Chapter 13: Water World
The trip to Manaan was pretty boring Revan reflected as she lay in the crew quarters. She punched in a couple more words into the data pad she was holding, and then studied it.
Dear Carth,
I hope everything is going well with Dustil. How is he doing? I miss you. This trip has been pretty boring; I guess I should be grateful for that. The crew is doing fine. Mission continues to chase Zaalbar around the ship with a toothbrush and comb. She did manage to catch him once, with a little help from Jolee. Some times I just can't figure that old man out, well…most of the time. I am grateful he came though; he came up with this herbal tea that helps me sleep.
Zaalbar just walked by with his fur on end, I'm trying not to laugh. Canderous and HK-47 continue to hang out next to my swoop bike exchanging war stories. Half way through our trip I caught Canderous talking to hoppy, it was the funniest sight I've seen. Hoppy was sitting on the workbench eyeing the weapons while Canderous was working on them. He was telling him some of his stories, I decided not to bother them and ruin that moment.
I actually managed to get our holo player to work, luckily we have some movies onboard, and hopefully there will be something good. We plan on watching one of them tonight and drink chi.
Mission continues to kick my butt at Pazaak but she insists I'm getting better, good thing we don't bet. I'm looking forward to running some swoop races when we get to Manaan, there should be a new contest on. Who knows, maybe I'll make sector champion again. Don't worry I won't crash.
Well T3-M4 just walked in and told me everyone's getting ready for that movie. I'll send you another letter soon.
Love, Takera
Revan eyed the data pad once more and signed the letter. She decided to use her other name just in case.
Zaalbar walked into the room, "Everyone's ready, we are just waiting on you," he growled.
"Ok, I'm coming. What movie did you guys pick out?" Revan got up off the bed and followed Zaalbar.
"After a long and complex debate we decided on "Runaway home to Alderaan," Zaalbar growled to Revan.
Revan smiled, "Oh good, one I haven't seen."
She followed Zaalbar out to the holo player and picked up a cup of chi along the way. Revan sat down next to Bastila and propped her feet up on a crate.
******
Revan eyed everyone clustered around the Holo player. She had to break out a box of tissues; there we're so many teary eyes. The movie was very sappy, but it was nice to sit around with her good friends and drink chi. Even Canderous wasn't immune to the effect's of the movies, she noted his wet eyes and the tissue clutched in one hand.
"What?!" he growled at her, "I've got something in my eye."
Revan just smiled and looked away. She frowned at Jolee who was asleep, his head leaning back on a metal box.
"He's going to have quite a kink in his neck when he wakes up, and be more grouchy than usual," Revan frowned.
HK-47 spoke up, "Query: Why didn't they just shoot those meat-bags and avoid all the crying and the problems with their families?"
Revan grinned at him, "Is your only solution to problems shooting everyone? What… never mind, I already know the answer."
T3-M4 beeped up at HK-47 who looked down at him and kicked T3-M4 in the wheels.
Canderous laughed at the two droids. This woke up Jolee up who growled as he eased his aching neck off the crate, "In the name of the Force…" He rubbed his neck and frowned at Revan who was stifling a giggle.
"No respect for your elders," Jolee's frowned deepened.
"Respect for what? An old man who snores loud enough to wake the dead?" Revan smirked
Bastila was sipping her chi when Revan said that and snorted into her drink as she coughed and swallowed some chi the wrong way. She continued to laugh/choke while Revan patted her on the back. After Bastila stopped coughing Revan got up and stretched
"Well we should arrived at Manaan in a few hours. I'll be up in the cockpit," Revan noted.
Revan flopped down in the pilot's chair and pulled out a pad of paper. It had been extremely hard to find this paper and the graphite pencil, but it was the only way for her to draw. She studied the readings on the panels and then propped her feet up, and doodled in her notepad.
******
The transport shuttle docked at the spaceport on Coruscant. Carth waited nervously for his son, Dustil to arrive. He was really worried about doing something wrong, or saying something to upset Dustil. He could see in his mind's eye Dustil standing there at the Sith academy on Korriban. He was so angry… so full of hate that Carth couldn't think of anything to say. Luckily Takera… Revan had come to the rescue and spoke first. She was very charming and managed to get Dustil to not shoot them, or try to carve his father up with his light saber.
Revan had also snuck into Master Uthar's bedchamber and grabbed the evidence that Dustil wanted. Dustil was a smart kid and he had decided to leave the academy, good thing too, because shortly after he left trouble had started.
"Shuttle 436 has arrived from Telos," a voice sounded over the intercom.
Carth jumped up and watched the passengers step off the shuttle. A tall, brown haired man stepped through the crowds, holding a bag over his shoulder. Carth waved to him.
"Dustil! Over here," Carth called to the young man.
Dustil noticed his father and walked over to him, both men seemed nervous and hesitant.
"Hello Father," Dustil spoke.
Carth smiled at his son, who fidgeted nervously, "Good to see you son."
Carth grabbed one of Dustil's bag and they headed out to the speeders, "So, how have you been?" Carth asked.
"Ok, I just… didn't enjoy being on Telos," Dustil commented.
Carth nodded his sympathy, remembering all the pain… and despair on Telos. The Sith bombing the planet, and the death of his wife.
"It was pretty boring. Some of my friends came with me, but it was still boring," Dustil continued.
Carth started up the speeder and they tossed Dustil's luggage in the back. Dustil got into the passenger side.
"Not enough action for you?" Carth smiled at his son.
They sat in silence for a few minutes while Carth maneuvered his speeder through the traffic.
"Nope… so I hear you're a big hero and everything…" Dustil shifted nervously.
"Yeah I guess," Carth shrugged, "Let's just hope the war will turn around now."
Dustil nodded, watching the lights of the other speeders zip by, "So, where's your Jedi friend… Takera I think her name was,"
Carth winced, this wasn't going to be pleasant, "She's away on a mission…"
"Oh…" Dustil nodded, he looked into his father face but decided not to push the matter, there would be plenty of time later to confront his father about her.
They drove off to the hotel, chatting about this and that. Dustil seemed a little bit more at ease around his father… but he also wasn't looking forward to confronting his dad about Takera. Rumors and strange reports have been flying about concerning her. Dustil had also managed to dig up more information; he wanted to know the truth… He was angry with his father about her too. It just wasn't fair and he had noticed a few things about her and his father… they seemed a bit more than friends, or so he thought.
******
"Welcome to Manaan," The blue, fishy Selkath replied in his native tongue, "The council is very pleased that you have come. Here, let me show you to your rooms." The Selkath hefted a bag over one shoulder and motioned for Revan and the crew to follow.
He led them out into the open, salty air of Alto City. It tall, sparking buildings glinted in the sunlight. Alto City was the only city on all of Manaan for "air breathers" and the Selkath took great pride in it. The Selkath guide led through several open areas and then down a hallway. Revan looked out over the great, planet-wide ocean and sighed.
"Back here again…" Revan thought while going over the events of when she was last here, "Good thing I didn't poison that giant Firaxen shark."
The Selkath stopped at a hotel, "The council has arranged quarters for you," he pointed at the hotel, "After you have settled, the Republic Ambassador would like to speak with you."
Revan nodded, "Thank you."
"As we jump straight into the Bureaucracy…and more red tape." Revan sighed as she dragged her pack into her guest room.
"They aren't wasting time, are they?" Revan thought, "Well, this is a very important meeting. I bet it's about the Kolto…hehe what else would it be about?"
Revan stuffed several clothes into a bin near her bed sighing. There was a tapping on her door, "Yes?" Revan asked as she opened the door.
Mission came bounding in, followed closely by Zaalbar, "Hey Takera, Big Z and I are going exploring. Want to come?" Mission plopped down into a chair.
"I wish I could… but apparently I have to go meet this Ambassador," Revan grimaced, "exploring would be much more fun…but I have duties," She sighed.
"Awww, come on, they can't expect to work you right away, can they? Besides who knows what interesting things we might find," Mission coaxed, grinning at Revan.
"Well…" Revan smiled at the younger girl, as she felt those stirrings of curiosity.
"Aww, pleeeeease. It's so much more fun when you come," Mission grinned.
Zaalbar growled approval, "I agree, besides you can keep Mission out of trouble."
"Hey, I'm no kid. I can take care of myself," Mission glowered at Zaalbar, who chuckled in response.
Revan laughed and threw her arms up in the air, "Oh, all right. But leave Canderous with Jolee? That's downright cruel," Revan laughed.
"Naw, he went back to the Hawk to work on something," Mission chimed in, "Jolee's probably meditating or something, and I think Bastila's unpacking."
Revan nodded, "Ok, maybe we could check out the swoop tracks also. I hear they started a new round and I have to keep up my title," Revan grinned.
Zaalbar growled, "We should head there first."
Revan and Mission agreed and headed out of the hotel, stopping once to inform Jolee of their intention. Jolee responded with a grunt and rolled his eyes.
Revan blinked several times as they stepped out into the sunlight. It glinted off of the many buildings and the huge oceans.
"I'm going to have to get my paints out, and do some landscapes," Revan commented to Mission.
"Yeah, it is pretty here," Mission commented, "Maybe you will sell some too."
Revan nodded, then laughed, "Like we need to draw anymore attention."
The crowds were thick as Mission, Zaalbar and Revan pushed through them, "Defiantly an advantage to having a wookie around. Everyone gives you plenty of room."
She used the Force to probe the crowds, looking for any danger, but it appeared that no Sith assassins or bounty hunters lurked in the shadows.
"Good," Revan thought, "Would be nice to have a little bit of peace and quiet."
Upon reaching the Swoop track Revan inquired about the current scores and whether a new round had started.
The Selkath manager replied, "Yes a new round has started. Currently Jarim Tal'kirm is in the lead."
Revan nodded, "What is his current score?"
The Selkath picked up a data pad and examined its contents, "Currently the score to beat is 19:21."
Revan mussed over this and nodded, "Thank you."
The Selkath called to her before she could leave, "You are last season's sector Champion, Takera?"
Revan smiled and nodded, "I am."
"Do you wish to defend your title?" The selkath gestured to the scoreboard.
"What do you think?" Revan asked her two companions, smirking slightly.
"I say go for it," Mission answered, "I doubt you will get another chance before one those diplomats sink their claws into you."
Revan laughed, "You could be right, very well. Set me up for a race." Revan dropped the positioning fee onto the desk and waited while the Selkath punched a few numbers into the data pad.
A Twi'lek creped out of the shadows and halted Revan as she was heading to the back room. He sneered at Revan as he examined her and her companions. Revan stared back, waiting for him to make the first move. He had a bluish skin tone and a couple tattoos on his head-tails. Revan narrowed her eyes; she felt a slight disturbance in the Force as she examined him. This man was not what he appeared.
"So, you've come to challenge my score? Well I would think twice if I were you. You're only wasting your time and there could be… consequences," He glowered at her.
"You must be Jarim… you should know that threats won't stop me. I just came to race." Revan crossed her arms and stared into his eyes in defiance.
Zaalbar growled, "I could rip his arms off if you wanted…"
"Yeah, Big Z could pound you into the ground with just one hand," Mission smirked as she put her hands on her hips.
Revan smiled up at Zaalbar, "Don't worry, I can handle him."
He laughed, "I heard you were bold, but I do have friends in high places… you just think about that. Trust me, you would not want to anger them… It would be best for you to just leave."
Revan smirked, "I just came to race, win or loose, and threats will not stop me from enjoying myself."
With that Revan walked past the Twi'lek and headed into the back room to prepare.
Jarim watched her walk past and tried to bore holes in her back with his eyes… "Big mistake…" He thought as he stalked out. Then another thought occurred to him, "Hmm that was Takera Jast… hehe, I'm sure someone would like to know she is here."
******
Revan raced well, speeding over the cool, blue ocean. Sweat and salt water splashing her face. Her mind was focused on the task ahead, the Force honing and increasing her natural abilities. She quickly maneuvered her swoop bike around a floating object that was in her way and turned into an acceleration pad. She was thrown back against her seat at the sudden increase of speed.
What a joy it was to race. She felt free; it was almost like flying. This was one of those few moments where she could let her mind go… let all her thoughts evaporate into mist. During the races she was at relative ease with herself. Something that was rare… something that seemed impossible to Revan… Peace. But soon it was over, and Revan hopped off the swoop bike to go check her score.
The Selkath manager seemed excited as he greeted her, "I have never seen someone race like that. You easily beat Jarim." He grinned as best a Selkath could and handed her some racing credits.
Many of the racing fans and fellow swoop bike racers cheered at her as she smiled and bowed her head. An older lady ran forward, clutching a data pad in her hands. She timidly approached Revan.
"I've never seen someone race like that," she said quietly, "Too bad my son couldn't be here to see it. You see he's a big fan of racing; watches it all the time." She held out the pad, "Can I get a holo signature, He would be so pleased. You're the racing champion and also a big hero!"
Revan smiled at the little, old lady and took the pad, she pressed her hand onto it and it scanned it. They she signed it and handed it back to the lady who was fumbling in her pouch. The older women took out several credits and handed them to Revan.
Revan only shook her head, "You don't need to pay me. Tell your son I hope he feels better soon."
The older women was slightly startled but smiled, "Thanks you."
Mission stared at Revan, "That was really nice of you." Revan only nodded.
"Lets go see what adventure we can dig up," Revan grinned at Mission. Zaalbar grumbled slightly.
******
Revan and Mission snuck around the dark corner and listen to the two Sith officers. It was strange to find them in this unused docking bay hiding in the shadows as they whispered to each other. Revan and Mission hide behind several boxes and looked at each other, listening silently. It had been a week since they arrived on Manaan and being able to get out for a while was the only thing that kept Revan from slapping the Selkath officials.
The Republic was negotiating with the Selkath to receive larger shipping rights on the Kolto. Since the Republic had hit the Sith hard, and the Sith were still in retreat the Selkath had been more willing to make an exception to their "neutrality" regarding Kolto rights and the war. Revan's presence had smoothed things over more. Many of the Selkath officials regarded her with great respect. After all she had stopped a plan to overthrow their government by the Sith, and had saved the Giant Firaxen shark which was a huge thing to the Selkath. Especially since the Mother shark was the source of their natural Kolto.
"We must proceed carefully…" One of the Sith officers commented, "She will be here soon. It's only a matter of time."
Revan felt a lump form in her stomach, "There it was again… she is coming? Who the heck is that?"
"Yes, inform the others… we must be ready," The other Sith commented.
"But what about the one we were told about?" He replied nervously.
The other laughed, "Do not worry, it will soon be over… we will rise again."
Revan strained her ears to the silent whispering of the two officers. Soon she heard the click, click of boots on the tiled floor as they left the hanger.
Revan rubbed her neck, "She is coming…The Sith will rise again…" Again Revan felt uneasy as she watched Mission's face. Clearly the girl was feeling uneasy also.
Mission leaned closer to Revan and whispered, "I really didn't like the sound of that… something is up."
Revan nodded, "Yes, something big is going to happen… but who to tell… we don't know what it is."
Mission tilted her head, "Well, maybe we can find some more information. Heck if we can get to a Sith computer I could hack it and find out what's going on."
"Sounds like a plan, but we have to be careful. You know how the Selkath are, if anything threatens their neutrality… and I can't risk getting the Republic in trouble," Revan sighed.
Mission sighed also; she knew Revan was working on something important with the Selkath and the Republic.
"Say… I've got an idea to get us into that Sith base again. Maybe if we can find the ventilation shafts we could sneak in undetected," Mission tilted her head and watched Revan.
Revan nodded, "I believe they are short on staff, what with the Star Forge destroyed and the bulk of their fleet retreating."
Revan grinned at Mission, "Sounds like a plan, let's hop to it." Mission beamed back.