KOTOR: Revan's Second Chance

by VMorticia

This story is now complete, though I am working on a prelude and epilogue to go with it. Contains spoilers! Lots of them! If you've not finished playing KOTOR, you don't wanna read this! ... I am Revan. I remember.

2. I Think We Already Dejaed This Vu

Disclaimer: I own none of it. Except Damien - he's mine. This fanfic was constructed from my memory of playing the XBox version of the game, and the dialog.tlk file from the PC version. It may have some mistakes... probably got continuity errors too... but add the fact the character's not acting like he should anyway, and it doesn't really matter, does it?

This chapter's title is a BtVS quote, and one of my favourites.

Author's note: Yes, I made it to chapter two, and here I thought I'd never leave Taris! I really dislike Taris, so hopefully this chapter'll be better, now that I'm away from that cursed planet. By the way, Taris IS cursed. I wonder how many readers (that's if I have any) can tell what lines are mine and what are from the original dialogue in this chapter. That's the fun of working from a RPG game, rather than a book - half the readers probably won't have seen half the dialogue options.

As much as I dislike ultimatums, I am afraid I must stoop. I want ten reviews before I upload another chapter.

* * *

Chapter 2 - I Think We Already Dejaed This Vu

"Dantooine..." Bastila said, looking out of the window of the Hawk at the planet we had landed on, "It seems like a lifetime since I last set foot on her surface, though in truth it has only been a few months. We should be safe from Malak here... for now, at least."

Carth decided to try to ruin her delusions, "Safe? You saw what his fleet did to Taris: there wasn't a building over two stories high left standing! They...they turned the planet into one big pile of rubble." I could sense some pain in his words, which is odd considering he had no attachment to Taris. Memo to me: find out what that was about.

"Even the Sith would think twice before attacking Dantooine." Bastila retorted.

"It doesn't take that long for a Sith to think once - I'd guess a day to go over the full ramifications of dental hygiene - twice'll only be about a week, tops." I said, smirking.

"Well, Malak will take longer, then, won't he?" Bastila snapped back, glaring at me. I scowled when I should have laughed - I didn't want to think about Malak, with or without his jaw. "There are many Jedi here, including several of the most powerful Masters of the Order. There is great strength within this place."

"All the more reason for the Sith to want rid of it." I said coldly, "I think Carth has a point. We should keep moving."

Bastila folded her arms, in an 'I'm not going anywhere' gesture, "We can't just keep running; Malak will find us eventually." she said determinedly, "We need to regroup; we need a plan. We can get supplies here and recuperate. The Academy is a place of mental and spiritual healing; something we could all use after what we've been through."

Carth sighed, "Maybe you're right. It isn't easy to witness the annihilation of an entire planet. I know Mission must be taking it pretty hard." again with the pain - did he know someone on Taris, or something?

"She will find a way to come to terms with her grief. She is stronger than she appears. We just need to give her time." Bastila said - for the first time since I've met her she actually shows some real insight and wisdom. Didn't know she had it in her. "Now I must go speak with the Council. I need their advice on... recent developments. After I have met with them I will meet you outside the ship."

I made straight for the starboard sleeping quarters, which we had designated to the girls, and knocked on the door. "C'mon in." Mission's voice said wearily.

I stepped into the room, to see the girl sitting at the sole desk in the room, staring blankly at a half-finished game of Solitaire Pazaak. "Hey, Mission." I said, sitting opposite her, "How're you doing?"

"Huh? Oh... sorry. I was thinking about Taris. I still can't believe it's gone! I mean, I grew up there and now it's... it's... it's just gone!" she said - I could see the signs that she had been crying, but her tears seemed to have dried up.

"Look on the bright side - we got away before it happened." I said, trying - and most probably failing - to be comforting.

"Sometimes it's harder to be the survivor, though." she muttered.

"I can understand that, yeah." I said, nodding, "But life goes on. Taris' destruction was a horrible waste, but there's nothing we can do about it now." I had no idea how to deal with this sort of thing. Every life I took as Revan was meaningless to me, I don't know how to deal with this sort of grief.

"Look, I'm not saying I can't go on or anything like that." she assured me, "It's just... it's a shock, you know? I mean, I knew the Sith were evil and all, but the reality of it kind of slaps you in the face. But I suppose that's why we need to stop Malak, right? The more time I spend dwelling on Taris the more chance some other planet will get wiped out. I guess that's what it comes down to." she looked distant, and a bit sad, now, "So don't worry about me; I'll be okay. And if you need my help against Malak or the Sith, I'll be there for you!"

"Thanks, Mission. You know if you ever need to talk about it, I'm here for you... I may not be good at the sympathy thing, but I can listen."

She smiled, a weak smile but a genuine one, "Thanks. I appreciate it." she glanced down at her Pazaak deck, "Want a game? It's no fun playing Solitaire."

"Sure." I said, getting out my own deck.

She beat me, hands down.

"It's a good thing I didn't bet credits on that." I muttered, "You'd make a really good card shark."

"Thanks." she said, significantly cheered up, "My brother taught me everything I know."

"Tell me about your brother." I asked quietly - she had told me before that he was a 'touchy subject', but she mentioned him, so I thought I might get away with asking, even if she didn't want to talk about him.

"I... I was a little snappish when we last talked." she admitted, sighing. She'd yelled at me that she didn't want to talk about her brother - yeah, that counts as snappish, "I'm sorry about that. I get a little touchy when it comes to Griff. It's kind of embarrassing telling people about him."

"How is it embarrassing?" I asked, curious.

"It's complicated." she said, sighing slightly, "Griff wasn't the most popular guy, he had his faults. But I still loved him, you know? Sometimes people don't understand. I never knew my parents, my brother always looked out for me. He's the one who brought me to Taris. I was just a kid, only five. But I remember the trip - if you could call it that. We were stuffed inside a packing crate in a star freighter's cargo hold with just enough food and water to make the trip. Not exactly first class, you know?"

"Were you running from something? Or hiding?" I asked - it sounded like Griff was trouble, but I wasn't going to say that until I had proof.

Mission shrugged, "I don't know the whole story - I was pretty young. But my brother owed a lot of money. Might even have been a few arrest warrants out for him, I don't know. The only way to get off the planet was to smuggle ourselves out. I mean, I don't want to make it sound like we were criminals... well, maybe my brother was. See, this is why I don't like to talk about it. It makes Griff sound worse than he really was. My brother had his problems, but he always looked out for me. He gambled. And drank. And he was always borrowing money for his latest get rich quick scheme. But he had a good heart, you know? He taught me how to survive. He showed me how to slice into a computer's security system; how to get inside a locked building without the entrance codes, and how to spot a wealthy mark for a quick shell game."

"Pretty useful skills to have." I said, nodding.

"Yeah, Griff did right by me." she agreed, smiling.

"So why did he leave?" I asked.

"He fell in with a bad crowd. It's all Lena's fault." she said, with more than a fair amount of loathing in the way she said the name, "She's the one who took him from me! Just batted those long lashes at him and off he went! But I don't want to talk about Griff and Lena - just the thought of that space tramp makes my blood boil! Subject's closed as far as I'm concerned! If I'm going to be any help to you I can't be worrying about my brother running off with some intergalactic skank! So, is there something else you need?"

"I understand. Thanks for telling me about it." I said, smiling at her, "I'd better get going, or the Jedi Princess'll wonder where I am. I'm sure she's back by now."

"Sure, no problem." Mission said. As I left, I saw her put her Pazaak deck away, and get out some odd contraption that she began fidgeting with.

As soon as I walked out of the room, I looked down the embarkation ramp to see Bastila walking towards me. Even I am rarely that accurate with my predictions of someone's whereabouts. I guess I should go and meet her. "The council wishes to speak with you." she told me as soon as she was within earshot.

* * *

Bastila led me through the Enclave, but I lost her when I was accosted by a random Jedi. "You there! Padawan! Why are you not wearing the customary robes of the Jedi? Do you mock the honoured traditions of our Order?"

I scowled at her - I didn't understand why anyone would want to wear a Jedi's robes, and would be quite happy to mock their taste in clothing, but I kept that opinion to myself. Instead, I asked, "Are you a Jedi?"

"My name is Belaya." she said. "I have come here to further my learning in the ways of the Force. Many Jedi come here to train under Master Zhar. Any who belong to the Order should surely know this. You must be neglecting your studies, Padawan." This girl was reminding me more and more of Avril.

"I'm not a Padawan." I said flatly, careful not to say my name, either way, "I came here with Bastila."

"Bastila? I have heard of her." Belaya said, nodding slightly, "They say she has already mastered the art of Battle Meditation, remarkable in one so young. Though I have heard she has a foolish pride in her own talents." says she with an 'I know better than everyone else' tone, "But as for you... you claim you are not a Padawan? I find this hard to believe. The Force is strong within you. I can feel its presence. If this is some type of jest, it is in very poor taste. The Jedi Order is not a subject for jokes."

"When I tell a joke, you'll be rolling on the floor with laughter. I'm not a Padawan, and I didn't come here to be scolded by you!" I snapped.

Belaya folded her arms defensively, "No, I suppose you did not. I apologize. Please forgive the abruptness with which I first greeted you. It was harsh, and perhaps unfair. My Master often warns me I must learn to control my emotions. I see I have much left to learn. I wish you a pleasant stay here on Dantooine. May the Force be with you."

"I shouldn't have snapped at you." I said, smiling faintly, "I should be going. May the Force be with you."

I left Belaya alone, and made my way through the door I had seen Bastila vanish through.

As I approached the Jedi Council, the door behind me closed by itself, which really would have startled me if I hadn't expected it. Jedi and Sith are so predictable - ominous theatrics are popular with both sides.

Then the Twi'lek Jedi Master spoke, "Ah, so you are the one who rescued Bastila. It is appropriate you are here. We have been discussing your rather special case. I am Zhar, a member of the Jedi Council. With me are Master Vrook, Master Vandar and, of course, the Chronicler of our Academy, Master Dorak. Padawan Bastila I am sure you are already familiar with."

I walked warily into the centre of the room, making sure to take note of every detail I could see and sense. For a peaceful setting it was remarkably secure, and for a place of serenity it felt remarkably hostile, although most of that hostility came from Master Vrook and was clearly focused on me. "So you've drawn me into your little trap, Bastila. What now?" I asked guardedly.

"This is no trap. The Council just wants to talk to you. There is much that needs to be discussed." Bastila said, snappishly.

"Uh huh." I said sceptically, folding my arms defensively, "So what do you want with me?" Like I couldn't guess. Of course, knowing them, they'll surprise me.

"Bastila tells us you are strong in the Force. We are considering you for Jedi training." Zhar said. I barely kept my face straight - I was laughing on the inside, though - really I was.

"Master Zhar speaks out of turn, perhaps." Vrook said coldly. "We need indisputable proof of your strong affinity to the Force before we would even consider accepting you for training."

This time I did laugh. And so did Bastila. "Proof?" she scoffed, "Surely the entire Council can feel the strength of the Force within this man... and I have already related to you the events that took place on Taris..."

"Perhaps it was simple luck." Vrook said, his tone cutting as acid, and his glare almost as harsh.

"We both know there is no luck. There is only the Force." Vandar said calmly, giving me an evaluating look - unlike Vrook's gaze, his felt fair, rather than hostile. "We all feel the power in Bastila's companion, though it is wild and untamed. Now that this power has begun to manifest itself, can we safely ignore it?"

"I don't know if I want to do this." I said, frowning.

"The Jedi training is long and difficult, even when working with a young and open mind. Teaching a child is hard. How much harder will it be for an adult to learn the ways of the Jedi?" Vrook asked coldly.

"Hey, my age has nothing to do with it!" I snapped.

"Such pride! Such arrogance! Ach. This one is already on the path to the dark side!" Vrook said acidly.

"Dark side, my ass." I muttered, but I had the good grace not to say it loud enough for the Masters to hear me.

"As are many who are not given proper training, Master Vrook." Dorak retorted, "Only through our guidance can we hope to lead those who have strayed back to the path of the light. Traditionally the Jedi do not accept adults for training, though there are rare exceptions in the history of our Order. But you are a special case."

"I agree with Master Dorak." Vandar said calmly, "Many of our own pupils are leaving the Jedi order to follow the Sith teachings, we need recruits to stand against Malak! With Revan dead..."

Vrook interrupted, "Are you certain Revan is truly dead? What if we undertake to train this one, and the Dark Lord should return?" Again, I fought to keep a straight face.

Vandar gave Vrook a pointed look that I might have missed if I didn't know what they were hinting at. "We should discuss this matter more fully in private." So they know who I am. I think they also think I don't know. Hmm... that's their problem, isn't it? "Bastila, you and your companion must go. This is a matter for the Council alone."

Bastila bowed, "As you wish, Master Vandar. We shall return to the Ebon Hawk and leave you to your deliberations." and she turned and left the Council chambers like a well-trained little puppy. I watched her leave, then gave the Masters each a last suspicious look - two for Vrook - and followed Bastila back to the Hawk.

* * *

I had a restless night, dreams of Dantooine, as if the real thing wasn't enough. And I thought I said I didn't want to think about Malak, but obviously the Force had other ideas. The first Star Map. On Dantooine. And something else. as well as myself, Malak, and the dark presence in the dream, there was something else... watching.

Bastila.

The bitch got into my dream. I never NEVER wanted that spoiled brat in my dreams, for ANY reason. I mean, it's a nightmare, now. As if the Jawless Wonder wasn't bad enough!

* * *

Carth was sitting at the foot of the embarkation ramp of the Hawk as I walked down it, "This morning's getting stranger by the minute. First Bastila comes out looking like she saw a ghost, and now you." he said, glancing up - he had a random datapad in his hands - if I ever see him without either a datapad or a blaster, I'll be surprised.

"Did she say anything else?" I asked warily.

"No, she didn't." he said, shaking his head, "She didn't seem well, as I recall... and for that matter neither do you. Are you alright?"

"I..." I paused, but then decided it was none of his damned business, "It's nothing." I said, shrugging.

"Well, Bastila did mention that you should go to the Council chambers before she left. It is no doubt urgent, so you shouldn't keep them waiting." Carth said, typing something into his datapad. Of course, I would keep them waiting, for a while.

I made a beeline for the local store, where I bought some new clothes. Avril and Belaya's comments on my clothes made me think maybe I should get something to wear that doesn't look like I rooted it out of a waste disposal at a Rodian bar. I bought A black shirt, black Tuk'ata hide trousers, and an ankle length Tuk'ata hide coat - it just so happened that they were the only unarmoured clothing in stock, I just happened to have enough credits for them, and they just happened to fit me. Hmmm - the Force wanted me to have them, I think.

I returned to the Hawk - Carth diligently ignored me, knowing I hadn't gone anywhere near the Council yet - I changed into these clothes, and made my way to the Council chambers. The walk to the Council's chambers was uneventful, but I wished wholeheartedly for something to keep me away from them - I knew whatever they had planned for me couldn't be good, from my perspective.

I made as dramatic an entrance as I could get away with, considering I couldn't throw the doors open as you should for a real dramatic entrance - automatic doors are boring. The Jedi Masters exchanged disapproving looks, and Bastila glared openly at me.

"This looks familiar." Vrook muttered, but after a pointed look from Vandar, he shut up.

So I like to make an impression on people - is that so wrong of me? I'll admit, occasionally, the impression I've made is of my boot, but still.

Vrook seemed relatively unruffled, "Bastila has told us of a most unusual development." he said coldly, "She claims you and she have shared a dream, a vision of Malak and Revan in the ancient ruins here on Dantooine."

"What? How would Bastila know if we shared a dream?" I asked, giving the Padawan a glare. The brat wouldn't know a vision if it asked her to dance.

Vandar spoke calmly, as usual, "She says that she felt your presence within the dream, the presence she has felt within you ever since..."

"Master Vandar!" Vrook interrupted sharply.

For the obvious slip-up, Vandar did recover quite seamlessly, "... ever since Taris. It is not unknown for this to happen between two people strong in the Force. Bastila has described this shared dream to the Council in great detail. We feel it is more than a dream. It is a vision. The Force is acting through you as it acts through Bastila."

"I'm having visions now, am I?" I asked, sceptically.

"You and Bastila share a powerful connection to the Force... and each other." Vandar explained, "This is not unheard of. Connections often form between Master and student, but rarely does a bond develop so quickly. Whatever dangers may lie ahead, we cannot ignore the destiny that has brought you and Bastila here to us. Together."

"Are you saying I'm... joined with her?" I asked, scowling at the Jedi brat standing next to me. She scowled right back at me.

"You and she are linked, as is your fate to hers. Together, you two may be able to stop Darth Malak and the Sith." Vandar said calmly.

I laughed, "You want me to help stop Malak?" I asked, shaking my head, "That's funny." I sniggered for a second, then regained my composure.

"You may find this amusing, but we are perfectly serious." Vrook said acidly.

"I'm sure you are, but... why me?" I asked, smirking openly.

Vrook and Vandar exchanged a look, then Vandar spoke, "Understand that there is little choice in this matter, for you or us. Across the galaxy the numbers of our Order dwindle. We have sent many Jedi in quest of a way to thwart Malak's advance... many have not returned. The Sith hunt the Jedi down like animals, ambushing and assassinating our brothers wherever they are found. We fear it is only a matter of time until they discover even this hidden refuge."

"But the lure of the dark side is not easy to resist." Vrook added warningly, "Malak's power grows as more and more planets fall to his conquering armies. If Malak is not stopped the Republic will fall, and the Jedi will be hunted to extinction. The galaxy will enter a time of darkness and tyranny not seen for a thousand generations."

I frowned. This was my fault, wasn't it? Are you trying to make me feel guilty? Because that won't work. But I'll try to fix the mistake. "I will do what I can to help you." I said honestly.

"The way of the light is long and difficult, as you must learn. Are you ready for such hardship?" Vrook asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be." I answered. Certainly more ready than I was last time.

"Perhaps our hope lies in the dream you and Bastila shared." Vandar said, "The Council has come to the conclusion that you and Bastila must investigate the ancient ruins you dreamed of. Perhaps there you will find some clue, some explanation, of how Revan and Malak were corrupted. And perhaps there you shall find a way to stop them."

"Before we send you to investigate the ruins, you must be trained in the ways of the Jedi so that you can resist the darkness within yourself... within all of us. Otherwise you are doomed to fail." Vrook said ominously.

My right eye twitched slightly, "Is the training really necessary?" I asked.

"You must learn patience and discipline. The ruins are a place of corruption. The dark side is strong there. We cannot risk sending you there unprepared." Vandar said calmly.

I sighed, "All right, then." I said, a bit sulkily. I suppose I deserved this. I already know the Jedi ways, but... they don't know that I remember, do they?

"We must begin your training at once." Vandar said, "You have a destiny upon you that you must be prepared to face. The entire fate of the galaxy is upon you."

"I can only hope you will prove up to the task." Vrook said ominously, as Zhar led me to the training area.

* * *

I disliked the Jedi training the first time - I was bored senseless this time. On the bright side, the boredom helps with the meditation sessions, and I already knew the lessons.

After a few weeks had passed, I could be found in the training room, with Bastila. "You aren't paying attention." she hissed, as I stared blankly at my datapad.

"Your point is?" I asked calmly.

"My point is that you should be paying more attention to what you are doing!"

I levitated the offending datapad, and sent it flying at her - it stopped in mid air, an inch before it would have hit her, but she ducked all the same. I smirked and levitated the datapad back to me, "I think I'm paying enough attention. I know what I'm doing."

"That is hardly likely, if you choose to ignore the lessons." Bastila hissed.

"Who said I'm ignoring them?" I asked, smirking, "I'm just looking blank instead of looking interesting. For a Jedi that doesn't mean anything, does it?"

Bastila glared.

"Calm down, Princess Padawan." I said, smirking, "There is no emotion. There is peace."

She continued to glare. "It might help if you wore civilised clothing." she muttered sulkily.

"This is civilised. It's the Republic-issue garbage I wore on Taris that's uncivilised." I said, grinning - so the metal heels on my Tuk'ata hide boots left scratch marks on the table - big deal.

"Those animal skins are not civilised!" she snapped.

"It's leather. And it's perfectly decent. Or would you rather I walked around naked?" I asked, scanning the datapad - I knew all the information there already.

"I - what? No!" she said, horrified... and blushing a fluorescent shade of pink.

I grinned victoriously, "Are you embarrassed?" I asked, tauntingly, "I thought Jedi were supposed to be above such things."

"I - oh, just shut up!"

"Peace, Princess." I said, resuming my reading.

She glared. I slowly levitated off the floor, focusing on my datapad. "What - what are you doing?" she asked, backing away from me.

"What does it look like?" I asked, slowly rotating in thin air, until I was upside-down.

"That's - that's - you're not supposed to be able to do that!" she shrieked.

"Well, it's not easy with your yelling in the background." I said calmly.

"How are you doing that?" she demanded.

"I just focus, and make it happen. Is that not how you were taught to use the Force?" I asked calmly, eyes still focused on the datapad.

"But you've only been learning for a few weeks!" Bastila said, shaking her head, and edging towards the door.

"Don't run away, Princess." I said calmly, "I'm not going to do anything stupid."

"I'm not going to run away." she said defensively, "I was going to run and fetch a Master, so they could see this."

"Fine, whatever." I said, closing my eyes.

When Master Zhar found me, I was sitting on the ceiling, reading my datapad.

"What are you doing up there, apprentice?" he asked calmly.

"Reading." I answered, looking down at him and smiling innocently.

"How are your studies going?" he asked, in a falsely conversational tone.

"Great." I said simply.

"I see you have learned to focus very quickly." he noted.

"It's that obvious, huh?" I asked innocently.

"Come down here, please." he said flatly.

Still focusing, I moved as if to stand up, on the ceiling, then flipped over and landed on my feet on the floor, "As you wish, Master Zhar." I said, bowing slightly.

"Most impressive. In all my years I have never seen one who has mastered the initial training so quickly. " he said calmly, "You have done in weeks what many cannot do in years. I am honoured to welcome you fully into the Jedi Order."

* * *

I had to know. I had carefully immersed myself in the 'studies' the Jedi had given me, so as to avoid the Masters themselves. But I had to know. I had betrayed them, and I had to find out their opinions of me. So what if a Jedi doesn't care what others think of him - I haven't been a Jedi for some time, and I'd like to know if I even have a chance of forgiveness.

Warily, and sure to catch him alone, I approached Master Vrook. "Master Vrook?" I asked, in as polite a tone as I could.

"Yes?" he asked, immediately on his guard, as if he expected the worst. I frowned, and looked at him, closely - he actually did expect the worst - I could tell. I consciously reminded myself that they believed I could not remember who I was.

"You often seem angry with me, Master Vrook. Have I displeased you?" I asked innocently.

"If you find me overly critical, perhaps it is because you do not fully understand what is at stake." he said coldly, "For fifteen thousand years the Republic has brought peace and stability to the galaxy. Now the Republic may be destroyed because we, the Jedi, have failed them. Revan and Malak were paragons of the ideals the Order seeks to uphold, yet they succumbed to the temptations of the dark side. When Revan fell, Malak took up the mantle of Dark Lord of the Sith. Should Malak be stopped, what is to stop another Jedi from taking his place? This is the burden we Masters must carry. Only through strict training and relentless lessons can we prevent the Dark Master from being reborn." It took an effort not to show my reaction to that one - it felt like a slap in the face. "That is why the Order can brook no failure in our apprentices and pupils. That is why I can accept nothing but perfection from you."

I nodded curtly, "Yes, Master Vrook. I will do my best." I smirked faintly, "Although to call myself perfect would be an exaggeration."

The corner of his lip twitched - in all my years at the Academy on Coruscant, I had never seen him get that close to a smile before. "Humility is a valuable lesson to learn."

I nodded, in agreement, "Is there anything you can tell me about Revan and Malak?" I asked, more looking for his opinion than any facts.

He sighed slightly, before speaking in a carefully measured voice, "Revan was once a promising Padawan. But ever eager to learn more about the Force, Revan sought knowledge of ancient Sith magics, foolishly ignoring the dangerous lure of the dark side. When the Mandalorian invasion came, Revan seized the opportunity it presented. Many Jedi flocked to the Outer Rim to follow the charismatic young Knight... and many fell under the sway of the dark side."

"What happened on the Outer Rim to corrupt Revan?" I asked. I wasn't certain myself what did it, so I didn't think he would know. But I'm sure everyone has their pet theories.

"I do not believe Revan and Malak were corrupted on the Outer Rim." he said flatly, "They had begun their journey down the dark path long before the Mandalorian threat appeared. Here on Dantooine they discovered a sinister cave, a place where the strength of the dark side overwhelms the light. Perhaps this discovery was what first corrupted them... or perhaps they sought the cave out because they were already corrupted." he shook his head, as if shaking away the memories, "Whatever the explanation, the Order was unable to turn them back to the light. Had the Council taken more decisive action in this matter, perhaps Revan and Malak could have been stopped. But in this we failed."

I frowned. You've not failed yet, have you? I decided a change of subject would do me good, "What can you tell me about Bastila?"

"Bastila?" he asked, surprised by the subject change - but he took it in his stride well enough, "The young Jedi holds great promise... and great danger. She can do much for both the Republic and the Council. Without her skill in Battle Meditation the Sith armada would have conquered the galaxy long ago. But despite her command of the Force Bastila is still young. She is a Jedi, but she has not attained the rank of Master. The Council would do well to remember this before we lay the fate of the galaxy on her slender shoulders."

"And that Battle Meditation doesn't do her ego any good." I muttered.

"Indeed." Vrook said calmly, "Nor does your rapid progression in your studies do your ego any good."

I smiled, "I understand, Master Vrook." I sighed, "I wish I could spend more time on them, but time is of the essence, isn't it?"

He gave me a calculating look - unlike his earlier glares, this look was much less hostile, "Indeed it is. You should not waste time on idle conversation, then."

I smiled, "I'll take that as 'goodbye', then." I said, "May the Force be with you, Master Vrook."

* * *

So Vrook's just afraid I'll mess up again. Well, I'm sure that's true of them all. I still have to know what the others think of me. So I approached Dorak, in the library. He saw me come in, and smiled, "Greetings, young apprentice." I hated the rank of apprentice the first time round, but now I'm learning not to take the word as an insult... even though I'm beginning to think the Masters are doing it just to annoy me, "Have you come seeking knowledge of the past? Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, or so they say." And if I hadn't known who I was, that barb would have gone right over my head. I think all the Masters want to give me a metaphorical slap in the face.

"I am eager to learn, Master Dorak." I said, calmly.

He smiled indulgently, "As Chronicler of the Academy here on Dantooine, I find your quest for knowledge admirable. But I do not want to overwhelm you with the long history of the Jedi Order. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble goal, but there are some things that require the wisdom of a Master to truly understand. If you are seeking information on Revan, Malak and the Sith, I will gladly recount the recent history of our Order to you. Of course I could not tell you the entire history of our Order; the Jedi have existed for thousands upon thousands of years. We are as old as the Republic itself. Instead, I will begin forty years ago with the war of Exar Kun."

I listened patiently as he told me of the war I had read the details of before. He explained the significance of Exar Kun's war, and then explained how the Mandalorian war began. I knew all this, but if repeating the Jedi lessons I already knew here has taught me anything... it's how to be patient. Definitely not something I knew before the Mandalorian wars.

Eventually, he told me about myself and Malak, how we defied the Council's wishes and ran off to fight the Mandalorians. "Four years ago the Mandalorians surrendered unconditionally. Revan and Malak were heroes, the great saviours of the Republic."

"So Revan did the right thing?" I asked warily.

"No one is denying that Revan was one of the keys to defeating the Mandalorians... but something happened out there on the Outer Rim." he sounded tired, now - obviously this wasn't something he liked to think about, "Instead of returning after the war's end, the ships under Revan's command went deep into unexplored space. They claimed to be searching for the last remnants of the Mandalorian fleet."

"Where did they disappear to?" I remember a fair deal of it, but the fact is that from the moment I left Malachor IV, to my return to conquer, my memories are confused and hazy.

"All contact was lost." he said, "For many months it was assumed some great disaster had befallen the entire fleet. Everyone thought they were dead. There were unsubstantiated rumours of Revan and Malak being seen on a number of different planets during these months - scattered sightings that were never confirmed. Perhaps they simply went far beyond the edges of Republic space. Maybe they found previously undiscovered hyperspace routes to the ends of the galaxy. Nobody knows for certain." he shook his head to show his confusion, "Three years ago, Revan and Malak returned at the head of a massive invasion fleet. Revan had assumed the title of Sith Lord; the hero had become a conqueror."

I sighed slightly, "Do you know why Revan would do that?" I asked quietly.

"I do not know." he said sadly, "Do you have any idea why anyone would wish to cause such destruction?"

I kept my expression neutral - I shouldn't show the fact I thought his attempt at getting information out of me was amusing - especially considering how unamusing the topic of discussion was. "I suppose Revan must have been offered something." I can't remember what, "Something that he wanted, or thought he needed. A lot of people will do a lot of terrible things if they're motivated the right way."

"Hmm. Indeed." Dorak said, giving me a calculating look. Shit, no one who hasn't read official records, or knew me personally in my youth, knows if Darth Revan is male or female. Have I just told him I know who I am? Or will he let it pass as a naive assumption from an ignorant apprentice? "Or, perhaps Revan was corrupted by power?"

"And if Revan thought it wouldn't happen to him, maybe he fell into that trap." I said calmly, "Overconfidence leads to the dark side."

Dorak smiled at me. I remember he was the one who gave me that warning, years ago. "Indeed it does."

I sighed, "How can anyone hope to stop the Sith?" I asked tiredly.

"For two years the Sith were all but invincible. Fortunately, Bastila and her Battle Meditation allowed the Republic to win a few key victories and kept the Sith from total triumph." he explained. Translation: Bastila's gonna be a key in it. Great, just great. I don't like the brat, I really don't. "In desperation we set a trap for the Dark Lord. Bastila was with the strike team that tried to capture Revan, as you probably know." More than you'd think. "She was there at Revan's end. That was nearly a year ago, but things have not improved."

A year ago?! Damn, I thought it was a few months. I must have been out of it for a good while.

"Malak has stepped in and assumed the mantle of Dark Lord for himself, though he is far from Revan's equal in strategy or tactics." No kidding - his idea of strategy and tactics is: hack, slash, kill. "Still, his fleet continues to grow in both ships and soldiers. If we do not find some way to stop the Sith soon, Malak will overwhelm us with sheer numbers."

Knowing that the Jedi Masters are fans of lessons, and knowing it would amuse Dorak no end to hear me ask it, I asked, "What can I learn from Revan's history?"

"Revan's tale shows us how even the greatest of Jedi can fall to the dark side." he said sadly, "You must always be on guard against the evil that dwells within you." if I hadn't known who I was, I'd have missed the significance of that almost-idle comment, "Think hard upon this lesson. May the Force be with you."

"Thank you, Master Dorak. May the Force be with you." I replied, bowing. I then turned and left the library. Considering I wasn't trying to, I think I made a fairly dramatic exit. This coat really resembles a cloak in the way it flows. I like it.

* * *

I found Master Vandar in the courtyard, "Good evening, apprentice. I trust your training goes well?" he greeted me warmly.

I smiled as I approached him, "Good evening, Master Vandar. I wonder, is there anything you can tell me about Revan and Malak?" I asked, leaning back against the rail around the tree in the centre of the courtyard, facing the shorter Jedi.

"I knew Revan as a promising young pupil." he said calmly, "Revan was strong in the Force, but also headstrong and proud. Such traits are not unusual in a Padawan. Perhaps that was why I did not see the true extent of the danger. Revan's attitude was similar to yours, impatient and inquisitive." I'm not so impatient now, though, am I? "Many of the young Jedi admired Revan, including Malak. When Revan set off to challenge the Mandalorians, Malak was the first to join the cause. And when Revan fell to the dark side it was inevitable Malak would fall as well."

"Are you saying Revan was responsible for Malak's fall?" I asked quietly. I knew I was, but I still hadn't thought of the consequences of it. I hadn't wanted to.

"Revan was always the leader, the more powerful of the pair." he said sadly, "When Revan fell we had hoped the Sith threat was ended. But Malak quickly assumed Revan's role, and has embraced the dark side power as fully as his old master ever did. Now Malak leads the Sith armada against the Republic. Hate and vengeance for his master's death draw Malak ever further down the path of the dark side, fuelling his powers until they surpass those of his old master."

"From what I heard, he fired on Revan's ship. I doubt he's looking for revenge for Revan's death." I said flatly.

"Whatever his reasons, Malak's conquest of the galaxy is hindered only by Bastila's Battle Meditation." Vandar said.

"What can you tell me about Bastila?" I asked. If the girl was that important, I wanted to know all I could find out about her.

"Bastila will be a great Jedi someday." in the distant future, when she loses the ego. "Even among the Masters and the Council it is rare to find one so skilled in the art of Battle Meditation. Bastila was there when Revan was slain. Did you know that?"

"I've heard the rumour." I muttered, "Although it varies, from Bastila killing Revan herself, to Revan surviving."

"It is a matter of opinion as to which story is told. Bastila was the only survivor of the strike team, that much is certain." Vandar said - oh, that's an attempt at being cryptic, isn't it? "Bastila herself does not like to talk about it. She was accompanying the strike team that confronted Revan when the Dark Lord was destroyed. Her role in the death of such a promising young Jedi as Revan upset her greatly."

"So Revan is dead, then?" I asked.

"Revan was killed then, yes." he answered. Ok, either he's lying - that's never happened before - or I died and was revived. Interesting. "But Bastila knew she had to set her personal feelings aside for the sake of the galaxy and the Republic. The Force is strong with her now, and without her skill in Battle Meditation we would have lost this war long ago. The way ahead will be difficult for young Bastila... and for you. But you must draw strength from each other. May the Force be with you."

I bowed respectfully - for being so short, he sure can illicit a great deal of respect. "May the Force be with you, Master Vandar."

* * *

So Vrook knew I'd researched Sith lore - interesting. Dorak and Vandar shed some light on what happened after Malak fired on my ship, though not much. They must have saved my life, though, from the way Vandar worded it. But why save the life of a vicious enemy? Interesting.

Finally, I made my way to the training room. It was getting late, but I wanted to do this today. Master Zhar was there, waiting for me, "Greetings, apprentice."

"I want to ask some questions, Master Zhar. Questions about Revan and Malak." I said, straight away.

Zhar gave me a quizzical look, "Few mention those names around here anymore..." he sighed, "but I suppose it is just as dangerous to deny they were ever part of the Order. When I was still on Coruscant Revan and Malak often came to me for additional training. In particular, Revan's hunger to learn seemed insatiable." he gave me an odd look - one I would have missed if I hadn't known who I was, "I should have recognized this as a warning sign. But I perceived the young Padawan's lust for knowledge as simple exuberance and eagerness. Revan was my most promising pupil, one I felt sure would someday become a champion of the Jedi Order."

"What happened to change that?" I asked quietly.

"The Jedi Order moved too slowly for Revan and Malak; we were too cautious in their eyes." he said sadly. "They always sought to learn far quicker than their Masters felt was prudent. It is one thing to understand a lesson, but to truly comprehend it takes a wisdom that only comes with time. Several years ago, when the Mandalorian threat first arose, Revan and Malak were eager to journey to the Outer Rim to defeat the enemy of the Republic. But the Council felt it best if we moved with care and caution. The true threat, the Council feared, had not yet revealed itself. But Revan would not be dissuaded. Charismatic and powerful, it was inevitable many of the Order would flock to Revan's seemingly noble cause. Malak was the first to join his closest friend. Others soon followed, many of our youngest and brightest, intent on saving the galaxy from the Mandalorian threat."

"What happened to this noble mission?" I asked.

"They were foolish to disregard the Council's wishes." Zhar said sharply - probably because of the 'noble' comment. "I do not know what happened to Revan, Malak and their followers on the farthest reaches of the Outer Rim, but something corrupted them. Their ideals became twisted, their spirits were tainted and they fell to the dark side. There is a lesson in this, a lesson you would do well to take to heart: the dark side can corrupt even the most noble of Jedi."

I've heard that lesson from Dorak, too. "I will heed the lesson, Master Zhar." I said calmly.

"You have learned much, yet there is much more for you to still understand. The way of the Jedi must be entered into with a clear and focused mind. When you feel you are ready to continue your training, know that you can find me here."

"I am ready to continue my training now, Master Zhar." I said calmly.

"It is late, apprentice." he noted, "But we have some time, perhaps. Soon your apprenticeship will end and you will be granted the title of Padawan, the lowest rank of those within the Jedi Order. Yet first you must prove yourself worthy. In the traditions and customs of our Order, as handed down from Master to pupil for a thousand generations, you must successfully complete three tests before you earn your place among the Jedi."

"I am ready for the tests, Master Zhar." I said, bowing slightly.

"These tests will see if you have truly mastered the training you have been given, both mental and physical." he explained. I know what they are, already. "Upon completing these tests you will pass from apprentice to Padawan, and join in the ranks of the Jedi. First I will test your knowledge of the Jedi Code. These tenets must always guide your actions, in everything you do you must always be conscious of their wisdom. Now, I will ask you to recite the Jedi Code for me."

I nodded, and spoke clearly, "There is no emotion; there is peace. There is no ignorance; there is knowledge. There is no passion; there is serenity. There is no chaos; there is harmony. There is no death; there is the Force."

"You have learned your studies well, apprentice." he said, clearly pleased with my progress, "It will not be long before you are a full member of our Order. But first you must pass the second test, and learn about the most prized possession of a Jedi, the very symbol of our Order: the lightsaber. The lightsaber is the traditional weapon of our Order." believe it or not, I know what a lightsaber is. "It is a symbol of a Jedi's skill, dedication and authority, and each lightsaber is as individual as the Jedi who wields it. The blade is made of pure energy, focused by polished crystals in the hilt. As the second test, each Jedi must construct his lightsaber with his own hands. In the morning, you should speak with Master Dorak and he will guide you through the choosing of a crystal. For now, as I said, it is late. You should get some rest, apprentice."

"Yes, Master Zhar."

I returned to the Hawk, and slept like a log. No nightmares.

* * *

I woke up to find the sleeping quarters deserted. Not that I minded the privacy, not at all. But Canderous' absence meant he was up to something. And Carth's absence meant - well, meant I would have to look for him to annoy him. I have made a habit of saying at least one cutting remark to him, and two to Bastila every time I see them. Annoying them both is so much fun.

I left the Hawk, and began to cross the docking bay to the enclave, when I encountered Carth - he was sitting on the low wall near the entrance to the docking bay, staring into space.

"Hey, Carth. What's wrong?" I asked.

"Life the universe and everything. Starting with the Sith." he said flatly.

"Right. I asked for that one, didn't I?" I muttered, "Y'know, I hardly know you. Sure, you shoot Sith on sight, but a lot of people do that. Sure, you don't like Mandalorians, but not many people do. And sure, you hate being wrong, but who doesn't? So tell me something about you."

He smiled weakly, "Me? Well, I've been a star-pilot for the Republic for years. I've seen more than my share of wars... I fought in the Mandalorian Wars before all this started. But with all that, I've never experienced anything like the slaughter these Sith animals can unleash. Not even the Mandalorians were that senseless. My home world was one of the first planets to fall to Malak's fleet. The Sith bombed it into submission, and there wasn't a damn thing our Republic forces could do to stop them!"

"What planet was it?" I asked quietly.

"Telos." he said, staring blankly into space.

I winced slightly - I remember that incident well enough. "I'm sorry, Carth." I whispered.

He sighed dramatically, "I did everything I could... I followed my orders and did my duty. That shouldn't mean I failed them! I didn't!"

I sighed, "I'm sorry." I repeated.

"So, now, tell me your story." he said looking at me, "How'd you end up on the Endar Spire?"

"I was recruited for my knowledge." I said flatly.

"It just seems a bit odd that a smuggler who was added to the crew at the last minute just happens to be one of the survivors." he said.

"You'd rather I wasn't?" I asked.

"No. Well... maybe. Don't get me wrong, it just seems odd that someone Bastila's party specifically requested to transfer aboard happened to survive."

"The Jedi requested my transfer?" I asked warily.

"The Jedi requested numerous things when they came on board... hell, they practically took over the ship, as far as I could tell." he said, a hint of bitterness in his tone, "Considering your connection to Bastila and the Jedi, your presence here seems a little convenient. I'm probably wrong and this is probably nothing, I know. I learned a long time ago not to take things at face value, however. And I HATE surprises."

"Me too."

"Huh?"

"I hate surprises. I'm kind of a control freak, have to know everything that's going on." I said, smirking. After a brief pause, I asked, "You really don't trust me, do you?"

"Why should I?" he asked coldly.

"I never said you should, I'm just noting the fact you don't." I said calmly.

"It's not just you. I don't trust anyone."

"Why not?"

"You, uh... haven't done anything YET. But there's no guarantee that you won't do anything in the future. I've been betrayed before by people and I... well, it won't happen again." he said, staring pointedly at the ground.

"I think I understand." I said quietly.

"What makes you think that?" he asked, looking up at me.

"My best friend betrayed me." I said flatly, "We were lured into a trap by the authorities, and he shot at me, so he could get away."

"Really?" he asked, surprised.

"Yeah." I said, sighing, "I trusted the bastard with my life, and he almost killed me. Would have killed me if the authorities hadn't been intent on taking me alive." I said, smirking.

Bastila, who had been walking past (well, a minute ago she had - she'd been standing listening to us and trying not to look like it for the last minute) winced, and I turned to grin at her, "It's rude to listen to private conversations, y'know, Princess."

"Who says I was listening?" she asked, haughtily.

"I saw you stop walking, tilt your head to one side, and scowl. If you weren't listening to what I was saying, then you were pretending to." I said calmly.

She glared at me, "Is it true?"

"That my best friend betrayed me? Yes." I said calmly - I was fighting the instinct to laugh at her discomfort. Damien had no such story to tell - I simply worded Malak's betrayal to sound like it could fit in with my smuggler identity.

"Interesting." she said, folding her arms, "Well, I will be going now."

"Good, you weren't supposed to be included in this conversation, anyway." I said, and waited for her to walk away before turning my attention to Carth.

"What was that about?" he asked curiously.

"She's too nosey for her own good, and I don't trust her much farther than my old 'best friend'." I said, shrugging, "Who, by the way, I plan to go after one of these days."

"I know that feeling."

"Revenge is never a good reason, though." I said calmly.

"Then why are you going to -"

"Because he owes me. He stole something from me. It's no use to me now, but I don't want him to have it. I might even try to reconcile with him, get him to turn himself in to the authorities for that 'mission' we were on when he betrayed me." I smirked, "but maybe that's all the Jedi training talking. I'm not sure."

Carth laughed, "Somehow I doubt my situation can be solved with Jedi pacifism." he said, "A blaster bolt through Saul's head - and maybe Malak's - would make me feel better, though."

"You'd think it would, wouldn't you?" I said distantly.

"It will." he said determinedly.

"What did you lose?" I asked quietly.

"What?"

"What did you lose when Saul betrayed you? It must have been very important for you to be this hateful."

"I lost my family. My wife and son. The were on Telos when the Sith fleet attacked." he said. His pain - I'd felt an echo of it from him when he'd said it's not easy to witness the annihilation of an entire planet - now hit me, almost physically.

I blinked a few times, stunned, "I'm sorry." I whispered, "I'm so so sorry."

He sighed deeply, "It's not your fault." Yes it is. I dragged Malak down the dark path. I pointed the tactless, homicidal monster I'd turned Malak into, at Telos. It's all my fault. I destroyed my own future, but I took Malak with me. I ruined Carth's life, and countless others. Somehow, that sort of torture - tearing the man's life to shreds and taking away his reason to live, but not taking his life - it's crueller by far than the murder and conquest I felt no guilt for.

Suddenly, I felt sick. I turned and walked away from him, "I have to go."

I found my way to the training room. Vrook watched me enter, and settle myself in a meditation position. "Is something the matter, apprentice?" he asked cautiously. A brain-dead Gammorean could have sensed that I was angry at something.

"I don't want to talk about it." I said flatly.

"Perhaps it would do you good." Vrook said, "What you need is not always what you want. There is much anger and pain in you."

"The anger is directed at myself." I said, as calmly as I could, "I need to deal with it by myself."

"This type of anger is familiar to me. It would serve you well to find a confidante, even if that person is not me." Vrook said pointedly.

"Someone to trust is rare in this age." I said blankly.

"Indeed, yet if you do not discuss your problems, they will consume you." Vrook noted.

I sighed, "You're right." and stood up again, returning to the Hawk.

* * *

As I approached the ship, Mission's voice spoke from thin air to my left, "Hey. Damien. You should see this." she grabbed me, and I felt the stealth field envelop me. She led me through an air vent, and outside the enclave. We weren't meant to leave, but since when did rules stop Mission? "I woulda brought Zaalbar, but he'd not fit through the vents." she explained.

It was a short walk through the fields, to a small cave which we had to duck to get into - inside, there were crystals glittering, "How's this for getting away from the stuffy old Jedi?" she asked, "I figured you'd not like being locked up in the enclave - I've seen you trying not to study, often enough."

"Thanks, Mission." I said, letting go of her hand, "I was actually looking for you when you caught me."

"What'd you want me for?" she asked, sitting on the ground cross-legged.

I sat next to her, in my standard meditation position. "You told me you cared for Zaalbar for 'what he is, not what he was'. Do you hold that belief for everyone?" I asked warily.

"Yeah, why? You got a dark past, or something?" she asked. She let her head-tails fall back, down her back, leaving her neck exposed - a sign of trust, from a Twi'lek.

"That might be an understatement." I said, "Let me give you a hypothetical situation. What would you do if Malak appeared on your doorstep, his eyes had turned back to a human colour - which, for Force-sensitives, means he's not quite as evil any more - and he begged for your help, to save his life, and swore he would never harm anyone ever again?"

"I dunno." she said, giving me an 'are you crazy?' look. "I guess, if he didn't have those creepy Sith eyes I've read about, I'd give him the benefit of the doubt, you know. But I'd watch him till he proved he was telling the truth."

"Now, what would you do for Revan, in the same situation?" I asked.

"Same, I guess." she said, shrugging.

"I'm Revan." I said flatly.

"Huh?"

"I am Revan - seriously - this is not hypothetical, or a joke. I am Revan."

"I - whoa. How?"

"The Jedi Council, as far as I can tell, tried to reprogram my mind when they captured me. I don't know why they did it, and I don't know why it failed, but..." I sighed, "I don't know what to do, Mission."

"Wow, this is - this is big." she whispered.

"You can't tell anyone. For whatever reason, I'm not even supposed to know." I said quickly.

"I... I guess. Why are you telling me, though?"

"I don't trust Bastila. Carth'd kill me. Canderous - do I need to explain why I'd not tell him? There's a list. Wookiees aren't the best people to talk to - although I've heard they're excellent at keeping secrets. And... what you said about Zaalbar - that you didn't care about his past, only about who he is now. I needed to talk to someone before it drives me insane."

She sighed slightly, "So what, specifically, is driving you insane?" she asked.

"I talked to... someone this morning." I didn't want to tell her who - Carth's personal demons are none of Mission's business, "I ruined their life - I destroyed their world, and their reason to live. I - I guess the guilt finally caught up with me. And now I don't know how to deal with it." I hit the floor with my fist, "I have no clue how to handle guilt. Before I fell to the Dark Side I had no reason to feel guilt, and after I fell, I avoided it."

"Well, maybe if you apologised? Not to them - they'd never believe you were even Revan, I'm not sure I believe it - I mean to yourself." she said, "If you can at least accept your own apology, even if you can't forgive yourself. Does that make sense?"

"I - I'm not sure it does. But I can try." I said, sighing.

"Maybe if you talked about what you did? The bad stuff, like killing and whatever. Maybe if you talked about it to someone - me, probably - you'll not feel so bad?" she suggested.

"Thank you, Mission." I whispered. Even the fact she was willing to give me a chance was comforting in itself, "I - I'm amazed you're taking this so well."

"Well, I'm still in shock." she muttered, "But you don't seem evil to me. You helped rescue Zaalbar, you saved Carth's life even though you said you hate him, and I've seen the way you handle dangerous situations with the least violence necessary. You're not so bad, so you've obviously changed, right?"

"That's the thing, Mission. I haven't." I said quietly.

"I don't get it." she said, confused.

"I... I'm the same as I was before I became Sith Lord. I haven't changed." I said, frowning, "I don't know why I did what I did, but I don't entirely regret it. I know I should, but I don't. The only memories I'm missing are of why I turned to the Dark Side, the rest is clear as day, and I've not changed as far as I can tell."

"That's kinda scary." she said, "But, y'know, if you're sorry for it now, then you're not so bad, right?"

I smiled weakly, "I guess. But... I don't know what to do about it. I can't fix what I've done, and part of me doesn't want to. I suppose I'll have to stop Malak, right? I was the one who turned him to the Dark Side in the first place, I need to clean up the mess I made. But there are things I've done that can't be undone. I've ruined people's lives, and not just by killing them."

"I - yeah, that's bad. But you said it yourself - life goes on - right?" she asked.

"I guess so." I sighed, "Life goes on, and it's my choice what I do next, even if I can't turn back time."

"Exactly." Mission frowned, "Wait a second, why are you getting Jedi training if you're already a Jedi - or Sith, or whatever?"

"The Council doesn't know that I know who I am." I said, "They tried to overwrite my memory. I'm playing along because I'm sure they'll panic if they think I remember."

"They probably want you to help fight Malak." Mission noted, nodding. "Revan - er, you - were always stronger than Malak."

"It's possible. Or maybe they're trying to use Bastila to slice into my memories. She was in one of my dreams, when we arrived on Dantooine. A dream - or memory - of myself and Malak at the ruins to the north of here."

"Maybe there's something there that the Council thinks is important?" Mission suggested.

"I know there is." I said, nodding. "I know what's there. Although, for the life of me, I can't remember the coordinates it gave. It's a map, but I never memorised it. I recorded it on a datapad, and I guess Malak still has it."

"What's it a map for?"

"To find the source of the Sith fleet's power. A type of factory, it feeds on the Dark Side itself, it's a very dangerous tool in the wrong hands. And because of its nature, I guess any hands are the wrong ones. It - it could be what turned us in the first place, I think. I can't remember."

"So... the Council's gonna send you looking for this factory?" she asked, "So you can stop Malak?"

"I'd not be surprised. Then again, nothing the Council could do would surprise me anymore."

"We should get back. Didn't you have some training or other this afternoon?" she asked, "Plus, Zaalbar's gonna eat out the cantina if we don't get back in time for lunch."

I laughed lightly, "Yeah, we'd better go. Thanks for listening to me, Mission."

"No problem." she said, as we stood up, "Just so long as you don't go all evil again, we're fine."

"I'll try not to."

* * *

I went to Master Dorak that afternoon, and received a green crystal for my lightsaber. The cave Mission had taken me to had contained some unusual crystals, and when I constructed my lightsaber I used the green colour crystal Dorak had given me, an angular redish orange crystal and an obelisk shaped yellow crystal which I had found in the cave. Zhar didn't comment on the extra crystals, but I know he saw them.

When I activated my lightsaber, it lit up with a clearly defined green beam that pulsed strongly as it changed directions when I swung it through the air. I deactivated it again, and walked over to where Zhar had been watching me.

"You have done extremely well in constructing your lightsaber, apprentice. Your crystals seem to have been set perfectly. It is rare indeed for that to happen the first time one constructs their lightsaber. These crystals are very rare, found only in certain caves strong in the Force. By adding crystals to your lightsaber you can alter or enhance its properties. There have even been unconfirmed rumours of certain Force-sensitive caves here on Dantooine that may hold these crystals."

"Consider those rumours confirmed, then." I said, smirking faintly.

"Indeed." he said, giving me a disapproving look. He must know now that I left the enclave without permission. So? There's a problem with that? No, didn't think so. "Your lightsaber identifies you as a member of the Jedi Order. With such recognition comes honour and respect... and the attention of dangerous enemies. The Sith and Dark Jedi will seek to destroy you, apprentice. And you must prove yourself worthy in battle against a foe who also wields a lightsaber. Are you ready to face the final challenge, apprentice?"

"Yes, Master Zhar. I am ready." I said, nodding determinedly.

"For every Jedi the threat of the dark side is always present. You must truly understand this before you are accepted into the Order. You must see the corruption of the dark side for yourself. Even here on Dantooine there are places where the dark side holds sway, twisting and tainting nature itself. The ancient grove once used for deep meditation by the Jedi is now tainted, a wave of darkness perverts the region around it. The kath hounds in the area have become savage and ruthless. They have become a threat to the settlers, a threat the Jedi have promised to stop."

"What would you have me do, Master Zhar?" I asked warily.

"The kath hounds are but a symptom of the true problem. You must journey into the grove and confront the true source of the darkness. That is your task." I could sense there was something he wasn't telling me. A blind womp rat would have seen it in his eyes, let alone in his aura.

"You know more than you're telling me..." I said flatly.

"I can say no more; some things you must see for yourself." oh, now that's cryptic. I hate cryptic. "None of the other Jedi at the academy are permitted to help you in this task. But remember this, my young apprentice: a Jedi acts with patience and care, and those on the dark path are not always lost forever." Um, I think I got that point already, look who you're talking to... oh, wait, they don't know that I remember.

* * *

I went alone, to the grove. Interrupted only by a Twi'lek Jedi who wanted me to help him solve a murder, to help with my training. I didn't like the waste of time, but I still stopped to help. They both did it. It was obvious right away - I could sense guilt in waves from both of them. It was only a matter of finding enough evidence to prove I was right.

When I eventually reached the circle or stones, which was designed to be used for meditation, I could literally feel the darkness emanating from the figure kneeling there. I checked my lightsaber, attached to my belt, before slowly walking towards the circle.

She was Cathar. I haven't seen one of them in years. The Mandalorians nearly wiped them out. She was holding a lightsaber, deactivated, in both hands, and staring at it. Meditating. She was the source of the darkness I sensed. She was emitting waves of anger and... fear.

But I recognised the anger well enough. It was guilt, mostly. Damn Onasi, by the way.

As soon as I entered the circle, she rose, her golden eyes alight with angry passion. "I will be your doom!" she yelled, Force jumping at me - I barely blocked her attack, her lightsaber was inches from my face.

I shook my head, "No. You won't." I used the Force to push her back against one of the stones, knocking her lightsaber out of her hand, and pinned her to the stone.

"You... you are strong. Stronger than me, even in my darkness." she said, glaring at me.

"Why did you attack me?" I demanded calmly.

"I am Juhani, and this is my grove." she said proudly, "This is the place of my dark power. This is the place you have invaded. When I embraced the dark side, this was where I sought my solace. It is MINE!"

"You've been corrupting the kath hounds?" I asked warily.

"Yes... Aren't they pretty?" she asked, her lilting voice taking on an evilly sweet tone, "My pets... They like the smell of power I exude. They know their master. I harnessed true power when I struck down my Master, Quatra. Power enough to crush the life from someone such as you... or so I had thought..." she said, looking away from me bitterly.

"The dark side is never powerful enough." I said quietly, letting go of her, and taking a step back.

She sighed, "What is it you want? Why do you bother me?"

"My name's Damien. I just want to talk." I said calmly, putting my lightsaber away, on my belt, and holding my hands out to show I was now unarmed.

"Talk?! You who have beaten me so easily just want to talk? I do not believe it. Kill me now, while you still have the power." she said viciously.

I shook my head, "Not going to happen, lady." I said, folding my arms, "I don't want you kill you."

She frowned, confused, "You... you do not?" she asked, then she made a sound between a sigh and a growl, "I am pathetic. I sit here and think myself to be great by embracing the dark side, but I am nothing! There is no way I could be turned back! I always thought they held me back, were jealous of my power. But it is only because I was not good enough to meet their standards... I never have been."

"It's not impossible to turn back, Juhani." I said quietly, "If even the greatest Jedi could fall, so even the worst Sith could turn back." I smirked, "You surely are not the worst of Sith. You're not that far down the dark path."

"I am still not good enough to return to the Jedi." she hissed.

I sighed slightly, "The first step on the path of true knowledge is knowing that you are ignorant."

She also sighed, looking at the ground sadly, "I seem to still have much to learn... Both about being a Jedi, and about myself. But I wish the cost of my ignorance had not been so high. I wish that my Master had not suffered because of me."

"There is no death, there is the Force. Juhani, your master will live on." I said gently. Alright, so I overheard a random Jedi at the enclave mention someone named Quatra had been severely injured but was recovering. So sue me if I felt like being economic with the truth. When she finds out Quatra's alive, she needn't know I knew. If I can forgive myself, she can forgive herself too, damnit!

"If she were alive now, there would be so much I would say to her... So much I would apologize for." Juhani looked close to tears, now, "Oh, how can the Council ever take me back with what I have done? Striking my Master down in anger is unforgivable!"

"Anger? Show them that you have freed yourself of this base passion." yeah, like I freed myself of my own anger. That'll take a while. But Juhani's anger is different, and she seems to know how to contain it. I guess I still need to learn.

"If I show them I am free of passion... That I am serene... That I am willing to forsake the dark side. Maybe, just maybe, they would accept me back." she looked to me, hope shining in her eyes, "Do you think they would? Could it be possible after what I have done?"

I smiled warmly, "Your inner peace and harmony will show them your sincerity."

The relief in her eyes now was beautiful - even her aura shone blue, "I... I thank you, master Jedi." she said gratefully, "I will return to the Council, then. I shall submit myself to their judgment, and hope that they will forgive me. Again, I thank you. I am sure I will hear great things about you in the future."

"You flatter me, Juhani." I said, smiling, "I have no plans for greatness. But if you wish, I would appreciate the company on my way back to the enclave?"

"I would like that, yes." she said, smiling.

As we walked away from the circle, I felt the darkness fading from the area, as I had felt it fade from her. Even the Kath hounds had stopped fighting amongst each other.

But the peace didn't last long. We were ambushed by a group of Mandalorians and Duros. Juhani had her lightsaber in her hand, unlit, immediately. I was more wary, "Hey, guys." I said to the lead Mandalorian, "What's the matter?" I asked innocently. Juhani scowled at me - then turned so we were back to back - being surrounded by hostile Mandalorians is not good even without leaving your back exposed.

"A couple of little Jedi out in the dangerous fields." one Mandalorian asked coldly.

"I dispatched two of your comrades a few hours ago, Mandalorian." Juhani hissed, "Do not think yourself any better."

"Peace, Juhani." I whispered, "Even if they pick a fight, do not let your anger take hold."

"Yes. I understand." she replied quietly.

"Oh, this is rich." one Mandalorian said, laughing. "Think you two can take us on, do you?"

"Don't push me." I said coldly, "You might not like the results." I smiled, "But I don't want a fight. Let us pass, and you'll keep your favourite limbs attached." I could sense Juhani's feral smirk when she heard those words, even though I couldn't see her face.

"Is that a threat?"

"No. It's a promise." I said flatly, remembering something Canderous had once told me: Mandalorians don't make threats, they make promises.

The Mandalorian laughed again, "We'll see about that, Jedi." he opened fire with his blaster. I deflected the three bolts, and they hit the three Duros. Juhani Force jumped the other Mandalorian, while I froze the first with the Force. With one clean cut, I removed the offending Mandalorian's head. The one Juhani had attacked had dodged, stared at his dead comrade, and made a run for it. He got away, although it seemed to be only because Juhani didn't try to give chase.

When we returned to the enclave, Juhani went to see the Masters, while I made my way back to the Hawk, "Hey, guess what, Canderous." I said, when I found the Mandalorian in the hangar of the ship, adding some enhancements to his repeating blaster.

"What?" he asked coldly.

"I got ambushed by a bunch of Mandalorians today." I said flatly. "Cowards, I think. Nothing like your people's reputation, at any rate. By all accounts, they've been raiding farms and generally picking on helpless civilians. I thought you ought to know there were some disgraces to your species needed eliminating, on this planet."

"I'll deal with it." he said, "Thank you."

"No problem."

* * *

"You have done well, my pupil." Zhar said, as I returned to the training room, "The ancient grove has been purified, and Juhani's journey down the dark path has been halted. Because of you she walks once more in the light. But though she was saved, do not dismiss what happened to her. Juhani is both dedicated and true to the ideals of the Order, yet she was still vulnerable to the dark side. As are we all. She struck her master in anger during training, and injured her greatly. But it was Quatra's choice to test Juhani this way, and it seems to have made its point. Juhani has been redeemed, and you have passed your final test." he smiled, "Congratulations, apprentice. Or should I say congratulations, Padawan? You have proven yourself worthy of joining the Jedi. Let me be the first to welcome you as a full-fledged member of our Order!" Again.

He led me into the Council chambers, where the rest of the Jedi Council were waiting, "Your training is now complete, young Padawan." Vandar said serenely, "And perhaps now it is time we dealt with the matter of the dream you and Bastila shared. When we heard of the ruins in your dreams, Master Dorak recognized it as one of a series of ancient structures here on Dantooine. This one in particular lies to the east of this Enclave. We sent a Jedi to investigate... but he has not returned. Perhaps sending him in the first place was a mistake."

"What happened to the Jedi who went to investigate?" I asked.

"We do not know." Vandar said, shaking his head sadly, "That is one of the things you must investigate. We... fear the worst." I nodded slightly - I knew what that meant - the Jedi they sent to investigate is probably dead. "The Force is guiding you through your visions; it may be that exploring the ruins is a task tied to your destiny. That is why the Council has now decided you should be the one to investigate this. The secrets to stopping Malak may be hidden within those ruins. You must investigate them and find what Revan and Malak were looking for."

Vandar paused for a moment, then opened his mouth to continue, when the doors flew open, "I demand justice! The Sandral family is a blight upon Dantooine! They must be punished!" the very irate man who was standing in the doorway yelled.

"The Council will look into this matter, Mr. Matale." Vandar said, as close to exasperated as I've ever heard him, "You must be patient. Your accusations have no proof, and we do not want you stirring up trouble with the Sandrals if there is some mistake."

"Mistake? My son Shen is missing!" Mr Matale shouted, "How can there be any doubt the Sandrals are to blame?"

"There are other possible explanations for your son's disappearance." Vandar said calmly.

"Bah! You Jedi are good for nothing but talk! I shall only wait so long before I take action on my own!" Mr Matale snapped, before storming out of the Council chambers again. Hmph, talk about bad manners.

Vandar sighed, "As dangerous as the threat from Darth Malak and the Sith may be, we Jedi cannot simply abandon our other responsibilities. The Council has promised Alhan Matale we will look into his son's disappearance. Should you have time, Padawan, you may want to investigate this matter."

"These two families have been settled here for some years now..." Vandar began.

"And causing me no end of trouble!" Vrook noted.

"Indeed. They have been settled here for some time and feuding ever since." Vandar agreed.

"What caused this feud?" I asked.

"I do not know how the original feud started, but they want nothing to do with each other." Vandar said, "As you may have heard, Ahlan Matale believes that his son, Shen, has been kidnapped by Nurik Sandral."

"Curiously, Nurik's son Casus has been missing for some time as well... I fear Nurik may suspect Ahlan in this..." Dorak put in.

I frowned, "I guess I can look into it. The ruins aren't going anywhere, are they?" Bastila gave me a disapproving glare, and I smiled at her... which only annoyed her more.

"Your study and training are important, of course." Vandar noted, "But the Jedi are not a cloistered Order. Our influence and teachings must spread beyond the walls of our Academies. It is in the real world that we truly prove ourselves worthy of the title Jedi. You would do well to remember this, young Padawan."

"This task has its own importance." Vrook noted, "It may also serve to divert our minds for a short time... something which carries its own rewards." I smiled faintly at that. Yes, I did need the diversion. Badly.

"Not to mention that I wouldn't mind getting out of this enclave for a bit." Carth said from the doorway Matale had just stormed off through, "I mean, come on, how bad could it be?"

Vrook decided to answer Carth's question, "If Shen Matale is not returned to his father it may ignite a savage and bloody feud between the Matale and Sandral estates." he warned, "We must not allow that to happen."

I sighed slightly, "I'll try not to let that happen." and added in a mutter, "I bloody hope it doesn't happen."

* * *

After a fair deal of effort and persuasion, I dealt with the feud. It turned out Sandral had kidnapped the Matale boy, but Sandral's daughter had also fallen in love with said boy. I talked both fathers out of killing each other, and they eventually - albeit reluctantly - allowed their children to live together. Happy ending - I love those.

Then I dragged Carth and Bastila along to the ruins.

That was deja-vu all over again.

"I don't like this place." Carth muttered.

"Join the club." I said, approaching the inner door of the ruins, "Ever get the feeling of de-ja-vu, Princess?" I asked.

"It's probably because of the vision we shared." she said, far too quickly. So she's being defensive. Oh, it could be fun tormenting her, see if she slips up like the Masters nearly did a few times.

"Maybe." I opened the door, "Well, like Malak said, in that vision. Are we sure this is really worth the risk?"

"What choice do we have?" Bastila asked.

"True." I stepped into the room, and the guardian droid greeted us. Wasn't Basic, though. "I don't know that language." I said flatly, to the droid. It swapped languages, "Don't know that one either. Try Basic this time?" I suggested. Bastila gave me an odd look.

[Your language is not programmed into my voice synthesiser database. I can reproduce any of the languages spoken by the slaves of the Builders. Your language is not among these.] it said, in an archaic variant of Selkath.

"Well, I recognise this one. I suppose that'll do." I muttered.

"I recognize this language as well." Bastila noted.

"Well, good for you two. Leave me wondering what's going on again." Carth muttered.

"What languages do you know, anyway, Carth?" I asked.

"I speak Basic and Twi'leki, I can understand some Ithorian, and I know several swear-words in Mandalorian." he said, shrugging, "Shouldn't we be paying attention to the droid?"

"It's harmless." I said flatly, "It's just here for information. Right?" I looked to it, asking its input on that point.

[I am the Overseer. The Builders programmed me to enforce discipline among the slaves while this monument to the power of the Star Forge was constructed. At project completion all slaves were executed. I was reprogrammed to serve should a Builder return in search of knowledge of the Star Forge.] the droid informed us.

"I was right." I said, when Carth looked blankly at the droid. Then he sulked.

"What is the Star Forge?" Bastila asked, interested.

[The Star Forge is the glory of the Builders, the apex of their infinite empire. It is a machine of invincible might, a tool of unstoppable conquest.] the droid quoted - informative, isn't it?

"You don't really know what it is, do you?" I asked, amused.

[The... the Star Forge is the glory of the Builders, the apex of their infinite empire. It is a machine of invincible might, a tool of unstoppable conquest.] it repeated. Translation: haven't got a sodding clue.

"The droid is obviously not programmed with the knowledge we seek." Bastila said irritably, "The Star Forge sounds like some type of weapon, perhaps... though, in fact, it could be anything."

"Well, whatever it is, if - if Revan and Malak found something here relating to it, it's probably important." I said guardedly.

"Indeed. Maybe the droid has more information we can use. It seems to respond to you; perhaps you should ask it something else." she suggested.

I scowled at her, "What can it tell us about the Star Forge? It's already as good as told us it doesn't know what it is."

"True, but we need to find what Revan and Malak found here before us!" Bastila snapped.

[The ones who came before you - the ones like you, not Builders but not slaves - sought knowledge of the Star Forge and its origins. They proved themselves worthy.] the droid stated, in response to Bastila. [They discovered the secrets of the Star Forge locked beyond the sealed door behind me. But there was another who failed to unlock the secrets and paid the ultimate price.]

"The droid must be talking about poor Nemo." Bastila said sadly. The Jedi's corpse lay near one of the doors. "The Council sent him here to investigate... and it cost him his life."

"How do we prove ourselves worthy?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

[Enter the proving grounds to the east and west.] the droid answered, [Within them those who understand the will of the Builders can unlock their secrets and open the doors. But those who fail will be destroyed by the power of the temple itself. More than this, I am not programmed to say.]

"Revan and Malak unlocked the sealed door and uncovered the secrets of the Star Forge. Now Malak is using the Star Forge to fuel his conquest of the Republic." Bastila said, walking briskly to the east door, "We have to find out what they uncovered. We have to find a way to unseal these doors to learn more about the Star Forge! The Republic is depending on us."

"Wait a second, Princess. We can't go in unprepared. Look what happened to Nemo." I said quickly, stepping between her and the door. I looked up at Carth, "Ion blasters." then I looked at Bastila, "Energy shields. Ok?"

They both nodded, "Why ion blasters?" Carth asked, getting out an ion blaster anyway.

"This place is ancient. Do you think there's going to be any defences here that have survived that AREN'T droids?" I asked sceptically.

When we were prepared, and it only took a few seconds, I opened the door and immediately sent the droid there flying into the air with Force whirlwind - Carth opened fire seconds later, and Bastila and I took the droid apart with our lightsabers, while it hovered helplessly in thin air. Easy enough. I walked over to the computer. I hate this thing - last time it was a nuisance.

"All right, junk pile." I said coldly as I approached it, "Let's see what you've got." a data receptacle appeared. I blinked - that was easy. Cautiously, I put my datapad in the receptacle, and the computer whirred. Semi-familiar symbols appeared on the screen, "This is good. I think." I said, "Would be better if I could read it, mind you." and suddenly it was written in Basic.

After a simple multiple-choice question, I got my datapad back, and it reported that it had broken the seal. Easy enough. I repeated process in the other room, and that broke the other seal. Then we entered the room with the Star Map in it.

Why was I leading Princess Padawan and the Republic Golden Boy to find my greatest power source, anyway? Oh, yeah - so I could stop Malak from making more of an ass of himself with it, that's right.

As the Star Map activated on approach, Bastila took a few steps closer, while I hung back warily. I could sense the darkness in the map, and it drew Bastila to it like a moth to a flame. It called to me too, but I knew better. "This... this must be what Revan and Malak found when they entered this temple. This must be where their journey down the dark side began." Bastila whispered, awed.

"No kidding." I said flatly, "Looks just like the one in the vision."

"What is it?" Carth asked, having the good sense to stand well back from the map.

"This is a... a map." Bastila explained, "Some sort of intergalactic navigational chart. Revan and Malak must have used this to lead them to the Star Forge. We could use this map to follow their path and find the Star Forge ourselves. But we must be wary... they may have laid traps or concealed what they found."

"So what do you think this Star Forge is, anyway?" I asked.

"I... I don't know, but Revan and Malak were very interested in finding it. It must be a tool of some type... or maybe a weapon. Perhaps the Council can tell us more. But I think this map might be the key to finding the Star Forge, whatever it is. See this world here?" she pointed to Korriban on the map, "This looks like Korriban, a Sith world. And if that's Korriban, then this is... Kashyyyk... and Tatooine... and here's Manaan." Wow, she knows basic astro-navigation. Impressive (I'm being sarcastic again - I do that a lot). "But there are pieces missing: incomplete hyperspace coordinates, corrupted data... and there doesn't seem to be anything indicating where the Star Forge itself might be."

"What good is an incomplete map?" I asked innocently.

"I was thinking that, too." she agreed. "This map can't take us to the Star Forge, but I know that Revan and Malak visited Korriban at least once. Perhaps they discovered something more there. They may have found something on each of the other worlds that completed this map. Maybe if we find all the pieces they will lead us to the Star Forge... and some way to destroy it."

"That sounds like quite a supposition. What if you're wrong?" Carth asked sceptically.

"What if I'm right? We can't ignore this. Finding the Star Forge might very well be the key to defeating the Sith!" Bastila said, turning to face us, finally tearing her gaze away from the map, "We must inform the Council of what we have discovered. They must decide our next course of action, though I suspect our task has only just begun."

* * *

I saw Juhani in the courtyard, as I re-entered the Enclave, "Hello, Juhani." I said, smiling.

"I must give you my thanks." she greeted me, smiling, "Because of you, I am once again welcome within the Jedi Order."

"That is good news. Have you spoken to the Council?"

"Yes, I have spoken to the Council, and they have helped me see the truth. The truth about myself, and the truth of my actions."

"Did you learn anything more about Quatra?" I asked, curiously.

"Quatra's injuries were not so severe as I first believed." Juhani said, smiling sheepishly, "I was foolish to believe I could harm a Master such as she with my... my clumsy efforts. The fierce confrontation between us was nothing more than a part of my training. Quatra wanted me to understand the threat of the dark side, to see how easy it was to fall from the path of light."

"That's pretty harsh..." I said, "But I guess it got the point across well. Frighteningly well."

"Quatra's methods may seem strange, but I trust her wisdom." Juhani said reverently. "This lesson has been difficult, but I am better because of it. Humility is never easy to teach, but now I truly understand my own limitations."

I think she trusts Quatra a bit blindly, if you want my opinion. What if Juhani actually had killed her Master? Goading a Cathar into a fight is a stupid thing for even a Jedi to do. Almost as stupid as insulting Mandalore to his face... ok, so I did that, big deal. "So where is Quatra now?" I asked.

"After our last battle, Quatra had nothing left to teach me." Juhani explained, "I needed time alone to explore the turmoil of my own spirit. Only then was I ready to follow a guide - you - back to the light. When I left, Quatra knew her work with me was done. There are other disciples who need training throughout the galaxy, and she could not stay to see if I passed this most difficult trial. With your help, I have passed this difficult trial. The Council now feels I am ready to continue with my training, though they have asked me to wait here for the time being."

"Nox." Canderous' voice called across the courtyard, interrupting the conversation - Juhani bristled at the interruption. That Mandalorian knows how to ruin the meditative atmosphere in this enclave like not even I can achieve.

"What?" I snapped, turning to face him as he approached.

"I took care of that problem you told me about. Good riddance, by the way. Here." he tossed a pair of deactivated lightsabers at me, "I found these on the leader's corpse."

"Thanks." I said, catching and looking at the lightsabers. I scowled - so those Mandalorian raiders killed a Jedi or two. That's something the Council should hear about.

"Don't mention it." Canderous said, "Seriously, don't." and with that he stalked off towards the Hawk.

I sighed and shook my head, "Go figure." I muttered to myself. Then I turned back to Juhani, "I am glad to have helped you, Juhani. May the Force be with you."

"May the Force be with you, Damien." she replied.

As I walked away from Juhani, Belaya, who had been hovering nearby, stopped me, "You have done a great thing. One of our own had strayed, but you have returned Juhani to the Order. For this you deserve the highest praise." she said, genuine gratitude in her tone. She gave off the aura of one who was thankful for an extremely close friend's life, rather than merely a colleague's life. Possibly even more than a friend, but it was impossible to tell.

I was mildly surprised she was overlooking my outfit, since I actually am a Padawan now, and she had every right to repeat her previous hissy fit about my dress-sense. I smiled at her, "I thank you, but I only did what I felt was right." I said calmly, "I do not wish to be praised."

"But you deserve it." Belaya said determinedly, "Not everyone would have made the right choice."

"It would take a very cold heart to hurt someone like Juhani." I said calmly, "She is a good person."

Belaya smiled warmly at me, "I wish you a pleasant stay here on Dantooine. May the Force be with you."

* * *

I entered the Council chambers alone.

"Padawan, you have done well in discovering the Star Map hidden within the ancient ruins." Vandar said, as I approached the Council, "But there is more you must do in the battle against Malak and the Sith. We Jedi know victory over the Sith will not come through martial might. The Council has a mission for you, Padawan."

"I have consulted our vast archives in an effort to discover the nature of this 'Star Forge', but all my efforts have been in vain." Master Dorak noted, "Still, the Council are in agreement: the Star Forge must be found! Revan and Malak sought it out when they began their tragic fall; the Star Forge is surely a powerful tool of the dark side."

"The Star Map in the ruins showed you four planets, but it was incomplete. It did not show the location of the Star Forge itself. We believe there may be similar Star Maps on other planets. Each Star Map is likely a small piece of a larger puzzle. Find the Star Maps on Kashyyyk, Tatooine, Manaan and Korriban and we believe they will lead you to the Star Forge."

"Sounds like a suicide mission to me." I noted flatly.

"Ever brash, ever disrespectful! This is what we have pinned our hopes on?" Vrook asked snidely.

"Peace, Vrook. We have discussed this; there is no other choice." Vandar said pointedly. "The Jedi numbers have been ravaged by this war, by defections to Malak's cause and by Sith assassins. But we realize the importance of this mission. Yet if we sent a company of Jedi Knights with you we would surely draw the full attention of Malak and the Sith, dooming your efforts to failure."

"So I'm to do this alone?" I asked sceptically.

"Secrecy is our best defence against the Sith, but it would be foolish to send you on this quest without someone to aid you, young Padawan." Vandar said calmly, "Bastila will accompany you, for there is a powerful connection between you two... a connection that might be the key to unravelling the mysteries uncovered by Revan." You mean unravelling the mysteries of the fact I just misplaced a bloody datapad! That is why I can't remember where the Star Forge is right now, y'know. "And Juhani has also asked to accompany you. After long deliberation we have granted her request."

"Juhani nearly fell to the dark side. Perhaps her presence will serve as a reminder to you of the dangers of that path." Vrook noted. Like I could forget.

"There are others I want to join me." I noted. Mission, specifically.

"Of course those who aided you on Taris will also come; they possess skills you may find useful in your quest. Remember that secrecy and discretion are paramount to your success. You will not be able to hide the fact that you are Jedi, nor should you. But the true nature of your mission must not reach Malak's ears."

"When do I leave?" I asked flatly. No point arguing, and no point asking questions I already know the answer to, either.

"You can leave whenever you wish; the sooner the better." Vrook said flatly, "The longer you wait the stronger Malak becomes. But first a warning, young Padawan: The lure of the dark side is difficult to resist. I fear this quest to find the Star Forge could lead you down an all too familiar path."

"I will be careful, Master Vrook." then I turned and left, muttering under my breath so they didn't hear me, "I never make the same mistake twice."

* * *