Chapter 36: Dantooine: The Ruins

~Phoenix~

My first day as a Jedi padawan, and I gave Carth a kiss and went off to see Bastila. Gee, I am getting kind of domesticated, aren't I? Something I vowed I'd never do as a smuggler as I didn't consider myself a domesticated kind of gal. However, I ended up kissing my guy, and promised I'd be back for him later. I wondered what was next, me bringing Carth his daily periodical on his data pad and a cup of caff? Somehow I doubted our lives would be like that at all.

I sighed; so much had changed for me since I had vowed never to be boxed in or attached to anyone. My life had changed dramatically in a short time. I had gone from being a smuggler on assignment by the Jedi, to being a Jedi padawan assigned to stop the Dark Lord Malak, and being involved with Carth Onasi. Arriving at Bastila's chambers, she was waiting for me. Both of us felt like we had so much to say and yet no way to say it. I wished truly I had never kissed her because it made things really awkward between us. There was absolutely no going back to what things were like before. My dark voice, despite how reliable or unreliable it was, was right. I couldn't have a relationship with both Carth and Bastila, it just wouldn't work. I couldn't hurt Carth, I just couldn't. He was fragile as it was considering what happened with him and Saul Karath. If I ended up having a relationship with Bastila, it would crush and tear him up inside.

Bastila, on the other hand, went towards a relationship kicking and screaming claiming that love was of the Dark Side and that such things were forbidden. At least Carth was willing to have a relationship despite the pitfalls of me being a Jedi. I had settled it up in my mind, I was Carth Onasi's girl and that settled that, at least I hoped so. I sighed and finally gathered the courage to speak to Bastila, "I suppose we didn't end our last conversation too well. We need to talk. I want to talk about that dream."

Bastila nodded in agreement, "It was less of a dream and more of a vision... a vision the two of us shared. But I am certainly willing to answer any questions the Jedi Council did not."

"I didn't lie to Master Vrook when I said I didn't know what you were talking about. I think I was more confused than anything. It was my dream not yours."

Bastila shook her head, "And are you so certain that it is not you in my dreams?"

I raised an eyebrow, not considering that fact. However, I was pretty sure that my crying fit I had after Vrook had nearly dashed my hopes in becoming a Jedi was the contributing factor for the dream in the first place and I said firmly, "Pretty certain, yes."

"I see. That is most likely vanity speaking, for I am not certain, myself. Regardless, our fates are linked... the vision was no doubt meant for us both."

I frowned, I didn't want to argue the fact that the dream had been mine and had been brought about by a fit of agitation on my part, "But of all things to dream about, why Revan? Why Malak?"

Bastila said calmly, "Perhaps because we desired to. Perhaps because they came to this planet and were strong enough in the Force to leave a... a trace."

I snorted, "I don't know about you, but I assure you dreaming about the Dark Lords of the Sith would not be what I would even wish or even consider dreaming about."

Bastila raised an eyebrow, "Oh….and what would you prefer to dream about, Phoenix? Let me guess…..a tall dark and handsome Republic pilot."

I glared at her; she was really testing the limits of Jedi patience. I took a calm breath, and started counted pazaak cards in my head. "I won't dignify that with a response, Bastila. You're trying to make me jealous or angry, or both. It's bad enough we're bonded together but using our bond to twist me around your finger. You can hang that up, Bastila."

Bastila sighed and then said sadly, "You're right. I am sorry. I shouldn't have done that. Like you, I am very much influenced by our bond. Please….forgive me."

I raised an eyebrow on that, did Bastila know about what happened with me and Carth? I thought about it and then groaned inwardly, probably. I couldn't even have a moment's bit of privacy with Carth without this damn bond.

I sighed, "I forgive you Bastila. Anyway…. isn't it a bit convenient to dream about our enemies?"

"And what else should we dream about except that which is most important to our fate?"

"Our fate? I am confused; I've been a smuggler for most of my life. I don't understand how suddenly and quite conveniently you and I start having visions of Revan and Malak. That's not normal, Bastila, explain that to me?"

"Are you wondering why we shared the vision? Or why we even received it in the first place? To the first I can only repeat the answer that the Council gave us. Our fates are linked, and for two as strong as we are in the Force that amounts to a near-physical bond. As to the second, I don't truly have an answer for you. The Force works as it will, and perhaps we should be grateful for what we have been given."

"So you're basically saying that conveniently we are having visions of our enemies….and the Force is guiding us. I don't buy it Bastila, you make it sound like the Force is some sort of living entity bending and twisting us to its will."

"The Force often seems to cause events that bend the laws of probability, especially with those that are strongly affiliated with it. In this respect, you and I will simply have to become accustomed to such 'convenience'. We are the tools of the Force and we will do as it wills. As for you saying the Force is some sort of living entity…. there is no evidence one way or the other. What you believe the Force to be ultimately will decide who you are."

"You make it sound like we have no free will whatsoever…"

"Quite the contrary. Ours is the ultimate free will. The Force is our destiny, but the choices we make along it are ultimately our own."

"And what if that choice is taken from you to begin with?"

Bastila frowned at me, her features suddenly scrunched up like a kinrath pup. "What do you mean?"

"I did not choose to be bonded or linked to you, Bastila. For one thing why would I want to be bonded to you or you to me for that matter? It again seems rather convenient."

"Dislike it or deny it all you want, Phoenix but we are linked together."

I sighed, "Yea, that's the thing… how did our fates become linked in the first place? We are so dynamically opposed as individuals, it makes little sense how this happened in the first place. I could understand a bond if we were similar in background or even personality, but we're not."

Bastila gave a long sigh, "I... I don't know. Believe me, I certainly don't find the prospect of being joined to you enjoyable in any fashion."

I snorted, "And believe me, Bastila the feeling is mutual, and the sooner we get whatever the council wants us to do over and done with the better. I dislike this bond immensely and I especially dislike the fact that I am bonded to you, if there was a physical way to cut the bond, I would because it's pretty obvious that this bond will eventually drive us both crazy."

"I agree with you on that completely, Phoenix. So let's go see the Masters right now so we can get sent out towards those ruins and complete our destiny."

"Fair enough…. "

~Bastila~

Revan/Phoenix was getting suspicious of everything. Why the bond? Why the dream? Why everything? I couldn't fault her, really I couldn't. It seemed that her implanted memory and persona was trying to come up with a rational explanation for what had happened to her since that ill-fated day on her flagship. Since Phoenix didn't have all the pieces in her mind, she was trying so very hard to fill in the gaps and fragments in her mind. It made me feel guilty, despite the fact that if Phoenix came to the realization that she was Darth Revan it could end badly for the whole galaxy.

So we slowly walked to the council chamber to receive our assignment to explore the ruins on Dantooine.

Phoenix turned to me and she said calmly, "Bastila….you know if I've seem a bit…upset over this whole bond and dream thing. I am sorry. It's just that...I am not use to this at all. I guess I really do need to trust the Force more than I have. If I've made you upset I am sorry. I am sorry about what happened earlier with us and….well…I'd like us to be friends, if that's possible."

I nodded and gave Phoenix a light pat on the shoulder, "I'd like that too, Phoenix. As for the dream and our bond, I understand. You're trying to figure out the rationale behind the bond and the dream we had. I hate to say it Phoenix, that sometimes there is no rationale for what the Force does. Sometimes it just happens. I suppose the longer you are a Jedi; you will eventually come to that realization. Since you haven't been a Jedi for that long, I can understand the desire to come up with a tangible explanation for everything that has happened to you."

Phoenix nodded and then said, "So a bit more trust in the Force and a bit less trying to grasp onto something tangible." She sighed, "I'll do my best at it, Bastila. I know the Force exists; too much has occurred for me to deny any of what has happened to me or the fact that I can manipulate the Force in such ways that seem prudent. You're absolutely right though, I haven't been a Jedi for all that long and I still want to try to come up with logical explanations. I simply need to let go and let the Force guide me."

I smiled and nodded, "You'll be a fine Jedi Knight, one of these days Phoenix. It's good for you to recognize these issues early on. The sooner you come to terms with them the stronger you will be in your ability to use the Force and accept its influence in your life."

We were still walking to the council when we happened to come upon Juhani. Phoenix had managed to redeem the woman. It pleased me that Phoenix had passed her trial in the fact that Revan would have killed her, but Phoenix had redeemed her.

Juhani smiled softly at Phoenix. "I must give you my thanks. Because of you, I am once again welcomed within the Jedi Order."

Phoenix nodded and then asked. "Did you learn anything more about Quatra?"

Juhani sighed. "Quatra's injuries were not so severe as I first believed. I was foolish to believe I could harm a Master such as she with my... my clumsy efforts. The fierce confrontation between us was nothing more than a part of my training. Quatra wanted me to understand the threat of the Dark Side, to see how easy it was to fall from the path of light."

Phoenix raised an eyebrow. "That seems like a pretty harsh way to teach a lesson."

"Quatra's methods may seem strange, but I trust her wisdom. The lesson has been difficult, but I am better because of it. Humility is never easy to teach, but now I truly understand my own limitations."

I nodded. "It is wise to understand one's own limitations and to have a good master to teach you to understand that."

Phoenix sighed. "I can't say that I fully approve of the way this lesson was taught, but you seem better for it, Juhani."

Juhani nodded. "I am…."

Phoenix then asked." "So… where is Quatra now?"

"After our last battle, Quatra had nothing left to teach me. I needed time alone to explore the turmoil of my own spirit. Only then was I ready to follow a guide – you – back to the light. When I left, Quatra knew her work with me was done. There are other disciples who need training throughout the galaxy, and she could not stay to see if I passed this most difficult trial."

I smiled softly at Juhani. "This has been a painful lesson, Juhani, but it seems you have learned it well. I am certain you will be a credit to the Order."

"I do not know what the Council has in store for me, but I will trust in the Force and the way of the Jedi to help me through whatever is to come."

We parted and entered the council chamber. Master Vandar spoke as we entered, although he mainly spoke to Phoenix. "Your training is now complete, young Padawan. And perhaps now it is time we dealt with the matter of the dream you and Bastila shared. When we heard of the ruins in your dreams, Master Dorak recognized it as one of a series of ancient structures here on Dantooine."

Master Dorak nodded. "These ruins have long been known to us, but we believed them to be merely burial mounds. Perhaps they are more than we first suspected, if Revan and Malak found something there."

Vandar continued." This one in particular lies to the east of this Enclave. We sent a Jedi to investigate... but he has not returned. Perhaps sending him in the first place was a mistake. The Force is guiding you through your visions; it may be that exploring the ruins is a task tied to your destiny. That is why the Council has now decided you should be the one to investigate this. The secrets to stopping Malak may be hidden within those ruins. You must investigate them and find what Revan and Malak were looking for."

Phoenix looked concerned. "What happened to the Jedi who went to investigate?"

"We do not know. That is one of the things you must investigate. We... fear the worst."

Phoenix nodded and was about to speak when….

Ahlan Matale, one of the biggest landowners on Dantooine stormed in right in the middle of our meeting, "I demand justice! The Sandral family is a blight upon Dantooine! They must be punished!"

Phoenix rolled her eyes at the man and muttered to me. "Geesh, talk about being rude, he could have waited till we were done speaking to the council."

I nodded and said softly. "Let's just wait and see what the council has to say."

Master Vandar spoke. "The Council will look into this matter, Mr. Matale. You must be patient. Your accusations have no proof, and we do not want you stirring up trouble with the Sandrals if there is some mistake."

Ahlan snorted. "Mistake? My son Shen is missing! How can there be any doubt the Sandrals are to blame?"

Vrook stood firm and stated. "There are other possible explanations for your son's disappearance."

"Bah! You Jedi are good for nothing but talk! I shall only wait so long before I take action on my own!"

Ahlan stormed out of the council chamber.

Master Vandar sighed. "As dangerous as the threat from Darth Malak and the Sith may be, we Jedi cannot simply abandon our other responsibilities. The Council has promised Alhan Matale we will look into his son's disappearance. Should you have time, padawan, you may want to investigate this matter."

Phoenix said calmly. "These two families, what's going on with them?"

Vandar stated calmly. "These two families have been settled here for some years now..."

Master Vrook shook his head and interrupted Master Vandar."And causing me no end of trouble!"

Phoenix chuckled lightly and Vrook said. "This is no laughing matter, padawan. These two families have been feuding ever since they have settled here."

"Well what started the feud, Master Vrook?"

Vrook shook his head and shrugged and Master Vandar stated."I do not know how the original feud started, but they want nothing to do with each other. As you may have heard, Ahlan Matale believes that his son, Shen, has been kidnapped by Nurik Sandral."

Master Dorak sighed. "Actually, the original feud started when Ahlan claimed that Nurik stole his prized Marrovian pig. Of course Nurik denied it but Ahlan claims he smelled the pig being cooked on the Sandral's property. Nurik finally claimed the pig was trespassing on his property and eating his crops. So he took the pig as compensation. As you can see padawan, this feud has been going for quite some time. As for the current state of this feud, Nurik's son Casus has been missing for some time as well... I fear Nurik may suspect Ahlan in this..."

Phoenix sighed. "I get the idea, two feuding farming families. My family had similar issues back on Deralia. It happens because of either a desire or a lack of resources. In the end, the feud was settled by both of our families by each family selling a small strip of land and creating a neutral boundary line. This boundary was managed by a neutral party that made sure we both didn't cross that boundary. Both of our families paid for that management. It kept the peace and the feuding diminished, it seems to me that both the Sandrals and Matales would benefit from such an arrangement."

Master Vrook nodded. "I see….padawan. Perhaps it would be wise to send you out to find out the situation of this feud. Your knowledge of such things would be beneficial."

Phoenix nodded. "I will see to it, Master Vrook."

He then added. "If Shen Matale is not returned to his father it may ignite a savage and bloody feud between the Matale and Sandral estates. We must not allow that to happen. It is in the real world that we truly prove ourselves worthy of the title Jedi. You would do well to remember this, young padawan."

Phoenix nodded and I stated. "This task has its own importance. It may also serve to divert our minds for a short time... something which carries its own rewards"

~Carth~

Phoenix smiled at me as Bastila, me, and her set out on some task from the Jedi Order to see some old ruins that nearly crippled Phoenix the last time she went towards them.

I could tell that Bastila really didn't want me on this task but, Phoenix insisted upon it and in fact she refused to go unless I went with them. I squeezed tight onto Phoenix's hand and decided this was probably the best time to let Bastila know in no uncertain terms how I and Phoenix stood.

"Bastila, I think it's time for you to know that Phoenix and I…"

Bastila shook her head. "I know….and as much as I rather you didn't pursue a relationship with Phoenix." She looked firmly at both of us, "There is so much I could tell you on why you two shouldn't have a relationship other than the fact that it goes against everything we have been taught as Jedi." She suddenly sighed. "Yet I can see….that both you and Phoenix seem driven to this particular path. I do have to warn you…the path you are on, it will be filled with pain, anger, jealousy, maybe even hate. These very emotions may lead both of you down the path of the Dark Side. Since you both seem to refuse to listen to me, all I can do is constantly warn you both of your decisions"

Phoenix quickly interjected. "Bastila, maybe I want to take that risk. The risk is after all mine to take."

Bastila shook her head. "Are you sure of that Phoenix? You do realize your actions could have dangerous consequences not only for yourself and Carth but for the galaxy as well. I don't have to remind you the risk of a fallen Jedi to the galaxy. The story of Darth Revan and Malak is enough to warn you of that. Plus is Carth so willing to take that risk with you as well?"

I frowned. "Look Bastila, it's all nice of you to be the noble Jedi on this but Phoenix and I….we love each other and no matter what we face, we will face it together."

Bastila sighed. "Very well….all I can do is try and keep you both strong."

We ended up reaching the ruins….

~Phoenix~

The cold ominous ruins were a barrier to me last time, but this time I refused to let the Dark Side turn me away. The cold chilled against me but I was strong. My friends were with me and my dark voice was right, I needed the connection of my friends. They were my strength and I believed that together we could do anything. I smiled softly as I grasped Carth's hand and I rubbed our hands and fingers against the cold and oily stones of the door. It would not budge and I wondered how did Revan open this with Malak? I thought back on the vision. Revan didn't really open it with his hands at all, which meant the Force was involved in this.

I sighed, and carefully reached out with the Force and focused it on the doorway. The doorway suddenly budged and carefully opened. It was dark and hard to see and I found myself grasping for a glow stick. Carth and Bastila did the same. We walked down the dark corridor of the ruins. I looked around, Master Dorak was right, this seemed to be a burial mound as well as there were strange looking bones of aliens that looked nothing like any alien I had seen in the galactic records. The bones seemed to be coated with a strange coating of some sort that seemed to perfectly preserve the bones from decay.

"Bastila….look!"

She nodded and came over to look at the bones. "I do not recognize the bone structure of what kind of alien this is and as much as it would be fascinating to send a Jedi anthropologist and archaeologist to look at these bones, it is not our mission to explore the bones of the dead."

I nodded. "I know that some of the scholars in academia on Deralia that would go crazy over these bones, Bastila. It probably would be the greatest find for the Republic to find the bones of a species that isn't in the galactic record."

Bastila nodded. "True as that maybe, our mission lays with what Revan and Malak found in our vision."

Carth suddenly spoke up. "Vision? Revan? Malak? What are you two Jedi going on about?"

I sighed. "Later Carth…."

He muttered something under his breath and I cringed. I had a feeling I was going to get another lecture from Carth about being 'left out of the loop.'

We went a bit further down the hallway and found another door, again it would not open by conventional means and I used the Force and focused on the doorway. The door opened.

In the middle of the hallway was a strange looking droid, that didn't match any kind of droid I'd ever seen before.

The droid began to speak in a very deep voice, Cha'ading wunga'wunga mula hul'a meta a kulu a ku da...

"Uhhh….I don't understand."

The droid proceeded to speak again this time with a different language. I frowned I was feeling very frustrated. "Frack….this droid must be broken."

Bastila shook her head. "I don't think so, Phoenix. I think the droid is trying to communicate with us by cycling through a variety of languages. Each time it spoke it was using a very different alien dialect. The droid can probably understand us. The only problem is it may not have been programmed with the phonemes of a language we can understand."

I sighed. "I hope you're right Bastila…."

Suddenly the language of the droid changed. and I frowned as the droid spoke in another language. "I can reproduce any of the languages spoken by the slaves of the Builders."

"Wait a minute….I understood that."

Bastila nodded. "I recognize this language as well. It is an archaic variant of the Selkath dialect spoken on Manaan. But why would a droid on Dantooine be programmed to speak ancient Selkath?"

I shrugged. "Beats me….Manaan is about as far away from Dantooine as ever."

"Communication was vital to ensure that the slaves constructed this temple according to the wishes of the Builders. But you are not of the slave species. Neither are you of the Builders. You are like the one who came before."

Bastila looked thoughtful. "It must be referring to Revan. The Dark Lord and Malak likely encountered this droid when they explored these ruins."

I frowned. "Then why didn't the vision show this droid?"

Bastila shrugged. "I don't know why either Phoenix. Perhaps we were not meant to see it."

"I suppose we only got a glimpse of what Revan and Malak saw then."

Bastila nodded. "Probably."

I turned to the droid. "What are you? Are you some sort of Guardian?"

"I am the Overseer. The Builders programmed me to enforce discipline among the slaves while this monument to the power of the Star Forge was constructed. At project completion all slaves were executed. I was reprogrammed to serve should a Builder return in search of knowledge of the Star Forge."

"Slaves? Executed?" I cringed; I disliked slavery with a passion. I knew if Zaalbar were here he'd probably go berserk on the damn droid.

The droid looked old and I asked. "How long have you been here?"

"My chronological circuits have marked over ten full revolutions of this system's outermost planet around the sun since the Builders left."

Bastila eyes went wide. "Ten revolutions would take more than 20,000 years. If this is true then this droid is nearly 5,000 years older than the Republic itself!" Bastila paused a moment. "There must be some mistake"

The droid interjected. "There is no mistake. The Builders constructed my chronological circuitry using the technology of the Star Forge itself. My calculations are infallible."

I frowned. "Builders? Who are these Builders you keep talking about?"

"The Builders are the great masters of the galaxy, the conquerors of all worlds, the rulers of the infinite empire and the creators of the Star Forge."

Bastila stated. "These Builders must have been an extinct people, though it is strange there is no record of their existence. Even the archives at the Jedi Academy make no mention of them. In the years before the Republic the hutts were a dominant force in the galaxy, but they never constructed an empire. In fact, I know of no species that would fit with this information."

"Perhaps those bones we saw belong to the Builders, Bastila. Although that's hard to say, because it might have belonged to the slaves of the Builders. We'd have to get a genetic sample of those bones and with that strange substance on them…."

Bastila nodded. "That substance pulses with the Dark Side, Phoenix. I suspect that the Builders dabbled in Dark Side techniques, perhaps even towards their dead."

"Makes sense, since Malak said in our vision that he felt the Dark Side in these ruins."

Bastila nodded. "You certainly have a very good mental recall on that vision, Phoenix."

"That's because it was my vision."

Bastila sighed and shook her head. "So you say."

"Look Bastila, I am pretty sure it was my dream and I know what caused it."

"Really and how do you deduce that?"

"I was upset at the council and was distressed they would not accept me for training. I ran off disappointed and crying. I was very much filled with emotion; it was those emotions that triggered the vision. Deny it if you wish Bastila, I trust my feelings on this."

"And how do you know if it wasn't my emotions triggering the vision, remember we are bonded together."

"Because you weren't leaving the Council, a few weeks ago, upset and in tears, Bastila, that's how I know it wasn't your emotion triggering the vision. You just got pulled along for the ride."

Bastila sighed. "Fine….if you want to accept that it's your vision then I won't argue anymore with you on it."

Carth glared at both of us. "What? What bond? What are you two talking about? I've been quiet for the most part about this trip to these ruins but I want answers."

Both Bastila and I both snapped back in unison. "Not now Carth…"

"Fine….but I want answers."

Bastila said firmly. "I understand Carth, but not now. We have to complete our mission for the Council."

Carth grumbled. "Fine…."

I tried to put a hand on Carth's shoulder but he pushed it off his shoulder and I sighed, these ruins flowed with the Dark Side, it was possible that the current was affecting Carth. Yet, Carth was prone to moody outbursts. Yet, you couldn't blame him, the poor guy had had his mentor betray him and it seemed it still was affecting him even now. With Bastila and me not saying much about our mission from the Council, this probably felt like a betrayal to him.

I sighed. "Look Carth, I promise I'll answer what I can just as soon as we're done here."

He nodded and said nothing more. I sighed and tried to collect myself. "Those bones, the Builders dabbling in the Dark Side, perhaps the Builders the droid is referring to is the Sith."

The droid responded,"I know nothing of these "Sith", but they are not the Builders. The Builders are… the Builders"

"Hmmm…" I looked thoughtful at Bastila. "I am not convinced. The Builders might be another name for Sith. Anyway…." I asked another question to the droid, "Have you seen a Builder recently?"

"I have been here ever since the completion of this monument. In all this time no Builder has returned to seek information on the Star Forge."

"Okay so maybe the Builders are not the Sith, but it was worth pondering over."

Bastila nodded and I asked, "What is the 'Star Forge'?"

The droid responded."The... The Star Forge is the glory of the Builders, the apex of their infinite empire. It is a machine of invincible might, a tool of unstoppable conquest."

"Like that helps, could you be a little more specific?

"The... The Star Forge is the glory of the Builders, the apex of their infinite empire. It is a machine of invincible might, a tool of unstoppable conquest"

Bastila shook her head. "The droid is obviously not programmed with the knowledge we seek. The Star Forge sounds like some type of weapon, perhaps... though, in fact, it could be anything."i

"It sounds like some sort of massive weapons factory or war machine of some sort."

"Maybe... that might explain how the Sith were able to amass a fleet so quickly. But I suspect the Star Forge is more powerful than a mere factory. Maybe the droid has more information we can use. It seems to respond to you; perhaps you should ask it something else."

"Responds to me?" I scratched my head, "Yea it does….alright….Bastila."

" Tell me about Revan and Malak… the ones who came before us."

"The ones who came before you – the ones like you, not Builders but not slaves – sought knowledge of the Star Forge and its origins. They proved themselves worthy. They discovered the secrets of the Star Forge locked beyond the sealed door behind me. But there was another who failed to unlock the secrets and paid the ultimate price."

I looked around and saw the body of the Jedi I had spoken to earlier. I cringed; the poor man had been nice to me.

"The droid must be talking about poor Nemo. The Council sent him here to investigate... and it cost him his life."

I looked angrily at the droid. "Did you kill this Jedi?"

"I am not programmed for combat, I did not harm the one who failed. This temple's own protections will destroy those who seek knowledge of the Star Forge if they are deemed unworthy."

Bastila laid a hand on my shoulder. "Nemo is one with the Force, Phoenix, be at peace."

I sighed. "It was a mistake for the Council to send him. They should have been patient and waited for us to enter the ruins on our own."

"Sadly I agree with you, Phoenix. But Nemo was into anthropology and archaeology and the council felt he was qualified to enter these ruins."

I looked over at poor Nemo. "Qualified to study, yes. But qualified to defeat the defenses of this "temple" he wasn't."

I sighed and went through Nemo's pack drawing out a blue Jedi robe and a crystal. I put the items into my pack and turned back to the droid, "How can I prove myself worthy?"

"Enter the proving grounds to the east and west. Within them those who understand the will of the Builders can unlock their secrets and open the doors. But those who fail will be destroyed by the power of the temple itself. More than this, I am not programmed to say."

I looked around; there were two doors, one leading east and one leading west. I drew out of my lightsaber blades. "Come on Bastila….lets prove we're worthy."

~0o0~

I breathed in and out as we had taken down the two droids that were the "Temple's" defenses. I scratched my head. If Revan and Malak had to prove themselves against the droids, how did the proving ground had functioning droids because Bastila and I had to prove ourselves as well? I looked at the droids and looked incredulously as they were slowly starting to rebuild and repair themselves, "Incredible….it looks like these droids have regenerative abilities and are able to repair and rebuild themselves. No wonder Revan and Malak were interested in the Star Forge. With droids and weapons like that…."

Bastila nodded. "I could see the temptation of having weapons like that."

"Could you imagine the medical applications that technology like this could have, Bastila? Imagine if you lost a limb or a body part, the technology could rebuild and repair itself. You wouldn't have to worry about having to scurry around for spare parts or even having a mechanic repair the damage. Now picture that with the Sith Armada. No wonder Revan and Malak would want that kind of weapon."

Bastila gave me an alarmed sort of look. "But this place pulses with the Dark side, Phoenix. I can feel it as the machines rebuild and repair themselves. Is it really worth having that sort of technology at your disposal?"

I sighed. "Maybe…"

Bastila frowned. "How can you say that Phoenix?"

"I said maybe because…I don't see it as dark, Bastila. I see it as a tool, an object that could either be used for good or for evil. Yea, this place pulses with darkness but it would take a person with great restraint and great strength to hold such power and not let it corrupt them. Although it would have to be a person who has an affinity towards self restraint, a person who could cleanse the darkness and use it for good."

Bastila sighed. "And you slowly slide down a slippery slope, Phoenix. Don't you see what happened with Revan? He started out with the best intentions and then slowly and gradually became what he hated. There is no way you could wield such things without becoming corrupted in the process."

"Maybe, Bastila. To be honest, can you honestly understand what Revan's intentions were? He started out trying to protect the Republic against the Mandalorians. He came back fighting against the Republic, that doesn't make sense. How could someone's desire to protect the Republic become a desire to destroy it? That would take a fundamental denial of someone's nature. Is it possible that Revan decided that the only way to protect was to destroy?"

Bastila said firmly. "That makes no sense Phoenix, one cannot protect by destroying."

"Yea they can. Back on my home of Deralia, my father often had to destroy or burn disease ridden crops to save other crops. It's a hard thing to do, but sometimes you have to destroy to protect and save others or other things. I was a farmer's daughter, Bastila. So believe me, it's not always easy to say everything is so cut and dry between light or dark."

Bastila was left speechless and could say nothing more, and it was apparent I had left her stumped.

I sighed and went over to the doorway where Revan and Malak had opened the doorway in the past. I used the Force and quietly opened the doorway.

I motioned for the others to come with me and I must have stepped or tripped an activation mechanism because the device activated before me, revealing a bright, shining and pulsing globe.

I gasped; the device was beautiful, despite the fact that it was pulsing with Dark side energy. It still was beautiful. I admired the design.

"This... this must be what Revan and Malak found when they entered this temple. This must be where their journey down the Dark Side began."

I nodded. "What exactly is it?"

Bastila responded. "This is a... a map. Some sort of intergalactic navigational chart. Revan and Malak must have used this to lead them to the Star Forge. We could use this map to follow their path and find the Star Forge ourselves. But we must be wary… they may have laid traps or concealed what they found."

"Hmm…. I still don't understand about the Star Forge. What does it do?"

"I... I don't know, but Revan and Malak were very interested in finding it. It must be a tool of some type... or maybe a weapon. Perhaps the Council can tell us more. But I think this map might be the key to finding the Star Forge, whatever it is. See this world here? This looks like Korriban, a Sith world. And if that's Korriban, then this is... Kashyyyk... and Tatooine... and here's Manaan. But there are pieces missing: incomplete hyperspace coordinates, corrupted data... and there doesn't seem to be anything indicating where the Star Forge itself might be."

I said. "It's possible that Revan and Malak destroyed some of the data to try and throw people off their trail."

Bastila looked thoughtful. "It is possible….but I think it would be easier just to sabotage or destroy the whole thing."

I grinned. "Ahh…but you saw those droids, Bastila. They have the ability to regenerate and repair themselves. So it is possible that Revan and Malak did destroy the data and the device simply repaired itself. Or perhaps the Builders of the installation destroyed it but again, the technology apparently repaired and rebuilds itself. If we had the time, it's possible that the device would eventually repair itself fully and eventually the whole map might show its complete data."

"Possible but…we simply don't have the time for that."

I sighed. "But what good is an incomplete map?"

"I was thinking that, too. This map can't take us to the Star Forge, but I know that Revan and Malak visited Korriban at least once. Perhaps they discovered something more there. They may have found something on each of the other worlds that completed this map. Maybe if we find all the pieces they will lead us to the Star Forge… and some way to destroy it."

I nodded and put my data pad in and downloaded the map to its storage device.

Carth, who had been quiet and had been apparently fuming over me and Bastila's lack of communication with him, suddenly spoke out."That sounds like quite a supposition. What if you're wrong?"

"What if I'm right? We can't ignore this. Finding the Star Forge might very well be the key to defeating the Sith! We must inform the Council of what we have discovered. They must decide our next course of action, though I suspect our task has only just begun.