CHAPTER SIX
The dark robed figure walked casually through the stone halls, the hood drawn over his features. The armored Sith troopers scurrying about bowed their heads and stepped from his path as he approached. The figure stopped outside the massive twin doors and waved his hand in front of them. They gave out a loud wrenching noise as they began to open. He did not wait for them to fully open and he stepped into the massive circular hall. He smiled as his presence was washed with dark power, and he took a deep breath reveling in the power coursing through him. He began the long trek across the floor of the cavernous room. High above the floor four hundred meters up he could see the stars in the night sky shining through the huge sky lights. The room was easily half a kilometer wide and four kilometers around its circumference. It took him only a minute at his pace to cross to the center of the room and let his eyes settle on the huge hulking form on the other side of the room. The figure was nearly nine feet tall, with a deep purple skin. Horns protruded from either side of his Master's large head. Vicious looking horns that could rend a man open in seconds. The black clothing covered much of the muscular purple body, but the head was exposed, and he could detect the smaller horns protruding from the base of the skull in a line over the top of his Master's head.
He dropped to one knee and bowed his head.
" My Master."
The huge figure turned ever so slightly. " Apprentice. Why have you disturbed me?"
" I… I bring news my Master."
" The Miraluka still lives."
" Yes… yes my lord."
" I felt as much. And my former apprentice and his Jedi wife and friends?"
" As you suspected, my lord. They have gone into hiding."
" And his children?"
" His son travels with the daughter of the exile. They went to Coruscant recently… but it is unclear what their purpose was. Our agents… as you know… have been unable to breach the walls of the Academy for some time."
" Yes. They took extraordinary measures after my former apprentice betrayed me and returned to the light. I doubt even you could breach the academy with the presence of so many Masters." He bristled at the words of his Master and heard the deep chuckle come forth from him. " Learn the patience your brother did not Lord Natal. That is why he failed."
" Yes… my Master."
" My former apprentice is no fool. He has gone into hiding, yet his offspring marshals forces to array against us. He works through his son, as I work through you. He has learned much since we last met. I had thought the Mandalorians the catalyst for my dominance. Little did I know they would fall under his boot, be crushed like so many insects, and then betray me to fight under his banner. That is why I turned him Lord Natal. He was to be my messenger. I was mistaken. I underestimated the inner light of the woman that took him from me. Malak was a fool for capturing her. Her capture began his descent into defeat. He should have killed her, as I instructed him."
" Our shipyards continue their production Master. They are not as efficient as the Star Forge once was, but soon we will have enough forces to begin our invasion. And we will crush the Republic and the Jedi." Natal spoke.
" This will not be won with ships and men apprentice." The hulking figure said. " They are but pieces of the war. Useful, yes, but only pieces."
" What are your orders my Master?"
" Increase the bounty on the heads of any who travel with their children. I want every scum in the universe to hound them mercilessly."
" The son is intelligent Master. Now that we have struck, he will be more cautious." Natal spoke.
" Indeed. Dispatch cadre of our Dark Jedi to every planet within range of the hidden bases we hold, and especially to the worlds where my apprentice's former allies might be. He no doubt warned them… and their reactions will cause effects, however minor they may be."
" And the children? Traveling as they do, with Mandalorian ships, make them easy to track."
" Yes. However that will not continue. It was a ruse to mask the escape of their parents. They will use unregistered transport now to go where they must go."
" Instructions for our Dark Jedi my lord?"
" Instructions? Kill them of course, in the vilest way possible. I want my former apprentice to understand that I am angry with him. And have our fringe fleets increase their interdiction of Republic shipping under the guise of the pirates. We must begin to put our plans into action."
" As you order my Master."
" And find this Sanctuary. The younger children will be there. Have our spies begin to make inquiries. If we can find the children, it will be easier to turn them all."
" Turn them my Master?"
" Of course! Imagine the power we would have. You have your talents young apprentice, but with Revan as a Dark Lord by my side again, nothing shall stand in our way!"
Natal bowed his head deeply. " As you wish Master."
" They are my best men." Canderous spoke with Revan as they stood outside the colony walls. " Everything you and your father requested is on board each ship, but I don't like having you split up junior."
" If we stay together it makes us a bigger target. This way… we can accomplish this part of the plan with as little attention as possible." Revan replied.
" I know that. Doesn't mean I have to like it!"
Revan looked at him. This man had taught him so much in the past years. " Uncle Canderous?"
Canderous shook his head. " No words! What's done is done. You and the little Kath Hound get things worked out?"
Revan nodded. " For the immediate future I believe."
" You don't let those Jedi windbags take her away from you boy. She'll give you fine sons and daughters!" Canderous told him.
Revan smiled. " It hasn't progressed quite that far." He answered.
" If you're anything like your father… I'll be bouncing them pups on my knee in no time!" He spoke with a laugh.
" I'll see you soon." Revan said. He looked at Visas as she came up to them. He noticed that she slipped her hand into his Uncle's hand behind his back.
" May the Force guide you Revan. And Arren." Visas told him.
" And you. We'll see you at the rendezvous." Revan turned and headed for where the small group of men and women waited. Arren fell in step with him as they walked toward the two medium sized freighters.
" You and Dralor will continue to our previous destination." Revan told her. " Take Anja with you."
" Where are you going?" Arren asked.
" Bao-Dur is in more danger than we first thought. His location on Telos will no longer be safe. I will collect him and meet you on Nar Shaddaa." Revan told her.
" Be careful." Arren said.
" Arren…" Revan looked at her. She took his hands and squeezed them.
" I will watch out for her." She said, sensing what he was going to say.
Revan nodded and touched his forehead to hers. " Safe journey."
" May the Force guide you." Arren said.
Arren watched him walk up the ramp of his freighter and disappear inside. She turned and walked to where Dralor stood, taking his hand. " Let's get going."
They walked to the ramp where Anja stood with Vlaina. " Let's get aboard." Arren spoke. " We need to be on our way too."
Arren stopped halfway up the ramp while Anja watched Revan's freighter reach into the sky. She kissed her husband and motioned for him to continue, then walked back to stand beside Anja.
" You will see him again soon." Arren said.
Anja turned and looked at her. " Is it that obvious?" She asked softly.
" To another woman in love with a man? Yes." Arren replied.
" I feel… I feel strange. My stomach… it feels hollow, empty." Anja said.
Arren took her hand. " It's normal."
" Normal for what?"
Arren chuckled. " Normal when you are falling in love with someone."
" I… I can't be doing that. I am a Jedi." Anja said.
" Last time I checked you were also a woman." Arren smiled. " Come into the cockpit with us. The view leaving Katarr is quite beautiful."
Anja shifted her bag on her shoulder and let Arren lead her into the ship. The freighter was of medium size, the cargo hold filled with plasteel cylinders and other metal crates. Arren led her into the cockpit where she settled into the seat next to Dralor. Vlaina occupied the seat behind Arren, and Anja settled into the one behind Dralor.
Hey! Revan's voice echoed in her head as if he was next to her.
" What!" Anja barked, startling herself. The others looked at her, confusion in their eyes.
Sorry.
Don't do that! You scared me too death!
I'm sorry. I put some things in your bag. You'll need them where you are going. And I think they will look nice on you.
What things?
Well… look in your bag and see.
Anja lifted her bag to her lap and opened it. Sitting on top was a small box which she opened. Inside were two gleaming ear rings the color of emeralds.
Revan… Revan… they're beautiful.
I thought so. They don't quite match your eyes, but they are close. The dress will be a shock to you, so I suggest you…
Anja lifted the velvety green dress from the bag. Her eyes widened when she saw it. It was cut very low in the front, and while long, the split on the side would travel all the way up her leg. Anja could not contain the gasp that escaped her lips. Arren turned in her chair as Dralor continued to pilot. She and Vlaina smiled at the dress she held.
…open it in your quarters.
" Revan… I can't wear this!" Anja blurted the words, his warning to her coming too late. At the mention of Revan's name, even Dralor turned in his chair now, his eyes taking in the small dress in Anja's hands. Arren understood what was happening now and she smiled at Anja's face which was changing to a very dark red as she stuffed the dress back into her bag.
Anja was talking to Revan in her head. She had opened her mind to their bond, and Arren knew it could not be closed any longer. Not if she was communicating with him as she was. She made a note though to mention to Revan to check before presenting her with surprises, else he would embarrass her, as he had now.
Dralor chuckled in his seat. " Now this is how a man should be treated." He said, knowing the reaction that would come from his wife. " A fast ship… and three beautiful women all to myself, with little to wear in the way of clothing. What more could I ask for?"
Arren, Vlaina and even Anja reached forward and punched him in different spots. Arren looked at him. " How bout you ask for the strength to last the night. Once I get done with you, you won't have the energy to look at another woman, let alone make comments like that."
Dralor smiled. " Is that a promise my wife?" He asked.
Arren smiled at him as she got up. " Perhaps my husband." She took Anja's hand and pulled her out of the chair. " Come Anja… before Revan manages to unknowingly embarrass you further."
Revan… you… you…
What? What did I do?
You Bantha farmer!
Even as she said it, a smile spread across her face as he passed his love for her through their bond.
" I'll give him this." Arren said looking at how Anja filled out the dress. " He certainly has a taste for what makes you look stunning."
The dress conformed to Anja like a second skin, hugging her luscious figure at every turn and curve, of which there were many. The color, combined with the tanned skin of her body made her eyes seem even brighter.
" Arren… I can not wear this." Anja said, even though the feel of it against her skin was delightful. " I am a Jedi of the Order. This is not appropriate."
" It is where we are going." Arren said.
" Where are we going?" Anja asked.
Arren got up from the bunk and dispensed two mugs of caffa. She handed one to Anja and returned to her seat. " We're going to Alderaan."
Anja sipped the mug and settled onto the bunk across from Arren. " Why Alderaan?"
" There is someone there who knew Revan's father, a man who sacrificed a lot when Uncle Revan left for the Outer Rim." Arren looked at her. " Carth Onasi."
" You mean Senator Onasi?" Anja asked very surprised. " I did not know he served with Revan senior."
Arren nodded. " They met on Taris, during the Jedi Civil War. By that time Uncle Revan had his implanted memories and thought he was someone else. It wasn't until later that Onasi found out… they all found out… who they really traveled with. When Uncle Revan left for the Outer Rim, Onasi begged him to let him come. Uncle Revan knew he could not take anyone he cared for. For some reason Onasi took it very personal. They haven't spoke in nearly thirty years. Since the day Uncle Revan and Aunt Bastila left the Order.
" Alderaan is a very free society. What you are wearing… what we all will be wearing is normal for the function we are going to attend." Arren said.
" May I ask a question of you?" Anja spoke up.
" Certainly."
" Your attitude… your demeanor towards me is very different than a few days ago. Why?"
" You have changed Anja." Arren told her. " I do not mean this as an insult… you are abrasive, stubborn, have a sharp tongue, and sometimes you do not think before you speak. But…" She held up her hand as Anja's mouth opened to speak. " You have changed Anja. You are still all those things, but what you have seen in the last few days has… tempered you to a degree. Made you more open to things outside the Jedi Order. That you have opened your mind to the bond you and Revan share says quite a bit all by itself."
" I have always been alone. I trusted no one. I had very few friends, and even them I did not trust completely. I was terrified of what he showed me. I've never had anyone share something so personal with me." Anja said. " He opened himself to me without question, and I hurt him for it. I still feel terrible for the things I said."
" They were said out of emotion." Arren told her.
" Yes… but I could not control the words." Anja told her. " They controlled me."
" You only spoke what you felt in your heart Anja. To repress what you feel behind a code of words does not give you peace. Saying what you feel, expressing your emotions, but having the control to measure your actions and words. That is peace. And it is strength. If you never taste something, but say you hate it, what is that?"
Anja looked at her. " That is foolish. You would not be able to make that kind of decision without tasting it. Your answer would be clouded by falsehoods."
" Exactly." Arren spoke. " That is why we are different, Revan and I and our brothers and sisters. We've tasted the dark side; we've seen what it can do. We have simply decided that it is not what we want, and we use it for our purposes. Not the other way around."
" But the Masters say the power of the Dark Side is great. That it can corrupt a Jedi if the paths to it are not avoided."
" Yes. That is what they say. They say emotions are the path to the Dark Side." Arren said. " I have loved my husband with every fiber of my existence since I was fourteen years old. He makes me smile, he makes me laugh, and he makes me scream out his name in our bed. Do I seem corrupted to you in any way?"
" Your husband makes you scream his name? Why would he do that?" Anja asked.
Arren blushed slightly. " We can cover that part another time." She said. " Domay and Talik, our sons… they are the center of our universe, our strength. Emotions are not bad Anja. They are who we are as people. It is not the Jedi teachings themselves that are wrong Anja. It is 'how' they are taught. Does Revan seem corrupted to you? You have touched his mind. You share a bond with him that I could never have. Do you sense the dark side overwhelming him?"
Anja looked at her. " The only thing I feel…" She smiled softly. " The only thing I feel from him is an overwhelming love. For me."
" That is the Force Anja. Not the twisted teachings of the Jedi Masters in the Academy." Arren stood up, setting her mug on the table. " We should get some rest, and I need to feel my husband's arms around me. I would like to continue this conversation Anja. I find you to be a breath of fresh air, and someone I could come to very much care for. And not just because you are the woman Rev loves."
Anja looked at her and smiled. " I'd like that too. Very much so."
Arren nodded and kissed her softly on the cheek before turning and leaving the quarters. Anja sat back on the bunk and sipped her coffee as her mind went over what they had just discussed.
Revan? She reached out within their bond as he had shown her.
Yes Anja.
You… you haven't said anything in some time.
I sensed your thoughts were confused; troubled. I did not want to disturb you if you were occupied. I apologize for embarrassing you Anja.
I was talking with Arren. It was a very enlightening conversation. And your apology is accepted.
Yes. I leave the enlightening conversations to her. She was always much better at them than I was.
Anja chuckled. She is exceptionally intelligent. And she deeply loves her husband.
Yes… she does indeed.
Thank you for the gifts. They are beautiful
I only wish I could see you wearing them Anja, for you are what will make them beautiful. Someday perhaps.
Anja thought she could detect the slightest hint of sadness in his words.
Goodnight Revan.
Sleep well Anja.
ALDERAAN
Alderaan was the epitome of how every planet in the Republic wanted to be. Modern, bustling cities combine with the natural beauty of the oceans and forests. A planet of nearly fifty million inhabitants its cities were centers of trade and commerce within the Republic. The people of Alderaan were an open minded population. Many of the Republics' more un-written laws regarding conduct and appropriateness did not apply here on this world. This was something Anja detected almost immediately upon leaving the freighter with Arren and Vlaina. They had also changed into much more revealing attire, Vlaina letting her red hair finally fall free, and the tightness of her white dress clinging to her shapely figure. Arren had dyed her normally white hair to a light brown color, and the dress she wore was similar to Anja's, but different in color and the amount of skin it exposed. Dralor had also changed into simple, but elegant garments, and Arren clung to his arm as they walked through the Market, heading for the government buildings.
The looks from the young men that she and Vlaina elicited were looks of desire and lust. It surprised Anja to see men ogling them in such an open fashion. While Anja had never felt physically attracted to a man before, she now found herself looking back at these men and doing one thing without even realizing it.
She was comparing them to Revan.
Arren turned back to them from her perch on Dralor's arm. " The ceremony does not begin for another ninety minutes. We have invitations, so we don't have to rush. Why don't we split up and wander the market for a time. We can meet by the government buildings."
" Is that wise Arren?" Anja asked. " Shouldn't we stay together?"
Vlaina took her arm gently. " We will be fine Arren." She said, pulling Anja with her towards some shops. " All you have are those unflattering Jedi robes." Vlaina whispered to her. "Let's pick you up some normal clothes."
Anja looked at her with a smile. " I'd like that."
" Come… there is a shop I know of on the other side of the square."
Arren grinned as they walked away and she turned her eyes to her husband. He was looking at her with a look of desire and she squeezed his arm. " Hold that thought my love." She said. " You can fulfill it tonight."
Dralor smiled at her. " Why not now? I know where there are some excellent rooms for rent."
Arren faked a look of shock on her face. " Husband! How would you know such things?"
" I seem to recall a delicious young creature I brought here some years ago. Such a fine thing she was too. Smooth skin… soft lips… and a fire inside her that needed quenching." Dralor replied.
Arren laughed. " I also seem to recall it was right after that little trip that I became pregnant and was fat for nine months."
" Fat? You looked even more desirable when you carried our sons Arren." Dralor told her nuzzling her ear as he knew she liked.
Arren groaned inwardly as her passion grew. " We only have an hour." She said to him.
Dralor nuzzled her neck now, his hand tracing the small of her back. " Yes. But think what we could do in that hour." He said softly in her ear.
Arren smiled… her eyes closed as her husband continued to work his magic on her skin. " If only the Republic knew what I know about Mandalorian men… there never would have been a war. The woman would have surrendered." She gripped his hand tightly. " You had better get me there quick husband… or I will take advantage of you in this square."
Dralor laughed and scooped her into his arms.
The government buildings were lavish and huge. They looked like a palace of sorts, with fine satin floor length tapestry lining the main hall. Hundreds of people were filing into the great hall talking amongst themselves and sipping fine Alderaanian wine. Arren and the others stood near a stairwell, letting other men and women file past them as they casually sipped the wine.
" His office is upstairs." Arren told them. " He is scheduled to speak in an hour… so we must talk to him before that."
Anja looked at the stairs… seeing the single security officer blocking the entrance. " It is guarded." She said.
" We can't use our powers here Anja. We don't want to leave an imprint." Arren said.
" How long do you need Arren?" Vlaina asked.
" No more than thirty minutes."
Vlaina nodded and ran her fingers through her hair. " I will occupy our security guard. He is rather handsome." She smiled and headed over to where the young man stood.
Anja turned quickly when she felt the hand on her back, and a body press tightly to her. She looked into the face of a handsome man who appeared in his thirties.
" Hello there. Aren't you a delicious specimen. I noticed you are not with someone. Perhaps I could interest you in some company?"
Anja forced a smile onto her face. The man's touch had moved to her lower back and it sent a chill of disgust through her. " Thank you… but no."
" Come now dear. We could be so good together." The man said.
Anja smiled a very warm smile at the man, reaching around behind her and removing his hand from her back. " While I'm sure you hold yourself in very high regard… you'll forgive me if I prefer the touch of someone else who holds my attentions."
Dralor glanced at Arren quickly upon hearing Anja's words. She only smiled and nodded her head.
The man however, would not give up. He moved even closer to Anja. " I'm sure he wouldn't mind sharing you for a time. You are the most delicious thing I have seen since arriving here." He reached up to try and stroke her hair.
Anja clasped his hand tightly before he could touch her again. " I assure you… he would be extremely irritated to discover you have had the unmitigated gall to lay your filthy hands on me. And I'm quite sure that after he removed your fingers from your hands… he would then take great satisfaction in removing your obviously under developed male organs from your body."
The man stepped back from her, a look of terror in his eyes. " Goodness. He sounds like a beast. What kind of man is he?"
Anja smiled sweetly. " More of a man than you will ever be, of that you can be sure." She said.
" Fine. If that is what you prefer!"
" It is." Anja said confidently.
The man walked off and Anja shook her head before turning to see Dralor and Arren staring at her grinning.
" What?" Anja asked innocently. " You said we can't use our powers."
Dralor shook his head with a smile. " You will make a fine Mandalorian bride Knight Tamari." He said. " A fine one indeed."
Arren squeezed his arm as she saw the security guard disappear from the stairwell, Vlaina's hands pulling him into a darkened corridor.
" Come. The path is clear." She said.
The three of them darted forward up the stairs.
Carth Onasi stood on the balcony of his office looking down on the crowd of people slowly entering the great hall. He held a drink in his hand as he had for nearly everyday the last thirty years. He had once been a promising officer in the Republic Fleet, at one time holding the rank of Admiral. He had saved the Republic, a hero of the Star Forge. Yet now, he was only a broken down man.
Carth had followed a man once, a younger man with a knack for inspiring people to his cause. They had met over a doomed planet in an escape from a doomed ship. They had fought across planets side by side, and in their travels, that man had rescued his son from the Sith monsters on Korriban, brought peace between the Sand People and settlers on Tatooine, helped form a new government on the Wookie home world, and saved not only the Jedi Order but the Republic as well. That man had helped him to overcome the grief he felt at his wife's death, and had helped him purge the hatred for the men who had exacted that toll on him. That man had become his closest friend.
Carth had begged Revan to allow him to come with him. Revan had refused, asking Carth to instead remain behind and look after the Republic and the woman he loved. Carth had done so… but during that span of five years… Carth had done something wrong. He had fallen in love with his friend's woman. They traveled together, spent time together, but looking back on their years together, Carth realized not once had Bastila shown any interest in him other than friendship. Her love for Revan is what drove her to go on. He had of course confronted her shortly after encountering General Vorsut after the second Battle of Telos. And part of him had secretly hoped because Dacen Vorsut had the EBON HAWK, that he would tell them Revan was dead. He hoped that Dacen would tell him that so he could have Bastila to himself.
Carth never imagined that nine months after departing for the Outer Rim in search of his friend, General Dacen Vorsut would return to Republic space with Revan, injured and weak… but very much alive. Any hopes of having Bastila to himself were crushed on that day she discovered her love had returned. Carth could not stand the humiliation and loss he felt when Revan returned. Though they had been apart five years, the bond between Revan and Bastila had grown even stronger, and he knew nothing would come between them again. He tried to remain a faithful friend, and he supported Revan during the months after he returned. But in the end, he blamed Revan for taking his first wife Morganna from him, and he blamed Revan for taking the second woman he loved.
They had not parted on good terms.
Carth had been angry and filled with hate for Revan after the day he and Bastila left the Order. He had been drinking the night before and confronted them in the Temple docks before they left his life for good. He demanded Revan fight him for Bastila's heart, even though he knew where her heart already belonged. That day saw him strike Revan three times, each time drawing blood, yet Revan did not strike him back. He could have, Carth knew, using the Force Revan could have easily restrained him and disappeared from his life. Instead, he stood there, Bastila crying in the background until several Republic soldiers and Jedi stopped him. His last memory of Revan was watching them walk onto that shuttle, and seeing the pain and sadness in the eyes of the man and woman he had called friends through the most difficult of times.
Carth left the Republic Fleet one week later. He came here to Alderaan to try and start a new life, but in doing so had destroyed any hope he had for redemption. He continued to drink heavily, and while he had effortlessly assumed the role of politician, he was a beaten down man now. Even his own son would not talk to him, their relationship strained to breaking upon Carth's treatment of the man Dustil considered his savior. His son was traveling the galaxy somewhere, doing the duties of a Jedi knight. He had not seen him in nearly twenty years. Carth was alone now, alone with shattered dreams and a bottle. He did not see himself ever being more than what he was now. A broken down politician with no family and less friends.
Carth Onasi also did not see his redemption enter his office.
" Senator Onasi?" The soft female voice spoke.
Carth turned briefly, not looking up. " I'm not seeing anyone right now. Make an appointment with my secretary."
" Senator… I would like a moment of your time." The voice continued.
Carth turned quickly, intending to snap at the intruders. He caught himself when he saw the tall, powerfully built Mandalorian and the two very beautiful young women in front of his desk. He came back into his office from the balcony and looked at them.
" I don't recognize you." Carth said, looking at Arren. His eyes went to Anja. " You are a Jedi. I'm not so old I can't tell that."
" I am Padawan Tamari, Senator." Anja said, bowing her head slightly.
" The Council sending Padawans on missions by themselves now?" Carth asked. " Cause this lady carries herself like a Jedi… but she isn't one. And the last time I saw a Mandalorian in the company of a Jedi, I was a lot younger, and times were much different." Carth downed his drink and poured another one. " So who are you?"
" Senator… my name is Arren Vorsut. This is my husband Dralor, of the Mandalorian Clan of Ordo."
Carth's head snapped up and he looked at her. " Ordo?"
Arren nodded. " The man you once knew as Canderous Ordo is now Mandalore, and leader of the remaining Mandalorian Clans."
Carth chuckled. " So that cantankerous old bastard is still alive Uhu? That doesn't surprise me in the least. He was hard to kill." Carth looked at her. " So he made himself Mandalore? Good for him. What does this have to do with me, and how did you get past the security at the stairs.?" Carth held up his hand. " No wait. She's a Jedi. That answers that question."
" Arren Vorsut also wields the Force Senator." Anja spoke.
Carth settled himself into his chair. " Ok, so you got past my security. What do you want? After all these years, what does the Jedi Order and Arren Vorsut…" His eyes grew wide again. " Vorsut? Why does that name sound familiar to me?"
" You met my father once Senator. Many years ago." Arren said.
" Where was that?"
" Citadel Station."
Carth's eyes went wide and he came to his feet. " General Dacen Vorsut! The Exile?"
Arren nodded. " Yes."
Carth's eyes narrowed. " Why do I have a feeling that a very large plasma bomb is falling for my head?" He spoke. He looked at the Mandalorian man. " If you're here to kill me, get it over with. I have nothing to live for now anyway."
" Kill you?" Dralor spoke, shocked. " I do not kill those who have fought honorably beside Mandalore and have earned themselves a spot of honor in our history."
" Your history?" Carth asked stunned.
" You are the same Carth Onasi who fought beside Mandalore and The Revan at the Star Forge are you not?" Dralor asked.
" That was a long time ago son." Carth spoke quietly. " A lifetime ago."
" It is time for you to reclaim your place among those who consider you family Carth Onasi." Dralor told him.
Carth looked at Arren. " What is he talking about?"
" I have several messages for you Senator." Arren said, pulling the message cubes from her small bag. " I was asked by my Aunt Bastila to deliver them to you."
" Aunt Bastila?" Carth spoke stunned.
" Technically… there is no relation. But after what our fathers went through together, it is not inappropriate to call her that." Arren answered.
" Bastila and… Revan are alive?" Carth asked stunned at this revelation.
" Yes they are." Arren replied. " And they asked that I deliver these to you." She lowered the four message cubes to his desk.
" Is this some sort of joke?" Carth asked.
Arren shook her head. " No Senator. These are not joking times. You will find all the answers you seek on these cubes. The information to contact myself or Revan junior is also included."
" They… they had a son?" Carth asked.
Arren looked at him. " Revan is the oldest of their five children Senator. Zhar and Dorak are sixteen and seventeen respectively. Their twin sons are four. Jacen… and Carth."
Carth's eyes widened when Arren revealed this to him. " Is this some sort of cruel joke miss. I'm not really in the mood!"
Arren shook his head. " This is no joke Senator. I have done what Aunt Bastila asked me to do. I'm sorry, but I have to meet Revan soon, so I must depart. Everything you require is included in these cubes. That is what she asked me to relay to you. How you proceed is up to you." Arren motioned with her head and Dralor and Anja moved for the door.
" You have been apart from your family for too long Senator. It is time to come home." Arren spoke softly.
Carth did not hear them depart his office as he fingered the message cubes in front of him. He lifted the first cube and set it in the holo imager. He closed his eyes, fighting back the pain and tears when Bastila's face appeared. She was just as beautiful now as he remembered her from thirty years ago.
" Hello Carth. I've had to start this message to you over three times because of the emotions surging through me right now. Where do I begin? It has been so long since we have seen you. You never answered our inquires to your location through the years and it fills us with sadness. Listen to what I have to say Carth. Revan could not bring himself to be here with me. He carries such agony over the way you parted so many years ago. He feels he took everything from you, but I think I know you better than that Carth Onasi. And after speaking with Dustil, I know I was right. During the time Revan was gone Carth, I took strength in the knowledge you were there. You always encouraged me to never give up hope. I'm so sorry I didn't see what was really happening. I never meant to hurt you. Please believe me."
Carth felt the tears come as her words pierced his soul. " I know." He said softly.
" We went through so much together Carth. All of us did. I believe a part of you knew I would never abandon my love for Revan That no matter what happen, he would always fill my being. And because of you… of your insistent manner and infuriating conduct… I never gave up hope. And my reward was that the man I loved returned to me. I wanted you to be part of that joy I felt. I hoped it would fill you with as much joy. You and Revan were like brothers Carth. Everyone thought so. There is not much I can say that will take the pain away. You are still a member of our family Carth Onasi." He watched her bend down through tear stained eyes and pick up the small boy. " And this is your name sake. Say hello Uncle Carth." She told the smiling young boy. Leaving the child on her lap she looked back to the imager. " Carth… Revan found what he was searching for. And it nearly killed him there in the Outer Rim. If not for Arren's father Dacen, it would have. Carth… what Revan found is awake now. It is coming for the Republic. For all of us. If you are watching this, then Revan and I have left with Dacen and Brianna as an advance party of sorts. Arren and our oldest son Revan junior… we call him Rev… are right now collecting all those who fought with us on the Star Forge. And all those who helped Dacen and you at the Second Battle of Telos. They are in danger. As are you." Bastila took a deep breath and smiled, a tear falling from her eye. " Carth… you are a member of our family… and we want you to come home. If this is to be our last battle… our last fight for what we believe… Revan and I want our family together. All of us. Please Carth. I would imagine Dustil is already heading back. Please Carth… come back to us… where you belong."
Bastila smiled weakly. " I hope you will see that your life and ours were never meant to part like they have. Come home Carth. Come home."
Through the waterfall of tears, Carth Onasi fumbled through putting another one of the cubes into the imager.
"… is this thing on?" Carth heard the gruff voice ask. He felt warmth he hadn't felt in years wash over him as he heard the next voice. " Hey Republic… you listening to me? Our war ain't finished Republic! Time to take up the repeater and save the galaxy again. Some men are called to do these things flyboy. Unfortunately… you and me… we are the suckers! Now get off that flyboy backside wherever it is, and get back here where you belong! I miss having someone who appreciates my jokes!"
Carth Onasi felt the first genuine smile cross his face in decades as he switched out the cubes again. It was Bastila's face again, only much more serious this time. " Carth… Revan wanted you to have this message. He said you would know what to do with it. I have not seen it, as you seem to have the only pass code to unlock it. Revan said only you would know it. It has something to do with the first day or so before you rescued me from that insidious swoop gang on Taris. It is a name. The name of the leader of the gang you and Revan assisted. I hope you remember it."
" Gadon!" Carth barked as if it was only yesterday. He punched in the code and the image that came up set him back in his seat in shock. " My God!" He muttered.
Arren stood by the ramp of their freighter, Vlaina next to her sitting on a plasteel cylinder, a very contented look on her face. Arren looked at her with a smile.
" Did you enjoy yourself?" She asked.
Vlaina looked at her. " I just might come back here after we are done and claim that man for my own." She said with a smile. " After what he did to me in thirty minutes… I would be honored to have his children."
Arren laughed as Anja came down the ramp changed into one of her new outfits. It was a two piece gray jumpsuit that hugged her like a glove. The leather belt held several pouches and her light saber… which was currently tucked under the cloak she wore. " Very nice." She said.
Anja did a clumsy twirl and smiled. " I thought so."
" Would the fact that Revan's favorite color is gray have anything to do with your choice of outfits?" Arren asked with a smile.
" Arren… why would you say something like that?" Anja spoke with a twinkle in her eye.
Vlaina came to her feet. " However… I just might have to settle for what is currently coming this way. Even if he is slightly older." Arren's eyes turned to see what she meant.
" What the hell are we waiting for!" The voice carried to them. " Let's get moving!"
They all turned and saw Carth walking towards them carrying a small bag. He wore a casual outfit, with an old battered brown jacket, but no one could mistake the two blasters he wore in the dual holsters. Arren smiled as he came up to them. He stopped in front of her.
" You knew I would come didn't you young lady?" He asked her.
Arren smiled. " Aunt Bastila hoped you would Senator."
" Well… we got a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in, so let's get moving." Carth said. He stepped around her and looked at Anja, who stood by the end of the ramp.
" No Revan I will not!" She snapped to no one in particular. She noticed Carth looking at her strangely. " What?"
Arren touched his arm smiling. " She has developed a Force Bond with Rev junior." She explained. " And she still has yet to learn how to reply to his teasing with her mind!" Arren spoke, her voice a little louder.
Anja met her eyes. " He wants me to wear that skimpy little dress when we meet them on Nar Shaddaa! Just so he can ogle me. He's impossible! He actually said he wants to ogle me!"
Carth rolled his eyes. " The more time that passes the less things change." He said grinning, feeling like himself for the first time in thirty years. " Another Force Bond. Jeez!" Carth headed up the ramp. " I'll say this… at least the boy has got the same taste in woman. Beautiful and annoying." He stopped when he saw Vlaina. " Hello there. We haven't met have we?"
Vlaina smiled at him. " Hello Senator Onasi. I was… indisposed while Arren was meeting with you. It is an honor to meet you. I am Vlaina, daughter of Kelborne."
" You're Mandalorian?" He asked.
Vlaina nodded. " Yes Senator."
" I take it that there are quite a few more Mandalorians left than Canderous first thought." Carth said, looking at Arren and then back to Vlaina.
" Our settlement is several thousand strong Senator. With more joining us each year." Vlaina replied.
Carth nodded. " This I'll have to see." He moved past Vlaina into the ships as Arren came up to her.
Vlaina looked at her with a smile. " Arren… you did not tell me he was so handsome." She said.
" Vlaina… he's the same age as your father!" Arren spoke.
" Yes he is. Which means he is very experienced and would make a wonderful father." Vlaina replied. " I will have to investigate the good Senator."
Arren couldn't believe it. Vlaina looked love struck as she followed Carth into the ship. She shook her head as she walked up the ramp. The stories her Uncle Revan had told her when she was a girl ringing in her head. The stories of a very strange and unique crew and what they accomplished together.