When the small ship dropped out of hyperspace into realspace surrounding the city planet of Coruscant Belana felt her heart leap higher. Somehow nothing felt like this. Home, she was home. Sitting next to Tarla in one of the passenger seats she tried to catch a better view of the glittering city as they neared the planet. But Gyro's left arm suddenly obscured her vision.
"Look at that!" the Jedi Knight called out, pointing at the warships moving into position to jump out of the system.
"With that exit vector they are probably headed for Alderaan," Zerkan mused aloud and Belana could hear the worry in his tone.
"Alderaan!" she breathed, suddenly remembering. "The Sith! Zerkan, the Sith wanted to attack Alderaan!"
He turned around to look at her for a long moment. But when he spoke again there was no reproach or accusation for the late information in his words. "Okay. Then we can at least fill them in on what they are about to face." He flipped a few switches on the comm control board. "Central, this is Zerkan. Yes. Do you know what ships are leaving right now and where to? What? Alderaan? Under attack? All right. Tell them that there will be some Sith waiting for them. No, I do not know how many. Out." He sighed deeply. "I just hope they are not too late."
An hour an a half later they were inside the Jedi Temple and on their way to meet the Council. I have to talk to them about Kell, Belana told herself guiltily, but there were more important matters to think about right now. She could feel herself grow more agitated by the minute. All she wanted was to do something. The great hall's double door had been thrown open wide and the room was positively crowded with people. Pushing through them Belana followed Zerkan determinedly. Master Jeldo, looming over almost everyone, flashed her a quick smile that vanished almost as fast as it had appeared.
"Where is Lord Kell?" he asked, slightly suspicious.
"Not here," she answered curtly. "And I do not know where he might be either."
"If I could hazard an educated guess I would suggest Alderaan," someone growled. Belana ignored the comment, her attention focused solely on the Council.
"Master Jeldo, if I may? I know that the Sith will deploy guerillia tactics, striking at convenient targets. But whether they have a plan of action or just follow where battle luck takes them I do not know."
"Thank you, Master Jen. Although I must add that this is not very helpful. Could you please report on your mission?"
She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head to get rid of the memories. The attempt was not entirely succesful though. When she began to speak she could still see Sechan's smiling face in front of her. "The Sith found us pretty soon, since Kell could not shield his mind at all. We were taken to their stronghold where he forced their leader to reveal his plan. We were attacked and I was captured." Swallowing hard she stopped herself. A low growl rose in her throat as she shook her head again. "The original leader was killed and the new one's name is Sechan. I believe that he is trying to imitate Kell. Which should give us an advantage concerning his tactics." Belana shuddered at the memory of seeing the same armor on Sechan's forearms that Kell usually wore. Remembered the hard metal connecting with her face and shoulders, hitting her over and over again in an effort to beat her into submission.
"Which would also mean that they are pretty unpredictable, don't you think?"
She did not hear the Ho'Din very clearly. There was a strange buzzing noise in her head that mingled with Sechan's voice gradually and Belana was suddenly awoken from her nightmare when she started shaking so hard that her teeth were chattering.
"Belana!" Someone wrapped her in gentle arms and judging by the size and strength she knew it was Tarla. "She needs some rest!" the young Jedi Knight told the assembly harshly, and propelled her unresisting charge toward the door. "You can hear her report later."
Escorted by Zerkan and Gyro the two women walked toward the medical ward through a crowd of people staring at the paling Jedi Master. The faces were familiar, but Belana did not recognize any of them. Their names were lost somewhere, their stories forgotten. She felt uprooted, without anything to hold on to. Not even Tarla's presence could support her. What was wrong with her? With a sour taste in her mouth she recalled Tarla's happy prediction. That she was expecting a child. Suddenly her thoughts were racing. If she could feel the baby's presence so strongly already it had to mean that it had been conceived some time back, at least long ago enough to make it Kell's offspring. Then he would be the father. If he ever came back. Her strength gone Belana dropped down to the floor in a boneless heap.
"Not far now," Tarla murmured in her ear.
"I can feel it. He is alive, has to be. You know him, he would not neglect his duties-"
"Hush, Belana. Please."
Then recollection returned to her. Her face frozen Belana stared at his calm features, his pale eyes close to tears, a memory from their last encounter. They had talked about mistakes, had they not? Her right hand curled into a fist. He had done something to her mind. Damn him. How could he? Had he tried to make her forget? Why? To soothe her? Or to use her. Someone helped her rise again. "Kell," she whispered. "Wherever you are I hope you can hear me."
Raising his head he frowned deeply. What was keeping them? He and Novis were strolling the streets of Aldera calmly, waiting. Once the attack had started they would have to play their adopted roles perfectly and still be gone before the Jedi arrived. Novis was uncomfortable in his robes, that he could feel, but the other's comfort was not his concern. Eyeing the passerbys suspiciously Kell felt his anxiety rise by the minute. But then, finally, the sirens started wailing at full volume. Alderaan was a peaceful planet with no defenses to speak of. Easy prey and yet, also the best target to get the Republic to act fast. And that was the goal: let the enemy move quickly and carelessly to achieve an easy victory. As they would do here.
"Sir! Jedi, sir!" Someone shouted and a young woman bustled up to the pair. She laid hopeful eyes on both. "Please, what are we to do?"
Throwing a look over her shoulder at the small crowd standing a few paces away, their faces locked in anticipation, Kell nodded sharply at the woman. "They will probably bomb the capital. Best to seek cover. No!" He held her back when she turned toward the other. "Don't hide inside the houses or cellars. Find shelter in the forests and swamps. That offers much better camouflage." She nodded and ran to join her companions.
"Better camouflage?" Novis hissed. "I noticed you didn't mention heat-seeking missiles."
"And I did not hear myself asking your opinion. Besides, Novis, heat-seeking missiles have a much better effect in non-organic cities. Logically. Power currents, reactors and such all make for very nice and foremost efficient targets."
"You are right," the other replied, sounding astounded.
"Of course I am right. Now come. We have a lot to do yet."
A few hours later the attack was in full swing and the city as good as deserted. The plan was to drive the Alderaanians out and destroy the settlements. This way the attack seemed successful at first glance, but was unbloody and besides, the Jedi would have made the day. Simply perfect. Let them chase shadows for now. They would realize soon enough that the monster was lurking on their door-step anyway.
"You! Jedi!" a man yelled suddenly and Kell and Novis turned toward him instantly. The ancient Sith almost took a step back as the other came closer. Bustling toward them amidst an honorary guard the Viceroy of Alderaan padded closer. Kell lowered his head ever so slightly, hoping that the shadowy hood would hide his features sufficiently enough. His memories of the man were not very fond ones.
"A brilliant idea!" the man shouted and patted his shoulder. "They are retreating for now."
"And they will not come back," Novis added somberly, his gravelly voice startling the Viceroy momentarily.
"No? Good!"
"Sir?" one of the guards tried. "It appears that the Republic cruisers have arrived. The enemy is retreating."
"Excellent! Thanks to- Where did they go?"
"Master Jen," the Ho'Din boomed softly as he strode into the medical ward. "Are you feeling better?"
"Much better, thank you."
Tarla winced at the weakness in Belana's tone. She had not slept much and the doctors had been reluctant to give her any sedatives since she was pregnant. So Tarla had stayed with her and helped her with getting into a healing trance. She had brushed past the older woman's consciousness accidentially then and the memory almost made her vomit. Compared to this Sechan even Roj Kell seemed positively normal. But Belana had said that her lover's methods were just much more subtle and crueller since they hurt the psyche more than the body. That Tarla could believe easily.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" the Councillor was just saying.
"Yes, actually there is something. I wanted to talk to you about Kell. No, Tarla, you can stay."
Resuming her seat the young woman felt a bit uncomfortable. This was a private discussion and she should not be here. But if Belana needed her support...
"What is it you want to talk about?"
"Kell suspects the Council of trying to use him for political reasons."
"Political?"
"He told me that he could not be of any use to you safe as symbol of your victory over him."
"I see."
"He also thinks you want to use me to further your power."
"Really?"
"Is that true?"
Jeldo shook his giant head softly and sighed. "It is not true, Belana. And the fact that he thinks that way tells me that your lesson was not entirely successful. I do not mean that as criticism though. He is stuborn, after all. This was to be expected."
"Was it? Are you telling me that you did not feel some pride at having him here again as a prisoner?"
"Not at all. And besides, the honor was all yours. He came here of his own free will, not as prisoner, for you alone. But I believe that the loss of the Force has upset him very much."
"True," Belana whispered.
"And you cannot expect him to change his ways so fast. He has to redirect his efforts and his views, a difficult feat for anyone. But no, we are not using you. You are free to do whatever you want."
"I want to destroy the Sith."
Tarla froze, momentarily shocked. These were wartimes, true, but what Belana had said spoke of revenge, nothing else. Rising slowly she walked over to her friend and cautiously lay a hand on hers.
"You don't mean that, do you?" she asked timidly. But Belana's eyes were solely fixed on the Ho'Din, awaiting his answer. He stared down at her for a long time, then turned his head away and sighed deeply.
"If I told you that I desire the same, what would you do?"
"You would have proven to me that you just lied. Did you withhold the truth, Master Jeldo?"
"He really has taught you well, hasn't he."
"My answer?"
He sighed again. "You are right. In a way. But sometimes good leadership requires sacrifices. We could justify sacrificing Roj Kell's freedom with his deeds easily. And besides it would have served a good purpose."
"Deeds!" Belana snorted. "Do you realize that he was almost always acting in self-defense? A point in his favor. He is sly, he knows which way to get you and he will never reveal any weakness, only expose yours." Propping herself up the Jedi Master looked deeply into the tall alien's eyes. "You cannot ever match his experience, Master Jeldo, all you can hope to accomplish is to gain his understanding."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you know how old he is?"
"What has age got to do with it?"
"Kell has been travelling this galaxy for almost a thousand years now. And even the most ignorant would learn something on such a long journey, don't you think? He is not ignorant in the least. It was curiosity that led him to the Dark Side, nothing else. There is no fooling him."
"A thousand years!" Tarla found herself saying.
"And yet his vision has been warped tremenduously. He is too cold, too calculating. I have tried to make him live once more. He has learned that lesson, Master Jeldo, believe me. But I guess now it is time for the Jedi to learn theirs."
"There is no lesson to learn," the Ho'Din replied heatedly. "The Jedi Order is far older than Roj Kell, if your estimate is true at all, and our wisdom much more refined. We too know how this galaxy works. But that does not mean that we should not show compassion and caring. Your friend is bound by the rules of survival, he told me so himself. His way everyone would stand against the other. Do you think that desirable?"
Tarla felt her breath catch at the angry challenge in his tone. But Belana merely nodded. "You have a point, but the true way, as it does most of the time, lies in the middle."
"Dangerous words, Master Jen," he said coldly. "Very dangerous."
"Too dangerous maybe?"
Jeldo shook his head gravely. "I will discuss this with the Council. But I can almost promise you that they would answer the same."
"A pity."
"Please, Master Jen, you fell to the Dark Side once already. Do not make things worse than they are." And with these words he rose and turned to leave. Tarla watched him go slightly shocked, but then her eyes sought Belana's face again.
"Did I truly fall?" the Jedi Master whispered softly. "How can you be so sure?"
How indeed. He had judged her without evidence, simply assuming that Kell's mere presence could corrupt her, assuming that he had broken her to his ways. It was true, in a sense, but had she not retained her light? Had Kell not admitted that himself? What a mess. Closing her eyes she sought shelter in the Force, but then, almost timidly, she touched the golden light Kell had shown her, diving into the yellow sheen joyfully. True Sith magic. Do not forget what I have taught you, he had asked. What had he taught her? Yes, that was the question. Looking over at Tarla she risked a smile.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"Maybe just too much," the younger woman conceded and her paralysed features turned into a wide grin. "Do you mean it? That you will challenge the Council on this?"
"You think I am too much like Kell, am I right?"
"Well," Tarla shrugged, "I am certain that over those three years something has rubbed off on you."
"Hm, perhaps. But maybe I have just seen the truth."
"His truth."
"You are right. I need to talk to him very soon. About a great many things," she added, running a hand over her belly with a loving smile. "I wonder how he will react?"
The bed moved under Tarla's weight as she sat down next to her. For a long moment the two women just looked at each other. Then the younger Jedi sighed deeply. She lowered her head, then shook it ever so slowly.
"Belana, I do not know what to believe anymore. I have been taught the way of the Jedi and yet you, the woman I have looked up to for nearly all of my life, seem to be unsure of that path. Reason tells me that a Sith has warped your vision, but that reason has been formed by the Council's rules." She looked up again. "What do you say?"
"I am not certain myself, Tarla. Let us see how this plays out. Then we can decide."
"She is close to the end of her term in office. If she wants to be reelected she will put pressure on the Jedi."
"Politics," Novis growled. "I prefer the straight-forward approach."
Roj Kell looked up at his companion and smiled coldly. They were seated together on top of the ruins of a bombed farm complex, a bit off from what had been left of the capital after the last strafing run. The planet was small and relatively unimportant compared to Alderaan. But that was not the point. The point was to disperse the Republic troops. And Sechan was doing his job very well.
"And what if she does not want to be reelected?" the Weequay added suddenly.
"Ah, come on. Image is everything. She cannot just stand by and act as if it were not her concern anymore."
"True. And when do we go on with phase two of the plan?"
"Have a bit more patience. The Jedi will soon enough come to realize where the root of the problem lies. Or what they perceive to be the root of the problem."
"The Sith."
"Exactly."
"And you truly believe that they will not see through your plan?"
"Even if they spare a thought for that possibility, the Supreme Chancellor will not let them act on it. And that is the trick, Novis. And the reason for letting Belana Jen go."
Falling silent the two Sith currently acting as Jedi Knights each followed their own thoughts. Not surprisingly Kell was thinking of his love. Belana was the one who would realize the truth in the end and she would be able to make the Council see reason. They had to understand that life did not need protection, or guidance by outside forces. It was a matter of preventing evil from happening as much as opposing it. Knowing the Council they would first concentrate on hunting down Sechan. But by running around trying to find him they would leave so many unprotected, would take far greater risks than they had to. Of course, the lighting attacks Sechan was conducting did not allow for predictions. But by seperating their own troops they would only weaken themselves. The Sith would not engage them in open battle, no way. Right now, with Kell and Novis acting as valiant Jedi Knights the Order's reputation was experiencing a boost among the common people, which was exactly the effect Kell had desired by his actions. But the greater their praise, the deeper their fall once the two Sith turned the tables on their adversaries.
The attacks had been repeated for just over a week now and from Sechan's report they had not lost too many of their ships yet. That would change, of course, once Sechan began with ground attacks instead of just the bombing runs. Close and personal, that was the way Kell wanted this to become. Very personal indeed. Dropping off his perch elegantly he walked a few steps into the burned yard of the farm-house and propped his hands on his hips pensively.
As Cor'dan it was his duty to form a bridge between life and death, light and dark and keep a balance in everything. Of course, in the old days it would also have meant that he would be asked to speak judgement and to mediate disputes. But the old days were long dead. The Dark Jedi who had found his people millenia ago had not cared for the Cor'dan. They had only seen potential servants in the Sith. Servants. He was not used to serving anyone. And even when he submitted to someone else's control he always retained his independence. Just like the Jedi three yeras back his Sith master had never managed to break his will. Roj Kell growled at the memory. It had been intriguing to study the Dark Jedi under Exar Kun's command who called themselves Sith, and it had even been some fun to follow them into battle. But some things had always struck him as senseless and foolish. Which had been the reason for leaving his master to die on Yavin 4. Since then he had been playing games, inspired by his experience with the Sith. He had wanted to know how other people worked, what ruled their minds and lives and how he could manipulate them. But he had lost touch with reality over that.
Somehow he now suspected that this had been part of a greater plan, one he had not even realized he was a part of. The bonding with Exar Kun had disrupted his journey, the initiation rite for becoming Cor'dan. And he had never come around to completeing the Jer'fra that would have made him a Magician and High Priest. The Dark Side had stood in his way. Now, without the Force, his mind was clear again. Too clear maybe. The plan he had devised was brilliant in a way, but most people would not see that brilliance. A lesson, he had called it. And that it was too. Right now the Jedi were like a light in the dark, shining brightly against the background of the Sith attacks. But that light was deceiving. They did not accomplish anything for real. The goal was to achieve a state were the dark stood out in a sea of light, where evil was recongized and opposed before it could become overwhelming. Evil. Well, that was something he had to get to grips with first. Was he himself evil? Belana would deny it, he knew. She perceived him as cruel, yes, but to her that was not the same as being evil. His cruelty was something she could cope with, his games something she could follow rationally. But true evil was as senseless as Sechan's torturing her. It had served no purpose save to hurt her. And where Kell, too, hurt others with his schemes he always followed a goal.
If this justified the pain was disputable, of course. The Council had tried to make him see that, but even though Kell understood perfectly well, what they meant, he could not imagine himself following their rules at all. In his mind life needed no protection, because destruction and death were as much part of it as giving birth. If one creature perished others would take its place. A tree that died in the shadow of another, greater one, still served other purposes. But sentient beings were not like that. They had formed a self-centered view that allowed for mourning and emotional pain.And that was the hook. Kell might not think anything of killing someone if it served his purpose, but not because be wanted to inflict pain on others. He simply did not care. That caring was what had lacked so far and what Belana had managed to awaken in him. To truly understand people he had to care for them too. Strange as it sounded.
He shook his head in astonishment. How to bring both philosophies together? As Cor'dan he had to remain aloof and understanding at the same time. He had to remain cold yet know what others felt to make the right decision. But that was the way of the Jedi, wasn't it? Shaking his head he laughed out loud, startling Novis. Yes, it was the way of the Jedi, but they were caught up in their own culture of compassion and caring. They were reluctant to hurt anyone, always seeking compromises. Violence was seen as a last resort. And yet the way the Jedi Council had acted toward him had shown him something else. They had claimed not wanting to change him and yet they had desired nothing else.
This lesson would make them see the error of their ways. They had to face their true self. Only then could there be a renewal of what the Jedi had once been. And that would be something Kell could live with. Not this pretense and righteousness, but honest, outright judgement. If Master Jeldo had told him that the Council had sentenced him to death because they perceived his games as too dangerous and immoral and their scale too high he could have accepted that. But the Ho'Din's arguments had been much more mundane. As if the Jedi had been helpless against him. Protection had not been necessary, on the contrary. It had been the Jedi who had attacked him. They had justified their deeds with the fact that he was a Sith anyway, meaning he was evil, a condemnation that had been made without second thoughts.
It had been drilled into them for millenia and now they saw everything in black and white. They too had lost touch to reality. And Roj Kell would gladly help them to find their way back again.
The Council meeting was usually an exclusive affair, but today Belana Jen had been invited to attend too. Undoubtedly they wanted to observe her reactions. But she could deal with the suspicion, she thought. Lounging in her seat quite unconcernedly she listened to the reports with a keen interest.
"So far ten worlds have fallen under attack. Six have been bombed and there were only a few civilians injured. The rest were attacked by ground forces too. As far as we can tell the Sith forces consist of only three ships. They move fast and we cannot predict their targets. But if we can force them to make a stand we should have no problems defeating them." Master Jeldo took a deep breath: "The government has been lauding the Jedi for their efforts and especially our independent teams that have been helping civilians organize escapes on the planets under attack. But," and here he gave Belana a hard look, "we have no idea who these benefactors might be. Officially we have had no teams stationed on most of those worlds. And those we had stationed report that they had nothing to do with initiating these miraculous rescues. Any suggestions?"
"They are Sith in disguise," one Councillor stated drily. "They can only be Sith. And I would rather not know what they are planning."
"If people find out that Sith have been protecting them instead of Jedi..." another added pensively.
"We have to find them."
"According to reports those rescuers are always a humanoid and a Weequay," Jeldo explained calmly. "We are agreed that they are no Jedi. Whether they are Sith we cannot tell for sure."
"What are they planning? Having forces attack the worlds and others disguise as Jedi to help civilians is playing against them in the long run."
"Is it? The civilian losses equal zero. So far. I fear though that this will soon change. And then we will get blamed for failure of protecting them," Diriwa, a delicate Chadra'Fan female mused aloud.
"I do not understand this," a Bith sighed finally.
"No?" Belana could not hide her surprise. The Bith were known to be highly intelligent and reasonable. But maybe the Jedi Code had warped this one's vision quite a bit.
"You have an idea, Master Jen?" Jeldo asked lightly.
"Indeed I do. This is a lesson. Victory is not the goal, but discrediting us, as you have stated, Master Diriwa." She nodded at the Chadra' Fan. "The question remains: what is the motivation? Revenge? They cannot win in the long run. We will get them in the end. But by keeping civilian losses minimal they have formed a shield against our wrath. We can blame them for destroying property, but not for taking lives. We can accuse them of playing games, but not of anything truly evil. Tell me, how long since the first attack?"
"Ten days," Diriwa informed her, obviously fascinated. "What are you getting at?"
"Well, they have three ships. If they are constantly on the move, performing hit and run missions, they will be out of resources in another twenty days at the most."
"Then this is when we get them. Well done."
"But knowing when we will achieve victory does not solve our problem," Jeldo said softly. "Am I right, Master Jen?"
Belana nodded gravely. "Indeed. Whoever has planned this has analysed the crusade in great detail. Now we only have to play against their time-frame."
"You suspect someone?"
"Well, I told you that this Sechan is imitating Kell, but he would try to win. Kell would play games." She took a deep breath. "Before he left he told me that he wants to teach this galaxy a lesson it will never forget."
"Silence." The Ho'Din's booming voice filled the chamber easily. "Master Jen, what can we do?"
She shrugged uneasily. It had been a few days since she had had that little talk with the head of the Council, and he had not spoken of it further to her. But the Jedi Master could not quite belive that he had dropped the matter yet. And now he asked her for help? Thsi was a test, she was certain of it. Well, if Kell wanted to teahc them a lesson and he was using her as his instrument she would gladly play his way. Raising her head high she gave the assembly a bright smile.
"I have a suggestion that will please all of us, I believe."
Fifteen days over, fifteen more to go. And the ground attacks were doing nicely. Roj Kell and Novis had arrived on Deyer a few days before the impending attack and both had kept hidden so far. By now the Jedi Council had had sufficient time to come to some conclusions and people would be looking for them. Undoubtedly the Jedi had reasoned that wherever this pair showed up an attack was inevitable. Still, they were well in their time-frame and so far they had not encountered any trouble. But things would change as of today. Today, when people came running to the Jedi for help they would be refused. Instead he and Novis would engage the Sith in battle and drive them back once the Republic forces arrived. The hardest thing then would be to get away in time.
It was not before long that the alarm sirens started their eerie song, raising metallic voices over the peaceful din of the cities. Nodding at his companion Kell motioned him on. They were walking the streets purposefully, apparently searching for something. And only a few minutes later an elderly man bustled up to Novis, eyes shining with hope.
"Sir, we have heard bad news on the most recent attacks. Will we be in great danger?"
The Weequay looked down upon the unfortunate man with cold eyes. "There is always danger with Sith around, my good man."
"Fortunately the Jedi are on our side."
"Yes, fortunately. You had better find cover now," Novis added just before the low whine of approaching fighters filled the air. "Here they come," he breathed, eyes shining with anticipation.
They had talked about this at length and decided that they would give the others a good fight. This was not supposed to look easy. But now, looking at the Weequay's profile, Roj Kell pitied any Sith who got in the tall alien's way. He was craving blood and action and he would not care who tasted the green beam of his lightsaber. The ancient Sith Lord smiled. Good. With a little luck fate would pit him against Sechan...
Tarla was very nervous. She and Gyro had been assigned to the special Republic task force 'Hammerblow' five days back and right now they were on their way to Deyer. Distress calls from the planet had reached the ships just a few moments ago and luckily they had been in close vicinity to the system. Now, standing on the bridge of the flagship the young Jedi Knight was wondering what would meet them there. And who. Belana had told her of her suspicions concerning Kell and she hoped that she would not have to fight the man. He might not be a warrior, but he had a mean style. The only thing in her favor seemed the fact that he was cut off from the Force.
"Tarla."
"Hm?" Looking up at Gyro she did not find the strength to smile.
"When we are down there I want you to promise me that you'll be careful."
"You too, my dear."
"I shall try."
And then the small fleet dropped out of hyperspace, the planet Deyer looming ahead.
"Troops have landed already," the Captain announced after a glance at the sensors. "Enemy ships are regrouping. They are going to attack."
"Then this is where we leave," Gyro announced.
"Don't forget your troops," the Captain admonished him drily.
"No worries there. Come," he said and nodded at Tarla, who followed eagerly.
The way down was a rollercoaster ride through enemy fighters and barrages of laser volley, but the shields held, fortunately. When the three shuttles finally touched down Tarla remembered to breathe again. The Dark Side was all too present down here, a black storm ravaging the surface. Gritting her teeth against the onslaught she hefted her lightsaber with some determination.
"Okay, then let's do this."
Roj Kell stared at the sky, disbelieving. How had they managed to anticipate this move? Damn! If they stayed here any longer there would be no Sith left to bring this to an end. Cursing wildly he disengaged from one of the 'enemy' warriors and sprinted toward Novis, who was seemingly enjoying himself. An unfortunate fugitive dared to dart in his way though.
"Sir! The Sith have broken into-"
"Shut up," Kell roared, his voice ripping through the battle noises mercilessly. The man fell to his knees, quivering and holding his head with a pained grimace. "Can't you see that I am busy?" the Sith Lord hissed and moved on, a snarl marring his features. "Novis!"
Looking around the Weequay spotted him and joined his side presently. "What is going on?"
"The Republic troops have found us, it would seem. We have to pull out now. Find Sechan."
As it turned out, Roj Kell found the younger Sith himself first. Striding into the city's main storehouse he found the floor littered with twisted and mutilated bodies. Fearful screams through the great hall from behind stacks of boxes and metal containers. The steady hum of a lightsaber interrupted them from time to time and the smell of burned flesh was thick in the air. Kell's lips curled into a cold smile as he rounded a corner and found the wanted Sith with a joyful gleam in his eyes just about to decaptivate a young girl who had not been fast enough to escape him.
"Sechan!" he barked. "The Republic is landing troops as we speak. What in Sith hells are you still doing here?"
"Having fun, just as you told me to."
Roj Kell's pale eyes narrowed into icy slits as he took in the shadowy room more closely. "I see," he stated and tore his gaze away from the people huddled in one corner, eyes wide with fear and shock. "And you are prepared to sacrifice your troops for the sake of your personal entertainment?"
Sechan snorted contemptuously and let his lightsaber arch very gracefully around to point at the fugitives trying to crawl into the wall at the weapon's advance. "We are Sith, Lord Kell. And we should be a bit more convincing, don't you think?"
"Indeed," Kell nodded and watched the younger man smash into an array of boxes with full force. Striding up to the other's crumpled form he hefted his lightsaber handle in his right hand determinedly. "Was that convincing enough?"
"Maybe a bit too much." Sechan attacked immediately, the Dark Side ripping through Kell's shields easily and throwing him back on the first go.
"Cade!" Kell shouted, putting all of his power into the order. But the other simply shook the magic off.
"I am terribly sorry your tricks don't work, Lord Kell. You should never have tried to assume command."
Retreating before the other Kell was seething inside. But when Sechan brought his lightsaber to bear the ancient Sith met his weapon with a shattering blow. The next minutes were spent with a quick exchange of parries and jabs that saw Sechan on the advance. He had an easy time forseeing Kell's actions whereas the other had to rely on instinct alone. Very soon he felt his strength dwindle. When the other's blade caressed his left shoulder Sechan gave a triumphant cry and pressed the attack. Another jab bounced off the black armor covering Kell's right forearm and then the Cor'dan had had enough. Pivoting on his left heel he let his right arm swing around to hit Sechan full in the face while his left hand pushed the deadly blade aside. The younger Sith went down with a curse, but he needed only a split-second to hook a foot around Kell's ankle and drop him on his back. And he left his adversary no chance to avoid the blade stabbing into his abdomen.
Screaming in agony Kell had barely the presence of mind to shield his body against the glowing blade before it could do more damage. But he still felt as if on fire. Sechan was frowning when his efforts to bisect him failed. Withdrawing the blade he stabbed down again, aiming at the heart this time. Kell's left hand closed around the laser beam in a lightning quick move and held on to it with all the strength left to him. They wrestled for the weapon for some time, but in the end the pain became to much. Letting go again Kell rolled around to get to his feet once more, but suddenly he could not feel anything anymore from his hips downward. Damn! Cursing loudly he ignored Sechan's laughter, his mind evaluating his chances instead. He needn't have bothered though.
"What is this about?"
"Ah, Novis. You are just in time to-"
"Sechan, you are a fool. Get out of here now or die. Although I would prefer the latter," the Weequay replied icily. "The Republic troops are already here and they are very eager to rid Deyer of any Sith."
"Well, then there'll be one less they'll have to worry about," Sechan hissed and knelt down next to Kell.
"No."
"No? Novis, are you stupid?"
"You are the fool, Sechan. You have ruined the plan. Now you can get out of this mess on your own."
"You are leaving?"
"Indeed. And you should too. Leave him alone."
"They have engaged the Sith," the Forshan announced solemnly and turned her head around to regard both Belana and Master Jeldo calmly. She did not seem in the least worried or inclined to hurry a bit more. The Jedi Master bit back a sigh.
"Supreme Chancellor, this is good news. There are, however, only two Jedi Knights with the troops. I am not certain if they will succeed in getting rid of this threat." Jeldo sounded all too calm for Belana's taste. They had arived at the Chancellor's request a good twenty minutes ago, an hour after the battle on Deyer had started. Now, seated in the spacious office on comfortable chairs Belana could not shed her anxiety. They might be far from the shooting, but there were still people dying out there.
"Even if some escape, they will not remain hidden for long," the Forshan was just saying.
"Actually, we have a suggestion concerning exactly that."
"Then let's hear it, Master Jeldo," the Chancellor told him with an inviting smile.
"Announce amnesty for the survivors."
"What?" The Forshan seemed taken aback at first. "Wait. This is supposed to be a trap, am I right? But will they trust you?"
Belana shook her head. "No trap. We are sincere."
"Are you? This is ... surprising. Why should we let them live? They are Sith."
"Well, your highness, it is a bit complicated. But this whole series of attacks is supposed to be a lesson."
"A lesson."
"For the Jedi."
"The Sith teaching the Jedi a lesson. Fancy that."
"One Sith."
"I see. Let me guess: Roj Kell? I knew the man was trouble from the moment you first brought him to Coruscant. And I was right. No, let me finish," she said and held up a hand to cut Belana's protests short. "I have been made aware of your efforts in ... taming him, Master Jen. Do you call this a success?"
"Actually yes, I do," Belana answered fiercely.
"Please, Supreme Chancellor, there are two ways to end this unfortunate incident. And the latter would be far more positive. For all of us."
"Why would that be so?"
"Well, the attacks were initiated by the Sith, but so were the rescues."
"What? There were no Jedi involved?"
"No."
"I see. How inconvenient." She clicked her teeth irritably. "Very well. If any survive I will give them in your care. If Roj Kell survives though ... We will decide that later."
"Thank you," Master Jeldo said pleasantly and lay a hand on Belana's arm to silence her before she could even open her mouth. Subsiding again she shot him an evil glare and rose with a polite bow.
"I thank you too, Supreme Chancellor."
"Wait. Master Jen, I would speak with you in private." The Forshan waited until a surprised Ho'Din had left the office before she rose and turned her back on an equally surprised Belana.
"Master Jen, I hear you are with child?"
"Yes, that is true," Belana answered, a bit taken aback at how fast news travelled.
"If I may ask, who is the father?"
"Lord Kell."
"As I suspected. I understand, of course, that you feel indebted in a way to your lover, teacher, whatever he may be to you. But he is -"
"I know very well what he is," the Jedi Master told her icily, feeling her stomach clench at the Chancellor's cold tone.
Turning to face her again the Forshan nodded slowly. "That I do not doubt. But others do not know him the way you do. We remember his games most vividly. And I want this to end as much as you do. I will not deny that child a father, but I wish that father were a bit more ... manageable."
"Oh, he is quite manageable once you know how to treat him. That is the lesson he is teaching the Jedi and I think we are all learning."
"A dangerous lesson."
"We shall see, won't we?"
The pain suddenly ripping through her body brought her to her knees with a painfilled groan. At the edge of her awareness Belana could hear the Chancellor call for help, but her mind was focused only on the golden flow that was screaming through her head, tormenting her with someone else's agony. Kell! she yelled inwardly, tears streaming down her face. By then though she was already blackening out.
Tarla ran after the Republic troopers, concentrated on the battle fully. She had lost sight of Gyro some time ago, but she could feel his presence well enough. And he seemed to be all right so far. Dashing betweeen the soldiers she reached the front just in time before they met another group of Sith troops. The young Jedi Knight squared her shoulder and fell into an easy stance. Her mind became a deep void, as she had been taught, devoid of emotion and completely open to the flow of the Force. But to her suprise their opponents did not even try to engage them. Instead they retreated in good order. Tarla hesitated. She could hardly attack, or could she? When suddenly a tall alien stormed past her she jumped in shock. Dressed in flowing Jedi robes the Weequay paid her no heed as he stode toward the Sith troops, but the young woman remembered the reports all too vividly.
"Hey!" she called and dashed foward to meet the Republic commander. "Don't shoot," she told him breathlessly. Then, her dark eyes seeking the 'Jedi' once more, she bit her lower lip hard. He was talking to a tall human urgently, gesturing wildly to get his point across. The other shook his head determinedly. Tarla held her breath. The Weequay held the human back when that one turned away to leave again. But the other brought his arm around, slapping the alien's hand away. The young Jedi's eyes widened in surprise when she noticed the black armor covering the human's forearms. Sechan! This had to be Sechan! With an angry roar she charged ahead blindly, unaware of the Republic troops following her. She met the pair head on, her lightsaber flashing. The Weequay stepped out of her way nonchalantly and turned to defend himself against the soldiers while the human smirked at her, his blue eyes full of contempt.
"Better give up now, girl, and I promise you a quick death."
"A shame I cannot promise you the same," Tarla hissed and brought her blade up under his.
He stared at her in astonishment, but then ducked down and tried to get her off her feet. She jumped high instead and kicked a boot into his face. Falling back he slashed at her again and missed her just barely. Tarla's mouth twisted in distaste. He was good, but she was better. Feinting left she let him block her saber but managed to connect with her boot again. He almost toppled over in pain. Still, he was able to snake out from under he next blow. But he had ducked too low. Bringing her left knee up Tarla hit his chin with full force and brought her lightsaber around in a beautiful arc that seperated his head from his neck most effectively.
Nodding in satisfaction she raised her head to check on the Weequay. He was smiling at her calmly. Prepared to take the new challenge she brought her weapon to bear again, but to her surprise he simply shook his head. When she looked around Tarla noticed that safe for this one no Sith remained on the battle-field. This stand had allowed them to escape easily. She growled in the back of her throat, then snorted at the alien.
"Who are you?"
"Novis."
"Then tell me, Novis, whta the hell are you still doing here?"
He laughed at that. "I am taking care of a friend."
"You let them escape."
"So?"
"What friend?"
His face turned grim. "He has been badly injured. I do not know if he will survive."
All of a sudden cold suspiciosn crept into Tarla's heart: "Where is he?"
"Over there," he said, pointing toward a large building looming into the sky not far away.
"Tarla!"
Whirling around she felt relief pour through her at seeing Gyro unharmed. He ran to meet her, then threw a doubtful glance at Novis. "Most of them have escaped."
"I know."
"Did you find Kell?"
"Not yet."
The Weequay's cool voice interrupted them. "I know where he is."
Roj Kell was awoken from his half-conscious slumber by busy hands running over his body in an effort to bring him back to the world of the living. He opened his eyes with difficulty to meet the frightened gaze of the girl Sechan had almost killed when he had arrived. She tried to prop him up, but he was too heavy for her. It was a wasted effort anyway, he knew. There was just one possibility for him to survive. Just one. Tears were rimming his eyes when he reached out to touch the girl's right arm.
"I am sorry," he whispered weakly and stroked her dry skin tenderly. "I really am."
She opened her mouth to reply but her words were swallowed by shock as his mind touched hers. Her face frozen she made small, tortured noises that he tried to ignore. Focus! The last time he had bonded with the Force he had had to rely on his strength only, but this time he could not afford that at all. Burying deeper into her presemce Kell sought the portal that would allow him to enter the flow once more. Her thoughts were nearly overwhelming him as she struggled against his hold, desperately trying to survive. She was twisting in his grasp, her struggles weakening him immensely. With an angry hiss Kell gave her a shake that rattled her body violently. But in the end she fell silent.
"He was not there," Tarla said slowly, sounding awfully tired.
Belana pressed her lips together in an effort to not let her worry show. But there was no way denying what she felt inside. Her friend had just finshed her report on the battle on Deyer and the Council seemed almost as disappointed as Belana was herself. Her dark eyes sought the calm gaze of the Weequay warrior standing a bit apart amidst a group of Republic soldiers. The amnesty had been announced just after the battle had ended, but legally it did not apply to him, since he had been taken prisoner beforehand. He had confirmed Kell's plan and he had also reported the more gruesome details of what had happened before the Jedi's arrival. Kell had been injured and now he had vanished. Belana did not know what that meant, But she was still hopeful.
Most of the Sith on the planet's surface had managed to escape somehow, but the threes hips had been captured by the Republic task force. The crews would be not be subject to the amnesty either. Shaking her head in astonishment the Jedi Master wondered again how her lover always managed to come out on top of the game. But from Tarla's report she guessed that Novis would be treated with the respect he deserved. After all, he had tried to end the battle. And he had not participated in any attacks. A masterpiece. Kell had truly planned this perfectly.
"A true masterpiece," Diriwa chirped, echoing Belana's thoughts aloud. "And he did all this without the aid of the Force. Very impressive."
"Yes," Jeldo conceded. "You are right, but I would rather have him here than running around the Force knows where."
"He will come back," Belana said quietly. "Now that he has brought his point across he will bring the rest of them to us."
"Are you certain?"
"What else is left? And we have discussed this at length, as I recall. Don't back down on your promise now."
"We will not, do not worry. And the Chancellor will remain true to her word."
"She wants him to pay."
"We all do, in a way," the Ho'Din answered with a smile. "But I suppose we will have to show the same compassion we did when voting for the amnesty."
"Stay true to yourselves, that is all that is required."
It was exactly two days later that the Sith announced their arrival.
Standing at the edge of the crowd that had assembled along the corridors leading up to the Council Chamber Belana held her breath when the small procession rounded the far corner to make their way down toward her. She smiled at the tall figure wrapped in a long black cloak, face hidden inside a deep cowl. He strode past her without turning his head once. Following the group inside the Jedi Master frowned slightly. Could she have been mistaken? Master Jeldo rose gracefully from his seat and nodded his welcome. Without a word the leader of the Sith group bent down and dropped to one knee. As he reached out to place the handle of his lightsaber on the floor in front of him the long, black robes and cloak revealed a piece of armor that covered the whole length of his forearm. Belana recognized the patterns immediately. Stepping up to him smartly the Jedi Master put her right boot-heel on the handle, trapping his hand underneath it. When he looked up at her sharply she pushed back his hood and nodded in satisfaction.
"I knew."
Roj Kell smiled at her faintly. "Well, I would have been a bit disappointed if you had not known," he countered and rose. Taking her hands in his he drew her close. "I have missed you."
"You were injured."
"Not too much."
"I am glad. And I have missed you too."
"Oh? Why am I not surprised?"
Looking down at her smiling face Kell felt like laughing. He was back with her and the sour expression Master Jeldo was wearing told him a great many things. Apparently the Ho'Din was none too happy about this turn of events.
"Lord Kell, we are not too surprised either to see you here," the Jedi Master announced somberly.
"And did you enjoy the game?"
"Not as much as you did, I am certain. But this has been no game to us. We are sincere and I hope you are too."
"Most sincere. And I hope you have learned the lesson."
"I think that we have. Although it was very hard to accept it from you of all people."
Roj Kell beamed at him: "Thank you for your honesty."
"We all have learned our lessons, I think."
"Yes, that we have."
"Still, I hate letting all of you get away like this."
"Ah, I see. But you will find that we are not all that bad." Kell flashed the Council a pleasant smile.
"Let me put it as nice as I can: if none is as bad as you are I will be content."
"Thank you."
"The Supreme Chancellor will want to talk to you."
"I know, but she will have to wait, politics and all."
It was some time later that he was finally alone with Belana once more. Holding her in his arms he was not thinking anything, simply enjoying her warmth this close to him. She felt so radiant to him that it almost hurt. Burying his face in her hair he took a deep breath and smiled.
"I am glad that it was Tarla who killed Sechan and not you."
"Are you really?"
"Yes. She needed that."
"Why?"
"How can she understand revenge when she has never felt hatred before? That is the essence of the lesson. They have to get out there to understand what they are supposed to do. You cannot raise children to become Jedi in this closed an environment. Else they will not be able to cope with reality the way they should."
"Still, someone needs to guide them."
"Yes, that is true."
"And they cannot be guided by revenge."
"All right. I agree."
"And you will still be Cor'dan?"
"I cannot be anything but that."
"Actually you can."
"Really?" She told him. He stared. "What?" Turning her head around gently so he could look in her dark eyes he found a hint of amusement lingering there. "This is ... a bit surprising."
"And how do you feel about it?"
"I am not sure."
"Happy?"
He gave her a helpless smile. "I don't think so."
"You are afraid." She frowned at that. "I thought you would be glad."
"It is just ... so much responsibility." He knew that it was foolish the moment the words were out of his mouth. Belana laughed softly.
"And since when have you been afraid of that?"
"Well, this is different. I am just not sure if I can be a good father."
Her anger hit him with full force. "Then I guess I will have to make up for that," she announced and drew his arms away, freeing herself from his embrace.
"Belana, don't be so mad."
"I am not," she almost shouted.
They were silent for a while. Belana stood by the window, staring out into the night and pouting. He did not want to interrupt her thoughts though. There was too much he had to think about himself. He had never even considered to someday have a real family. Somehow it had never seemed important. It would only have hampered his independence. But now he did not have a choice anymore, did he? If only because he did not want to leave Belana. And besides, he was curious. What would the child be like? What would become of it? Kell smiled again. Well, this was to be a new chapter in the book of his life. It would be fun to watch the child grow and learn. And he suspected that Belana would take care that it would not take too much after its father either. Raising his head he waited for her to turn around.
"Well, I guess it is worth a try."
"Don't try, just do," she told him tenderly.
"You know me," he whispered and rose. Wrapping his arms around her waist he placed a kiss on her lips and chuckled softly. "A bit too well, maybe," he added and her husky laughter rang though the night seductively. Moving slowly he drew her into a gentle dance that followed their very private tune, all of the ups and downs they had gone through together. And one thing was clear: whatever life held in store for them, they had found something that would last throughout an eternity. Literally.
The End