Chapter Three
Bastila and the rest of the Council stared wide-eyed with horror at the hologram of the new Star Forge. She couldn't accept the terrible truth.
The Star Forge was an ancient weapon of conquest, built by a now extinct race of aliens before even the Great Hyperspace War. It was a factory that churned out innumerable ships, battle droids, and troops. The Sith had discovered it and used it against the Republic in the Jedi Civil War. Revan's once-apprentice Darth Malak seized control of the Forge when Revan was captured by the Jedi. Some say that the Star Forge's presence sent Malak down the dark side even further due to its nature. Returning a new man, Revan defeated Malak and destroyed the Star Forge with the help of Bastila and Carth.
"Carth," Bastila pleaded, "Order your men to get out of there now! You are not safe!"
"I copy, Master Shan." Admiral Onasi responded, "Don't worry, we were just planning on-"
BOOOM! The holodisplay rocked as Onasi's ship was jolted by a shock of energy. His image faded in and out as he barked orders to his officers. Atris stood and tried to maintain a connection with the admiral.
"Admiral, are you taking fire?" Master Bindo said, also rising to his feet.
"Yes," Carth's words came in broken fragments, "Multiple hull breaches, but no sign of what's hitting us! Hold on, we're trying some evasive maneuvers."
"Is it the Star Forge?" Atris asked.
"No," the admiral said through the static, "That's just it! Whatever it is, it's not coming from the Star Forge. From here it looks like it isn't even active!"
"Oh no," Bastila said to herself. Intuition guided her thoughts. She dropped to her knees and began using her sacred power of battle meditation.
Battle meditation was a gift discovered in Bastila when she was a small student at the Jedi enclave on Dantooine. It granted her to use the Force to turn the tide of any battle. Many times Bastila's battle meditation had granted the Republic victories over staggering odds, but this time was different.
This time, Bastila did not know Carth's attackers. She was uncertain, and now that very uncertainty was clouding her thoughts. Her battle meditation was not working from such a long distance.
"Carth, run!" she cried, "I cannot help you!" With that, Bastila collapsed on the floor, exhausted by the exertion of her strength.
But right then, the connection failed. The Council chamber became dark and eerily quiet. Atris rushed to Bastila's aid as Jolee looked on in silence.
- - - - -
Joran's eyes fluttered open. Something terrible had jarred him out of his state of meditation. He searched his thoughts for the cause.
Master Shan. She is in pain.
He jumped to his feet and bolted for the Council chambers. He burst through the doors in a manner he had never done before. The Masters spun around and looked at him in hopelessness.
"Master Shan?" Joran called to Bastila. She did not respond. "Master Bindo, what has happened?"
"I don't know how to explain it, son," Master Bindo said in astonishment, "She tried her battle meditation, but-" suddenly the old man jolted straight up. "I'll be back with a medpac and some stims. I think it'll help."
Joran watched as Jolee ran out of the chambers. Then he turned his gaze back upon Master Shan, who lay on the floor helpless as Master Atris tried desperately to revive her.
"Is she unconscious?" Joran asked, fearing the worst. Master Atris looked at him, trying hard to hold back fear.
"This can't be," Atris said, "We cannot lose more Jedi now! Not now!" Joran looked upon Bastila. She was losing color now, but there was something…No. I couldn't be. Was it?
Joran knelt down before Bastila. He placed his hand over her eyes. He had no idea what he was doing, only that his hand felt guided to do so. Atris looked at him confused.
There! It was surely a spark of life! Joran focused his thoughts and cleared fear and doubt from his mind. He concentrated harder.
The room began to glow with a bright light that emanated forth from Bastila's body. Her eyes suddenly burst open as she breathed in a breath of life.
"She's alive!" Atris exclaimed. Master Bindo had also just returned and wore the same expression of shock beside him was an equally surprised Rekkon Terak. As Bastila slowly regained consciousness, Joran slumped back exhausted. What had he done? How?
Now the entire Council stared at him, wondering in amazement at Joran's new-found power.
"I think," Master Bindo said, "That this council is not yet adjourned."
- - - - -
Across the expanse of space and time, a Republic ship was on the brink of destruction. The Vallian Spire, Admiral Onasi's personal battleship had suffered multiple hull breaches. Many of the crew were either dead of dying.
The devastated ship was drifting amongst the scattered remains of Malachor V. It was where the Mandalorian Wars had ended, and it was a place that many veterans wished fruitlessly to forget. But now, amidst the lifeless remnants of Mandalorian and Republic vessels, the imposing shape of a rebuilt Star Forge hovered in the green remains of the dead planet.
On board the Forge, the Sith Lord stood atop the peak of the weapon's spires. He had looked on in glee as the Republic fleet was destroyed by a mysterious force.
"Captain!" he roared, "I did not instruct you to fire!"
"But my lord, the Star Forge is not active." The captain stammered, "Whatever's hitting the Republic is not coming from us. We have no power, we couldn't have. Besides, I don't think there is a weapon like that in our arsenal." The Sith Lord turned back around to face the destruction.
Strange, he thought, I sense the dark side in this event. But its power is not focused. But before he could complete another thought, he was struck with blinding energy.
"Ahhh!" the Sith Lord suddenly screamed. Something had gripped him. But what? He felt pain, terrible pain. It was streaming in through his mind, connecting with his thoughts.
And then it ceased. The pain disappeared as quickly as it had arrived. But its effect still echoed within him.
It couldn't be, He thought. Then, dismissing the occurrence from his mind, the Sith Lord basked away from the viewport that overlooked the barren battlefield and retreated back to his ship, intent on making plans to carry out his attack on Coruscant.
- - - - -
Joran Skywalker had never felt so awkward in his life. He and Rekkon were now standing before the Council in an actual session. Usually this didn't concern him, but this particular session was different. Senator Guilio, the man behind the struggle to make the Republic the dominant democracy in the galaxy was allowed to attend. The gray-haired, bearded man appeared tense as he sat next to Master Atris. Apparently he felt awkward too.
"The Council has decided," Master Bindo began, "To call you, Joran Skywalker, into this special session regarding, 'recent events'." The other Jedi Masters nodded silently.
"I will do, of course, what the Council asks." Joran said, bowing.
Rekkon shrugged his shoulders. "I hope it won't take too long."
"Understand," Master Atris explained, "You are not in any way being punished. We do not believe it to be the correct course of action."
"Nor a fair one," Master Bindo added. "No. We have called you before the Council to inform you of what we see in you, especially in regards to Master Shan's recent, 'resurrection'." Joran shifted his weight. He was unsure of what they wanted to tell him.
"All of us have been Jedi many years," Master Bindo continued, "And never in our time have we seen a gift as powerful as yours."
"Or as deadly," Bastila added. Her concern was noted, as was her profound gratefulness for Joran's intervention.
"Many Jedi have been granted amazing gifts to aid the galaxy," Master Atris said, "But none such as yours."
"So what, is Joran dangerous now? Why don't we place him in a force cage right now?" Rekkon interjected, his anger at the Council's cryptic answers was growing.
"Your concern is noted," Master Bindo said, "But you speak out of turn. In the hands of a Sith, perhaps, Joran's ability to resurrect life would be more than destructive."
"And a risk we would not be willing to take." Atris added.
"But I have seen the way you act." Master Bindo continued, "I believe the light side of the force guides your actions. That is why we have decided to give you this mission."
"These Masters consulted me on this task beforehand," Senator Guilio said, "The mission they will lay before you is not only the Council's but also relies on the interest of the future of the Republic."
"This calling will come at a high price," Master Bindo warned, "And I believe your success or failure will determine the very fate of the galaxy as we know it."
What is it? Joran thought, What is the Council asking of me?
"Your mission is to search the galaxy for all the missing and fallen Jedi, and especially those slain by battle. You will know what to do. We have taught you what we can; now you must make the journey."
"It will not be easy," Master Atris said, "But this galaxy is in desperate need. It is a time of peril that I believe only true Jedi can face."
"And with the resurrected souls of lost Jedi on our side," Bastila added, "We will rise against this new threat with much fervor. For life is the path of a Jedi and every Jedi's life has a purpose."
"Your crazy," Rekkon said, "It sounds like you're setting him up to fail miserably."
"We understand that you have concerns and do not approve of the Council's request, Rekkon." Bastila said, "But the choice belongs to Joran and him alone."
Joran remained silent as he contemplated the Council's request. It seemed so far beyond him. Rekkon had a point; it could mean utter failure, death most likely. But his thoughts seemed clearer when he thought of accepting. He felt called. This was his destiny.
"I accept the Council's request." Joran said.
"Then indeed there is hope," Master Bindo said.
"You have the Senate's approval then," Senator Guilio said.
"I'll need help," Joran said.
"Indeed you will." Master Bindo, "Of course, Rekkon Terak will accompany you in your travels." Rekkon appeared surprised. Apparently he had not been at all aware of this.
"I, uh, will do the Council's bidding," he said, "You can count on me, Joran."
"And any allies you can recruit along the way," Bastila said.
"On that note," Master Atris said, "I would be cautious of those you travel with. Make wise decisions, for the company you travel with will affect you deeper than you know."
"I feel that you ready for this task," Master Bindo said, "May the Force be with you."
- - - - -
"This is still crazy, Joran." Rekkon said as the two Jedi approached the Temple's hanger, "They seem unsure that we'll even succeed." Rekkon had been badgering Joran about his mission all the way from the Council chambers.
"It is their decision," Joran said, "I'm not here to question it."
"Do you see how they've turned you into their drone?"
"The choice was mine, Rekkon."
"So it seemed. What would they have done had you refused?" Joran ignored the question and kept going. Soon they were at the hanger bay. The bronze door slid open and Joran stepped into the expansive space.
The hanger was large and tall. Many ships filled its bay. Most were Jedi starfighters and civilian ships, but a few freighters and Republic fighters also filled the space. Right now, the hanger was in a state of slight disarray. Wondo Vork, the Temple's chief mechanic was working hurriedly at the head desk, trying to organize dozens of datapads of information.
"Wondo?" Rekkon asked, "Still a little behind, as usual."
"Ah, no need for worry," the blue-skinned Twilek answered in his native dialect, "Everything's in order." Both Jedi very much doubted it. Wondo was reliable, but a little disorganized.
"We need a ship, Wondo," Joran said, "Have anything big and fast?"
"Big and fast, eh?" Wondo, "Sure, we got something like that. I got a ship right over here that got dropped off, but no one's come to take it off my hands."
"Some just left it here?" Joran asked.
"Yeah, and in quite a wreck too." Wondo added. Then seeing the worried look on the Jedi's face he said, "Don't worry, she flies quite nice now."
The head mechanic led the two Jedi past some old ships and random parts and salvage. Near the back was a medium-sized freighter, obviously Corellian in design. It appeared to have been through many wars, but Wondo had done a good job of restoring it back to flying condition. The ship was brown and grey in color and had two large engine ports near the back of its crescent-shaped form. To the left of the low-slung bulkhead was the loading ramp which was lowered.
"Ah, there she is," Wondo rambled, "The Ebon Hawk."
"Is it fast?" Rekkon said, still not trusting Wondo's workmanship, "It looks like you found it at a salvage camp."
"It would've been scrap long ago," Wondo answered, "But the stubborn little astromech droid that was onboard wouldn't let it happen. Despite what I've done, I can't get the little droid off the ship."
"So this, Ebon Hawk, comes with a free droid," Rekkon smirked, "Sounds like a scam."
"Trust me, it flies very fast." Wondo said proudly, "But it is yours. It takes up to much space here."
"We'll take it," Joran said. With that, the two Jedi boarded the ship and made their way to the cockpit. Joran examined the ships astrogation charts.
"Hmm," he wondered aloud as Rekkon tried the controls, "Only a few planets in the charts; Ord Mantell, Kashyyyk, Dantooine, and Yavin IV."
"Well," Rekkon said, "Ord Mantell's no picnic; might as well be Nar Shadaa for all the mercenaries care. Kashyyk's alright if you don't mind the smell of Wookies. Dantooine's a great place. I guess Yavin IV's the best place as any to start, but it's your choice."
"Of course. Look, can you fly this thing or what?"
"You bet. No sooner had Rekkon mentioned it than Joran saw Master Shan approach the battered ship.
"Can you prep the ship?" Joran asked, "I'll see what Master Shan wants."
"Sure." Joran met the Jedi Master outside the Ebon Hawk. Bastila's gaze was down trodden. Something weighed heavily on her mind.
"You require me, Master Shan?" Joran asked.
"Joran," Bastila said, "I wouldn't normally make such a request, but…" Joran instantly recognized her fears. "I'm not sure if my Battle Meditation worked when I tried to help Admiral Onasi, and…"
"Don't worry, Master Shan. I'll make sure we go to Malachor V to find him."
"Oh no, Joran. That is not what I meant for you to do, nor should you go there. Malachor V is a grave world of things best left forgotten. I merely wish for you try to contact him, see if he's alive. I…"
"Master Shan," Joran implored, "What happened at Malachor V? Why is it so evil?"
"I fear that your path may eventually take you there, but it is not now. As much as I hate to say it, your mission is of more importance than Admiral Onasi's life." Bastila retreated back inside the Temple thought upon her words. His mission was more important to the Republic than its commanding admiral?
- - - - -
Amidst the dark corridors of an ancient tomb, the Sith Lord stood silent, soaking himself in the glory of the historic and legendary Sith Lords of ages past. They were the ones who had formed the very fabric of the dark side and used its might for conquest, domination, and manipulation. Freedon Nadd. Ajunta Pall. Marka Ragnos. Naga Sadow. Tulak Hord. Every one of them very much alive in the dark side.
"Great masters of the Force," the Sith Lord said humbly, "Speak with your infinite wisdom. I desire your power." With loud hissings and shakings, the spirits of the dead Sith Lords spewed forth their answers into his soul. The evil in the stale ruins of a tomb rose to tangible levels, thick like smoke.
Destroy them! Destroy the Jedi Order!
"I will do my master's bidding as you have said."
Leave no one behind! None shall survive!
"Yes, my masters."
Start with the younglings. They shall be slain first!
"But what if they were to join us? They could become powerful allies." There was a pause. The ancient Lords did not speak for another second or so.
Deception is more powerful than destruction. Do not fail!
"I will not fail you, my masters." With that, the echoes of the dead lords ceased and the tomb became more silent than death itself. A tall figure clothed in black robes entered the chamber. His face was well hidden in the low light. The Sith Lord instantly recognized his presence and turned to face him.
"You have heard from the ancient masters?" the new figure asked.
"Yes, and I have a mission for you."
"Ask and I will do." the figure accepted.
"You know of the Jedi mission to resurrect their slain brethren?"
"Of course, my lord."
"Find them."
"Am I to assassinate them?"
"No. Your mission is one of conquest, not death, though death may befall the young ones in time."
"I will do as you wish, my Lord. Darkness will blind them to me."
"Then strike as though invisible, for they will never see you until it's too late." With that, the hooded figure disappeared from the tomb to begin his mission.