Chapter 11 Star Forge
Disclaimer: I have no claim to the Star Wars world, only an enjoyment of what George Lucus and Bioware have created. This story is set in transit between planets and the only character I can lay any claim to is Skye Organa, my PC.
Leaving the atmosphere and setting a course for the Star Forge I turn to Carth. I need to tell him why I chose the light path, and him. I am very nervous and he can sense that in me.
"I... umm... have something to tell you." I begin hesitantly. He gives me his full attention a worried look crosses his face. "It's nothing bad" I quickly add, then almost to myself, "at least I don't think it is."
"Well?" he gives me a lop-sided grin.
"Umm ..." ['how can I put it', I think to myself, then decide to plunge right in.] "I don't know how you're going to take this, but there is another reason why I chose the path of the light... and you. I know I'm not making much sense here, but there is something I have to tell you... before we get to the Star Forge. [almost to myself I add] Manaan was too soon so it must have happened at Korriban."
Carth's face shows his concern, "What happened at Korriban?"
I flash him a cheeky grin before my face becomes serious again. I stand up and move behind his chair, placing one hand on his shoulder. Very softly I just come out with it. "You're going to be a Father again." It doesn't sink in at first and he says something about Dustil. "No, Carth. Not Dustil ... our ... our daughter." I place my other hand over my abdomen protectively.
Shock crosses his face as he looks from my eyes to my abdomen and back again. A slow smile quirks at the corner of his mouth as he asks "Are you sure? How long have you known?"
"I'm very certain. I felt her presence during my meditation right before going to the Temple." His hand is now covering mine. "I thought about telling you before but there wasn't anytime. When Bastila was trying to turn me, all I could think of was how I felt about you and ... this baby. I knew then that I couldn't turn dark, couldn't not let you know that I carry your child."
He takes me into his arms and kisses my forehead and I tilt my head back to meet his lips. He lets me know in no uncertain terms that he is happy about this child and is concerned about what is to come. We stay in each others arms until we hear the communications panel beep. Carth moves back into the pilot's chair and hits the receive button.
"The Republic Fleet must have got the message I sent as we were crashing onto the planet. I'm picking up a transmission from them now."
A hologram appears before us. "This is Admiral Forn Dodonna to the Ebon Hawk, do you read us?"
"Admiral Dodonna, this is Carth Onasi. We are receiving your transmission."
"Carth, I'm glad to see you're still alive. We've begun our assault on the Star Forge, but we're taking heavy losses. How did the Sith ever manage to build something of this scope?"
"The Star Forge wasn't constructed by the Sith, Admiral. We don't have time for me to fully explain it, but that space station is far older than you can imagine."
"Maybe we should pull the fleet back and retreat. I don't know if we have the firepower to go up against this alien technology."
"You can't do that, Admiral. The Star Forge is a factory of immense power. It's been churning out the capital ships, snub fighters and assault droids that have powered the Sith war effort. We have to destroy the Star Forge now or you'll be fighting an unending wave of reinforcements."
"Then I guess we have no choice. But it isn't going to be easy. I can't even get our capital ships into a position to start bombarding the Star Forge. The Sith fleet is too well organized. It's like they can guess our every move and counter act our every strategy."
Carth sigh's before giving her the bad news. "It's because of Bastila, Admiral. She turned to the dark side and became Malak's apprentice. We suspect she is somewhere on that space station right now using her Battle Meditation against you and your fleet."
The Admiral moves over to allow another figure to share the hologram space with her. "This is Master Vander. A number of Jedi Knights have joined our fleet under his command." I am very relieved to see Master Vander alive and well.
"If Bastila is using her power to augment the Sith then Malak's fleet is invincible. Our only hope is to somehow stop Bastila from using her Battle Meditation." The small Master tells us.
Looking down at the Jedi Master, Admiral Dodonna asks "How can we do that if she's on the space station?"
"I will send a squadron of Jedi Knights to the Star Forge to find Bastila. Their small ships will be able to fly though the Sith blockade and dock on the space station. If they can find Bastila, they may be able to distract her attention from the battle overhead. That should allow you to move your capital ships into position for a final assault on the Star Forge itself."
"I hate to ask you this after all you've done, Carth, but the Jedi need all the help they can get..."
"Don't worry Admiral. The Ebon Hawk and her crew are going to see this through to the end!"
Master Vander has the last word. "And may the Force be with you."
We are close enough to the fleet now to see the Jedi squadron break off and head towards the space station. We follow them in, Carth expertly dodges and weaves though the enemy fire, landing us in the same docking bay as the Jedi Knights. Deciding that our best chance is with a small strike team I tell the crew I will lead our team in – I need to face Bastila and Malak myself. I feel responsible for both of them turning to the dark side and need to set it to rights. Carth immediately tells me he is coming with me. I know why he feels he has to protect me but I don't tell the others – if we get out of this alive I will tell them about our coming child, although I suspect that Jolee might know already, especially when he volunteers to be the third member of our strike team.
Canderous takes charge of the rest of the crew – he has the most battle experience out the rest of them and should be able to protect our ship and support the remaining Jedi Knights in their defense of the docking bay. We had immediately run into trouble on debarking from the Hawk, several Sith had come charging out and our first confrontation had followed. After securing the area I had spoken with one of the Knights and she had informed me that several of their squad had already infiltrated the station. Wishing each other luck, I lead Carth and Jolee deeper into the station. It is like one giant maze. Malak throws everything he has at us; droids, apprentices and Dark Jedi. We come across a room with computer equipment that generates particular items of protective garments, like armour. I see that it can make a special set of robes that only one truly of the Light can wear. I quickly produce some and put them on. We make our way through the levels of the Star Forge until we come to an elevator. I sense that Bastila is not too far away and warn both Jolee and Carth. I have a feeling that I will have to face her alone. Opening the door to the command center we find Bastila inside.
"Revan – I knew you would come for me."
"I'll never give up on you, Bastila. I know you can still be saved."
"You are wasting your time. I have seen the Jedi for what they are: weak and afraid. The Sith are the true Masters of the Force. You have forgotten that lesson, Revan. You must now pay the price. Here on the Star Forge the power of the dark side is at it's strongest. This time you will not defeat me!" She freezes both Carth and Jolee in stasis and uses the Force to lock them out of the command center. We begin to fight in earnest. I manage to freeze her in stasis and land a few blows, careful not to injure her too much but enough that she might concede defeat. Even with the power of the dark side behind her I am stronger and beat her back.
"I see know why Malak followed you. Even though you are a shell of your former self, you are still a formidable opponent. I can't even imagine the power you must have wielded when you were the Dark Lord. You were a fool to give it all up and follow the lightside."
"I am as strong in the light as I ever was following the dark side" I tell her.
"The dark side has made me stronger than I ever was before! I have a greater command of the Force than all but the most powerful Jedi Masters. As Malak teaches me the greatest secrets of the Sith, I will unlock more of my potential. Eventually there will be no limit to what I can accomplish with the Force!"
"You will accomplish death and destruction with the dark side, nothing else."
"Jedi propaganda. The dark side is only a tool, and Malak will train me in its use. Eventually I will surpass my Master and challenge him. If I am worthy he will die by my hand. Then I will take on my own apprentice and the cycle will begin again. This is the way of the Sith, it is how we assure our Leaders are always the strongest and most worthy!"
"You are dooming yourself to an endless cycle of death and betrayal."
"No, Revan, it is you who are doomed!" With that she attacks again. I am ready for her and catch her unaware by freezing her. She hasn't fully recovered from our 'first round' and she backs off again to fight with more words.
"You are growing weary. I can sense it! Your strength falters, the light side is failing you while the power of the Star Forge re-energizes me! Soon this will be over!" What she doesn't realize is that what she senses through the bond is what I have aimed back at her. She is actually sensing her own weariness.
"I have not faltered, Bastila. You have been misled by the dark side." I calmly state and let her feel my strength through the bond.
"The dark side will always triumph over the light! Malak has assured me of victory! You can't defeat me here on the Star Forge! You CAN'T! No, this is not possible! You have rejected the dark side, you are a pathetic and weak servant of the light! How can you still stand against me? Why can't I defeat you?"
"Now you see the dark side is not stronger than the light." I am calm and show her every compassion, hoping to reach her.
She looks down at her feet. "Yes, I see you speak the truth. I am no match for you. Please, for the sake of what we once shared, do not make me suffer. End my life quickly. There is no other way."
"There is no need for me to kill you, Bastila."
"What other choice do you have? I have fallen to the dark side, I am the apprentice to the Dark Lord himself. You cannot let me live."
"You can reject the dark side, Bastila. Return to the light."
"No, I'm not strong enough. There is too much anger inside me now. Too much hatred and fear. I can no longer find peace in the Force."
I try persuading her "Turn to the Jedi Code, Bastila, it can help you."
It doesn't work. "The Jedi Code is nothing but words, the babblings of senile old Masters! The code cannot help me now! [There is a hint of desperation in her voice now] I ask you for an honorable death, but you are too weak to even grant me that! No more words! This must end in blood!"
I try again. "Help us to defeat the Sith, Bastila. This will atone for what you have done." I get through to her this time.
"Yes, I... could join you in your battle against the Dark Lord. That alone would not make up for all I have done, yet... it would be a step in the right direction. But how would you know that you would be able to trust me? How do you know I wouldn't turn on you when you faced Darth Malak? How do you know that the dark side wouldn't make me betray you again?"
"I trust you enough to leave myself open to your attack, Bastila." I quietly state.
"You play a dangerous game. Are you certain you wish to take this risk? I could end your life and gain Malak's favor with a single stroke of my lightsaber."
I am confident about her now, feeling her conflict through the bond but more light than darkness. "You won't Bastila. I know you serve the light side."
"You are brave... and some would say foolish. But you are also right. The dark side has not wholly consumed me. I cannot raise my blade against you. I should stay here, though. If we face Malak, I'm afraid his dark presence will overwhelm me. It would not be wise to expose myself to such temptation."
"You could use your Battle Meditation to aid the Republic Fleet." I suggest to her.
Nodding in agreement she replies "Yes, that would be for the best. You don't need me to defeat Malak, anyway. Now I understand that a true Jedi is a match for any Sith. Even the Dark Lord himself. I will stay here in this chamber and use my Battle Meditation to help the Republic Fleet. I am their only hope of destroying the Star Forge and ending the Sith menace. You must go and face Malak, but you have to hurry. Once I turn the battle in the Republic's favor we won't have much time to escape the Star Forge before it is destroyed. Good luck... and may the Force be with you."
She points me in the direction I should take and I grasp her shoulder, letting her feel my trust in her. She settles down into a meditative state and I take the door indicated. I come across more enemy sith and defeat them easily before continuing on my way. Through another door and I run into Malak himself. Two of the Jedi Knights are being restrained by Force choke and I battle wills with Malak to release them. I am unable to save them and they fall to the floor. He tells me that I will not escape from the Star Forge.
"It's you who can't escape, Malak. Surrender and the Jedi might show you mercy." He refuses to listen. "I was saved from the darkness, Malak. You can be too, if you wish." He disappears through the door behind him, locking it and activates the droid factory. Wave upon wave of droids are produced from these outlets but I am smarter than Malak gives me credit for. I go to each computer console and destroy the machinery, finishing off the droids in short order. Trying the door I find it is now unlocked again. I go through to a viewing platform where I face Malak once more.
"Well done Revan, I was certain the defenses of the Star Forge would destroy you, but I see there is more of your old self in you than I expected. You are stronger than I thought: stronger than you ever were during your reign as the Dark Lord. I did not think that was possible."
"The light side is stronger than you know, Malak"
He is full of false confidence. "I am tempted to try to capture you alive, Revan. Then I could break your will and bind you to me as my apprentice, as I did Bastila. You would be a far greater asset to me than even Bastila and her Battle Mediation, if I could control you. But is it worth the risk?" He muses. "Perhaps you are too powerful to be my apprentice. I betrayed you when I realized my own strength was greater than yours; in time you might try to do the same to me."
"You're still making the mistake of underestimating me, Malak." I can't help but goad him alittle.
"I cannot deny your resilience. You survived my first betrayal, thanks to Bastila's interference. You escaped the destruction of Taris and you escaped me on the Leviathan. You even survived my attempt to destroy you with the Star Forge itself. Fate and destiny have conspired to keep you alive despite all my efforts. We have been inexorably pushed to this final confrontation, Revan. I see now that this can only be settled when one of us destroys the other. Once again we will face each other in single combat... and the victor will decide the fate of the galaxy!"
He moves to strike and as he has the reach on me I decide my best bet is to keep my distance and use ranged strikes. I back off and race to the top of the platform, spinning to face him and throwing my lightsaber. He resists my attempts to freeze him in stasis and no matter what I come up with he seems to heal fast. This puzzles me as he should not be able to recover so quickly. He pauses the battle to goad me.
"You continue to amaze me, Revan. If only you had been the one to uncover the true power of the Star Forge you might have become truly invincible. But you were a fool. All you saw was an enormous factory, all you ever imagined was an infinite fleet rolling forth to crush the Republic. You were blind, Revan – blind and stupid!"
I shake my head but humor him. "What are you talking about?"
"The Star Forge is more than just a space station. In some ways, it is like a living creature. It hungers. And it can feed off the dark side that is within all of us! Look around you Revan. See the bodies? You should recognize them from the Academy. These are Jedi who fell when I attacked Dantooine. For all intents and purposes, dead, except for one difference: I have not let them become one with the Force, instead I have brought them here. The Star Forge corrupts what remains of their power and transfers the dark taint to me! You cannot beat me, Revan. Not here on the Star Forge. Not when I can draw upon the power of all these Jedi! And once you are beaten I will do the same to you. You will be trapped in a terrible existence between life and death, your power feeding me as I conquer the galaxy!"
I had seen the bodies around the platform but had not thought to look closely at them, had not wanted to. I now recall that Malak had a morbid side to him and now being controlled by the dark side it had gotten far worse. I am horrified at what he has done to these Jedi, and I do find I recognize a few of them. I resolve to let them become one with the Force and using speed and agility I quickly get out of Malak's range. Nearing the first of captured Jedi I murmur softly wishing him peace. I use the Force to strike out and free him from the chamber. Racing ahead of Malak, I continue this practice until the last of them has been freed before I turn to face Malak. I strike quickly and then run to another vantage point, pausing briefly to lay some mines and searching though my pack as I run I find I have several adhesive grenades amongst my collection. I get into a position where I can throw them at him, sticking him to the spot momentarily. I lob several plasma grenades at him then before turning to run again.
Now things are more even, he can't rejuvenate himself from the captured Jedi any longer and I am able to cause more damage to him now. I whittle down his health and with a surprise move, I power hit him, making him fall to his knees in front of me.
"Im... Impossible [cough] I cannot be beaten. I am the Dark Lord of the Sith!"
"The power of the light will always be stronger than the dark side" I look down at him, trying to convince him to renounce the dark side.
"Still sprouting the wisdom of the Jedi..." He defiantly says. Then he becomes thoughtful, wondering what it would have been like had he been the one captured instead of me. "Could I have returned to the light as you did? [cough] If you had not led me down the dark path in the first place, what destiny would I have found?"
He still stabs out at me and I do feel the guilt behind his words. I did lead him to this path. I bow my head slightly, my gaze never leaving his. "I am sorry I started you on this path. But you chose to continue down it."
He coughs again, as he is nearing death. "I suppose... I suppose you speak the truth." He finally admits. It is not enough to turn him back to the light but at least now he will not be the cause of more pain throughout the galaxy.
I stand there for a moment, looking at the man who was firstly my friend, then my enemy and I find it in my heart to forgive him, feeling a single tear slide down my face. I turn and head back to the Ebon Hawk. I do not encounter any of Malak's followers and it is as if they already know that their Master is dead. I know I have to hurry as time is getting short and I pick up my pace, only slowing down when I again near the docking bay. Carth and Bastila are waiting for me just inside of it.
With relief showing on his face Carth moves to my side, giving me a quick hug. "There you are! What happened?"
Downcast I quietly admit "There was no way to turn him to the lightside. I had to kill him."
Bastila shows shock that I had even tried, telling me that she didn't think that anyone would have expected me to try and save him. I give her a sad smile and again remind her of when she saved me. While I still can't remember my 'reign of terror' I am constantly reminded of it. I am very grateful that I managed to turn Bastila back to the light, things could have easily gone the other way. With an overwhelming sense of urgency we race onto the Hawk. Carth makes his way to the cockpit, quickly sliding into the pilot's chair while I take the co-pilot's position. The Star Forge is starting to break up around us as Carth takes us out, his piloting skill coming to the fore once again as he builds up speed to get us out of danger.
"Carth, you made it!" Admiral Dodonna's voice comes over the loud speaker.
Relief evident in his voice, Carth answers her hail. "We couldn't let you start the victory celebrations without us Admiral."
She tells us that they are sending an honor guard to escort us to the Rakata homeworld for the celebrations. Two sleek looking fighter craft take up wing positions either side of us and Carth plot's our course. We land on the same beach that we had crashed on previously. It is in a central position and not far from the temple where they will have the celebrations. We share a quick cuddle and I feel I have to ask him what we are going to do now... about us. While our future is still uncertain we agree that no matter what, we will stay together as a family unit.
"Umm... just a thought. How do you think Dustil will feel about being a big brother, or about us for that matter?"
My question catches Carth by surprise. He has only just found out that Dustil is still alive after years of believing otherwise and their reunion wasn't the happiest moment for him, for either of them. We both know that Dustil will not be happy when he finds out who I was and the part I'd had in the destruction of Telos, even though it was Darth Malak who gave Saul Karath the orders to carry it out. We decide that we will cross that bridge when we get to it and not worry about it before then. We also decide to tell the rest of the crew our 'news' so that we might have more leverage when it comes to the Jedi Council, we both have a feeling that they will try and break us up otherwise, regardless of my condition. I tell him that I want to speak with Bastila first as I sense through our bond that she is in turmoil about meeting up with Master Vander. I'm not all that keen on meeting up with him either, especially being as I am pregnant with Carth's child. He agrees and I head into the women's bunkroom, where I sense her to be.
"Are you alright?" I ask her gently. She can't believe what she has done and I move to sit beside her, giving her comfort. "You are a sister to me Bastila, I care about you and I know you are worried about facing Master Vandar again. Believe me, I am too." I choose not to elaborate on that yet.
She looks up at me, disbelief evident on her face. "How can you think of me like that? Not after what I have done. I could have killed you. Or the other way around."
"But you didn't. You saved me once before, when it mattered and I have now returned the favor. Consider us equal if you must. But I will still consider you like a sister. I feel like the whole crew of the Ebon Hawk is my family" I think I'm getting through to her and send her the same message through the bond. "The Jedi Council were wrong about one thing and ... I do believe that Jolee had the right of it." She looks at me now, wondering what I am babbling about so I explain. "Jolee told me a while ago that love itself, can save you... not condemn you. I believe he has the right of it and that the Jedi Council is wrong in this matter." She looks at me curiously now. "Come on, there's something that needs to be discussed with everyone before we go see the Council." I get up and taking her by the arm, lead her into the common room.
Seeing Carth already there I make my way over to him, smiling when he drapes his arm around my shoulders. Glancing around the room I happen to catch Jolee's eye and see just a hint of a smile lighting his face... he already knows what we are going to tell everyone. I sense Bastila's surprise at the intimacy shown between myself and Carth. She doesn't seem to be as disapproving now as she was before her fall to the darkside. I give her a smile.
Once everyone is present, Carth clears his throat and begins, "I want you all to witness that Skye and I intend to stay together. We have declared our love for each other in front of you all before – on this very beach to be exact – but there is something else we would like to share with you." All but Jolee are curious now as to what is going on. Bastila was the only one who didn't know of our public declaration of love and looks disturbed. Juhani moves over to her and rests her hand on Bastila's shoulder, both in comfort and to let her know that it is all right. "We both know that the Jedi Council will try and break us apart but that is not going to happen. They can't break up a family unit." He pauses to see if the message sinks in, squeezing my shoulders affectionately.
Jolee nods in agreement which only confirms that he knew already. Mission's jaw drops as she realises and nudging Big Z in the ribs. Juhani and Bastila both look surprised. Canderous gives Carth a curious look and the droids just stand there silent.
"Now, we know what the Jedi think of relationships but this baby makes things different."
Mission, being the typical teenager is bursting with questions. "When did this happen?" She looks at us with a shrewd, calculating expression on her face "You were fighting with each other when we left you on Manaan and that wasn't long enough ago for you to tell if you were. [She looks at me] When?"
I laugh at her and know that I won't get any peace until she knows. I blush with embarrassment, "Korriban. [I look down at my feet] It happened at Korriban."
Juhani gasps as she recalls the interactions between Carth and I during our time in the Sith Academy. "The morning I went to the library – wasn't it?" Glancing up at Carth I notice that I'm not the only one who is embarrassed. I nod to Juhani and she smiles at us. "I knew something had gone on between you – you were so much easier around each other – that is when you formed your bond also." She states. I hadn't mentioned that bit to Carth and he now looks at me enquiringly. Seeing that Carth doesn't understand she goes on. "You and Skye have a connection. When in battle you know where the other is at all times without visual confirmation, that could have just been because of your association with each other, but for one fact. I noticed during our battles that when you were close to each other there was a protective aura around the two of you."
Jolee adds to this. "On Manaan, Carth. You told me you saw the aura around Skye. I have known since then that you were Force Sensitive. Haven't you wondered who Dustil received his Force Powers from? You wouldn't have realised that your piloting ability is like second nature to you because you know when to turn, dodge, weave because of the Force flowing through you. The way you fought on the Star Forge, you knew where the enemy would strike before they acted, that is a Jedi trait. I will admit you are not as strong in the Force as the rest of the Jedi here, but close association with us has brought out more of your potential to access the Force." Then seeing shock registering across Carth's face he adds "Do not worry, you will not be trained by the Council – you are too old for them to want to train you. Although I would be surprised if they didn't know you were a 'sensitive'."
I ask Carth if he is ok, he has a lot to think about now. Before he can answer we hear someone calling us from outside the Hawk. It is time for us to go. As a close knit group we leave the Ebon Hawk and make our way to the Temple. The Elders are there, speaking with Admiral Dodonna and Master Vander. Seeing us arrive, we are signalled to join them. The celebrations are going on all around us as we make our way over, everyone congratulating us on our part in the destruction of the Star Forge.
Master Vander indicates that Bastila and myself are to follow him and he leads us to one of the rooms inside the Temple, so he can speak with us in private. Carth wants to follow but I indicate that he should wait with the others before turning to follow the small Master. Bastila grabs for my hand, both giving and receiving support from me. Once the door is closed he turns to face us both. Bowing to him I tell him that I tried to redeem Malak but to no avail. He nods at this as if he already knew. His gaze shifts to Bastila and he shows compassion for her inner turmoil, telling her that she has redeemed herself from falling by her actions in helping the Republic Fleet and that she has been forgiven her error in judgement.
His attention turns again to me. He is aware of my 'condition'. I'm not sure what reaction I was expecting but he shows me the same compassion and also lets me know that Carth and I will be supported. There will be difficult times ahead of us and we must remain true to the light, for our child's sake. I am surprised that he knows Carth is the father, but then again I realise that I shouldn't be. The Masters have always been one step ahead of us and must have foreseen that this would happen between us, having been thrown together as we were. His comments confirm this. I ask him then if he also knows about Carth's Force Sensitivity and for once I have the Master baffled. He didn't know of this. I go on to tell him that Carth's son Dustil is strong in the Force as well, describing how we 'saved' him from the path the Sith had planned for him and that we are hoping to meet with him again on Telos when we get the chance. For that he gives encouragement to try and get Dustil to enrol in one of the Jedi Academies. I nod in agreement to try before he dismisses us.
Outside again, Carth is quick to return to my side, I give him a quick smile. Master Vander surprises him by congratulating him for being the reason I stayed true to the light... and indicating my condition, says that we should take some time off for each other soon.
His eyes look like they will pop out and he splutters to Master Vander "You don't mind? Your not going to break us up?"
"No dear boy, the Jedi do not interfere with these matters. It is for both of you I worry. Your future is unclear. Stay true to the light and each other. May the Force be with you." With that he moves off to speak with Jolee and Juhani.
Admiral Dodonna now begins the proceedings. Everyone has gathered and we are led to the Temple summit for the awards ceremony, which is broadcast for the whole galaxy to see. All of our party are awarded with the Cross of Glory for our efforts and actions in routing the Sith and destroying the Star Forge. The Admiral declaring us Heroes of the Republic. Master Vander steps forward to say a few words as well. Not many knew who I was but he soon changes that, telling the audience that there is another reason to celebrate.
"We Jedi now have another tale to tell." He goes on and indicating me he says "The redemption of Revan." There is a stunned silence and I wish the ground would open up and swallow me. I feel the amazement of some and the horror of others, then some of them begin to cheer. I knew how hard it was for Carth and some of the crew to accept my identity but for it to be announced for the whole galaxy to hear... I know I have a lot of enemies out there and I feel the Master has just made life a little more difficult for me. Carth steps up behind me and places his hands on my arms, as if preventing my flight.
"I have to get out of here" I whisper desperately to him. "I can't stand the hurt that I caused as Revan, it has made too much of an impact on many of those out there. I want nothing more than to go into hiding somewhere."
He is supportive of me and I feel Bastila and Jolee move up either side of us also. They know how I feel but we need to keep up appearances. I am told to smile and wave. I follow instructions even though I want to run. The ceremony continues around us with several more heroes decorated, before it is finally concluded. Moving back from the dais I am approached by Admiral Dodonna. I feel a soothing wave of calm come over me as Master Vander joins us also. The Admiral shakes my hand and then takes notice that Carth has protectively put his arm around me. She raises her eyebrows in query. Master Vander informs her that we are a couple and that it is with the Jedi Council's blessing, that we were foreseen. She looks quickly at the Master at this statement, surprise evident on her face before turning back to me.
"Well Revan. While I am grateful for all of your help with this situation I am disturbed by your true identity."
Drawing strength from Carth and from my friends I quietly state. "You have no reason to fear Admiral. The part of me that was Revan is gone. I am Skye Organa now – Revan is no more." I feel Master Vander subtly reinforce me and it makes me smile at him. I feel her accept this and now feel that everything will be fine.
Disclaimer: I have no claim to the Star Wars world, only an enjoyment of what George Lucus and Bioware have created. This story is set in transit between planets and the only character I can lay any claim to is Skye Organa, my PC.
Leaving the atmosphere and setting a course for the Star Forge I turn to Carth. I need to tell him why I chose the light path, and him. I am very nervous and he can sense that in me.
"I... umm... have something to tell you." I begin hesitantly. He gives me his full attention a worried look crosses his face. "It's nothing bad" I quickly add, then almost to myself, "at least I don't think it is."
"Well?" he gives me a lop-sided grin.
"Umm ..." ['how can I put it', I think to myself, then decide to plunge right in.] "I don't know how you're going to take this, but there is another reason why I chose the path of the light... and you. I know I'm not making much sense here, but there is something I have to tell you... before we get to the Star Forge. [almost to myself I add] Manaan was too soon so it must have happened at Korriban."
Carth's face shows his concern, "What happened at Korriban?"
I flash him a cheeky grin before my face becomes serious again. I stand up and move behind his chair, placing one hand on his shoulder. Very softly I just come out with it. "You're going to be a Father again." It doesn't sink in at first and he says something about Dustil. "No, Carth. Not Dustil ... our ... our daughter." I place my other hand over my abdomen protectively.
Shock crosses his face as he looks from my eyes to my abdomen and back again. A slow smile quirks at the corner of his mouth as he asks "Are you sure? How long have you known?"
"I'm very certain. I felt her presence during my meditation right before going to the Temple." His hand is now covering mine. "I thought about telling you before but there wasn't anytime. When Bastila was trying to turn me, all I could think of was how I felt about you and ... this baby. I knew then that I couldn't turn dark, couldn't not let you know that I carry your child."
He takes me into his arms and kisses my forehead and I tilt my head back to meet his lips. He lets me know in no uncertain terms that he is happy about this child and is concerned about what is to come. We stay in each others arms until we hear the communications panel beep. Carth moves back into the pilot's chair and hits the receive button.
"The Republic Fleet must have got the message I sent as we were crashing onto the planet. I'm picking up a transmission from them now."
A hologram appears before us. "This is Admiral Forn Dodonna to the Ebon Hawk, do you read us?"
"Admiral Dodonna, this is Carth Onasi. We are receiving your transmission."
"Carth, I'm glad to see you're still alive. We've begun our assault on the Star Forge, but we're taking heavy losses. How did the Sith ever manage to build something of this scope?"
"The Star Forge wasn't constructed by the Sith, Admiral. We don't have time for me to fully explain it, but that space station is far older than you can imagine."
"Maybe we should pull the fleet back and retreat. I don't know if we have the firepower to go up against this alien technology."
"You can't do that, Admiral. The Star Forge is a factory of immense power. It's been churning out the capital ships, snub fighters and assault droids that have powered the Sith war effort. We have to destroy the Star Forge now or you'll be fighting an unending wave of reinforcements."
"Then I guess we have no choice. But it isn't going to be easy. I can't even get our capital ships into a position to start bombarding the Star Forge. The Sith fleet is too well organized. It's like they can guess our every move and counter act our every strategy."
Carth sigh's before giving her the bad news. "It's because of Bastila, Admiral. She turned to the dark side and became Malak's apprentice. We suspect she is somewhere on that space station right now using her Battle Meditation against you and your fleet."
The Admiral moves over to allow another figure to share the hologram space with her. "This is Master Vander. A number of Jedi Knights have joined our fleet under his command." I am very relieved to see Master Vander alive and well.
"If Bastila is using her power to augment the Sith then Malak's fleet is invincible. Our only hope is to somehow stop Bastila from using her Battle Meditation." The small Master tells us.
Looking down at the Jedi Master, Admiral Dodonna asks "How can we do that if she's on the space station?"
"I will send a squadron of Jedi Knights to the Star Forge to find Bastila. Their small ships will be able to fly though the Sith blockade and dock on the space station. If they can find Bastila, they may be able to distract her attention from the battle overhead. That should allow you to move your capital ships into position for a final assault on the Star Forge itself."
"I hate to ask you this after all you've done, Carth, but the Jedi need all the help they can get..."
"Don't worry Admiral. The Ebon Hawk and her crew are going to see this through to the end!"
Master Vander has the last word. "And may the Force be with you."
We are close enough to the fleet now to see the Jedi squadron break off and head towards the space station. We follow them in, Carth expertly dodges and weaves though the enemy fire, landing us in the same docking bay as the Jedi Knights. Deciding that our best chance is with a small strike team I tell the crew I will lead our team in – I need to face Bastila and Malak myself. I feel responsible for both of them turning to the dark side and need to set it to rights. Carth immediately tells me he is coming with me. I know why he feels he has to protect me but I don't tell the others – if we get out of this alive I will tell them about our coming child, although I suspect that Jolee might know already, especially when he volunteers to be the third member of our strike team.
Canderous takes charge of the rest of the crew – he has the most battle experience out the rest of them and should be able to protect our ship and support the remaining Jedi Knights in their defense of the docking bay. We had immediately run into trouble on debarking from the Hawk, several Sith had come charging out and our first confrontation had followed. After securing the area I had spoken with one of the Knights and she had informed me that several of their squad had already infiltrated the station. Wishing each other luck, I lead Carth and Jolee deeper into the station. It is like one giant maze. Malak throws everything he has at us; droids, apprentices and Dark Jedi. We come across a room with computer equipment that generates particular items of protective garments, like armour. I see that it can make a special set of robes that only one truly of the Light can wear. I quickly produce some and put them on. We make our way through the levels of the Star Forge until we come to an elevator. I sense that Bastila is not too far away and warn both Jolee and Carth. I have a feeling that I will have to face her alone. Opening the door to the command center we find Bastila inside.
"Revan – I knew you would come for me."
"I'll never give up on you, Bastila. I know you can still be saved."
"You are wasting your time. I have seen the Jedi for what they are: weak and afraid. The Sith are the true Masters of the Force. You have forgotten that lesson, Revan. You must now pay the price. Here on the Star Forge the power of the dark side is at it's strongest. This time you will not defeat me!" She freezes both Carth and Jolee in stasis and uses the Force to lock them out of the command center. We begin to fight in earnest. I manage to freeze her in stasis and land a few blows, careful not to injure her too much but enough that she might concede defeat. Even with the power of the dark side behind her I am stronger and beat her back.
"I see know why Malak followed you. Even though you are a shell of your former self, you are still a formidable opponent. I can't even imagine the power you must have wielded when you were the Dark Lord. You were a fool to give it all up and follow the lightside."
"I am as strong in the light as I ever was following the dark side" I tell her.
"The dark side has made me stronger than I ever was before! I have a greater command of the Force than all but the most powerful Jedi Masters. As Malak teaches me the greatest secrets of the Sith, I will unlock more of my potential. Eventually there will be no limit to what I can accomplish with the Force!"
"You will accomplish death and destruction with the dark side, nothing else."
"Jedi propaganda. The dark side is only a tool, and Malak will train me in its use. Eventually I will surpass my Master and challenge him. If I am worthy he will die by my hand. Then I will take on my own apprentice and the cycle will begin again. This is the way of the Sith, it is how we assure our Leaders are always the strongest and most worthy!"
"You are dooming yourself to an endless cycle of death and betrayal."
"No, Revan, it is you who are doomed!" With that she attacks again. I am ready for her and catch her unaware by freezing her. She hasn't fully recovered from our 'first round' and she backs off again to fight with more words.
"You are growing weary. I can sense it! Your strength falters, the light side is failing you while the power of the Star Forge re-energizes me! Soon this will be over!" What she doesn't realize is that what she senses through the bond is what I have aimed back at her. She is actually sensing her own weariness.
"I have not faltered, Bastila. You have been misled by the dark side." I calmly state and let her feel my strength through the bond.
"The dark side will always triumph over the light! Malak has assured me of victory! You can't defeat me here on the Star Forge! You CAN'T! No, this is not possible! You have rejected the dark side, you are a pathetic and weak servant of the light! How can you still stand against me? Why can't I defeat you?"
"Now you see the dark side is not stronger than the light." I am calm and show her every compassion, hoping to reach her.
She looks down at her feet. "Yes, I see you speak the truth. I am no match for you. Please, for the sake of what we once shared, do not make me suffer. End my life quickly. There is no other way."
"There is no need for me to kill you, Bastila."
"What other choice do you have? I have fallen to the dark side, I am the apprentice to the Dark Lord himself. You cannot let me live."
"You can reject the dark side, Bastila. Return to the light."
"No, I'm not strong enough. There is too much anger inside me now. Too much hatred and fear. I can no longer find peace in the Force."
I try persuading her "Turn to the Jedi Code, Bastila, it can help you."
It doesn't work. "The Jedi Code is nothing but words, the babblings of senile old Masters! The code cannot help me now! [There is a hint of desperation in her voice now] I ask you for an honorable death, but you are too weak to even grant me that! No more words! This must end in blood!"
I try again. "Help us to defeat the Sith, Bastila. This will atone for what you have done." I get through to her this time.
"Yes, I... could join you in your battle against the Dark Lord. That alone would not make up for all I have done, yet... it would be a step in the right direction. But how would you know that you would be able to trust me? How do you know I wouldn't turn on you when you faced Darth Malak? How do you know that the dark side wouldn't make me betray you again?"
"I trust you enough to leave myself open to your attack, Bastila." I quietly state.
"You play a dangerous game. Are you certain you wish to take this risk? I could end your life and gain Malak's favor with a single stroke of my lightsaber."
I am confident about her now, feeling her conflict through the bond but more light than darkness. "You won't Bastila. I know you serve the light side."
"You are brave... and some would say foolish. But you are also right. The dark side has not wholly consumed me. I cannot raise my blade against you. I should stay here, though. If we face Malak, I'm afraid his dark presence will overwhelm me. It would not be wise to expose myself to such temptation."
"You could use your Battle Meditation to aid the Republic Fleet." I suggest to her.
Nodding in agreement she replies "Yes, that would be for the best. You don't need me to defeat Malak, anyway. Now I understand that a true Jedi is a match for any Sith. Even the Dark Lord himself. I will stay here in this chamber and use my Battle Meditation to help the Republic Fleet. I am their only hope of destroying the Star Forge and ending the Sith menace. You must go and face Malak, but you have to hurry. Once I turn the battle in the Republic's favor we won't have much time to escape the Star Forge before it is destroyed. Good luck... and may the Force be with you."
She points me in the direction I should take and I grasp her shoulder, letting her feel my trust in her. She settles down into a meditative state and I take the door indicated. I come across more enemy sith and defeat them easily before continuing on my way. Through another door and I run into Malak himself. Two of the Jedi Knights are being restrained by Force choke and I battle wills with Malak to release them. I am unable to save them and they fall to the floor. He tells me that I will not escape from the Star Forge.
"It's you who can't escape, Malak. Surrender and the Jedi might show you mercy." He refuses to listen. "I was saved from the darkness, Malak. You can be too, if you wish." He disappears through the door behind him, locking it and activates the droid factory. Wave upon wave of droids are produced from these outlets but I am smarter than Malak gives me credit for. I go to each computer console and destroy the machinery, finishing off the droids in short order. Trying the door I find it is now unlocked again. I go through to a viewing platform where I face Malak once more.
"Well done Revan, I was certain the defenses of the Star Forge would destroy you, but I see there is more of your old self in you than I expected. You are stronger than I thought: stronger than you ever were during your reign as the Dark Lord. I did not think that was possible."
"The light side is stronger than you know, Malak"
He is full of false confidence. "I am tempted to try to capture you alive, Revan. Then I could break your will and bind you to me as my apprentice, as I did Bastila. You would be a far greater asset to me than even Bastila and her Battle Mediation, if I could control you. But is it worth the risk?" He muses. "Perhaps you are too powerful to be my apprentice. I betrayed you when I realized my own strength was greater than yours; in time you might try to do the same to me."
"You're still making the mistake of underestimating me, Malak." I can't help but goad him alittle.
"I cannot deny your resilience. You survived my first betrayal, thanks to Bastila's interference. You escaped the destruction of Taris and you escaped me on the Leviathan. You even survived my attempt to destroy you with the Star Forge itself. Fate and destiny have conspired to keep you alive despite all my efforts. We have been inexorably pushed to this final confrontation, Revan. I see now that this can only be settled when one of us destroys the other. Once again we will face each other in single combat... and the victor will decide the fate of the galaxy!"
He moves to strike and as he has the reach on me I decide my best bet is to keep my distance and use ranged strikes. I back off and race to the top of the platform, spinning to face him and throwing my lightsaber. He resists my attempts to freeze him in stasis and no matter what I come up with he seems to heal fast. This puzzles me as he should not be able to recover so quickly. He pauses the battle to goad me.
"You continue to amaze me, Revan. If only you had been the one to uncover the true power of the Star Forge you might have become truly invincible. But you were a fool. All you saw was an enormous factory, all you ever imagined was an infinite fleet rolling forth to crush the Republic. You were blind, Revan – blind and stupid!"
I shake my head but humor him. "What are you talking about?"
"The Star Forge is more than just a space station. In some ways, it is like a living creature. It hungers. And it can feed off the dark side that is within all of us! Look around you Revan. See the bodies? You should recognize them from the Academy. These are Jedi who fell when I attacked Dantooine. For all intents and purposes, dead, except for one difference: I have not let them become one with the Force, instead I have brought them here. The Star Forge corrupts what remains of their power and transfers the dark taint to me! You cannot beat me, Revan. Not here on the Star Forge. Not when I can draw upon the power of all these Jedi! And once you are beaten I will do the same to you. You will be trapped in a terrible existence between life and death, your power feeding me as I conquer the galaxy!"
I had seen the bodies around the platform but had not thought to look closely at them, had not wanted to. I now recall that Malak had a morbid side to him and now being controlled by the dark side it had gotten far worse. I am horrified at what he has done to these Jedi, and I do find I recognize a few of them. I resolve to let them become one with the Force and using speed and agility I quickly get out of Malak's range. Nearing the first of captured Jedi I murmur softly wishing him peace. I use the Force to strike out and free him from the chamber. Racing ahead of Malak, I continue this practice until the last of them has been freed before I turn to face Malak. I strike quickly and then run to another vantage point, pausing briefly to lay some mines and searching though my pack as I run I find I have several adhesive grenades amongst my collection. I get into a position where I can throw them at him, sticking him to the spot momentarily. I lob several plasma grenades at him then before turning to run again.
Now things are more even, he can't rejuvenate himself from the captured Jedi any longer and I am able to cause more damage to him now. I whittle down his health and with a surprise move, I power hit him, making him fall to his knees in front of me.
"Im... Impossible [cough] I cannot be beaten. I am the Dark Lord of the Sith!"
"The power of the light will always be stronger than the dark side" I look down at him, trying to convince him to renounce the dark side.
"Still sprouting the wisdom of the Jedi..." He defiantly says. Then he becomes thoughtful, wondering what it would have been like had he been the one captured instead of me. "Could I have returned to the light as you did? [cough] If you had not led me down the dark path in the first place, what destiny would I have found?"
He still stabs out at me and I do feel the guilt behind his words. I did lead him to this path. I bow my head slightly, my gaze never leaving his. "I am sorry I started you on this path. But you chose to continue down it."
He coughs again, as he is nearing death. "I suppose... I suppose you speak the truth." He finally admits. It is not enough to turn him back to the light but at least now he will not be the cause of more pain throughout the galaxy.
I stand there for a moment, looking at the man who was firstly my friend, then my enemy and I find it in my heart to forgive him, feeling a single tear slide down my face. I turn and head back to the Ebon Hawk. I do not encounter any of Malak's followers and it is as if they already know that their Master is dead. I know I have to hurry as time is getting short and I pick up my pace, only slowing down when I again near the docking bay. Carth and Bastila are waiting for me just inside of it.
With relief showing on his face Carth moves to my side, giving me a quick hug. "There you are! What happened?"
Downcast I quietly admit "There was no way to turn him to the lightside. I had to kill him."
Bastila shows shock that I had even tried, telling me that she didn't think that anyone would have expected me to try and save him. I give her a sad smile and again remind her of when she saved me. While I still can't remember my 'reign of terror' I am constantly reminded of it. I am very grateful that I managed to turn Bastila back to the light, things could have easily gone the other way. With an overwhelming sense of urgency we race onto the Hawk. Carth makes his way to the cockpit, quickly sliding into the pilot's chair while I take the co-pilot's position. The Star Forge is starting to break up around us as Carth takes us out, his piloting skill coming to the fore once again as he builds up speed to get us out of danger.
"Carth, you made it!" Admiral Dodonna's voice comes over the loud speaker.
Relief evident in his voice, Carth answers her hail. "We couldn't let you start the victory celebrations without us Admiral."
She tells us that they are sending an honor guard to escort us to the Rakata homeworld for the celebrations. Two sleek looking fighter craft take up wing positions either side of us and Carth plot's our course. We land on the same beach that we had crashed on previously. It is in a central position and not far from the temple where they will have the celebrations. We share a quick cuddle and I feel I have to ask him what we are going to do now... about us. While our future is still uncertain we agree that no matter what, we will stay together as a family unit.
"Umm... just a thought. How do you think Dustil will feel about being a big brother, or about us for that matter?"
My question catches Carth by surprise. He has only just found out that Dustil is still alive after years of believing otherwise and their reunion wasn't the happiest moment for him, for either of them. We both know that Dustil will not be happy when he finds out who I was and the part I'd had in the destruction of Telos, even though it was Darth Malak who gave Saul Karath the orders to carry it out. We decide that we will cross that bridge when we get to it and not worry about it before then. We also decide to tell the rest of the crew our 'news' so that we might have more leverage when it comes to the Jedi Council, we both have a feeling that they will try and break us up otherwise, regardless of my condition. I tell him that I want to speak with Bastila first as I sense through our bond that she is in turmoil about meeting up with Master Vander. I'm not all that keen on meeting up with him either, especially being as I am pregnant with Carth's child. He agrees and I head into the women's bunkroom, where I sense her to be.
"Are you alright?" I ask her gently. She can't believe what she has done and I move to sit beside her, giving her comfort. "You are a sister to me Bastila, I care about you and I know you are worried about facing Master Vandar again. Believe me, I am too." I choose not to elaborate on that yet.
She looks up at me, disbelief evident on her face. "How can you think of me like that? Not after what I have done. I could have killed you. Or the other way around."
"But you didn't. You saved me once before, when it mattered and I have now returned the favor. Consider us equal if you must. But I will still consider you like a sister. I feel like the whole crew of the Ebon Hawk is my family" I think I'm getting through to her and send her the same message through the bond. "The Jedi Council were wrong about one thing and ... I do believe that Jolee had the right of it." She looks at me now, wondering what I am babbling about so I explain. "Jolee told me a while ago that love itself, can save you... not condemn you. I believe he has the right of it and that the Jedi Council is wrong in this matter." She looks at me curiously now. "Come on, there's something that needs to be discussed with everyone before we go see the Council." I get up and taking her by the arm, lead her into the common room.
Seeing Carth already there I make my way over to him, smiling when he drapes his arm around my shoulders. Glancing around the room I happen to catch Jolee's eye and see just a hint of a smile lighting his face... he already knows what we are going to tell everyone. I sense Bastila's surprise at the intimacy shown between myself and Carth. She doesn't seem to be as disapproving now as she was before her fall to the darkside. I give her a smile.
Once everyone is present, Carth clears his throat and begins, "I want you all to witness that Skye and I intend to stay together. We have declared our love for each other in front of you all before – on this very beach to be exact – but there is something else we would like to share with you." All but Jolee are curious now as to what is going on. Bastila was the only one who didn't know of our public declaration of love and looks disturbed. Juhani moves over to her and rests her hand on Bastila's shoulder, both in comfort and to let her know that it is all right. "We both know that the Jedi Council will try and break us apart but that is not going to happen. They can't break up a family unit." He pauses to see if the message sinks in, squeezing my shoulders affectionately.
Jolee nods in agreement which only confirms that he knew already. Mission's jaw drops as she realises and nudging Big Z in the ribs. Juhani and Bastila both look surprised. Canderous gives Carth a curious look and the droids just stand there silent.
"Now, we know what the Jedi think of relationships but this baby makes things different."
Mission, being the typical teenager is bursting with questions. "When did this happen?" She looks at us with a shrewd, calculating expression on her face "You were fighting with each other when we left you on Manaan and that wasn't long enough ago for you to tell if you were. [She looks at me] When?"
I laugh at her and know that I won't get any peace until she knows. I blush with embarrassment, "Korriban. [I look down at my feet] It happened at Korriban."
Juhani gasps as she recalls the interactions between Carth and I during our time in the Sith Academy. "The morning I went to the library – wasn't it?" Glancing up at Carth I notice that I'm not the only one who is embarrassed. I nod to Juhani and she smiles at us. "I knew something had gone on between you – you were so much easier around each other – that is when you formed your bond also." She states. I hadn't mentioned that bit to Carth and he now looks at me enquiringly. Seeing that Carth doesn't understand she goes on. "You and Skye have a connection. When in battle you know where the other is at all times without visual confirmation, that could have just been because of your association with each other, but for one fact. I noticed during our battles that when you were close to each other there was a protective aura around the two of you."
Jolee adds to this. "On Manaan, Carth. You told me you saw the aura around Skye. I have known since then that you were Force Sensitive. Haven't you wondered who Dustil received his Force Powers from? You wouldn't have realised that your piloting ability is like second nature to you because you know when to turn, dodge, weave because of the Force flowing through you. The way you fought on the Star Forge, you knew where the enemy would strike before they acted, that is a Jedi trait. I will admit you are not as strong in the Force as the rest of the Jedi here, but close association with us has brought out more of your potential to access the Force." Then seeing shock registering across Carth's face he adds "Do not worry, you will not be trained by the Council – you are too old for them to want to train you. Although I would be surprised if they didn't know you were a 'sensitive'."
I ask Carth if he is ok, he has a lot to think about now. Before he can answer we hear someone calling us from outside the Hawk. It is time for us to go. As a close knit group we leave the Ebon Hawk and make our way to the Temple. The Elders are there, speaking with Admiral Dodonna and Master Vander. Seeing us arrive, we are signalled to join them. The celebrations are going on all around us as we make our way over, everyone congratulating us on our part in the destruction of the Star Forge.
Master Vander indicates that Bastila and myself are to follow him and he leads us to one of the rooms inside the Temple, so he can speak with us in private. Carth wants to follow but I indicate that he should wait with the others before turning to follow the small Master. Bastila grabs for my hand, both giving and receiving support from me. Once the door is closed he turns to face us both. Bowing to him I tell him that I tried to redeem Malak but to no avail. He nods at this as if he already knew. His gaze shifts to Bastila and he shows compassion for her inner turmoil, telling her that she has redeemed herself from falling by her actions in helping the Republic Fleet and that she has been forgiven her error in judgement.
His attention turns again to me. He is aware of my 'condition'. I'm not sure what reaction I was expecting but he shows me the same compassion and also lets me know that Carth and I will be supported. There will be difficult times ahead of us and we must remain true to the light, for our child's sake. I am surprised that he knows Carth is the father, but then again I realise that I shouldn't be. The Masters have always been one step ahead of us and must have foreseen that this would happen between us, having been thrown together as we were. His comments confirm this. I ask him then if he also knows about Carth's Force Sensitivity and for once I have the Master baffled. He didn't know of this. I go on to tell him that Carth's son Dustil is strong in the Force as well, describing how we 'saved' him from the path the Sith had planned for him and that we are hoping to meet with him again on Telos when we get the chance. For that he gives encouragement to try and get Dustil to enrol in one of the Jedi Academies. I nod in agreement to try before he dismisses us.
Outside again, Carth is quick to return to my side, I give him a quick smile. Master Vander surprises him by congratulating him for being the reason I stayed true to the light... and indicating my condition, says that we should take some time off for each other soon.
His eyes look like they will pop out and he splutters to Master Vander "You don't mind? Your not going to break us up?"
"No dear boy, the Jedi do not interfere with these matters. It is for both of you I worry. Your future is unclear. Stay true to the light and each other. May the Force be with you." With that he moves off to speak with Jolee and Juhani.
Admiral Dodonna now begins the proceedings. Everyone has gathered and we are led to the Temple summit for the awards ceremony, which is broadcast for the whole galaxy to see. All of our party are awarded with the Cross of Glory for our efforts and actions in routing the Sith and destroying the Star Forge. The Admiral declaring us Heroes of the Republic. Master Vander steps forward to say a few words as well. Not many knew who I was but he soon changes that, telling the audience that there is another reason to celebrate.
"We Jedi now have another tale to tell." He goes on and indicating me he says "The redemption of Revan." There is a stunned silence and I wish the ground would open up and swallow me. I feel the amazement of some and the horror of others, then some of them begin to cheer. I knew how hard it was for Carth and some of the crew to accept my identity but for it to be announced for the whole galaxy to hear... I know I have a lot of enemies out there and I feel the Master has just made life a little more difficult for me. Carth steps up behind me and places his hands on my arms, as if preventing my flight.
"I have to get out of here" I whisper desperately to him. "I can't stand the hurt that I caused as Revan, it has made too much of an impact on many of those out there. I want nothing more than to go into hiding somewhere."
He is supportive of me and I feel Bastila and Jolee move up either side of us also. They know how I feel but we need to keep up appearances. I am told to smile and wave. I follow instructions even though I want to run. The ceremony continues around us with several more heroes decorated, before it is finally concluded. Moving back from the dais I am approached by Admiral Dodonna. I feel a soothing wave of calm come over me as Master Vander joins us also. The Admiral shakes my hand and then takes notice that Carth has protectively put his arm around me. She raises her eyebrows in query. Master Vander informs her that we are a couple and that it is with the Jedi Council's blessing, that we were foreseen. She looks quickly at the Master at this statement, surprise evident on her face before turning back to me.
"Well Revan. While I am grateful for all of your help with this situation I am disturbed by your true identity."
Drawing strength from Carth and from my friends I quietly state. "You have no reason to fear Admiral. The part of me that was Revan is gone. I am Skye Organa now – Revan is no more." I feel Master Vander subtly reinforce me and it makes me smile at him. I feel her accept this and now feel that everything will be fine.