Chapter Three: A Man with Ambition

Davik Kang was a man with ambition. He'd started with nothing, worked his way up from the streets of Taris, and now he was getting started. He typed on his datapad, he scanned through statistics, calculating his costs. He needed to make this shipment work, or they'd have to scramble.

Then the steel door slid open and Visquis walked in. The quarren looked frazzled; his head tentacles were squirming as he came forward. "We've got a problem Davik?"

Davik looked up. "I thought I told you not to barge in, Visquis. It's good manners to knock."

"I apologize, but this is very serious." said Visquis.

Davik sat back in his chair. "So serious that common courtesy is no longer an option? Well, this is bad, isn't it, what is it?"

"It's the civil war on Milenda Daan." said Visquis. "It's stopped. The Jedi brooked a ceasefire. Their agents are even now heading to negotiate a more permenant truce. Our clients have put a hold on the order."

A ceasefire? Why now? This could lose them all their heads!

"Put a hold?!" asked Davik, standing up. "You..." He took a deep breath. "Nevermind. Not your fault. This is problematic but solvable. The Jedi have an unfortunate tendency to smooth over conflicts like these."

"We could assassinate them," said Visquis. "Then we could blame it on the other side."

Davik considered it. "Jedi aren't easily killed. I'd rather avoid a direct confrontation at this stage.

"At that same time, we're on a time table. If we don't find another market to make back our investment in weapons, Vogga will have our heads. Let me think.

"Get me a list of all potential combatants within shipping distance of Tatooine. All information on potential conflicts. I'll see if I can salvage the situation on Milena Daan. If things don't go according to plan... well... we'll have a backup plan."

"What kind of backup plan?" asked Visquis

"I'll think about it." said Davik. "Just tell Vogga there will be a delay on the payment."

Visquis nodded before turning to walk out. "Right."

Davik was going to have to improvise here.


Master Kavar was a man of tireless will. He got back late one night. He made his way straight from the starport. Then he immediately called an emergency meeting. Zhar had been working late that night, so he'd hardly slept at all when he had to pull his blue robes on and meet him.

The orange-haired, burly, and clean-shaven man walked in with soft footsteps. His long brown robes were trailing behind him as he came before them.

"Master Kavar, you've returned," said Zhar, feeling quite miserable.

"Yes, Zhar, I have." said Kavara. "And I have grave news to discuss with you and the rest of the Council."

"What news is this?" asked Vandar. "Surely it could have waited until morning. The last word was that a ceasefire has been established with Melina and Daan."

Kavar sighed. "I'm afraid not. The war has laid waste to vast tracts of farmland. Even as we speak, tens of thousands are verging on starvation. Many have died already. It is essential that relief aid be dispatched at once."

"And who have you left in place to ensure the war does not break out again?" asked Vrook. "If another conflict is initiated in your absence, no relief will be possible."

"Atris is there." said Kavar. "She should ensure things move smoothly. And Zez-Kai Ell is working with Melinda alongside his apprentice."

"Atris?" asked Kreia. "Are you certain she is worthy of such… responsibility?"

"She is among the Masters of the Jedi Order." said Kavar.

"I did not dispute that," said Kreia. "She embraces her duties with a passion I find hypocritical, however."

"Do you not find everything hypocritical?" asked Kavar in irritation.

"The universe is filled with contradictions," said Kreia. "Only by understanding them can we correct them."

"Relief may then be arranged," said Vrook. "Though I expect it will be more complicated than we hope. As usual."

"You are perceptive, as always, Vrook," said Kavar. "Daan stands to benefit enormously from the famine. Most of the damage was done to Melida, and they have a large population. If the famine continues, they will be able to stall the negotiations. Eventually until Melida has no choice but to agree to any terms they set.

"I fear they may interfere with any humanitarian aid we send."

"Surely they would not starve their own people for the sake of territory," said Vandar.

"I'm afraid they would," said Zhar. "In my own time in that world, I saw that the people there had devoted themselves wholly to the war. It took all my efforts to inspire even basic consideration for civilians on the other side.

"Two of our students came from that world, and it has scarred them both."

"Revan and Malak, you mean," said Vrook. "I wonder if it was wise to take two children from such a world. It may well taint their future as Jedi."

"Choice is critical to all things," said Vandar. "For now, we must focus on aiding those in need."

"We might simply allow Daan to bargain," said Vrook. "To intervene may disrupt the truce and lead to more blood in the long term."

Dorak shook his head. "I fear that it will be of no use. Any peace that resulted from such a truce would breed great resentment, both toward us and Daan. It would surely lead to another war. To say nothing of the civilians who would die by such tactics."

"My thoughts exactly," said Kavar. "I wish to arrange for the Agricultural Corps to send food shipments to relieve the starving. Daan has food problems of their own, so they will benefit."

"It is a worthwhile effort," said Vandar. "But of Daan does choose to attack such a shipment will that not destroy the truce as well."

"Fortunately, Daan does not want to alienate the Republic at this stage," said Kavar. "Even if the shipments arrive, they will hold the advantage. So I do not think they would make any overt action. So whatever is done will be done by proxy: pirates or something to that effect. I would gladly guard the shipments with my life, of course.

"But I believe more will be necessary."

"I will go," said Kreia, speaking for the first time. "This civil war has gone on long enough. It has destabilized the entire surrounding region for generations. It would be well if a measure of stability could be arranged."

"And I will as well," said Vrook.

"Kreia, Vrook, are you certain of this?" asked Zhar. "You have only had your students for a year. Is it wise for them to be put in such a position?"

"Lessons are best learned by experience," said Kavar. "And I doubt very much that Daan is in any position to deal with three Jedi Masters."

"If I might make a request," said Vandar suddenly.

"What is it, Master Vandar?" asked Zhar.

"Since he entered the Agricultural Corps Revan has performed well," said Vandar. "He performs his duties with remarkable skill. He is always going above and beyond what is expected of him. Likewise, he has been inspiring those around him to similar feats.

"In fact, his performance is almost too good. Over the months he has become a… leader of sorts. He has even inspired many of the students to pool their wages together. All in pursuit of projects of his own."

"I know of this," said Kreia. "He often trains with Meetra Surik and my own student. And he has held his own, learning from them quickly. Our attempt to hamper his growth has failed."

"That is a somewhat cynical way of looking at the Agricultural Corps," said Dorak. "Their purpose is focus those students not emotionally fit for more dangerous pursuits toward other goals."

"Goals the coincidentally end with them having no real combat abilities," noted Kreia. "And therefore no power to disagree with the Council."

"Are you suggesting we teach those prone to anger to wield the force as a weapon?" asked Vrook.

"I did not call the policy unwise," said Kreia. "But let us not delude ourselves that the purpose of the Agricultural Corps is for the benefit of those within it. It is known as a demotion for a reason."

"In that regard," said Vandar, "the Corps has been no hindrance to him. Revan has organized training sessions in the Agricultural Corps. I attempted to compensate for this by moving him around. But he has a knack for becoming the leader of any group he is a part of. And there are not so many apprentices that I could do so for long.

"Frankly, I do not think he will remain content with his present duties for much longer. I believe it may be for the best if he is given other responsibilities."

"This is absurd," said Vrook. "Are you saying that the boy is now subverting the Agricultural Corps?"

"Subvert seems a harsh word, Vrook," said Zhar. "Despite his defiance, Revan has never been one prone to darkness. Though he seems determined to make himself a thorn in your side."

"At least it is being channeled into something productive," said Kreia.

"What of young Bastila?" asked Vrook.

"That… is a more complicated matter," said Vandar. "During my first training session with Bastila, I observed something. She had a remarkable ability to motivate those around her. Revan noticed as well, and she has become one of his entourage, alongside Dak and Belaya.

"I shall leave the more complicated part of the explanation to Master Dorak."

Dorak nodded. "Master Vandar came to me some days ago and described something strange to me. It seems that young Bastila, by focusing on others, can inspire others to carry on. She has already done so many times, to larger and larger teams of the Agricultural Corps.

"It has reached the point where young Revan has had her focusing purely on motivating others.

I consulted the wisdom of our forebears. I found that this has all the hallmarks of Battle Meditation, an ancient and lost art. Using it in war, a Jedi may both inspire their comrades and make their enemies lose their will to fight.

"It seems that Bastila possesses such an ability."

"Well then, what is to be done about this?" asked Vrook. "Revan is the last person we want having a hold over the Agricultural Corps. We must get both him, and Bastila out of contact with the other Padawans."

The answer came to them quickly.


Revan was a boy with great hopes.

It was a field, freshly plowed. It had been done without machinery, as was the custom of the Agricultural Corps. The Force had helped a great deal. Even now, the others were seeding it under the watchful eye of Belaya. Bastila was keeping them all motivated within the shade of a tree, unaffected by the beating sun.

Revan took a swig of water. Then he spoke; "Alright, keep it up, people." He moved over to where a series of white devices were being erected. "Dak, what is the status on the moisture vaporators?"

"I don't see why we even need the vaporators," said Dak, looking up from where he was overseeing the work. "This place isn't a desert."

"All planets have droughts," said Revan. "Now answer the question."

"We've been having one or two problems getting them started," said Dak. "We had to assemble the things from spare parts, so they aren't exactly well put together. I told you this was beyond us."

"Never admit defeat. Only withdraw to regroup," said Revan. "Let me take a look."

Moving up to the devices, he began to check the internal workings. His skills at repair had increased a great deal. He'd learned from his peers and from the masters all he could, and in his spare time, he trained with Meetra and Malak. More than that, he inspired those around him to train constantly, to keep working.

They would not be known as washouts. They would one day be great.

"So do you actually know what you're doing here?" asked Dak.

"Yes!" said Revan. "We assembled this according to the instructions, remember?"

"Why couldn't we just buy one?" asked Dak.

"Our wages aren't enough for that," said Revan. "Now quiet, I'm working here." He opened a comlink as he worked. "Belaya, what's the status on the fields?"

"We're nearly finished with the seeding," said Belaya. "However, are you certain about this? It does not seem natural?"

"Belaya," said Revan, "we've been over this. Jedi can levitate objects, shoot lightning, and mind control people. What part of those is natural? And consider what we can do if we succeed."

"What can we do if we succeed?" asked Dak.

"Imagine it," said Revan. "Farms that produce enough food to feed hundreds in a matter of hours. With a dozen farms like this, we could feed thousands upon thousands of people with a single harvest. It could be the beginning of the end for Galactic Hunger." And the beginning of the end of Revan's exile to this community of failures.

He'd learned as much as he wanted to on this subject. Now he wanted actually to go on missions. Meetra and Malak would be going soon; they were almost ready for their first missions. Revan had no intention of being left behind to do farm work, which was why he was busy earning the loyalty of the Agricultural Corps.

Revan provided them a direction and purpose that the Jedi did not. They had been cast out, doomed to mediocrity. But he had convinced them to push themselves further and further. To never be content with doing the bare minimum. To use their off-hours to grow stronger.

He'd become more obvious about his control recently. That was what this stunt was about, really. Once the Jedi Council realized the hold, he had over these people they'd have to get him off Dantooine. And if they didn't, well, he was sure he could convince them to blow this joint with him in a few years. Most of them were bitter about being deemed washouts. So he just needed a righteous cause, and they could steal a ship and head out.

"But… the Jedi Code teaches that one should be content with the universe as it is," said Belaya uncertainly.

"Then feel free never to use your force powers," said Revan, before switching the com. "Bastila, how are things coming here?"

"It is difficult to say," said Bastila. "Maintaining this power is hard if I press too hard on motivating someone I get backlash. I've found that focusing on this many people is nearly impossible, Revan. And don't call me that."

"Then don't," said Revan. "See someone who is lagging and focus on them. You're here to reinforce our weak points. People who are already motivated don't need bolstering." Bastila was probably going to be reassigned with him, actually. He'd leave Dak and Belaya behind to manage things in his absence.

"Revan, why are we even trying here?" said Dak. "You have no idea how any of this machinery even works. You learned this by chatting up a bunch of mechanics-"

The moisture vaporator flared to life, and Revan stepped back with a smile on his face. It was working. He looked to Dak. "You were saying?"

"I just think that we ought to start small," said Dak.

"We are starting small," said Revan. "We'll probably completely fail at this, but we'll pay attention to where we went wrong. Then the next time we'll get it right. Everyone who tries anything fails sometimes.

"I say, don't try to be perfect. Get hit, fall down, and get back up again to try again. Evolve, keep pressing. Use your passions to gain strength. Break the chains that held you yesterday and exceed your limits."

"Yeah, I wish," said Dak.

"Alright, well, what would you rather be doing?" asked Revan, annoyed.

Dak shifted. "…Archeology."

"Archeology?" asked Revan.

"Yes, I want to do archeology," said Dak. "There are all kinds of ruins out there which are completely unexplored. If I were part of the investigation teams, I could learn about the history of the galaxy and make a place for myself.

"That's why I requested to be assigned to the Agricultural Corps. They get to do that kind of thing."

"Great. Work for it," said Revan, passing him back his wrench. "Right now, we've got to put our name on the map with what we have. So, here we go.

"Get everyone together and tell them to take a water break. It's time for the final step."

Eventually, the few dozen apprentices were assembled before them. Revan smiled as he walked before them. "Alright people, the time has come to put the final stage of our plan into action. We are going to speed up the life cycle of these plants. We went them to grow up in minutes instead of months. It will be difficult, but if we succeed, we will have solved the problem of galactic hunger." He paused. "But first, we have to fill up these moisture vaporators. We've already practiced creating water out of the air. Now, however, Team 1 under Belaya will we will be moving the air into the moisture vaporator.

"Once it is filled, Team 2 under Dak will be seeping the water into the field. We need to maintain a steady flow for this to work. Team 3 gets the hard job, which is why we've gotten to slack off all this time. We're going to focus on forcing the plant to develop more quickly. We've practiced for months. But this will be at a faster rate than we've ever tried before.

"Bastila, you will be over there. If things start to get hectic, I need you to use your abilities to keep things running.

"Does everyone understand?"

There was no unified 'yes sir.' That was too much to hope for, but everyone gave one affirmative or another. Revan nodded. "Good. Now begin."

And they began. Team 1 worked hard, focusing air through the moisture vaporators. Little by little, it began to fill and then Revan gave the order. Then team 2 began, spraying the water with hoses into the field and dispersing it with the force. Revan waited until he thought the time was right.

Then he set to work.

Team 3 began their work, and he focused on taking hold of the life lying dormant within the seeds. Drawing it out with his will, he nudged it to absorb water and nutrients faster than normal, then to grow faster. Soon plants began to sprout from the tilled earth. Yet with every moment, the effort required became still greater.

"I can't… I can't keep this…" said a dark-haired boy.

"Focus Bandon," said Revan. "We've practiced for this. As long as we master ourselves, we can master life itself. Move!" Bandon had similar problems to Malak; he just wasn't as good at hiding them.

The plants began to sprout as Bastila began her meditations. Larger and larger they grew, as vegetables sprang forth from them. They grew into place, and now there was a great field of fully rip vegetables.

"Hold," said Revan, "hold!"

They obeyed, and Revan stared at what he had achieved. He had mastered life. A smile came to his face as he walked forward and picked one.

Then, before his eyes, the vegetables began to rot. The vines withered as the entire field blackened and died as quickly as it had arisen.

"It's all dead," said Bandon.

"It doesn't matter," said Revan. "Don't you see what we've done? We have in our hands the keys to ending galactic hunger! Centuries from now, our names will be in textbooks! We are only one or two steps away from greatness!

"All we need to do is learn to slow the life cycle a bit after it grows up, perhaps with genetic engineering. Then we will have made history. And if we make it once, why not again? Haven't you realized what this means?"

"No," said Dak. "But you're going to tell us."

"We can control life!" said Revan. "What if there is a way to slow the aging process? Even if it can only be done for a few people, think of the possibilities."

"Revan," said Bastila in a warning tone, "the council teaches us that death is a natural stage of life."

"The Council all have extended lifespans," said Revan. "So do all Jedi. All we're talking about is extending them a little more. Some aliens can live for hundreds of years. What's wrong with letting the shorter-lived races live longer?

"Think about it! We'll no longer have to lose our geniuses, our saints, our war heroes! Perhaps all of the galaxy could be granted centuries more worth of life. And with that much more time, perhaps even immortality could be attained?

"People will no longer grow old and die. We'll have time to do everything. To experience everything. The wisest people in the world will be able to keep learning and teaching forever. And since we'll no longer lose our geniuses, the rate of scientific advancement will skyrocket!"

They were listening, they were thinking about it. They knew that they had achieved something great here, even if they didn't fully understand why. "We'll collect the seeds and use them next time."

"There shouldn't be a next time," said Belaya.

"What?" said Revan.

"Come on, Revan," said Dak. "We just blew our combined savings on this, and we've got nothing to show for it."

"We've been training for this nonstop all year, Dak," said Revan. "Do you think that training went away because our success wasn't complete?"

"Well no, but…" began Dak.

"And we learned a lot," said Revan. "We'll be able to use this information to our advantage later."

"We should clear this with the Jedi Council before we do any more research on this subject, Revan," said Bastila. "They may not approve, and there may be pitfalls we do not see."

"Oh come on, Bastila," said Revan. "It isn't as though the Jedi Masters can complain about us-"

"What is the meaning of this?" said a familiar voice.

Revan turned around and saw Master Vrook walking toward him. The Jedi Master had a severe and dreadful countenance. Revan smiled. "Master Vrook, you're looking well.

"I sensed a great disturbance in the force," said Vrook. "And I want to know what part you had to play in it."

"It's nothing, Master Vrook," said Belaya. "We've been working on trying and making plants grow up faster."

Vrook stared. "Have you students learned nothing? Interfering in the natural world is a momentous decision, one that must never be taken lightly! And here you stand, having destroyed the lifecycles of-"

"A bunch of plants," said Revan, not in the mood for this. "How is what I did any less natural than jumping sixty feet in the air? All the Jedi Masters can do that."

"We use the Force only when necessary. Not for our own amusement," said Vrook.

"Isn't galactic hunger a problem?" asked Revan. "A problem worth solving."

"You aren't in the least bit concerned for those suffering from famine," said Vrook. "You have gone beyond your authority and pushed the boundaries of what is natural. And for what? Your own amusement." He looked to the others. "As for the rest of you, I suspect you had better motives. Know this: Some solutions are far worse than the problems they would seek to solve. What you did was a sacrilege performed with the Jedi Council's resources."

"No, it wasn't," said Revan. "We paid for it out of our own pockets. We even bought the land."

"Enough," said Vrook. "None of you are to initiate anything like this again without consulting the Jedi Council. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master Vandar," said Dak.

"Now, Revan, Dak, Belaya and Bastila, you will return to the Enclave and pack your things at once," said Vrook. "You are being given an assignment?"

Just as planned.

"An assignment?" asked Belaya eagerly.

"Yes," said Vrook. "It has been decided that you four will be sent with the Agricultural Corps expedition to Melinda Daan. The mission is humanitarian in nature, and your skills will be put to good use there.

"Revan, I believe you are from that world."

Okay, not quite as planned. With Dak and Belaya not here, he'd lose some influence. And going to Melinda Daan was the last thing he wanted. "Yes, and it's a warzone."

"We're going to a planet with a civil war running?" asked Dak. "This is crazy."

"It was a warzone," said Vrook. "Hostilities have ceased now. There will be fully qualified Jedi standing ready to ensure your safety at all times.

"Perform well, and the Jedi Council may well allow you to carry a lightsaber."

"I'll try not to go too wild," said Revan.

Why did it have to be his homeworld he was going back to? Oh right, because it was his homeworld.