Hello everyone ! I'm back for a little bit, so I can post a new chapter before I go again. It's longer than usual in order to compensate for the lack of updates.
Now to answer my faithful reviewers :
-jediavatar : I am definitely having a nice holiday, thank you for wishing it to me ! As for Firefly's motivation to pursue the quest, I think I've got it in this chapter, it was quite predictable.
-morjackdan : Chip says hi and is wondering who Jarvis is. And don't expect me to break the news to him, he'd be sad. As for Korriban, the planet has great potential, I hope I won't spoil it.
-Alias : I'm very happy you enjoyed that. I had fun writing it.
That should do. So onwards, to the 'ancient ruins' of Dantooine !
disclaimer[25]
Chapter 25 :
Cool stuff from another time
«Stupid animals, Canderous growls lowering his cannon. Ain't got enough common sense to see we're much stronger.
-Maybe you're not frightening enough ? I suggest innocently.
-Or maybe your showgirl appearance makes you look like easy prey, he shoots right back.
-'Tis all part of the ruse, I smirk. People underestimate me constantly.
-Good thinkin', he chuckles. Make the best of what you've got, eh ?
-Exactly.»
We've been trekking for a few hours now, and we're apparently intruding on some iriaz territory because the oh-so-lovable wildlife is harassing us to the point of suicidal behaviour. Maybe we represent a danger to their offspring or something.
In any case I'm glad there isn't any clause in the Jedi code about slaughtering idiotic beasts by the dozen, because that's exactly what we're doing. I'm still favouring ranged weapons over the saber, unlike Bastila, because 1) I'm much more confident with a pistol, 2) the smell of burnt flesh makes me uncomfortable, and 3) there's less risk involved.
But this is getting boring. Not that I wasn't bored before, mind you. Oh well, enough complaining already, at least I've got magnificent landscapes to look at. And I can move freely. Beats stasis prison hands down.
Problem is I've got this annoying sense of déjà vu and it's getting stronger the more we wander to the east. Like I've already explored all of this. Might be from the planet's strong resemblance to other ones I've been to as a scout, yet I'm not...no, this is different. I've been here, on Dantooine. I'm sure of it.
Why and when, that's something I seem to have forgotten, or have been forced to forget, either way those data are lost.
For the moment.
Ah, what's that ? Some sort of commotion up ahead ? Yep, 'twould seem so. Kath hounds. What they're doing so far in iriaz territory is everyone's guess, but I don't dwell on it because they're attacking a droid, which could very well be the lost 'companion' we were hired to recover.
«Lock and load guys, I tell the rest of the group. We've got a mechanical damsel in distress situation.»
The beasts are dispatched easily, leaving only the machine. It has barely a few scratches.
«Thank you for saving me master Jedi, it says not sounding grateful at all. I am C8-47, a personal assistance droid.
-Are you Elisa's droid ? Bastila asks (is that the widow's name ? Good to forget.)
-Did she send you to find me ? it returns the question a little worriedly.
-Wow, this one's sharp for a droid, I comment off-handedly.
-Please do not tell her you saw me ! it begs desperately.
-But you belong to her, Bastila retorts.
-My presence by her side doesn't do good to either of us, it explains. My master became a little too attached to me. Obsessed even.
-Yeah, it shows, I nod.
-She tried to treat me as her dead husband. It wasn't heathy for her.
-That is an understatement.
-She wants you back, Bastila insists.
-She's obsessed ! it repeats and if droids had emotions it would've been pretty irritated by now. She rarely even sees other people in the settlement. She's fixated on me as her husband !
-Hm, she's definitely crazy, I assess. You're not even that handsome to begin with. I sure hope your appearance wasn't based on her husband's.
-Not helping Firefly, Carth cuts in.
-It wasn't supposed to be, I tell him in a conspirational tone.
-She was becoming increasingly insular, it continues sadly. I thought it best to leave. She'll be forced to see other people that way.
-Or she'll kill herself, I shrug. A win-win situation, I like it !
-I disagree with your assessment, it turns to me.
-Watch me care, I dismiss the rebuttal. What I am interested in is your thought process, I've never encountered a droid capable of reasoning like that. So I've got a proposition for you.
-I am listening.»
I'm getting nervous. The ruins come into view and I can't shake the thought that something's amiss. I'm not supposed to be here, contrary to what the masters would have me believe. Which means that either I'm sensing danger through the Force, or I'm being paranoid, or it's due to something I used to know. I'm thinking the third choice. Which isn't all that reassuring : maybe I knew of a trap or something, which could explain why Nemo didn't come back.
Moreover the location is an excellent place to set up an ambush : we've got to walk through a setoff bordered by eroded hills where snipers could hide to take us out. I'm particularly thinking of the Duros : Mandalorians usually don't have snipers, whereas Duros are famous for their sharpshooters.
Therefore I'm lying down in a bush scanning the area with Bendak's scope. So far so good. The problem may be the rising impatience of my companions, well, Bastila's to be precise. Both men are veterans, so both know how dangerous and inconsiderate it would be to just walk out there with no cover. You might find it strange that the Jedi of all people would be short on patience. My answer is that Bastila, although she hides it well, has a temper (I suppose me being linked to her mind lets me see through some of her masks), and that, since she doesn't sense any danger from these hills, she's convinced there's nothing to worry about.
She's likely right, yet that doesn't mean that I'm not going to check for myself, and the others concur.
I'm tempted to stretch it out to see if she'll explode but this is a wee bit too serious for me to joke about.
«Clear, I whisper finally. Careful though.»
No awesome approaching the mysterious site for the protagonists this time, and I'm sure that's why Bastila's irked. Instead we run from cover to cover, careful not to get all stacked up in one place and probing the ground we're going to step on, in case there were mines.
Surprising enough there aren't any. And nobody takes a shot at us. Good.
The problem might be the droid. It's not very stealthy and even less supple. However seeing as apparently there are no snipers, or they're waiting for a more opportune moment to show themselves, nothing happens to it.
Yeah, I took it with me, for the moment. You see I offered, instead of destroying it as it wanted me to, to dismantle it, and to do that I couldn't leave it in the wilds. So here it is, thankfully keeping silent. Who knows, maybe it can carry loot if we find anything.
In exchange I had to promise that I'd tell Elise why it ran, and encourage her to seek the company of living people.
Obviously it never occured to it that the deal is a complete rip-off. And that it left gaping holes in the contract, leaving too much to the imagination. Good for me.
Anyhow we're facing the entrance, incrusted in a roundish hill covered in grass. It's a dark gate, the same color as in my dream. There's a symbol in the center, some sort of star. I check the surface for any discrepancy, indicating a trap, but I find nothing.
«Okay, how does it open ? I ask nobody in particular.
-The Council spoke of a seal, Bastila supplies. The whole place exhudes a strong presence, so it would be only logical that the Force itself was used to deny intruders access.
-Gee I didn't know that, I roll my eyes. I was wondering how to break the seal.
-Perhaps we should meditate on it, she suggests.
-Meditation's a waste of time, I dismiss the idea. Unless you want to get your inner peace or some similar yoga notion.
-I disagree, she crosses her arms.
-Okay then you do it while I bust my natural cushion to figure it out, I mutter.
-We are regrettably a team Eidan, she scolds. So we do it together.
-That's exactly what I was suggesting ! I defend myself. You do your meditation thing because you're good at it, and I use my brain for the same reason !
-Shut yer holes and focus ! Canderous growls. I don't like staying exposed like this.»
I smirk at his expertly hidden nervousness. I'm pretty sure he's not very comfortable around things involving the Force. I guess it's because he can't shoot it down.
Back to business. What do I do with this ? I guess I'll have to go to the control tower. It comes easily to me now. Thanks masters. The aura is strong (I call aura the presence of the Force), particularly around the central star. That's the seal, unsurprisingly. The conceptors weren't very creative in that sense. I zoom in. It looks rather like a tentacled creature, it's pretty disgusting. Is it...pulsing ? Yeah, I saw it move ! Yuuuuuck. I sure hope I won't have to touch this, even with the Force.
I scan the rest of the gate, but I-
Whooh ! What the heck just happened ?! It feels like I just got a particularly powerful shot of glitterstim (the most potent sort of spice there is). I can almost see beyond the gate, and I distinguish very clearly every detail of the seal. Particularly the weaknesses, which aren't part of the wriggling aberration but of imperceptively tiny tendrils criss-crossing the gate. I cut them in those points. Immediately the central symbol jerks and dissolves, and the panel, made of stripes of stone (like in the dream), deconstructs itself. The stripes slide into the sides (try to say that fast and several times over).
This state of mind is awesome ! I know exactly what people around me are thinking without even trying, I see the outline of rooms through the walls, and I'm catching glimpses of...is that the future ? Or the past ?
Before I've got the time to elaborate a theory the feeling brutally stops and I lose balance from the shock. Somebody catches me by the arm to prevent me from falling, which is nice, yet I'm still feeling the vertigo and need to sit down.
«What's the matter Firefly ? Carth's concerned voice asks.
-Give me a second...» I manage to mumble.
I breathe deeply several times and the feeling subsides. When I look up there's Carth crouching down with me, and Bastila standing behind with her arms crossed. Canderous is standing guard. Excellent initiative.
I frown slightly, scrutinising the padawan's expression. Although she's trying hard to conceal it, she's got this self-satisfied glow so I guess she...
Oh. So obvious.
«Support meditation, I chuckle. I had nearly forgotten you could do that, kudos Miss Last Hope !
-Why thank you, she bows ironically.
-So that was...Battle meditation ? Carth tries to keep up.
-In a way, I shrug. In fact her ability isn't limited to battle, she can support her allies and cripple her foes in any situation. In this case, she helped me get in touch with the Force so that I could see how to bypass the obstacle. It's actually a very pleasant feeling, you should do that more often. Though you could soften the finish.
-In your dreams, she answers curtly. Come now.
-Wow, rough talk !» I whistle mockingly.
She doesn't react. It's just as well. We enter the dark room. I switch to night vision. It's a smaller space, with a low ceiling, with three doors just like in the dream and containing some sort of spiderly droid and a corpse. Nemo I presume.
I gasp when the rest of the group switch their flashlights on. I lift my visor from my eyes, letting it rest on the top of my head.
Anyhow the machine starts talking in a strange language, one I don't recognize. That naturally piques my interest as these are getting rare.
«Chip, do you know what that is ? I ask my friend.
-I'm afraid not, he answers apologetically. You were the one with language skills, not I. I recall you were very eager to point it out to me every time.
-Yeah, sorry for that, I smile fondly. Well it doesn't hurt to ask, does it ?
-How would I know, I am incapable of feeling pain.»
That makes me chuckle lightly. Poor Chip, you can't let any question unanswered, can you ? Actually, that would be my failure to program him to recognize rethorical questions.
I look briefly at the others, only to conclude that they too understand nothing from what the thing says. That's a little bothersome, since Nemo's body suggests that the Jedi got shot by the droid. As it doesn't seem hostile for the moment one must infer that he broke some rule the droid tried to make him aware of. From the position of the body I speculate that he tried to go through the central door. Which is the one leading to the room with the strange stone and shiny sphere.
«Wait, I recognize this language ! Bastila tears me from my thoughts. It is an archaic variant of the Selkath dialect spoken on Manaan.»
Really ? I listen more carefully. Indeed the droid switched languages. Too bad it didn't choose something more musical. The Selkath language is really tiresome, regardless of the dialect. It's pretty handy when you're drunk though, because it's slurred. I managed to win a drinking contest with that, I made everyone believe I was still sober. Fortunately nobody asked me to remain upright at the time.
But I'm straying again from the main topic.
It's going on about a really ancient civilization, the Builders, which existed way before the Republic, in fact before humanity came to this part of the universe, and about how we're 'like the one who came before' - Revan I assume. Okay, well since this droid is talkative, we might as well make use of that fact.
After literally bombarding it with questions, ranging from «what are you exactly ?» to «Would it be alright if I took a look inside you ?» - to which the answer was no, sadly - I've collected some very useful information, which I'll summarize like this :
I'm so glad to be living in this time period
The Builders have an ego which makes mine look like a puny hamster
I want that Star Forge thing.
Surprisingly enough, when I asked Chip about the Star Forge he came up with some very precise data : it's a space station capable of creating matter out of energy, and that just blows my mind. That should be impossible. So naturally I need to see it, and to discover how it works. Regardless of how many Jedi asses I'll have to kiss, or how many people I'll have to kill. Neither Malak nor Revan, if he still lives, will stand in my way. Hm, perhaps I could strike a deal with Revan, he seems like an ok fellow, with sufficient brains to be reasoned with...
Anyhow that information is for my personal use. I'll be playing dumb for a while again. But that's cool, I'm very skilled at that.
Speaking of dumb, you should've heard Bastila's comment : «The Star Forge sounds like some type of weapon...though in fact it could be anything.» Talk about useless. Regardless of the fact that she knows her history lessons, which she gladly proved several times over.
In any case, apparently we must prove ourselves worthy of entrance, by passing two tests. That actually sounds like there will be mind teasers, so I'm eager to try. Better yet, Nemo failed at them, and he didn't strike me as a complete idiot, so it's probably a little bit challenging.
«We have to find a way to unseal these doors, Bastila states dramatically, so that we may discover more about the Star Forge which Malak uses to fuel his invasion ! The Republic is depending on us !»
Chip plays a very loud 'dun dun dunnnn !' and I hide my smirk behind my palm. Bastila's fuming.
I explain the situation quickly to the two others who don't understand Selkath and we go west. I let Bastila go first, then I quickly loot Nemo's body. A lightsaber, some credits and a datapad with his diary. Good.
That's when I hear shots and battle cries in the other room. I peek in cautiously and see that the group is battling against a similar droid, though much smaller and less friendly. There's a red shield deployed around it.
«Energy shield guys ! I warn them. Lightsabers and blasters not recommended !
-For the Jedi !» Bastila yells and charges it disregarding my words.
And to think I was actually trying to play nice. That'll teach me.
«Chip, scan for the origin of the shield, I demand calmly.
-Scanning…
-Canderous, Firefly, frag and ion grenades ! Carth issues orders while arming an ion grenade himself. Bastila ! Prepare to-
-Aaargh !» she yelps in pain.
And it's not surprising considering the droid used its flamethrower to set her on fire.
«I told you so ! I mock. But nooo, the prodigy padawan doesn't need advice from-
-Shut up, Carth cuts me off. And throw your damn grenade !»
Indeed Bastila jumped back and threw her cape (which caught fire) away, leaving her in her tunic and making the droid an easy target without risking friendly fire. Three explosions later the machine looks just fine and starts firing at us. We get back to cover.
«That didn't seem to work, I mutter.
-Scan complete ! Chip chimes in. Shield generator located in the hull, at the base of the droid, which appears to have been made of one simple piece of material.
-What's it made of ?
-I do not know, I would speculate it has been created in the Forge. Its properties resemble those of a metal.
-Just my luck.»
I concentrate to visualize it through the Force. Hmm, one thing is reassuring, and that's that the Force is still present within it. So maybe I could...I don't know, rip it apart or something.
«Bastila, still there ? Carth shouts beside me making me jump.
-I am, she confirms.
-You got any handy Force trick up your sleeve ? I ask her.
-I am currently healing my wounds, she answers irritably.
-But do you have any ? I insist.
-I may try to put it in stasis, but it doesn't last long and it's normally meant for living beings, she says uncertainly.
-Interesting» I hum.
I look around the room. It's pretty bare. I guess I don't have much choice but to sacrifice some of the...questionable goods I managed to get a hold of...at Matale's house. I did say the guy was purchasing weaponry of all sorts, didn't I ? Now all I have to do is tell Bastila the plan, without shouting it if possible because the droid may be able to understand.
Let's try out this bond thing.
«Bastila ! I call in my head. Bastila, listen to me, it's Firefly !»
That sounds ridiculous. I think I'll have to...well she used the bond by coming through the front door didn't she ? Then I'll have to walk out the door in my mind. So I take the key, open up and take a few steps outside. It's a mess out there. There's not even a ground to speak of. But there's some sort of rope so I tug at it.
«What is it Eidan ? I hear in Bastila's voice.
-I have a plan, I didn't want the droid to hear it, I say in the direction of the voice.
-I am listening.»
That went well...relatively. After delivering my message I come back and lock the door. Then I resurface.
«Hey Firefly, Carth hisses in my ear. Did you listen to anything I said ?
-No, I answer frankly. You've got an idea I take it ?
-It's not great, but Canderous and I figure the shield can't take too much damage so if we hammer it sufficiently then Bastila could make a run for it and chop it to pieces.
-I've got a better one, I smirk. Cover me.»
I prepare the package and crouch in the position of a sprinter waiting for the 'go'.
«Cover me !» I repeat and both men start shooting in the droid's direction.
Then I run off, speeding myself up with the Force, which makes me cross the distance separating me from the target in the blink of an eye. I jump just before reaching it, dodging its flamethrower by a millimeter, and execute a flip in midair so that I can stick the package right under its turret, its blind spot. Plunging my arms into the shield itches a bit. That's when Bastila pushes it to a corner and I activate the little red button on my controller. I land just as the explosive rips the pest apart. Chip provides epic music to back it up.
«Et voilà ! I salute pompously, then I dust my robes off. I sure hope we won't be fighting another one in the opposite room. Now, what of that promising terminal over there ?»
Indeed there's a computer at the back of the room. When I get to it a screen flickers on. There are words written all over it, but I can't read them because they're either in code or in an unknown language. There are also buttons, and some sort of lector the size of a datapad.
«Hello there, exotic one ! I whisper to it. I hope you'll be a little more friendly than your roommate there.
-You know that's a very unsettling sight, right ? You talking to that thing I mean, Carth comments.
-Oh I know, I shrug. It keeps you on your toes, for one. Now hush, I'm working.»
Hm, it does look a little like those really old computers that you still can encounter on backwater planets - such as Tocoya - and which have the quite unique property of being able to self-destruct even when switched off. It's quite hilarious to watch. That doesn't mean I know how this works though, so slicing is out of the question. I have Chip work on it while I try to decode the sentences. I think I see how this language works, and it's actually not that complicated.
The problem is I still don't understand a word.
«I have your results ! Chip announces proudly. It is ridiculously primitive. Here is the diagram.»
I look at his screen. Yeah, he's right, it is primitive, and should be relatively easy to slice into, manually I mean.
The problem is the hull : it's impenetrable.
Okay, then I guess we'll have to play by its rules. I rummage through my things, looking for a useless datapad. Besides Nemo's diary there are three others, which I don't even remember putting in there. They're journals of sorts, and they're filled with some cult's ramblings about a Promised Land. I snort derisively while stuffing it in the lector. We'll see what it does.
The computer starts droning, which I assume means it's working, and a few minutes later it displays a different message : 'Language analysis complete - Press any key'. I'm impressed, for such an archaic mecanism it works quite well.
«To the main event now, I clap my hands. Give me my riddle !»
I press a key, and another screen is displayed :
'Interrogative : Identify the three primary life-giving seed world types'.
...
Er, what ? Come on, that must be a joke ! That's so easy it makes me want to weep ! Not to mention that there's a list of six environments below, from which I'm supposed to choose ! That's an insult to my intelligence ! Right now I'm wondering whether that Star Forge thing was really made by the same people who made this 'test'. My belief is that they too found it somewhere, just like us right now, and merely seized the opportunity to make themselves look more clever than they really were.
This, right there, is the proof.
With a disappointed sigh I quickly answer the test, it doesn't seem to give a shrapnel, and I don't blame it because it's not worth it. Although I guess it gave the appropriate signal to the droid and maybe to the gate now.
Okay, now to the main event : how to make an irritating computer die horribly. Take a datapad, put a particularly vicious virus on it, create a badly formated page with completely randomly chosen words from over a hundred languages, and give it to the computer. It will start purring as always, then the sound will become jarred, then it will heat up, maybe even release steam, oh stars, where does that come from ? Err, hurry to the other room, close the door and-
KA-BOOM !
...cover your ears, that's it. Then you can laugh maniacally. Like this :
«Mwhahahaaaa !»
Ignore the stares. They're jealous.
«Why did you do that ?! Carth laments.
-It had it coming, I mutter darkly. Nobody gets away with such impudence !
-So what if it was easy ? he reproaches.
-You call that easy ? I scoff. That was despairingly trivial ! And to think I firmly believed it would be worth my time.
-At least it wasn't time consuming ! he tries optimism.
-Yeah, well I guess somebody took pity on me, I admit sadly. Why did it have to spoil my fun, it's not fair ! I add quietly.
-Life's tough, bro, don't you forget it, Chip quotes my own words.
-And what are the odds of that, I ask you ? I play along.
-So low that a piece of paper couldn't crawl under it, he answers cheekily.
-Indeed, I smirk. Thanks.
-It was my pleasure, gliding torch !»
Fine, I'm over it. Let's go deal with the rest of this ridiculous play.
«People, I say in my best commanding voice, there's a chance that behind that door there will be another guardian droid, and I don't have the material needed to blow it up again, so my plan is to sneak past, do the so-called test - laughable really - and get back in here to open the gate. Any objections ?
-It's cowardly, Canderous purses his lips in disapproval.
-I call it cunning, I shrug. And you can't seriously tell me you had the last fight under control, can you ?
-No, but that don't mean I couldn't've killed it eventually, he objects.
-You probably would have, I concede, but really what good would have come out of it ? We'd all have been more tired, maybe wounded, and we would've wasted more time on this than it's worth (which we already did as a matter of fact, but it would've been worse).
-True, he relents. But I'm gettin' bored of all this dancin' around !
-I hear you, I lay a compassionate hand on his shoulder - it's promptly shaken off. 'Tis why I want to hurry this up. But hey, if it'll cheer you up, go guard the entrance, shoot anything that goes by.
-I think I'll stay in case somethin' goes wrong, he shakes his head. Nothin' assures you the droid can't see through stealth fields after all.
-Good point, I praise. Okay, so in I go, and if you hear shots, or cries of agony - especially those - please come to the rescue.
-Got it.»
Bastila doesn't seem to have an opinion so I guess she agrees. I activate my stealth field generator and crouch. It's been a while actually since I've used one of those. Usually I don't need to, or I don't have one handy. It's very strange.
I put my visor back into place and open the door. The stupid thing is anything but discreet.
I was right, it's a room identical to the other, with a droid and a computer at the back. The droid turns his turret to the door but doesn't shoot right away, so that's a good sign. I sneak along the wall, and I'm pleased to see that it doesn't follow my movements with the turret. Seems I'm doing pretty well.
I get to the computer unnoticed. That's the tricky part. When the screen switches on the droid immediately turns to the source of the sound. I prepare to dodge but it doesn't open fire. Yet. Though I'm afraid to move, because the stealth field isn't a perfect invisibility, and when you move the illusion is distorted enough to betray your position. I guess that calls for a distraction. I visualize the room, and I find a piece of debris next to a damaged pillar - obviously a fight happenend here at least once already. I toss it elsewhere with the Force, and the droid reacts instantly : it shoots it down with lasers.
I use the commotion to quickly insert the second «Promised Land» datapad into the receptacle and the computer starts processing it. Fortunately the shooting alerted the rest of the group so their covering fire drowns out the machine's purring. And here it comes :
'Interrogative : identify the three primary death-giving seed world types'.
I won't even be disappointed this time. I enter the three answers and turn to leave when something collides with me and suddenly I feel as if I was being stabbed by dozens of miniature needles all over my body. Additionally my skin burns, and I can't move.
Stupid cryogenic ray.
Since I know better than to expect to be rescued by the bufoons who call themselves my companions I'm in dire need of a plan, fast. Er...maybe a slight electrical shock might un-stun me ? But how do I tell Chip to...Oh crap it's aiming at my head ! Revan's shoelaces, I'm so done for.
You think you're so smart, you worhtless piece of space-junk ! And damn it you're not that far off the truth but LIGHTNING IN YOUR FACE !
That's right, fry, little circuits ! Writhe in pain and beg for mercy ! Denying it to you is very satisfying.
Actually, this is me overstaging it. What happens in fact is that the machine shudders and spasms, buying me some time. I use it to create a mighty push in all directions, cracking and exploding the shell of ice I was trapped in. I start running for my life.
Meanwhile the double C combo doesn't waste time daydreaming; instead both men open fire at the momentarily shieldless foe. A brownish blur passes me by and in no time Bastila's upon her target, lightsaber handy. I wouldn't want to be in that droid's shoes right now.
The droid crumbles. I grin victoriously. I am alive ! Moreover the droid is destroyed ! Granted, that last part didn't have much to do with me but still. I provided opportunity.
The lightning wasn't even painful this time, although it wasn't exactly the same type as Juhani's. This was easier to manipulate, I guess it wasn't sheer energy fueled by hatred. It was more...I don't know, natural ? As natural as shooting electricity out of one's hand can be.
It was also a lot less dramatic. Guess I can't have everything.
Well I don't know about you, but I believe I've been discovering a lot of powers on my own as of late, or rather recovering them from memory. I guess I must've been quite powerful in my time as a Dark Jedi, and had experience on the field since it comes to me reflexively.
Or there really is some greater being controlling the universe and it took a liking to me. I prefer the first possibility.
Bastila is the first to reach me wearing a slight frown on her face.
«That was quite impressive, she notes impassively. Did you learn this at the Enclave ?
-Well I must have, since I did it, I smirk sarcastically.
-So you didn't, she concludes. Then how did you...know what to do ?
-What can I say, I'm an instinctive perseon, I shrug. Listen, this is all very interesting but I do believe we've got a Sith Lord's devilish plan to jeopardize, don't we ?
-Indeed, she concedes. Let us go then.»
She walks out. I stay behind to examine the droid's remnants. From the outside it looks alright, save for the smoke leaking out and a few deep gashes courtesy of Ms Shan. I look more closely at the turret. Maybe there is something salvageable. I take my screwdriver and try to insert it in a slit, to use it as a lever. It doesn't budge though, and I fear I'm going to bend my utensil. With a disappointed sigh I stand up again, only to come face to shoulder with Canderous.
«Y'all right kid ? he asks gruffily.
-Fine, I answer, perplexed. You're not going to be hovering like Carth, will you ? I frown worriedly.
-No chance in he-
-Ah, mind your language ! I interrupt.
-Not a chance, he corrects gritting his teeth.
-Then we're good.» I summarize and follow Bastila.
Honestly if even the Mandalorian started to mind my safety I'd definitely have to ask myself questions. Such as : what did I do to make myself so likeable ? Because frankly I haven't been making any effort to be bearable - it doesn't take extraordinary detective skills to notice that, I'm sure you agree. Admittedly I haven't been putting a lot of effort into being absolutely insufferable either. Still, my 'by default configuration', so to speak, is being an ass, leading me to believe that this so-called caring about me is fake somehow. Which is odd because I'm usually very good at detecting that sort of thing. Although I'll admit letting myself be betrayed by those I considered friends so many times doesn't speak very well for my skills.
I must more careful.
Especially since there's a spy, possibly an assassin, on my trail.
We exit the room, to come face to face with the Overseer - the talkative droid.
«You have completed the trails, it slurs in the Selkath dialect, thus you have proven yourselves worthy of the Builders' knowledge regarding the Star Forge. The gate is open.»
I roll my eyes at how pomous that sounds. Such a fuss for two awfully easy questions !
Unless the test was about vanquishing the droids, in which case those Builders were probably an even cruder people than I thought.
Anyway we pass the central door, which obligingly opened as the droid predicted, and we walk through a corridor, across a larger room, to end up in front of an archway. Exactly the path Revan took. Obviously, since there's only one way to get in. Well, whoever sent me the vision had reliable sources, that much is certain. And if it was an extract of Revan's memory then kudos to him, he's got an excellent one. Every single detail is right. Though I don't remember any mention of the droid. I guess it was too insignificant.
Unless it was Revan himself who placed them here, in which case all the information the Overseer fed us was probably nonsense. Perhaps there was some truth to it - after all the best lies are made of twisted truths. Connivingly manipulative, I love it.
Yes, I see it from here. What better way to hide your weaknesses than to reveal false ones to the enemy ? To use their own intelligence against them ? Brilliant !
Naturally it means that you have to accurately estimate your adversaries' cognitive capacities, and Revan may have made a mistake at this stage. Because those tests were way too easy, even for an average Jedi.
But then average Jedi probably wouldn't have put too much thought into it, as they would have been exhausted from the combat, and glad to have understood how to make the computer work, not to mention bluffed by the whole «Builders» charade. The best part is that you can't sense deception from a droid. For people taught since childhood to trust the Force blindly it would no doubt have its effect.
Still he could've made them work for it a bit more. It would've been more effective I believe.
Naturally this is all wishful thinking. Although if Revan really is as devious and cunning as he's said to be...
Anyhow, this isn't the time, I have a gate to open. Bastila's already examining the seal, and soon I do the same. Yep, exactly the one from the dream. To my shame I can't remember how Revan opened it, even when I pull up the recording from my memory. It's just too...blurred. I guess it's a Force thing.
I remember Malak saying that it was sealed by the ancient Jedi. I say so to Bastila in the hopes that she knows a way to open it, what with her history proficiency and whatnot. Alas she shakes her head negatively.
Which leaves only one thing to do, and that's opening it manually, manu militari if it comes to it.
«Bastila ? How about we do the same as previously ? I propose.
-I am...sorry, she pushes out with difficulty. But this...this place makes it...hard for me to concentrate.
-How so ? I frown. I'm not affected at all !
-Neither were you...after Taris, she points out.
-True, I admit. Who would've thought being as strong in the Force as you would be a disadvantage...»
She ignores the jibe. Seems like I'm on my own then. Let's get to work.
I guess if it took Revan a while to figure out, it will be the same for me.
Hm...that symbol is somewhat familiar to me, and not from the dream. It's geometrical, and I saw it...ah, I'll need Chip on this one.
«At your service ! he chirps enthusiastically. What can I do for my favourite space outlaw ?
-While I appreciate the cheerfulness, please don't call me that, I groan.
-Why not ? he inquires. It is essentially true that-
-Yes, but it makes me look so...ordinary, which I'd like to believe I'm not.
-Admittedly so, he concedes. Very well, friend whose purpose transcends society's moral conventions, what is it I can do for you ?
-Much better, thank you, I smile gratefully. I was wondering if you knew what this symbol is. The thing is, I know I've seen it before, yet I can't quite pinpoint it.»
I draw it on his screen, and he announces he's searching the database. Though I see from the corner of my eye and with astonishment a flicker of recognition flash across Canderous' face.
«Canderous ? I tilt my head questioningly. Do you know this ?
-Seen it before, yeah, he frowns. It was engraved in an old building's ruins where we set up camp. Way past the Outer Rim, I was a young warrior then.
-Which planet ?
-Dunno, it was a long time ago, he shrugs. Besides, after a while, all planets we invade look pretty much the same, especially when there's no real resistance.
-That's odd, I raise my eyebrows. I would've thought you of all people would remember every single offensive, you seem to take those matters so seriously. Not to mention that you've got this 'rough storytelling grandpa' look about you - no offense intended ! I hurriedly yelp when he steps towards me menacingly.
-Right, he grunts, clearly disgusted by my cowardice.
-Still, I try to get my voice back to a manly level (earning me an amused snicker from the veteran), that doesn't tell us what it is. Don't you remember anything else about it ?
-Nothin' much, the grey-haired man answers indifferently. Oh yeah, apparently the ruins were an old Jedi temple, Qel-Droma's disciples I think. Beyond that...»
He makes a dismissing gesture indicating that he couldn't care less about it. Well, at least I got some information. If it'll be useful, that remains to be seen. Anyhow, Chip should be done by now.
«Chip, any results ?
-Oh, many, he assures me. For instance, did you know that the most frequent number people give you when you ask them for a random one is five ?
-You just made that up, I roll my eyes.
-Firefly, you wound me ! he complains. I would never...! How could you even imagine...! I am absolutely outraged !
-Yeah, right, I quirk my lip. So that pool about which word is the most unpopular on Coruscant was in fact an absolutely genuine one although I made a fool of myself storming every possible archive looking for it, I take it ?
-Well-
-Not to mention that you weren't programmed to be outraged, I add. You don't feel emotions, remember ?
-Of course I do, I was merely testing your reaction, he quips happily. You see I came across this fascinating study-
-Say, could you tell me another time ? I interrupt. I need to crack this seal open, if you don't mind.
-By all means, do what you must, he invites me gently.
-You're doing this on purpose, aren't you ? I facepalm. That's retribution for having forgotten you, isn't it ?
-Perceptive as always, he praises. Well, since you noticed that, you are now forgiven my friend, and prepare yourself for the knowledge you seek.
-Finally, I mutter. Okay, bring it on !
-This is an ancient Jedi marking used by the followers of Ulic Qel-Droma, as the brute with greasy fingers pointed out, he says neutrally though the last part makes me smile (Chip doesn't approve of dirty hands, for obvious reasons). Its purpose was twofold : on the one hand it served as an ownership testimony, and on the other hand it was a base for seals such as the one denying you access now.
-Any idea how to break it ?
-I was getting to this, he continues smugly. These seals work as knots. Disentangling the strands requires a special technique, which serves as a code of sorts. A code you, my unfortunate partner in legally reprehensible actions, will have to break.
-What makes me so unfortunate ? I grin mischievously. As I see it, I might get my mind teaser after all !
-Indeed, he approves cheerfully. Although you will need the clues I found for you.
-Out with them then !»
Chip's information is about the guys who locked this place down. I should be able to determine their moral attitude from it. With that I could then infer the code. It's longshot, especially considering Jedi aren't ones to let themselves be influenced by personal things, but that's what makes this so challenging.
In any case, in order to process this I go to the computer room in my mind, feed them the data, and relax in my swivel chair. I hope the others won't do anything inconsiderate in the meantime.
Eurêka ! I've got it ! As always the answer was obvious, but once you've found it of course, otherwise it's no fun. I emerge from my mind to find out that my thinking lasted a little over ten minutes - eleven minutes and twenty-seven seconds as Chip gladly informed me. Not bad I suppose.
I glance briefly at Bastila, to check on her progress. The hair on her forehead is sticky from sweat, but she doesn't let anything else show, so I guess she's more or less okay.
I reach in the Force and start dismantling the seal. It's very satisfying, firstly because it's working, therefore proving that I was right, and secondly because it's quite a beautiful sight. Whereas the outside seal was something really repulsive, this one is very elegant and refined.
The gate opens.
The flower of stone is there all right. Waiting for us to approach. Looking innocent.
Not suspicious at all.
I scan the room for traps. On a material level there's nothing amiss, yet...there's a...a...
«There is a dark presence in here, Bastila states. Beware.»
Yeah, let's call it that. Personally I see it as a Force trap, as opposed to a mechanical one. Which means I have to get someone to spring it in my place.
«Why don't you go first then ? I smile at Bastila. You're the one with the most experience in this kind of thing, aren't you ?
-I am, yes, she admits. Very well, stay alert, in case anything goes awry.
-You bet ! I cheer.
-Be careful, Carth sighs.
-I shall» she nods briefly.
Thus begins Bastila's journey, with the rest of us safely hidden behind a corner. I'm tempted to take bets, but Republic isn't in the mood, and Canderous is still miffed. Chip's too busy making an account of every possible outcome, especially death senarios. Some of them are quite hilarious. For example : Bastila is surprised by a vision. She stops dead in her tracks, which makes her slide and fall to the ground. Reflexively she flails her arms about, gripping the flower, which is in the process of opening. Her limb is soon crushed by the thing, because she was still too dazed to notice that it was in danger. Carth, though, saw it coming so he started running to help her out, but he arrived too late. He turns away, a pained expression on his face, and so he doesn't notice that Bastila takes her lightsaber to cut off the stony petal. And this is when...
You know, maybe I shouldn't describe this one, it's pretty messy. Funny, because it's absurd, but...I'm sorry, what kind of public do I have again ?
Ahem, in case of doubt, don't take the risk, that's what I tell myself when I need to justify something like this. In any case Bastila is advancing bravely towards the flower. Sometimes she shakes her head sharply, as if there were an insect bugging her - no pun intended. Battling the dark side perhaps ?
Anyway she gets close enough to activate the thing. She stretches her hand out and it opens. The sphere floats out, and the blue markings appear. We're too far to see precisely what they are, so I zoom in with my visor. The zoom is limited in case you're curious as to why I didn't use it instead of Bendak's scope earlier. I frown. This looks suspiciously like a maps of sorts. Bastila confirms. I need to see this up close.
Since I know what to watch out for - I did feel what Revan felt when he himself crossed the room - I should be alright. I guess.
«Chip, if I turn into a vegetable, please tell my story with a more epic ending, I ask my friend.
-Well you didn't program me to be imaginative, he objects.
-Darn, I knew I forgot something ! I slap myself.
-Not to worry, I can patch up something for you, he reassures me. It wouldn't be the first time.
-Very true, I chuckle. You've got to admit that simulating death is an extremely efficient way to get lost.
-Undoubtedly, he agrees. I even have statistics to prove it.
-Spare me the details please.
-For this once, I shall.
-Thank you.»
I'm not really worried, but it's good to have all bases covered. Okay, let's do this !
I take a few tentative steps, then, as nothing happens, I continue in a straight line to the padawan.
Nothing. Strictly nothing bothers me on the way. Odd. Perhaps I'm not good enough a catch to bother with me, which is mildly insulting come to think of it. Or maybe Bastila's presence is masking mine somehow - she's got a far stronger signature than I.
I seriously doubt it's due to my proficiency in the Force, because, while I may have instinctively used a lot of powers, this doesn't feel like I did anything.
Anyway here I am now, I won't start complaining because of it. Let's look at this map then. Er...that's the vicinity of Dantooine. Well, when I say vicinity...this here is Kashyyk, that's Tatooine, that one is Manaan - how could I forget it, one of the worst vacation destinations unless you love paperwork. And this is the unforgettable Korriban. Most beautiful sunsets in this part of the Outer Rim.
Questionable neighbourhood though.
But more importantly on the sphere itself there are numbers, incomplete coordinates I believe. They're probably the Star Forge's coordinates. Which would mean that it can't move, and that's a real shame.
Or it can, and these coordinates are out of date.
Still, it's a lead.
Bastila is now saying pretty much the same, adding to it that 'we should tell the Council at once' and other vehement stuff. Meanwhile I examine the object more closely. I wonder what would happen if I touched the orb...hm, I'm facing a dilemma : risk or no risk ? It doesn't look hot, or cold, it's just glowing with an innocent light. Mesmerizing...
«Eidan, stop ! Bastila yells at me.
-What ? Why ? I startle and pull my hand back.
-This whole place is infused of the power of the dark side ! she explains, exasperated. You should have the wisdom not to touch anything !
-Is that so ? I raise an eyebrow.
-It is, now come, we must report to the Council ! she orders.
-Oh, I see, I cross my arms. So you would flee when there is knowledge to seek ? Tsk tsk, and here I thought Jedi were about having an open mind.
-There is a difference between healthy curiosity and tempting the devil, she puts her hands on her hips.
-Really ? I quirk my lip upwards. So your devotion to the Code stops at the first danger you encounter ? And they call me a coward.
-My loyalty to the Jedi is unquestionable, scout, she seethes. Which is why I do not wish to expose myself to the dark side unnecessarily, so that my ideals do not become as twisted as some people's I might mention and so that I may continue the fight ! Because this, you inexperienced simpleton, this isn't some danger you can escape or dodge as you do with blasters and swords ! This is the dark side of the Force, and once it gets its claws into you, it is only a matter of time before you yield ! It begs you to surrender to it, time and time again, and in so many ways that only the strongest of us see through it all !»
Well that was eloquent. I guess I struck a nerve, huh ? Good to know.
«Are you finished ? I say calmly, careful not to let any emotion transpire.
-Yes, let us go !»
She turns to leave, and storms out. I exchange a look with the two others. Canderous is amused, Carth is shocked by the emotional display.
I'm deeply insulted. She called me a simpleton !
Mean Bastila.
I shrug and take a step in the direction fo the exit. The two men pick up their things and get moving. So now I'm left alone in the room.
And the sphere, so inviting...
It would be a shame to miss this opportunity, don't you think ? I mean, it's a glowing orb ! Besides, I have a good feeling about this. Or, in any case, I don't have a bad one.
I jump back over there and touch it.
It's...odd to say the least. I feel like a pulse under my fingers, but the thing is cold. And the glow gets through my hand, as if it weren't there. In fact...
It's not there ! The sphere took my hand ! And it's not stopping at that, it's slowly nibbling on my arm ! At least it's not painful.
Gaaah ! It's my arm by the twelve constellations ! And tugging doesn't have any effect, on the contrary it would s-
GULP !
What a glorious end. If only there were an explosion, it would have been spectacular...
But 'gulp' ?
...
Wait a sec. I'm still thinking, am I not ? Then I must be alive, right ? Somewhat anyway. I crack an eye open.
Bad idea.
Immediately all hell breaks loose. Thousands of images and sounds assault my senses, smells invade my sinuses, and I have constantly the impression that each part of my body is being groped.
Needless to say it's not very pleasant.
First I try to understand what's going on, to recognize something, anything really, but to...to no avail. My own...thoughts are...hard to gather, I...
Wait, was that Revan ? Meh, it...it could've been anyone really. Seeing as...he's covered from head to toe by that armor of his.
Hey, that was Bastila. And that guy's face is familiar...it's mine ! Hi, myself !
My head is starting to throb...again. Sh-should probably see a doctor about that. Heh, last doctor I saw...Zelka...he died horribly.
Explosions ! Oh, the horror, it's all spinning around me, and the flames are actually hurting me ! Is that Taris being bombed ? And that's...Telos. This, Eyala II. Admos. Thrin.
All around me, cries of pain and desperate yowls, people running around, trying to get their close ones to safety.
It's almost comical. S-so melodramatic...
Suddenly I get electrocuted and as I shut my eyes my legs fail me.
I fall to my knees. I feel exhausted. But it doesn't stop. It worsens even.
It doesn't take much more to make me cry out and spasm. I'm not what you could call resistant to pain. Unless I have a...a very good reason not to...not to let anything show. I never last very long.
Get it together, F-Firefly !
And you, whoever you are, get OUT of MY HEAD !
In a half-second I dive into my mind, and activate every defense system I have - I had some time to create walls and shields in order to protect myself from the Jedi. The computers in the control tower are working on locating the intrusion, while the data processing center is making sense of what's happening. Meanwhile I ring the alarm and regroup my security corps. I issue orders, then go sit in the tower.
Results are in. The breach is...on the fourth level ? An inside job ? Unacceptable.
Immediately I set out to go wipe the treacherous bastards out.
But when I get there...nothing. Noone, no trace. I'm informed that everything's under control now. Oh, but what's this ? A sticker. With things written down on it.
«40L-5K»
That's what it says.
Great. Now I have a code of sorts to figure out on top of everything else.
I love it !
I won't be sleeping much in the next days, I can tell you that.
Regardless, I get back up there, and exit my mind.
I'm back in the room, standing in front of the map, fingers outstretched. Puzzling.
Anyway, I'm late as it is, so I jog out to join the others.