to Mission.
"Mish?"
Mission also disappeared and returned in front of Revan. "How's that?" the young woman asked.
Revan nodded. "I got an idea." She murmured. "We'll meet with this new Sith lord, see what he wants."
"Are you serious?" Kaleb asked.
"What better way to defeat your opponent than by getting to know them?"
"You remember the last time we tried that." Kaleb replied, solemnly.
"Hmm yes." She mumbled. "Too much of a coincidence that the Destroyer shows up."
"What's so important about this ship?" Dustil asked.
"It was one of the Republic fleet." Carth said. "And it was supposed to have been destroyed."
The discussion would have to hold, as the crew heard the commotion of Sith soldiers coming aboard.