Chapter Nine: Rebellion
During their days at the Jedi Temple, the two friends learned much lore that had been unavailable to them on Dantooine, and their powers grew. They gained the trust and respect of many Masters and apprentices. Malak aided the weapon-masters at training Jedi younglings and apprentices, as few could wield a blade with his speed and precision. Revan spent much time in the archives, researching the Outer Rim and the few scant records the Jedi had of the Mandalorians. He also discovered an aptitude for mechanics that had eluded him on rural Dantooine. He became proficient at repairing the few droids used at the Temple, and sought out technicians around the planet to learn their craft. Thus they waited for the Council to conclude its investigations.
Revan was in a meditation chamber when Malak burst in with the news. "The Council has reached a decision! They have informed the Senate that the Jedi will not directly intervene until the raiders threaten the Republic and the core worlds directly." He was out of breath, having raced from the Senate where he had observed the Jedi announcement.
Revan stood up in surprise. "Then they'll condemn the Outer Rim to fire and bloodshed? What was the reaction in the Senate?"
Malak shrugged. "They really didn't seem surprised. Almost as if they expected the answer that they got. There's some grumbling on the Holonet, though, and it seems a few Senators have actually come out an denounced the Jedi. I got the impression, though, that nobody was really concerned with the Outer Rim."
Revan began pacing the small chamber, while Malak took as seat on one of the round platforms. At length, Revan stopped and said, "They don't care because they haven't seen what the Mandalorians are capable of. I can't believe the Council are doing this. We have to do something."
Malak looked at him, confused. "What, though? The Council will not intervene. Surely you don't mean we defy the Council and offer our services to the Republic on our own? What difference can two Jedi Knights make?"
"If two help, others may follow."
"How? The Jedi will follow the Council's will." Malak stood up, his face filled with forboding.
"We have gained the respect of many Jedi here. If we tell them the truth about the threat, we can convince them to help. There are also Jedi still at the Temple who have seen the destruction first hand. Surely some of them will come with us." Revan watched the look on Malak's face grow darker as he said this.
"What makes you say 'us,' Revan? How do you know I want to defy the council?" Malak's eyes met Revan's and for a moment the two friends glared at each other.
Abruptly, Revan laughed, and the tension broke. "Search your feelings, Malak. I stood next to you on Juurok, and I felt your anger at what you saw, even stronger than mine. You know it is the right thing to do. Are you with me?"
Unable to resist the bond between them, Malak gave a resigned smile of his own. "Yes, Revan. I'm with you."