Chapter 8. A Complete Individual
Mira's small fighter vessel carefully landed in the shadow of the larger vessel, the Ebon Hawk. Upon exiting the ship, Mira and Steve were greeted by everyone. Revan threw up a shinny object in Steve's direction and said:
"Catch!" The cylinder shaped object bounced off the man's good hand, but, with a quick recovery, Steve was able to press it against himself to keep it from sliding down. He took it in his hand and looked at it carefully. It was a brand new lightsaber.
"Is this what I think it is?" Steve finally said to Revan who nodded at the question.
"Thanks!" He said before igniting the white beam.
"How hot do they get?" Steve was curious.
"Touch it." Revan smirked. Steve did as he was told and placed the blade against his good palm. He instantly retracted his hand and looked at his palm. It didn't seem to be burnt at all. He touched the blade again for a second and got a better feel its operating temperature.
"I made it so you can feel the pain if you get hit, but it only starts to burn you after 7 or 8 seconds of contact…" Revan added.
"Perfect. I love it. Thank you so much." Steve said.
"That's not all." Revan approached the man and handed over a bag. Steve looked into it and saw five more identical lightsabers.
"Waw! Are they all for training?" Steve asked.
"Yes. I made two for you because I know what you want… and I made two for me in case I feel like trying it too. And I made two for Bastila… if she ever decides to use them." Revan answered.
"Bastila. When is she coming over?" Steve asked. Revan smiled and said:
"Tomorrow. She's on her way now."
Steve had a huge smile on his face. He kissed Revan on the lips and wrapped his arm around her.
"Amazing." He said after the long kiss they shared.
"I need to speak to you… and Mira too. I'd like for you to come with me in the common room please." Revan said. Mira nodded and followed the couple to the common room. They sat facing each other quietly for a moment. Steve didn't need to be a Jedi to know Mira felt a little awkward. That meant Revan could feel it from miles away…
"Mira, I'd like to know what you found out." Revan asked the redhead.
"Not much… There's a lot of action in the exchange, but it's been like that forever. Goto has many enemies, but none of what I heard could lead to a war or anything… it's all business." Mira answered.
"Are you sure?" Revan asked. Mira thought about it for a moment while Revan looked into her mind.
"Yes, I'm sure." Mira finally said. Revan nodded and turned her head to Steve.
"I've been meditating most of my time here… There's something we need to speak of in private…" Revan said to Steve while gently holding his broken hand. Steve hesitated for a moment then got up to follow her into the hallway. Mira looked a little troubled, but she didn't see any negative reaction from Revan… or Steve for that matter.
When the couple was far enough into the hallway, they stopped and turned to face each other.
"There's something important that I want to talk to you about… It's about you…" Revan said.
"I… me?" Steve was puzzled. Revan placed a hand on his lips to shush him gently and continued:
"Just listen for a moment." She said. Steve nodded and gave the woman all of his attention.
"Do you remember that day on the Jedi ship… the day we spent in each other's arms… during the transference?" Revan begun. Steve nodded.
"You gave me all my powers back…. but you gave me even more than that…" Revan said.
"I know… you gave me a part of you as well during our first…" Steve said before Revan shushed him again.
"Shush baby… shhhuuu." She whispered.
"It's not the same… there is something about you… that's different, Steve." Revan said.
"You have something inside of you. I see it constantly… and I'm the only one who can see it." Revan said.
"What are you talking about?" Steve risked saying before being shushed again. It seemed Revan was just taking breaks rather than waiting for a reply.
"You, Steve, I'm talking about you… or a part of you that you don't really know about." She began. Steve raised an eyebrow.
"There's a strong presence in the force… just inside of you." She said while placing her hand on his belly.
"It seems you have no interaction with it, no… connection to it… at least, not on a conscious level." She explained.
"I can't feel the force, you know that…" Steve said just before being shushed again.
"Let me finish… don't say anything baby…." Revan whispered.
"It's not what you think it is. I can see it very clearly and… I can feel it… but I too can't… communicate with it. It doesn't want to communicate." She said.
"I believe… My theory is… that it's as much who you are… as you are it" She said. Steve was very puzzled.
"Haven't you noticed how you can affect people so much?" Revan asked.
"Well, yes. But not… well isn't that just because I'm different? Oh…" He said. Revan nodded and continued.
"You are different Steve, but more than you know. Wherever you go, and I've experimented this with you, but, everywhere you go, you seem to modify the will of the force. It's as though you can rewrite the will of the force as you interact with people." She observed.
"At first, I didn't think of it that way: I was sure it was just you… well, in everyway, I still think it's just because of you… but this thing you have inside of you… it is you." She was almost confusing herself. It was still all theoretical to her.
"You can change people's minds… but, at the same time, you change the force around you." She continued.
"What I am trying to say is… I have a piece of that within me as well now. Though it's just a fraction of… of you, it doesn't go away. And it doesn't… communicate." She said.
"I've tested with it, tried to make it react to the light and dark side of the force… It simply doesn't change." She paused.
"My theory, Steve, is that it… or you, were made to use this… somewhere where it was needed the most… somewhere where there is much confusion in the force… somewhere where there is great danger to all life… where the force has failed." Revan said.
"I… I didn't know such a place existed…" Steve said honestly.
"I know of a place… I've seen things before… things people have never witnessed before. This place, this… abomination… I first saw it at Malachor 5. It was the location of the Mandalorian's last battle, the day of our victory…" Revan said.
"Many people died there… no, everyone who was on the planet died there… The force… died there. It was like a cancer, Steve, a cancer in the force. I've never seen something like that before… but it's spreading, Steve. In an unpredictable pattern, I might add." Revan said.
"You think I… I'm meant to stop this… this plague?" Steve asked in concern.
"I think… no, I know… you are the cure of this cancer." Revan answered.
"But if it's just a dead planet, what is there to cure?" Steve was puzzled.
"That planet wasn't dead before, Steve… none of the places where this… cancer… is striking was ever meant to be doomed that way." Revan answered.
"So what's causing it?" Steve said.
"I can't answer that… but I do know someone who can. There is still something left at Malachor 5, a presence… It doesn't stay there though… and I can't track this presence… but it's someone I know well." Revan said.
"How come you can't track it if it's someone you know well? You're the most powerful woman…" Steve was saying until Revan shushed him again.
"She was a mentor of mine, someone of great power and knowledge. She can't be tracked easily." Revan clarified.
"Is she dangerous?" Steve asked in concern.
"Maybe… but not to us." Revan said simply.
"How will we find this old friend of yours?" Steve asked.
"Hopefully, Bastila will aid us…" Revan said.
"What if I can't do what it is you want me to do?" Steve was uncertain.
"You…you're made to do this, Steve. There's no other explanation for this." Revan said.
"Revan… there… doesn't have to be a reason for everything…" Steve said. Revan placed her hand back on his belly to reassure herself before convincing Steve.
"Something tells me this is your destiny… The force tells me so… but not the part of the force I usually hear." Revan said.
"What are you talking about? I thought you said there wasn't any communication…" Steve said and was shushed yet again.
"It's not what I call communication… it's something completely different. I can't explain it to you, but I did say I can feel it, didn't I?" Revan said.
"Well anyway, I feel this… I do. My hand feels it now… and my heart feels it. And the part of yourself I have within me… I feel it, always." Revan explained.
"Ok Revan, say I believe you; why haven't you told me this before?" Steve asked curiously.
"Because… because I couldn't even explain it to myself." Revan said.
"So why do you seem so distant Revan? What's bothering you baby?" Steve was concerned.
"I feel like I used you, from the very beginning. I feel like you were a lab animal part of my experiments all along. And now, it's as though you finally know what you are… and what I'm doing." Revan admitted.
"No, Revan, I love you! I love you so much! Nothing baby, nothing, can get between us." Steve said as he held the woman by the shoulders.
"I know how you feel Steve, I always know how you feel. But… I know who I am, I know who I was. I know why I brought you here. Now that you… now that you're on a different mission… I feel like I've always been acting… selfish about you." Revan said.
"Selfish? No baby, you're confused. What you feel is love. It's not the same at all. Selfish is when you only care about yourself. Is that how you feel, Revan? Do you only care for yourself?" Steve asked.
"No… no of course not." Revan admitted.
"So how do you explain why I brought you here?" Revan wasn't convinced.
"You were a little different then, Revan. Still, I don't think it was selfishness that brought me here. You had some things to do here, things that needed to be fixed. You brought me here to finish what you started, to halt the war… You did it for others, like you always did everything for others." Steve said.
"And why do I feel selfish now? I know what I'm asking you to do… and I know it's more risky than anything else I've ever made you do. And now I keep feeling like I don't want you to go. Steve, I've seen the future… I fear for your life." She said.
"You don't want me to go because you don't want me to die… or fail… not because you care too much about our relationship to risk it." Steve said.
"Why else would you tell me all of this if you weren't sure we would go on this… new mission?" Steve asked.
"I'm not saying we aren't going, I'm saying I worry about you… now, more than ever." She said honestly.
"There's nothing wrong with that. I want to know something though, Revan: Why do you love me?" Steve asked honestly.
"Why do you ask me that?" Revan was uneasy about the question.
"I want to be sure it's not because of some kind of crazy phenomenon in the force that makes you feel the way you do… about me." Steve said honestly.
"I knew about this crazy phenomenon when I found you, Steve… but I never linked it to the way I love you… until just now. Still, I … I really want to believe you ARE this crazy phenomenon and not the other way around: I want to believe it's you who is responsible for this presence in the force. I thought I knew all about the force until I met you… now I can't be sure of anything… I'm so confused…" She answered. Steve held her in his arms in a delicate matter.
"You think this thing found its way inside me… but wasn't responsible for my creation. Is that it?" Steve whispered into her ear as he rocked her sideways.
"Yes, that's it exactly." Revan whispered back.
"I want to believe it too. You love me anyway right? That's all that matters. I'll do whatever you want me to do. And I know you won't act selfishly, but with love… and compassion for everything we are trying to protect." Steve said.
"You are the perfect leader Revan. And the woman of my life. My confidence in you is unimaginable. You WILL find a way to make everything better, even if it means you have to let go of something… of me. Our love... is eternal. You will always be a part of me, and I will always be a part of you. Don't be afraid, instead, just try and find me wherever you are… look for me inside of you… not just that presence you are talking about, but ME. If you can do that Revan, it'll mean you can do anything." Steve said and then kissed the woman passionately.
After their discussion, Steve and Revan made their way to their room. Once there, Steve unpacked his things.
"What would you like to do until Bastila arrives?" Revan asked him.
"I'd like to get my hand fixed so we can spar with our new lightsabers." Steve said after thinking about it.
"Why do you want to spend… your time like that?" Revan asked as she though they may be his last moments.
"What do you mean?" Steve was curious.
"Well, we don't have much time before… before we leave for our mission. I thought you would like to spend you time… with your friends… it may be your last chance to speak to them…" Revan said softly.
"I think that's the opposite of what I want… You see, I don't want anyone to know this may be our last mission together… no. I don't want that. Why cause pain that may be for nothing? No. I don't think it's right to… to make them even more attached to me just before… well, you understand don't you?" Steve said.
"Why not? Most people who know they are about to… well, they usually want to say things; give their last words, their last opinions…" Revan said.
"You know exactly what I would say to everyone don't you? That's why I refuse to do that to them. It would be too painful for everyone… just think about it, you see this all the time: Someone dies in your arms and tells you he loves you… the moment he dies, how would you feel?" Steve asked.
"Horrible…" Revan admitted.
"Exactly what I don't want. I want them to know, deep in their hearts, that I love them very, very much… but I don't want to tell them I will die because it will trigger… pain." Steve said.
"What about after… after you… What then? Will it be alright to tell them?" Revan asked.
"I suppose. It would still cause pain, but maybe it would be appropriate that they hear how I want to be remembered…" Steve said.
"Let's just… let's just keep our minds busy with something else for now… About or sparing, I'd like to do it on the surface, in the snow. Just some big wide open space with plenty of light… We could borrow some Echani boots and gloves and just spend our time together, doing something we could enjoy, without being distracted…" Steve said.
"All right. Let's get your hand fixed and we can do that." Revan said.
Revan brought Steve into the holding room… the one that contained the three force cages and the medical instruments. She took off the brace Steve had on his hand and inspected it carefully.
"Wow… that's some pretty heavy damage… how did you do this?" Revan asked.
"Long story. I needed to do it to escape the bounty hunters…" Steve said simply.
"Well, there's no way we can get this to heal on time… we'll have to reinforce your bones the hard way…" Revan said.
"The hard way?" Steve was concerned. Revan took out a briefcase and opened it. Inside were tools made for small operations… scalpels, blood pumps, needles, scissors, tweezers, clamps and so on. Steve looked into the case and shivered as a cold sensation ran up his spine.
"That hard way…" Steve understood.
"Don't worry, we have some powerful painkillers; you'll be able to move your hand like normal… but you won't feel a thing." Revan reassured him.
"I trust you." Steve said. Revan injected a solution into his hand to numb it and organized all her tools on the table beside them for easy access. Then she was performing her magic. She cut the surface of the skin and pulled it apart to have a good look inside. She used the clamps to spread the small muscles and tendons out of the way and pumped out all the blood that was constantly filling up his hand. She could see the shattered bones clearly now. She installed some strong materials around Steve's severed bones to keep the structure together and added some force distributors at each end of the small bones so that whatever forces circulated into his hand went around the outside of his bones where the artificial parts were installed. It was a very difficult task because his small bones were tightly packed in between all the other tissues. She had to make many incisions to reach all the bones. Overlooking the procedure, Steve admired her precision. Her patience and her wisdom in combination with the confidence she felt through the force allowed her to perform a near perfect surgical operation. Revan seated Steve's muscles and tendons back into place, closed up all the lacerations she had made and sucked out the blood with the pump. With a quick laser stitching, his hand almost looked decent…
"Thank you Revan." He said.
The couple left the holding room to go to the large closet that was near the changing room. They went into the closet to pick out two pairs of gloves and boots. As they searched for suitable sizes, Revan said:
"You made love to Mira?"
"Yes." Steve admitted.
"Was it a good experience for you?" She asked.
"It was." Steve said. He sighed and looked down at his feet.
"What's wrong?" Revan asked.
"I just… well I just hoped I would get another chance. I promised her I would be there for her. And… and now I can't. It was a new experience for me, you know. I just expected that… well that I would experience more of what life here has to offer." Steve said. The both of them fell silent for a moment.
"Revan." Steve whispered to the woman. Revan looked at him and waited.
"When… if I die… I'd like for you to watch over Mira, Bastila and the handmaidens… keep them together… don't let them separate. That way, if I become one with the force, I'll be able to watch over you. I'll be able to stay here… with my family. I want you to try and make things as comfortable as they can be for everyone." Steve asked.
"I intend to." Revan promised.
"There are so many things I'm going to miss…" Steve said.
"I would have loved to see the handmaidens embrace their freedom… and I would have loved to see Mira become something else than a bounty huntress. But most of all, I would have loved to see Bastila become the greatest Jedi knight the galaxy has known… and I would have loved to see people recognize you as a hero again." Steve said slowly.
At that moment, Mira stepped in the closet, out of curiosity.
"Where are you going?" Mira asked. Steve and Revan weren't sure what Mira overheard, so they didn't know exactly what the redhead meant by the question, but, because the couple was fitting on some boots, Steve thought of an appropriate response:
"We're going up to the surface to do some lightsaber sparing."
"You're going to fight Revan with a lightsaber?" Mira was surprised.
"Yep. Just for the fun of it." Steve smiled. Mira smirked and said:
"Can I come watch?"
"I guess, if you want to. If it's ok with Revan." Steve looked at his soul mate for approval.
"Of course she can watch. If there's someone in here that could be distracted by an audience, it's you." Revan teased the man.
"Great! Wait, I'll get the handmaidens too; I'm sure they would love to watch as well." Mira said and turned around in a flash.
"Meet us at the surface!" Steve yelled at the redhead, who was already out of the closet.
Steve went to pick up the bag of lightsabers from Revan's room and ran up to the surface.
"Which ones are mine again?" Steve asked. Revan looked in the bag and took out two hilts and handed them to him. Steve set one of them in the snow and held the other one in his hand. Revan picked up one of hers and backed up a few meters. Steve placed some distance between himself and the bag. The audience finally arrived. The two Echani women stood up near the bag and Mira sat comfortably down in the soft snow.
A white beam shun from the hilt Steve held in his hand. Just a few meters ahead of him, a red beam appeared. Steve waved his lightsaber around for show and stepped forward. Revan did something similar and stood in her favorite form to begin the match. Steve was the first to attack. His speed was easily matched as he frantically demanded more from his body. Just like the time before, he had to ready himself physically for this task. He felt a little slow at first, just like with Juhani. However, he felt much more confident. He was building up some noticeable speed, everyone could see this. It was the first time he actually had an audience… and it was the first time it didn't matter. He was soon attacking with the agility of a Jedi knight, just as he left off from his encounter with the Cathar. It seemed he was never reaching his peak though; he kept improving. When Revan felt it was time, she pushed him more and more. She forced him to improve. She was happy to see him like this. Soon, she was too much for him to handle and she landed a few hits. Steve didn't want to give up just yet, he felt good about himself. A few more minutes past, and, when he was too tired to keep up with Revan, he surrendered to the gentle poke of her warm lightsaber.
"Give me… a few… more minutes. I want to try with two lightsabers." Steve said in between breaths.
He went back to the bag and picked up the other hilt. He walked around and calmed his breathing as his heart rate decreased. When he was calm enough, he activated the two lightsabers and moved back into position. Revan anticipated his readiness and waited for him with a ready blade. This time, Steve was fast from the start. It was Revan who had trouble keeping up. She had an extra blade to worry about this time, and Steve had no handicap using one hand per weapon. He was obviously diverse in his skills. It was rare to find people who were confident with two lightsabers. Revan had to use the force to increase her speed. She increased it slowly, giving herself time to test Steve's capability. She eventually matched his speed and gave a very good show. Revan predicted Steve would tire soon, and, before that time came, she gave it all she had. She used the force to speed her mind and muscles to a similar point Steve had done when he fought Malak. It was very hard to see her movement. Her blade was but a flash when she struck. It was hard to tell if the crimson blade was just beginning a move or ending one. Steve tried his hardest to defend himself but couldn't predict his soul mate at this speed. He was still capable of attacking though. He took a few hits and only gave up when he was too exhausted to strike.
"Give yourself a few minutes, and then I want to try it with two…" Revan smirked. She was very pleased with Steve's performance.
"Did you see that?" The older handmaiden asked to her sister.
"Yes I did. It was beautiful… just beautiful. I've never seen anything like it… Their love… is so pure." The younger handmaiden replied. Her sister nodded.
Steve had a giant smile. He sat down next to Mira and looked at all of the spectators to see if they were enjoying the show. Everyone seemed to be very interested… even mesmerized.
"How did I do?" Steve asked his redhead friend.
"Unbelievable… just amazing. I've known a few Jedi… but I've never seen anything like that before. You were truly exceptional. And Revan… She's insane! I can't wait to see her pick up another blade!" Mira was amused.
"You were both… unbelievable." The older Echani said. Steve looked up at the two white women and smiled.
"Thank you." He said to everyone.
"I can't wait until Bastila gets here." Steve added. If there was one person this kind of exercise could help, it was Bastila. This day gave him great confidence that he could finally give something back to Bastila, something that she could remember of him forever… even if Steve only had very little time to teach her something. He just thought he would feel superb to set her in the right direction; he had an idea.
Steve was rested enough to begin again. This time, he had to fight an adversary that wielded two lightsabers… that was a most difficult task for someone who didn't feel the force… and an impossible challenge when facing the most powerful woman in the galaxy. Still, Steve was very excited. Revan activated her two lightsabers. One of which was orange, a most peculiar color for anyone to wield. It suited the woman though. It was a symbol of her uniqueness. The flashy colors also served to appeal the spectators. The battle began as usual. Oddly enough, Steve was already comfortable considering it was his first time against dual lightsabers. If he had only one blade, he would be in so much trouble. Still, he learned very quickly that he was capable of defending himself fairly well just because he had the skills. However, it was also Revan's first time with two lightsabers. She too was capable of incredibly fast improvement. In a very short time, she had the upper hand without even speeding her movements with the force. Shortly after that, she was invincible. She was playing around with Steve; tricking him and nudging him with her blades. She didn't over do it this time; she didn't need to demonstrate anything. Instead, she concentrated on a new perception… she was actually enjoying herself. And it wasn't just because she was challenging her lover but because she finally began to share his passion for the art. The sparring that was always a duty, or a mean of defense, became a way for her to remember Steve. She finally saw that it wasn't always a battle being fought or a preparation for a future conflict; she began to see it through Steve's eyes. To him, this was an expression of the joy he could find in the simplest things… and the things that were taken for granted. Like the many of his feelings, they flowed into her like a misty cloud. She felt wonderful. She kept teasing him and testing him until it was time to stop.
"That was fun, I really enjoyed myself…" Revan smiled. Steve was bending forward to catch his breath and then looked up into her eyes to give a most adorable smile.
"How did you like the second lightsaber?" Steve asked.
"I think it's great! When I get accustomed to it… it'll be really amazing." Revan said.
"I feel safer with two blades. I know you don't need the extra blade, but, if it makes you feel better too, that's all that matter. How come you never tried it before?" Steve asked.
"It's… well it's unorthodox. Some people do it, but it's rare. I guess I just never really thought of it. Even if I did, I probably wouldn't feel the same way about it as I do now… because of you." Revan said to him.
"I think that's all I have for today. I'd like to keep my strength for tomorrow, when Bastila arrives. Besides, it's a lot harder on your wrists to use two lightsabers…" Steve said as he placed his hilts back in the bag and moved his hands around to get rid of the stiffness in his forearms.
"Well, that was fun to watch! So you're going to be doing this tomorrow?" Mira asked the man.
"Yes we will!" Steve was happy.
"Don't start without me!" Mira said.
"We'd like to see it too. This was a most interesting experience for us as well." The last handmaiden said as she looked at her sister.
"What did you see in our battle? Any communication that you could see?" Steve asked curiously.
"Oh yes! But nothing you don't already know." The last of the handmaidens said as she smiled at the couple. Steve smiled back and walked back inside with everyone.
"I think we should have a big meal tonight and go to sleep early." Revan suggested to everyone. Everyone agreed.
"It's great that we are all finally just enjoying life together instead of chancing around the galaxy." Mira said. Steve looked at her in a sort of sadness but faked a smile not to spoil the mood. Revan also shared his distress, but no one noticed it, except Steve whose eyes were telling her she should keep a positive attitude.
"I'm glad you feel that way, Mira. Hopefully, one day, things are going to be better and more people are going to feel the way you do." Steve was optimistic.
"I think we are all off to a better start; things are finally quieting down." Mira agreed.
The evening meal was incredible. It had been carefully prepared by the two Echani women. Though Steve and Revan kept quieter than usual to avoid bringing their mission into the conversation, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. After the long meal, Steve and Revan retired to their room. They felt like there was so much they needed to share, but they simply couldn't think of much. Death wasn't easy for anyone to talk about. Still, Steve didn't fear death as much as he expected to. Perhaps he cared too much for his mission to think of himself, though he knew he had so much to lose. He just wanted to spend the night cuddled against Revan and sleep. It was hard for him to sleep though; he was far too excited that Bastila was coming.
Early in the morning, he was in between a sleeping state and a conscious level. His brain was on a lookout for any signs of Bastila's arrival. It made him very sensitive to all noises and vibrations. He was still dreaming, but he was conscious of Revan's every breath and motion as she slept. It didn't bother him at all. In fact, he was thinking more and more about her. Eventually, his conscious thoughts overpowered his sleep and he woke up. He couldn't let go of Revan; he didn't stop looking at her. He put his good hand underneath the bed sheet, placed it onto of her belly and synchronized it with her breathing. As her belly filled with air, Steve's hand followed up with it. He was so comfortable with this woman. Soon, he felt an incredible urge. It wasn't what he was accustomed to… it was somewhat different this time. He didn't only feel he wanted to make love to her, he also felt he needed to. He had the urge to reproduce, to create life, to conceive with this woman. It wasn't something this coupe had previously discussed. Steve believed Revan was far too busy to have children. He also thought she wasn't raised to be a family person. It wasn't the Jedi way, and it certainly wasn't something a dedicated leader thought much about, considering all of the responsibilities she already had. He thought about himself for a moment. He was young, perhaps too young to be a parent. But he also felt too young. He felt he wasn't ready for it, yet, in this moment, he really wanted to. He thought it was a terrible idea though. He felt horrible about it because he knew he may not be around to take care of the child. He also didn't think Revan would feel right about bringing a child in the world without a father. Revan woke up to her companion's unease. She opened her eyes and lifted her upper body up with her elbows and looked at the man. Steve didn't move, he just kept his hand on her belly and looked back at her. Revan looked into his mind to see what was troubling him. Then she wrapped her arms around him, pulled him against her bosom and said:
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Do you?" Was Steve's way of saying yes.
"Let's talk about it then." Revan said softly.
"I don't want to risk impregnating you unless you're sure about it. I'm going crazy right now… It's a terrible idea, I know, but I've had some strange ideas lately. I'm finally coming to realize that I'm nearing my end… and I feel like I have some unfinished business that I'd be leaving behind. I've never though of this before; not to this extent." Steve said.
"It's a little late now, don't you think?" Revan whispered.
"I know. That's why I feel so terrible. It's like it's my last chance and it's making me crazy…" Steve said.
"Baby… I feel terrible too. I feel so… guilty that we haven't talked about this before. I wish we had more time to think about it." Revan admitted.
"It's not your fault, Revan. I could have mentioned it before too. I just didn't think I would ever feel the way I do now. I wasn't ready for it then… now I… now it's like I don't have a choice." Steve paused.
"You know how I feel now, and I know I may not live to change my mind about it… I need to know what you think… and please, be honest to yourself. If you have any doubt, any doubt at all… just say no." Steve said. Revan was lost in her thoughts for a moment.
"I think we should let fate decide… I don't want to look into the future about this. I want it to feel real. I would love to carry your child. I love you more than anything in the world. Just because it's not… professional, it doesn't mean it isn't right." She was sincere.
"I'm so happy you feel that way. I love you so much!" Steve said. Revan threw herself on top of him and kissed him profusely.
Their love making was so passionate, so intense, that Revan didn't even feel the arrival of Bastila Shan. The couple was completely devoted to the pleasures of love making. Not another thought entered their mind for well over an hour. In between orgasms, Steve never let go of the woman, pleasing her in every way he knew about. It was but a single long moment of intense sensations that was as much mental as physical. It was as though it never needed to end. After the third try, the couple felt another time wouldn't improve their chances much. Though they would have loved to continue, they had other concerns. When it was over, their bodies were covered in sweat and they felt very comfortable in their warmth. They put on as little clothing as they could and headed straight for the shower room. They adjusted the water to keep the warm sensation of their fire. They cleaned each other as well as they could and dried themselves. The couple got dressed and finally ventured out into the facility.
Bastila was already in the common room, receiving the younger Echani's hospitality and friendship. Mira was also there to meet the Jedi she had heard so much about. As Revan and Steve arrived in the room, Bastila could feel the heat pouring out of the couple. It wasn't a sensation she was accustomed to, but she respected it.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting Bastila, welcome home." Revan had a giant smile, and Bastila could see the older woman's grip tighten on the hand of her mate. Steve shared the same smile and was practically pushing Revan, leaning a part his weight against her shoulder to stay stuck to her, to never let her go.
"I've been anxiously waiting to see you again Bastila, welcome home." He finally said. The young Jedi felt all the joy in this facility, and it made her very happy. Her face also expressed her feelings.
"This place feels much better than the first time we were here. I can only assume it because the both of you live here now. It's amazing how much you make things feel so right." Bastila complemented the couple.
"We're just so glad you're here now. With you, this place is complete." Steve said.
"Thank you." The young woman blushed.
"In our last transmission, I felt that you bring important news. We should discuss it privately right away." Revan said to Bastila.
"I agree." The young Jedi responded.
"Come with me then." Revan said before she turned around to kiss Steve and let him go. Revan and Bastila went into another room to discuss Jedi matters. Steve was about to retire to Revan's room before he heard a voice behind him.
"Hey Steve!" Mira said. Steve turned around. Both the Echani and the redhead were looking at him.
"How come you didn't come to greet Bastila? I thought you couldn't wait to see her again…" Mira was curious.
"I was… preoccupied at the moment." Steve had a smirk that was intensified ten fold by the look in his eyes. The two women smiled. Steve turned around and walked away.
"The situation is very strange. I've been told of Jedi disappearing all around the galaxy. There's no way for us to identify the cause because there are never any witnesses… All we know is that these Jedi suddenly stopped reporting back. Most of us believe they were killed or forced to disappear… There are only a few people capable of doing that to us." Bastila said.
"You were right to believe it." Revan agreed.
"I don't understand, you reassured me the Sith weren't capable of this anymore." Bastila was confused.
"Something is definitely stirring within the Sith, but it didn't come from my empire, I assure you." Revan admitted.
"There are more of them than those you control?" The young Jedi extrapolated.
"There is another… faction amongst the Sith. I was certain it wouldn't be a problem until now." Revan admitted.
"You know them?" The Jedi asked.
"I do. Their leader was an old mentor of mine… and a friend." Revan explained.
"Who is it?" Bastila asked.
"Darth Traya, a very wise old woman. She has a great deal of knowledge of the force. The only explanation for this… problem is that she must have discovered a power that even she fears. I think she's trying to point us in the right direction. She's warning us of this danger. She's calling for me. She needs our help." Revan explained.
"What are you talking about?" Bastila was confused.
"She discovered why the force has been dying in some regions of this galaxy. I think she even tamed this power. Still, she must have lost control of it somehow because this wouldn't be happening otherwise." Revan said.
"The masters spoke of an echo in the force…" Bastila started.
"Yes, I supposed that's what they call the hollow that is left when the force dies. It's very dangerous Bastila; I can't stress enough the importance of this information. You need to send a message to the council. Tell them I'm working on a way to find Darth Traya. Tomorrow, we will meet with the Jedi and coordinate our efforts." Revan said.
"This Darth Traya, is she responsible for the missing Jedi?" Bastila asked.
"Not directly, no. She isn't interested in killing Jedi; there must be someone else in the picture. In fact, I'm hoping this person could lead us to her." Revan explained her plan.
"How will you find this person?" Bastila was curious.
"It is our destiny to meet… He will find us. You must warn the Jedi." Revan told her friend. Bastila nodded and was about to turn around and walk back to her ship to send a transmission, but Revan held her arm.
"When you're done… I think you should go speak to Steve. He should be waiting for you in our room… ehm, first door to the right. Ask the Echani if you need directions." Revan said softly. Bastila nodded, walked to the hangar and sent her transmission. When she was done, she did what she was promised.
She found the room herself, using the force to guide her. She knocked at the door.
"Come in." She heard from the other side. The door swooshed open and she could see Steve was facing the wall that was opposite to the door. He was admiring the picture he had put up against the wall. Bastila looked at it too and said:
"That's a nice picture."
"Isn't it? I just love it. It means so much to me… I just wished… I wish I had more of them, more… moments that would remain for years to come. I feel like my passage through here is almost going unnoticed, you know what I mean?" Steve finally turned around to look at the beautiful woman.
"What are you… trying to tell me Steve?" Bastial was puzzled. She wasn't expecting this. Steve bent over to pick up something from his bags. He took out a lightsaber and handed it over to the woman.
"This is the lightsaber Atris wielded. Before her, there was another person who wielded it. This…. Instrument has history attached to it. It was given to me by the Echani woman… the fourth handmaiden… so now it belongs to me." He said. Bastila picked it out of his palm and inspected it.
"I can't use it… but I'd like it if someone would. Bastila, I'd like it if you found someone… someone who reminds you of me… and give this to that person. I want you to explain to that person… the history it contains… I want you to tell someone of all who carried it… in the very best of you knowledge. I'd like for you to find out who owned it before Atris did and how she obtained it. And I want you to explain what happened to her… and to me. Will you do this for me?" He asked his friend. Bastila felt a little strange; there was something about the man's tone, something unusual. Still, she couldn't refuse:
"I can do this for you."
"There is… one more thing…" He started. Steve waited to gain Bastila's complete attention.
"It's very important." Steve added. Bastila lowered the hilt and looked curiously into the man's eyes.
"I'm listening" She answered softly.
"If ever… Revan was to become… pregnant, would you consider… being the child's godmother?" Steve asked seriously.
"Godmother?" Bastila was completely caught off guard.
"…Pregnant? My gosh… I… don't know. Godmother, me?" Bastila was completely lost.
"I'm not sure if she is… but, if… will you… will you be our child's godmother? It's very important… we… our baby will only have… our baby will need a family. I would be the happiest man alive to know you are part of our family." Steve said.
"Why are you asking me this now? You aren't sure she's pregnant." Bastila was unsure.
"I realize that… It's merely a precaution… just a hope for Revan… for us to have a child, and a family that will look after our baby." Steve explained.
"I'd have to… I need to think about this… just, just wait until you're sure. I'm breaking so many rules as it is…" The woman was uneasy.
"I know what this means for you… I wouldn't ask you this unless I though it was necessary. It just so happens that this situation is… very strange for all of us. I know you have your duties; I know Revan has hers. I need this though, above all else. I'd like it if… well if she is pregnant… I'd like it if you talked to the Jedi about it. They must have dealt with situations like these before. Trust them, trust yourself. You'll make the right choice, I know it." Steve said.
"Alright Steve, if it happens, I'll talk about it… right now, we have other issues." Bastila said. Steve nodded.
"You spoke to Revan? She told you about our mission?" Steve asked.
"Yes. Are you coming with us?" Bastila asked.
"Yes." Steve answered.
"Why?" Bastila was curious.
"Why not?" Steve was teasing.
"Well, you're not a Jedi. These Sith… they are our problem, not yours… it will be dangerous." Bastila remarked.
"I can help, I can really help." Steve said simply.
"I'm happy to hear that. Still, I…" Bastila was saying before Steve put up his hand.
"Don't worry about me… It'll be fine." Steve hesitated.
"Hey, did you know Revan made us some training sabers?" Steve changed the subject.
"Training sabers?" Bastila wasn't expecting a change in the subject.
"Yesterday, we tested them. It was really great. I'd like it if you joined us today. We do it outside, in the snow." Steve said.
"Ehm, sure." Bastila said.
"Great! I'll go tell the others, they all want to see it. Ehm… there are some boots and gloves in the closet… Just come with me, I'll show you where it is." Steve was getting anxious.
Steve gathered everyone in the closet to pick out their gear and led everyone on the snowy surface of the facility. Everyone looked anxious to see the matches except for Bastila, who hasn't taken any interest in this activity yet. She was happy though because everyone else was. She could feel the joy that surrounded her, and she felt wonderful. She smiled. Once on the surface, Steve turned to Basitila and said:
"Would you like to participate in the first match?"
"No, I think I'll just watch." Bastila said.
"Revan, how do you want to start?" The man asked.
"I like fighting you when you have your two lightsabers and I have only one." Revan answered.
"Ok. But you said you like using two as well…" Steve said.
"We can try that after. And yes, I do like it." The woman smiled.
"Excellent." Steve was happy. The couple grabbed their lightsabers and left to the side of the audience. They stood just a few meters apart from each other, stretching and preparing mentally for the challenge ahead. Steve had a great big smile on his face. He was looking at the woman who already carried a part of him and could possibly carry much more that just that. Either way, he felt complete and he felt secure about what he was leaving behind. The two of them ignited their lightsabers and swung them into a starting position. This time, Steve readied himself with a less defensive form: from now on, he knew his very existence would always be safe.
The start of the battle was much more intense. Revan knew Steve didn't need time to adapt anymore. He started with a similar speed to what he was capable of the previous day. Revan was having a lot of fun channeling the force and focusing on her soul mate's moves. Revan had set herself to strike at just the right speed that her partner could deflect. When Steve was striking at her, she had to increase her speed because she had much more to defend herself from than he did. Her mind was always busy, and it pleased her greatly. She continued that way until Steve tired. None of them got hit at all, mostly because Revan didn't feel like landing a hit. She was more interested in having a consecutive match. When it was time for Steve to rest, Revan backed off and closed her lightsaber. Steve did the same. The man sat in the snow, next to the young Jedi and spoke to her:
"Bastila, is it possible to use your battle meditation on me? Not against Revan, but to help me a little." Steve asked.
"Ehm… I could… but I'm not sure it's a good idea." Bastila said.
"What's wrong?" Steve asked.
"Nothing. It's just that… well my battle meditation isn't made to be… shown off." Bastla said. Steve smiled.
"I'm not asking you to… show it off. I'd like to see if it could work in our situation. As you already know, we will need it soon. If you're going to use it on me later, I would prefer to… adapt myself to it. It's not like I don't trust you… but I think it could make a difference to test ourselves today." Steve explained.
"I… yes, I see what you mean. I could give it a try." Bastila said. Revan smiled, she couldn't wait to see what difference it could make. Bastila crossed her legs and settled into a meditative position. She kept her eyes open and said:
"Ready when you are."
"Steve gave her a satisfactory smile and stood up, eager to try himself against the master. Revan picked up her secondary lightsaber and moved into position. She started to attack slowly, to help her lover adapt to the new circumstance. Steve could feel a change, but he felt unsure at first. It was like feeling the force again. He had to learn how to trust his feelings once more... or in this case, Bastila's feelings. He fought with unease. Revan gave him all the confidence he needed; letting him focus on the changes he felt. Soon, Steve felt better. Revan took a pause and turned to Bastila:
"Go ahead Bastila, give it all you can. He's ready." She told her friend. She could see Bastila nod and closed her eyes in order to concentrate further on her role. The couple began again, and this time it was much greater. If Steve didn't lack the physical speed Revan possessed, he could be her perfect challenge. Revan gave it all she had and struck at him. With Bastila's help, he could deflect his lover's hits without even thinking about it. Though when it came time for him to strike, he wasn't as fast as Revan. Still, the fight looked balanced enough. At this point, Revan felt like giving Steve and Bastila some hard work. She wanted to have fun. She used the force to look for weaknesses. She also wanted to know if Bastila could help Steve predict it if she used a force power against Steve. Revan struck fast, and, when she was close enough to him, she summoned the force to push him back. She could tell Steve was expecting it. Steve tried to move as far out of the way as possible. When he knew he couldn't escape the wave that was chasing him, he braced his limbs together and traveled with it until he landed on the soft snow. Revan was pleased. She understood there was nothing else he could do. Given the circumstance, all that mattered was that he could prepare for it, and that was what he did. Steve lifted his upper-body from the snow with his elbows and smiled at Revan. The woman smiled back and gave him a hand to help him up. With his wound, it was hard for him to get up on his own. When he was up, they felt too happy to stop, even if they were tired. Revan was very happy; she had time to try all sorts of new moves with her extra blade. She also wanted Steve to feel Bastila's presence. The battle persisted until Steve simply couldn't fight anymore. It lasted a long time. When it was over, Bastila opened her eyes and smiled at her achievements, and at Steve's. The spectators applauded and were so entertained by this battle that they laughed. Steve was very happy that the others appreciated this as much as he did. When he was calm enough, he stood in front of Bastila and helped her up. When she was up, he gave her great big hug and said:
"That was amazing. How do you feel? Did you learn anything?" Steve had many questions but kept himself from asking them all.
"Actually, yes. I didn't think I could do that… I didn't think I could help you much against Revan. You… you did really good." Bastila admitted.
"Thanks!" Steve kissed her on the cheek. Bastila blushed.
"I think Revan would love to spar against you… so would I, but I'm a little tired right now." Steve said. Revan approached the two of them and said:
"Actually, that tired me too. If you want to, we could try it later." Revan said. Steve smiled. He didn't expect Revan to tire herself; that meant it was a challenge for her too. He was very proud.
"We would love to see you fight." The younger Echani said to the Jedi.
"Steve looked more confident this time. You should try against him too." Mira noticed. The two Echani looked at each other.
"It was more than just confidence… It was different. What do you think it was?" The younger white woman asked the older handmaiden.
"I… I'm not sure. I haven't seen this before. It was a lot like yesterday… but there was a little something extra." She answered. Steve smiled and said:
"Come on, It's getting cold out here. Let's go back inside." Steve grabbed the bag filled with lightsabers and he placed his other hand in the comfort of Revan's. It was time for everyone to feed. The younger Echani was eager to cook for everyone. In the mean time, Steve had to feed himself; he had to go alone though because Revan needed to hear what Bastila had to say of the Jedi's plans. It didn't take long though; Steve had everything prepared, and it was a simple matter of hooking the pouch onto his side. He was accustomed to joining the rest of the group at the dining room table. He enjoyed the good company, and, most of all, he enjoyed that others wanted him there too. While he was inserting the needles inside him, he heard knocking at the door. It was Mira.
"Come in." Steve said. When he saw the redhead come in, he was pleased.
"Hi Mira. What brings you here?" Steve smiled.
"Not much, I just felt a little left out of all the Jedi talk… and I'm not much of a cook either, so you see where that leaves me." She teased. Steve laughed slightly at the woman's wonderful sense of humor. Steve felt very compatible with it. He was always ready for it; it never felt awkward or inappropriate to him.
"Actually, I was a little curious about your behavior today." The woman said in a more serious way.
"My behavior? Since when was that a subject of discussion? I thought I was kind of… normal today." Steve was curious to what the woman could sense of him.
"Well, it's hard to say really, but you have been a little… different lately… and not just today." Mira continued.
"Well, I don't mean to be. There are some things that are running through my mind at this time, things that are… different. But I wouldn't be too concerned about it." Steve said.
"Oh, I'm not concerned… I'm curious… but should I be concerned?" She was a little suspicious. She knew Steve well; even though they didn't spend much time together, they were very similar. Steve looked in the woman's eyes and placed his hand on her cheek in a most loving way.
"I feel wonderful. Just wonderful. I can't ask for anything better… because that would simply be impossible. I love this place… I love being here. Now that everyone's here, I feel complete." Steve said. Mira smiled.
"Are you sure there isn't… something else?" Mira still felt Steve was holding something back.
"There is something… but I don't want to tell you until it's for sure." Steve said.
"What is… oh… OH!" Mira understood.
"You're talking about… this morning… don't think we didn't hear the both of you in there…" Mira smirked.
"No, it's more than that… think even more long term…" Steve hinted her.
"Oh my gosh! Steve! I didn't think you were… the father type!" Mira was very excited.
"I didn't think so either. It's really just a beginning, but I seriously considered it this morning, we both did." The man smiled.
"Steve, that's really amazing… I'm really happy for you." She was stunned. Steve finished with his pouch and put on his robes. He got up from the bed and looked in Mira's eyes to see if there was more she had to say. He could tell there was something lingering in her mind, but it never came out. He put his arms around her, embracing her as a close friend and said:
"If you have something to say… say it now… I'd love to hear whatever you have to say; you're very important to me, you know?" Steve whispered. Mira shook her head and said:
"It's nothing, I'm just rally happy for you." She didn't look very convincing. Steve tilted his head sideways and lifted an eyebrow. Then he patted the bed with his hand, signaling for her to sit down. He sat down first and waited for the woman to sit next to him; he wasn't going anywhere until he heard what she had to say.
"Tell me what's on your mind." Steve said softly when the woman finally sat next to him.
"What's going to happen to us Steve?" Mira was curious.
"To me and you?" Steve asked. Mira nodded.
"Mira, you're one of the greatest friends I could ever ask for. I feel VERY comfortable with you. In many ways, I feel like we belong together. I consider you like family. You're like… like a big sister to me. I… I don't want us to ever be apart." Steve said. Mira looked a little disappointed but not much. Steve placed his fingers on her chin and stared into her eyes.
"What am I to you? How do you really feel about me?" Steve asked softly.
"Steve, I haven't known you long… but that's not the point… I really care for you. I donno. I guess I love you like a little brother… I've always wanted to have a little brother… I donno, maybe it's something else." She said honestly. Steve pulled her against him and embraced her.
"If you're as comfortable with me as I am with you, you have nothing to worry… about." Steve hesitated.
"How do you feel about everyone else though?" He quickly changed the subject.
"I… I think they are great. Well, I don't know much of Bastila… she seems sort of distant… but so far so good." Mira smiled.
"Bastila is unique… just like everyone here. She has the kind of personality that… well that isn't easy for everyone to cope with. But if you get passed her rough edges, you're going to love her. Deep down, she's the most caring person I have met." Steve said.
"Well, that's nice." Mira smiled.
"Are you ready to eat? It should be ready by now." Steve noticed the time passing by.
"Right… Sure, let's go." Mira said. They both got off the bed and walked side-by-side to the dining room. When they arrived, Revan and Bastila were still discussing the plans. Steve and Mira sat quietly around the table, facing each other. When Bastila paused from her report, Revan turned to Steve and said:
"We are meeting the council on the Miraluka's home planet. They don't want to discuss anything over long-range communications. From there, we will know how to confront whoever is responsible for the death of the force." Revan explained briefly.
"Bastila, I bought some blaster pistols. I have a good aim, but I think with your battle meditation calling the targets and Revan defending us, we can make a great team." Steve said seriously.
"You mean you're going with them?" Mira had an outburst. Steve looked at the woman in front of him, not knowing what to say. Steve looked around for someone to help explain it, but no one intervened. All he thought of doing was nod slightly at the woman.
"But why? Your place is here with us… this Jedi business isn't for you!" Mira was a little angry and confused.
"Mira, they need… I can help them." Steve hesitated.
"For what? Come on! We're talking about the Jedi council! They can take care of themselves!" Mira was uneasy.
"What do you want me to say Mira? I need to go… I…" Steve started.
"You what Steve? You think you can handle another Jedi war? Just because you fought some Sith before and you can do some fancy stunts with a lightsaber, you can handle yourself? I know you better than that! You hate killing people, you HATE war!" Mira said.
"It's not like that… I'm not going there to fight a war, Mira." Steve said calmly.
"Then why ARE you going?" Mira said.
"Because. Because there is something Revan has to do that she can't do alone, that's why." Steve said vaguely.
"And you don't think Bastila will be enough to help her?" Mira wasn't convinced. Steve rubbed his face with his hands, passing over his eyelids.
"The help she needs… she can't get it from Bastila." Steve admitted. This time, even Bastila looked at him in a curious way.
"Look, I need to be there ok, TRUST me. Revan's going to be facing her past, and she needs her present to be there, that's all." Steve said simply. It seemed like his recovery had worked. At least, it did with Bastila. However, Mira looked suspicious, still. She looked at him with the same suspicion in her eyes. I made Steve terribly uncomfortable, a dead give away; Steve didn't want to seem dishonest.
"Fine, whatever… but there's something you aren't saying." Mira noticed. Bastila noticed the same thing. She tried looking into his mind, but, this time, Steve didn't leave his mind so vulnerable; he had to keep this to himself.
"And it's better if I don't. You'll understand someday… but not this day." Steve stood up from the table just at the time the Echani came out with the food. He was about to leave; he didn't think this conversation was going anywhere pleasant. Revan grabbed his arm as he was about to leave. Everyone looked in his direction and paused. The food didn't even arrive at the table yet because the Handmaidens noticed how Steve seemed unusually sad.
"Don't go, sit. I'll take care of this." Revan whispered to him. Steve hesitated and then sat next to his soul mate. The handmaidens finally placed the food on the table and sat down.
"Look, Mira, Steve has his own demons to fight… His battle will be different from ours, and that's why he has to go. I wouldn't bring him unless I needed to. He isn't just coming because of me… But this is the one thing he doesn't wish to discuss with anyone. He has to take care of it for himself… you understand?" Revan tried to explain.
"What demons can he possibly have to fight off? He's just a… an innocent, young man. And he doesn't fear much." Mira said.
"Oh he fears, he does. And right now, he fears to explain what he has to do. He knows what he's doing. He wishes he could… tell you, but he can't! Look at him, look at his face; does he look like he wants to go? Does he look like he wants to keep secrets?" Revan said. Mira sighed and looked back at the man.
"Of course not. I just thought he was the kind of guy who liked to share what he felt… I thought he would tell me." Mira said while looking straight into his eyes.
"I am that kind of guy… I want to share everything. Everything but this… This is the one thing I CAN'T share. I've thought about it though, and I… I refuse. It won't be a secret for long though, I promise. Just… just pretend like I have nothing to say." Steve pleaded.
"And what about us, what do we do? Just stay here and wait?" Mira continued.
"It would cause more harm than good if you came with us." Revan said simply.
"Revan and Bastila won't… we won't be gone for long… right Revan? Tell her it won't take long." Steve said. Revan nodded and turned to the redhead:
"We won't be long."
"Alright, alright. Just… just tell me everything when you get back." Mira lifted her hands in defeat.
"We should leave after lunch." Bastila said. Revan and Steve nodded at the same time.
The rest of the meal was awkward and silent. When it was done, Steve got dressed in his black outfit and packed his weapons on his back. He let Revan take the bags and went straight to the Ebon hawk. Bastila was standing there; she had all her things in her hands, ready to load then in the Hawk. The couple moved up the ramp, followed by the young Jedi. They left their things in the starboard bedroom and went into the cockpit. Bastila was right behind them. The ship was ready to leave very quickly, and Bastila signaled to the Echani that they were ready for lift off. The shields lowered and the spacecraft launched out into the cold air. Revan steered the ship into a fast climb. In anticipation, Steve grabbed Bastila's arm before she lost her balance.
"Thank you." The young woman said. Steve turned his torso around and looked her in the eyes and smiled. He didn't let go until the ship broke free of the planet's gravity.
"You're very welcome." He said before getting up himself.
"We should really consider getting and extra seat." Steve said to Revan.
"What for?" Revan said plainly.
"For Bas… Revan, what's wrong?" Steve was caught off guard.
"I think she needs to know why you're with us, Steve." Revan said without looking back. Bastila looked confused.
"Revan? Are you sure?" Steve was distressed. Revan finally turned to him and looked at him sadly. She placed her hands around his and sighed.
"Yes baby, I'm sure." She said. Steve nodded and then looked at the stunned Jedi.
"What's going on?" Bastila said. Steve closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"We aren't here to stop the spreading of this new threat… we are going there to undo it." Steve said.
"How do you undo something like that?" Bastila was confused.
"I don't know yet, but we will know soon enough." Steve answered.
"Steve, tell her why you're going." Revan said softly.
"Well, I… I'm going because I can make a difference, because I was meant for this." Steve started.
"Tell her how you can make a difference." Revan said.
"I can… I can influence the force." Steve said simply. Bastila looked at Revan.
"What are you talking about?" Bastila asked the older woman.
"I think, whatever the cause of this thing may be, Steve is the solution." Revan explained.
"But he isn't…" Bastila couldn't finish.
"Not what? A Jedi? Not powerful? Does it matter?" Revan said.
"No… no of course not. I don't mean it like that." Bastila said defensively. Steve held Bastila's hand to gain her attention.
"How can he help?" Bastila changed her doubt into curiosity as she looked at the man.
"I think he's the only one who can protect us. I've though about it… meditated on it… and I've tested him. I've seen what he can do… and what the force can't do when he's around. For some reason, the force has no influence on him. Instead, as Steve modifies things around him, the people… the emotions, he also changes the force. He makes things better, in everyway. If this plague, this death of the force, can influence even the most powerful of the Jedi, neither I, nor you can undo anything. But Steve… he isn't built like we are… I think he can protect us… I know it is his destiny to protect us. And I know he can undo this." Revan clarified.
"Undo it… I still don't understand." The Jedi tried hard not to lose her focus.
"The death of the force leaves a hollow… but this hollow can be refilled. Steve has… something within him that may serve that purpose." Revan said.
"Something in him?" Bastila asked.
"I'll explain it to you eventually… but for now, all you need to know is that we can't pull this off without him… of that, I am sure." Revan said.
"Alright, what do you want us to do?" Bastila asked.
"When we arrive, we do exactly what we would normally do; we meet with the council as if we had no idea what's going on. If I'm right, our enemies will come to us. Then we will know what to do." Revan said.
"Am I… am I supposed to lie to the council?" Bastila was troubled.
"Lie? No. No more lies. They probably won't believe anything if we told them though. All we have to do is listen to what they have to say." Steve said.
"What if they… do something… something that may interfere with your plans somehow?" Bastila was insecure.
"They can't. There's nothing they can do. If they do something, something that will end up getting them into trouble… you need to stop them, tell them anything you have to, just keep them safe. Steve will know what to do. Stay with him." Revan said.
"We should arrive in a few hours, let's get some sleep." Revan said.
"Wait! There's something I need to know… This isn't some kind of Sith game is it? You aren't telling me all of this just so you can go prove you're better than your old master… Darth Traya… are you?" Bastila was suspicious. Revan looked at Steve to tell him he should talk to her instead. Steve nodded and took Bastila with him into the port bedroom. He never let go of her hand.
"Why would you ask that?" Steve asked sadly.
"Why? Because… I'm not gullible, Steve. You can't expect me to believe all of this. I know you're holding something back… I can see that much." Bastila was disappointed. Steve sat down on a bed and sighed.
"I know. You're right. You have to believe me though; all of what Revan said is true… What I'm holding back… has nothing to do with our goals… or this Darth Traya character. We don't care about that. I mean, honestly, we want to start a family… why would anything else matter? Bastila, there's only one thing that is more important than starting a family… and it's what you already take extremely seriously… and it's what we are here to do: We are here to protect the families that already exist." Steve said honestly.
"So what ARE you withholding? You can tell me, you're my friend, aren't you? You said you love me… didn't you?" Bastila said.
"Oh Bastila… I love you, I really love you. And that's what makes it so hard… that's why I CAN'T tell you." Steve moaned.
"Why, why? I'm a grown woman, I can handle it. Please." Bastila pleaded. Steve stood up and placed her cheek delicately in his palm and looked into her eyes:
"It'll make things worse… especially for you, Bastila. I can't. Revan will tell you why later… she has to." Steve whispered.
"Why not you, why can't you tell me… Tell me later, I won't mind so much… but I'd like to hear it from you." Bastila whispered back.
"No you wouldn't like it at all… and even if you want to hear it anyways… you won't hear it from me." Steve let go of her face and stepped out of the room. He didn't like to leave Bastila like this, but the alternative… would have been devastating.