Slayers of the Old Republic

Book II: Taris

By Michael Weyer

"You mean you haven't even found a way off this planet yet?" Bastila demanded. She was standing in the small apartment, facing Carth, Buffy, Faith, Vance and Zaalbar. Mission was out getting some supplies and was thus absent for the sight of the Jedi glaring at everyone, clad in her usual dress. "Just what have you been doing all this time?" she demanded.

"Trying to find your scrawny ass, remember?" Faith snapped.

Bastilla gave a "humph" sound. "Well, then. Now that I'm back in charge of this mission, perhaps we can start doing things properly." Buffy rolled her eyes as she recognized the bossy tone Bastila was taking. "Hopefully our escape from Taris will go more smoothly than when you 'rescued' me from Brejik." The quasi-sarcasm was even more irritating.

Carth narrowed his eyes as he coolly spoke back. "I know you're new at this, Bastila, but a leader doesn't berate her troops just because things aren't going as planned. Don't let your ego get in the way of the real issues here."

"That hardly strikes me as an appropriate way of addressing your commander, Carth," Bastila haughtily said. "I am a member of the Jedi Order and this is my mission. My battle meditation has won several key victories for the Republic. Don't forget that!"

"Your talents might win us a few battles, but that doesn't make you a good leader! A good leader would at least listen to the advice of those who have seen more combat than she ever will!"

As the two argued, Zaalbar growled something under his breath. Faith didn't know what it was but she suspected it was something along the lines of "foolish humans." She and Vance exchanged a roll of the eyes before Faith stepped forward. "All right, both of you, SHUT IT!"

They both stopped arguing and turned to her, surprised at her outburst. The Slayer's face was tight as she started to speak. "If all you two are gonna do is bitch and moan over who's in charge, we might as well turn ourselves over to the Sith right now! Frankly, B and Vance are the only ones showing any actual professionalism around here!" She pointed at Bastila. "Now, I don't care how powerful you are or what fancy Force powers you got. If it weren't for us, you'd be handed over to some bike gang and on your own so maybe you oughta take a hint from your 'apprentice' and admit even a great Jedi needs help!"

As Buffy bit her lip to stop from laughing and Bastila sputtered in disbelief, Faith turned to Carth. "Carth, I know you're tired out and I sympathize about being pissed with this woman but, like it or not, she is a commanding officer so a bit of respect should be called for, especially given her abilities."

She backed up and looked to Vance. "Now, me and Vance are gonna check out the Upper City cantinas, try to find out if there's any way off this rock. Z," she looked to the Wookie. "No offense, but you're not exactly inconspicuous in the Lower City, let alone up here so you'd better stay here and help Buffy make sure these two don't kill each other." The Wookie smiled and nodded. Faith nodded and turned to Vance. "Shall we?"

The smuggler had a wide smile on his face. "After you." The two marched out and into the hallway. "That was…very refreshing," he said. "It's been way too long since I saw someone speak back to the Jedi like that."

Faith shrugged. "Let's just say the lady reminds me too much of some guys I used to know." Before she could go on, they saw Mission coming up with a small bag. "Hey," the Twi'lek said. "How are things going?"

"Be careful going in there," Faith said. "I'm amazed that apartment can hold in that Jedi's ego."

Mission shrugged. "I'll watch it." She looked over to Vance. "Word's gotten out about your win, you're getting famous."

Vance seemed bothered by that. "Hmm…I didn't think about that. The bigger the rep, the more the Sith might be inclined to look into us."

"Well, I know one guy who does," Mission stated. "I just got word that there's someone who wants to see you in the cantina up here. Canderous."

Faith frowned. "The Mandalorian who works for Davik? What does he want?"

Mission shrugged. "I don't know but maybe it could help us out."

"It's worth checking out," Vance agreed. "Okay, let's go."

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Bastila had been silent after Faith's verbal smackdown, taking the time to examine her lightsaber. Carth frowned as he looked at her. "Say, Bastila, I was wondering. How did those Vulkars manage to capture a famous Jedi like you? Were you knocked out when your escape pod crashed?"

Buffy was struck by the fact that Bastila actually seemed to blush under the question. "No, I was conscious. But my Force powers were exhausted from using my Battle Meditation in the battle of the Endar Spire. Without my help, you might have never gotten off that ship alive."

"Fair enough," Carth allowed. "But I've seen you Jedi in action. There's no way those Vulkars would have stood a chance against your lightsaber."

"My lightsaber was…" she hesitated, "Misplaced. I couldn't find it after the crash. I looked everywhere in that pod. The Vulkars came and overwhelmed me even as I was searching for my weapon."

Carth's eyes widened before he started laughing. "Wait a minute, let me get this straight. You lost your lightsaber?" Carth asked, great deal of emphasis on the word 'lost'. "Ha-ha! I mean, isn't that a violation of some kind of Jedi Code or something?"

"As a matter of fact, it is," Buffy said, moving forward with a gleam in her eye. "You actually lost your saber?"

"Padawan…"

"That saber is your life, Bastila!" Carth, Mission and Zaalbar all sniggered at the way Buffy mimicked her teacher's accent and tone. "To lose it is to lose part of yourself! Only the most inexperienced of younglings could misplace it in a time of need!" It was clear she was using words Bastila had ingrained on her numerous times over the years.

"Just our luck," Mission said. "We had to get the most absent-minded Jedi in the galaxy."

Even Zaalbar couldn't help but comment. "Perhaps losing her lightsaber is a side-effect of her battle meditation?"

The Jedi Knight's face flushed. "This is no laughing matter!" Bastila snapped. "During the crash my lightsaber must have… it must have fallen from my belt and rolled under my seat! The Vulkars probably found it when they searched the wreckage."

"Hey, hey, hey, don't get mad." Carth said defensively. "I´m sorry. It's just funny to think of a legendary Jedi losing her lightsaber. Take my advice: this is one detail you might want to keep out of the history texts," He was obvious he wasn't serious. Bastila didn't get it, since she blushed slightly.

"I hardly consider myself a legend, Carth. Though I will consider your advice when I relate these events to the Jedi Council. There is no need for them to know every detail of what happened." Trying to keep as much of her dignity as she could, she took the saber over to the small workbench on the far end of the room to make sure it was in good condition.

Buffy came up and Bastila sensed her approach. "I assume that was the other…Slayer you spoke of?"

Buffy nodded. "Yep, that's Faith."

"Has she always had such an attitude?"

"She's actually mellowed since I last met her." Buffy shook her head. "I still can't believe she's been here all the time. I mean, seriously, the odds of both of us being blasted into this galaxy…"

"As I've told you before," Bastila said. "There is no luck or chance. There is the Force. I do suspect she has a reason for being here, just as you do."

Buffy leaned over, her voice lowering to a whisper only Bastila could hear. "I…I needed to talk to you."

"If you are going to start on making fun of me again, Padawan…"

"No, no, I'm not. Although, losing your lightsaber…"

Bastila sighed. "I'm going to be hearing about this for the rest of the day, aren't I?"

"Day nothing. We're talking weeks here." Buffy sobered as she spoke. "Actually, it's about Vance."

"What about him?"

"I think he's Force sensitive."

Bastila stopped her work to look up at her, her face concerned. "Are…are you sure?"

Buffy nodded. "I felt a twinge from him inside the Vulkar base. And then I sensed him tapping into it during the race. It seems small, maybe even he doesn't know but I was feeling him more on the way back and it's there."

Bastila rubbed her chin. "Interesting…has he said anything else?"

Buffy shook her head. "Haven't had the chance to talk to him about it. How much do you know about him, anyway?"

"Only from his service record," Bastila said. "He was supposed to aid us in a mission but we were attacked before I got specific orders from the Council."

"Maybe we need to talk to him about this."

"First things first, Padawan," Bastila instructed. "I need to examine my lightsaber now and make sure it is in proper order."

Buffy nodded as she looked at the device herself. "Do you need me to magnetize it to your hand?"

"PADAWAN!"

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The cantina Faith and Vance entered was cleaner and more upscale than the Lower City one. The patrons were mostly Upper City folk who mingled among the various forms of entertainment. A couple smiled at Faith as she passed. "They know you?" Vance asked.

"They do," Faith said. She nodded toward a large room at the rear. "The dueling arenas are set up here. It's been a while but I still got a rep."

Vance took that in as they found a table and sat down. "So…" he began. "How long you known Buffy?"

"A few years," Faith said. "Actually haven't seen her in two. It's a really long story and frankly, you wouldn't be able to buy half of it."

Vance smirked. "I've been around the galaxy a few times. You'd be amazed what I can buy."

Faith shrugged. "Well, suffice to say, if there's anyone who can shake the Jedi up, it'll be B."

"She does seem to have that gift," Vance noted.

Faith peered at him. "Watch it, pal. Even without the Jedi thing, you wouldn't want to get involved with Buffy."

"What makes you think I would?" he asked with surprise.

Faith snorted. "I've seen how you eyed her. When a guy eyes her more than me, he's got some sights set. Besides, you seem trouble and unfortunately, that's the sort of thing that's always pulled her in."

"Really?" he asked, sounding interested.

Faith set her jaw and leaned in, her tone low. "I'm warning you. Back off. Buffy has been through a hell of a lot, far more than anyone her age should. She doesn't need getting hurt again. Because then, I'd have to hurt you."

Vance threw up his hands. "Okay, okay, I get the message." He crossed his arms and raised his eyebrow. "Who'd you rather see her with, Onasi? Talk about attitude…"

"Hey," Faith snapped. "You don't know him. You don't know what he's been through either. Trust me, you don't wanna press him."

Vance frowned. "What do you mean?"

Faith glanced away. "It's not for me to say. He just…he's been through some hard times and he could use some slack cut for him. That's all I'm going to say."

Vance sensed something else behind her words but before he could press it, a shadow fell upon them. They looked up to see the hard-bitten Mandalorian they had met in the Lower City standing before them. "I see you got my message," he rumbled.

"I did," Vance said, motioning to the empty seat. The man sat down and gave them a humorless smile. "I saw you in the swoop race. Very impressive. You seem to know how to get results. That's just the kind of person I´m looking for."

"Cut the small talk. I was told you wanted to tell me about some sort of offer. So?"

Canderous smirked, obviously amused "My name's Canderous Ordo. I work for Davik Kang and the Exchange. The hours aren't great, but they've promised me a fortune and I've got nothing better to do. Mandalorian mercs like me are in high demand."

"Rare species are always valuable," Vance noted.

"True." Canderous nodded. "But lately, Davik hasn't been paying me what he promised. I don't like being cheated, so I thought that maybe it's time to get off this rock."

"Is there a point to this or are you just unloading your problems on anyone?" Faith demanded.

"Davik's got a ship that can fly though the blockade," Canderous answered. "Problem is, the Sith fleet is ready to blow apart any ship that doesn't have the proper access codes. I've got a plan to escape Taris, but I can't manage it alone. I saw you win that race and started thinking – anyone crazy enough to race like that is probably crazy enough to break into the Sith military base. I need the launch codes protected there. That's where you come in. Here's the deal: you get me those launch codes and I can provide the escape vessel – Davik´s flagship, the Ebon Hawk."

"A Sith base?" Faith said in disbelief. "Are you kidding? That place is gonna be the most well-protected on the planet!"

Canderous smirked. "Ah, not really. See, your friend's little escapade after the race has caused the gang war to kick into high gear. The Vulkars are losing, there's no doubt but the chaos down there is too much for the Sith to ignore. They've beefed up security going down while also trying to send what patrols they can to restore order. The base's security should therefore be quite low. Low enough for a small team to enter and get the codes."

"Then why do you need us?" Vance asked. "Aren't you capable enough to do this?"

The Mandalorian's eyes flashed with anger but he controlled himself. "The Sith know me. They know I work for Davik. So if I go in and take it and they catch me on cameras, they'll invade Davik's estate. However, they don't know you so Davik will be in the clear."

"And if we're caught or killed, the secretary will disavow all knowledge of our actions," Faith sardonically stated. Ignoring the baffled look the two men shared, she spoke. "Still, getting into a Sith base means getting into serious security."

"She's right," Vance stated. "I've been in those types of facilities. The encrypted security systems are too advanced to be sliced by a human."

"It would take a top-of-a-line astromech droid to slice it," Canderous agreed. "Lucky for you, I've got just the droid we need. Davik had a T3-M4 unit custom made by Janice Nall. Just tell her Canderous sent you and she'll sell you the droid. You shouldn't have a problem with that – everyone respects and admires the Mysterious Stranger and the swoop bike champion."

Vance and Faith exchanged a look before nodding. "Okay, we got a deal," Vance stated.

"Good." Canderous rose. "I'll meet you at the cantina in the Lower City. It's close to Davik's place. Hope to see you in a couple of hours." He walked out as Vance and Faith took in his words.

"It's risky," Vance said. "But it's our only shot."

"I agree," Faith said. "But I can bet you our resident Jedi won't."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

She was right.

"Absolutely not!" Bastila stated, her tone making it clear she considered the conversation closed. "There is now way we are going along with such a, a hare-brained scheme!"

"What's a hare?" Mission murmured as they watched Bastila pace the apartment.

"I have to agree with her on this," Carth announced. "This guy's a Mandalorian. We can't trust him."

"I sensed he was being honest with us," Vance said. "And the plan…"

"Is complete suicide!" Bastila snapped.

"What's your problem?" Faith demanded. "Is it you don't like the plan itself or that you didn't think of it first?"

Bastila gaped as Buffy stepped into the conversation. "I don't like it either but let's face it. We're out of other options. Even if we could get a ship, we'd need those codes anyway. The longer we stay, the better the chances of the Sith finding us. Like it or not, Bastila, this could be our only shot."

Bastila was quiet before slowly nodding. "Very well. I would prefer to go myself but I would be too recognizable. Buffy, you may accompany Vance and Faith there. Hopefully, you can return with the codes in little time."

Buffy nodded and moved to join the two. "We'll be back soon."

"Do try to keep the chaos to a minimum," Bastila quietly said.

"Hey," Buffy grinned. "It's me."

Bastila rubbed her face. "I know."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Sith base had been the Republic center on Taris before the invasion. Set on the same level of the Upper City as the cantina, it was considered off-limits to most everyone in the city. The patrols by the front entrance were tight as the soldiers there were on the alert for any trouble.

Which was why the trio were going in the back way.

"You'd think they'd have more guards here," Buffy noted. "I guess they must be stretched on soldiers."

Faith looked at the small metallic form on the ground next to them. "Ready to earn your keep, dish-head?"

A series of beeps answered her. T3-M4 had been a bit costly but it was clear he was worth it. A meter high at the tallest, it had a dish-shape head and a triangular body. A single photoelectric "eye" was in the middle of its head. The silver-colored plating was lovingly polished. As it moved along on its tracks, it whirred smoothly, a sign of careful maintenance and fastidious craftsmanship.

"Do your thing," Faith said, nodding to the door. The droid obediently moved in and extended a probe arm from its body to slide into the lock. It spun around for a few moments as he connected with the system. It paused and its head turned to Faith to let out some whistles.

"Sure, fix the cameras, that's a good idea."

Buffy stared at her with surprise. "I didn't know you spoke droid language."

Faith shrugged. "Ah, you learn a few things trying to survive here. I'm not fluent but I know enough to get the gist of things. Besides, this a simple design of droid."

T3 let out a loud bleep at that. "No offense, T3!" Faith quickly said as Buffy giggled. The droid let out one last spin before retracting the arm and letting the large door open.

It appeared to be a small office room, the woman behind the desk starting as they entered. Faith had a blaster out and aimed at the woman. "Don't hit an alarm or anything," she snarled.

"Don't...don't shoot!" The woman screeched as she held up her hands.
I never wanted any part of this! I would have quit when the Sith took over, but they said they wouldn't let me!"

Faith motioned with the blaster. "Get out of here. Move!"

"It's about time someone stood up to the Sith! Just...just wait until I'm clear before you start shooting up the place." She ran out the door like a blaster shot. T3 quickly wheeled over to the desk, rising up a bit on its treads so it could extend its arm into the computer terminal.

"Okay," Buffy said as she came up behind the droid. "Now, disable all security, try to cut down on the number of troops we'd have to deal with, find out where the codes are, try to-----"

T3 turned its head to her and Buffy could swear its single eye was narrowing a bit as it let out a series of loud beeps. Vance couldn't help smiling wide as he recognized the droid equivalent of "do you want to do this?" Buffy took the message and backed up as the droid continued its work. It let out a series of whistles as Faith leaned in. "Oh, nice!"

"What?" Buffy asked.

Faith tapped the screen. "Not only did dish-head here seal off the barracks and armory so the guards there can't get out, he also reprogrammed the sentry droids to read the Sith as the enemy!"

Vance grinned widely. "That'll cut down on any response."

Buffy nodded as she patted the droid's head. "Not bad. We're going to have to keep this little guy." T3 let out a cooing whistle as Buffy continued. "Now, where are the codes?"

The droid brought up a map, highlighting a room two floors above. "Looks like the old Governor's office," Faith said. "Elevator is this way!" She led them over to a side room that held a small cell with a Duros behind the force field. "You there! Remember me!"

It took the trio a moment to recognize the alien they had saved from the Sith back at the apartment building. "Guess the getaway didn't go as planned," Vance said as he moved over to the security panels on the side. It took a little fiddling but he managed to open them up to shut off the force field around the cell.

"My thanks once more, human!" The Duros said as he hopped out. "I'd best be going. Good luck to whatever endeavor brings you here!"

As he rushed out, Buffy, Vance, Faith and T3 moved into the next room, past a deactivated security droid and into the elevator. T3 got it moving as the trio checked their weapons. Buffy stiffened as the elevator slowed. "Oh, damn. We've got a problem."

The doors hissed open and they entered a small office. Standing before them was a man in dark Sith armor. He was tall and broad-shouldered, carrying a double-bladed Echani staff. His face was hard as he took in the intruders. "Who dares interrupt my meditation? Wait..." He smiled predatorily at them. "The Force is strong with you...very strong..."

Buffy was thrown by how he was gazing at Vance more than her. "Who would have thought Force Adepts could be found on this insignificant planet?" He chuckled. "I'll enjoy this. Your talents are no match for a disciple of the Dark Side..."

"Yeah, yeah, heard it before," Faith snapped as she lifted up her blaster. "Now calm down before------"

The man held out a hand and Faith gasped, her hand going to her throat as it suddenly felt like a vise was closing around it. Buffy ignited her lightsaber and leaped forward. The man threw his staff out to smack her across the face and send her back. Faith gasped and stumbled back as she sucked in breaths. The Sith twirled his staff and sneered at them. "Killing you three will be just what I need. My master will grant me my lightsaber for this..."

Vance was moving in already, his own blades flashing and smashing against the staff. The Sith was well-trained, matching his strikes and striking out with a fast kick that sent him back. He waved his arm and Vance felt himself flying through the air, thrown right into Faith. They went down in a tumble of limbs as Buffy went back on the offensive.

The Sith ducked her swing and threw out his hand to initate a Force wave. Buffy thrust her own hand back and they stood there, each pushing against the other even though they were several feet apart. Suddenly, the Sith threw his staff out to hit Buffy in the leg. Surprised at the unexpected blow, the Slayer was off-balance enough for the Sith to hurl her against a wall.

The man was about to finish her when a series of beeps got his attention. He turned to see T3 drive toward him, halting a few feet away. The Sith stared and laughed. "Oh, really! And just what do you intend to do, eh?"

A small section of T3's head opened and out came an arm with a cylinder on its end. It fired out a burst of cyroban, the icy liquid spraying over the Sith. The man shrieked in pain as he felt his joints freezing and icicles forming on his face. He stumbled back, trying to keep his focus and turned just in time to see the flash of green light before it sliced through his chest.

Buffy deactivated her lightsaber as the Sith collapsed and looked to her companions. "You two okay?"

Faith and Vance both nodded as they got to their feet. "Five by five," the Slayer said.

Vance peered at her. "What the hell does that mean?"

"I've long wondered the same," Buffy said as she stepped over the man's corpse to check out his desk. It took a few moments for her to find the datapad with the codes she needed. "We got 'em."

"Let's get back to the apartment," Vance said as they moved back to the elevator.

Buffy nodded but her eyes were on Vance. And once we do, you and I are going to have a little talk.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Did you have any problems?" Bastila asked as the trio entered.

"Ah, nothing too major," Buffy said as she handed the datapad to Carth. "However…" She took Vance by the arm and led him to where Bastila stood in the corner. She looked back at the others. "Ah, guys, can you give us a minute? Jedi business."

Carth didn't look happy with that but obliged, as did the others. Bastila frowned at her apprentice. "Buffy, what are you doing?"

Buffy took a deep breath. "We fought a Sith at the base. He said he sensed a lot of power in Vance."

Bastila looked at Vance. "Hmmm….Do you have anything to add to this?"

The man looked down. "I…I had a vision. The first time I woke up here on Taris…and later, after we rescued you."

"A vision?" Bastila seemed worried. "Of what?"

"I…I saw you fighting someone on a bridge…a masked man in dark robes with a red lightsaber. I saw you fighting until the whole place seemed to explode."

Buffy's jaw fell open as she looked to Bastila. "That…that's the fight between you and Revan. Where I…"

Bastila held up a hand to silence her. "This is…most unexpected. I cannot fathom how you could have a vision of such an event. Perhaps…perhaps I need to consult the Council after this. It's possible you may have a connection to the Force."

"Like a Jedi?" Vance seemed unsure. "I don't know about that…"

"It is a possibility," Bastila stated. "But that is for later. For now, we have a much more pressing matter on our hands."

"Hey!" Carth called out. "If you're done with whatever secret you're keeping, can we get on with our escape?"

Bastila moved to the center of the room and nodded. "I agree, Carth. You shall accompany Buffy, Vance and myself to this meeting with this Mandalorian."

"Are you sure?" Buffy asked. "I mean, you're still topping Taris' most wanted list."

"Then what better place to hide than among other criminals?" Bastila logically observed. "This is going to be very dangerous and you will need all the help you can get."

"Makes sense," Carth had to admit. He turned to Faith, Mission and Zaalbar. "You know where Davik lives?"

Faith nodded. "Everybody knows, we just couldn't bust him before. He's way too connected."

"Okay. Give us a head start and then you all hang around there and wait for a signal. This is going to get messy one way or another and we need to save all the time we can to get in that ship."

Bastila looked around and gave a quick nod. "Very well. Let us go." She prepared to leave, the group ready to exit with her. None aware that above the Sith base was beginning to move into the proper firing position…