This chapter just sets up the final battle and builds on the characters. As Malachor V was the focal point for nearly all of the KOTOR characters, we're going to meet a few more of them. I also want to build on the pre-battle tension and give more grist to Revan as military genius and show the charisma thatinflamed a galactic war. I recall some reviewer that thoughtI wrote the battles as being too military. Hmmm, different strokes, different perspectives.I guess you could write a scientist as being too scientific?

I'm still liking the dreamy/zen theme too. I was in a rather whimsical mood earlier and wrote politically correct Christmas Carols with my friend, Jill, but I'm back in focus. Oh, BaM, I tried to give you a couple of reviews, but the system went kaput. Someone wanted a KOTOR II story? I was doing a parody called Guduts of the Old Republic. Eh brah, Tutu Kreia stay one mean ole wahine. Ok, I'm rambling...

Duty, Honor, Republic

The Republic Fleet – Day 3 – 0330L

In a luxurious cabin within the hull of the Republic Flagship, RNS Eagle, the platinum blonde Republic General, Mai-Lyn T'sing, knelt in meditation under diffuse lights. Cream colored robes, accentuated in rich mocha adorned her lean frame. In front of her lay a silver cylinder…the symbol of her power…of her betrayal of the Order.

Her crystal blue eyes were open and expressionless, a sign of her focus. Deep within those icy orbs burned a fire that raged in her heart. Always passionate, always aggressive, Mai-Lyn had been one of the first to declare for Revan that fateful day on Dantooine. With a deep breath, she could see it in her mind so well…so clearly.

A cold dawn burst into fiery battle as Master Vrook challenged Revan for the hearts and minds of the young Jedi – Revan could not refuse. In the crisp morning air, lightsabers sang the agony of the Order torn apart.

They circled warily until Revan took a defensive stance, weight on her back leg, blade angled over her shoulder. This was the most powerful form that Vrook had taught her; Niman, a style reserved for only the most talented masters.

Their eyes locked in mutual antagonism, neither able to gain a mental advantage. They were now oblivious to the scores of watchful eyes upon them.

Vrook launched a series of powerful strikes, which Revan deflected and dodged. As their weapons locked, Vrook extended his power outward, but to his amazement, Revan withstood his mental assault. A smile creased her lips as she seized the initiative.

Switching to the Shien Form, Revan launched two fierce uppercuts that forced Vrook backward and he spun to parry her attacks away. Blue and golden light arced and sizzled throughout the morning mist.

The duel raged for uncounted minutes between parry and riposte, reprise and remise. Despite his command of the Force, Vrook began to breathe heavily, fighting to keep up with Revan's athleticism. She leapt and darted about, striking from all angles; she was a blur of power.

Feeling his waning strength, Vrook unleashed the last of his energy, hurling a massive wave of the Force at his opponent.

Translucent coils swept around Revan, and washed over Malak, Bandon, and many others, hurling them backward onto the ground. However, Revan stood, unfazed.

Seeing that his power had failed, Vrook rushed at her, their lightsabers meeting in mid air. Amid the crackling sounds, Revan shifted her weight ever so slightly to change her center of balance. Revan withdrew her blade and Vrook stumbled forward. With a torque of her hips, Revan swung her blade at Vrook's neck, stopping her lightsaber a centimeter from his throat. The heat burned his skin.

Vrook froze and Revan blinked; a silence fell over the field. The young woman's mouth fell open, surprised at her own victory. Revan almost wished that Vrook had won; that he had stopped her. A tear rolled down her cheek and she choked silently.

"Goodbye my Master. Please forgive me…I have to do this."

She deactivated her lightsaber and turned her back on all that she had known and stood for.

Mai-Lyn gulped and her lip twitched. "What have we done?" she whispered as a winter chill swept through her being.

Bridge of the RNS Eagle

Warm lights illuminated the bridge of the Eagle, where the controlled frenzy of the crew made the area a beehive of activity and preparation for battle. At the center of the whirlwind sat Revan, dressed now in her naval uniform, golden epaulettes and braids adorning the gray coat with a black stripe down the trousers. Her ebony hair was braided and lay smartly upon her shoulders.

The admiral scanned datapads with After Action Reports of the battle and intelligence on Mandalorian strengths, her Force-fueled mind absorbing the reams of data and analyzing the intricate details held within. With a deep breath, Revan looked over to the woman who had followed her in battle after battle.

"Mai-Lyn, are your ground forces ready for the assault? The initial wave will be the most perilous."

The other renegade Jedi brushed strands of platinum blonde hair from her face and returned a confident grin. "They are ready for your review and will die at your command, Admiral." However, somehow, the words sounded hollow this time.

So much blood had been spilled.

General Mai-Lyn T'sing then perused the datapad on the Mandalorians. "Human intelligence suggests a deep rift growing in the clan ranks thanks to your destabilization efforts. I trust your operatives are continuing their efforts – It would be nice to soften the Mandies up before we arrive. Who, pray tell, are your operatives on the planet?"

Revan smiled, but shook her head. "Sorry, Mai-Lyn, need to know."

The general shrugged, but a snippet of the Force brought the image of a lean young man with a devil-may-care grin under a mop of brown hair. She then offhandedly returned the datapad to a Zabrak technician standing nearby.

The muscular Zabrak bowed deeply and spoke in a comfortable drawl, "Thank you, General."

Mai-Lyn gave him a matronly nod…the nod one gives a faithful underling. She then turned back to her leader. "No matter…shall we review the troops, Admiral?"

The two women stood and Mai-Lyn pursed her lips. Revan observed this and raised an eyebrow – she knew Mai-Lyn too well.

"General, you're not losing heart, are you?"

Mai-Lyn parted her full lips for a moment as if in thought. "Admiral…Revan…we have been together since we were younglings. You are my leader and my friend. All of this destruction…all of this blood…for what?"

A shadow passed over Revan's face for a moment before her awesome charisma returned – the familiar glow of confidence and infectious charm that had brought millions into her flock and many to their deaths. She placed her arm warmly around Mai-Lyn's shoulders and pulled her tight. "Mai-Lyn…my friend…We must stay the course. Remember, it is for the greater good. Should we abandon the cause now, it will all be for naught."

"Yes, yes of course, you're right. Forgive me, Admiral."

Revan moved her general out in front of her and smiled, her gray eyes boring into Mai-Lyn's soul. "There is nothing to forgive. Let us speak no more about this and attend to our duty. For the Republic."

As the two entered the landing bay of the great warship, they were joined by Malak and Saul Karath. The tall, muscular Jedi was clad in his red body armor with crimson cape, which brought out the richness of his blond hair. Nearby, Captain Saul Karath, magnificent in his gray dress uniform, looked out over the ordered ranks of armored troops with satisfaction.

Malak turned to greet the two women as they approached, a broad grin spreading across his face. "Mai-Lyn," he said with a nod, "Revan…your troops are ready. I have completed preparations for the assault on the Malachor defense network. It should pose little problem."

Saul saluted smartly, a gesture that was returned warmly. "Admiral, your operatives on Malachor have been briefed. All should be ready for the final assault."

"Excellent. I have assigned this operation, codeword: CHECKMATE."

Malak bowed and swept his hand toward the awaiting troops and Saul bellowed, "Admiral on deck!"

The columns of soldiers snapped to attention with a single mind.

Revan led the way, reviewing the ranks with an inquisitive eye. Occasionally, she would stop and chat with troops of all grades and occupations and adoring faces would beam as she passed.

At the head of one squadron, Revan stopped before a stern woman in a flightsuit and a cocky beret. "Commander Dodonna, you have the honor of leading the assault on the defense grid. Good luck."

The squadron commander averted her eyes out of respect. "My squadron is ready, Admiral."

"Always remember – duty, honor, Republic."

As the Admiral moved away, a dark-haired young pilot in the back ranks craned his neck to get a better look at his commander. He whispered to another pilot, "Rast, you know, I've never gotten a good look at the Admiral. I have no idea what she looks like."

Rast shrugged. "Shush Carth, you want to get us court martialed?"

Revan completed her review and marched out of the bay with Malak and the others. When they were out of view of the troops, she turned. "General, Captain, I thank you for your time and effort. I have no doubts that, with your loyalty and experience behind me, that I will emerge victorious. You are dismissed."

Saul bowed low and withdrew, followed by Mai-Lyn. When they were alone, Revan seized Malak by the neck and pulled him into her, her professional calm melting into passion. Breathless, she cooed, "Malak, you are my rock. Without you, I would have never have come this far. You are my strength."

The blond Jedi inhaled deeply, drinking of her essence. He brushed raven locks from her face and gazed into the longing gray eyes and saw for a moment the vulnerable young Padawan of years past and he recalled again how she had captured his heart on a snowy night on a far off planet that was now dead to them.

Somehow, in her arms, there was no doubt, no fear, no remorse…everything was simple, everything was as the Force willed it to be.