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.

7. Something Fishy

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?

Author's note: Fishy fishy fishy. Insert lightsaber in locker. Sorry, I just don't like Manaan. But it has to be done, so I may as well have some fun. Hey, that rhymed! Technically, the Exchange enforcer's story in this chapter coulda happened. If you ask the 'duellist' mentioned, on Manaan, you get that impression. Also, I'm pretty sure I got the judges in the wrong order... so sue me... Jolee makes a better arbiter than my Revan ever did, so he'll defend me from your lawyers ^_^

Daesereg: Wow, you're a fast reader - I just uploaded it less than half an hour and your review's already in my inbox! As for Malak's jaw... while it does feature, we shall never have a conclusive explanation for what happened to it ^_^ just as you will never have a conclusive explanation for what Malak did to Bandon.

Ozziegrl: I will say to you what I said to Daesereg... wow, you're a fast reader - I just uploaded it less than half an hour and your review's already in my inbox! I think the evil ex-Sith thing would put off a lot of the fan-girls, y'know... but you do have a point ^_^ I certainly like him.

arrow maker: Thankies ^_^ ... erm, no, that is not what happened to Malak's jaw.

Majin Trunks: o_O funny... *uses Force lightening on you* ^_^ but that was funnier. Your threats are most amusing... but no more effective than your pathetic grovelling. As for letting you live... if I ever find out _where_ you live, I shall rectify that mistake.

NathanPostmark: Thankies ^_^

Lord-Duguerre: Greetings to you too. I agree with you that KotOR is the best SW game ever. I am glad you enjoy my fanfic.

Majin Trunks (again): See, Lord-Duguerre knows how to flatter- er, talk to a Sith Lady ^_^

The Holy Beergut: *snaps her fingers* damns, you were all supposed to get all the suspense of the cliffhanger, damnit! Chapter eight covers the Star Forge and the game's natural end, I've written nine chapters... so yeah, I'm continuing it a bit... just a bit, though, because I didn't like how the game ended so abruptly.

arrow maker: Yes, some humans do have their hearts on the right side instead of the left. It is a genuine condition, though as Damien said, it is rare. And before you ask, I learned of it from TV.

Shadow39: o_O um... ok.

Master o Randomness: Yes, Shit and Fan have been formally introduced. And Carth Onasi is not pleased ^_^

Starlight the Wanderer: Thank you. As for Malak the Meatbag... HK-47, unfortunately, does not get that honour.

FuManchu: I know how you feel. It's even worse when certain authors put up a new "chapter" that's just an author's note explaining why their next chapter isn't up yet *growls, eyes glow, Force chokes random author who she knows has committed such crimes* ^_^ I feel better now.

LC Wolf: *laughs* oh yes, lawyers are the spawn of the dark side... it's why I idolise Lilah Morgan (from Angel) so ^_^ but seriously, Damien already threatened to beat the messenger over the head with the datapad on Tatooine, so he can't work for the Genoharadan. And Damien actually likes the Selkath laws - they can be so very useful if you know how to manipulate them ^_^ and he never went swoop racing, because really, who swoop races when you're already racing to save the galaxy?

Xan: ^_^ glad you enjoyed it. As for Carth getting out all his Revan-hating? Ha! Just wait. What, exactly, was disturbing about the torture? Why would it have been relevant to Bastila and Carth?

And why has NO ONE commented on Damien's retorts to Saul in the interrogation chamber?! All these wonderful reviews and not one even mentioned it! *sniff, pout*

* * *

Chapter 7 - Something Fishy

I was kicking myself - not literally, but metaphorically. Only three people on this ship hadn't known who I was - how'd so many of them figure it out? And of course, the most important reason to kick myself: Bastila had been captured.

I was sitting in the common area, sulking on this topic, when Mission appeared and sat down next to me, "You wanna talk?" she asked.

"About what?" I asked sulkily.

"Whatever's bothering you." Mission suggested, "It's probably the whole everyone-knows-you're-Revan thing... or maybe it's Bastila getting captured. I'm not sure. Whatever's wrong: you wanna talk?"

I smiled slightly, "You're smart, you know. For a kid."

"Hey, I ain't no kid, you know." she snapped.

"That's a double-negative, Mission." I said flatly, "You are not no kid - basically saying you are a kid."

She glared, "You're changing the subject."

"Yeah, and I figured you'd notice. I was just having some fun, is all." I said, shrugging.

"How do you define 'fun', Revan?" she asked.

"You mean how could I have thought galactic domination was fun, not much more than a year ago?" I asked.

"Well, I was trying to be tactful, but yeah." she said, nodding.

I sniggered, "Well... it's the look of shock, surprise, and most amusingly horror, when someone realises you've tricked them. Like if I had - for example - told Thalia I was going to kill her for Uthar. I was tempted to do that, actually." I sighed, "The expression on the victim's face is what makes it fun, really." I smiled, "To be honest, I'd be happy to tell someone I'm going to betray them, then turn around and help them instead, just so I could see that expression on their face and then still do the right thing."

"I see." Mission said, scowling, "That's kinda cruel."

"I know that." I said, frowning, "And I know it's wrong, but... it is fun."

"I see where HK gets it from." she muttered.

"Oh thank you." I said sarcastically, scowling.

Mission giggled, "You're right, it is fun." she said cheerfully, "So long as it's only as a joke."

I smirked, "Indeed. Although, some people are not to be joked with." I noted, "I would not joke about such things to Carth. And I wouldn't make idle threats to a Mandalorian. Nor, for that matter, would I joke to the Jedi Council - they don't know what a sense of humour is."

She giggled again, "Yeah, that's true."

"I have something to show you, Mission." I said, leading her into the cargo hold. I had looked in the box labelled Tarisian ale, and it was as the label said.

I showed it to her, and she stared, stunned, "Where'd you get Tarisian ale from?" she asked.

"Found it in the Czerka office on Kashyyyk." I said, "I'm considering giving your brother one bottle, on the condition that I get to be there when he meets his contact from the Exchange... so I can be sure he doesn't cheat me."

"Cool." she said brightly, "Way better than giving him a tach gland. I mean, I don't think Griff'd be able to brew Tarisian ale if his life depended on it... which, with this deal of his, it kinda would have if you'd not found this."

I smirked, "I figured as much. But nobody cheats me and gets away with it."

"Malak's in trouble, then." she noted.

"No kidding." I said cheerfully.

"There you are... Revan." Carth said warily, as he entered the cargo hold, "Thought I ought to tell you, we're due to reach Manaan in eight hours. You might want to get some sleep."

"Right." I said, "Thanks. Um, Carth - you do know I'm not really evil, right?" I asked warily, "I mean. I do regret what I did as Sith Lord. And that story I told you on Dantooine, about my best friend - that was Malak." I frowned, "I need to... to explain, I guess. To make you understand. I... I actually don't remember exactly what turned me to the dark side. It scares me, because I know that at the moment I think the same way I did before I fell... and I know that when I was Sith Lord, my mind did work on the same level, but it... it was like something in the back of my mind that didn't even sound like my own thoughts was rationalising every evil deed I did. The rationalisations still make sense, in a way." I snorted, "I blamed everyone but myself. When it was my fault, I had the perfect reasons for doing it - it all made sense at the time."

Carth seemed to be listening, albeit sceptically, like he didn't want to believe I was human anymore. Mission was paying attention, too. She seemed intently interested in my history as Revan.

"When I went in search of the Star Forge... I had planned on using it to help defend the Republic." I frowned, "Malak agreed with me, the Republic couldn't survive against another enemy like the Mandalorians. The sacrifices we'd made to win the war had been... too much."

"Why go after the Star Forge in secret, though?" Carth asked.

"Because the Jedi Masters would never allow it. They would have stopped us the second they found out what we were up to." I said flatly, "That's what this voice in the back of my mind... this... this anti-conscience... told me." I shook my head, "I'm not sure if it's a part of me, or some sentient aspect of the dark side. I don't know what it is, but I listened to it, and it made sense, at the time."

"Listening to voices in your head is never a good idea." Mission muttered.

I smirked darkly, "I know that now." I said. Then I sighed, "But it made sense at the time. The Star Forge was a powerful tool, if it could be used to our advantage. Every one of the Star Map planets I went to, I fell a little farther. You saw the Star Map on Dantooine, Carth. Did you sense the darkness in it? The intensity of it, even a Force-blind womp-rat would have noticed it, I'm sure." Mission giggled at the analogy.

Carth rolled his eyes, "Yes, I noticed it." he said coldly.

"It called to me." I said flatly, "First time around, it screamed for me." my eyes rolled back as I remembered the... sensations... "the dark side is... intoxicating, alluring, and... the power I felt even near the Star Maps was... amazing." I sighed, "I have been careful to keep my distance from them, this time around. I dread the thought of entering the Star Forge again. It terrifies me, because I remember... the first time I stepped onto the Star Forge. The power overwhelmed me. Purest darkness. It seeped into my soul, and I loved it. I embraced it, and it pulled me under." I suddenly looked up at Mission and Carth, "I... I remember it now!"

Carth stepped back, going for his blaster.

"Calm down, Carth." I said, holding up my hands defensively, "I'm not going to go all evil, don't worry."

"You're lying." he hissed.

"Why? What makes you think that?" I asked, still defensive.

"I can see it in your eyes." he growled, blaster now aimed at my head.

"He's right, Damien... Revan... whatever." Mission said, warily, "Remember we talked about creepy Sith eyes?"

"Oh hell." I muttered, "That can't be a good sign." I closed my eyes, "I... it may be the memory that brought it out." I said quietly, "I'm sorry."

When I opened my eyes, I saw Carth visibly relax as he watched me. I assumed, from that, that my eyes had returned to normal. "I'm watching you, Revan." he warned, "I swear, if you turn to the dark side again, I will kill you."

I nodded, "I understand." I said, frowning, "I... I didn't mean to scare you... it's just..." I sighed, "The memories are so intense. And I know now why I fell. I just hope knowing your enemy amounts to something."

Mission smiled, "I'll help you if I can, Revan." she said, stepping closer to me, "You know I'm your friend, right?"

I smiled, "Thanks, Mission. I appreciate all the support I can get."

Carth folded his arms, defensively, "How can you trust him, Mission?" he asked.

"Simple." she said brightly, "I see him for what he is right now, not what he was. He's a good man. He's saved lives, and souls, since the Jedi turned him back. You didn't see him on Korriban, it was amazing. He managed to turn half the Sith academy - including your son - away from the dark side."

"And Korriban is strong in the dark side." I noted, "The last time I was there, it was the last map I found. I... was already far down the dark path by then, and it had a strong effect on me."

Carth sulked, "I guess you have a point, Mission." he said coldly, "But so did Malak. Revan always could inspire loyalty - he could be manipulating you. I don't trust him."

I smiled, "It's safer for you if you don't. I don't trust myself, to be honest."

He rolled his eyes, "I'm going with you on Manaan. I want to keep an eye on you."

"No problem." I said brightly, "I understand why you want to do that. I'd do the same thing in your position."

* * *

As I slept, before we got to Manaan, I had another dream/vision. Deep underwater, so deep that what little light filtered down was blue. The red end of the light-spectrum doesn't reach the ocean floor, I was actually amazed it's not pitch dark this far down, the first time I found this map.

In the dream, I saw the map light up in front of me, but the co-ordinates were, as usual in these dreams, unclear. I sensed the darkness of the map, as always... and as always, I sensed another presence.

Bastila.

She was watching me, too.

I concentrated on her presence instead of the map. I focused, and the dream itself shifted slightly. I felt more... real. Unlike the previous visions, I felt like I was actually here. Odd thing about it was I could breathe fine, and there was most definitely no environmental suit involved.

She was behind me... watching the map. I turned around, realising as I did so that I was floating a few feet off the ocean floor. I saw her, but I wasn't sure if she saw me. I tried to speak, but couldn't. Guess even if I can breathe, the dream held enough realism to make words impossible. Great. Just great.

*Princess?* I thought.

She blinked and tore her gaze away from the Star Map to focus on me. She seemed confused.

I smiled, *You're alive. Thank the Force, Princess, for the first time I'm grateful for these visions.*

She opened her mouth as if to speak. No sound came out, but my very limited ability to read lips told me she was trying to say my name. The confusion on her face was clear.

*Princess. Where are you? Have you been harmed? What has he done to you? I need to know.*

She shook her head, and the currents of the ocean seemed to be pushing her away from me.

*Princess!* I pleaded, hoping she could hear me, *Bastila, love, please. Don't let him win. I love you.*

She faded away into the darkness of the ocean - it wasn't like there was a great distance to be concealed by the water at this depth. I couldn't see her, but I could still sense her. *Help me.* her thoughts whispered in my mind.

*I'll find you, Princess. I promise.*

Then she disappeared from my senses as well.

And I woke up on the Ebon Hawk, to the recognisable sensation of the ship landing.

* * *

"Carth, Juhani. Want to go to the bottom of the ocean?" I asked as I walked into the common area of the Hawk, hiding my fear for Bastila under my poor attempt at humour.

"What?" Carth snapped.

"Well, that's where the star map is. Maybe we should attach weights to someone's feet and throw them over the edge of the city? I think T3's water-proof." I said in false cheerfulness.

Carth glared at me, "Why did you ask us, then?" he snapped. The look on his face was priceless.

I smiled weakly, "Because I think I can acquire a submarine, instead." I said, "And I wanted to see the look on your face when you thought I was threatening to drown you. Don't worry, I'm not that evil."

"Not right this second, maybe..." he muttered.

"Give it a rest, Carth." I said dismissively, "I know you don't trust me, and would like nothing better than to kill me. But you have to focus on the task at hand." I said tiredly, "You want to keep an eye on me. And I trust Juhani. She knows the dark side, and for that, I know she must understand what I've been through. At least a fraction of it."

Juhani nodded, "As long as we do not go underwater, I shall be glad to accompany you. But when your mission takes you below the waves, I would much prefer to wait behind." she said. Typical feline - can't stand water.

Carth sulked a bit, but then, "Alright, then. Let's go."

* * *

As we left the ship, we encountered a Sith soldier and a Republic soldier arguing. "You Republic people are so pathetic, sitting around grovelling at the tablescraps the galactic senators deign to give you. It makes me sick."

I barely grabbed Carth's arm in time to stop him pointing his pet blaster at the offending Sith, "Remember what planet you're on, you moron." I hissed at him, "You'd be thrown in jail before you can say 'neutrality laws' for just aiming that thing."

"The senators work for the good of the whole galaxy, not for individual gain!" the Republic soldier snapped back.

"Ha! Don't make me laugh, you gutless simp!" the Sith jeered, "It's the destiny of weak-minded fools like you to be ruled over by the strong, like we Sith!"

"I'm warning you! Don't push me, or you'll get just what you're asking for!" the Republic soldier threatened.

"Try it. Just try it." the Sith taunted, "I'd love to see you throw the first punch. And with all the cameras around the Selkath would be all over you inside of thirty seconds. You break their laws, you pay the price, Republic scum. But I can see that you're not man enough to back up your words anyway." he smirked smugly, "If you ever feel like relieving yourself of your worthless existence, feel free to come by our enclave here. We have many, many ways to fulfil your wish." the Sith, clearly having won that argument, turned and sauntered away smugly.

The Republic soldier, growling angrily, turned to walk away and almost ran into me. "Yeah, what do you...? Oh, I apologize Master Jedi, I should not have been rude."

Carth snorted, "Be as rude to him as you like. Please."

"That's delightful, Carth. Really, I'm hurt." I said sarcastically. I then turned my attention back to the other man, "I really don't mind."

"No really, I should apologize." the man said, "I should try to control myself... as you Jedi do."

Carth snorted again. I shot him a mock-glare before speaking to the other man, "You don't need to control your emotions to avoid a fight with a Sith." I smirked, "And it's highly possible to provoke them into making the first move, too."

The Republic soldier gave me an odd look, "You're suggesting we should?"

"Oh, I would never suggest something like that." I said, too-innocently, "Although, Sith do find jabs at their ego more damaging than anything else."

Juhani gave me a disapproving look. Carth sniggered, "No kidding. You're a perfect example of ego... Damien."

I raised an eyebrow at Carth, "I was for a while." I said flatly.

"Right. I should be going." the Republic soldier said backing away, "If you have any other questions you should probably see Roland Wann, he's the Republic diplomat here. He's by the Republic enclave near the visitor residences."

"Yeah, I know where that is." I said flatly. The man turned and made a hasty exit. I rolled my eyes and turned to glare at Carth, "If you will insist on bickering about my history, kindly don't do it in public. The impression we were giving clearly unsettled that Republic soldier, and I get the feeling any random Sith who would witness it would be rolling on the floor with laughter."

"You would know." Carth grumbled.

"Yes. I would. And stop making that sort of remark in public, would you!" I snapped. Carth glared at me. "I'm serious. Do you want to keep a low profile for this mission, or not?"

"Fine." he muttered sulkily.

"Good." I led the way out of the docking area, to the port authorities. I paid the docking fee, this time. The only reason I had refused to pay on Tatooine, Kashyyyk and Korriban was because those planets' docking ports were run by Czerka. I respect the Selkath government, even if they do make stupid decisions like bartering with Malak's feeble attempt at a Sith empire.

Then we found our way into the main city. "Any suggestions?" I asked Juhani and Carth.

"Republic enclave." Carth said flatly.

"Works for me." I said, shrugging, "Mostly because I can't think of any other place to start."

* * *

We headed east, and ran straight into the middle of an argument. Three Sith and three Republic officers.

"Your precious Republic's days are numbered!" what appeared to be the leader of the group of Sith taunted, "It won't be long until Malak turns his armada loose on Coruscant itself!"

"Save your empty threats, Sith scum!" the leader of the group of Republic soldiers snapped back, "Malak isn't stupid enough to attack the Core worlds - not with the entire Republic fleet waiting for him!"

"You'd be surprised how stupid Malak can be." I interrupted, stepping closer to the two groups. Carth groaned, Juhani rolled her eyes, and both kept well back.

"What's this?" the Sith leader asked contemptuously, "Another Republic lackey wandering the streets? Don't worry - the Sith will destroy you along with all the rest who don't bow down before Malak!"

"Don't see why you Sith lick that moron's boots, really." I said flatly, "Are you that blind and stupid? Or are you simply cowards?" I shrugged, "I mean, anyone who would bow to that core-slime must be either a fool or a coward. Or are you both?"

"You dare insult the Dark Lord of the Sith?!" the Sith snapped.

"Yeah, I dare." I said calmly, "I also dare insult you personally, or is your whole world so centred on licking Malak's ass that you didn't notice that?"

Suddenly, the Sith had a blaster aimed at my head, and he pulled the trigger. I leaned to my right, just enough for it to miss me.

"You shouldn't have done that." I said calmly.

Selkath law enforcement were on us in seconds. As was a representative of the Sith embassy. [Fool.] she hissed in Mandalorian, in the ear of the Sith who had fired on me.

[What happened here?] the Selkath law enforcer asked in his own language.

"Nothing happened here." the Sith representative said coolly, with a slight hand-gesture. Force persuasion. The Selkath seemed to be affected by it, too.

"Oh, please." I snapped, stepping in between the Sith woman and the Selkath officer, "Such a blatant attempt at Force persuasion. I'm amazed it worked." I said snidely.

The Selkath officer snapped out of it as the Sith woman lost eye-contact. [You... you try to manipulate my mind!] he snapped at her, [We do not tolerate such insolence and disrespect for authority here on Manaan! You shall be detained and fined no less than five hundred credits for this offence. If you cannot pay such a fine then you will rot in prison.] he then turned on the Sith who had fired his blaster at me, [And you shall be detained pending sentence of the tribunal. The minimum sentence for assault is five years imprisonment. For attempted murder, life imprisonment.] he then turned on the other two Sith, [And as accomplices in this, you shall both be detained as hostile witnesses.]

The Sith woman glared at me. I smiled innocently, "What, you expected to get away with that mind-trick in front of a Jedi?"

She then glared at my lightsaber, "You don't dress like a Jedi." she hissed.

"Yeah, well you should have sensed it." I said cheerfully.

"I sensed darkness in you." she hissed, "I thought you would be on our side."

"Oh, yeah. The one your soldier shoots at is on your side. Real smart assumption, girl." I said sarcastically.

She glared as she was dragged off to jail. That was fun.

I laughed as I turned to face the Republic soldiers those Sith had been bothering, "Well, that was fun."

"I'm impressed." the leader of their group said, "It's not easy to beat the Sith at their own game like that."

Carth coughed, and I shot him a glare. Then I smiled at the Republic officer, "Well, I do enjoy watching my enemies make fools of themselves." I said cheerfully, "And a Sith's weakest point is his ego."

"I see." the Republic officer said, nodding, "Well, you will understand why I won't try it. You only survived because of your Jedi reflexes."

I smirked, "Yeah. I understand. But still, it was fun." He nodded and left the scene.

"That was unnecessary." Juhani hissed as she and Carth approached me.

"But it was fun." I repeated, calmly. "Now, the Republic enclave is this way..."

I turned and walked into the Republic base.

"Welcome to Manaan. I am Roland Wann." the Republic ambassador said. That rhymed. "As the official representative of the Republic Embassy on this planet, I am here to help all citizens of the Republic should they require aid."

"I need to get down to the ocean floor, near the Hrakert Rift." I said flatly.

"Wh-whatever for?" he asked, nervously. Clearly he was hiding something.

"I am looking for an ancient artefact, on behalf of the Jedi Council." I said flatly.

"Ah... I believe I know something of what you seek. But if you want to get information about that, you'll have to do something for me first." he said.

I rolled my eyes, "There's always a catch, isn't there? What is it you want me to do?"

"We were using a submersible reconnaissance droid in the ocean surrounding Ahto City and it was... damaged." he said, sounding like he was most definitely hiding something, "It took a data recording of the outside of the city before being driven off by the firaxan sharks. But while it was returning to the surface it encountered difficulties and was disabled. Its automatic systems floated it to the surface, but we could not retrieve it in time. The Sith were applying subtle pressure to the Selkath authorities for some reason we have not determined, and were able to delay us long enough that they could retrieve the droid before we did. The droid's data centres are heavily encrypted, so it will take the Sith several days, we believe, to get to its data. It was captured twelve hours ago. It is imperative that we get it back!"

I nodded, "Sounds simple enough. What is this recording, anyway?" I asked.

"It's intelligence information about Sith activities on Manaan, as well as some oceanographic reports on the local marine life." the ambassador said evasively, "But you need our help, and I guarantee you that you will never be able to get it unless we have our secrecy guaranteed against the Sith."

"All right." I said, nodding, "Infiltrate Sith base, steal back information they stole from you. No problem. I'm good at espionage." I said cheerfully.

"You think you can do it without any assistance?" he asked warily.

"Sure. No problem. I make a good con-artist, in spite of being a member of the Jedi Order." I said brightly, "I'll have your data recording by morning."

* * *

We made our way to the mercenary bar, because I wanted to wait until early evening to deal with the Sith base. I figured the atmosphere would calm me. Somehow, I always find this sort of dive comforting - don't even ask why, because I don't know myself.

I talked to Juhani, while Carth sulked at the next table. She seemed not to mind so much that I was Revan. Although she did mind that I hadn't trusted her with it. We talked for a few hours, and Carth eventually ditched us to return to the Hawk, rather than sulking alone here. He, presumably, would sulk on the Hawk, instead.

Juhani had some issues over the world she grew up on, but after talking about it, she seemed to accept the situation. She had grown up on Taris - hence the problem. We talked about the time she had been rescued from the slavers there. I had led the group of Jedi who had run the slavers off the planet. I hadn't recognised her right away, because she had been a young girl then.

A few minutes before I had planned to go to the Sith base, I heard Mission's voice yelling, "I don't care! You realise we could have been looking for you on Tatooine right now?! You skipped the planet on us, you double-crossing core-slime!"

When I looked up, I saw her tailing a slightly taller figure who was wearing a hooded cloak and trying to conceal their identity. "Look, sis, I'm sorry. That guy from the Exchange arrived on Tatooine two days ago. I think he's followed me here, too. I'll be lucky to survive here, even with the law on my side for a change!"

Mission groaned, "Well it doesn't help if you fritter the few credits you have on drink!" she snapped, dragging him away from the bar, and then she spotted Juhani and I watching her. "Oh, hi Damien." she said brightly.

Griff looked up at me, and rushed over, "Do you have it?" he asked pleadingly, "Do you have that tach gland I asked you to get?"

"No." I said flatly, "I've got something better, but you'll only get it if you swear this is your last silly scheme. Can't you tell how much Mission hates that you're always on the run like this?"

Griff scowled, "I... guess so. But this time, it's the real deal. If I can give this guy from the Exchange a sample of Tarisian ale, I'll be set for life!"

"If you promise to stay out of trouble in future... I'll help you with this. But I'm doing this for Mission, not for you. Understand?" I said, standing up.

"Sure, I understand." Griff said gratefully, "Just... oh no, he's here." he was now staring over my shoulder at another hooded figure entering the bar and scanning the room purposefully.

"Calm down. There's nothing he can do to you here. The Selkath would lock him up before he could pull the trigger." I said, "Follow me. I'll take you to my ship."

I led Griff, Mission and Juhani back towards the ship.

A half-drunk human creep bumped into Juhani as we made our way towards the ship. He snorted, "What the hell is your kind doing here? Bad enough I have to deal with all these other idiots, but now there's a stinkin' Cathar on this world too?"

"I have as much right to be here as you do, SIR!" Juhani said coldly.

"Get lost, creep." I said to the man, coldly, "A big mouth like that could get you killed."

"Ooooo! Big man, the Jedi, shooting his mouth off from behind a lightsaber, or whatever you're carrying." the man taunted, half-laughing.

"Oh, but why use a lightsaber or blaster when it would be so much more fun to kill you with my bare hands?" I asked.

The man probably hadn't been sober enough to recognise the threat. "Hiding behind your pet Cathar... And a woman at that!" he continued to taunt, "We should have exterminated all you Cathar when we had the chance. Your people are pathetic, it's no wonder we crushed your world so easily."

"Wha... What do you know about my world?" Juhani asked, startled.

"I know enough that... Hey, wait a minute... you look familiar somehow..." he said, looking at her more carefully.

"What? You..." Juhani also showed signs of recognition.

"Do you two know each other?" I asked warily.

"This doesn't concern you, Jedi trash." the man snapped. "Hm... now where could I have... No, he's dead and she likely is too. I..." he muttered.

"What are you talking about?" Juhani snapped.

"Maybe I was wrong." the man said, shrugging, "Still, I think a specimen like you would be a nice addition to my collection. So what would it take, Jedi, for you to sell your pet here to me?"

"Your warm still-beating heart, served with a lightly tossed salad and a cheese sauce." I said flatly.

Mission laughed out loud, and Juhani blinked as she realised that translated as 'she's not for sale'. Griff turned turquoise, as he probably remembered my comment about collecting debts in body-parts.

The man blinked a few times, "Now don't be so selfish. We both know Cathar aren't real people anyway. The females make amusing pets, but males should be put down like the animals they are. I remember one time on Taris..."

"What?! WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Juhani yelled.

"Calm down, Juhani." I said, "Remember where we are, don't threaten him."

"WHAT DID YOU DO ON TARIS, YOU SCUM?!" Juhani snarled.

"Put one of you down like the animals you are." the man said smugly, "So easy... then I saw one of the females on the auction block, but those darn Jedi..."

"It was you!" she said, horrified. I blinked. I knew this man was familiar. So he's the slaver from the Tarisian auction I'd broken up before the war. He had made quite the fuss about it, too.

"What? Me? Oh ho! Now I recognize where I've seen that face before." he said cheerfully, "You were the little Cathar I was going to purchase. But those Jedi came and stole my pet away from me! When I was fighting with the Mandalorians against the Cathar, I developed an appreciation for these creatures. They make excellent servants if properly trained. You Jedi act all prim and proper, but inside you must feel the same way I do about the lesser, non-human species. The Sith at least let their feelings show on the outside."

I glared at the man, "The only lesser creature I can see here is you. You filthy Hutt-hearted core-rat." I snarled.

"You... My homeworld..." Juhani growled dangerously.

"Come now, will you let your pet go?" the man asked, "I'm sure we can come up with a price we both think is fair."

"Well, if your heart's too steep a price... how about your soul? I know some people would love to buy one as black as yours clearly is." I said acidly, "Or maybe your intestines for Gizka-fodder - we've got enough Gizka, I'm sure, for that beer-belly of yours to go around." Mission was in hysterics. "Or your brain - small as it is - might be put to better use as engine fuel than in your head."

Juhani rolled her eyes at my idea of a joke, "I will not be sold." she growled, "And I will see you dead for what you have done to my people!" she yelled at the man. I deliberately stepped between her and the slaver.

"Uh... hold on a second! Don't be hasty!" he said, taking a step back.

"Calm yourself, Juhani." I said quietly.

"I... I will remain calm. I am a Jedi now." Juhani said, nodding, "My lust for vengeance must be curbed."

"Yes, yes... Say no to the dark side..." the slaver said nervously. "But I will have you yet!" he added, turning and making a hasty exist.

"Go bark up a different tree, you ewok's ass!" I shouted after him.

Mission sniggered, and Juhani growled quietly. The man was out of earshot when she hissed, "My Cathar blood seethes at the thought of that man still running free. I cannot stand still while I think about it, but... but I will not give in to the dark side either." she sighed, seeming to make a conscious effort to calm herself, "He will pay for his crimes, though. He will most likely be following us... me. If we could find him first, then he may not be able to set in motion whatever he has in store for us."

* * *

On the Hawk a few minutes later, Griff could be found sitting next to the crate of Tarisian ale, hugging one of the bottles like it was his first-born child. Mission could be found sitting nearby, shaking her head in disappointment at Griff's behaviour. Juhani could be found pacing irritably in the common area. Canderous was sitting nearby, watching her with a calculating look, "What's his name?" he asked flatly.

"Who's name?" she snapped irritably.

"The man who tried to buy you." Canderous said calmly.

"I- I do not know." she hissed, "Why do you care? You plan to find him and try to sell me to him?"

"No, I just wanted to know the man's name." he said, shrugging.

"I think he was called Xor. I remember that auction on Taris." I said flatly, "He said he'd fought in the Mandalorian wars... on your side."

Canderous nodded, "Xor Nadrik. Creepy little bastard. Not even a Mandalorian, but he allied himself with us for the same reason an Iridorian fights - to revel in the blood of his enemies. In his case 'enemy' means 'non-human'. Refused to fight in any battle against the human-inhabited worlds. Seemed to take great pleasure in being assigned to the Cathar strike." Canderous scowled, "I saw him a few times, but never knew him personally. What I've just told you was in the records I read when he was transferred under my command. He didn't have an easy time in my ranks, I assure you."

Juhani gave Canderous a calculating look, "You didn't like him?"

"Not in the slightest." Canderous said flatly, "Anyone who fights for bloodlust and hatred isn't worthy to fight at my side."

She raised her eyebrows, surprised, "I always believed the Mandalorians were hateful monsters."

"Not usually." Canderous said calmly, "The ones on Dantooine and Kashyyyk were resentful for losing the war, and nothing more than petty thugs. Mandalorians should only war for the honour of the fight. Regardless of the outcome, if the foe is worthy, the battle is honourable."

Juhani seemed to think about it, "In a way, I suppose that makes some sense." she conceded, "But why pick a fight against Cathar, without provocation, when we had no chance of defending ourselves?"

"I wasn't a part of the Cathar strike." Canderous noted, "But I believe it was to test our strength before facing a greater foe. In theory, if we could defeat a warrior race, and take their world, we shouldn't have had a problem against the pacifistic Republic, even if they were in greater numbers."

Juhani snorted, "I see." she hissed, "And wiping out the civilian population of our world was a 'test'?"

"I wasn't the one who made that decision." he said flatly, "If it had been up to me, I'd have goaded your planet's greatest warriors and armies into a battle away from the cities. It would have been a much more honourable fight."

Juhani resumed her pacing, and didn't respond to that.

"If you want..." Canderous said, carefully choosing his words, "I would be more than happy to eliminate Xor for you?"

"Statement: As would I, feline-friend-of-master." HK-47 put in hopefully.

"No." Juhani said pointedly, "Thank you for your offers. Both of you." she gave the droid a wary look, "But I should not stoop to such levels. I should not ask to have my enemies killed for me." the lights in HK-47's eyes faded, and it clearly looked dejected.

I sighed slightly, "Well, the Sith aren't going to just hand over this data we want." I noted, "So Mission and I are going to deal with them." I took off my Eriadu stealth belt, "Hey, Mission!" I called.

She peeked into the room, "Yes'm?"

"You want to go sneaking around a Sith base?" I offered, tossing the stealth belt at her.

She caught it, "I've already got my own stealth belt, you know." she noted.

"Yes, but that one's better. And I have no intention of sneaking around. I plan to walk in their front door." I said, smirking.

"Cool." Mission said brightly, "Let's go."

* * *

It wasn't that easy. As soon as we disembarked from the Hawk, the hooded figure who we had seen in the mercenary bar was waiting for us, with two Trandoshan thugs. "We're outside the security camera range." the figure said, with a clearly female voice, "I know you're harbouring Griffin Vao. Hand him over." that voice was familiar.

"Do I know you?" I asked.

"I think so, yes." she said, lowering her hood. Avril.

"How did you survive Taris?" I asked.

"I could ask the same of you." she said coldly.

"Well..." I said, glancing nervously around behind me. Thin air was all I saw. Either she'd not followed me, or Mission was under a stealth field. "I stole your father's ship, if you must know."

Avril snorted, "So I see." she muttered, "What happened to him?"

"He was killed in the Sith bombing before he could get to the ship. My friends and I took the ship to save our own skins, after that happened." I said. Technically true. I didn't need to tell her I'd been planning on betraying him all along. "Now, how did you survive?"

She shrugged, "I was at the cantina. The Sith sent down some ships to rescue their own troops. One lot of Sith got crushed by a building, and several people from the cantina took advantage of the ship they'd been headed for. One of the duellists figured out how to slice the autopilot, and we managed to make it to Acheron City on Ravnos - not the nicest of planets. Naturally, with my father's influence, I got into the right circles... unlike some of my unfortunate travelling companions, who were enslaved. I think the duellist got off the planet sharpish, though."

"You work for the Exchange, now?" I asked.

"Why do you think I'm tracking that credit-grubbing Twi'lek? For the fun of it? I'm no bounty hunter, I'm an Exchange enforcer." she said proudly.

"Who'd think such an adorable little girl would grow up to be an Exchange enforcer... and in only a few short months, too." I said sarcastically. "I never thought you the type."

She offered me a half-glare, "Don't mock me, Damien. To survive in Acheron City, you need to learn fast." she hissed, "Now hand over the Twi'lek, and nobody gets hurt."

"Griff said a 'guy' from the Exchange was after him." I said flatly.

"Yeah. He didn't stay still long enough to see my face, that's why." Avril said, smirking, "Coward."

"Yes, he is a coward." I said, also smirking, "But if you're working for the Exchange... do your people still want what he agreed to get you?"

"Yes. If he's got it." Avril said quickly. Then as an afterthought, "Do you know what he's promised us?"

"Well, he told me you're after a sample of Tarisian ale." I said warily, "Please tell me he didn't lie to me."

"Oh, that's what we're after all right." she said, nodding, "Getting it's next to impossible, and only the breweries on Taris ever kept the recipe."

"Yeah. I figured." I said, nodding, "The moron told me he knew the recipe and he needed one ingredient to make it." I snorted, and Avril laughed a little, "But I went one better. Wait here."

It took less than a minute to drag the protesting Twi'lek, who was still clutching his precious bottle of Tarisian ale, off the ship. He threw a fit when he saw Avril, and I was surprised he didn't drop the bottle in his panic.

"Calm down, tach-brain." I snapped at him. He froze, unsure whether to be more scared of Avril or me. And he was clearly surprised the 'guy from the Exchange' who'd been tracking him was actually a woman. "Now. Let me see his contract." I said flatly, "Since I had a part in getting this for him, I want to ensure he's not being screwed over."

Avril showed me a datapad with a copy of a text on it. I read the contract over carefully. Thirty percent of profits from the ale production, to be paid monthly to some Coruscant account number I assumed to be Griff's - I asked him, and he confirmed that the account number was his - if the venture was successful. If Griff didn't come through with a genuine sample of Tarisian ale, however, this contract was for his organs to be sold on the black market in Acheron City. Nice.

"You're a moron, Griff." I muttered, "What if I'd not come through for you, huh? It's tempting just to let them have you, and keep this ale for myself."

Griff gave me a Gizka-in-headlights look, "No, please!" he begged, "I'll pay you whatever I can for it, just please help me!"

I smirked, "I'm just messing with you. I'm not that cruel, don't worry." I handed the datapad back to Avril, then pried the Tarisian ale out of Griff's hands and handed it over to her as well. "Here. Griff's kept his end of the deal." I smirked, "Nice doing business with you again, Avril."

"Likewise, Damien." she said, nodding to me.

"Little tip for the Exchange." I said, smirking, "Bet against the Sith this year. They're going down."

"And you would know, how...?" she asked.

"I have good information that a certain thought-dead person will be taking Malak out of the picture." I said, smirking, "Thought you should invest in the winning side, is all. Just helping out an old friend."

"Thought-dead? Taking Malak out of the picture? There's only one way that math works. Not possible, Damien." Avril said flatly.

"You're smarter than the impression you give, Avril." I said brightly, "But believe it."

"You...?" she asked, blinking.

"Shhh!" I snapped. Thankfully, the Tradoshans didn't seem to have followed the same logic Avril and I had.

Avril's eyes lit up, though, "Oh, this is priceless!" she said, "I'll go place my bets right away!" she turned and walked away briskly. The two Tradoshans following close behind her.

"Right. I helped your sorry ass out of a tight spot, Griff. Now you'd better turn over a new leaf." I snapped. The Twi'lek nodded nervously, "For your sister's sake. Please." I added, in a less-harsh tone.

"Sure thing." Griff said, "Err... what was that about Sith, anyway?"

"I never said anything about Sith." I said flatly, with Force persuasion.

Griff blinked, "What were we talking about?"

"About how you're going to turn over a new leaf and be a good law-abiding citizen from now on." I said, smirking.

"Oh, yeah. For Mission, right?" he said, nodding, "Sure thing. Now I'm all set - thirty percent has gotta be enough to keep me going, right? So, I'll be on the next ship to Coruscant. Give this address to Mission, will ya?" he asked, handing me a small datapad.

"You got it. Now get gone, I have urgent Jedi business to deal with." I said, smiling.

As soon as Griff was out of sight, Mission appeared out of thin air beside me. "Address?" she asked, holding her hand out. I gave her the datapad, "Now why'd you tell that Exchange woman who you are?"

"Because she helped me rescue Bastila and escape Taris." I said, smirking, "She deserved a heads up on the imminent political shift." I smiled at Mission, "Cause the Sith are so going down."

* * *

I made my way to Ahto East, with an invisible Mission in tow. I wouldn't have known she was there if she didn't occasionally tap my shoulder, as I had asked her to do. I'm not sure if it's the stealth belt, or her natural sneakiness, but I can't even sense her in the Force when she's hiding.

"Hey - this street is for Sith only. You got to pay a twenty credit toll to walk down this street." a random woman in a Sith uniform said haughtily.

"It's a public street, and I'm sure the Selkath would love to know you're trying your hand at highway robbery." I said flatly.

She snorted, "Hiding behind the Selkath laws - typical Republic cowardice!"

"Oh, I'm no coward. If it weren't for the laws on this planet, your feeble attempt at conning me out of my money would have got you killed." I said calmly.

Her eyes narrowed, and she glared at me, "Somehow, I doubt that, Republic scum." she hissed.

"Oh, calm down, girl." I said, smirking, "I'm not here to pick a fight. Would I be on Manaan if I was?"

She snorted.

I shrugged, "Anyway... perhaps you'd like to show me to your embassy. I am looking to join you, y'see." I said, a faint hint of Force persuasion in it - just enough to convince her that I did want to join the Sith.

"Oh really?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, "Well, I figured some of you Republic fools would eventually see reason. I guess you aren't so bad if you're looking to join the winning side, are you?" she smiled at me, "I'm busy here, but our embassy is just down the street over there. You can't miss it. I look forward to seeing you in our uniform." she said, blatantly eyeing me up.

I smiled and nodded to her as I passed. As soon as I was out of sight, I pulled a disgusted face at the very idea of wearing a Sith uniform, which prompted a stifled giggle-fit from thin air nearby.

A few minutes later, I approached the front door of the Sith embassy. "Only people who have business with the Sith are allowed inside the Embassy." the man at the door said - it looked like he was actually the ambassador.

"I do have business with the Sith." I said calmly.

"Ha! We know who we have business with." the man said, "If you don't know how to get in, then we don't want anything to do with you. Now back off!"

"No need to be rude." I said, smirking, "Sheesh, if this is how you treat potential recruits, I shoulda gone to your base in Acheron City. I mean, I would have gone to Dreshdae, but the academy seemed to have disbanded. I heard the Jedi did it. Someone needs to put those pacifistic morons in their place."

"Look who's talking, Jedi." the ambassador snapped.

"Defecting dark Jedi." I said, deliberately conjuring up my own darkness, and letting it seep into my eyes. "Can't you tell the difference?"

"Er, yes." the man said, backing away slightly, "I see what you mean."

"Care to let me in now? Or do I have to slaughter my way to the master who will train me? I mean, if that's the case I'll have to go to Acheron." I said calmly.

The Sith ambassador glared at me, "Very well. The Sith are always looking for new recruits. And you seem to have the attitude we're looking for. Follow me, I will take you to our master."

He led me into the base, and I felt the tap on my shoulder telling me Mission had successfully slipped in after me. I didn't walk far before I felt a tap telling me in the code we had worked out that she was headed left and she should be ten minutes. I glanced at the chronometer on my commlink, and continued to follow the ambassador.

He led me through some forcefields and security systems that would have been hell to slice, some living quarters, and a training room in which I witnessed a Selkath use Force lightening on a pair of practice droids. Then I met the Sith master of the base.

"Master Xavier." the ambassador said, bowing, "This Jedi tells me he wishes to join the Sith."

'Master' Xavier turned to face me, "Is that so? Wait - I-"

"I am merely an unknown Jedi seeking to turn to the winning side, my master." I said quickly, with the strongest Force persuasion I could muster. I had seen the recognition in his eyes. It worked.

"Yes. An unknown Jedi with such great power." he said, now circling me in a very predatory way. I didn't like it. "Yes, you will be a great Sith." he said, "You are dismissed, ambassador." he added, with a wave of his hand. The ambassador bowed and left hastily.

I stood my ground, alert to Xavier's presence in the Force. He was intensely dark, I could sense it in his soul. Even Bandon had had a flicker of light, which is why I tried to save him. Even Uthar hadn't been quite this dark. But this man wasn't pure darkness... just damned close to it. There was still some hope. I watched him behind me, through the Force. I saw it coming when he drew a dagger - silent, unlike drawing a lightsaber - and aimed it for my neck. I drew my lightsaber and blocked him.

"Excellent." Xavier said, backing off, "You passed the first test."

I smirked and put my weapon away, "That was a test?" I asked innocently, "I thought that was the secret handshake."

"And you have a sense of humour. I'm going to enjoy training you." he said, smirking.

I returned the smirk. "And I think I'm going to enjoy my time here."

It happened so suddenly, I wasn't prepared for it. Force wave pushed me back against the wall, and Xavier's hand was on my throat. He leaned against me, "I'm sure you're aware that all Sith are... dominated by their masters?"

"I heard a rumour." I said, making it a blatant lie, so he knew my knowledge was more than mere rumour.

"Then maybe you know not all 'domination' involves torture?" he asked, a hand trailing down my chest. I closed my eyes. This was sick.

"I'm really not into this sort of thing." I said flatly, "And honestly, do you do this with all your apprentices? I saw a few Selkath out there..."

He snorted, "I much prefer humans. And what you want is irrelevant."

I opened my eyes and looked into his. The darkness there was like looking into a infinite abyss, with nothing but a flashlight to try to see the bottom. "You don't want to do this." I said, with my strongest Force persuasion. "Maybe later." I added - that would give my suggestion more strength if he thought it was only postponing his fun rather than cancelling it.

He blinked a few times, "Maybe we can do this later." he said, taking a couple of steps back from me. The glint in his eyes almost scared me. Would have scared me if I hadn't been confident that I could beat him if it came down to a fight. "Myssha shall show you to your room." he said, indicating the door, which opened as he gestured to it, and a Selkath woman was waiting outside.

I bowed to him. "Thank you, master." I said, before turning and exiting the room. I glanced at my chronometer - it had been twenty minutes since Mission had told me to give her ten.

[You are the newest recruit, yes?] Myssha asked.

"Yes, I am." I said, nodding, "I thought the Selkath believed in neutrality?" I asked.

[Our elders and government do.] she said coldly, [My friends and I do not. We are strong in the Force, why should we not learn to master it?]

"I understand." I said, nodding, "The older generation never does seem to understand youth. Do they?"

[Indeed they do not.] Myssha said, stopping at a door. [These are your quarters. The Selkath quarters are down the corridor, if you wish company.]

I nodded to her, "Thank you. May I ask - where might I find food in this place?"

[There is a small cantina at the far end of the corridor. You are free to roam the residential area of the compound.] she explained.

"Thank you, again, Myssha." I said, smiling slightly.

I waited in the corridor outside my room. It took all of five minutes for me to feel the invisible tap on my shoulder that told me Mission had found me. I slipped into the room, and closed the door. She appeared out of thin air. "Got it." she whispered.

"Great. Now we just need to get out of here." I frowned, "Did you know there's a group of young Selkath training here?"

"No. Why'd they do that?" she asked.

"My guess is they're strong in the Force, the Sith spotted it and made them a tempting offer." I said, sitting on the bed in my room and sighing, "I don't like this place."

"No duh." Mission muttered.

"No. You don't know what it is I specifically don't like about this place... and with luck, you never will." I said flatly. She frowned and I sighed again, "We should leave before morning."

"Agreed. How did you plan to do that?" Mission asked.

"Tell them I left some of my personal belongings on my ship?" I asked.

"Could work." she said, shrugging, "What about the Selkath?"

"What about them?"

"Well, aren't you going to try to talk them away from the dark side?" she asked.

"Hmmm... good point." I said, smirking, "Never hurts to try. I mean, if it doesn't work, I can always erase their memory of the conversation, right?"

"Right."

With some effort, I did succeed in talking the group of young Selkath out of becoming Sith - even went so far as to tell them that if they wished to learn the ways of the Force, the Jedi were the way to go. They left the base through a secret exit a Selkath girl named Shasa had discovered. At my request, they helped me escape with them. As soon as we were in a familiar part of Ahto City, I left them, and headed for the Hawk to get a decent night's sleep.

* * *

The next morning, I was woken by Canderous. "Revan." he said, quietly but in that cold tone that, unfortunately, cannot be ignored. Sounded like he was getting impatient, which probably meant he'd been trying to wake me for a while.

"Huh?" I asked, opening one eye and glaring at him - he was standing in the doorway with an unreadable expression on his face. "Sod off." I grumbled, pulling the bed sheet over my head. I was not happy at being woken. I had been dreaming about Bastila... and it certainly was not a shared vision... well, I hope it wasn't, otherwise she has some explaining to do and I may get slapped when I rescue her.

"The Cathar wants you in the common area." he said, "And she's too civilised to walk into the sleeping quarters to wake you up herself." he turned and left before I could respond to that.

Much as I wanted to, I couldn't go back to sleep knowing the crew wanted me awake. Reluctantly, I dressed and found my way to the common area, where Juhani was pacing irritably, "He is directly outside the ship. I can sense his presence." she hissed.

"Who?" I asked warily.

"Xor." she said acidly.

"Oh. Well, we shouldn't keep the scum-bag waiting, then, should we?" I asked, "I mean, if he's so keen to get his ass kicked that he'd seek out a couple of Jedi to do it for him, who are we to disappoint?"

She smiled faintly, "You have a strange way of looking at the situation... Revan. I believe I am grateful for the humour."

I smirked, "Let's go deal with this core-rat. Canderous, you did mention you'd not mind hurting him - care to join us?" I asked innocently. The Mandalorian had just sat down at the table and had been about to start working on some weapons upgrade or other.

He set down the weapon and stood up again, "Gladly."

We stepped off the ship to come face to face with Xor and a couple of Selkath mercenaries.

"There she is! Get her, men, but remember: don't kill her!" he shouted, pointing to Juhani.

I shook my head, smirking, "Don't be stupid." I muttered, raising my hand to send the two Selkath flying into a wall. They were knocked unconscious, but I could still sense life in them. Good - mere mercenaries weren't worth killing - they would eventually wake up alone and run off back to the mercenary bar here on Manaan.

Xor blinked and took a step back.

"I thought I told you to bark up a different tree." I said, smirking, "This Cathar is not for sale. And I'd just love to see you locked up like the dog you are, so you won't go after any other non-humans."

"You don't scare me!" he shouted, lunging at me with a vibroblade.

"Oh, you must be drunk." I said flatly, blocking him with my lightsaber.

He fought like he was drunk, too. I blocked his attacks, but didn't bother trying to go on the offensive. "Look, Xor." I said, smirking, "I'm a Jedi. I don't want a fight with you. Don't see why you're on Manaan if you're looking for trouble." as I said this, he continued to attack me, and I continued to block him at every turn, "But Canderous, here - he's all for some violence. Stop attacking me now or he'll be all too happy to dismember you."

"Coward." Xor hissed, "Won't fight your own battles, huh?"

"It's not that I'm a coward. It's that you're beneath me." I replied.

He laughed, and lunged again, more violently. I blocked again.

I was getting bored with this game, and sent a small dose of Force lightening at him. He crumpled to the ground in pain. "If I weren't in a good mood, you'd already be dead." I said flatly.

"And if I could be bothered, you would have been dead before you could have taken a step towards us." Canderous added.

Juhani just frowned.

Xor picked himself up, gasping for breath, and suddenly lunged for Juhani, grabbing her around the waist and holding his vibroblade to her throat. "Back off. Both of you. I'm taking my new pet and leaving. Don't interfere and no one'll get hurt." he said warningly.

Juhani closed her eyes, and I could sense her distress - most likely memories of enslavement. It made me really angry.

"Let her go or you will regret it in ways you can't even imagine." I hissed dangerously, letting the anger surface, letting my darkness show. I was learning to use it without falling prey to it... a dangerous thing to do, like playing with fire, but I was learning.

He blinked and looked at me, "What are you?" he demanded, glaring.

"I'm the most dangerous creature you will ever meet." I hissed, "I am a powerful Jedi... a servant of the light side who isn't afraid of the darkness within me. And you will let Juhani go now." I wasn't using Force persuasion because it'd so much more fun to scare him into doing what I want.

"N-no." Xor said, holding Juhani between himself and me, as a shield.

I rolled my eyes and used the Force to summon his vibroblade out of his hand. As soon as that threat was gone, Juhani elbowed him in the stomach, turned around and high-kicked him in the face, which knocked him to the ground, then she pinned him down with her foot on his chest.

He coughed and spat up blood. Then, amazingly, he laughed, "You seem to have defeated me, Cathar worm, but I'll have the last laugh in the end!"

"What do you mean?" Juhani asked, scowling.

"You could kill him now, you know." I noted.

He coughed again, "You may have killed me here, today, but I had the pleasure of killing off your species! Not everyone who fought alongside the Mandalorians did it for their stupid concept of 'honour'. Some of us did it just for the pleasure: the pleasure of seeing your world burn."

"Watch who you're calling stupid, Rakghoul-brain." Canderous snapped.

"You... you animal! You wretch!" Juhani hissed at Xor, ignoring Canderous, digging her heel into his chest.

He laughed, coughing up more blood for the trouble of it, "But I'm beyond your petty vengeance now, girl. You can never have your revenge!"

"Revenge is never worth it, anyway." I said quietly, walking over to stand next to Juhani, and gently resting a hand on her should.

Juhani growled quietly at Xor, but didn't argue with me. She didn't remove her foot from his chest, though, and I wondered how much damage it was doing him. He continued to taunt her, anyway. "I killed your people on Cathar in the sky, on the ground, in their homes. I hunted them down like the animals they were, just to see them burn. But the treacherous beasts fought back and left me with injuries that meant I could never fight again... or so they thought!"

"That was the excuse I used to kick you out of our army." Canderous said flatly, "Of course, it was only an excuse to get rid of such a dishonourable moron." I smirked faintly at that, but didn't add to it.

Xor snorted, "I ended up in the Lower City of Taris, and what did I find? A few of those stinking beasts living there! The male was easy enough to best, but the females proved elusive. I didn't know what happened to them after I killed the male, until I saw this cursed woman on the auction block. But then the Jedi came and ruined everything before I could have my revenge..."

"Poor baby." I taunted, "Did the mean Jedi spoil your fun, huh?" I snorted. Then my tone turned into a snarl, "You're lucky they were Jedi - if a Republic captain had caught you you'd have been executed."

"You..." Juhani hissed at him, "You killed my father, you killed my people, you treat us like animals... You deserve to die!"

"Give in and embrace your hate! You're no better than me! You're nothing!" Xor taunted her.

"Calm yourself, Juhani." I said quietly, "Control your anger."

"I... Help me, please!" she said weakly, turning to me, "Do not let me give in to my anger again!"

I glared at Xor, "Much though he deserves it. A Jedi is above petty vengeance. Even for such a great crime. The Jedi have forgiven much much worse. Do not give in to these dark emotions, Juhani."

Also glaring at Xor, she removed her foot from his chest and stepped back, "I will not give him the satisfaction of seeing me give in to the dark side." she said, almost calmly.

"You coward! You weak..." Xor started to speak, but those were his last words. From the few injuries I could see, it looked like the Force lightening was what killed him, albeit slowly.

I snorted, "If anyone here is a freak, it was him." I said flatly, "And maybe me..." I added as an afterthought.

Juhani gave me a quizzical look, "Why do you say that?" she asked.

"Well, I'm a Jedi. I'm definitely a 'servant' of the light. But I use the darkness to help me. If that's not a freak, what is?"

She raised an eyebrow at me, "It worries me that you so freely use the dark side. But you speak the truth that you are a servant of the light. For now."

I smiled, "Don't worry, Juhani. I'm careful. I'm playing with fire, that's true... but once burned, twice shy."

"I hope you are correct." she said, frowning.

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with passion." Canderous said, "I read those stupid Jedi codes of yours - had nothing much better to do while the Hawk was grounded on Dantooine - and that part of it is really ridiculous. Passion is what make a warrior great in battle."

"Passion does fuel the Force. The Sith were right about that." I said flatly, "What they didn't figure out is that the positive emotions fuel the light side."

"I... find that difficult to believe." Juhani said, frowning.

"Believe it. The only reason I could survive the fight against Malak on the Leviathan - even though he is much stronger than when he betrayed me - was because of... certain emotions." Canderous coughed, and I glared at him. "Who told you?" I asked tetchily.

"Onasi." Canderous replied, smirking.

"Figures." I muttered.

"I am missing something here, am I not?" Juhani asked.

"Yeah. I was trying to be evasive, but screw it. I'm in love with Bastila." I said. Finally admitting it out loud was more of a relief than I'd expected.

"Love? That's what that was?" Canderous asked, smirking.

"Go screw a Gizka, Ordo." I said, also smirking.

He laughed. "I'll take that as a 'yes'."

* * *

The Republic ambassador was most impressed when Carth and I returned with the data recording Mission had obtained. He decided it was best not to ask us how we managed to get it, though. He gave us the keys to a submarine and told us there was a Republic station down on the Hrakert Rift, which - while I was down there - I should investigate what happened. Apparently they'd been sending down mercenaries to investigate, and none had come back.

I told him I'd do that later.

I returned to the Hawk, "HK - we're going for a swim."

"Objection: Master, I am not waterproof!" HK-47 protested.

"I didn't mean literally, rust-bucket." I snapped.

"Retort: Well, I might be a rust-bucket if you insist I swim, master. Otherwise, I am not."

I glared at the droid, "I said not literally, now come with me or I really will throw you in the ocean. Rust-bucket." I said pointedly.

The droid's eyes flashed, "Resignation: Very well, master. You are a harsh, harsh taskmaster. I like you more already."

I smirked, and Carth sniggered. "That droid's not just sadistic. I think it's masochistic too." he noted.

"Negatory: I am not masochistic. I simply prefer to serve a sadistic master, as that will give me the greatest opportunity to blast meatbags. Meatbag."

"That makes sense, Carth. Don't argue with it, cause its logic circuits are impeccable, even if they are twisted." I said, smirking.

Carth sulked and gave me a wary look, "I don't know if I like the idea of going down to a remote underwater station with a Sith Lord and his pet assassin droid."

"I'm not a Sith Lord anymore, Carth. Get over it already." I said flatly.

"I will not 'get over it'. I don't trust you. And with that armour-plated killing machine around, I trust you even less!" he snapped.

"If you want to stay, I'll take Canderous down there instead of you." I suggested.

"No. No way. That Mandalorian's almost as bad as the droid." Carth said, glaring, "Why not bring Zaalbar or Juhani. Even that old man, Jolee, would be better than the homicidal droid!"

"Zaalbar won't fit in the sub. Juhani's a feline; I doubt she'd like being underwater. And Jolee has vanished, if you haven't noticed." I said flatly.

"What about Mission?" Carth persisted.

"She's asleep. You want to wake her?" I asked, smirking.

"T3?" he asked weakly.

"That droid's still on the Hawk?" I asked, surprised. Then I snorted, "It'd not fit into the seats on the sub, anyway."

"What about Canderous instead of the droid?" Carth asked finally.

"No." I said flatly.

"Why not?" Carth demanded.

"You really don't want to go on this mission with HK, do you?" I asked, smirking.

"No. I really do not." Carth said flatly.

"Then I'll take Canderous instead of you." I said, still smirking.

"No." he said quickly, "I'm not letting you go down to that bloody Star Map without someone watching you. That demented droid and the Mandalorian are bad influences. As if you need much influence to go bad again."

"Either you put up with HK, or you stay here and I take Canderous and HK instead." I said flatly.

"I hate you." Carth muttered.

"So shoot me already." I said, smirking.

"Don't tempt me."

* * *

The journey down to the ocean floor was a long and boring one. HK wasn't much for conversation and Carth did nothing but glare at the back of my head from the seat behind me and in front of HK. Eventually, we surfaced in the artificial atmosphere of the Hrakert Station. One look around told us the station was in sore need of either repair or demolition. It was totally trashed.

"Well, this is nice." Carth said sarcastically, "What the hell happened to this place?"

"Speculation: Perhaps this place was attacked? If so, it was sloppy work. I would have done much better."

"I'm sure you would, HK." I said flatly, making for the door into the main complex.

As soon as the door opened, a green Twi'lek rushed out, "How... how did you get in? Did they send another submersible? Quick, we have to get out of here, we have to get away!" he said, panicked.

"What happened here?" I asked, grabbing the Twi'lek by the arms to stop him running in panicky circles.

"The Selkath, they went crazy!" he said, shaking with fear, "They started killing anything that moved. Someone must have triggered the defence systems too, 'cause all the droids activated as well. I was one of the mercs the Republic sent down here to find out what happened. We came down and secured the first couple rooms... there were bodies everywhere... And the Selkath came out... screaming and croaking their fishy little war-cries."

I closed my eyes and shivered, "Undercity all over again. I bloody hate insane mutants." I muttered.

"What about the scientists?" Carth asked.

"They're dead! All dead!" the merc whimpered, "They swarmed out and over us. There was no way we could stop them. So we ran... But hardly any of us made it. I locked the door behind us, bu... but the others had already left in the submersible! The sharks... the firaxa out there and... worse... I heard an explosion shortly after the submersible left. They didn't make it. Just food for the sharks and the Selkath... like us."

"We should take you back to the surface." I said to the merc, "We could leave HK here and come back for it and the map."

"Back to the surface. Yes... NO!!" the merc suddenly looked even more afraid, "There's something out there... it got the other submersible already. We can't leave until you do something. Blow up the entire station maybe. That might distract whatever it is long enough for us to escape to the surface. But all the machinery and stuff is in the southern half, and that's been flooded! There might still be environmental suits around but... but... the Selkath might have laid their eggs in them!"

HK-47's eyes flashed, "Suggestion: Perhaps we could dismember the organic? It would make it easier for transport to the surface."

"Hey!" the merc snapped, pulling his arms away from my grip and backing away, "Y-you... you can't just rip me to pieces! I'll die!"

"Amendment: I did forget that. Stupid, frail, non-compartmentalized organic meatbags!" HK-47 muttered.

I sighed, "I have to get into the station."

"No! I locked the door so that the Selkath won't get in. If you open it, we're all done for!"

"I have no choice." I said flatly, "You think I'd choose to go into the type of situation you've described, of my own free will?"

"If you want to die, then go!" the merc snapped, "You won't hear me mourning for you! I'll stay here and be safe until some sort of REAL rescue comes!"

"Hey, we offered to take you back to the surface, you half-wit." I snapped, "And I will be seeing you again, if only to punch your face in." I added, smirking as I made for the door into the main base.

The merc had been right. The base was crawling with insane Selkath. There were shredded corpses everywhere, too. And several droids that fired on us. HK-47's homicidal tendencies were most appreciated, for a change. Even Carth was grateful for the added firepower.

Eventually, we got to the supply room, "Ok, underwater gear." I muttered. Then my attention was drawn to the locker in the far corner. It was gibbering.

I cautiously walked over to the locker. The gibbering stopped as I approached. I glanced at HK and Carth. Carth seemed confused, but HK already had its assault rifle aimed at the locker. I shook my head at HK to tell him not to fire. Then I knocked the locker lightly.

"Is somebody out there? Fishy, fishy, fishy? Coming to eat me, too?" a truly insane voice, more so even than Jorak's, said, "You can't get me little fishy. Not in here. I'm safe behind my walls."

I raised an eyebrow and half-smirked, "No 'fishies' out here, fool." I said, "Come out and we'll make sure the 'fishies' don't get you."

"Oh, you'd like that - wouldn't you?" the lunatic said, "I walk out and - BAM! Selkath swarm in from everywhere, ripping and rending! Fishy move fast and silent."

I rolled my eyes, "You want to come out of that room. You feel safe with us." I said, with a heavy dose of Force persuasion. I doubted it would work, though - the Force can only be used to control a mind that the person trying to control it can understand.

"No, no, no, no, no. That's what the others said." the mad-man jeered, "Mercenaries like you. But they're dead. The Selkath ate them! Lunchie-munchie!"

I glared at the locker, "Come out from there right now, or we'll blast our way in!" I snapped.

"Ha-ha! That's what you think! Fishy think that too. These walls and door are six centimetres - no... twelve centimetres! - of durasteel! I'm invulnerable behind my walls! Nobody's getting in here!" he said, laughing maniacally.

I growled, "I'll carve you into little fish-bits!"

"Nooooooo! You can't harm me in here! I'm invincible!" the nut-case whined.

My hand moved for my lightsaber, and I felt the darkness screaming for me. Just run the blade through the locker - kill the fool - it would be so easy. I closed my eyes and shook my head. No. I wasn't going to do it. I took a step back from the locker, "Rot there, then." I snapped, turning away.

"Bye-bye. Go look for fishy people. They'll chomp and bite and chomp and bite. Food for fishy - that's you." the manic voice jeered as I walked away. Taunting me for my weakness, for not killing the fool. No. I did the right thing, even if he would die either way. But it would still be so much fun to... no, I wouldn't. Damn it, but the darkness in this place is so strong I'm not surprised the Selkath and the mercenaries went insane.

"May the Force fart in your general direction." I muttered. The comment aimed at the madman in the locker, but I wasn't sure he heard it.

Carth definitely did, though, and he sniggered, "I would have blasted him, y'know."

"Yes. I know. I almost did run him through. It's this place, it's driving everyone here insane." I said flatly, "Even us."

Carth frowned, "That's not good."

"Indeed it's not." I said, frowning, "HK-47's ok, but you and I could snap at any moment, like that psycho in the locker. We need to get the map and get out. Fast."

"I would say that droid's already insane." Carth muttered.

"It is, but you can't blame it for its programming." I noted.

"No, I can't. I can blame you, though." Carth said. I shrugged - he was right, so I wasn't going to argue.

I picked up the only un-shredded environmental suit, and made straight for the nearest airlock. "HK - don't kill Carth, but if he goes insane, render him unconscious."

"Query: How do you define 'insane', master?"

"That meatbag in the locker." I said, smirking.

"Statement: Very well, master. Should your meatbag friend begin jabbering incoherently, I shall render him unconscious."

I smirked, "Carth, you might not want to talk at all, until I get back." I said brightly, before stepping into the airlock and out onto the ocean floor.

I found my way into another section of the station, which was separated from the rest of it by flooding. After dismembering several insane Selkath, I reached a forcefield. When I approached it, however, the two humans on the other side panicked.

"I won't let you open the door for those monsters to get in! I'll stop you!" the man yelled, "I'll suck all the pressure out of the chamber! That'll stop you!"

"Kill them! Kill them now!" the woman shrieked.

The man pressed a few buttons on the control console on that side of the forcefield, and the doors on three sides of me sealed themselves so the forcefield was the only way out. A hissing sound indicated that the air was being removed from the room I was in.

My eyes widened, and I stepped closer to the forcefield, "Let me in." I said quickly.

"What - what do you want? Go away!" the man said, "You'll let the firaxa and the Selkath in! They'll get us like they got all the others!"

I rolled my eyes - I was already having difficulty breathing, I didn't have time to negotiate, "I'm a friend. You want to let me in. You want to stop the depressurisation sequence." I said, with my strongest Force persuasion.

It worked, "Yes. You are a friend. You'll protect us. You won't let the firaxa eat us. You'll keep the Selkath away." the man said, nodding. He pressed a button, and the forcefield dropped. I quickly stepped into their room. "I... I'm sorry for what I did. I don't know what came over me." he said, frowning, "I... I just panicked when I heard someone outside the door." he sighed, "Please, forgive me. I'm just so scared."

"You tried to kill me!" I snapped.

"Look, I'm sorry!" the man yelled, "I've just been under a LOT of strain recently. You know, the whole thing about having my entire research team DEVOURED BEFORE MY EYES!"

"Kono. Kono, calm down." the woman said quickly, then she glared at me, "Don't talk to him like that! We've gone through a lot, and we said we're sorry for the mistake we made!"

I sighed, "I... didn't mean to snap like that." I scowled, "There's something really dark down here. It's not just the Selkath that have been affected." I shook my head slightly. This didn't happen last time... at least, it wasn't this intense. "What has this station been doing down here?"

"We had a secret agreement with moderates in the Selkath government." the woman said, "They knew that Manaan could not survive independently if the Sith were victorious. Those thugs would wipe out the whole damn planet just to get at the kolto. So the Republic approached them about making this secret installation to harvest more kolto where the Sith couldn't see us. But that all went horribly, horribly wrong..."

"And who are you two? I should have asked right away." I said flatly.

"I am Kono Nolan, and this is Sami." the man said, "We were scientists working here on the Hrakert Rift project."

I nodded, "What exactly went wrong?"

"We don't know! Not for sure." the woman said, frowning, "The work teams were outside in the Rift near the vent. Then there was this rumbling and my head felt like it was splitting open. This... this monster rose up from the Rift. It was a firaxa shark I think... bigger than any I'd ever seen before. Bigger than our submersibles. It was like it was screaming inside my head. Then all the Selkath started screaming too... and they turned on us."

"So what can I do about it?" I asked.

"I don't know. It must still be out there." Kono said, frowning.

"Out there waiting for us..." Sami whimpered.

"The firaxan sharks have always been a serious problem." Kono explained, "We had some blasters and projectile cannons to defend against them, but they still got some of our workers from time to time."

"We were working on a soluble chemical compound that would drive them away." Sami noted, "Something that smelled or tasted repulsive to them, but we never got it working right."

"Oh, I think not! Even flawed like it is, it should be ideal for this situation." Kono retorted.

"No! It's not working right! You don't know what it will do!" Sami said, then she turned to me and explained, "The repellent we made was supposed to drive firaxan sharks away, but we never got very far in its development. The one we tested instead was violently toxic to them, rupturing their outer skin in seconds and preventing them from drawing oxygen from the water by clogging their intakes."

"Which is exactly what we need in this situation! Something to kill that monster shark that destroyed our station!" Kono snapped.

"But we don't know how else the chemical reacts!" Sami said desperately, "We only tried it in a controlled environment. In the open ocean, who knows what it could do... it could even affect the kolto."

"We know exactly what it will do: it will kill the shark. That's what we designed it to do."

"I want another option." I said flatly.

"Well, the monster seems to have been driven out by the machinery we installed at the edge of the Rift." Sami said, giving Kono a pointed look, "We've seen it out there on the cameras bashing itself against the machines. I think if you could destroy the machinery we installed, the shark would calm down and retreat back into its lair inside the Rift."

"And how would I do that?" I asked.

Sami explained how to do it. Kono seemed determined against it, though. I wasn't going to poison the water, whatever way you justify it. There's no telling how an experimental poison will affect the entire planet's eco-system. So I destroyed the machinery and returned to the main building.

Carth was twitching slightly, "You're back. Finally." he said, relieved, "Now we can get the hell out of here."

"Yes. Good idea." I said, giving him a wary look. HK-47 seemed disappointed - I'm sure it would have loved to have been given the opportunity to knock Carth unconscious.

On my way out, I found the green Twi'lek mercenary still there, being just as paranoid as he had been before. I grinned evilly as we walked past him to the submersible... and, as promised, I punched him in the face, "I'm sure the Republic will send down a rescue team for you, though I don't personally think you're worth it." I informed him, while he was still reeling from my punch, "And I told you I'd be back to punch you in the face, didn't I?"

* * *

By the time we got to the surface, Carth had stopped being quite so edgy, and the darkness had faded around us. It seemed localised to the Rift. That, at least, was a relief.

Roland Wann was waiting for us as we disembarked the sub in the Republic embassy. "You have returned! I was beginning to fear that you, too, might have been lost. Did you find out what had happened down there at the facility?"

"Something down there drove the Selkath insane." I said flatly, "If you want my opinion as a Jedi, it was the darkness of the ruins down there. Scientifically, it couldn't have helped their sanity that their construction woke a giant firaxan shark that seemed to call out to them."

"That's... horrible." Roland said, frowning, "The entire operation wasted by a disaster we could never in a thousand years have foreseen. What has happened to the facility itself? Were there any survivors?"

"A few scientists have survived, but the harvesting machine was destroyed." I answered.

"No! That is terrible. That will set our work back years..." he said, sighing, "It may even cost us the war."

"I had a choice. Destroy the machinery or poison the water to kill the shark." I said flatly, "Which would you have chosen?"

"I see your point. Poisoning the water could have affected the kolto. I suppose in the end, this is for the best." he sighed again, "While I am glad that you were able to solve our problems, the cost may have ended up being much too high."

"The lives of all those researchers... I'd say it was already too high, before I got involved." I said coldly.

"I know, I know!" he snapped at me, "But we could never have foreseen this. Oh, did you find what you were looking for down there?"

"You don't need to know." I said flatly.

"I'll assume that means yes." he said, just as flatly, "As you can see, by helping us you helped yourself. Perhaps we can work together in the future."

"Perhaps." I said, sincerely doubting I would ever work with this specific man again.

I quickly made my way out of the embassy.

And into the middle of a group of Selkath law enforcement officers. [Stop, human!] their leader said pointedly.

I stopped, and quickly counted the odds - three of us and ten of them. Bad odds, especially on this law-loving planet. "Is something the matter, officer?" I asked innocently.

[We have detected a number of underwater detonations coming from the vicinity of the Hrakert Rift.] the lead officer said, [You have been known to have asked questions about this, and our spy monitors in the Republic Embassy recorded you leaving in a submersible that descended to the Hrakert Rift. You will come with us immediately to answer for your actions, or we will be forced to take you by force!]

I nodded, "Very well. I will come peacefully." I said, shrugging. I did the right thing - I had nothing to fear from Selkath law. Unlike the legal system on planets like Ravnos and Sleheyron, Manaan's laws were fair. Strict to those who are guilty, but fair.

* * *

While I was waiting for my hearing, I overheard a familiar voice talking, "I'll see what I can do." it sounded like Jolee, "Hey, look what the fish dragged in." he said, wandering over to my cell, "What'd you do?"

"I blew some things up. But with good reason, I assure you." I said brightly.

"They weren't Sith, by any chance?" Jolee asked.

I laughed, "Oh no. I didn't kill anyone, actually." I said.

"Well, that's good. I've got enough murder trials to be getting on with. Need an arbiter?" Jolee asked lightly.

"What murder trials are you talking about, old man?" I asked warily.

"Oh, just an old friend." Jolee said, shrugging, "I left the Hawk to get some air, and I wind up dealing with your Gizka problem, running into an old friend and finding out another old friend is up for a murder trial. Figured I'd best keep myself busy while you're at the bottom of the ocean."

"Hmmm." I said, shrugging, "Well, I was going to be my own arbiter. As for your friend - good luck."

"I'll need it." Jolee said flatly, "He's guilty."

I spluttered, "And you're still going to try to get him off?"

"Yeah." Jolee said, shrugging, "If he gets executed for it, the Republic's Kolto exports will likely get cut. War heroes are generally thought of as prime examples of Republic behaviour, you see. So one of them commits a crime, the rest of us get punished."

"Oh, that's delightful." I said sarcastically, "Well, it'd not lose us the war. The war won't last that long." I said, smirking.

Jolee smiled, "I'm sure it won't. But better safe than sorry."

Then the warden entered the holding area, [It is time for your trial. I hear you rejected the offer of an arbiter?]

"Yes. I'm defending myself." I said calmly.

[Very well, follow me.] the warden said, unlocking the cell. I followed without protest.

I walked into the court in the middle of an argument between the judges. [But if they can do that, the whole system could...]

[Silence! This is not for outsiders to hear!] the judge in the centre seat then turned to face me, [Let the record show that this trial has commenced. Presiding are judges Shelkar...] he stated his name for the record.

[Jhosa...] the judge to Shelkar's left noted.

[Naleshekan...] the judge to Shelkar's right.

[Kota...] was seated on Jhosa's left.

[and Duula.] to Naleshekan's right.

[Well, human, you find yourself in a most difficult situation.] Shelkar said calmly, [The Hrakert Rift is the most precious resource on Manaan, and anything that threatens it or the kolto it produces threatens our entire species.]

[We will not tolerate threats to our neutrality, our existence, and our way of life!] Duula noted angrily.

[As much as we may admire your Republic and your Order in particular, I believe you will have a hard time explaining your role in this incident adequately.] Jhosa added.

[We have determined that you are responsible for the detonations that occurred near the Hrakert Rift.] Shelkar continued, [We demand to know what occurred down there!]

[If the Republic has broken its neutrality treaty with us, the repercussions shall be very grave indeed!] Duula noted.

[What have you done to the Rift?] Shelkar asked.

"The explosions were at the research station both our governments set up there." I answered.

[Research Station?! What are you talking about? Dont try to lie to us, human!] Duula snapped.

[We know of this.] Kota said pointedly.

[What?!] Duula shouted.

[It will be discussed later.] Shelkar said calmly.

[This cannot be kept silent! The Council will...] Duula started.

But Shelkar interrupted him pointedly, [The Council will hear nothing of this! And you will keep your silence or be ejected from the court!]

[But we cannot...] Duula started again.

[Silence!] Shelkar snapped. Duula glared but didn't say anything more. Shelkar turned back to me, [What has happened at the research station? What caused the explosions?]

"I rigged the harvesting machinery to destroy itself." I said, frowning.

[You... YOU destroyed the machinery?!] Kota yelled. [You have ruined our efforts! All our work to synthesize kolto is worthless now!]

[Why did you do this... this thing, human?] Shelkar asked, barely controlling his own anger.

"The machinery had woken up a giant firaxan shark." I said.

[A giant firaxan? Could it be...] Naleshekan asked.

[Impossible! It is only a legend.] Kota said dismissively.

[But he said he killed it... didn't he?] Naleshekan persisted.

[You killed this shark, human?] Shelkar demanded.

"No!" I said defensively, "I destroyed the machinery to save it."

[The Progenitor... it must have been!] Naleshekan insisted.

[Be quiet! That is merely a myth, and not fit for outsiders to hear!] Kota snapped.

[But if it was the life-bringer... the ancestor of our species... Think of what this could mean!] Naleshekan persisted. [If it always laired there... then perhaps the kolto...]

[Enough! Off-worlders are not to hear of such things!] Shelkar said pointedly.

[But he said he saved it... He destroyed the harvesters to save it.] Naleshekan said, just as sharply.

[Indeed. This casts your actions in a new light, human.] Shelkar conceded. [This, I believe, will require more thought... both on your actions, and on what we must do in response. This court will adjourn while we deliberate.]

Two hours later...

[We have reviewed your actions and the situation, human.] Shelkar explained, [We thank you for the destruction of the machinery and saving the giant firaxan which, we believe, is the source of our kolto... or at least its guardian. We will not detain you any longer. While we cannot show our gratitude overtly, know that you have earned our respect.]

I didn't leave the court right away, because the next trial was Jolee's friend. I watched with mild amusement, as the old coot talked his friend's way out of hell. He didn't get the man off scot-free - the verdict was guilty with extenuating circumstances.

Apparently, the Sith woman who had been murdered had been spying on the man who killed her. He had been having an affair with her and decided to break it off... partly because he realised she was a Sith spy and partly because he said he actually loved his wife. The Sith had paid someone to plant evidence on the corpse. Jolee's friend who had killed the woman showed genuine remorse. Therefore, he only got life imprisonment with the realistic hope of the Republic negotiating his release into their custody. The Republic's kolto exports were not affected in any way.

"Interesting strategy, old man." I said, smirking, "Seems like you've got all your bases covered." I said as I walked back to the Hawk, "The Republic still gets its kolto, but the guilty man didn't go free. Still, I tend to think killing a prisoner is too extreme - for obvious reasons - and you managed to avoid that result as well."

Jolee looked smug, "I was pleased with the outcome, considering the situation Sunry got himself into." he said, "Of course, I'd much rather never have needed to defend him."

"Of course." I said, nodding, "Now you said something about the Gizka?"

"I sold them." Jolee said, "I figured since everyone complained about them, and I ran into a Selkath looking to buy 'exotic species', I may as well get rid of the little beasties."

"Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you." I said, smirking, "How much did you sell them for?"

"Well, he wanted me to pay him to take them off my hand. Pfft." the old man snorted, "I persuaded him to give me fifty credits for the lot of them."

"Persuaded?" I asked, "As in with the Force?"

Jolee just shrugged, but the way he was smirking implied I was right. I also shrugged - I didn't care as long as those vermin were off my ship.

When we got back to the Hawk, Carth looked up and I recognised disappointment in his tone when he asked, "So the Selkath didn't execute you, then?"

"Funny, Carth." I said flatly, "Really funny."

Carth snorted, "I could hope." he muttered.

I rolled my eyes, "We need to talk about these issues you seem to have with me being Revan." I said flatly.

Carth glared at me, "I'd still like to put a blaster to your head." he said coldly, "But... every time I think about it, I remember what you said on Dantooine." he half-laughed, "You told me revenge wouldn't make me feel better. You were right, you know that? I thought it'd help but it didn't."

I nodded slightly, "Revenge is never as sweet as it looks, is it?"

He sighed, "I got the revenge I always wanted when Saul died, but it hasn't brought me the peace that I thought it would. And you - you knew all along what you were. I still can't understand why you didn't just kill us all and go after Malak on your own. It's what I'd expect Revan to do."

I smirked, "And even if I were still evil, the very fact I know it's what you'd expect would be reason enough for me not to do it."

"Oh, that's really reassuring." Carth said sarcastically.

I laughed, "It's not meant to reassure you. But if you think about my story about Malak. My old friend. I meant it when I said I wanted to give him a chance to turn back as well. I do want to fix as much of the damage I've done as I can. I can't resurrect your wife - though I would if I could - but I still have a chance to save Malak's soul... like Bastila saved mine." I blinked a few times, "Only without the romance element afterwards."

"We can all hope." Carth said, laughing. I pulled a disgusted face. "All right. I'll give you a chance. Benefit of the doubt. One wrong move, though, and I'll still put a hole in your head."

"I can live with that." I said, smiling.

"After what Bastila told me about the incident with Bandon... I'd not be surprised." he muttered jokingly.

I shrugged, and grinned, "You know I meant that I can live with that arrangement. Meaning you won't have to put a hole in my head." I said, offering him my hand to shake.

He took my hand and shook it firmly - the icy look in his eyes as they met mine made it clear he still didn't trust me. Nor would he likely ever really trust me. But a truce was a necessary evil, here.

* * *