Writer's notes: Much updated and improved 16 DEC 06. This section begins the hunt for the Star Maps. We begin with more on Revan and her attempt to bring the Jedi into the Mandalorian War. Again, we see Vrook's ambition create the seeds for this galactic conflict. We also see some of Malak's angst. Thanks to Thug for the advice.
The Map of Destiny – Part I
The Jedi Enclave – Years in the Past
Spring had come to the Jedi Academy on Dantooine and blossoms sprouted from the bare branches of the Bilba Trees as grass poked through the melting snow. Deer and other grazing animals emerged to dine on the new growth and birds sang sweetly in the gardens of the Jedi Enclave.
Everywhere, new life seemed to sprout, bringing a feeling of renewal and energy to the young students of the ancient order. As the weather warmed, Bastila often sought out her younger friend. More intelligent and more learned, Revan had been elevated ahead of her and Bastila eagerly sought her advice.
They sat beneath the shelter of a gazebo in the garden as rain pattered around them, creating pools on the ground. Revan watched as the snow melted steadily under the incessant pounding of water drops and inhaled the cool scent of the morning mist. Revan looked over to her friend and she appeared troubled – Bastila had been struggling with her training and it appeared as if she might be dismissed. The rumor was that failed Jedi were sent to Telos as laborers at some secret facility in the northern regions of the planet.
She lacks confidence in herself, the dark-haired Jedi thought. I can see it in her eyes, her posture, her every breath.
The two girls sat quietly, listening to the deluge for a moment before Revan spoke, "Bastila, you must find your own voice, express your own power. Always think of the greater good."
Apprentice Shan looked away and thought for a moment. "The greater good," she said slowly and with great effort. Then, she looked back and made furtive eye contact. "What you say is true. I do not feel that I am worthy of this role. I…I find your confidence…intoxicating. It gives me strength and the will to become the best Jedi I can be."
Revan reached out and grasped Bastila's hand. "I will be here for you, Bastila. I will always guide you."
Bastila made a half smile and tried to reinitiate eye contact, but she couldn't continue to look into Revan's intense gaze. "I know…. How is it that you are able to focus your power and concentration so easily? The Force is as natural to you as breathing. How is it that you were elevated to Padawan before me? I find myself feeling…jealous. I know that is wrong." The young apprentice furrowed her brows and chewed on her lower lip.
Revan took her other hand and the force of the rain seemed to grow, pounding on the ground in torrents of water. Steam shot from their mouths and nostrils in vents, matching the intensity of the rain. The Force flowed through Revan into Bastila and the apprentice gasped at the raw power that she felt. For the first time, she let the Force flow through her being and it felt like no other experience in the galaxy.
Suddenly, Bastila released the grip and nearly fell back. Her mouth hung open with her jaw slack. Revan's face bore a wide grin from ear to ear and she nodded to her friend. "Bastila, do you know now how the Force feels inside of you? Do not forget this moment."
Bastila nodded silently, but a smile grew on her face as well.
Over the next few weeks, Bastila's sense of the Force grew steadily from this and she gained a new confidence. A spark of some power was born in her as well, but it would take years to manifest itself. Under Revan's influence, Bastila discovered newfound strength and a sense of arrogance crept into Bastila's heart.
In the sparring room, Revan sat with Bastila before her. Mai-Lyn T'Sing, Bandon, Sion, and Eviran rounded out the group. "You must be in prime physical shape to perform the Ataru and have a sense of elegance for the Makashi," Revan told them with a hint of superiority. She pointed to Bandon and Sion and shook her head. "Bandon, you are simply too thin and Sion too lumbering to perform these Style effectively. Sion, you need to focus on the Shien where your strength can be maximized."
Bastila nodded her agreement as always, but Bandon looked disappointed. Bastila turned her nose up at him, but Revan sensed his feelings.
"Do not worry, Bandon," Revan said. "You will find your way and I will help to lead you there." Then, she pointed over to another group of students learning the Makashi and she snorted derisively. "And look at them," she said with a snicker. "I would lay them all out with one stroke. Their technique is disgraceful. They shame the Order."
"Truly pathetic," Bastila added and Mai-Lyn made a face to signal her disapproval of the young students.
Eviran furrowed his brows and licked his lips. His blue eyes narrowed under his locks of blond hair and he seemed conflicted. "Revan, I don't see how ridiculing them helps the situation. It seems counterproductive."
Revan reached out a slender hand and cupped his chin. "If they cannot live up to our standards then they deserve everything we say about them." She made a kissing gesture to him and he sighed – he could not resist her.
"Yes, Revan, I understand."
Although Eviran found the situation distasteful, he was enamored of Revan and gave in to her will.
Eviran's Quarters in the Enclave
The broad-shouldered Jedi sat on a simple chair at his desk which was covered in data pads and other learning materials. His blond hair hung over his blue eyes and he brushed it back with his hand. He glanced in the mirror over the desk to see the handsome reflection. However, worry covered his features on this day, his brows furrowed and his strong jaw set firmly in deep thought.
I don't understand why Revan is like this now. I saw the raging furnace in her heart, but it is beginning to boil over. I thought the fire was only for me.
He felt a nagging, aching pain in his chest and he could not dismiss it in spite of his attempt to meditate. He closed his bright eyes and clasped his hands in his lap. Taking several deep breaths, he tried to bring his world into clarity, but fleeting visions of Revan danced in his mind.
Why does this torture me so? I am a Jedi, first and foremost. I took an oath…I serve a greater purpose.
He clenched his jaw until tension rippled along his cheek and his nose wrinkled with his effort to give himself into the Force…to find solace, but still, it eluded him. Only inner agony remained and he struggled to focus until tears fell from his closed eyes as he trembled. The Force was silent and only the image of Revan still lingered.
Then, he surrendered his will. He knew his path lay with her destiny.
It is done. I can resist no longer. Revan plays my heartstrings like an Arkanian lute.
Elsewhere, even Master Vrook dismissed concerns over Revan's resurfacing behavior; he willed himself to believe that it was under control and that she would catapult him to a seat on the High Council on Coruscant.
He passed Master Kavar in the hallway to the meditation chamber and the younger man stopped in front of him with a curt bow.
"Master Vrook, there is something that I wish to discuss with you."
The older master raised an eyebrow and the edge of his mouth curled up, showing his impatience. "What is it, Master Kavar? I was hoping to meditate before retiring for the evening," he said, gesturing to a window looking out into the darkness.
Kavar took a deep breath before continuing. "It's about your student…Revan."
"Is she not the most powerful and quick-learning Padawan you have ever seen?"
"Since Exar Kun…."
Vrook looked taken aback, his mouth hung open for a moment until he took in the words. "Master Kavar, you are out of line. Revan has shown marked improvement in her attitude since she was a child. I have seen nothing that would arouse my suspicions of her motives."
Kavar's face looked strained as if he were holding back his true feelings. "With all due respect, I've seen it. I know adolescence was many years ago for you, Master Vrook, but you should know the angst and emotion that roils beneath the surface of her skin. She is like a furnace, that one."
With a snort, Vrook countered, "What would you have me do? Is the Order not built upon nurturing those powerful in the Force. If we turned her loose, she would learn from others and where would we be then?"
Kavar looked deeply into Master Vrook's eyes. "I understand your point, but I see something else. Ambition perhaps? A seat on the High Council as reward for teaching one of such power."
Vrook bared his teeth for only a second before recomposing himself. He looked down his beaked nose. "Master Kavar, I'd advise you to look after your own students. Your Apprentice T'Sing seems to be rather willful herself, I'd say. It is best to clean one's own porch before declaring another's to be dirty. Good evening to you," he said as he brushed past the younger man into the meditation chamber where the melodic sounds of chanting washed away his doubts.
The Jedi Enclave – One Month Later
One day in spring, Eviran came running into the Courtyard to find the young women. Intensity was written on his features and he saw Revan organizing the female Padawans in a task. She looked over to see the tall Jedi approach, his thick blond hair trailing behind him. Perspiration glistened on his face as he sprinted up. Revan sensed that he was about to drop a bombshell.
"The Mandalorians have invaded the Republic," he declared and all faces went blank at the news.
Without another word, the group rushed back to the Enclave, where they watched a holographic video of the news report. Three great fleets of Basilisk Droids had crossed the border and were driving Republic forces back with the fury of their assaults. Revan watched the video intensely; Republic forces responded sluggishly and the admirals seemed dazed and confused.
The Republic Command Staff is three steps behind the Mandalorians. They filled themselves with false intelligence and they were outmaneuvered and beaten before the battle even started.
Revan sidled up to Eviran in the dark room. Despite the tragedy, there seemed to be a sense of excitement within her. "So, when do we intervene?"
He shrugged. "No word as of yet…. Master Vandar urged us to remain calm."
Revan made a face, but said nothing. As the video showed the Mandalorians conquering a Republic world, she looked back at Mai-Lyn, Bandon, Sion, and Bastila and there was understanding in their eyes.
The Jedi Enclave
The months went by and more bad news arrived. One Republic fleet after another was being defeated and much of the Outer Rim was now under Mandalorian control. The Padawans watched another holonews broadcast, showing another hopeful Taskforce head out to meet the enemy.
A stocky human in a gray uniform stood proudly on Coruscant, shaking the hand of Supreme Chancellor Ptolomeus. "Having been appointed Grand Admiral of the Republic Navy, I, Admiral Vrex, will bring back Mandalore to Coruscant in a duralloy cage," the man stated boldly to the reporters as he stood under bright lights.
The reporters followed Vrex through his daily routine of dining, dancing, and going to political rallies to ensure support for his fleet. He was handsome and well spoken, drawing admirers from around Coruscant. Above all, he had good hair.
Intelligence reports indicated that the Mandalorians were running out of steam and that they did not have the will to resist Admiral Vrex's counteroffensive. Vrex's fleet would be commanded by his close family members and long-time friends so the cohesion of the fleet would be high. Their lack of experience was irrelevant and they more than made up for it with political loyalty.
"We'll defeat them this time," murmured the Padawan clan, but Revan shook her head.
"He's a fool. He knows nothing of strategy," she said in a dull monotone as the holonews played images of beautiful ships sailing in parade formation over the planet of Coruscant.
A week later, the holonews reporter from Galactic Space News, GSN, declared that Vrex's Taskforce had been crushed and that he was in full retreat before the fury of the Mandalore.
The images of a sooty and stunned Vrex came streaming over the video along with the images of crippled Republic ships, spewing plasma into space. The holovideo then switched to the hangar bay of the carrier, Furious, showing a pilot standing next to his starfighter.
"Commander Karath, what happened out there?" asked the reporter.
The man's light brown hair glistened under the lights, covered in perspiration. He flung his white and orange helmet against a bulkhead in obvious anger. "We were slaughtered out there! Why? I'll tell you why…. It's those damn politicians and bureaucrats!"
Then a dark-haired pilot with a nasty wound across his chest stepped in and guided Commander Karath away.
Revan sighed, but took note of the story. Commander Karath, I'm going to remember that name. He looks like a fighter.
The Jedi Enclave - Summer
As the war raged on, the Padawans became increasingly restless. Revan turned inward, often meditating and reading endlessly about the Mandalorians. Her thirst for knowledge was unquenchable and she rapidly learned the language of the enemy with her Force-powered mind.
"When the time comes, Eviran, I will absorb the Mandalorians. I will know everything about them. I will know what they will do before they do it."
"I doubt you not, Revan. You have never failed in anything that you put your mind to," he said as he held her head to his chest. The scent of her hair was always intoxicating to him.
"I am so lucky to have your support," she cooed while stroking his chest with her hand. "You have always been my strength."
"And I always shall be your strength."
Revan looked up into his eyes and her lips parted, but a chime interrupted her advance. She giggled girlishly and pulled away from his grasp. "Oh darn, it's dinner time. Shall we?"
As usual, the Padawans gathered for their evening meal. A hot breeze blew in through the open doors of the dining hall, blowing napkins about. Bandon waved a hand, turning on the holonews and the GSN reporter told the viewers that King Malleus of Fresia had brought his fleet to serve the Republic and fight the Mandalorians.
Seeing this, Revan stood sharply, knocking over her glass of water. The glass shattered on the tile floor, spilling water. The liquid pooled like blood on the ground.
Eviran took her hand. "Revan, what's wrong?"
"That man…. He is my father."
The reporter went continued, "The Fresian Fleet has been placed under the command of Admiral Deritz, the cousin of the Minister of the Treasury. The Supreme Chancellor personally appointed Admiral Deritz as he has a great eye for fashion and is a talented artist." Images of the Admiral's gaily decorated uniforms and sculptures appeared along with the admiral dining at fabulous restaurants. "The Admiral is the ultimate sophisticate - cultured and polished, with finely manicured hands. He has appeared on numerous wine enthusiast shows and is widely considered to be a celebrity. Above all, he has good hair."
Revan's blood ran cold. She darted out of the room, trying to find a commlink booth. At one terminal she tried to open a channel without success. As she slammed her fist on the monitor, she felt an enormous disturbance in the Force. Her eyes welled up with tears and she bit her lip.
Eviran found her there, stiff and silent. He shook her gently and an agonized gasp escaped her lips.
Without looking at him, she whispered, "My father is dead."
Eviran furrowed his brows. "How do you know this?"
"Do you not feel the tear in the Force? What have you been learning all these years?" Revan said in anger, fighting back emotions. I will never have the chance to make amends, Father. I must be strong for you…. I will be your perfect child…your powerful ruler. I will always obey the greater good.
Eviran tried to embrace her, but she tore away from him. "Eviran, don't be a fool. Now is the time to show our strength. Go play with Nanny Bandon unless you intend to be strong for me."
The tall Jedi shook, torn between his own anger and hurt. "Revan, I only wanted to comfort you. I know you are hurt. I know-"
"You know nothing! I thought you were strong, Eviran. Apparently, I was wrong. I am going to ask Master Vrook to petition the Jedi Council to join the war. I'll see you when we are victorious."
Revan turned away coldly and Eviran's mind spun out of control. He tried to reach out to her. "Why are you doing this? I can't stand it! Revan, please…."
His mind flashed with images of Revan: their first meeting, years ago; their first kiss in the snows of Dantooine's winter; her lithe body intertwined with his beneath a Bilba tree. Eviran shook his head; the scent of Deralian Jasmine was thick in his nostrils, clouding his mind. He knew he was being manipulated, but he was too far gone.
"Revan, no… please…. I am strong for you. I will go with you to see Master Vrook. Tell me what I must do."
Revan turned back to him. She had seen all that was in his mind and she smiled, taking his hand in hers once more. "You must follow your heart. You must follow our destiny."
Master Vrook's Chambers
Master Vrook's eyes widened as Revan made her request. "Padawan Revan, I know you have just lost your father. He was a brave man and for that, I am sorry. However, you must understand that the will of the Council rests upon the Force."
Vrook truly felt for the young woman. Despite his own ambitions, Revan had become the daughter he never had and his feelings for her ran deep.
Revan looked into her master's eyes with genuine respect. "Master, you have taught me well and I admire you as I did my own father. It was you, who taught me responsibility and discipline. Do we not have a responsibility to guard the Republic and preserve the integrity of the Force?"
Vrook Lamar pursed his lips. Suddenly, he seemed old and frail, graying hair framing his wrinkled face. He took a deep breath and smoothed his orange and red robes. "Revan, you have a way of bending people to your will. Do not become too enamored of your own voice; it is the path to the Dark Side. Unfortunately, I cannot argue with the logic of your words. I will propose to the Council that we intervene in the war."
Revan nearly leapt with joy.
Master Vrook met with the Council on Dantooine and it was decided to have the matter adjudicated by the High Council on Coruscant. Vrook would travel there, along with Revan and Eviran, the two strongest advocates for intervention.
Smugly, Revan returned to the Padawan Quarters, confident in her rightness. She encountered Bastila and Mai-Lyn in the hallway and Bastila bore a concerned expression.
"Revan, what is going on? Everyone is talking about Master Vrook going to Coruscant," Apprentice Shan asked urgently.
Revan smiled knowingly; she enjoyed being on the inside of things and being the holder of information. "Bastila, Eviran and I will accompany Master Vrook to the High Council. We are going to propose that the Jedi join the Republic in the war."
Bastila's expression was mixed. She bit her lip. "But we are not soldiers…. We fulfill a different role in the Republic."
"Things change, Bastila. We must adapt. We must think of the greater good," Revan said confidently and Mai-Lyn nodded in agreement.
Revan placed her hand on Bastila's arm in a supportive way. "We must stick together. I know you are strong."
The auburn-haired Jedi nodded weakly and Revan smiled. "Remember what we shared this past Spring. I need to know you are with me. I can see that Mai-Lyn is behind me all the way."
"I am with you, Revan," Bastila answered, her voice quaking. Her heart was somewhere else.
Revan looked right past this in her eagerness. "Good, now, there is someone else I need to see." Going to the lounge, she found Bandon. There, she approached him, smiling warmly.
"Hello, Bandon. I know we haven't been on the best of terms lately, but I wanted to apologize."
Bandon eyed her suspiciously and Revan put on her sweetest face. She looked him in the eye and said, "Eviran and I need you. The Republic needs you. You must be strong for us. Eviran and I are going to accompany Master Vrook to Coruscant to meet with the High Council. I need you to gather support for intervention."
The slender boy maintained eye contact. "You…you really need me?"
Revan nodded her head. "Yes, you must do this to help Eviran. I know you two are very close and that you value his friendship. You are very important to us."
"I will do my best," answered Bandon confidently. The ache in his heart was eased; his best friends needed him. He had a purpose bigger than himself.
"Excellent. There will always be a special place in our hearts for you. You will have a place in history. I can assure you of that."
On a Shuttle to Coruscant
The journey to Coruscant took several days. During this time, Master Vrook worked over in his mind the presentation that he would make to the High Council. He had a large stake in Revan's proposal; this would be his chance to show off his pupil.
As the shuttle broke through the atmosphere of Coruscant, Revan and Eviran peered through the windows. The sight of the city world was breathtaking; endless streams of lights, formations of flying vehicles, and a spectacular orange sunset. Revan popped her head up above her seat to check on Master Vrook. She smiled upon seeing him preoccupied with his speech. With a mischievous wink, she kissed Eviran. "To our success."
Then, she brought out a data pad and showed her fellow Padawan a series of alien characters. "See this," she said, pointing to a word. "In the language of Fresia it means 'Strength'…I want to give you this nickname…Malak."
The blond-haired youth gave his characteristic 'devil may care' grin. "Malak…I like that. I like that you consider me strong."
As the two gazed out the window, the shuttle landed gently upon the pad and powered down. The ramp lowered with a grinding hiss and Master Vrook led the way to the High Council.
Massive silver spires flanked the walkway and the skies were filled with brightly lit speeders and air cars. Although Revan was marveled by such a spectacle, she maintained an appearance of complete calm. Eviran, on the other hands, turned his head in every direction, jaw hanging open.
The walkway opened into a broad avenue, full of commerce and pedestrians. At the end of the avenue lay their destination, a sky rocketing tower many kilometers high; the Jedi Temple.
Master Vrook's pace quickened and he gazed up at the silver spike – his destiny awaited him.
At the Great Gates of the High Council, two Jedi bowed to Master Vrook. He returned a slight head nod as the portal slid open.
Inside, many Jedi strolled about the foyer of the Temple. Revan followed her master, trying to look every bit the Jedi Master herself. In her vanity, she had spent hours coiffing her hair and styling herself. Together, they approached a bank of elevators and Revan examined herself in the reflection of the silver walls. She smiled and her ghostly double smiled back, acknowledging her physical perfection.
With a pleasant ring, one of the elevators opened. They boarded the magnificent lift, carpeted in deep greens and blues. Then, they began to rocket upward, soon breaking out onto the side of the spire. The view of Coruscant was breathtaking and Revan's eyes widened just a bit.
Just as the climb became dizzying, the elevator came to a halt. The silver doors opened with a hiss, revealing the waiting room into the High Council. Master Vrook stepped off and strode to a nearby a seat. There, a droid floated up, holding refreshments for all.
The three sat in silence, but Eviran was obviously nervous. He fidgeted silently, occasionally wiping perspiration from his face. Soon, a Twi'lek female approached them. She was dressed in the robes of a Jedi and bowed in a stately fashion. "The High Council will see you now, Master Vrook."
With only the vaguest hint of a smile, Vrook stood and led the way to the High Council. There, he introduced his young Padawans and presented the case for intervention into the Mandalorian Wars. While Eviran fought to contain his fear, Revan stood with pride and confidence on the highest floor of the Jedi Order.
The assembled Grand Masters nodded at the group's words and listened intently. When Master Vrook had finished, he bowed deeply and motioned to Revan and Eviran. "These are my finest pupils. They will make the Order proud one day."
One of the Grand Masters, a Bith, narrowed his eyes. "Master Vrook, we have heard of your reputation for instructing those gifted in the Force. However, do not grow too proud as it is the path to the Dark Side."
Vrook felt mildly insulted, but showed no reaction. After all, it was he, who had preached this to Revan for years. However, these Grand Masters held the key to his future and he would not speak out.
The powerful Jedi looked amongst themselves. One, with dark skin, contrasted by blond hair, nodded to the Dantooine group. "Master Vrook, we will deliberate your suggestion to intervene into the Mandalorian War. Please withdraw and await our decision."
Together, the three bowed and departed. Revan was flush with excitement.
Father, I shall avenge you and save the Republic.
The Jedi Temple on Coruscant
As they withdrew to await the decision of the High Council, they approached the bank of elevators and Master Vrook looked at his two Padawans. "Revan and Eviran, I have other business to attend to. I shall meet you later in our quarters." He placed a hand warmly on Revan's shoulder. He noticed that she had grown tall, nearly as tall as himself.
They entered an elevator door as it opened and began their descent. Several levels down, the elevator stopped and Master Vrook stepped out. He turned and gave them a slight nod as the elevator door closed.
Once the door had shut and the elevator resumed its downward path, Revan winked slyly at the tall, blond Jedi. "Malak, let's do some exploring," she said. Initially reluctant, Malak quickly gave in. Revan's enthusiasm for life was infectious and he enjoyed hearing his new name.
They took to the streets below, which were bathed in the shadows cast by the enormous spires. The heady aroma of food, exhaust, and sweat drove Revan wild. Overhead, giant maintenance droids resurfaced tall structures and orderly lines of air speeder traffic buzzed by. She grasped Malak's strong hand and tugged him along. "Come, there is something I want to see."
They made their way to the Republic Naval Academy and approached the gates. Revan sauntered up to the sentry, who was dressed in a smart khaki uniform. She bowed. "Honored guard, we are here from the Jedi Council. I am Jedi Master Revan and this is Jedi Master Malak. We would like a tour of the facility."
Malak gasped and bumped Revan gently. She ignored him and continued to tell the sentry that they were part of the delegation designed to improve the Republic military and advocate for intervention. The guard's eyes widened and he got on his radio to call for a superior.
Within minutes, a high-ranking officer arrived. Initially skeptical, he saw the two Jedi and smiled. "We have been waiting for this moment. I am just glad that I was here when it happened." The man introduced himself as Commander Neelos, nephew of the valet of the Minister of Infrastructure. Soon, another high-ranking officer arrived and began bickering with Neelos as to who should provide the Jedi with the tour.
Impatient, Revan pushed her way past the two officers. Malak caught up and whispered in Revan's ear, "You didn't have to lie to them. You're beginning to worry me."
Revan waved her hand, indicating her lack of concern. She walked forward into the carefully manicured courtyard of the Academy. Green shade trees covered cobblestone walkways to the main Administrative Building. As the two Jedi made their way there, Neelos and his bickering companion ran to catch up.
The two officers fawned over Revan and she loved every minute of it. They cleared the way for her to enter the Administrative Building and offered her refreshments. Neelos snapped his fingers, yelling to everyone who could hear, "Have a care people, the Jedi are here!"
The other officer held a glass of fruit juice before Revan. "Jedi Master Revan, please come and see our classes. Which program would you like to view?"
"I want to see the tactical instruction class. I want to know how the Republic proposes to defeat the Mandalorians."
They were led to a large classroom in an auditorium. Down in the pit, a young man, barely older than Revan, drew indecipherable diagrams on a board. A thoroughly confusing flow chart and organizational chart was displayed nearby.
"…You must complete the request to change formation form on the Standard Form Five Ninety Seven and forward it to higher command for approval. The close formation is the only approved formation for opening a battle. Upon receiving approval, you must refer to Formation Manual F Three Two Zero. Upon entering the engagement, you must then submit a request to return fire to higher headquarters on the Standard Form Ten Seventy Six. People often confuse that form with the Form Ten Seventy Two B. Once this approval is given, the Mandalorians will fly into your fleet and be shattered."
Revan strode arrogantly into the room, followed by Malak. "And the Mandalorians would slaughter you as you looked for the proper form," said Revan without emotion.
The man was stunned at first by her words, but then turned to her and bristled. "Who are you and what are you doing here? Do you know who I am? I am Commander Grrelo and I was appointed by the Minister of the Navy, my father."
"How does that to qualify you to prepare these people for war? What will happen when the Mandalorians do not fly straight into your close formation? What will you do then?" Revan asked, placing one hand on her hip. Malak tried to pull her back, but she shrugged him off.
Grrelo stuttered and wiped his face. "Then…the fleet will just…ummmm…break ranks and scatter. We will then surround the Mandalorians and blow them to pieces."
Revan shook her head. "According to your diagram, your close formation requires that there be no more than a One-Hundred Meter separation between capital ships. They have no room to maneuver or break formation. You would have ships crashing into each other. Additionally, you would lose the bulk of your firepower, as many batteries could not fire for fear of hitting a friendly vessel," she said, pointing this out on his diagram. "I have studied the Mandalorians and they defeat us with their initiative and their trust in their small unit leaders. Commander, please tell me what you did before your appointment to this position."
"I…ummmm…I was a social organizer for my father…a darn good one! My father taught me all I need to know about the military."
There were gasps in the crowd. Revan raised an eyebrow and straightened her blue Jedi robes. "I would very much like to attend one of your social events one day. However, I have no desire to listen to your tactical instruction, as it has no basis in training or experience and therefore, no merit."
Grrelo staggered as if struck. He could not believe that someone was speaking to the son of the Minister in that fashion. "How dare you, girl."
"No, how dare you. It is politics like this that get our young men and women killed. This war has no room for poor leadership. We must think of the greater good. Now, if I ran the fleet-"
"It's a good thing you don't," interjected Grrelo sarcastically.
Revan smirked. "That remains to be seen…."
At that point, Malak pulled Revan aside forcefully. "Okay, that's enough. We're getting a call from Master Vrook."
Revan stormed out of the room and activated her wristcomm. Master Vrook's face appeared in a small monitor. "Revan," he said, "I am very sorry. The High Council has rejected our proposal to intervene. I know this was your hope. We will just have to be patient."
The tiny monitor went blank. Revan curled back her lips as she tore the wristcomm from her arm. With a grunt, she hurled it against a wall, shattering it into pieces. "This is not over," she said as she dragged Malak back to their quarters.
Destiny would not allow her to quit now.