The Jedi destination turned out rather surprisingly to be Dantooine. The destruction that Vanie, Bastila and Juhani had mourned had not been so complete. More was left standing than had been demolished. The planet had fared considerably better than Taris. Lives had been lost and buildings had been ruined, but not enough to eradicate the Jedi Academy there.
A further surprise was the arrival of Juhani at Carth's door the morning of the Jedi departure. She smiled warmly as she greeted him.
" It has reached me that you, Mission, Zaalbar, Canderous and the droids intend to accompany us to Dantooine. "
Carth thought hard for a brief moment. Either the Jedi were very skilled or Canderous had spoken to someone else about their conversation. He had made Mission promise not to tell anyone about their plans and Zaalbar had never been considered a potential leak. But Carth hadn't even considered Canderous telling anyone. The Mandalore did not work alone it seemed.
" Where'd you hear that? " he asked carefully, inviting the Cathar in.
She smiled slightly.
" Secrets of the Jedi, Carth, " she said smoothly. " Now, would I be welcome on the Hawk, to act as Jedi liaison? "
" You're their agent on the inside are you? I didn't think that was your style, " Carth replied, somewhat disappointed in the woman.
" You mistake me. I thought you would need someone to help you negotiate past the Jedi who will inevitably try and stop you. "
He raised his eyebrows in surprise.
" Yeah, yeah we would need someone. Thank you Juhani, of course you're welcome. I'm sorry I doubted you. It's just… "
She nodded understandingly.
" The ways of the Jedi can seem strange. But I assure you, they mean well. "
Carth thought it more diplomatic not to answer that one.
" Malak awake yet? "
Juhani shook her head.
" He will not be allowed to wake until we are firmly settled on Dantooine. Vanie watches over him, as do two other Jedi masters. We are fortunate that we have so many who are so strong in the Force here. And there are yet more still on Dantooine. "
Ignore that thought too. Malak's not your problem. Get a grip.
Carth shouldered the small bag of his belongings he had brought from the Ebon Hawk. He turned and grinned at Juhani.
" Lead the way. "
The Jedi were boarding their ship as Carth and what remained of the Hawk's crew made their way down to the beach. Vanie was stood in the bright sunlight, gazing out over the land. Bastila stood at her side. Neither appeared to be speaking but Vanie turned and smiled at Bastila suddenly, at which the younger woman half laughed and gestured towards the waiting ship.
There had been some communication between them, Carth realised. Their bond was obviously still intact. One more hold the Jedi had over her.
" Bastila is still recovering. She is finding it doubly hard what with…. the recent addition to the Jedi party, " Juhani explained softly.
" Bet she sleeps with a lightsabre under her pillow, " Mission commented. " I know I would. "
" Query: is the meatbag apprentice already on board the ship? I should be with the master. She might need the meatbag terminated. She might need something else terminated, " HK-47 stated urgently.
" She stuck you with me HK-47, get used to it, " Canderous ordered. " Besides, you'll see her shortly. "
" Statement: I should be with the master! Her secure status has become doubtful. I should be with the master! "
HK-47's voice rose in agitation.
" Exclamation: Master! Master! Do not leave me behind master! Let me come with you! And kill things for you! Or not! Whichever you command! "
The droid's distress drew Vanie's attention. She looked over and then threw a pleading look at Master Vandar, who was also watching the commotion. The short Jedi nodded once and Vanie ran to join the group.
Carth felt a thrill of pleasure. She would be journeying with them. She would be away from Malak and all the Jedi for a few hours. He could put things right. He could…..
" Come with me then HK. But be quick, we leave very shortly. "
Carth's heart dropped instantly. She had made no eye contact. She was simply here to collect her droid.
" Thank you master, thank you, " Hk-47 droned.
" Best come with you then, " Canderous said briskly. He caught hold of Vanie's arm and started propelling her back towards the Jedi ship before she could protest.
" Canderous, you can't… " Juhani began to say.
" Vanie will need both her homicidal bodyguards. See you on Dantooine. "
Vandar watched impassively but made no move to stop Canderous from boarding the Jedi ship. The Mandalorian mock saluted the Jedi master and disappeared onto the ship with Vanie, HK-47 in close pursuit.
" That was almost as good as those Jedi tricks Vanie used to pull, " Mission remarked awestruck.
" Master Vandar will not be happy I think, " Juhani agreed, eyeing the departing Jedi ship warily.
" Good, " muttered Carth. " Right crew, lets ship out. "
" Are you trying to get me shot? " Vanie asked as Canderous followed her down the ship's passage.
" Trying to prevent it, " he answered, a smile on his face.
" Is someone trying to shoot the Master? Is it one of those robe-wearing wierdos you warned me of, Mandalorian? " HK-47 demanded, scanning the interior of the ship frantically.
Vanie looked pointedly at him; Canderous pretended he didn't see.
Coming to a closed door, Vanie pulled out a key card and swiped it through the small console at the side.
The door slid open and Vanie stepped in. Canderous followed her curiously.
It was a small medical room in which an old human woman and a middle-aged Twi'lek sat in deep meditation by the sole bed.
Malak was laid on the bed. He was still wearing his battered orange body armour. It was scorched and torn in several places. Down one side of the suit was a large blood stain. The man himself however appeared in decent health. His strange, grating breathing was regular. His face showed the toll of the darkness in which he had lived for the past years but no obvious injuries. The skin was bone white, which emphasized the black rings around his closed eyes. Deformed but alive and well.
Vanie moved silently to his side and checked the monitor by him. She nodded, satisfied and turned to him. One of his arms hung limply over the side, which she promptly lifted and placed gently back on the bed. She paused for a moment, as if steeling herself, then put two fingers softly on his forehead and closed her eyes.
Distinctly uneasy, Canderous pulled the comforting shape of his cannon into his grasp. The room was quiet for a few moments as Canderous readied himself to act at the slightest movement from Malak.
Nothing happened. Vanie opened her eyes and withdrew her hand. She nodded her satisfaction again.
" He's still not awake yet, " she whispered.
" I can see that, " Canderous retorted, his voice low.
" No, I mean in himself. It means he won't start fighting for consciousness. "
They left the room together, the door sealing behind them instantly.
" So, what do you plan to do with him? " Canderous asked.
" Train him to chase kath hounds, " Vanie answered seriously.
" Avoid the question again and I'll rat you out to your Master Vandar about your bizarre and most definitely unJedi-like sense of humour. You realise that image will go with me to my grave. "
The small woman sighed and flexed her tense shoulders.
" It's not up to me, " she said finally. " The Council will decide. I simply hope I will be able to aid in his rehabilitation. "
Vanie led Canderous to her small quarters, where HK-47 was already checking for intruders and potential threats.
" How is everyone? Are they all well? " she asked hesitantly.
" No, he's not, " Canderous answered bluntly, having no delusions about whom Vanie was actually asking.
" Does he know why I've done this? " she asked in a small voice.
" No, he doesn't. Do you? "
She turned to look at him, surprise on her face. The emotion was quickly wiped away.
" Malak can be redeemed. "
" And that's your job? Vandar and the rest of his Jedi cronies can't manage huh? "
Sighing, Vanie shrugged and tossed her lightsabre onto the bed. She released her hair from the tight bun and ran her fingers through it, letting it settle on her shoulders.
" I am one of the most powerful Jedi in the order, if not the most powerful. "
" Modest too. "
Her mouth opened to make a smart comment, but then snapped shut.
" C'mon Vanie, why are you playing with this lost soul? Let him go. Let the Council waste their time trying to save him. "
" There has to be redemption Canderous. And there has to be forgiveness. Or else there's no point to any of this. "
" Is that…? "
" Leave it Canderous, " Vanie interrupted. " I want to get changed and get some sleep. "
" You won't talk about this? "
She sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her soft leather boots off.
" We have talked about this. We've talked about it for the last few minutes. Enough now, please. "
When the big man made no move to leave, Vanie looked up at him wearily.
" The robe is the next thing coming off Canderous. If you see any more I'll have to kill you. "
" If I see any more I think Carth will, " he amended with a grin before he left.
Left alone, Vanie sat in silence for a few moments. Her eyes prickled rebelliously with tears. With a firm command, she gained control of herself.
No tears. No regrets. No pain.
No emotion.
Searing bright light burnt into his head as soon as he tentatively opened his eyes. He shut them again instantly.
Mentally, he checked his situation.
His body didn't hurt. The muscles were stiff which suggested he hadn't moved in a while but there was no damage.
Arms, fine. Fingers work. Good.
Legs, fine. He could feel his feet. Good.
His torso was okay. His spine was undamaged. So far so good.
The machine to which he had long ago grown accustomed seemed to be functioning as it should.
There were apparently no restraints on him. He wasn't tied or fastened to anything.
Still without opening his eyes, he slid his hand up to his neck. The metal was cold but seemed to be as he remembered it.
He became aware of a sensation at both wrists. He felt at them deftly. Strange metal cuffs. Still, they weren't hampering his movement in any way.
His situation wasn't bad at the moment. One last thing to check.
He relaxed and let his mind slip away. Nothing. No response.
Crushing his panic down, he tried again.
He could feel it, just. The Force hovered on the edges of his consciousness, like a dream slipping away in the morning. But he couldn't quite reach it.
His heart thudded painfully in his chest. How long had it been since he had been without the Force? He would feel easier if he'd lost an arm.
Maybe it was temporary. It would come back. It would have to.
Realising he had no other choice, Malak opened his eyes.
The light, an electric strip light, was not so bright he decided. He surveyed his surroundings.
Clean, bare walls. A small desk and chair in one corner. A large mirror on the wall. A footlocker. No window. One door.
And the bed he was laid on.
Two neatly folded piles of clothes were laid on the bottom of his bed.
Clothes. What was he wearing?
His war suit. Shredded and battered though.
Time to move, he told himself sternly.
" I should go in, " Vanie said for the third time.
" We'll tell you when to go in, " Vandar replied, as he had done the previous two times.
They watched through the mirror as Malak eased himself up off the bed and looked around warily. Master Zhar, Admiral Dodonna and another Jedi Master stood close by. Canderous lurked near Vanie's shoulder, trying hard to remain inconspicuous, lest the Jedi remember his presence and send him away.
The Sith Lord tried the door, only to find it was locked. He knelt down to open the footlocker.
" I should go in and talk to Malak, " Vanie broke the silence.
" Child we will tell you when to go in, " Zhar responded patiently.
" Did you see that? " Admiral Dodonna asked, turning to the others for a response.
Malak had approached the mirror and was running his hand over it speculatively.
" He heard you say his name, " Dodonna insisted, staring at Vanie uncertainly. " He looked up and came over when you said his name. "
No-one answered. Malak was stood on the other side of the mirror, seemingly looking straight at them.
" Revan, " he said quietly.
Sighing deeply, Vandar pressed a button at the side of the screen. It flickered briefly and then settled down again.
Malak raised his eyebrows as they came into view.
" What an illustrious audience I have. Now tell me Revan, what have you done? "
" I don't understand, " Vanie stuttered.
Malak frowned.
" Quite simple really: what have you done to me? Is this my punishment? "
" It's not a punishment Malak. It's… "
" Cruel, " Malak snapped before she could finish. " It's cruel Revan. "
" It's meant to be mercy, " she responded, a little more firmly.
He turned away and tried the door again.
" Your Sith vindictiveness has been surpassed, and by your Jedi mercy no less, " he mused as he attempted to pry the door open.
They watched the muscles in his arms bulge alarmingly with the effort.
" Those doors are secure aren't they? " Dodonna asked after a moment.
Vandar nodded vaguely as he felt the waves of Malak's poisonous energy crash against him. Such anger, such hatred, such… fear? Vandar returned the screen to its reflective state and then turned to Vanie.
" Go in, " he commanded when Malak finally stepped away from the door. He returned to his bed and sat back down, but his eyes remained fixed on the mirror.
" Let me go too, " Canderous demanded as Vanie moved towards the cell door.
Vanie held her breath for the refusal. She would dearly like a friend by her side at this first confrontation. Well, a friend she could trust.
Surprisingly Vandar nodded and gestured Canderous forward.
Just when he was wondering if they'd left or were still out there observing, the door slid open. Malak watched with feigned disinterest as Vanie stepped in, accompanied by a hulking Mandalorian.
" Where are we Revan? "
" We're on Dantooine, " she told him. Her soft voice calmed his nerves against his will. More frustratingly, in this state of Force-impotency he couldn't determine if she was using the Force to soothe him or whether it was simply the effect she had on him.
" Dantooine? Karath told me this planet had been destroyed. "
" From what I hear, " the Mandalorian commented dryly, " Karath wasn't the most reliable of men. "
At the intrusion, Malak turned his attention to the stranger. A big Mandalorian, dressed in carefully maintained, yet unmistakably old, Mandalorian battle armour. A heavy repeating cannon was slung casually over the man's shoulder.
This was the Mandalorian mercenary Revan had picked up then. A perfect specimen of his type. Powerfully built yet a gleam of low animal cunning shone in his eyes.
Typical of Revan to find, and win over for that matter, the best of the bunch.
" I killed many of your kind in the Mandalorian Wars, " Malak observed impersonally.
The man's face cracked into a grin.
" Funny. I killed quite a few of your kind in the Wars. "
Vanie cleared her throat awkwardly.
" Dantooine was heavily bombed, " she explained patiently as though Canderous had not spoken. " But the Jedi were able to shelter the Enclave and surrounding area from the worst of it. Saul Karath was fooled as to the extent of the damage. "
Malak nodded, digesting the information.
" How long have I been unconscious? "
" About two weeks. We gave you drugs to numb your Force sense, that's why you're probably feeling a little disorientated and dizzy. We had to let the drugs build up in your system. "
The Sith Lord held up his wrists.
" And what about these pretty bracelets? "
" Neural disruptors, " Vanie supplied. " We couldn't find any that would go on over your…. "
" My neck, " Malak finished for her as she trailed off. " Well, you have been busy, haven't you Revan? "
She looked down at her feet.
" I'm not Revan anymore. I'm Vanie. "
Malak's eyes narrowed in thought.
" Vanie, " he said slowly, as though tasting the name. " A childish diminutive of Revan. Revan without the sting. "
" Which would make you Lackie, " Canderous commented amiably.
" Canderous, can you leave please? " she asked quietly, realising that Canderous was going to push until he got a response. A violent one.
" Oh but Lackie and I are getting on so well, " the man answered, his eyes fixed on Malak's face.
" Canderous. " Vanie's voice was low but unyielding.
There was a long silence. Malak wondered if the man would outright refuse. But of course not, Revan had not lost her touch.
" I'll be right outside the door, " the Mandalorian said as he left. Malak got the distinct impression that it was less of a reassurance for Revan than a warning for him.
Vanie remained where she was, unmoving and silent, for a long time.
Even after all these years, Malak found himself struck by just how small and fragile she looked.
" So Revan, what's the plan? Am I to be brainwashed and reprogrammed too? Will I get to choose who I become? Can I choose my name? I always liked Uthar's name. Powerful and commanding without sounding like someone clearing their throat. I leave the last name up to you to choose… "
" Malak, please, " Vanie broke into his increasingly agitated rant.
" Am I embarassing you in front of your friends Revan dear? " Malak asked, his voice calm again. He turned to look at the mirror. " All your nice friends who've come to stare at me? This isn't a FREAK SHOW! " he roared suddenly.
Before Vanie could stop him, he had heaved the footlocker at the plexiglass. It shuddered, but held.
" I am not an exhibition. And I will not speak to you in front of an audience. "
Vanie took a deep breath. His eyes were fixed on her, two dark voids that seemed to see into her very soul. She licked her lips and nodded nervously.
" I'll talk to them, " she offered. " I'll talk to them and then I'll come back. "
" See that you do, " he growled as she walked to the door. " I'll be waiting. "
" It's out of the question child, " Master Rynia stated flatly.
Vanie sighed and looked at the gathered Jedi Masters in the hall.
" He won't speak to anyone but me, " she said for the hundredth time. " And only if I'm alone. "
" Of course those are his demands! " Master Rynia cried before Vandar could speak. " He seeks to turn you back to darkness!"
Canderous was sure he could hear a note of desperation in Vanie's voice when she answered.
" No I don't think so. And even if that was what he was aiming for, he won't succeed. I walk in the Light. "
There was an uncomfortable silence in the Jedi chambers. Canderous found it painful to see the look on Vanie's face as the majority of the Jedi Masters avoided her gaze. She looked like she'd just been slapped hard.
" We do believe that Jedi Vanie, " Vandar said at last, " but it is a dangerous path you wish to walk. Malak will still have a strong hold over you. It is not a risk worth taking. "
" We are talking about his redemption! What is that not worth? " Vanie cried out.
" It is not worth the return of Darth Revan, " Rynia barked, her face flushed.
" Tread carefully woman! " Canderous snarled, too angry to remain quiet. " I will not stand by to hear you abuse the warrior who you, all of you, are in debt to! "
" Cander…. " Vanie began but he brushed her aside.
" Mind your place Mandalorian, " Rynia shot back. " This is Jedi business. You are not expected to understand. "
" Oh I understand alright! It's fine to risk the return of Darth Revan when you need Vanie to do what you were all too weak to do. But when it's something Vanie wants to do, it's a different matter. Hell, you were happy enough to send her in to fight against Malak, to risk her life! You don't think he tried to turn her then? "
" The darkness that surrounds Malak may be retreating but he knows Revan inside out. He could all too easily take them both away from the Light Side. "
Canderous shook his head and threw his hands up in a gesture of disgust.
" And what about Bastila? Bastila knows the Dark Side and she also knows Vanie. But I don't see you refusing to let Vanie speak with Bastila. "
There was silence again.
" Canderous Ordo raises a good point. We must do what we must to save a soul. The Council will consider this matter, " Vandar stated finally.
The Masters filed away, leaving Canderous and Vanie alone.
" You shouldn't have got involved, " Vanie murmured. " But thank you. "
Canderous sighed and ran a hand through his short steel-grey hair.
" You think I don't agree with them? " he asked in a low voice. " You think I wouldn't rather leave Malak in the Dune Sea than let him bully you like this? "
She looked at him in surprise for a moment. Then her face washed blank again.
" So why did you do that? " she asked neutrally.
" Because, I don't like seeing them bully you either. Because you're a determined woman and if they say no, I wouldn't put it past you to force the issue somehow. Because this is what you want and I owe you my loyalty. Mandalorian war-leaders should get what they want. "
" Lets see if they do get what they want then. "
How long had she been gone? A few hours? A day? More than that? Malak was ill at ease, depressed and thoroughly bored. There was nothing to occupy him in his cell. Nothing.
He had considered meditating but had soon realised he was not ready to face the void, the emptiness left by the Force. When all his life he had been able to submerge himself in the all permeating web, having it ripped out of reach was something Malak couldn't yet consider.
Instead of meditating, he had turned to physical exercise. Even if his skills were no longer to be tested in battle, even if he did not now have to be prepared for sudden betrayal, there was no point in letting his muscles turn to mush. He would take death and betrayal if it came and be glad of it. And the exercise filled his head if nothing else.
But even Malak could only work out for so long. Soon his frustration overcame him again. She had said she would come back, and they could talk she'd said. He didn't even know why he wanted that. He didn't want to talk to her. He didn't want to have his inner feelings pried out of him, like he knew she would. He just wanted to be left alone. He just wanted to get out, out of this cell, off this planet, out of this life.
With his sense of the Force crushed into a sense of dormancy he found himself surprised when the door slid open. He turned expectantly, waiting for the small honey-haired, honey-voiced woman to enter.
But it was not Revan. A human man in about his mid-thirties entered and smiled politely.
" Greetings Malak. I am Jedi Knight Jitt-Ren Caresh. "
" Get out. "
The man smiled again and seated himself on the small chair.
" I'd like to speak with you a little if I could Malak. "
" Get out. "
" Can I ask you a few que…."
Malak seized the man by the throat and slammed him up against the wall. He banged the Jedi's head backwards a few times while the man dangled limp with fear.
" Get out, Jedi. "
The abject terror in the man's eyes was something he had come to expect from those in his presence. However, the sudden jolt as his body stopped responding to his commands was something he had not felt in many years.
Calm again, the Jedi scrambled from his grasp and took a deep breath.
" I'm sorry if I upset you Malak but I would like to ask you a few questions. When I release you, I'd like you to answer them, okay? "
How many years had it been since such an elementary use of the Force had affected him? He who was one of the greatest Sith lords in the galaxy had been frozen in place by a mere Jedi Knight.
Malak wanted to howl with humiliation. But all he could do was stand and stare.
" Let him go! This isn't right! " Vanie urged.
While his body may have been static, Vanie could see the look in Malak's eyes and it cut her to the bone.
The hopelessness, the indignity.
" Wait, " Vandar responded, watching Malak closely.
After a moment, Malak began to move again. Slowly but definitely. Jitt-Ren seemed taken aback and his brow furrowed in concentration. Malak stopped again but only for a few seconds.
" Sheer strength of will. Impressive, " Vandar commented.
" Alarming, " Rynia added. She sighed wearily. " You'd best go in Knight Vanie. "
Vanie had only just gone through the first security door when Malak's body snapped back into life. He was heading for Jitt-Ren when Vanie moved gracefully into his path. He raised a hand to slap her out of the way but her lightsabre hissed into life.
" Go on then Jitt-Ren. I'll take over, " Vanie remarked to the Jedi, her eyes fixed on Malak as he backed away.
" Go away Revan. I'm in no mood to talk, " Malak said blackly, turning away quickly.
But he was not quick enough. Vanie had seen the look of absolute humiliation.
" Malak? Please talk to me Malak. "
He didn't move.
" I can feel your pain. Let me help you. "
Still, he did not move.
" Please, " Vanie begged in a soft voice.
Malak felt his resolve weaken. He would have accused her of using the Force if he wasn't all too aware of how easy it was for her to manipulate him.
He turned around to face her. She smiled hopefully.
" Let me help you. "
He wanted to talk to her. She was Revan. Who else could he turn to?
" Not with them listening. Send them away. "
Vanie approached the mirror. It flickered momentarily and Vandar and Rynia came into view.
" We will give you time child, " Vandar conceded. " But we will feel you in the Force. Be aware that we will have to intervene if there are even ripples. "
" Of course, " Vanie agreed, too pleased to be insulted at the implication of a possible betrayal.
Vanie turned back to Malak with a brighter smile.
" They're gone. Now lets talk. "
It was all the encouragement Malak needed. He vented his fury to his oldest, closest friend, temporarily forgetting how he'd longed for her death only a few short months ago.
" A Knight, Revan! A mere Knight! I, Darth Malak, was held by the will of a mere Jedi Knight! "
" But Malak… " Vanie began but Malak was in full swing.
" I have taken on five knights at a time and barely broken a sweat! And now you have turned me into a Force-ignorant…weakling! "
" Your will was strong enough to break his! " Vanie insisted. " You were more powerful than him, that's all that matters. You broke him. "
Her eyes widened suddenly and her mouth formed a little o of surprise. Malak's brow creased in confusion.
" Revan… " he began, a curious note to his voice.
" Excuse me, uh…. Ignore that. "
" Old habits die hard it seems, " Malak hissed gleefully.
Vanie looked away, her face distressed.
" Just what is Vanie hiding, Revan? You're still in there, aren't you? "
Surprisingly, even as he said the words, even as he registered the horror on Vanie's face, Malak wasn't sure how to feel about that prospect.
Vanie recovered quickly.
" I am Vanie, and I hide nothing, " she said calmly. A sudden light flared into her eyes as she looked at him. " And you, " she spat, " You will walk in the Light if it's the last thing I do. "
" I should have killed you long ago, " he commented acidly.
" You tried, " Vanie pointed out. " A couple of times. Didn't take. Now, no more trying to provoke me. It won't work. "
A heavy lethargy washed over Malak. He sat down on the floor, his back against the wall.
" What do you want from me Revan? " he asked wearily.
" I want to help, " she insisted, her voice pleading.
" You can't help me. "
" You can't still want the Dark! I know you don't. I can feel it, " Vanie asserted vehemently.
" Keep your senses to yourself Revan, " Malak snapped. He sighed then and rubbed his head thoughtfully. " But you're right. I have had enough of the Dark Side. "
He sighed again and looked up at Vanie as she looked down at him, delight in her eyes.
" No, Revan. It's not because I've suddenly decided killing people is wrong. Or that I now feel that it's better to be righteous and walked over than cruel and on top. It's just… I don't know. Everything the Darkness asked for, I gave it. I gave away my principles, my humanity, half my face, " he touched the metal uncertainly as he spoke.
" Even you. The Darkness demanded you and I said yes. My best friend. My… My Revan. I gave it everything that I valued. Everything that meant anything to me. And it wasn't enough. I wasn't strong enough to beat you. "
He studied her thoughtful face, remembering their confrontation on the Star Forge.
" So now I have to ask myself: What was the damn point? What have I spent the last few years doing? "
" You can come back to the Light so easily, " Vanie ventured.
He pulled an annoyed face.
" The Light didn't satisfy me either. I don't see why it should now. "
They fell into silence.
Tentatively, Vanie crept over and sank down beside him.
" Aren't you scared? " he asked neutrally.
She shrugged.
" Not really. "
" Rub it in why don't you? Oh how the mighty are fallen, " Malak muttered, unable to summon up his customary animosity in the face of his oldest friend.
" Besides, " Vanie added, waving her lightsabre casually, " I have this. "
" Hmph, tell those Jedi fools I want my lightsabre back. "
She laughed lightly.
" I'll pass that on but don't hold your breath. "
" I could just take yours, " he suggested.
" You mean you could try, " she corrected him.
He gave a half-laugh and nodded.
The silence was comfortable for a few moments before Vanie broke it.
" Can I ask you a question Malak? "
" Seems like you can. "
" Ha Ha. No seriously. I was wondering… how did our Fall come about? What happened? What did we find? "
Malak looked at her, mildly taken aback.
" I'm not sure your Masters would approve of that question Revan. "
" I'm simply trying to understand. The Dark Side seems alien to me. Yet somehow I fell. What happened? What was out there? "
Malak considered her question for a long time before answering.
" We were winning the war against the Mandalorians. We knew it wouldn't be long before we crushed them completely. You were… jubilant. I was happy too. We were together and out on the farthest rim of the Galaxy. It was exciting. Maybe too exciting. Too, emotional. "
He paused and thought a little more.
" You and I, we were travelling in a small ship, just the two of us, doing some preliminary scouting for the next engagement. But… something went wrong. The ship started to fail. We had to set it down on this… strange planet. "
He fell silent again.
" And… " Vanie urged, her eyes wide.
" It was dark and the terrain was forbidding. Cliffs and chasms. And the wildlife. Terantatek everywhere. I wasn't sure we'd make it through alive. "
" But we obviously did! So what happened? "
" Hush Revan, I'm getting to it. We walked for miles, killing and foraging for food as best we could. Until we finally came across this old, old temple. I said it wasn't safe to go in. But you wanted to. You said we could manage, so long as we stayed together. So we went in. "
" What was in there? What did we find? " Vanie demanded.
" In the centre of the temple, sat on a throne, was this strange creature. A tiny little man, he barely came up to your waist. "
" And then? What did he do? "
" It all happened so fast. Before I could do anything, he came running over to you and then… "
Malak broke off and looked away.
" And… " Vanie breathed. " What did he do? "
" Then he hit you three times with his special Sith wand, and Poof, Darth Revan was born. "
Vanie stared at him blankly for a moment before comprehension struck.
" Malak! "
" What? You didn't like that? I thought that was what you wanted. "
" I wanted the truth, " she insisted.
" No, " Malak hissed, putting his face close to hers. " You wanted to be told it wasn't your fault. All this talk of what did we find, what was out there, did you even consider that it wasn't out there? That it was something in here? " he pressed, tapping her sternum.
Vanie stared at him, her eyes wide. She swallowed and stood up unsteadily.
" I have to go. "
He watched her leave and tried, without success, to name the emotion that he was feeling.
Whatever it was, he didn't like it.