Disclaimer: All characters belong to Bioware and LucasArts, I didn't create the Star Wars universe, it's just where I daydream.
This is my take/twist on the background or between the lines story from a great game.
Into the Frying Pan
Carth raced into the common area. "The Republic Fleet must have got the message I sent as we were crashing onto that planet. I'm picking up a transmission from them now." He tapped the holoprojector controls and a short human woman in a well decorated uniform bloomed on the holopad.
"This is Admiral Forn Dodonna to the Ebon Hawk, do you read us?"
"Admiral Dodonna, this is Carth Onasi. We are receiving your transmission."
"Captain Onasi, I'm glad to see you're still alive. We've begun our assault on the Star Forge, but we're taking heavy losses. How did the Sith ever manage to build something of this scope!"
Captain! It still sounds strange to me. If I'd returned to the fleet would I be out there at the helm of my ship now? Carth shook his head. "The Star Forge wasn't constructed by the Sith, Admiral. We don't have time for me to fully explain it, but that space station is far older than you can imagine."
"Maybe we should pull the fleet back and retreat. I don't know if we have the firepower to go up against this alien technology."
Trin sucked in a deep breath. No—no don't let this drag on—convince her Carth.
Carth shook his head again. "That would not be wise, Admiral. The Star Forge is a factory of immense power. It's been churning out the capital ships, snub fighters and assault droids that have powered the Sith war effort."
Trin took a deep breath and stepped into the holo projector's view. "Admiral, you must destroy the Star Forge now or you'll be fighting an unending wave of reinforcements."
Admiral Dodonna looked questioningly at Carth.
"Admiral, may I present, Trin Lenstar. This is the Jedi that led our quest for the Star Forge
The Admiral inclined her head.
"I agree with her assessment, Admiral."
Dodonna nodded briskly. "Then I guess we have no choice. But it isn't going to be easy. The Sith fleet is too well organized. It's like they can guess our every move and counter our every strategy. I can't even get our capital ships into position to start bombarding the Star Forge."
Trin and Carth exchanged a glance.
Trin took a deep breath. "It's because of Jedi Bastila, Admiral. She was captured by Darth Malak and he turned her to the dark side. I confronted her on the Rakatan planet below. She has become his, that is Malak's, apprentice."
Carth squeezed Trin's hand behind their backs. "We suspect she's somewhere on that space station right now, using her Battle Meditation against you and your fleet."
The Admiral glance left and stepped to the side to allow a familiar diminutive figure to share the projection space with her. "This is Master Vandar. A number of Jedi Knights have joined our fleet under his command."
"If Bastila is using her power to augment the Sith then Malak's fleet is invincible. Our only hope is to somehow stop Bastila from using her Battle Meditation."
Carth exchanged a worried look with Trin. "Agreed, but I got the impression that we don't have the troops to take the Star Forge."
Trin examined Master Vandar closely, Could he be the one, the traitor? Is this a trap? It doesn't matter, I have to save Liera.
"I will send a squadron of Jedi Knights to the Star Forge to find Bastila. Their small ships will be able to slip through the Sith blockade and dock on the space station. With your aid they may be able to find and distract Bastila."
Carth and Trin shared a longer worried glance.
Trin looked at Master Vandar. Their only concrete clue pointed to him, he had somehow survived the attack on Dantooine. And yet, and yet I feel inclined to trust him. "Master—I have learned two things that were once hidden and have begun to suspect a third."
Vandar's face became more alert. "What led to these discoveries, Padawan?"
I must not give too much away and yet—if we do not survive someone must know about the betrayals. Trin glanced at Carth and cupped one hand slightly. "One discovery was quite natural and inevitable."
Vandar looked sad. "I wish there had been time to bring that matter to it's natural conclusion before we assigned you to this mission."
"Thank you, Master."
"The second was an unpleasant revelation. I have survived it and hope it has made me stronger. I wish to discuss the matter with you in greater detail at some point."
Master Vandar nodded his acceptance. "Remember no other could have followed this path."
He wants me to accept their sacrifice, their choice. Later—I'll think about it later. "It is the third item is the most important at this time. " Trin chose her words very carefully. "I have shared and remembered a unique combination of facts that may lead one to suspect an agent provocateur."
Vandar's eyes widened. "I have been made aware. I hope we may challenge common perceptions together in the weeks to come." The small Master gestured absent-mindedly for the Admiral to continue.
"I hate to ask you this after all you've done, Carth, but the Jedi may need all the help they can get"
Carth looked to each of the others for an indication of their feelings. Trin nodded, as did Juhani and Jolee. Mission gestured enthusiastically and Zaalbar roared his support. Justid looked to Canderous who grinned viciously. Ehnzumi looked scared but nodded resolutely.
Carth turned back to the projection. "Don't worry, Admiral. The Ebon Hawk and her crew are going to see this through to the end!"
Master Vandar signed off. "May the Force be with you."
Carth put a hand on Trin's shoulder. "What was all of that about?"
"I—I've been waiting to confront the council and he may be all that is left. I—I needed to say something, to indicate both my acceptance of the situation and—and I don't know my reservations."
He grabbed both arms. "He is the prime suspect!"
"I just can't believe it's Vandar. Anyway others were there listening to the conversation. Now, the suspicion would only deepen if we don't survive."
He shook his head. "Done is done. You'd better organize this visit while I get this ship onto the Star Forge." He leaned in closer and whispered, "Just remember, I am to be with you!"
Trin nodded. Carth ran to the cockpit.
Trin turned to face the rest of the crew. "Ehnzumi and HK you will stay here to protect the ship."
"Supplication: Master please let me join you in demolishing the Sith meatbags."
"No HK, you will to stay here. Ehnzumi, I suspect you have little combat training."
"It is true that I was not able to learn the warrior ways of my people but I excel in stealth and I can sense a silent stalker."
Trin nodded. "Good, I hope your perceptions serve you well here. HK and the ship's automatic defenses should be able to handle almost any physical threat. I will count on you to recognize the subtler threats and curb HK's enthusiasm."
Ehnzumi nodded.
"Mission and T3 your priority is to find a computer terminal and slice into the system."
Juhani stood up. "I will seek out and distract Bastila."
"Juhani, I think that is something we should do together."
Jolee volunteered. "I agree, but there are other considerations. Mission and T3 will need protection if they're going to concentrate on the computer system. There will undoubtedly be large numbers of Dark Jedi on that station, so at least one Jedi should stay with them. As both of you wish to face Bastila, I will stay behind with Mission and T3."
Trin smiled gratefully at Jolee then turned. "Zaalbar, I want you to back up Jolee. Juhani, Canderous and Justid I want you to come with Carth and I. We may find that we'll have to split up later to accomplish all our goals, but we'll take that as it comes."
They all felt the Hawk shift as she docked with the space station. Carth approached from the cockpit, "Let's get this show on the road."
Canderous grinned in anticipation as they marched down the ramp.
A Jedi ran up to Trin as she disembarked. "You made it! Several Jedi have already gone ahead into the Star Forge. We have to strike while we still have the element of surprise! If we don't stop Bastila from using her Battle Meditation the entire Republic fleet will be wiped out! Come on, before they—Damn too late."
Several Dark Jedi charged into the docking bay.
The young Jedi blurted. "Look, We'll deal with these Sith—you get into the Star Forge and find Bastila! Hurry!"
As the Jedi and Sith clashed Trin led her company through the only exit where they found a short hall. Trin signaled for Canderous and Justid to guard the door on the right, Juhani to watch at the T intersection. She held a hand up to Jolee, Mission and T3, they obediently stayed by the door then Trin and Carth triggered the door on the left.
It opened to reveal a closely stacked large storage space.
They turned and opened the door on the right to reveal a lone Sith soldier. He stood at a terminal speaking frantically at a screen, Justid charged forward, nearly split the poor man in two with her vibroblade.
The rest stood in silence for a moment before slipping into the room.
Trin approached Justid. "Well done but could you find out if we want to question them before you eviscerate them. They're harder to question in this sort of condition."
Justid blushed and looked to Canderous.
Canderous motioned for her to join him. "We'll watch the hall, while pip-squeak makes nice with the strange computer."
Mission stuck her tongue out at Canderous then slipped a computer spike into the terminal and sliced into the first level of commands.
Trin closed her eyes and slipped into a meditative state. "Liera"
"Mommy?"
"I am close now. We are coming to rescue you."
"He is waiting for you."
"I know. I might have to send one of my friends to get you."
"Please send the nice man, Mommy. The one you think about when you are happy."
"Carth!" As she said it an image of Carth formed in her mind. "I will little one. Be patient, we're on our way."
Malak watched the birth of a destroyer. The large ship moved up and out of the Star Forge's core. Troop carriers filled with soldiers and crew docked with the new ship as she slowly approached open space. He closed his eyes and mentally tasted Revan's aura. She was close. He sensed her determination and—fear. What do you fear Revan? Not me, no the flavour is not quite right. You have never been one to fear for yourself. Ahhh, you fear failure, you fear you cannot save them all—it begins again. Your oversized sense of responsibility. Unfortunately, there will not be enough time to let you travel the path in full again, this time your death will prevent your fall. But this death will be more permanent in nature. He looked up towards the battle tank he knew sat two levels above. There Bastila crouched in concentration before the three dimensional image where miniature ships did battle. Which ship are you on Revan? Where do you hide?
A short well dressed Dark Jedi walked hurriedly across the metal deck to bow fearfully before Darth Malak.
"Speak!"
"Lord Malak, a team of Jedi have penetrated our defenses! Their fighters have landed on the Star Forge."
"This is not unexpected. The Jedi are formidable opponents; send the Star Forge's battle droids to deal with them."
"Lord Malak, forgive me—but how can mere droids be a match for the Jedi?"
"You underestimate the power of the Star Forge's droid army. Dispatch the droids."
"Of course, Lord Malak." The little man scurried back to the busy command centre on the opposite side of the deck. He gestured imperiously to the battle droid. "The Jedi have invaded the Star Forge. Destroy them; destroy them all."
Mission breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm in, I've got them. The chinless wonder is one level above us on this observation deck." Mission tapped the screen with one finger. "Bastila and Liera are on the next level up. Bastila is in a large control room, Liera is a set of rooms beyond Malak's quarters."
Trin and Carth scanned the schematics.
Carth traced a route with his finger along the narrow halls on the screen, "We might as well stay together, there are only two parallel routes from this level to the next and from the next to the one beyond. In both cases the two routes empty into the same room. There isn't much space set aside for sentients on this thing. Most of the bulk is automated systems; these halls curve and rise to accommodate droids. To get to the level Bastila and Liera are on we have to take this elevator here."
Trin nodded in agreement. "Keep in touch Mission. We're heading out." On her way out of the room she pulled Jolee aside. "If it looks like we aren't going to make it out"
"Don't worry, I'll get the kids out of here." He patted her on the shoulder reassuringly. "Be careful with Bastila. You may have to kill her, Trin."
Trin's lips thinned and she nodded reluctantly. Trin marched out the door and started down the hall.
Zaalbar howled from the doorway behind them. "/Mission says they've released the Star Forge's battle droids. They are converging in the halls between here and the next level./"
Trin drew her lightsaber, the others followed suit and primed their weapons then they jogged left along the hall and into battle.
Malak strolled to the elevator. He moved up to the next observation deck and watched with interest as the troop carriers attached themselves like leeches to the sides of the new destroyer.
His dapper little Dark Jedi aid approached reluctantly, "I have news, Lord Malak. About the Jedi."
"Ah, the Jedi. Did my droids pass their test? Did they destroy our enemies?"
"N-no, Lord Malak. The droids could not stop them."
"Strange. I did not think there were any among the Order who could survive an attack by an army of the Star Forge's battle droids."
The little man took a deep breath, "It—it was the Revan, Lord Malak. Your old master is with the Jedi, here on the Star Forge!"
Malak stared calmly out at the new destroyer. "Yes—that would explain why the droids failed. Revan always was strong in the Force. Very well—send out all available troops. The apprentices, as well."
"Do you—do you think they can stop Revan, Lord Malak?"
Malak looked pityingly at his aide. "Of course not! But they will slow Revan down. That will give me the time I need to fully prepare the Star Forge's defenses. I am curious to see the true extent of this space station's capabilities. One as powerful as my old master will make an interesting test subject."
The aide bowed then skittered away to relay his Master's orders Malak took one last look at the new ship then marched purposefully towards the elevator up to the next level. His awareness of his apprentice's presence and her efforts on the Sith's behalf grew as he neared her. He quickly reviewed the battle droid's records as he ascended.
Bastila could sense her Dark master's approach. Why now? This is difficult enough without his damned interference. She reluctantly withdrew her mind from the battle depicted in the large tank before her.
The door swept open to admit the Dark Lord. His footfalls echoed on the metal grating and his shadow flickered across the machinery visible below.
Bastila left her meditative pose and stood to greet him. He had crossed the length of the walkway and stepped onto the main platform. "Master, why have you disrupted my concentration? Without my Battle Meditation there is a chance the Republic capital ships could break through and attack the Star Forge itself!"
"This will not take long, Bastila. You will be able to resume your Battle Meditation soon enough. I only wanted you to know that Revan is here on the Star Forge."
Bastila unconsciously took a step back. "Revan? But"
"Yes, she has brought several others with her, including the Cathar Jedi, Juhani."
"Juhani!"
"The Force is bringing us towards a confrontation with my old master. The Star Forge has drawn our enemies together so they may all die in a single, glorious day! You must kill Revan and her Jedi toady to prove yourself worthy of being my apprentice, Bastila. You must finish what began in the Rakatan Temple."
"Y—yes, Lord Malak."
"I sense your fear, Bastila but it is unfounded. The power of the Star Forge will feed the dark side within you, it will give you the strength you need to defeat my old master. Stay here, in the command centre, while you use your Battle Meditation against the Republic fleet. They will find you here in due time; it is inevitable."
Bastila straightened. "Of course, Master. I will not fail you again."
"Bring me both their heads, Bastila. Bring both."
Bastila nodded obediently. Both? Both!
Malak crossed the floor to the next elevator. He glanced back to where Bastila kneeled in concentration. Perhaps you will triumph, Bastila. But even if you fail it will give me the time I need to complete my preparations of the station's defenses. And then we shall see if Revan can stand against the full fury of the Star Forge!
They'd fought their way through three detachments of battle droids only to face numerous waves of Sith soldiers and Dark Jedi. Now they stood before the third elevator. Trin quickly contacted Mission.
"Mission control here." Jolee snorted in the background.
Canderous chuckled, Carth grinned and shook his head. Justid frowned at the levity.
Juhani didn't seem to hear the comment at all, she was lost in her own world. She called me a beautiful Cathar. Did I initiate her downfall? Love seems to have saved Trin, but can it save Bastila—do I presume too much?
Trin groaned audibly. "Mission!"
"Somebody was gonna say it."
Trin shook her head. "Is Malak still on the move? Where are Bastila and Liera now?" Where is Liera?
"Chinless went through the control room and up another level. Bastila and Liera haven't moved."
Trin led everyone into the elevator.
"There's a short hall beyond the elevator, the door at the end of the hall leads to another observation deck, the door to the left leads to Malak's quarters and Liera, the final door on the right leads to the command centre and Bastila."
"Thanks Mission, we'll be in touch."
Trin gazed at her companions. "We must stop Bastila from using her Battle Meditation, make sure Malak does not escape, and rescue Liera. I am sure Bastila has been warned of our approach and prepared accordingly, we must expect a trap."
The elevator stopped and they stepped out into the hall. Trin grabbed Carth's arm and held him back as the others proceeded. Please Carth, please promise me this, so I can go on. "Carth, I have been in contact with Liera, through the Force and dreams. I have told her of you. If anything happens to me"
He grabbed her by both arms and interrupted her fiercely. No, not again. I will not go through that agony again, I cannot lose another love. "I will not let anything happen to you. I promised to protect you and I meant it."
I must know she will be safe—just in case. "Please, Carth. I just want to know that Liera"
"No, Trin, I won't let you or our daughter go that easily. We will take care of Dustil, Liera and the baby together. You must survive."
Trin let her head drop. No hope, no freedom—how can I face this fate with so much hanging over me.
Carth put a hand under her chin, and lifted her head gently. He leaned down and kissed her. "Trin, we are here to help you." He gestured to the others who were carefully examining the end of the hall. "They will do whatever is needed. Do not worry." I am not leaving your side, I will protect you.
Trin gazed longingly at the door on the left. If I can't be there I want you to raise my daughter, not them, I want you to protect her.
Canderous interjected. "There's no point in pausing here, let's trigger this trap of hers and get on with it."
Trin ran lightly to the doorway, she and Juhani cleared their minds and set their Force defenses in place. After one last look at everyone, Trin triggered the mechanism to open the door. The door opened and triggered a Force trap, they were washed in power as the Star Forge released a stasis field on the corridor. Only Juhani and Trin were unaffected.
Bastila heard the door begin to slide open. She turned her head slightly to watch the Force drain from the young Jedi's body that Malak had stuck in the tank against the wall. When only a curled shell remained the body was flushed downward. Fascinating. Bastila's thoughts were twisted by malice and a contorted sense of her own importance. She stood slowly and turned to face her former companions. Look at them, they are weak. Revan, ex-dark lord and her mindless devotees. Compassion can kill, today it will kill both of you.
Trin and Juhani stepped into the room, their feet were silent on the metal grating that formed the floor. They positioned themselves so that Bastila could not pass by them on the narrow walkway and reach their helpless companions.
Trin considered Bastila's stance and demeanor. She seemed a stranger without the link. Is it that different viewing her with only my physical senses or has she changed that much? Has she turned irrevocably. Can we save her?
Juhani studied Bastila. She remembered Ehnzumi's words. "Bastila struck me as a person in need." But does she need me. "I sensed that she needed, approval." She has always seemed so confident. Her obedience to the Jedi code seemed effortless, yet she fell.
Bastila grinned cruelly and with a wave of her hand sealed the door behind them. "Revan—I knew you'd come for me."
"I'm Trin Lenstar now, Bastila. The Revan is no more."
Juhani stepped forward several steps. "We know you can still be saved, we are here to help you. Look into your heart, Bastila, you will find the light."
Bastila sneered in the Cathar's direction. Stupid pretender, if you had felt this power you would have never retreated. "You never embraced the dark side, Juhani, you nibbled at the edges then drew back in fear. If you'd had a backbone you wouldn't be cringing at Revan's feet now." With a swift gesture she used the Force to knock Juhani off the walkway.
The lithe Cathar flipped in the air and used her feet to bounce from one wall of the chute the other until she reached the floor five levels below. She looked up, Bastila and Trin crossed lightsabers far above. Anger and darkness are blinding her. But why did she push me away? A chill swept up Juhani's back as the answer came to her. She hates Trin, she cannot wait to kill her, it will seal her fate. Fear spurred Juhani on, she leaped to the top of a large thrumming tank then ran around to the left until she reached another gap above. As she leaped and ran she kept an eye on the battling figures above.
Trin watched Juhani fall, only the sound of Bastila's lightsaber coming to life warned her of the blow about to come. As the red blade swung Trin dropped and rolled back.
Bastila laughed. "You are weak and distracted, Revan." She backed away into the middle of the control centre. "Come Revan, show me the strength of the light side."
Trin lit her lightsaber as she stood then slowly advanced. I don't want to be your executioner. "I do not want to fight you, Bastila. Lay your weapon aside, my friend."
Bastila snarled. So typical, so predictable you would help me to my stagnation. "You are wasting your time. I have seen the Jedi for what they are: weak and afraid. The Sith are the true Masters of the Force. You have forgotten that lesson, Revan."
Trin fought defensively successfully fending off all of Bastila's blows. Soon Bastila recognized the pattern and dropped her guard. Without the need to protect herself she could attack more frequently and with more strength. Bastila landed a glancing blow on Trin's thigh and a deeper one on her shoulder.
"You are weak. I will give my Master your head." With that bloody trophy Malak will see, then he will know that I am wholly committed to the dark side. Bastila lost her focus as she remembered her Master's exact words. "Bring me both their heads, Bastila. Bring both."
"The dark side deceives you, Bastila. I am stronger than I've ever been." Trin took the offensive, she scored several hits before Bastila could react. Perhaps if I fight her to a standstill she will really listen.
The ex-Jedi scrambled backward until she regained her equilibrium. Bastila hardened her will. What is Juhani to me? Nothing—a coward and a failure. They are both fools. Revan thinks she can return me to the fold with honeyed words, I will show her where her weakness lies. She flashed a cruel grin, her next several attacks focused on Trin's midriff.
Jolee's words haunted Trin."You may have to kill her, Trin." She's trying to kill my baby. Awkwardly, Trin shifted back to the defensive to protect her unborn child. My friend is truly gone. Bastila revered life so much she saved her greatest enemy. To try to use my unborn child against me— Trin shook her head, her face settled into a calm regretful expression. "I'm sorry, Bastila."
Bastila frowned. Sorry?
Trin used the Force to slam Bastila against a wall, then shifted her grip and attacked in earnest. Soon Bastila sported steaming wounds on her left shoulder, right side, both arms and her left leg. Bastila is gone—only this hollow creature remains and soon not even she will be here to haunt us.
Bastila stumbled backward. She—she was holding back! "No, this is not possible! You have rejected the dark side, you are a weak and pathetic servant of the light! How can you still stand against me? Why can't I defeat you?"
Trin shook her head sadly. How can she have become so blind, so pathetic. "You are fighting yourself as well as me, Bastila. This can't be what you want. You were my friend once, you can be again."
The pity in her opponent's eyes was more than Bastila could bear. I hate you, you will hate me, too. You may destroy me but not with your ridiculous righteousness in place. I will break you as I die. Bastila sneered. "I was never your friend, Revan. I subdued you. I was your gaoler and you were my goad."
Trin took a step back. Bastila the broken dispirited woman suddenly changed into a cunning creature. "Your goad?"
"When did I start to fall? When did I start to question? You know the answer, we share a bond. That is why you know that you can never trust me again." You may destroy me, but the seeds of doubt and guilt I'm planting will flourish, that will be my revenge.
Such malice. "I regret anything I might have done that exposed you to the dark side. But Bastila, you started down this path long before I met you. If the foundation of your training had been firmer" Trin gripped her lightsaber more tightly. Regrets, they have no place here. Canderous would urge me to stop delaying, he'd be right. She stepped forward once more. "Unfortunately, you are right. I cannot trust you and there is no time to sort this out. Even in death you may return to the light. I hope you can find peace." Trin leaped to the attack.
Bastila backpedaled several steps. Suddenly she was filled with rage. How dare she, how dare she shed responsibility. I was a Jedi until she tainted me. I was filled with the pure righteous knowledge of my place in the universe. She ripped all that away, she has stolen my destiny, I was the bright future of the Jedi and they let her usurp me. The rage gave her strength. She locked sabers with Trin and pushed her back slowly and inexorably towards the edge, towards the deadly burning heart of the Star Forge. Trin allowed Bastila to push her back.
Juhani scrambled around the top layer of machinery. She heard fragments of conversation during her headlong rush back up. She sprinted along the top of a large tank and threw herself upward through the air towards the platform above. She has given in to her hate. It is so easy to do, when that slaver approached me on Tatooine I felt the same rage. I recovered. Her strong hands gripped the edge of the platform she swung back and forth a couple of times then with a mighty heave swung herself up onto the grate floor and landed in a crouch. She looked wildly across the room. Bastila had pushed Trin backward until she was within a handsbreadth of the edge.
Bastila stared malevolently past the crossed lightsabers into Trin's eyes. Bastila exulted in the heady feeling of power. Her weakness is revealed. Now you will die and I will go on to the acclaim that was always mine. "You awoke the darkness in me, until the moment our minds met I was innocent." Then she shoved Trin a little closer to the edge.
Juhani screamed, "No, Bastila don't do it." No come away from the edge, do not take this final fatal step. She sprinted desperately across the room.
Bastila glanced over her shoulder at the running Cathar. She is too late, I have found my dark heart and it will guide my actions forevermore.
This time Trin did not counter the shove, instead she slid sideways. With a bitterness she hadn't known she possessed she replied, "There are no innocents, neither the Jedi nor the Sith leave room for them to flourish."
Bastila's momentum carried her forward over the edge. She has ousted me again.
Carth watched helplessly as Trin stepped resolutely forward and out of the range of vision. The stasis that implacably shut down their bodies left their minds unmercifully free to roam. He could hear their voices indistinctly: Trin, calm but firm; Bastila, bitter and shrill; and Juhani, earnest, anxious and low. He heard a series of fading thuds then the unmistakable sound of lightsabers being ignited. The distinctive sounds of a lightsaber duel were cut off when the door slid closed.
Canderous burst into action when the stasis ended. He rushed to the door and cursed in Mandalorian under his breath. "The door's locked or jammed."
Carth was only a step behind him, he triggered his communicator and screamed hoarsely, "Mission! Mission get this door open."
"Carth? What's wrong? Where's Trin?"
"On the other side of this damn door fighting Bastila."
Jolee cut in. "The door's been jammed manually. It can only be opened from the inside."
Carth felt as though he'd been punched in the stomach. He couldn't take a breath.
Canderous growled low in his throat. "Is there another route?"
Carth shook his head.
Mission answered, "I can't see any—Sith spit—no there isn't, Jolee says that section seems to be purposefully isolated from the rest of the station. All the other entrances and exits have been welded shut. If there's another way in—well I guess it would be a secret."
Justid asked, "Can't we blast it?"
Both men shook their heads.
Canderous explained, "A blast powerful enough to breach these doors would take the whole level with it."
Carth banged his fist futility on the sealed door. "Not again, not again."
"She is a strong warrior, Carth"
"I swore to protect her. I swore" Carth scrubbed his face with his hand and turned to the door across the hall. "She asked—she asked me to rescue —Liera." He made his way wearily across the hall.
Canderous nodded and triggered his communicator. "We're going after the kid."
They stepped through into an austere foyer. It contained no furniture but sported two blaster turrets that came to life as they crossed the threshold. All three pulled out blasters and aimed at the left turret as it exploded they move as one to the right hand turret.
Carth treated his wounds with a quick stab of kolto then fingered his communicator but all he received was a blast of static. "This area seems to be shielded."
Canderous grunted in agreement. Justid gazed warily around the room and at the other two doors.
The first door opened to reveal an office with a sleeping palette tucked into one corner. Carth strode quickly to the desk and scooped up all the datapads he could find. "Can either of you slice into the terminal?"
Canderous snorted and Justid shook her head silently.
They returned to the foyer where Canderous led the way through the other door into a long curved hall. Several doors lead into rooms along the left side of the hall. Canderous triggered the first door and entered.
Justid and Carth followed.
It was an observation room. The wall to the right was made of glass and showed a gym appropriate for melee weapon's practice and sparring. It was unoccupied. They marched back into the hall and skipped the door to the gym. The next door was blocked by a nursery droid.
The droid spoke. "EV37 reporting: access denied. Terminate intruders." A turret dropped from the ceiling behind and in front of them and fired on the trio.
Carth pulled his blasters and with a few well aimed shots destroyed the forward turret. Canderous quickly dispatched the rearward one.
The droid triggered the door open, turned and entered the small bare bedroom. There was a single occupant, a small girl. She turned to look at the droid then the three large figures. The droid lumbered forward and grabbed up the child. "This unit is being terminated. 10—9—8" A red light blinked in time with the count down.
The child wiggled. "Eavy? Stop it, Eavy?"
Canderous signaled to Justid then turned his back on the droid and stepped in front of Carth. "You'll only get one."
Carth readied his blaster then nodded.
Canderous stepped aside and Carth nailed the droid right in the processor. It sagged and released Liera, but the baleful red light continued to blink.
Justid grabbed the droid and ran out the door, Canderous was right on her heels. The young Mandalorian sprinted down the curved corridor, through the foyer then left to the observation platform where she launched the droid over the edge into the Star Forge's core. Her entrance startled the group of Sith. The lone Dark Jedi threw up a hand and put Justid in a stasis field. Justid fought to free herself, her skin crawled, she could feel the enemy approach her unguarded back. Suddenly the stasis dropped; she spun. Canderous pulled his blade free of the dead Dark Jedi and advanced on the Sith soldiers. Justid grinned savagely and ran forward to join him.
Carth scanned the room for other threats then holstered his blaster. He gazed silently at the child for a moment. She had Trin's brown hair, but cut very short, and deep blue eyes. The set of her chin reminded him of Malak on that long ago day during the Mandalorian wars. "Hello Liera, I'm Carth. Your—your mother sent me here to rescue you."
She stared up at him wide-eyed then grabbed up a bag. "I packed."
Carth knelt down next to her. Shock? Probably best not to worry about it right now. "What are you bringing with you?"
She opened the bag and named each item as she pulled it out. "My pillow, my blanket, some clothes and food."
Carth noted that her clothing consisted of a mismatched pair of shoes and four shirts. The food was a bottle of water and a small container of cookies. He also noticed that she had hidden something inside the blanket. "You've done a pretty good job. Do you have some pants around here we could add to the pile?"
She ran across the room to a drawer in the wall.
Carth followed her and packed an appropriate selection of clothing. There were no toys in the room at all. He tucked the pillow back in the bag then casually folded the blanket. A bedraggled doll dropped out of the blanket.
Liera watched Carth warily. She held her breath when he picked up her blanket. Oh Booba stay hidden, please stay hidden. She cringed then stood up straight to face Carth as doll dropped out of her blanket.
Carth noticed her stance. She's preparing to be dressed down—poor kid. Carth addressed the doll. "Well, who are you my fine fellow?"
Liera gaped at him.
"You look well loved. We'll just tuck you away in the blanket to make sure you stay safe. Is there anything else you want to take with you Liera? We don't plan on coming back."
Liera looked around her room then up at the tall man. Tears were forming in her eyes. "Never, ever?"
"I'm afraid not."
She took a deep breath and nodded. Carth took her hand and led her out into the hallway where Canderous and Justid waited. Liera crowded closely against his leg.
Carth gestured to Canderous. "This is Canderous and his kinswoman Justid."
Canderous spared the child a quick glance. "Let's get moving. Someone is going to have to carry her."
Liera looked frightened, she turned and reached her arms up to Carth.
Carth nodded and hoisted the small child into a comfortable position. Canderous took point and Justid acted as the rear guard. They strode out of Malak's quarters. Carth took one last look at the sealed door Trin had disappeared through then Carth carried Liera into the elevator.
Liera leaned into Carth's shoulder, "Mommy's fighting the new one. She's sad."
Carth's arms tightened around the child. How do you protect such a child? What has she already suffered?
Bastila felt herself falling, she twisted in midair and tried to grab the edge—it was out of reach. She found herself falling backward towards the fiery heart of Star Forge and certain death; still she fought. Desperately she used the Force to slow her fall. I need to slow down, to gain a little time, time to find a way out. Excruciating pain erupted in Bastila's lower back as she hit then slid down the length of a spire. She bit through her lip to keep from screaming as the narrow metal bar pushed through her abdomen and out her front. Impaled! I have been impaled. With a final lurch she stopped on the narrow ledge that jutted out from the wall of the broad shaft and hung arms and legs hanging loosely around the graceful but bloody spire.
Juhani used the Force to speed across the room but she was too late. She watched in horror as Trin twisted aside and Bastila pitched head first over the edge.
Trin leaped forward and caught Juhani. "She's gone, Juhani. I'm sorry." My poor friend, just as she found her heart she was betrayed.
The overwrought Cathar dropped to her knees. I have no one, again. Why is this my fate? "No! She could have been saved, couldn't you sense it. I could have saved her." She crawled over to the edge and looked down. She shouldn't have died. Juhani gasped. "Bastila!"
Trin stepped to the edge, Bastila was impaled on a spire halfway down to the next level. How did she survive that! This must end now. I must end it. Trin lit her lightsaber and prepared to throw it.
Juhani grabbed Trin's weapon arm with both hands. "No, Trin, this is the will of the Force."
Bastila laughed weakly below, blood dripped off her chin. "The F—Force has forgotten me."
Trin glanced at Bastila and shuddered. I have to end this, Bastila must die, but first I must convince Juhani. "Juhani, let me put her out of her misery."
Juhani stood and grabbed Trin's forearms. What is wrong with you? "Trin, you owe her your life. She sacrificed herself to save you from, Malak."
Trin shook her head regretfully. "We can't trust her, Juhani."
"Are you so anxious to kill her!"
"I don't want to kill her. Death will be a kindness for her now."
"I once thought the same for myself, you convinced me otherwise. Was it a lie?"
"No. But this is different—she—" Trin's lips formed a grim line. "Shedeserves to die." She kept a slave, a Cathar slave. She tried to kill my child.
"You sound like the Revan, not my friend Trin."
Trin stepped back involuntarily. Have I let my fear, my anger sway me.
Juhani continued at a whisper. "She is not wholly dark, I can save her. Give her a chance, as you once gave me a chance."
Trin looked into her friend's eyes. "Do not throw your life away, Juhani."
"I trust in the Force, Trin."
Trin sheathed her saber and nodded to Juhani. I hope I do not regret this decision. "You ready the bandages, I'll get her up here." She focused with the Force and drew Bastila up and off the spire that had punctured her torso.
Bastila rose slowly upward. No, this is my punishment for failure. This is mine. Bastila used the Force to counter Trin's efforts until finally the struggle and blood loss caused her to pass out.
Trin pulled her up as quickly as she could and set her down by Juhani.
Juhani put her hand on Bastila's forehead and Force healed her as much as she could then packed the wound with kolto. Live Bastila, live. This can be a new beginning for—for you.
Trin flipped on her communicator but could raise only static. She ran to the door and triggered it open, but no one was there. She tried her communicator, again. "Mission?"
"Trin! Are you all right."
"So far. Where's everyone else?"
"Carth, Canderous and Justid rescued Liera. Carth's taking her onto the Hawk right now. Do you want me to patch you through?"
Trin watched Juhani and Bastila as she talked. "No time. Bastila could wake at any moment. I have to get back in there. Has Malak moved?"
"No—be careful, Trin."
"Tell Carth, tell him"
Jolee interrupted, "He knows, get this done and come back."
Trin reentered the room. Bastila stirred, coughed weakly then opened her eyes, the first person she saw was Juhani. Compassion, their damned noble compassion saved me. "Why? Why save me, Juhani?"
Look at the hopelessness and the raw need in her eyes. I must tell her how I feel, even if she never wants to see me again. I must tell her that she is needed in and of herself, with or without her Battle Meditation. "I—I have to try to help you find your way back Bastila. I—I love you."
She loves me? She can't, she mustn't. "You—you, Juhani you can't. All the terrible things I said to you—how can you love me—I am hateful. Besides it was Revan that inspired you, not I."
Ah yes, Revan—Revan comes between us. "Revan was my childhood hero. She rescued me from slavery and yes, she inspired me to become a Jedi. But you, you I admired every day. You strived for perfection with a dedication I could not match. Slowly, my admiration grew until—until it became love"
"Love?" She loves me.
"I could not tell you." I don't know if I should have told you, even now.
Bastila sobbed. "Why not?" What did I do, why don't I deserve happiness?
Juhani tenderly brushed away Bastila's tears. You are so special, so dear to me. "I thought you had no need for love. I was content to watch you from afar. To be near you when I could. You—your presence was the reason I asked to join this mission. Bastila, is there room in your heart for me?"
Bastila looked up into Juhani's golden eyes. Is this possible? Perhaps the Force did not forget me. She loves me! "I—I denied my attraction for years. I didn't know what it was I yearned for." This isn't real, it isn't possible—it is far to late to redeem me, too late for me, too late for love. "Perhaps if this hadn't happened. Perhaps if Revan hadn't tainted me. But what good is love? It cannot save me from the sea of blackness I am drowning in."
"Fight it Bastila." I wish I could lend her all my strength. I wish I could make this easier for her.
Bastila traced a square in the deck with her finger. The light, I could return to the light. Could I return to the light and stay with, Juhani? But then I'd have to give it up, there is no revenge nor justice in the Jedi Order. The act for the greater good... "I wish—I wish I could. I saved her, I was in charge of the mission. Yet she reaps the rewards. Why should she be forgiven for the evil she sowed, the Jedi she killed and the planets she destroyed? I cannot, will not, let go of this hate for Revan."
Hate, distrust I know them well. Only the code—the code, yes the code helps me. "Turn to the Jedi code, Bastila. It can help you."
The code, does she know that there are two codes—the Jedi and the Sith, and neither has any meaning for me now. "I doubt mere words can help me now, but to appease you I will recite them: There is no emotion: there is peace. There is no ignorance: there is knowledge. There is no passion: there is serenity. There is no chaos: there is harmony." Strange, but even now I find comfort in these words. I—suppose old habits die hard. "There is no death: there is the force. I admit the words, remind me of a simpler time. They are soothing and familiar but they only hold the rage at bay, they cannot banish it."
"I sometimes feel rage, Bastila, just remember the feeling will pass. After it passes, that is the time to make decisions." You are not alone my—my—I understand.
Bastila examined Juhani's face wonderingly. She is here for me. Not for my powers, not because I'm a Jedi, not because she was sent. She loves me and I have—She whispered hoarsely, "I'm sorry for all those terrible things I said"
Juhani put her fingers on Bastila's lips to silence her. "That was your anger, not you. I understand."
Bastila closed her eyes and shook her head. This is too good to be true, reality will come crashing in again. Sooner or later she will betray me, Revan did, the council did, Ehnzumi did, even Malak has, I won't be hurt this time. She straightened and tried to sit up. "I am the apprentice to the Dark Lord himself. You cannot let me live."
Juhani watched with dismay as the look of tender wonder slipped off Bastila's face to be replaced with a cold mask. Why does she cling to him? What is he to her? "Forget Malak. Forget the past weeks, remember yourself. I was redeemed, Bastila. You can be, too."
To remember—no, that is too painful. How my past self would despise the creature I have become. Bastila curled up again her voice returned to a hoarse whisper. "But I have betrayed everything I ever believed in." There is no redemption for me, there is no path back to the light. "How can I atone for that?"
I knew it, she wants to return to the light. I knew there was hope. Trin was wrong to give up, she was wrong to try to kill my Bastila. "Help us defeat the Sith, Bastila. This will atone for what you have done."
Bastila shrunk further into herself. "I can't face Malak." I can't—I can't face him—not that. "I would not be able to control my malice in his presence. I find it hard enough not to strike at her with you here to support me."
Trin pointed to the battle tank. "You could use your Battle Meditation to turn aid the republic fleet, Bastila."
Bastila pulled out of Juhani's arms and stood. Even here at the end all she sees is my talent. I am little more than a tool to her, a broken tool to be discarded is now repaired so she would make use of me. "Would you have really killed me?"
Juhani put a hand on the small of Bastila's back. Be honest Trin, we know the truth.
Trin dropped her chin in shame. "Yes. I thought—yes Bastila, I tried to do it." You tried to kill my baby! Ruled by emotion, dammit yes! Calm—calm—calm. "I'm—I'm sorry Bastila. I happily welcome your change of heart. But we'll try just as hard to kill, Malak."
Bastila looked at Trin then looked into Juhani's eyes. Malak, yes they must deal with Malak. He will not turn to the light, there is no power that could redeem him. She nodded. "You must go and face Malak, but you have to hurry. Once I turn the battle in the Republic's favor we won't have much time to escape the Star Forge before it is destroyed."
Finally this pointless bickering is at an end. "Come, Juhani, we'd best get this over with."
Juhani looked at Bastila. She needs me, she needs my emotional support in this tainted place and she needs my protection from marauding Sith. "Bastila needs me here. I will stay to guard her from harm while she meditates."
She needs you, I go to face the Dark Lord and she needs you. "Did I ever really have your support, Juhani?" Trin waved her hands and shook her head. "Don't answer that." So I'm alone again. Back to where this started. Back to face her past. She marched resolutely to the far door and triggered it open then she entered the large room beyond and the door slid closed behind her.
Mission, Zaalbar and Jolee sprinted up the ramp of the Hawk.
Carth still had Liera in his arms. He stepped in front of Jolee. "Where is she?"
"She checked in about twenty minutes ago. We told her you'd taken Liera to safety. About fifteen minutes ago she headed up to Malak's position."
Liera put a hand on Carth's cheek. "She is lonely and scared. A bad thing happened."
Carth looked into her deep blue eyes, their sincerity frightened him. "What bad thing, Liera?"
Liera shook her head and pointed at a smaller door across the hangar. "You can find her through that door."
Jolee protested. "That elevator is shut down tight, it can't be activated."
Liera wriggled out of Carth's arms. "I can do it."
Carth put a hand on her shoulder. "Jolee, is it safe out there?"
"No, but it isn't safe in here either." Jolee turned and looked over at Canderous and Justid. "Come one you two help me escort this precocious infant on an outing."
Liera marched across the hangar and placed her palm on a metal plate and the door swooshed open to reveal a small elevator.
Carth stepped in. There was no room for anyone else. The door slid closed and Carth started to ascend. The door reopened at the end of Liera's hall. Carth dashed forward, down the hall through the foyer to where the control room doors stood open. Across the room Juhani helped Bastila to her feet.
Bastila called, "Carth, the Republic is about to destroy this station. We must run."
"Where's Trin?"
Bastila gestured towards another door. "She went to face Malak, but she did not return. Carth your duty is back on the Hawk. You must"
Juhani interrupted. "You must attend Trin with alacrity. We will meet you on the Ebon Hawk."
Bastila nodded reluctantly and the two headed towards the main elevator.
Carth ran to the other exit. Beyond the door was a factory floor. Dismembered droids surrounded destroyed manufacturing consoles. There were ten consoles and at least seventy motionless droids. He scrambled over the debris. Someone had cut through the door beyond the mess with a lightsaber. Carth ducked through the circular opening and followed the broad curved ramp upward. Through another door he found Malak's lair. Dead bodies hung in nameless broken machinery around the room. Two of the bodies were dried out blackened husks the rest had been cut out of the machinery with a lightsaber. Carth trailed slowly up a broad wide ramp to where he found Malak, dead. His sightless eyes stared at the distant ceiling above. A trail of blood led left away from his smoking corpse. With increased urgency Carth followed the trail down another ramp and around a corner to where Trin lay curled in fetal position on the threshold of a doorway. Carth hesitantly felt for her pulse. She's still alive! He scooped her up, she'd taken a deep wound in the stomach. Carth's hands went cold. Not the—she's alive, we can deal with anything else together. He retraced his steps past Malak, down the curved ramp.
Canderous and Justid were at the door. Carth passed Trin to Canderous through the circular cut in the door then scrambled through himself.
Canderous looked down the limp bloody woman as he handed her back on the other side of the door. She's so small, it never ceases to amaze me. He glanced at the stomach wound and his expression turned grim. She's in a bad way.
Carth carried Trin gingerly as Canderous and Justid marched ahead.
At the top of the Hawk's ramp Canderous put out his arms. "Give her to me, and get us out of here."
Carth passed Trin to Canderous reluctantly then ran for the cockpit.
Four Republic battleships broke through the Sith ranks and focused their heavy weapons on Star Forge's critical systems. The attack initiated a chain reaction. The Star Forge began to disintegrate around the Ebon Hawk as Carth maneuvered out of the launch bay. He flew directly to the fleet's hospital ship. He triggered the cockpit's audio communicator. "Captain Carth Onasi to the medical frigate. I have a severely wounded Jedi on board. Permission to dock."
"Captain who? You can't just leap in here like that."
Admiral Dodonna's voice interrupted the medical frigate's tirade. "Carth, dock with my command ship. Master Vandar says he can help. Who's wounded?"
Carth's swallowed to relieve the sudden dryness in his mouth. Can I trust him? Do really I have any other choice? "Understood Admiral, Onasi out."
Trin swayed in the grip of delirium, she could not see. Now, in the end, I am alone.
Malak had fought hard, he used every last trick Star Forge offered. Fifteen young Jedi's from Dantooine had been trapped in the infernal machines' grip. Malak had sucked the Force power out of two of them before Trin could bring herself to act. She cut the rest loose and let them die a natural death. Malak, she had stilled Malak's heart forever and yet, his voice still haunted her. He threw her emotions and their joint past in her face over and over again.
"I see there is more of your old self in you than I expected." No, no. I am Trin, I am Trin.
"I see now that this can only be settled when one of us destroys the other." Could he have been redeemed?
"The darkness and the light wage a constant war within you. The balance is tipped one way now, but it can easily be tipped back." I am cured? Was I sick? What is the will of the Force.
"Savior, conqueror, hero, villain. You are all things Revan—and yet you are nothing." Who am I? Am I nothing?
"Do you think you love him? Do you want his child? You—should have—wanted—my— child." I do, I'm sorry. My child? She's gone, she's gone.
Trin felt lightsabers pierce her torso. One after another after another, endlessly. Nooooooo!
"The Star Forge is more than just a space station. In some ways, it is like a living creature. It hungers. And it can feed on the dark side that is within all of us!" Malak made a sweeping gesture. "Look around you, Revan. See the bodies? You should recognize them from the Academy. These are Jedi who fell when I attacked Dantooine. For all intents and purposes dead, except for one difference: I have not let them become one with the Force. Instead I have brought them here. The Star Forge corrupts what remains of their power and transfers the dark taint to me!" No Malak, no.
Malak lay on the floor, helpless, dying. "Im—impossible. I—I cannot be beaten. I am the Dark Lord of the Sith. I—I cannot help but wonder, Revan. What would have happened had our positions been reversed? What if fate had decreed I would be captured by the Jedi? Could I have returned to the light, as you did? If you had not led me down the dark path in the first place, what destiny would I have found?" Not me—it wasn't me. It wasn't, it was—who—I almost remember.
"If only we hadn't fallen under the sway of Darth Travious." Travious? Travious! Yes, it was Travious.
"If you had not led me down the dark path in the first place, what destiny would I have found? If only, if only we hadn't fallen under the sway of Darth Travious. But in the end I alone must accept responsibility for my fate. I wanted to be Master of the Sith and ruler of the galaxy. I thought it would be worth the price, the suffering. But that destiny was not mine, Revan. It might have been yours, perhaps—but never mine. And in the end, as the darkness takes me, I am nothing. Don't go, don't be nothing. If you are nothing, who am I?