Writer's notes: UPDATED I wanted to make the last chapter have a 'last chopper out of Saigon' sort of feel. Here, Aerin is inducted into the Order. The pithy blurb symbolizes her passing from the realm of men into something mystic as Arthur passes into Avalon. I hope to create some tension between the Republic and the Jedi and Aerin feels this as well as she is beholden to both worlds. The update includes more on Mission and Zaalbar.
The Ancient Order – Part II
I found him in the shining of the stars,
I mark'd him in the flowering of his fields,
But in his ways with men I find him not
Alfred, Lord Tennyson – The Passing of Arthur
After the flight of Sith starfighters had been dealt with, Aerin and Mission crawled down the ladder back to the main deck, both covered in sheets of perspiration. Aerin was exhausted by the vicious attack of Sith starfighters. The entire Taris adventure had taken a lot out of her and her entire body felt drained and heavy. With great effort, she reached out and put her hand on Mission's cheek. "You did good."
Aerin saw that the young Twi'lek seemed unsure of herself for the first time. Mission's face was scrunched up and her brows drew together. "I thought you were going to leave us. I thought we were goners for sure," she said, thinking about how everyone in her life, except Zaalbar, had left her.
Aerin's sympathetic smile warmed Mission. "You know I would never do that. I'd brave the fires to come and get you and Z."
Mission fought some internal demon, wanting to believe that someone else would always stick by her. Her whole life had been geared around fending for herself and looking out for Z. It would be a hard thing to change overnight. "I-I want to believe you. I really do."
"It's okay. You've been through a lot. Why don't we go down and get a snack?"
Mission brightened. "I like that idea. I'll bet Z is starving."
The two climbed down the ladder to hear Bastila and Carth argueing over their destination up on the flight deck. "We must go to Dantooine. The Jedi Enclave is there and we need guidance. You don't understand, it is imperative that we go there," urged Bastila, who looked like she'd been put through a ringer.
"I just saw the Sith level Taris. There wasn't a building left over two stories tall. What's to keep them from finding and flattening your beloved Enclave?" ranted Carth. His jaw was clenched tightly, causing a ripple in his facial muscles. He was relieving Telos all over again.
At the mention of Taris' destruction, Mission let escape a helpless, groaning sound. She did not realize the extent of the destruction and her young mind was now wrapping around the horrible disaster. "All my friends…everything…." She turned and then buried her face in Aerin's neck as Zaalbar warbled a mournful string of words.
Aerin pulled Mission to her tightly. The Lieutenant could feel waves of horror flow through her soul as if she were bearing the weight of the destruction of Taris. "I'm sorry. Malak will pay for what he's done."
The tension on the flight deck continued to build and Bastila waved her hands in annoyance. "Don't presume to lecture me about Taris," she said, pointing her thumb at herself in sharp jabs with every word. "I can feel the death of millions through the Force. So, what would you have us do, Commander? Hide in deep space? Run to some backwater like Dagobah? Would that suit you? Remember who you work for."
"You're as unreasonable as the Lieutenant. We need to get back to the Fleet and inform Admiral Dodonna of what's happened!" Carth said through clenched teeth. He was almost beyond reason now.
Aerin stepped forward and held her hand out. Carth's thoughtless comment wounded her, but she kept her cool. "Bastila is right. We must inform the Jedi Council. They will let the Republic know anything of value that we communicate to them. I say we go to Dantooine."
Commander Onasi groused and he turned his fury on her. "Lieutenant, the military is not a democracy. You follow a chain of command."
"Then I suggest you follow it, Commander," retorted Bastila. Carth rolled his eyes, but bowed mockingly to the Jedi's superior rank.
"We're all tired and we should get some rest. I'll fly for a few hours," offered Aerin. Now exhausted, Carth and Bastila nodded as Hudrow vacated the right seat. Aerin slid into the left seat as Carth stepped away. The strain on his face was apparent as he headed to the crew quarters, staggering along like a sleepwalker.
The young lieutenant reviewed her checklist and systems and breathed a sigh of relief. She was glad for the quiet and the space to think. She looked back at Mission and Zaalbar asleep on the deck and smiled in satisfaction; her friends were safe aboard the vessel.
We actually made it. I don't understand how we beat the odd, but I'm not arguing. Maybe there is something to this Force stuff that Bastila keeps harping on.
As she contemplated the events that had just transpired, Duncan and Marl came up and sat by her. "I can't thank you enough, young lady," said Marl, "I'm going to repay you someday."
In his whiny voice, Duncan added, "Now I can say I was the first duelist beaten by a real hero! I'll be famous!"
Despite her fatigue, Aerin laughed out loud at this, making Zaalbar stir for a moment before he began snoring again. She reached out to both former duelists and touched them gently. "I'm so glad we were able to rescue you both. You've made my time on Taris a memorable one."
Two days passed before Dantooine appeared in the viewer aboard the Hawk. As the pale green and blue world grew larger, Bastila seemed to relax visibly as if the weight of the destruction of Taris was washed from her shoulders. Carth guided the ship through the atmosphere and set a course for the Enclave. As they leveled off at 100 meters, a flock of birds flew in formation with them, squawking and cawing.
Carth keyed the mike. "Dantooine Approach, this is the Ebon Hawk. Inbound for landing at twenty kilometers south of the space port."
"Ebon Hawk, this is Approach, squawk Two-Two-Three-Seven and ident."
"Wilco," Carth answered as he rotated the knobs, changing their transponder codes to identify themselves.
"Ebon Hawk, positive contact. Vector Zero-One-Zero. Cleared for landing, runway Three Five."
Carth set the course and then, seeing the runway, settled the ship in one of the docking ports. Aerin pulled out the 'After Landing' checklist and began to read as she flipped switches and turned knobs.
"Dantooine Ground, Ebon Hawk is clear of the active," announced Carth.
"Roger. Ground out."
Aerin lowered the ramp and the tired, cramped passengers staggered out onto firm ground. Mission stood slowly as if in a daze. "I can't…believe it's gone…all gone." She looked agitated and her ratty clothing was in disarray.
Aerin took her hand. "Mission, we'll get through this. I'll be with you. I brought you into this mess."
"Damn right!" Mission growled, suddenly angry. She wiped her eyes and exploded into a tirade. "It's because of you and that Jedi…Malak wanted to kill you, but now all of Taris is wiped out! It's your fault that our home is gone!" The Twi'lek girl stormed off of the ship, fighting tears.
Aerin stepped back at the verbal onslaught, caught completely unaware by Mission's rage. She was tempted to yell back for a moment, but realized that it would only escalate the problem. Instead, she merely lowered her head and allowed the girl to vent. She thought that maybe, there was some truth to Mission's words.
A low woofling grunt came from the navigation room. The Wookiee stood there, looking serious.
Aerin sighed. "I do feel like it's my fault. I wish I could do more."
The Wookiee gurgled a reply to which Aerin nodded. "You're welcome," she said. "I wouldn't have even thought of leaving you. Zaalbar, tell me about Mission. I want to help her." The young officer understood Mission's fear and anger at having been ripped from the only place that she had felt any comfort…or power and had it all vanish in an instant.
The two sat in the Engineering Section and Zaalbar told her, "I know about Mission. She has been through a lot of betrayal in her life and she is very sensitive about trust. I know that you did not deserve her rage, Aerin Dakar, but please understand why she is like that. She will not admit how hurt she was by her brother's actions."
Aerin looked up at the towering Wookiee. "I sensed a lot of that within her. I'll never betray her…you know that, Zaalbar. As a Navy Officer, I took an oath and I've never gone against it."
Zaalbar forced a smile. It remained to be seen.
The Jedi EnclaveAerin exited the ship and saw Bastila speaking to a small, floating droid. The little sphere motored off in the direction of a graceful building, surrounded by squat, bushy trees. Seeing Aerin, she approached. "Lieutenant, I am going to meet with the Jedi Council. I need you to wait for me at the Republic Headquarters. I sent Commander Onasi there already."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Bastila rushed off toward the building, worry growing in her heart. Things did not turn out as they had planned. This mission should have been over, but now, they were farther back than when they started. Additionally, her charge had shown powers she was not meant to have.
No good can come of this. No good at all.
The young Jedi was ushered quickly into the chamber of the Council, where three men and a small alien sat. They were the Masters of the Academy; the most powerful and experienced of the Jedi on Dantooine. The diminutive, wizened creature with long ears and a blue robe motioned to her. "Padawan Shan, please come forward."
"Yes Master Vandar," she said with a deep, respectful bow. "I am afraid my mission has failed. I am not worthy of your faith," she said, lowering her head. Shame filled her heart.
One of the men, a Twi'lek with mauve skin smiled gently, a reaction most unexpected by Bastila. "On the contrary, you have done well, young one. You have returned to us beyond hope. We have also heard that Commander Onasi's heroism continues to serve the Republic." He then cocked his head inquiringly. "What of your cargo?"
Bastila tensed up. Her jaw shook with fear and fury. "Master Zhar…I-"
"Do not give in to your anger. I sense much rage in you, Padawan. Let go. There is no emotion…." said a dark-skinned man in a deep maroon robe. His face was kindly and he looked at her with concern that she could feel through the Force.
"There is peace," finished Bastila. "I'm sorry Master Dorak, I have endured much…One of the violent gangs on Taris…enslaved me…I…was humiliated…I…." Despite her greatest effort, her face flushed deep red and her eyes misted, blurring her vision. How could she face her teachers after this? How could they forgive her for failing them in so simple a task?
An elderly man in a rich orange robe cut her off. He stood, emotionless, looking down on her with steely eyes. "There is no ignorance…."
"There is knowledge," she answered. Her body relaxed visibly and she inhaled deeply. "Thank you, Master Vrook. Masters, there is the matter of Aerin Dakar. The Force has awoken in her and she has shown much power. I would recommend that you see her immediately. I ordered her to the Republic Headquarters to await your summons."
Master Vandar sensed what she was going to say, but the impact of her words struck him like a hammer. He nodded mechanically. "Bring her quickly."
Republic HeadquartersAerin sat in the lobby of Headquarters, waiting in the quaint building. This was where the Republic Governor lived along with the tiny military contingent on the sparsely populated planet. All civil functions were run through this facility, but with close coordination with the Jedi Council.
Carth emerged from a room with another officer. They seemed very friendly and laughed at some inside joke. The man extended his hand. "Congratulations, Captain Onasi." Carth shook the hand warmly and then saw Aerin.
"Lieutenant, this is Commander Ren, an old friend from the Mandalorian Wars. He and I served on the Rellin Sun."
Aerin stood smartly and saluted. "Sir, Commander…um, I mean Captain Onasi saved my life many times. I am proud to have served him."
Ren laughed and gave Carth a playful push. "You mean, this old space dog? Hah, I recall he couldn't shoot his way out of a barrel. Well, Lieutenant Dakar, it looks like you're getting a medal and another promotion to full Lieutenant. Captain Onasi seems to think highly of you."
Aerin raised an eyebrow, honestly surprised. "Ummm, thank you sir."
Before anyone could answer, Bastila entered the lobby. "Lieutenant, the Jedi Council needs to see you immediately."
Carth turned, his face full of concern. "Whoa…the Lieutenant is on my staff," he said, pointing to himself. "What are you trying to pull?" The Jedi had already pulled the carpet from under him once and he wasn't about to let it happen again.
Bastila furrowed her brows, clearly impatient. "Carth, it is imperative to the survival of the Republic that we speak with the Lieutenant. Please."
The new Captain locked Bastila in eye contact for a moment, but then nodded. "Okay, I don't like being left out of the loop, but for now, we'll do it your way. Dismissed, Lieutenant…and congratulations again."
Aerin came to attention and saluted. With a smart turn, she walked with a military bearing up to Bastila. "Let's go, ma'am."
As the two women left, Carth looked to Commander Ren. "Something is not right here. How on Yavin's Moons could a new lieutenant affect the survival of the Republic? Plus, I just don't know if I trust those Jedi. They've left us hanging on more than one occasion."
Near the Republic Headquarters
In the Courtyard, Bastila and Aerin walked back to the Enclave past Canderous and the others. The big merc raised an eyebrow and nodded curtly to the ladies. "Where are you going?" he asked gruffly. "I've been sitting around all morning."
"It's none of your concern, Mandalorian," Bastila answered coldly.
Canderous smirked. "Hey, you're welcome. Glad I could be of service by saving your behind on Taris," he said mockingly with a phony bow. "Say, how did a great Jedi get smacked down by a mob of lousy Vulkars?"
The Jedi snorted and turned her nose up. Aerin could clearly see that she was agitated. "I don't want to talk about it. We have business with the Council."
"You know, if the Jedi had more like you, we might have won the War," the Mandalorian said, baiting her. "If it hadn't been for Revan…."
Bastila's cheeks turned rosy red and her face became as stone. Aerin knew she could take no more and pushed her lip out. "Let her be, Canderous. We'll be back soon. Carth is over at Headquarters. He said he has accommodations for you."
He grinned broadly, knowing it was time to let it go…for now. "Excellent, see you around ladies."
Bastila completed the trip in silence. Her humiliation was complete. Everyone was mocking her, laughing about her weakest moment. She had gone from savior of the Republic to plaything of the Vulkars. Could she ever be redeemed? In her mind, she could still see Brejik's leering face. She shuddered.
Together, they entered the mystic Enclave, where few outsiders were ever allowed. It was an austere structure of textured resin and stone colored in earth tones and black. Beyond its stoic appearance, a quiet and peaceful aura permeated its halls and it seemed to absorb sound and feeling.
The auburn-haired Jedi led the wide-eyed Aerin before the Council. Soft, white lighting warmed the circular chamber, creating the only feeling in the otherwise serene room.
Bastila bowed and put her hand out toward the four masters. "Lieutenant, here is the Jedi Council on Dantooine: Master Dorak, the Chronicler; Master Vandar Tokare…"
Aerin gasped at the introduction of the tiny Vandar. "I saw you…in a vision," she said with wonder at the tiny Master. The four elder Jedi looked at each other with deep concern.
"Please do not interrupt," chastised Bastila. "We have an important matter to discuss with you."
Master Vandar nodded. "Lieutenant Dakar, I know your father well. He is a good man and a true servant of the Republic. Bastila has told me of your visions, especially the ones you two have shared. It seems that the two of you have developed some…bond."
Aerin's eyes widened. "Is that why many of my visions are about her?"
The Twi'lek master, Zhar Lestin, nodded, but seemed unsure. "Umm, yes. The Force often binds two people together. That is why we have the Master and Apprentice relationship."
"Bastila has told us that you have exhibited sensitivity to the Force. That is…most fortunate," added Vandar while the elderly Master Vrook Lamar scowled. "We have been considering offering training to you, Lieutenant," Vandar continued. Bastila's eyes opened in shock and horror.
"She is too old!" Vrook groused. "It is too dangerous." Aerin sensed that there was more to the story than she was being told.
Vandar's face darkened. He leaned over to Vrook and whispered, "Is it not better that we control her growth. We cannot let one as strong in the Force as she to learn on her own. We cannot leave this matter to chance."
Vrook bit his lip and nodded reluctantly. He was as rigid as a board and his jaw was clenched shut. He was clearly displeased by the turn of events. Aerin could see a look in his eyes that was directed to her. If she didn't know any better, she would say that it was the look of hate. By this time, however, she was utterly confused.
The ways of the Jedi are strange. Boy, I hope their decision making process isn't always like this.
Vandar extended his hands. "We have debated your situation all day. The Jedi Order has been decimated by wars and treachery. Our numbers dwindle as the Sith grow in strength. We must replenish our ranks and as such, we would like to offer you entry into the ancient Order of the Jedi," he said, sweeping his hand back. "Your training will be long and arduous and you will suffer and sacrifice. However, we see that your potential is unlimited. What say you, Lieutenant?"
Aerin's mind reeled. In two weeks I've gone from green ensign to Jedi Apprentice? This is too much. I just want to serve my time in the Navy. Is that too much too ask?
She sighed heavily, looking at Bastila, who seemed to force a nod toward her. It seemed as if she were caught in the tides of something that she had no control over and there was no fighting it. "I would be honored to join your ranks, Master Vandar. Tell me what I must do."
Vandar smiled, seemingly genuine. "Welcome apprentice. Master Zhar will be your trainer and Bastila will be your guide."
Bastila looked at Vandar in shock, but he did not respond. The small master continued, "Follow Master Zhar and he will take you to your dormitory. Your training has begun."