Chapter Nine: Reunion
It was a brightly lit room with red and white decoration. The symbol of Czerka Corporation was on the wall, a planet with a strange crescent shape over it. Out the window, you could see the rolling dunes of Tattooine. Davik and Viscious entered the place and met an old man with short white hair and a neat beard. Davik offered him a hand.
"Aluyard Czerka, a pleasure to meet you." Said Davik. "I'm Davik Kang, a legitimate businessman."
"Aren't we all?" asked Aluyard. "How can I help you, Mr. Kang."
"I'm a man who operates by shipping cargo of one kind or another." Said Davik. "Where there is a market, I arrange for a supply. Unfortunately, I've recently run into some markets that are a bit big for me to take care of.
"Meanwhile, you've got yourselves a rather large supply.
"I was wondering if you were interested in expanding your business to the outer rim."
"I'm interested in making a profit." Said Aluyard.
Davik looked to Viscious, then smiled. "Aren't we all?
"At any rate, Mr. Czerka, the world of Milenda Daan is presently suffering from a severe famine. There have been efforts on the part of the Jedi to purchase additional supplies. But most of the markets in that region are well accustomed to extorting both sides of the civil war."
"And you think we can make a profit there?" guessed Aluyard.
"But of course." Said Davik. "All you have to do is provide a price to undercut the smugglers. With the truce, it should be easier and such a move could provide you with a good reputation with the Senate."
Aluyard nodded. "That it could.
"But I don't see how this helps you."
"Well, as I said, I supply a demand." Said Davik. "And weapons are in high demand by a great many different factions within the Outer Regions. Mandalorians, pirates, they've all been readying for a showdown. A man who gets in on the ground floor to that kind of market could make a killing.
"But, of course, a corporation like yours can't afford to be connected to that kind of business can they?"
Aluyard rubbed his beard with two fingers. "So, I supply the weapons and you sell to the market."
"Precisely." Said Davik. "Naturally I'll give you sixty percent of the profits."
"I want ninety percent." Said Aluyard with a smile.
"Come now, Mr. Czerka, I'm a reasonable man but even I have to make a profit." Said Davik. "Sixty-five percent?"
"Seventy." Said Aluyard. "That is my final offer."
Davik nodded. "But of course. My partner Viscious will provide you with the details of our plan. As well as some ideal sources of mercenaries."
The meeting went on for some time and eventually, a full plan was ironed out. As they made their way back to Davik's ship, the Silver Hawk, Viscious looked at him in irritation. "Davik, you should have bargained for higher."
"Relax, Viscious. We're not in an advantageous position right now." Said Davik. "Once we get ourselves into a better state, we'll renegotiate. When you bargain, you've got to appear reasonable."
When Revan first saw Atris he reflected that she was perhaps the most beautiful woman he'd ever laid eyes on.
She went clad in flowing white robes, more like those of royalty than a Jedi. Her hair was white as snow and her skin very fair. She had a grace and elegance to her as she walked forward to meet the company. Behind her were six girls clad in white robes with hoods up over their faces.
"It has been a long time, Master Vrook." Said Atris. "Atris, how are matters progressing?" asked Vrook, voice annoyed.
"As well as can be hoped." Said Atris. "Daan has made no aggressive moves and Melinda has been trying to feed its people. Though neither side is well off as far as food supplies go. I have managed to arrange for the purchase of food shipments from some smugglers. However, they know the desperation of the people here.
"They've been raising their rates.
"What of you? I note there are fewer ships in your entourage than was expected."
"One of our ships was destroyed by a Mandalorian attack." Said Kreia, standing with an arm on a shaky Malak. "The other was seized. Kavar was on it during the fighting."
"The enemy came at us with overwhelming force." Said Kavar. "By the time I arrived most of the crew was dead. I manage to save the rest and pull out some of our supplies, but I'm afraid the vessel is lost. By now the Mandalorians will be taking the vessel to the market or wherever they intended.
"Fortunately, we'll know exactly where they are going.
""I planted a tracker on the vessel. And they are heading here, to Daan. Actually, they're in orbit as we speak."
"I see." Said Atris. "In that case, we should investigate immediately."
"I do not believe that would be wise." Said Vrook. "We are in the midst of a delicate situation. To openly expose, or even investigate such a matter will seem suspicious."
"Are we to sit idly by while these people openly attack Republic transports?" asked Kavar.
"We are Jedi and though we associate with the Republic we are not of it." Said Vrook. "I believe it would be better to be discreet until we have gathered evidence of any Daan involvement. From there we may use the information to insure the treaty is abided by."
"Master Kavar, there is a problem." Said Kreia.
"What is it, Kreia?" asked Kavar.
"My student, Malak, is a Melinda." Said Kreia. "It would be wise if we were assigned somewhere other than the Daan side of the planet."
"Very well, you may assist Zas-kai Ell." Said Kavar. "He is in the Melinda territories."
"Our base of operations should be the city of Adinius." Said Atris. "It is sacred ground to all this planet's people. A recovery there will become a symbol that will go a long way to uniting the people of this planet."
"Why is Adinius sacred?" asked Bastila suddenly. "I mean, forgive me Master I was merely curious."
"It is no crime to seek understanding." Said Vrook. "Adinius was the first city ever founded on Melinda Daan. It was once the capital before the civil war began. But when Melida came too close to victory, Daan moved its borders."
"We will coordinate the matter with Zas-Kai Ell." Said Atris. "His operations are on the eastern side of the city. For now, we must meet our hosts."
Kreia drew out a long brown robe and offered it to Malak. "Malak, take this. You'd best cover your features until we are elsewhere."
"Yes Master." Said Malak, before coughing audibly.
Revan held back his concern as they made their way into the shuttles. Approaching Malak, he tapped him on the shoulder. "Are you alright?"
"No." admitted Malak. "I've thought about regrowing my hair once or twice. Now I can't ever do it again."
"We might be able to heal you somehow." Said Revan. "Who knows."
But Malak did not answer.
Revan made his way over to one of the windows where Bastila was looking out. And he realized he'd never seen Adinius before. As they came out of the sky he found himself amazed. It was a place with skyscrapers as high as mountains. Those in the center were the tallest. The further out you went, the smaller and more numerous they became. Thus it was like a gigantic pyramid and the land all around it was green and beautiful. There were flowing rivers and tall trees wherever there wasn't vast tracts of land.
And yet not a few miles on one could see wastes of churned earth and blackened trees. Hilltops laid to waste by vast explosions. Open wounds in Daan that bled still.
"This city is beautiful." Said Bastila.
"It is sacred. Daan and Melinda cooperated to construct it long ago." Said Revan, remembering the legend. "But they disagreed over who should rule and how. Daan desired a land of farmers and flowing rivers. Melinda wanted a land of industry and power. To spread this city out across the world.
"Somehow bloodshed began."
"And the war has lasted ever since?" asked Bastila.
"No," said Revan. "There is not one war in Daan. We have had hundreds of wars. A truce is made, gains are consolidated, then the war begins anew. The Republic claims it is all one war because they don't understand the place. In my hometown, we remembered dozens of battles and wars won.
"But none of them achieved the annihilation of Milena.
"This city it has stood as long as this world has been colonized. Violence is strictly forbidden."
"How does the shadow not kill the ground?" asked Belaya.
"The city uses an elaborate series of mirrors to ensure that the light touches everything." Said Revan. "That's why it seemed to glow. Daan was insistent that his city should not kill wildlife."
"It is beautiful." Said Belaya.
"Wait until Melinda get ahold of it." Said Revan, glancing back. "No offense, Malak."
"None taken," Said Malak.
There was silence for a moment. Then Meetra looked out toward Revan. "Revan, are you alright?"
"Of course I am Meetra." Said Revan.
"Well it's just, you haven't been talking at all since the ambush." Said Meetra. "I, is there anything I can do."
"Not really." Admitted Revan.
They landed on a platform near the peak of the city. The doors opened and the group strode out. There they were met by a man with a mustache and heavy build. His face bore scars and he wore a fine military uniform. Something about him was familiar to Revan, though he didn't know what.
"Greetings to you, noble Jedi." Said the man. "I am General Zegil of the Daan defense forces. I bid you welcome to the rightful rulers of our world. Atris, you remain as radiant as ever."
Zegil? That name was familiar. Revan had known a man named Zegil once. He'd been a friend of Father's.
"Your compliment is noted, but unnecessary." Said Atris.
"Are these those you spoke of?" asked Zegil.
"Yes, there are those Jedi from the Agricultural Corps who have been dispatched here." Said Atris. "Food supplies are also on route to all needed parties."
"I noticed that your fleet is not as large as was planned." Said Zegil. "Did something go wrong?"
"We were attacked en route through Republic Space." Said Atris. "Whoever it was, was both very brave and very foolish."
"The Republic is, truthfully, a faraway story in these regions of space." Said Zegil. "Still, I am certain the people of Daan will appreciate the effort. As well as the other denizens of our planet." Then his eyes fell on Revan and Revan knew them. "Revan? Revan is that you?""
Revan remembered him now and stepped forward in awe. Remembering his training, he nodded to him respectfully. "General."
"You know one another?" asked Vrook, suspicion in his voice.
"We were part of the same village." Said Revan. "I worked doing repairs for General Zegil during the wars."
"This is wonderful!" said Zegil, kneeling by him. "How is it you came to be here? Where is your Mother? When the attack happened we thought you dead, or worse." His voice went dark at that last part.
"It was worse." Said Revan. "We were taken to the mines of Meleena but I was judged useless for their purposes. Instead, they put me with a group of children they'd assigned to clearing minefields."
"Animals." Snarled Zegil, hands shaking. "How did you survive?"
"With difficulty." Said Revan. "I learned from a Melida boy how to detect and disarm mines and with his help, I survived. Eventually, a Jedi named Zhar came to us and offered to purchase my freedom. I was taken as a Jedi apprentice."
"Well, destiny has a sense of humor." Said Zegil. "We must talk more later. For now, a reception has been prepared.
"I hope you can help to heal Daan, Revan. We need all the help we can get."
"There is one matter I must discuss with you, Zegil." Said Atris. "We have reason to believe that elements of Daan have conspired to attack our fleet."
"What?" Zegil looked up in shock.
"Naturally I do not believe your government-sanctioned this attack." Said Atris. "However, we have been tracking a vessel that even now is descending into Daan territory. It was stolen from us during the battle."
Zegil shook visibly with rage. "…If this is so, I'll have the head of the man responsible, of course. I promise you, the ship will be returned to you.
"I'll see to it at once." He motioned to his men. "These men will escort you to the reception."
Then Zegil moved off. Vrook and Kavar glared visibly at Atris. Revan thought it a strange play, but Atris did know the man better than him. Though Kavar seemed to think it a bad move. "I hope you are pleased with yourself, Atris." Said Kavar. "If we had waited we could have caught incriminating evidence. With that we could prove their involvement."
"And then what?" asked Atris. "Incite the Republic to yet another occupation? Daan and Meleena are not so well coordinated as some think. It is entirely possible that the action was taken without authorization. If so, revealing the truth would only complicate the situation. And using it as leverage would destroy what little trust we have garnered.
"And trust is the only means by which we may end this conflict permanently.
"Daan is not an enemy to be destroyed, Kavar."
"You should have discussed it with us first." Said Vrook.
"I am in agreement with Atris." Said Kreia. "These internal matters cannot be resolved by us. Forcing the issue will only render their struggles meaningless."
"The matter is passed, in any case." Said Atris. "We should now attend to our own plans. Tomorrow morning we will decide on the assignments for the Agricultural Corps."
"Master Vrook, I request permission to seek a meeting with General Zegil." Said Revan quickly.
"To what end?" asked Vrook. "You are a Jedi. Personal attachments are to be avoided."
"I am already attached, Master Vrook." Said Revan. "I just found out that someone else from my village survived. I would like closure."
"Let him go." Said Kavar. "I do not see any harm in the matter."
Vrook eyed Revan in displeasure. "…Very well."
Revan was escorted after Zegil by one of the guards. Making his way through the spacious hallways he saw elaborate, gilded designs. Flowing fountains were everywhere and flawless works of art were all over the place.
And then he entered the room. The receptionist looked up. "What is it?" "Excuse me, I'm Revan." Said Revan. "I was wondering if I could meet with General Zegil.'
"General Zegil is very busy." Said the woman. "However, I will ask him." She quickly made contact. After a brief conversation, Revan did not hear, she looked up. "You have permission."
Revan entered the office and found Zegil raging."Let me see if I have this straight? You hired Mandalorians! Mandalorians! What possessed you to do that? Do you imbeciles know what you've done? I've been working for years to get us favorable terms. And in one move you've nearly brought the Republic down on us in another occupation! "Let me make this very clear, Akasar. If you destroy Daan's relationship with the Republic I will flay your family alive! and make you watch!
"Do you understand?" There was terrified jabbering on the other end. "Good. Now, the Mandalorians are not to be allowed to leave the town. I want them followed at all times. Do not let them look at our weapons, our equipment, or anything else.
"If they see our defenses and find them lacking they may start raiding us. You will pay them in full for their services so there is no bad blood between us. You will then immediately redirect the ship to my location.
"Once all that is done, we will discuss repaying your debt to the treasury." Then he closed the communication and looked up. He smiled. "Revan, there you are. I'm glad you're here. I apologize for this, ending this war has chipped away at my patience for years.
I know you probably want the entire Meleena race exterminated. But fighting them is getting us nowhere. If we can get even a temporary peace it will allow us to rebuild and repair things."
"Did you mean what you said?" asked Revan, curious.
"Hmm?" said Zegil.
"About flaying the man's family alive and making him watch?" asked Revan.
Zegil remained silent for a long moment. "…Yes.
"Fear is a tool. It can be an excellent means of inducing cooperation when better methods fail. That man killed people, Revan. He broke the chain of command and endangered every single one of us. Sometimes atrocities can provide motivation where kindness cannot.
"I'm sure you've learned the value of hatred."
"I didn't actually." Said Revan. "Hatred can cloud your judgment. I had to remain alert when I was sweeping mines. If I'd succumbed to my hatred, I'd have stepped in one and been blown to bits. And even if I'd survived, Zhar never would have taken me."
"Well, I am glad you survived." Said Zegil. "Is there any reason you wanted to speak with me."
"The Melida boy I mentioned," said Revan, "his name is Malak. He is part of the Agricultural Corps. I thought it would be best if you knew."
"Do you believe it is a threat?" asked Zegil.
"No,," said Revan. "He isn't a threat of any kind. Melinda sent him to sweep mines alongside me. His village was destroyed by us and they didn't want the extra mouths to feed. Since he had no skills to speak of, he was sent to die.
"We survived by cooperation."
"I see."" Said Zegil. "Desperate times require desperate measures. You did well to tell me this, I will give orders that the Meleena Jedi is not to be harassed or harmed. Our relationship with the Jedi is far too critical to let be destroyed.
"I'm glad you survived at least.
"If you'll excuse me, I've a great deal of work to do."
"Yes, sir." Said Revan, standing up.
"Oh and Revan?" said Zegil suddenly.
Revan turned to him. 'Yes?"
"The Meleena paid a dear price for what they did to us." Said Zegil.
What was the best response Revan could make to that? "…Good."
With that, he walked out. It had been good to see someone else from before that day alive. But it only made him more bitter now.
Author's Note:
So I was at a bit of a loss for how to do this chapter. I did have a plan, but the plan didn't end up working at all.
I also wanted Revan to have a personal connection to one of the characters in Daan. At one point I considered having it be that one of them killed his Mother. But that is an incredibly overdone storyline that has been done to death.
So then I said, why not examine things from the opposite side of the spectrum. Instead of having someone Revan hates as a potential lure to the Dark Side, have it be someone he knows and likes.
