Chapter 11

The Beginning

"You don't mean that. You can't…"

"I'm afraid I do, Elly," Revan smiled at his shocked lover as they stood together by the balcony of their private apartment room on Coruscant which was unknown to all except themselves. The setting sun left the skies of the planet with a deep red hue, as if to give a sign to Revan of just what carnage and blood was being shed in the Outer Rim, where Republic forces were fighting tooth and nail to repel the Mandalorian invaders.

Unable to understand or even fathom why Revan was so adamant in going to war, Elena implored him with a tug against his arm. "But the Council – they're so hesitant and objecting towards the idea of sending any Jedi out there! We have no idea of what kind of enemy we're dealing with! Why are you doing this, Revan?"

Smiling, Revan caressed Elena's cheek and ran his fingers through her silky dark hair. "Because I am a Jedi? Because I've sworn an oath to defend the people of the Republic?" He was disappointed somewhat, as Elena didn't express pleasure at his touch like she normally did, and his smile slightly faded.

Stubborn and deeply concerned for his welfare, Elena protested further, looking squarely at his brown eyes. "Please, Revan, I beg you, don't act in such haste! Trust in the wisdom of the Council! Their judgement prevailed in the war with Exar Kun, and it will prevail again! Have patience!"

"That was then, and this is now," Revan said, his conscience clear and his will unchanged even with her vehement objections. "Patience had enabled us to prevail over Exar Kun, because he was brash, impatient and reckless. But this…Mandalore…He is rapid in his movements, yet cunning, wise and calculating. I feel in my heart that if we don't act now, then we stand to lose everything. Coruscant itself may burn to ashes. And believe me when I say that I'm not going to let that happen."

"Personal bravado. As always," Elena spat, giving him a disapproving stare as she folded her arms. "I can sense it in you, Revan. You're always hunting glory; always lusting after fame, recognition and admiration. Your lips may speak what you want to come out of it, but your heart tells me otherwise."

Revan vehemently defended himself, holding firmly onto the sides of her arms. "I'm not going out there for fame, recognition or glory, Elena. I'm going out there because it is the right thing to do. I'm going out there because I want to protect everything that is precious to me: the freedom of the people of the Republic, the principles the Republic embodies and all that is good about it…and above all, you."

Moved by his sincere words, Elena shed a tear as she openly embraced her lover. "But…but the Council…"

Revan whispered into her ear as he stroked her lush hair. "I prefer freedom over obedience, Elena. I always have, and you know it. I follow my own convictions, and not the dogma of the Masters…and certainly not that of pompous ones like Vrook or Atris."

"But…but if you go," Elena sobbed into his shoulder. "You'll be gone for so long…"

Revan snickered at her. "Duh. We're in a war, sweetheart. It's going to take many months of grueling combat – even perhaps years, maybe – to drive a stake through the Mandalorian war effort."

"But countless soldiers have already died in this conflict. How can I be sure at all that you'll not be one of them? How can I be sure that you'll come back?"

Revan laughed softly as he recalled a dangerous episode from their past. "Don't you remember that mission we had on Tatooine with the smuggling ring and the rancor pit? Any lucky bastard who comes out of that alive will surely be able to make it back from where I'm headed. But since you're all racked up with anxiety and all right now," he released his arms from around her and reached behind his neck, removing the wooden pendent that his mother had gifted him so long ago when he first departed to join the Order, "I want you to have this." He removed his life-long good luck charm and gently held up Elena's right hand. Opening up her hand, he placed the necklace in her palm before wrapping her fingers back inwards.

"R-Revan…why?" she gasped, knowing just how important the pendent was to Revan, as it was the last fragment of his deceased mother which was left to him.

"First, you're going to need something to remember me by, so that you don't go crazy or anything while I'm gone. Second, it's because I'm certainly going to miss your birthday which is coming up next month. And third…is because I'm not one for rings."

Elena's face went blank. "Rings?"

She was shocked to see Revan get down on one knee and take her hand in his own. He looked at her with the same gaze that captivated her many years ago, and Elena soon found herself short of breath as she exhaled deeply.

"Elena Adarné…will you marry me?"

No words.

No reaction.

Only silence.

Feeling the trembling and twitching in Elena's hand and seeing the stone-like expression on her face, Revan smirked and sighed. "Too early? Yep, too early. It'll have to wait until I return, and—" His eyes jolted up as his words were silenced by the sensation of soft, rosy lips pressing against his own, after Elena fell onto her knees to hold him tight. The momentary shock dissipated as the two Jedi Knights melted into one another's affectionate embrace.

After Elena's lips slowly parted from his, Revan grinned. "I'll take that as a yes, then. I know our original plan was to eventually reveal our relationship to the Order in good time and then fade out of public view together, but this damn war has ruined that plan."

Swearing inwardly to herself that she would remain ever true to him, Elena whispered. "I'll wait for you, even if it takes a lifetime. You know I will."

He joked heartily. "Let's hope that it doesn't come down to that. After all, you can't wait forever for us to have kids."

Elena blushed slightly and smiled, knowing that Revan had a tendency to look far too forward ahead of time. Her mood grew somber however, as she spoke again. "This will be our last night together…won't it?"

Revan frowned. "I'm afraid so. I'm going to have to start campaigning for recruits first thing tomorrow. The media is going to follow me like a swarm of bees when I do. I can't risk coming back here, otherwise our secret may be blown wide open to the Council."

"Just promise me one thing," Elena said as they both rose to their feet and held each other's hands.

"And what's that?"

"Don't take Bastila," she said seriously, like a mother rebuking her naughty son.

"Eh? Why not?" Revan winced. "She'd be a huge help to us."

"She's not ready, Revan. She's still a young Padawan. I have much to teach her still, particularly when it comes to addressing her emotions and pride, the latter of which she has aplenty and then some. I don't like the idea of sending her out onto an open battlefield with no-one to protect her."

"The trouble is not whether I can persuade her or not, but rather that it'll be difficult for me to make her stay behind," Revan explained. "After that little bit of trouble we ran into on Corellia, she—"

"Admires and respects you deeply, yes, I know," Elena nodded. "But I'm telling you here and now. If that girl goes out there with her skills unpolished and her heart untamed, it's going to be trouble. I'm not going to let her join you enthusiastically, only to see her back in a few months in a body bag. I won't tolerate it."

"Okay, okay," Revan whined, rubbing his temple. "Geesh, it's the last night we're going to spend together for a long time, and you're already filling my head with negative thoughts."

"Sorry," Elena apologized. "Just wanted to get that sorted out. But Revan, do promise me one more thing."

"I'm listening," he smiled warmly and wrapped his arms around her once more.

"Promise me that you'll return to me one day, just the way you are now. I've heard that war does terrible things to a person, both in body and mind. It warps them; makes many of them into mere husks of what they once were. Breaks them and twists their souls. Promise me that the Revan who returns from that war will be the same man who has proposed to me today."

Revan leaned in and kissed her lovingly on the lips and whispered into her ear. "I promise."

-o-

Her mind roused by the pleasant touch of Revan's hands which lay upon her cheeks, Elena opened her eyes only to find to her disappointment that what she saw was only a product of her memory coming back to haunt her. Her vision slowly adjusted to the light of the sun that peeped over the morning horizon, and she groggily turned her head to see Bastila still sound asleep. The older Jedi Knight let out a tiny sigh of relief after seeing that unlike the tumultuous night they spent on Taris following their rescue, Bastila's expression appeared to be most peaceful – pleasant, even, judging by the slight smile on her lips.

Knowing all too well that her mind couldn't possibly withstand any more of the stress that naturally came about when she was in Kael's presence, and that she would be forced to converse with him again after he had woken, Elena quietly slipped out of her bed and exited the room, smiling weakly as the sight of the fast asleep Bastila reminded her of when her former student was but a small and adorable Padawan. The door closed after her without a sound, and Elena made her way to the dining hall to nourish herself before seeking Vandar's guidance.

-o-

A smirk stretched across the fair lips of the hooded Dark Lady of the Sith as she sat in her swiveling throne situated on the upper deck of the Leviathan's command bridge. Her masked lover, draped in an awe-inspiring dark robe adorned with a flowing black cape, stood beside her, looking on at the ensuing battle with equal bemusement. What was a desperate battle for survival on the part of the hapless remnants of the Republic navy was profoundly amusing to the Dark Lord and Lady, as if they were staring with fascination at a mouse struggling to escape from its oppressive trap.

"Why do the fools fly?" the woman smirked, chuckling evilly as she relished in the sight of another Republic fighter exploding before their very eyes. "Better to die sooner rather than late – for die they must."

"Heroes until the very end – how dramatic indeed," Revan laughed softly beneath his mask. "You'd think that after they lost you, they'd give up all hope and do the practical and reasonable thing: surrender."

"Fools will be fools, my love, no matter how much you try to convince them," she sighed, clicking her tongue in shame. "A pity, though. We are losing more and more potentially formidable servants and allies, with every Republic fool who sacrifices his life needlessly for a doomed cause. But do tell me, Revan – what do you intend to do once you've forced Coruscant and the entire Republic to get onto its knees?"

Revan grinned and took her tenderly by the hand. "They shall be made to recognize their Emperor and Empress, of course."

"What a charming idea that is, my love," the Dark Lady smiled. "Your very own dynasty, started not on Korriban, but on Coruscant itself. The legacy and pride of the Republic will be destroyed for all time to come."

Revan chuckled humorously as he walked closer to her and reached down with one hand, placing it upon the growing belly of his empress-to-be. "He is growing strong indeed. Even though he is still within your womb, I can feel his raw power; his potential; his destiny of greatness."

"Still a dreamer, as ever, Revan. I am not surprised," she sighed teasingly and fondled his hand, keeping it placed upon her abdomen. "Always dreaming, never having your mind focused fully on the task at hand. Don't you recall? That was precisely the reason why that fool Malak ever managed to rob you of your rightful title."

"Yes…Of course, you are right," Revan admitted disappointingly. "But believe me when I say that I have no intention of ever letting my guard slip up ever again."

"You already have, you laughable fool," she chuckled as she pointed outwards in the direction of a Republic capital ship that drove vengefully towards them. "Don't you see that?"

But then, a deadly salvo of blaster cannon fire rained down upon the Republic cruiser from four Sith Interdictor-class cruisers from above. Unable to withstand the merciless bombardment, the Republic cruiser buckled and heaved as its shields went offline, before rapidly being reduced to a smoldering heap of rubble floating about in space.

"I did," Revan teased. "And I acted accordingly and in advance, predicting their movements beforehand."

"Lying son of a bitch," she grinned. "You were acting on the fly – I know that for a fact."

Revan tilted his head in confusion. "You mean…you were aware of what I've been doing, through your use of Battle Meditation?"

The woman laughed as she threw back her hood, revealing pale and fair skin, flawless brown hair, and eyes that burned a searing orange. Bastila Shan, Dark Lady and future Empress of the Sith Empire turned and answered her lover in almost mocking fashion.

"With all the limitless forces at our disposal, do you honestly think that my Battle Meditation is even necessary? The Republic fleet is in tatters, disarray and trembling in fear – my Battle Meditation is not needed in the slightest. Their fear is already their worst enemy."

A glorious sigh of satisfaction escaped Bastila's lips when she saw the final Republic cruiser explode to ribbons, and the few enemy vessels remaining pursued and destroyed accordingly by Sith fighter craft. Basking in their victory, the Dark Lord took his lover's hand and proceeded to escort her to their private chamber after a long day's battle. The crew worked ceaselessly at the navigational and fleet communications consoles, not daring to appear to be the slightest bit complacent, knowing that Revan was nowhere near as merciful as their former master.

"You must be tired, my dear," Revan remarked as they walked together in the direction of the elevators. "It has been a most taxing day for you, I am sure."

"Oh, I am not tired," she grinned. "But I could always use some extra attention. And still, I simply cannot wait to see just what kind of future awaits us after the fall of Coruscant."

Revan laughed heartily. "Now who's the dreamer?"

Sharing in her lover's glee, a smile ran across Bastila's face as they approached the entrance door of the bridge. The two Sith guards standing on either side of the door duly saluted them, and then the door shifted open. Although her face was full of cheer and anticipation for the future, Bastila's expression immediately turned to stone when she laid eye on just what awaited them on the other side of the entrance.

Standing before them was a battered and near-lifeless Elena, her damp hair drooping over her brow as she stared emotionlessly with cold eyes at her former friends who had so despicably betrayed her. A gaping hole could be seen just below her neckline, the precise area in which Bastila ran her through with her lightsaber.

Bastila's mouth drew agape and her eyes widened, horrified by the sight of the woman who appeared to be worse than dead. She hadn't a single drop of dignity left in her, for she was robbed of everything she ever appreciated and loved. Elena looked squarely at her, and Bastila felt as if she was immobilized and paralyzed, unable to move on her own accord. The breath and life seemed to flee from her body as she looked with petrified eyes upon Elena who spoke to her with a shriveled voice that inspired fear within her.

"Bastila…what are you doing?"

No…

"What have you done to me?"

It can't…

"Why are you doing this…?"

Bastila desperately tried to turn her head to look at Revan, who appeared to be frozen in place while he was in the process of moving to the elevator. She could not sense the same panic and horror in him as she felt in herself, and so began to question whether the monstrosity who stood before her was but a product of her own imagination.

Yes, a mere product of my imagination, she tried to convince herself with a smile. Just a few blinks, and all should be back to normal again.

If only.

"You must be stopped…You must pay the price…"

Elena began to approach her, raising her right arm slowly upward and reaching out with her fingers. Bastila struggled to move, but panicked as she found that her legs were immobilized and could not be shifted no matter how much force she exerted into them. And all the while, Elena came closer and closer, her hand stretching vengefully at her former pupil's face.

"No…stop! Go away! L-leave me alone!" Bastila cried, her voice trembling and wracked with fear.

"Pay the price…Join me…" Elena was unrelenting in her advances, and soon her blank face turned into a horrific scowl as a piercing scream rang from her mouth and rattled Bastila's eardrums. The last thing Bastila saw was Elena's hand engulfing her vision in pitch darkness, and she saw no more.

-o-

Bastila lurched forward from her pillow, her brow awash with drops of sweat which fell onto her lap. She jerked her head instantly to look at Elena's bed, only to find that her former instructor had departed during her sleep. She sighed with relief and held her face in her hands, gladdened that the nightmare had left her at last.

Silently, she cursed at herself for ever allowing herself to fall victim to the dark temptations of such visions. A wave of horror ripped through her spine as she tried hard to understand just why she derived such pleasure in her mind during her dream, in which she saw herself fighting to destroy everything that she had ever sworn to protect as a Jedi.

It all felt so wrong…and yet so very right…

Thinking of the former Dark Lord who was stripped of his power, glory and his very identity, she almost felt genuine pity for him. A man who once had everything he ever wished for was now but a hollow shell of his former self and didn't even have the slightest understanding of the truth.

It almost felt downright unfair, to see such an unrivaled tactical genius and one who had such a powerful command of the Force relegated to being nothing more than a petty soldier. Revan deserved so much more than what laughable scraps of personal power and influence he presently had, and Bastila knew it; for she herself secretly felt that her potential and power was being squandered by—

No. I mustn't think such thoughts.

Deciding to keep her mind on other things in order to ward away such delusions, she rose from her bed and departed her dorm room. Her natural instincts told her that she should discuss her latest dream with Elena, but she was convinced that it was merely a harmless product of her imagination that would come to pass out of her mind in due time.

Making her way to the east wing of the Enclave, she was surprised to see Kael up early outside his room looking out to the horizon, after what surely must have been a restless night for him. His face had the look of a refreshed and relaxed spirit and mind, unlike hers which was wrought with uneasiness and anxiety.

Keeping up an optimistic act, Bastila approached him with a pleasant smile. "Good morning, Kael."

"Morning, Bastila," he replied in kind, and then his eyes slightly widened in curiosity. "Where's Elena? I thought the two of you were going to take me to the Council?"

"Elena, she…she needed to have a meditation session with Master Vandar," Bastila explained. "She's been through a lot lately, and she needs to refocus herself before she can play a part in your training."

Kael's eyebrow lifted. "Training?"

"Yes," Bastila nodded. "We have spoken with the Masters in the Council chamber, and they have agreed that it is best that you be trained as soon as possible so that you may learn to harness and properly control your Force capabilities."

"Force capabilities? Really?" Kael said, seemingly short of breath as he swallowed nervously. "Not so sure if I'm ready for this."

Bastila smiled. "Don't worry – every Jedi, me included, felt exactly what you are feeling now when we were first inducted into the Order. Just follow our instructions and advice, and you should be fine."

"Sure hope so," Kael shrugged. "I'm a fast learner, but using the Force is something altogether different. Plus I'm not exactly a youngling, so I don't know if it'll pay off or no—" He was interrupted by the violent growling of his stomach, which begged for sustenance. Bastila looked down at the soldier's abdomen with a bemused look on her face, then chuckled lightly before walking beside him.

"You must be absolutely starving. After all, we had no time for supper before we landed on Dantooine last night. Come on – I'll take you to the dining hall to get something to eat." She tugged him lightly by the arm in a gesture to follow after her as she turned around to lead him to the main complex.

"Yeah, but," Kael hesitated, looking back over his shoulder. "What about the others? Should we wake them and ask them if—"

"No need, sleepyhead," Ice's voice came from around the corner as she walked towards them, a small cylindrical container in either hand. She stopped in front of them and filled them in. "Carth, Canderous and I already went and found the dining hall by ourselves while you continued to sleep like a baby. I've brought these two back for Mission and Zaalbar."

"They're not up?" Kael asked.

"They are," Ice sighed. "It's just that they're both still quite deeply depressed about Taris and can't summon up the will to get up on their feet so quickly. Things like that don't exactly wash over in a single day, you know?"

"But what about you?" Bastila observed. "You appear to be just fine, despite Taris effectively being your long-time homeworld."

Ice shrugged. "With a name like mine, do you honestly think that I get down so easily? Besides, my true home is Alderaan. Taris was…just another place, for me." She turned her eyes towards Mission and Zaalbar's room, having had enough of conversation. "Bah, that's enough. Get going now – I could hear your damned stomach from ten feet away."

His lips pursing up in embarrassment as Bastila quietly snickered at him, Kael went with her to the Enclave's dining room, where Jedi and visitors alike gathered for their morning meal. Finally being able to rest easy after the tumultuous episode on Taris, they spoke to each other in a friendly and approachable manner, as Kael chose to disregard Carth's warning from the night before.

"So…is Elena doing ok?"

"She's fine," Bastila replied almost with a tired tone, slightly irritated by how much attention and care Kael afforded the Jedi Knight. "But I should warn you that the very first lesson that must be learned in becoming a Jedi is that it is imperative that you control your emotions."

Kael was confused. "What about my emotions?"

"Both Elena and I can sense that you are somewhat…possessive in nature. Very protective, on top of that. Not to mention your slightly impulsive nature, given what she has told me about your little incident with Exchange thugs in the Lower City of Taris."

Kael frowned in even deeper embarrassment. "She told you that?"

"Yes, indeed. You will find that at the heart of the Jedi teachings is a binding principle that requires a Jedi to control his or her mind and emotions, rather than be controlled by them."

"It was just a feeling, I guess," he shrugged. "After that vision I had of the two of you facing Darth Revan, I thought it was important that I protect Elena. I couldn't help but feel that she has a big role to play in our quest to stop Malak."

"She has a big role, as do we all," Bastila agreed, then her mind shifted to a more pressing matter as she turned her head to face him. "By the way…those visions of yours…Have you had another one, by any chance?"

Kael tilted his head up and closed his eyes tightly, focusing his mind so that he could recollect what he remembered. After managing to do so, he sighed and looked back at Bastila with a tired expression. "I certainly haven't had a 'vision', but…"

"But…?"

"I saw nothing but blackness, but there was a voice in my head. A woman's voice, about middle-aged. She spoke very deeply about the ways of the Jedi, and about the Force. Naturally, I couldn't understand what she said, not just because I'm ignorant about the Force, but also because it felt as if countless speeches of hers were ringing in my head at the same time. It felt strange…They were things about which I clearly have never been taught about in the past, and yet…everything seemed so familiar."

We may be forced to make haste, Bastila thought, unnerved by the revelation. More and more memories are returning to him. But this woman…who is she?

"But you don't know her, yes?" Bastila questioned.

"Of course not," Kael shook his head. "I couldn't even see her face in the pitch-black darkness. But I do remember a few lines of hers which stood out for me among all the rest."

"And…what would those be?"

Kael recounted the woman's words for her, as clearly as he remembered them. "'Is a lightsaber still a lightsaber if it loses its power? Is a Jedi still a Jedi if she loses her Force powers?' Those were some of the questions she asked me, and I'm still trying to get my mind around them."

Oh, for the love of the Force, Bastila's face froze with fear. Not her…Anyone's teachings but hers…

"Bastila?" Kael asked, puzzled by her icy expression before she snapped back into reality and straightened herself out.

"Oh…oh, it's nothing," she insisted as they entered through the main front entrance to the Enclave's interior. "It was just that…well…That question struck me deeply. I never thought of things that way before."

"Well, that's one thing for you to think about," Kael smiled. "As for me, the only thing I'm thinking about right now is getting this monster inside of me to shut up." As if to acknowledge its own presence, Kael's stomach let out another heavy growl.

Bastila couldn't help but laugh, and immediately felt assured in Kael's presence due to his warmth and humor. "What a rancor of a stomach you've got, indeed. Don't worry – the dining hall is just down this corridor and to the left."

As per Bastila's words, the two of them entered the large dining hall which was filled with Jedi and commoners aplenty. Cooks and warmhearted volunteers lined the soup tables, distributing out bowls of vegetable soup to the people who formed numerous lines in waiting. Looking to his right, Kael saw at the far end of the table located at the corner of the room Carth and Canderous, who were in the process of finishing their meals. Carth seemed to be easy-going in his conversation with the Mandalorian, or at the very least maintaining a conscientious effort to avoid expressing his disliking of him.

After receiving a bowl each from the chef, Bastila and Kael made their way to the table where Carth and Canderous were. Knowing that Bastila would naturally dislike sitting next to the Mandalorian, Kael walked to the right of her, taking his seat beside the seasoned warrior as Bastila chose to sit next to Carth. The soldier was still not warm towards her after their tense conversation that took place before the Sith bombardment of Taris began, but understood that they both shared an almost equal dislike of Canderous.

"Finally up and about, I see," Canderous chuckled at Kael who proceeded to eat. "I was talking to Carth over here about each of our exploits during the Mandalorian Wars. Naturally, he's a bit of a pansy and didn't like to talk about it, but I managed to get something out of him."

"And what was that?" Kael asked.

"Turns out we were both participants of the Battle of Serroco," Canderous recounted. "Carth actually shot my fighter out of the sky and forced me to make a crash landing. Of course, I managed to escape that hellhole on an evacuation craft that Mandalore sent in prior to our evisceration of the surface of the planet."

"I don't really want to talk about this anymore, Canderous," Carth muttered with a sigh. "Serroco was absolute trauma for me. Not in the scale of Telos or Taris, but traumatic nevertheless. I'd like to move on."

Canderous grunted, disappointed by Carth's lack of appetite for battle and glory. "Bah, suit yourself, pilot boy."

"By the way," Carth said to Kael and Elena, "did Ice take food up to Mission and Zaalbar?"

"She did," Kael confirmed, then pressed him with a question. "Pardon me for asking this, Carth, but…why are you always so concerned about them? I know that you're protective about Mission because she's young and she reminds you of your son Dustil, but what's the deal between you and Ice?"

"That-I-uhh…," Carth mumbled, unsettled by Kael's keen observation. "It's complicated," he sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"Complicated? In what way?" Bastila asked.

"It's just a niggling feeling I've been having lately," Carth tried his best to explain just how he felt. "Both Ice and Mission are so headstrong and confident, but I can't help but think that they need protecting. They've lost their home in one day's action. I want to see them safe and secure before I head off on my next line of duty, if that's what's coming for me."

"Hah! I don't blame you, Carth," Canderous laughed out at him. "Had a feeling you wanted to get intimate with the blondie when I heard the two of you talking on the Ebon Hawk."

"The hell?" Carth winced at the Mandalorian. "Ehh, shut up already – you're starting to piss me off." He rolled his eyes and flicked his spoon away from his hand.

"If you two are done with your conversation that's evidently on the road to becoming less-than-decent," Bastila remarked, "I must announce to both of you that the Council has agreed to train Kael. Carth, that means he'll be staying here for quite some time. You should make contact with Admiral Dodonna and tell her accordingly."

Carth grunted and looked away, seemingly disinterested. "Right…"

"So they're really going to train him?" Canderous raised an eyebrow. "I thought Jedi only train individuals from their childhood years."

"These are desperate times, not in the least thanks to your bloodthirsty band of marauders," Bastila puffed in frustration. "Our ranks grow more thin by the day. The Council, both the High Council on Coruscant as well as that which is located here on Dantooine, have decided that the best course of action is to train Force-sensitives who we deem to be capable of wielding the Force wisely. And Kael is just one such individual."

Carth silently looked Kael in the eye, as if to warn Kael of what he told him the previous night. The Jedi Order's movements and actions were ridden with secrecy and deception, and Carth was not the only one in the Republic navy to begin to suspect them of holding ulterior motives. There was something else at play behind the scenes, and Carth didn't need the Force to tell him so.

-o-

"Mission," Ice said softly from outside the dorm as she knocked on the door. "Mission, I'm coming in."

Opening the door, Ice was dismayed to see the young Twi'lek sitting on her bed, almost crouched up in a ball-shape as she hugged her knees and rested her head against them. Zaalbar sat on the other bed, a restless expression on his face telling Ice that he didn't know what to do in order to cheer Mission up.

"I brought the two of you some soup," Ice said warmly as she walked in and first handed Zaalbar one of the containers. The Wookiee gratefully took the container from her hand and opened the lid, using the disposable spoon that was attached to the lid to dig in to the soup. Unaccustomed to interacting with people who were downhearted, Zaalbar had faith that Ice could succeed where he could not.

Seeing that Mission was still unresponsive, Ice laid down the remaining container onto the side of Mission's bed and sat beside her.

"Hey," Ice whispered, holding her arm around Mission and looking at her face. "Are you holding up ok?"

"What does it look like?" Mission muttered, her voice muffled as she spoke into her knees. "The only home I ever knew has been destroyed, and you expect me to feel all chipper and bright in the morning?"

"I know you're depressed, Mission, but try to look on the bright side. We're alive, aren't we?"

"It's all their fault…damn Bastila and Elena…I fucking hate them…"

"Mission, look at me," Ice squeezed the side of Mission's arm and shook her to reinforce her point. "Look at me," she said more strongly when Mission didn't do as she was told. After the Twi'lek finally looked up at her with reddened, tearful and angry eyes, she went on. "What happened to Taris was unavoidable. The Republic are at war with the Sith. Do you honestly think that Taris was the only planet to be destroyed by those Sith monsters?"

"…" Mission didn't reply, but her eyes told Ice that she was stubborn as ever.

"Just think about it this way," Ice continued, holding Mission's cheeks and compelling her to look into her eyes."If we never ran into Kael, Carth and the Jedi, we'd be dead right now. Both of us, you and me. The others in the gang would have all been killed as well by the bombardment, even if the Grey Hands hadn't wiped them all out. What matters is that we're alive, and that's all that counts. We need to keep on going, and you need to stay strong for me. I'm not going to break my promise to Zaerdra that I'd look after and protect you. Do you understand?"

Unable to calm her mind in order to give a proper response, Mission merely sighed and buried her head against Ice's chest.

Ice hugged her warmly and soothed her by rubbing her back. "Yes, Mission, I'm…I'm sorry saying it to you that way. I really should give you more time. Things like this can only heal and go away slowly."

"No, it's alright, Ice," Mission exhaled and rested her chin against Ice's shoulder. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I was just so…pissed off. So angry and selfish. Even while I was on Taris, I heard news about many planets which had been wiped out by Malak. Taris wasn't exactly a happy place for me to be in, but…it was home, y'know?"

"I feel the same way, Mission. So many memories of that place…Many bad ones, for sure, but…good ones as well. Of happy times. I'll miss Zaerdra for the rest of my life."

"The Beks were the only family me and Big Z had for years. Zaerdra was such a big help to me after Griff…Griff…" She trailed off, too pained after recalling her brother's face in her mind.

"Your brother," Ice noted. "I almost forgot that he's out there somewhere."

"He must think I'm dead," Mission grunted. "Good for him, anyway – he probably doesn't even care for me, after what that bitch Lena did to him."

"Mission, he's your brother," Ice argued, drawing apart from Mission and grabbing her by the shoulders. "How can you even say something like that?"

"You knew him as well, didn't you?" Mission puffed. "Zaerdra always said that he was a pain in the backside. That he was shady and couldn't be trusted. I always knew and suspected that there would be trouble coming down the road when I first saw that…that slut pull him in with her charms."

"I knew him, but rarely ever spoke to him," Ice recalled. "Often got himself into trouble, that one. But really, Mission, he's your brother. How can you assume that he just doesn't care about you?"

"If he cared about me, he wouldn't simply have gone off without even saying goodbye!" Mission fumed. "Not one word! Not even a simple 'sorry'! He just upped and left with that damn skank! What kind of older brother leaves his little sister behind like that? What kind of sibling runs off like a prick and doesn't give a shit what happens to his little sister? The fucking coward…"

A fucking coward, Ice thought glumly. Just like I was, when I let that bastard rape and murder my mother and kidnap my brother and sister…

She snapped out of her thoughts when Zaalbar let out a grunt, concerned about both of them.

"We're fine, Zaalbar. Thank you for your concern," Ice smiled very weakly at him over Mission's shoulder.

"Sorry for making you feel uneasy, Big Z," Mission apologized. "It's just that I get worked up when I think of my brother running off with that…that…" She sighed, releasing the pressure from her face that made it grow redder. "Never mind."

"But you want to find them, don't you?" Ice asked. "You want to find out what happened to your brother. I know you hate him for what he did to you, but…I can't help but feel that you want to find out the answers for yourself."

"I…I do," Mission admitted. "I want to know why he did it. I want to know where he is. Bastard or not, he's the only family I have left."

"Well, first thing's first, sweetheart," Ice patted her on the back. "We can't just up and go to random places without knowing where to travel to find him. And you can't go around all day on an empty stomach. Eat up." She averted Mission's attention by pointing her finger at the container of soup which was threatening to go cold.

"And where are we going today anyway?" Mission asked as she took the container in her hands and opened it up.

"Oh, to have a look around Dantooine. Visit the market stall, maybe," Ice said. "We might as well get used to this place, seeing as we're probably going to be staying here for a while. And Mission?"

"Yes?" Mission replied as she was just about to consume the first spoonful of soup.

"Try and, uh…be more positive, at least for today. Believe me when I say that I want to see you happy. I really do. I know we're both used to living in perpetual danger due to the many years we spent in the Lower City of Taris, but we have a chance at enjoying at least some degree of normalcy while we're here. So please, make the most of it."

"Sounds good," Mission managed to produce a smile. "Thanks, Ice."

-o-

"Your feelings are understandable, Elena," Master Vandar said empathetically to the Jedi Knight as they discussed the upcoming training of Revan in Vandar's private meditation chamber. "You always had a strong sense of loyalty. It is natural that you feel sympathy for Revan."

Elena felt on edge, trembling ever so slightly as she sat on the simple cushioned seat and looked at the small Jedi Master. A ray of sunshine beamed through the clear glass arched windows and against the right side of her face, but she felt utterly cold despite its warmth.

"I don't know if I can do this, Master," she sighed as she gazed downwards, her long and untied black hair drooping over her shoulders. "It's not just sympathy I feel for him. I feel overwhelmed with guilt and shame. Whether he does not remember it or not, he was my closest friend."

"You must beware of such possessive emotions," Vandar warned. "Remember that it was his zeal and obsessions that led Revan and his followers down the dark path. You must ensure that your heart is resolute and well-guarded against such impulses."

"I cannot bring myself to train him, nor be in his presence," Elena panted nervously. "I know that what we are doing is in the best interests of the Order and the galaxy as a whole, but it pains me to go along with it. He is being used and misled, Master. I just don't think I can do it."

"You fear that your emotions will enable him to unlock more memories of his past before the time is right. In that, I share your sentiment. But you must understand, Elena. You and Bastila are the only ones who can draw upon Revan's memories through your bond. You are the only ones who can eventually bring salvation to the Republic against Malak's tyranny and lust for conquest. The burdens and responsibilities that will be bestowed upon your shoulders will be great, but it is a path which you must take for the good of all."

"I…I understand, Master Vandar," Elena nodded reluctantly. "I will try. I will try my best to…to…" She trailed off, as both she and Vandar felt a presence abounding in the Force approach the Enclave's audience chamber along with Bastila.

Master Vandar took a deep breath, gently closing his eyes and soothing his mind to prepare himself for the meeting. Opening his vision to the light once more, he spoke to the Jedi Knight, informing her of the inevitable.

"It is time, Elena. He is here."


A/N: I was going to work on the next chapter of "Heart of a Padawan", but the simply unbelievably positive reception I got to Chapter 10 compelled me to update this fic again. Thanks for all the reviews, guys, and keep it up – you're all absolutely amazing.

I've finally made an initial touch on Griff and Mission's side-story. I'm definitely going to add my own twist to it, because I was personally annoyed when I played the game and had to go back and forth between Tatooine and Kashyyyk just for the sake of talking to Griff. I'll definitely add more interaction and character development between Mission, Ice and Carth, as well as Kael, Elena and Bastila. I'll be sure not to neglect Canderous, Zaalbar and T3 while I'm at it. I want to make the most use out of the Mandalorians scattered on Dantooine.

Many of the other KOTOR I-based fics have added original touches of their own to Juhani, and I'm going to do the same. Belaya's also going to have a somewhat more prominent role, but that'll have to come later as Revan needs to be trained first.

Just as a heads-up, please keep in mind the significance of any and all visions and/or recounts I put into this story, whether it be Bastila's, Elena's or Revan's. They're basically a foreshadowing of what may happen to Revan as time progresses. If you still remember Bastila's vision from Chapter 7, her latest vision in this chapter and her reaction to it shortly after she woke should serve as an indication as to where I want to take Bastila, Elena and Revan's intertwining relationships in this fic. Revan/Kael will continue to be influenced and affected by Bastila's proud and pompous attitude, and Elena's humble and supportive nature.

As always, please leave your thoughts, suggestions and critiques in your reviews!