"Dantooine… when we first arrived here, I told you there was great strength within this place. That even the Sith would think twice before attacking. Yet, here we are, preparing to take the planet," sighed Bastila.
"And to think, this isn't the first time Dantooine's been invaded. Let's hope we're more successful," Canderous grunted.
"I was still a Youngling when Master Kace attacked. He had the element of surprise on his side… something we lack."
"And he had Mandalorian armour and backing. Something else we lack."
"You overestimate the usefulness of your armour, Mandalorian. Or have you forgotten Master Kace's fate? Or what happened at Malachor V?" Juhani hissed.
"What I do remember is that our armour and training were enough to take on the Cathar!" Canderous bellowed. Juhani jumped to her feet and reached for her lightsaber while Canderous stared her down without baulking.
"Stow it, the both of you! There'll be plenty of chances to vent your anger at the Jedi!" Revan roared with a scowl. He was only met with silence for the rest of their short journey.
The Ebon Hawk raced towards Dantooine alongside the Herald-class Shuttles, and KT-400 Carriers spat out of the blockading Sith forces. With Bastila as the pilot, drawing on her co-pilot experience alongside Carth, and Revan as the new co-pilot, the ship followed its heading for the plains surrounding the Jedi Enclave.
Juhani and Canderous continued to exchange looks of hatred and distrust from the jump seats while HK stared blankly out of the window, most likely focussing on something internal. Instruments beeped and whirred in the silence before the landing.
With the prospect of facing the Jedi looming over her, Juhani shifted in her seat. In the days since joining Revan, her resolve had become iron. Allowing her emotions to run wild again felt as empowering as it had when she was last on Dantooine. She had trained constantly on the journey, working her way through various Dark Jedi to hone her power, determined to get inside the Enclave and find Belaya.
That, however, is when her nerve started to falter. Belaya. Revan was the charismatic one, not her. She had no idea how to convince Belaya to leave the Jedi, how to convince her that Revan planned to change the Sith, that he wasn't the evil propagated by the Council. She had the bare bones of a plan once she found Belaya, so her focus was now on getting to her.
With a clunk, the Ebon Hawk touched down on the soft verdant landscape of Dantooine. HK whirred into action and exited the ship first, scanning the hills, the horizon, and the assembled forces. Juhani and Canderous followed shortly after, moving to join a group of officers and Dark Jedi nearby. Once the ship had been powered down, Revan and Bastila followed them before Revan paused in the Main Hold.
"Revan, wha…?" Bastila squeaked before Revan pulled her into a hug. Wrapping his arms around her and bringing her into his chest, Bastila froze.
"Whatever happens today, know that you could never disappoint me," Revan whispered. Bastila raised her head and looked into Revan's intense gaze, soothing feelings coming from their bond. "Take it from someone who knows; you are never ready to fight your friends."
"I know." Bastila paused. "I fought you, remember?"
"Oh, is that all I am to you? A friend?" Revan smirked.
"I believe I said I am 'utterly yours.' Your lover and apprentice, if I recall."
"I'm glad you remember –" Revan tucked a few loose strands of Bastila's hair behind her ear "- and I meant what I said. Today will be difficult. You have lived here for years, and you have friends here. While I want you to let your emotions run wild, to try and find your strength, I do not want you overwhelmed."
"I understand, Master."
"Good. Now, come, we have a war to fight." Revan smiled and guided himself and Bastila off the Ebon Hawk, leaving a hand on the small of her back.
Stepping off the ship, Bastila was surprised to see several squads of golden-armoured commandos, backed up by a platoon of Sentinel droids, mixed in with large numbers of Dark Jedi. Bastila breathed a sigh of relief. Between the numerous Dark Jedi, heavily armed commandos and shielded droids, their chances of breaching the Enclave increased significantly. Continuing to be guided by Revan, she approached Canderous and the others.
"What's the situation?" Bastila asked, leaning over the holomap. It depicted the Enclave nestled behind the hills that surrounded the landing area. With a pinch of her fingers, the perspective changed from a frontal view to an overhead angle.
"We have five squads of commandos, a platoon of droids and several Dark Jedi ready to move out," Canderous barked.
"And other deployments?" asked Revan.
"We've sent a few squads to secure the nearby estates, and some Dark Jedi have gone to clear the Crystal Cave," barked a man clad in blood-red armour.
"And you are?" Bastila scowled.
"Commander Azkul, my Lord. The Colonel and I have been working together to prepare the men." Azkul stated, back straightening under her eye.
"He's got experience, don't you worry." Canderous gestured the scar over Azkul's left eye, rendering it white.
Bastila simply nodded. "Do we know what we face? When we were last here, the Jedi numbered near fifty. There may be more now."
"From what the fighter patrols have reported, most of the Jedi are holed up inside their Enclave. A few civilians have joined the defence, but we don't know anything more," said Azkul, gesturing to the small bridge leading to the exterior paths.
"Ladies, Gentlemen, we know the plan, and I see no reason for further delay. Form up the men and prepare to move out," Revan ordered. Canderous and Azkul immediately began shouting orders, and the men jumped to attention, gathering into formation. Climbing a small hill, Revan turned to his soldiers.
"Men, you all know what we're here to do. Your targets are Padawans and civilians. The senior Jedi will weaken themselves to protect their students and the non-combatants, presenting myself and the Dark Jedi with plenty of opportunities. Watch your back, protect your squad mates, and victory will be ours." Revan turned to Canderous. "Anything to add, Colonel?"
"Any man dies with a full set of ammo; I'll mount your head on a spike myself!"
The Jedi Enclave was a safe haven of serenity and harmony, a hideaway for the Jedi to centre themselves and reflect. The beauty of Dantooine's rolling hills and calming skies only reinforces the tranquillity.
But not today.
Blaster fire echoed across those rolling hills as Sith commandos opened fire from cover on several ragtag civilians stationed outside the Enclave. The Jedi stationed with them moved to intercept the blaster bolts, causing a flurry of blue and green.
With the Jedi standing their ground, the droid platoon advanced on the Enclave, clanking feet trampling the delicate grass underfoot, unleashing a barrage of blaster bolts. The additional wave of fire puts the Jedi on the back foot, causing several shots to pass their defences. The Jedi's faces hardened as those shots collided with the citizens and Padawans they were trying to defend. As several of them ground their feet into the stone, preparing to jump at their attackers, Revan struck.
Charging from amongst the war droids laying down a torrent of covering fire, Revan, Bastila, and the Dark Jedi pounced on the defences. Igniting his cyan saber, Revan jumped over one of the Jedi, twisted his lightsaber backwards and stabbed her through the back. Simultaneously, Bastila flipped over some Jedi and spun in a complete turn, using her crimson double-blade to carve two of her enemies in half with a cackle.
HK had taken up position alongside one of the commando squads, taking pleasure in the exercise of his assassination protocols. Using his Assassin's Rifle, he managed to wound many younger Jedi before one of them noticed him. However, moving to deflect HK's fire allowed Revan to catch the Jedi off-guard, slicing him across his back.
"Tooka, no!" one of the Jedi screamed before charging Revan. Using the Force to push Bastila back and dodging incoming fire, the Jedi crashed his emerald weapon into Revan's own saber. A brief duel ensued, with both blades clashing between the two figures. Revan faltered slightly, his opponent's metal arm giving him an advantage. Summoning the Force, Revan pushed his adversary away, causing him to drag his feet across the ground.
"Master Berkona, we should retreat!" one of the surviving Padawans screamed.
"Go, I will cove…!" Berkona turned to face the survivors as he shouted before falling silent and clutching his chest. Blaster bolts tore through his torso and hands. Canderous had used the distraction to push forward and fire upon Berkona. Backed up by several commandos and droids, they gunned down those remaining outside.
Juhani, who had remained at the back of the group, now charged towards the sealed doors. Attempting to open the door, she found it would not budge. "They must be holding it closed!"
"Second Squad, move to seal the Sub-level. Everyone else, get into position!" Revan barked. The remaining commandos lined up facing the door, crouching in front of the mass of droids gathered behind. All weapons were trained at the entrance. "Any casualties, Commander?"
"A few scrapped droids and some scrapes. Nothing that'll slow us down," Azkul reported. Revan only nodded.
Reaching out with the Force, Revan tried to release the door mechanism, encountering resistance as he attempted to twist the circuits. Extending his reach further, he could feel Jedi using the Force to counteract his every move.
"Bastila, Juhani, help me wrench this door open. Azkul, I need your men to put a few gas grenades through the gap. Skin contact, not inhalation," commanded Revan. Azkul turned to his men and ordered a few of them to step forward. The combined ability of Revan, Bastila and Juhani managed to overpower the Jedi efforts on the other side, and the door opened several inches. Rolling the grenades through the gap, the hiss of gas seeping out was the last sound before Revan, Bastila, and Juhani let go of the door.
Waiting a few moments before reaching out, Revan sensed no resistance as he manipulated the circuitry and unlocked the door. With a nod to his men, Revan pulled open the door and a small cloud of gas poured out of the corridor, and the gathered soldiers opened fire blindly into the cloud.
When the mist dissipated, their blaster fire ceased. Dashing from either side of the door, Revan and Bastila pushed into the hallway, soldiers following close behind. Looking down, Revan saw the bodies of two Jedi, rendered unconscious by the gas: Deesra Luur Jada and Belaya.
Juhani paled, rushing forward to Belaya's side. Checking her pulse, relief flooded over her as she felt the steady beat of her heart. The sound of lightsabers igniting pulled her focus away for a moment, and she looked up to see Jedi and Dark Jedi hurrying to meet each other in the courtyard.
Lightsabers clashed, and sounds of blaster fire filled the air as Juhani cradled Belaya in her arms. The shock of seeing her unconscious form had brought terrible visions of losing her to the stray blaster bolts of their soldiers or an overzealous Dark Jedi looking for a good fight. Finally, Juhani thought, she was back in her arms and safe from any who would wish her harm.
Casting a glance at the battle, she saw Revan, now favouring his side, was engaged in combat with Garrum, a Padawan Juhani once knew. She heard Bastila's pained groans as she struck down her foes, including Master Tar'eelok, a wound glowing faintly on her shoulder. Momentarily unsure, Juhani began to panic before a hand landed on her left shoulder.
"You know the plan; get her out of here! He'll catch up when he can!" Canderous shouted from behind her, gesturing briefly at Revan before firing at his targets. HK had pushed up in front of her, providing the covering fire Juhani needed to pick up Belaya and slip away.
When the fighting in the courtyard died down, Bastila heard Revan bark orders at their men and droids, but she couldn't make out any words. She had never felt so… wrong. All she could focus on was the death that swirled around her, the ends of her friends and colleagues.
Her mind could not tear itself away from her memories of this place, from the day Garrum first arrived at the Enclave to the day she watched Tar'eelok train another in lightsaber techniques. She had spilt blood on the very spot she and Revan had trained and watched blaster fire ruin the tree that sheltered her through her studies.
And now, she watched as soldiers charged to the landing pad and droids scattered around the courtyard. She watched as Canderous took the remaining Dark Jedi and headed for the Sublevel, and she watched wordlessly as Revan approached her, concerned feelings coming from her bond.
Cupping her cheek, he whispered, "Are you alright? I'm here," Bastila gave a slight nod, and tears welled in her eyes. "There is still the Council to deal with, but HK and I can handle them alone if you ne…."
"No!" Bastila shouted, determination pushing through her pain. "I want to face them."
"Good. Let's show them what you've become."
"Ah, so you are the one who rescued Bastila. It is appropriate you are here. We have been discussing your rather special case. I am Zhar, a member of the Jedi Council. With me are Master Vrook, Master Vandar and, of course, the Chronicler of our Academy, Master Dorak. Padawan Bastila I am sure you are already familiar with."
"So you've drawn me into your little trap, Bastila. What now?" hissed Revan.
"This is no trap. The Council just wants to talk to you. There is much that needs to be discussed," Bastila whispered
"What do you want from me?" asked Revan.
"Bastila tells us you are strong in the Force. We are considering you for Jedi training," said Zhar.
"Strong in the Force?"
"Master Zhar speaks out of turn, perhaps. We need indisputable proof of your strong affinity to the Force before we would even consider accepting you for training," counters Vrook.
"Proof? Surely the entire Council can feel the strength of the Force within this man… and I have already related to you the events that took place on Taris…," Bastila argued.
"Perhaps it was simple luck."
"We both know there is no luck. There is only the Force. We all feel the power in Bastila's companion, though it is wild and untamed. Now that this power has begun to manifest itself, can we safely ignore it?" countered Zhar.
"The Jedi training is long and difficult, even when working with a young and open mind. Teaching a child is hard. How much harder will it be for an adult to learn the ways of the Jedi?"
"I am ready to accept the training… and my age has nothing to do with it!" called Revan
"Such pride! Such arrogance! This one is already on the path to the dark side!"
"As are many who are not given proper training, Master Vrook. Only through our guidance can we hope to lead those who have strayed back to the path of light," spoke Vandar.
"I am willing to try my best," said Revan
"Traditionally the Jedi do not accept adults for training, though there are rare exceptions in the history of our Order. But you are a special case." Dorak stated.
"I agree with Master Dorak. Many of our own pupils are leaving the Jedi Order to follow the Sith teachings; we need recruits to stand against Malak! With Revan dead…," said Vandar.
"Are you certain Revan is truly dead? What if we undertake to train this one, and the Dark Lord should return?" exclaimed Vrook.
"We should discuss this matter more fully in private. Bastila, you and your companion must go. This is a matter for the Council alone."
"Revan, in the name of the Jedi Council, you are under arrest, Padawan." Vrook declared, pointing his viridian lightsaber at Revan.
"Are you threatening me, Master Vrook?" Revan smirked.
"The Council on Coruscant will decide your fate."
"No, Master Vrook, I think we will decide your fate," Revan boasted, looking between Bastila and HK.
"What has he done to you, child?" Dorak interrupted, jade-coloured saber ignited by his side. "Some sort of Sith alchemy to ensnare you?"
"I have been liberated, you pathetic old man! I am no longer your puppet!" she spat.
"Fear not, dear Bastila. When we have dealt with Revan, we will use the Force to set you free," Zhar assured, drawing his lightsaber resembling the colour of sand.
"The Force has set me free, you fool! And if you love the Force so much, prepare to become one with it!" Bastila screamed as she charged, crimson saber trailing behind her. Revan activated his own cyan blade and moved to engage Vrook.
"Prejudice set to maximum!" HK shouted as Dorak closed in. Extending his arm and flicking his wrist down, HK unleashed a torrent of flame into Dorak's path. The Jedi Master pushed it aside with the Force, but it blinded him long enough for HK to move aside, allowing him to fire from Dorak, forcing him to turn and deflect the bolts.
Bastila clashed with Zhar, anger powering her forceful strikes. Spinning to allow both her blades to connect with Zhar, she placed him into a defensive stance long enough to step back and jump forward in a downward strike. Zhar managed to regain his footing long enough to block her strike and push her back, to which Bastila let loose a stream of lightning.
Revan utilised the full extent of the Makashi lightsaber form to duel Vrook in single combat. Relying on his careful and controlled strikes, he entered into a battle of attrition against Vrook's Ataru form. Vrook's aggressive strikes were parried easily by Revan's calm demeanour and a series of thrusts at Vrook's legs, designed to force him into more dangerous moves.
After minutes of duelling and dodging, the sounds of electricity and colliding lightsaber echoed around the Council Chamber. The tide started to turn as the Jedi weakened from the prolonged combat.
Dorak, having manoeuvred around blaster bolts and flame, overextended himself in an attempt to slice off HK's arm, allowing HK to seize Dorak's lightsaber hand with his left and fire several shots into Dorak's abdomen with his right. As Dorak dropped to the floor, Zhar turned to watch his friend and colleague collapse, leaving Bastila the opening she needed to sever his head from his shoulders.
Feeling a swelling of pride, Bastila now understood what Revan had asked her to find whilst fighting here. Her anger at the Jedi and her happiness at enacting revenge were dwarfed in comparison to her pride at having surpassed and killed someone who held her back for so long. With a smile, she turned to see Revan still engaged.
Vrook paled as he felt the life leave his fellow Jedi. Revan was matching his every strike, and now, he was alone. He cursed Master Kae for teaching Revan Form Two, one of the perfect counters to his own Form Four. Summoning what remained of his strength, he pushed Revan, Bastila and that accursed droid back and fled from the Council Chamber.
Deflecting bolts from droids stationed around the courtyard and passing the bodies of all the Jedi within the Enclave, Vrook seethed momentarily before pushing further on towards the landing pad. He could feel Revan pursuing, only the turn of a corner behind him. Running into several commandos and Dark Jedi squads, Vrook used the Force to leap past them and border the shuttle on the landing pad.
Revan caught up just in time to see the shuttle taking off under heavy sustained fire from everyone. Anger bubbled inside him as the shuttle steadily shrunk in size. In the background, he heard someone calling Saul, and fire lit up the sky. But when he called back with bad news, Revan just sighed.
A/N: Did you know... Cale Berkona first appeared in Star War Tales 23 "Shadows and Light," Tooka is referenced in the "Murdered Settler" quest on Dantooine in KoTOR and, Tar'eelok and Garrum are cut NPCs from the Dantooine Jedi Enclave in KoTOR.