Chapter Five: The Door Opens
The Dantooine Enclave was just as Revan remembered it.
Yet, he was different. It was a homecoming of a sort; he had not been back here since he'd departed for Melinda Daan all that time ago. Now he walked amid flowing fountains, alone. He saw people walking familiar paths, but he did not know them. Those he had known were gone, moving away on one duty or another.
In this place of light, shrouded in a black robe, he found himself wondering what might have been. What would things have been like if he'd been less disobedient, less troublesome? He looked to Meetra, and she was gazing at the tree at the center of the courtyard.
After a moment, she sat down.
"It's not as it was," said Meetra, shaking her head.
"It might be for the best," said Revan.
And then he saw Bastila coming toward him. She was clad in brown robes and moved toward him with a smile. "Revan, Meetra, I was not expecting you. Our last parting was... abrupt."
"Bastila, I'm glad to see you," said Revan, but he did not feel it.
He felt nothing.
Hadn't he stolen her lightsaber crystals and denied her a Master? But that had led her to being trained by Nomi Sunrider and advancing her Battle Meditation.
"I am as well. Though I fear I will not be here much longer," said Bastila. "Why do you still wear that mask? Don't you think the time for it has passed?"
Revan reached up and felt the steel of his mask as though it were bare skin. With a sigh, he lowered the gloved hand. "It's a habit.
"Too late to break it now. I feel I ought to wear it for the sake of those who believe in me. What brings you out here?"
Revan had not been a good Jedi.
No, he had not been what the Council had wanted in a Jedi. There was, perhaps, a difference. Light and Dark, concepts that had once defined the universe, had collapsed. The old ideologies were falling away, and new ones were rising to take their place.
What of democracy? What of good and evil?
Would those too fall away? He sensed, even now, the beginnings of changes on Dantooine. Changes in the abode of the Jedi that was unchangeable. And they foretold of many shifting currents. The cycle began anew but was altered.
"I am here to oversee some of the farming operations," said Bastila, trying to fill the silence. "The Jedi and the Republic are trying to iron out what conduct should be taken in regards to the criminals.
"However, once that is done, I am being dispatched to Alderaan to arrange for the growth of agriculture. Master Nomi is already there."
"That seems a bit pedestrian for one of your talents," said Revan.
"Well, not exactly," said Bastila. "You see, there have been backlogs of supplies getting held in reserve in places near it. I'm supposed to use my Battle Meditation to ensure the supply chain issues are solved.
"Food prices have been rising across the galaxy. I confess it does seem a bit beneath me. But the Council does know what it is doing.
"Part of the problem is a lack of freight haulers."
"What do you mean?" asked Meetra, coming forward.
"It seems that many people who operate cargo ships have been moving the Outer Rim," said Bastila. "So the core worlds have shortages."
"And why is that?" asked Meetra.
"The companies I gather are not paying them enough," said Bastila. "It seems very petty to me; after all, the entire galaxy needs supplies."
Revan should say something, but his attention was turned to the water flowing. This place of serenity was meant to help with meditation. Yet within it, he now saw only a cage. A cage for the mind, while chains are manufactured for the will.
It occurred to him that if he had been the perfect Jedi, the galaxy would have died. Whether by the flames of the Mandalorians, or the Iridian Plague, or simple decay, it would die. The rich and powerful would have maintained their neat little system until the whole galaxy collapsed. Then they would pile stolen money aboard transports and go to some nice paradise world.
They'd live in peace ever after as the galaxy burned.
Just like the Jedi on Dantooine. A foundation of his faith now seemed, in some sense, vile to him. Though he knew it was not entirely fair.
"Revan?" asked Meetra. "Are you alright?"
"It probably isn't petty for the people who have to maintain their ships," said Revan. "Their livelihood is at stake. And with all the infighting between pirates, they can probably operate fairly safely."
It was beneath her talents.
The job was incredibly important. But the Jedi thought it was beneath them because it involved building something. Not destroying it. Important Jedi rescued Princesses and dueled Sith. They never worried about minor things like shortages.
"Yes, I suppose they can," said Bastila. "Yuthura wanted to investigate the slave trade. But she was retasked to criminal investigations in Coruscant. I gather the Council thought she was too personally invested."
"Well, I'm glad to hear you've been keeping busy," said Revan, trying to stay engaged. "Our buffer zone project is going quite well, and we're gathering information as we speak. We already have several contacts in the criminal syndicates surrounding Hoth."
Revan felt empty here, empty in a way he never had on the war-torn battlefields and frozen plains. It was as if everything he was had been slowly stripped away, leaving only a mask and cloak around him.
"And what do you intend to do about them?" asked Bastila.
"We'll wait for a bit on that, Yuthura, and have everything set up before we act," said Revan.
"Yuthura? What do you mean?" asked Bastila, frowning in a way that was cute.
"She's the one who assigns orders to the anti-slavery operations," said Meetra. "See, sometimes, even if slavery isn't a problem on the world an agent is operating in, we can do things. For instance, slaves freed by one agent need to be relocated to a safe house, and we set those up.
"Others arrangement employment opportunities for them to start new lives. We work mostly through private channels in the holonet. I estimate we've cost the slaving industry billions over the years."
"Billions isn't much to an intergalactic company. But I suppose every little bit helps," said Bastila. "And there are other elements that we cannot see which such good deeds will effect.
"Still, couldn't these channels be monitored?"
"Of course they could, but we take appropriate precautions," said Revan. "The most important operations have a rule of minimum communication. Each section of the machine operates on a need-to-know basis."
"I'm managing our relief efforts for worlds that the Republic can't help," said Meetra.
"And what does Malak do?" asked Bastila.
Revan shrugged. "Malak is an overall manager. I don't have much online presence beyond a few announcements—that and setting general policy. I have more immediate concerns usually.
"He is, more or less, the leader. Though we consult on most important matters."
Bastila shifted. "Yes, well, in any case, what brought you out here, Revan? And where is Master Kae? She never seems to be around as she should."
"Master Kae," said Revan. "Is handling some matters on the other side of the world. We've been doing a lot of scouting in preparation for an operation.
"As for myself..?"
What was Revan doing here? His mission was obvious, but why here? What had drawn him to this place? "Meetra and I are here to check some things out we were concerned about. Is Master Dorak within?"
Bastila nodded and straightened her hair. "Yes, however, you don't need to rush if you feel the need. I would love to talk more with you."
"Not very smooth, Bastila," laughed Meetra.
"I am not trying to be smooth; I was merely inviting him to spend more time with us!" said Bastila, flustered. "I mean with me, I mean-"
"Not very smooth either," said Meetra, laughing harder.
"Nevermind," said Bastila. "I am sure we both have better things to do, Revan."
Revan reflected he could probably get them into a threesome if he worked hard enough. Or he could push to ensure marriage was an option for Jedi again. His gaze saw a future where he became a fine Jedi, married Bastila, and lived happily ever after. The Exchange carved out their territory, and the law tried to keep them in line. The Sith were quelled and defeated but kept in line, and peace was made with the Mandalorians.
What of it?
Such a life would preserve the status quo only. It would lengthen the lifespan of the Republic, allow it to limp on a bit. But in the end, the same choice would fall to another and another after that. And the Republic would die a slow death under the weight of the corrupt parasites, feasting on its corpse.
Liberty would die with thunderous applause.
"Revan?" asked Bastila. "Are you alright? You do not seem well? Your thoughts are guarded."
"Yes," said Revan. "I am well. I would like to speak at length later, Bastila. Some other time, perhaps?"
"Of course," said Bastila.
They parted ways, and Revan wondered if he'd ever see her again. Their lives could be ended at any moment. Whatever the case, he and Meetra made their way through the halls and into the library. There, among the many shelves of holo-books, was Master Dorak. Revan motioned to Meetra, and she turned to start reading.
Dorak looked up from the book he was reading and stood. The dark-skinned man moved forward and clasped his hand. "Young Revan, it has been some time since last we spoke."
"That it has, Master Dorak. How has Malak been?" asked Revan.
"At present, he and Master Kreia are in the midst of operations," said Dorak. "The Republic forces you dispatched have landed and are establishing a militia. It is work that chafes him, but it is better than remaining in battle. It is not good for one to remain too long in darkness, or it infects the spirit.
"Even so, I do not think these simple folk will be able to resist any serious invasion.
"While they have courage, they lack the industrial capacity to wage a large-scale war."
Because the Jedi had sheltered them, there had never been a major war on Dantooine, nor had there been an ecological disaster. The Jedi had taken up residence, and the farmers had followed. Every conflict was ended with a compromise. Most ecological disasters could be predicted and prevented.
It was a kind of artificial harmony that served as a testament to the Jedi ideal. Perhaps it was a vision of the universe they wanted. Was the goal of the light then, to make all the worlds like Dantooine.
It was...
Not a bad thought.
"True enough," said Revan. "I don't expect them to. However, if properly organized, they could maintain a guerilla war and deter pirates. And certainly, it will make establishing a real government here easier."
There were far worse visions one could have for the universe. Yet, the people of Dantooine had no power of their own. They had never been able to fight among one another. Every crime was found out and dealt with by a wise council of omnipotent moral busybodies.
It had left them unable to organize themselves. They had no real common identity or beliefs. Nothing beyond being subjects of benevolent overlords. Did the colonists believe the same as the Jedi? Or did they simply pay lip service in exchange for their help?
"Such a thing will be far off," said Dorak. "The Matale and Sandral feud continues. There are many like it throughout Dantooine. Without the Jedi to mediate, I fear Dantooine might be a far more warlike place.
"There is merit in creating systems by which their own affairs can be managed, however. The Jedi may be forced to move eventually, should things become truly dire.
"Still, what is it that brings you back to my library?"
This library was filled with texts and histories and many others great events. None of them had happened on Dantooine. The people here read stories of great adventures that had not, and never would, come to them.
To live in paradise, always hearing of greatness but never able to achieve it for yourself? Was the fate of future generations to dwell in a perpetual state of humiliating gratitude toward those long dead? The real heroes who had brought peace and justice before you could know anything else?
Could that be called living?
"Research," said Revan. "I've become aware of a series of different ruins throughout the galaxy—all date to a period before Zim the Despot. And every one of them has been sealed off.
"I've been hoping to know a bit more about why."
What if such a universe was achieved? A Dantooine spanning across the galaxy? Would it last forever? Or would it simply fade into gradual oblivion? Even Dantooine changed because of outside forces. New settlers often arrived on transports to start a new life. And some people left to fight in wars or seek their fortunes.
This beautiful microcosm of the Jedi ideal was a tyranny of sorts. It escaped notice because there existed a universe beyond Dantooine. If all the world were to become this verdant paradise, there would be no escape. No place you could run.
And so, the inevitable would happen.
Rebellion.
"That information is kept secret for a reason, young Revan," said Dorak. "I wonder if you are not looking into matters best left alone. More than one promising Jedi has gone down a dark path for the sake of curiosity."
The Jedi had been wise to set their temple on Coruscant.
The teaming, wretched cityscape was the precise antithesis of everything they desired. In dwelling there, they were forced to engage with the counterpoint to their ideology. Young Jedi who trained there sensed their enemy, though they did not recognize it.
The Jedi had become strong.
Strong through conflict with their enemies. And there lay their ultimate defeat.
"Yes, but curiosity is not my motive," said Revan. "My motive is security."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Dorak.
"Whatever is in those ruins must be a great threat if the Jedi of old sealed the place," said Revan.
The Masters of Old.
They were always referred to when asked about traditions. As if they were somehow wiser and greater than anyone now. Greater than anyone ever could be. All the galaxy were but gnats before Naga Sadow and Arca Jeth.
Or so you would believe.
"True enough," said Dorak. "I doubt very much the Masters would have enacted such restrictions without reason."
"Should we not learn what it is?" asked Revan. "Time makes fools of us all, Master Dorak. Sooner or later, someone is going to enter that place and learn the secrets within, perhaps because they bypass the security. Or, perhaps, because the Jedi are forced to abandon Dantooine.
"In fact, someone may already have."
Arca Jeth was a fool, and so was Naga Sadow.
Exar Kun was a direct result of Arca Jeth's failure. How many promising students did Jeth fail? How many were set up to fail from the start? The Masters of Dantooine had tried to understand Revan, to channel him. It was why he'd turned out as well as he did. Who had tried to understand Exar Kun?
If someone had asked some inconvenient questions, his treachery could have been foreseen.
And Naga Sadow? What of Naga Sadow?
He destroyed his own Empire in a matter of weeks to no great result. Before such a failure, the ability to destroy an entire sun was insignificant. Not next to the power of influence. All power with the Force meant nothing if you could not deliver when it counted. The Force was no good if you could not even have a conversation without the other person hating you.
"What do you mean?" asked Dorak.
Revan drew from his cloak the pictures he'd gotten from Captain Karath. "These are pictures of Aedal's flagship, the Ravager. It seems to have a similar design to many of the ruins, doesn't it?"
"Yes, I do see the similarities," said Dorak. "You believe Aedal uncovered information about this civilization?"
"He might simply have found a wreck and repaired it," admitted Revan. "However, he also served under Malgus and Sion. What if Malgus has found something of great power within some of these ruins. It might relate to the Sith Emperor that we have heard so much about."
The Sith Emperor.
What of the Sith Emperor? One more would-be successor to Marka Ragnos? One more psychopath with delusions of grandeur. Just because he might have been a bit more powerful than most changed nothing, a serial killer with a blaster pistol was more dangerous than one with a knife.
But that did not make the former the better man.
"This is a troubling thing you suggest, Revan," said Dorak. "And if it is true, then we are completely unprepared for what may be a real and present threat. Malgus or Sion could have uncovered this information in the chaos of the wars of Exar Kun, and we might never know it.
"Entire planets were lost from records after Ossus, and we have spent years rebuilding it."
Rebuilding.
Yes, that was what they called it—trying to reclaim the lost glory of the old ages. Yet Revan wondered if Ossus was superior. How did they really know? Perhaps the lost knowledge of the Jedi was nothing but garbled poetry. Perhaps the Jedi of today were greater and did not even know it.
Had anyone even considered the possibility?
No.
Of course not.
Every Jedi was enslaved to the legends of the past. They viewed themselves as but the continuation of a great chain, with no one asking where the chain should lead or if it should be connected to firmer ground. And every Sith had viewed themselves as the next Exar Kun. They disregarded the past and future save for how it benefitted them.
"Ordinarily, I would suggest annihilating all of these ruins if they were such a threat," said Revan. "But now we may need the information inside them to combat the Sith. And the Jedi of Old through they were worth preserving.
"We could strike hard and fast and prevent Malgus from learning the truth.
"But the Iridian Plague prevents that. And are we sure the Iridian Plague is truly a natural event? Nothing like it has been seen before, and the timing was... convenient."
They were two equal and opposite ideologies. Both held one another in absolute contempt for reasons that were entirely correct. They only achieved success when individual members strayed toward the opposite side.
They had learned.
They had learned little by little that their ways were not ideal at the expense of the entire universe.
So close to understanding the Force.
"What do you mean?" asked Dorak.
"Imagine a scenario where the Iridian Plague was not unleashed," said Revan. "Many of the problems we now face could have been solved far more easily.
"With the Republic able to focus its full attention on the Sith, we could have won by now.
"Instead, many Jedi have undergone immeasurable strain, and we are now forced to work with the Sith."
Dorak frowned. "You refer to your HK units projections about Dark Gods."
So close to giving it up.
"Perhaps. They could be connected, or they may not," said Revan. "Where is HK 13 anyway?"
The Jedi spoke of detachment, of not allowing emotions to cloud their judgment. Contact with families was discouraged. To this day, Revan knew nothing about Meetra or Bastila's life before they came here. Friendship was to be kept in careful check and love...
Love condemned you.
But there was one thing the Jedi were obsessively attached to. And the Sith were equally chained to it.
The Force.
"On route to Dantooine as we speak, with Senator Yusanis entourage," said Dorak. "They had some business to discuss with the Council here, away from the prying eyes of Coruscant."
"Thank you," said Revan. "In any event, I do not think this is something we can safely ignore. We must have some idea of what is within those ruins, or we could be taken completely off-guard."
The Force was one thing the Jedi and Sith agreed in worshipping.
Oh, they claimed otherwise, but everything they did was defined by it. The Sith regarded the Force as their path to power, and all other paths were inferior. The Jedi regarded it as a kind of benevolent puppetmaster. And a good Jedi always heeded its will.
Had the Sith never wondered if the path they walked was in their own best interest?
Had the Jedi never considered that the Force's will might not be infallible?
Both were enslaved to it, just in different ways.
"What you suggest is dangerous, Revan, but there is reason in it," said Dorak. "Even so, I would caution you not to focus too much on future threats; Fear can be a path to the dark side." He said that like one who has rehearsed a line for centuries. "In any event, the matter is out of our hands. The Jedi Council cannot be seen to approve of such an operation. It would be going back on instructions laid out long ago.
"Moreover, given recent media revelations, investigating such ruins could be disastrous. We have had to seal off several private enterprises. This includes Czerka Corp, from investigating them. They might use our actions as political leverage to lift restrictions entirely.
"How can we openly look into things that we will not allow others to?
"I do not think any of us want the likes of Aluyard Czerka to have access to such information."
Aedal had seen the trap for what it was. So had the Mandalorians and many who joined them, though they had not put it into words. They had sought to detach themselves from an endless cycle. All to find ground that was not preordained. And those within the cycle had been caught unprepared.
That was why he had not taken Revan's hand.
He could not do so without betraying everything he stood for.
"Well, that is a problem," said Revan. "But an idea occurs to me, Master."
"That sounds somewhat ominous, young Revan," said Dorak, smiling but with a warning in his voice.
"Malak, Meetra, and I are willful and headstrong," said Revan. "Perhaps we could do something very ill-advised. We could learn a few things and decide to come back with valuable information. Of course, we could not consult the Council for this."
Dorak seemed to consider it. "...Such an action would indeed be ill-advised, and I am certain I would have to give you a very long lecture, however, given the recent tensions with the Mandalorians. You might very well become concerned about someone, or something, hiding in ruins.
"Were that the case, I imagine we could simply call it a scouting mission that went a little overboard. But remember this;
"If you hear any mysterious voices, you must return at once. Absolutely nothing must be taken out of that cursed domain. You must alter nothing and touch nothing if you can avoid it. I will have to have you searched after you return.
"If you have brought anything out with you, or if your manner is strange...
"Well, I expect you'll have a good deal less free reign than you have thus far. It will be a breach of trust."
Why had the Jedi allowed themselves to be consumed by this cycle? Why had they had not seen what was becoming of themselves? The Sith were consumed by their passions, unable to wield them. But the Jedi...
They must have seen it, even if they would not admit the fact.
"It makes perfect sense," said Revan. "We're just there to gather information, and we'll take it straight to you."
Then he halted, and realized that Dorak could have gone himself. There was no reason that a Jedi Master could not have refused Revan's request. From there, he could have found Zhar or Vrook or other incorruptible Jedi.
They could have walked in darkness themselves and found what lay there.
And Revan would not have needed to risk his soul at all. They seemed concerned about what would happen to him. So why not take the responsibility themselves? They ought to have done it decades ago.
Something that Kreia had taught sprang to mind.
'In conflict, people find themselves, or find themselves lacking.'
Ah.
That was why.
"At which point I will send it to the Council," said Dorak. "Do not show it to anyone else when you find it. And take only as many people as you need."
"Thank you," said Revan.
He and Meetra walked out. As they did, she looked at Revan. "I don't get it. Why send us? Why not get together some Masters and do it himself?"
"It's because he is afraid," said Revan simply. "But right now, he's more afraid of Aedal's ghost than what we might find."
Meetra stared at him. "Revan, you're scaring your partner."
"...It was merely an observation," said Revan.
It was not that Revan did not belong on Dantooine.
It was that Dantooine did not belong in this universe.
The only one that had walked beyond the circles of the world could see the world for what it was. But it was of no further consequence; Revan and Meetra had work to do. And one other was waiting for them at the edge of the bridge.
Malak stood with arms crossed, looking ill at ease. "Revan, I sensed you coming back before I got the call."
Revan smiled. "Malak, you look well. Walk with us."
"As well as can be expected," said Malak. "Meetra, you look beautiful."
"Thank you," said Meetra. "I'm glad someone finally noticed.
"So, what have you been up to?"
"Very little," said Malak. "Aside from setting up the Dantooine militia, I've been hunting kinrath. That and rabid kath hounds. Not exactly thrilling, but we've cleared out some areas.
"We also resolved local disputes and helped locals put aside their differences.
"It's... boring.
"What about you?"
"Oh, Master Kavar is off on some other mission where I'm not allowed to go. So I'm sticking around with Revan for the moment," said Meetra. "By the time they find me a Master, I will already be a Knight."
"Why didn't they knight you, anyway, Revan?" asked Malak.
Revan laughed, the tone coming out modular as they walked the fields toward the ruins. "Technically speaking, I haven't hit the rank of Padawan yet. It would be jumping up several ranks. This is convenient for me, as I don't have to do nearly as much paperwork. Less oversight this way."
"So, what are we doing out here?" asked Malak.
"We've got permission to check the ruins," said Revan.
"Permission?" Malak asked, looking surprised. "You mean to say that they granted it?"
"Dorak is concerned about the Sith having already investigated the ruins," said Meetra. "He has given us permission to look through the place.
"We'll go at once."
"Fair enough, sounds interesting," said Malak.
And that was how the three of them walked through the fields. Together they walked toward the ruins that had been here all along. There were two lines of long pillars like teeth coming from the ground. And they lead to a great domed structure. On either side of it were long extensions with no windows at all. At the front, at the bottom of a dip in the land, lay a hard stone door.
"So there it is," said Meetra.
"Master Kreia took me out here, once. She wanted me to understand the darkness in this place," said Malak, looking to Revan.
"What do you think lies within?" asked Meetra.
"I don't know," admitted Revan. "But knowledge is only harmful if it is misused."
Meetra seemed troubled by that. At last, they came to the doors and halted here. Meetra moved up to the doors and put a hand on them. Then, after a moment, she turned and set her back to it. Revan shifted and looked to Malak, who looked to him.
"And here we are," said Revan, turning to pace back and forth.
Meetra shifted in front of the door. Then she looked at Revan hard. "...Revan, you're not here because you think Malgus got ahold of this tech. And you're not here for the Republic.
"You're here because you want to know what's on the other side of this door.
"Admit it."
"Does it matter?" asked Revan. "So do you."
Meetra stood up straight and seemed about to walk away. "...We shouldn't be here."
"Why not?" asked Revan. "Because the Jedi Council told us not to be here? We've got permission, Meetra."
"You know as well as I do that the Council saying something is alright does not make it okay!" said Meetra. "They were alright with the Jedi Covenant until they got caught."
"And they were alright with remaining ignorant. At least until they realized we might need the information," said Revan.
"This isn't about doing the right thing," said Meetra. "So come off it. This is about you."
"Of course," said Revan. "What isn't? We are all the absolute center of our universe, and our choices and action define our place. I am Revan.
"It is my nature to go places no one else will dare. Will there be destruction and horror because of this? Perhaps, but there may also come great things."
"But there is no need to go here, Revan," said Meetra. "You can just say you felt the Dark Side and decided to go back before it overthrew you. No one would care."
Revan shrugged. "I could.
"But that is against my nature."
"This is so typical!" said Meetra. "This is just like the time you stole Bastila's training saber crystals. You knew you were going to lose, so you just went and humiliated her. And to top it off, you overplayed your part, so Kreia picked Malak instead of you.
"You were so obsessed with showing off that you overshot a chance to become an apprentice."
Revan nodded. "That's true, I did. I might as well not have stolen the crystals at all for all the good it did me.
"But then, I would not have come to the attention of Kreia at all, would I? That Revan had a different fate. He had a fair fight and didn't get a Master for reasons beyond his control.
"From there, he went the Agricultural Corps, going from one assignment to the next. He never questioned orders, never asserted himself enough to take command. He didn't participate in the murder investigation for Jak Skyfar. And he never went to Melinda Daan.
"He was respectful and obedient of the Jedi Masters, without the religious zeal of Bastila. He was a good fighter, but nowhere near Malak. People liked him, but he never forced his way to control, so they did not respect him. And no one ever assigned him as Master.
"He was a disciple to the last. And no one will ever remember his name.
"Come, we've got work to do."
But Revan did not move immediately. Something held him back, and Malak was oddly silent. Finally, Malak spoke. "The dark side is strong in this place.
"I can feel its power!" And there was a kind of glee in his voice, exultation.
Malak had found himself.
Revan nodded. "A great deal of it, I imagine, if properly channeled. Of course, the masters of the old order were terrified of whatever lay in here."
"The masters of old were terrified of everything," scoffed Meetra. "We've been cleaning up their mess our entire lives."
Revan turned to walk toward the door, and with a motion, it opened. Then the three of them entered, Meetra slightly ahead.
"The Master's sealed this door," said Malak. "They would surely banish us if they learned we entered in here.
"Once we pass beyond this threshold we can never go back."
They came to a second door. Here Revan lingered for a moment and considered how much respect he had for the ancient Jedi Masters?
"Is it really worth the price?" asked Malak.
Revan smiled and turned back toward them. And raising his hands, he offered them. "I'm not afraid of the darkness, Malak. Are you?"
The door was opened.