Author's notes: I hope you liked Admiral Paytah – I actually based him on everyone's non-favorite KotOR II shutta, Luxa… at least as far as species and relationship with the main character (minus the double-cross) are concerned.

FlyHigh4Life – (bows) Thank you! I've always been somewhat of a RM shipper, so I thought this idea might be interesting.

BladeMaster – Here's one!

Greatstar – (shrugs) If I will find this one unsatisfying, then maybe. Otherwise, don't bet on it.

Phht – Yeah, she is a multi-tasker. And yes, the stage is finally set. Now you know all about the RM relationship in this fic. I hope it turned out well. Typo has been edited!

The Dark Lord Bob no one had found that yet... and yes, it is the PotO quote! I actually wanted to use the song, but somehow, it didn't fit in the intermezzo. Thanks for reading, here's another chapter!

passon- here it is!

Brynn– well, a few mistakes… that's not so bad. It's the storyline that counts. As I said, I'll consider it. I still haven't made the final choice.

Dark Lord Daishi – Yes! I actually wanted to cut it, because the chapter was long enough without it, but I saved it from an early version and I liked it, so I kept it!

Ryumasa the Ryuhaitou – The poetic stuff was very good, actually. Yes, Malak needs to be pacified a bit. Yes, you got Deon right. A hint: check out parentsplace. com for Aminta

X X X

Chapter 40 – The void

X X X X

After marching back into the ship, T3-M4 and HK-47 were officially delegated with the task of repairing the hyperdrive, T3 because of skills, HK because of the augmenting effects of a weapon aimed at an astromech droid´s "head". Such cooperation was very productive.

Revan decided to take Bastila´s place as the copilot for this flight once more. When she returned to the common room, Carth was waiting for her there, although he wasn't looking at her. He was busy pressing several buttons on the holoprojector in the middle of the room.

"The Republic fleet must have picked up the message I sent them as we were crashing onto that planet. I'm picking up a transmission from them now." He noted and continued fiddling with the buttons. In just a few seconds, the hologram of a middle-aged woman appeared. Her haircut was clearly military, just as her uniform, signifying the rank of an Admiral.

"This is Admiral Forn Dodonna to the Ebon Hawk, do you read us?" she asked, her voice a bit mechanical due to the transmission.

"Admiral Dodonna, this is Carth Onasi. We are receiving your transmission." Carth replied, military training clearly kicking in – his voice was formal, far more than before.

Admiral Dodonna noticed him at last and let out a sigh of relief. "Carth, I'm glad to see you're still alive. We've begun our assault on the Star Forge, but we're taking heavy losses. How did the Sith ever manage to build something of this scope?"

"The Star Forge wasn't constructed by the Sith, Admiral. We don't have time for me to fully explain it, but that space station is far older than you can imagine."

Uncertainty crossed Dodonna´s face. She was clearly judging their chances against something so great. "Maybe we should pull the fleet back and retreat. I don't know if we have the firepower against this alien technology."

"You can't do that, Admiral." Carth noted, shaking his head, "The Star Forge is an factory of immense power. It's been churning out the capital ships and snub fighters that power the Sith war effort. You have to destroy the Star Forge now, or you'll be fighting an unending wave of reinforcements."

"Then I guess we have no choice." Dodonna sighed once more, this time not relieved at all, "But it isn't going to be easy. I can't even get our capital ships into position to start bombarding the Star Forge. The Sith fleet is too well organized. It's like they can guess our every move and counter our every strategy."

There was no doubt who was behind this. "It's because of Bastila, Admiral. She turned to the Dark Side and became Malak´s apprentice. We suspect she's somewhere on that space station right now, using her Battle Meditation against you and your fleet."

Admiral Dodonna turned to the side and made room for someone else Carth and Revan couldn't see. In a few moments, the small figure of master Vandar stepped into view. "This is Master Vandar. A number of Jedi Knights have joined our fleet, under his command." Dodonna informed them.

"If Bastila is using her power to augment the Sith, then Malak´s fleet is invincible." Vandar commented.

"Battle Meditation might augment sentients, but ships and technology cannot be influenced by such techniques. In a direct battle, you have no chance." Revan almost recited that. "Not with the ships at your disposal. You have too little firepower to stand up against an unending supply of ships. But your chances aren't as small as you think."

The Admiral, who was sizing Revan up for most of the speech, first recognized the trademark outfit, then the hooded face. Her eyes moved from Revan to Vandar and back, showing one distrust, the other accusations.

"Revan has agreed to help us, Admiral." Vandar said, dismissing the unasked questions. "This will be debated later. Our only hope is to somehow stop Bastila from using her Battle Meditation."

"A diversion." Revan bluntly said. "Logical, simple, the only possible way."

Vandar nodded. "Yes. I will send a squadron of Jedi Knights to dock on the Star Forge. Their small ships can penetrate the blockade and dock on the space station. If they can find Bastila, they may be able to distract her attention from the battle overhead. That should allow you to move your capital ships to a final assault on the Star Forge itself, Admiral." He finished, glancing at Dodonna.

"You have the plan, but you don't see the flaws of it." Vandar and Dodonna both turned back to Revan, "Even if your Jedi manage to get past the finest defenses of the station, which is doubtful, and distract her, you still have the matter of Malak to consider. Bastila might not prove a skilled foe when it comes to sparring, but your Jedi will be butchered once he comes to her aid."

"What do you propose we do, then?" Dodonna´s demanding tone had softened only slightly.

"Send your strongest Force user there. And, without trying to sound egotistical, that would be me."

"And how do we know you simply won't take over the station once you "deal" with Malak?" the Admiral inquired with a deep frown.

"Strategically, keeping the station would be a disadvantage for me. And if you don't send me there, Admiral, I'll go on my own accord. I am not your underling. Besides, who will you send if not me? Any Jedi will refuse, because they will tell you it is suicide. Will you go and fight him? Be my guest."

Dodonna was silent. Vandar eventually seemed to get the slightest bit impatient and nodded. "That is understandable, I believe. We will need the combined strength of our Order to defeat Malak. You will be needed. I will inform the Jedi that you are in charge of the strike team. And May the Force Be With You."

"It has always been." Revan noted before the image flickered and disappeared.

X X X

The Ebon Hawk slowly rose from the Rakatan world, heading back up to the stars. Once the Star Forge came into view, it was surrounded by two battling fleets – the Sith and the Republic. Seeing a squadron of snub fighters head towards the space station, the Ebon Hawk followed them. Carefully avoiding heavy fire from the station's laser cannons, the former smuggling vessel docked on the Star Forge.

"Alright, we're here. Welcome to the Star Forge. Anyone care for a tour?" Revan asked with a slight smirk.

"Count me in, kid." Jolee grumbled, "I want to see if these Sith wannabies are anything like the Sith I fought."

"I'm coming too." Canderous added.

Revan nodded. "Good combination. Like on the Rakatan planet, I want you all to be careful. Zaalbar, HK and Juhani – you will guard the ship. Yuthura, prepare the medbay, if only just in case. Carth, don't you dare move from the cockpit. Mission and T3, do a thorough technical check of the ship. It has to be ready to fly immediately and fly fast. There won't be much time to spare once we get back."

The advanced Rakatan technology was visible even in the hangar. Several Jedi were already there, waiting for Revan. When she came into view, a dark haired female Jedi quickly ran to her. "You made it! Several Jedi have already gone ahead into the Star Forge. If we don't stop Bastila from using her Battle Meditation, the Republic fleet will be defeated. We have to strike while we still have the element of surprise. C'mon, before they…"

She was interrupted by the sound of a massive door opening itself. Four Dark Jedi appeared in the elevator, activating their weapons and charging at the Jedi. "Damn! So much for catching them unprepared!" The Jedi drew their lightsabers and dashed to hold off the Sith. "We'll deal with these Sith – you get into the Star Forge and find Bastila. Hurry!" the Jedi quickly said to Revan before drawing a violet lightsaber and parrying a blow.

Seeing as she couldn't waste time here, Revan gestured to her companions to follow her. The elevator that the Dark Jedi used was the shortest route to the factory, but it sealed itself after the Sith exited it. There was only one other route they could take – the long one through Deck 1 and 2.

"We have to take the longer route. Stick close together and keep your eyes opened for angry Sith and war droids." Revan gave out the orders with the swiftness that Mission would envy, but they were clearly heard by the others.

And they obeyed, following the figure of Revan, who sprinted through the massive doors ahead of her. As soon as they were all on the other side, the door slammed shut, blocking the way back to the Hawk. Only Revan didn't turn around to see if someone was there. She merely raised an eyebrow. It seemed that someone was home.

X X X

The Sith were alerted to the Jedi's presence quickly. A Sith Master quickly went to search for the Dark Lord, finding him in one of the Star Forge's corridors. "Lord Malak, a team of Jedi Knights have penetrated the blockade and docked on the Star Forge."

Malak frowned, but it didn't seem to surprise him. The Jedi were known to do such things – it even slightly reminded him of the events that took place a year ago, when the Jedi were sent to capture Revan. Perhaps they would try the same? No. Surely not. "This is not unexpected. The Jedi are formidable opponents. Send the Star Forge's droids to deal with them."

"Lord Malak, forgive me, but how can mere droids stand against Jedi?"

Stunning droids was a rudimentary Force skill – it would be strange if the Jedi wouldn't be able to destroy the artificial opponents. But the look in the Dark Lord's eyes assured him that he was serious. "You underestimate the abilities of the Star Forge's battle droid army. Dispatch the droids."

"Of course, Lord Malak."

Malak once again disappeared in the corridors of the Star Forge. Whatever he intended to do, the Jedi didn't seem to bother him much.

An assault droid, in design quite similar to the standard Sith battle droids, arrived at the Sith Master's bidding.

"The Jedi have invaded the Star Forge. Destroy them. Destroy them all!"

The droid let out a sound of agreement. As it left, the Sith Master wondered whether Lord Malak was right about the Star Forge's army. Perhaps it was meant as a mockery for the Jedi…perhaps not. Either way, he had to keep track of the events and report to Malak what happened to the Jedi arrivals.

X X X

Revan knew that no matter which way they go, they would get to Deck 2. She knew her way around the Star Forge well from the two years she spent exploring it when she was the Dark Lord of the Sith.

She tried to locate Bastila, but there were far too many presences around her to simply pinpoint this one. She then tried focusing on the strongest points in the station's darkness. And one clearly stood out. Focusing some more, she tried to identify it.

"…are formidable opponents…droids to deal with them…" she clearly heard.

"Do you sense her, kid?" Jolee inquired.

Revan shook her head. "Not her. Him." The doors slammed shut behind them again. "Star Forge battle droids use thermal scanners. Take those out first." She ordered.

Canderous nodded curtly, dropping the twin vibroblades he had been holding and taking out his repeating blaster. Jolee simply readied his saber. Two doors exploded nearby and a squadron of red assault droids attacked with mechanical precision.

Revan and Jolee, almost in tandem, fried their circuits, Jolee with the Light Side ability to destroy droids, Revan with Force Lightning. Canderous finished the job by blasting off their heads. They repeated the same process with two other patrols that got in their way and eventually reached the first crossroad, blocked by Jedi and Dark Jedi, who had engaged heated one-on-one duels. The Jedi were losing, badly.

"Ah. More victims for us to slaughter." The apparent ringleader of the Sith noted, with an edge to her voice that reminded Revan of Lashowe. In a second, she was trapped in a whirlwind of the Force.

"Someone needs to teach you to respect your elders, child." Jolee noted afterwards as he and Revan charged at the Sith, killing them instantly and the pair that came after them as well. It took about a minute.

"Hmpf. You know the problem with the youth these days? They're young!" Jolee scuffed.

"Any sign of Princess or Jawbreaker?" Canderous asked, a bit impatiently.

"This way. They'll retreat to the command center." Revan replied, leading the way again.

X X X

The progress of the battle droids certainly wouldn't please the Dark Lord – they have been slaughtered by the Jedi. The thing that would please him even less was who had destroyed them – they managed to salvage some data from the remains of the droids. It was frightening – Revan was aboard the Star Forge and on her way towards them. What would the Dark Lord think about that? The Sith Master found him in the wide corridors of Deck 2.

Malak was watching the new snub fighters that were being prepared for battle float through a transport tunnel. "Why have you disturbed me?" The cold and ruthless voice made the Sith wince.

"I have news, Lord Malak." The Sith hesitantly said. "About the Jedi."

"Ah, the Jedi. Did my droids pass their test? Did they destroy our enemies?"

The moment of truth had come. "N-no, Lord Malak. The droids could not stop them." he stuttered.

The Sith Lord was surprised. The battle droid army was way superior to any other, he was positively sure that even the Jedi wouldn't stand a chance against it… "Strange. I didn't think there were any among the Order that could withstand a full assault of an army of battle droids."

The Sith managed to find the courage to explain the situation, but he assumed that the Dark Lord would punish him for the failure of the droids. "It…it was Revan, Lord Malak. Your old Master is with the Jedi, here on the Star Forge."

Everything made sense now. Malak concentrated for a moment, closing his eyes. There were disturbances in the Force, caused by the battle overhead, the Jedi aboard the Star Forge and something else…a powerful presence among them…the familiar ripples in the Force, stronger than a hurricane. Revan´s presence was almost as strong as that of the Star Forge. She was close…but not close enough just yet. He sensed that she has just entered Deck 2.

"Yes. That would explain why the droids failed. Revan was always strong in the Force. Very well. Send out all available troops. The apprentices as well."

The Sith Master was now frightened – not of Malak´s anger, but of Revan´s presence. She was a different kind of leader and Dark Lord – one who was to be feared not only for her power or her anger, but also for her abilities. "Do you…do you think they can stop Revan, Lord Malak?"

What was the fool thinking? Apprentices and Sith troopers were supposed to stop one of the most powerful Force users that ever lived? He had seen her battle entire troops and defeat them without breaking a sweat – of course the Sith forces wouldn't stop her!

"Of course not!" Malak snapped, "But they will slow her down! That will give me the time I need to prepare the station's defenses. I am curious to see the full abilities of this space station. One as powerful as my old Master will make an interesting test subject."

Without another word, he left to see how his fleet was doing in the battle. The Sith Master didn't waste any time and also went to pass on the orders. He hoped that he wouldn't have to be the one to go fight the former Dark Lord – as Malak put it, it was suicide.

X X X

Throughout the corridors of Deck 2, the group repeated the same pattern whenever ambushed by a group of Sith. A plasma grenade, Stasis Field, Force Lightning, most often all at the same time. The main corridor was secured by several pairs of heavy turrets.

"Security room on the left!" Revan yelled.

"Deflect the gunfire while I clean the way." Canderous ordered. The two lightsaber-armed warriors turned their backs to him, slowly walking backwards while the Mandalorian took care of the Sith in their way.

Once out of blast radius, the pair turned and helped cleanse the control room of Dark Jedi. Canderous remained at the entrance, covering them. Revan began fiddling with the console, eventually growling in frustration.

"Code's changed. I'll have to slice it manually." She began typing in commands, using some of the tricks Mission showed her as well. She knew there was a reason to keep the kid. A minute later, she broke the code and deactivated the guns with ease. Through the bond, a flash of panic reached her.

"I will not fail you again…"

"We should speed up. She knows we're here."

Battle Meditation began affecting Jolee and Canderous, so Revan had to fend off the new wave of Sith practically on her own. Not that it was hard, it was only slightly harder than usual.

"That Jedi trick is quite a beating to the will." Canderous grumbled afterwards.

"That's the point." Jolee explained. "Weaken your enemies, strengthen allies. I remember forty years ago…"

"Not now, old man!" Canderous and Revan yelled at the same time. Jolee sulked, but followed them obediently to the elevator.

X X X

The battle was going well, so far. Bastila´s Battle Meditation granted them a great advantage. The only thing that worried Malak was Revan´s presence. She was cutting her way towards him. Why was he so worried about the confrontation? After all, this was what he always wanted – to have a second chance to prove himself, to show the galaxy that even Revan, THE Revan they considered to be the greatest warrior of their age, wouldn't stand a chance against him. He could defeat her again, just as he did a year ago!

But this… was different. It wasn't just about ordering the hesitant Admiral to blast her ship – it was facing Revan in her full fury, not in a training match where she would offer him a hand when he needed to stand up after being smashed against the wall by her wave of the Force. It would be a duel that could only end in death…his or her. He heard soft footsteps behind him – Bastila arrived, as he ordered her to do.

"Master, why have you summoned me? Without my Battle Meditation, there's a chance that the Republic fleet might break through and attack the Star Forge itself!"

"This will not take long, Bastila. You will be able to resume your Battle Meditation soon enough. I only wanted you to know, that Revan is here on the Star Forge."

A flash of fear and astonishment was visible on Bastila´s young face. "Revan? But…"

"The Force is drawing us to a confrontation with my old Master. The Star Forge has drawn all our enemies together, so that they may all die in a single glorious day! You must prove yourself worthy of being my apprentice, Bastila. You must prove yourself by killing Revan."

"Y-yes, Lord Malak." Bastila stuttered. She knew that it would prove more than difficult. But her shame angered her and that gave her strength. She fled the battle…that was a failure on her part. It wouldn't happen again. Was she afraid of Revan´s immense power, or of striking down someone who used to be her friend? Surely the first one – Bastila embraced the Dark Side fully.

"I sense your fear, Bastila. But it is unfounded. The Star Forge will fuel your command of the dark side. It will give you the strength you need to defeat my old Master. Stay here in the command center while you continue to use your Battle Meditation against the Republic fleet. Revan will find you here, in due time. It is inevitable."

"Yes, Master. I will not fail you again."

Malak walked away to the door leading to the factory, not paying attention to his apprentice anymore. Bastila calmed herself and sat down in a meditation pose. The Force surrounded her and she concentrated on augmenting the Sith fleet. Once she was in the deep meditation state, Malak stopped at the door and turned back to her. His new apprentice had a strong command of the Force, but was it strong enough to defeat Revan? Most probably not. And that would mean he would have to deal with her personally.

"Perhaps you will triumph, Bastila." He muttered, "But even if you fail, it will give me the time I need to fully prepare the station's defenses. And then we shall see, if Revan can stand against the full fury of the Star Forge!" It didn't sound convincing, not even to him.

X X X

Grenades flew at them the moment they stepped out of the elevator. A cryoban grenade froze Jolee´s feet to the ground, but it didn't stop him from stunning the soldiers and throwing his saber at them. Canderous and Revan massacred the Dark Jedi, clearing the path.

"Care to help an old man, kids?" Jolee asked innocently, pointing at his feet.

"It will take a minute for the effect to lift. Cover us." With that, both of them left.

They came to the final ascending corridor, where several Dark Jedi shut the door leading to Bastila with the Force. Revan took on two of them, Canderous blasted the remaining one. When her opponents were dead, Revan turned to see another Sith emerge seemingly from nowhere and try to stab the Mandalorian. But a green blade pierced his chest before he could even ignite his saber.

"Now you owe me one, sonny." Jolee noted, stepping over the corpse.

"Whatever, old man." Canderous waved him off, following Revan to the remaining sealed door.