Chapter Seven: A Carefully Developed Strategem
The man sat in his chambers on Dromund Kaas. During his earlier visit to the Secret Archives, he had placed a tap. Now he had full access to all of Imperial Intelligence's files. It was those files he now reviewed.
His hand had not guided any of the events recounted here. Still, the turning of HAVOC Squad was an impressive feat. Republic morale would be crushed, and the schemes of Darth Baras and his Master, Darth Vengen, would grow all the more overt because of it. War was that little bit closer to becoming a reality.
He was less pleased by the disturbances on Tython. Those had only served to rouse the Jedi from their slumber, to put them on their guard. There were already signs they might emerge from their self-imposed exile: Orgus Din's mission to Alderaan, Bella Kiwiks' journey to Coruscant.
Still, if the Jedi re-emerged as a power unto themselves, that could be shaped to his purposes. He didn't want the eventual war to be too one-sided, after all. His goal was to burn away the false Sith, to ensure that only the worthy were left standing, This would require a crucible. Perhaps the Jedi would help to light the flame.
He reviewed his plans. He had taken into account all the major players: Darth Baras and his soon-to-be apprentice; Satele Shan and the Jedi Council; Caecinius, the Jedi swordmaster; the Republic SIS; and the members of the Dark Council with their assorted schemes. Even allowing for the variables of random action and unpredictability, he felt confident that he could guide them to where he most needed them.
Everyone else was irrelevant. Individual pawns in a grand chess tournament, to be used and discarded at his pleasure. None of them could possibly disrupt his carefully developed stratagem.
The speeder trip back to Fort Garnik was actually fairly short, but to Mira it felt as if it lasted for hours. The company didn't help. She kept having to stop Corso from using his wrist communicator.
"When was the last time you saw Viidu pick up his own call?" Mira snapped in exasperation. "Who do you think would receive that message? Who was it who stalled Rogun when he called earlier?"
She swore. One of the reasons she had liked Syreena was how smart she was, how much she had helped Viidu with business. Now those very qualities made her more dangerous.
The warehouse was empty when they reached it. Not a single hand manning the floor. The quiet made Mira uneasy. She drew her blaster, nodded to Corso.
They worked their way slowly to Viidu's office, where they heard Syreena arguing with someone.
"You promised to get me out of here! I did everything for you, Skavak!"
Mira saw Skavak's smug, tattooed face on the holoscreen. From the way his smirk grew just a bit broader, she knew that he had noticed her as well.
"You did it for the money, same as me," he said, folding his arms across his chest. "Only difference is, you ain't getting paid. I'd say see you around, but I don't think that's going to happen."
Skavak ended the call. Syreena turned, saw Mira and Corso with their weapons drawn. She looked defeated, didn't even try to lie.
"Where is Viidu?" Mira asked.
Syreena's eyes flicked over to the bedroom. Corso went to look. When he came back, his expression was grim.
"I had no choice," Syreena protested. "Rogun has sent bounty hunters. They have orders to take Viidu and you. And me."
Mira recalled their conversation that morning, in which the thought of Rogun had made Syreena shudder.
"I tried to warn Viidu, but he wouldn't listen. He insisted you would make everything all right. So I sent the workers home. I took him into the bedroom, and…" She made a gesture. "I swear he never saw it coming."
Mira glared darkly at her. Syreena saw the expression in her eyes, kept talking, trying to find the words to save her life.
"Skavak said he had some business to finish here, then he was going to go straight to Coruscant. The Republic has pushed the separatists off this island. They're reopening the spaceports tomorrow. We can catch up with him. He'll never know we're coming!"
"We?" Mira asked.
Syreena turned to her.
"Please, Captain," she said. She took a nervous step toward Mira, reaching out a hand like a religious supplicant. "I'm smart, and you know it. I'd be useful to you." She added a nervous little smile to her repertoire. "You know these men. They never take us seriously. You and I, together? We could take over half the galaxy before they even noticed us."
Mira lowered her blaster a bit, nodding slowly. Syreena's smile grew more confident.
"You are smart," Mira said, "and I really did like you." Then she gave a tiny shake of her head. "But Viidu was my friend."
Syreena turned as if to run. She didn't have time to move a single step. Mira raised her blaster, fired.
Corso looked appalled. "I was raised to tip my hat and open doors for ladies, not blast them!"
" 'Ladies?' " Mira repeated.
She thought of Viidu. He had been exasperating at times, but he had also been as full of life as anyone she had ever known. Everything he had done had been in a big way, every gesture a grand one, every emotion fully felt. The galaxy already felt both smaller and colder without him.
"Don't talk to me about 'ladies,' Corso," she said. "Just... don't talk, OK?"
Corso had the sense to remain silent as they left the warehouse. They separated immediately thereafter. Mira went in search of the base's cantina. She intended to get properly drunk – and she would raise her first glass to Viidu.
Canlyn and Ashara waited nervously outside the Council Chambers. They had been summoned to a 6 am session. Final deliberations were stretching out, however, and it was now 6:15.
"I'm sure it'll be all right, Lyn," Ashara said. "We didn't really break any rules."
Her voice was anything but confident, and Canlyn was not reassured. Still, she appreciated the gesture, and forced a smile for her friend.
Qyzen approached. He nodded to Ashara, then bowed to Canlyn.
"Qyzen?" Canlyn was startled by the gesture.
"Have come with well wishes, and an apology," Qyzen said.
"An apology? What for?"
"I spoke false," Qyzen replied. "You are no 'small hunter.' To lose my points was horror. But I have prayed on this, and see clearly now. Scorekeeper sees all, and favors. She has led me through darkness to greater thing: You."
Canlyn and Ashara exchanged a confused look.
"I don't understand," Canlyn said, as gently as she could.
"Scorekeeper has shown my path, to serve her Herald," Qyzen said. "You. Wherever you need me, I will follow."
Canlyn didn't know what to say.
"I cannot be this 'Herald' of yours," she stammered. "I'm not Trandoshan. Your ways are not mine. I may soon not even be a Jedi."
Qyzen shook his head firmly. "You have skill, strength, honor," he replied. "More than I have seen in any other. I will follow."
"The same goes for me," Ashara said impulsively. "If they kick us out of the Order today, I'll still follow you. Wherever you go."
Canlyn didn't know how to feel, whether to laugh or cry. Instead, she reached out, grasping Ashara's hand in her left, Qyzen's in her right.
"I am honored to know both of you," she said.
She felt tears pricking at her eyes, and released her friends' grip to wipe them away.
The doors to the Council Chamber opened, and she and Ashara were summoned inside.
Master Yuon waited inside the entrance on one side; Ashara's Master, Ryen, on the other. Neither of the Masters spoke to their respective padawans, gesturing them to stand before the Council.
The Council members were still speaking as they approached. Canlyn and Ashara waited respectfully, both of them listening to gather up any extra scraps of news about recent events.
"The Flesh Raiders are still a threat," Master Orgus insisted over the holoprojector.
Master Syo disagreed. "Without the leadership of Bengel Morr, they will be scattered and ill-equipped."
"This Temple could have been devasted," Grandmaster Shan said. "Master Caecinius believes Bengel Morr, Calief, the Flesh Raiders – all were able to take advantage of weaknesses in our defenses."
"Master Caecinius often speaks that way," Syo said calmly.
"In this case, I agree with him," Satele replied. "I have ordered an increase in defensive patrols and a review of existing security protocols. We must not invite a second Coruscant."
Master Orgus grunted his approval of this.
"What about the Twi'leks?" he asked.
Satele glanced at Canlyn, the first acknowledgement any of the Council had given to the two padawans. Then she looked around at the other Council members.
"We created instability by refusing to help them," she said. "We came to Tython to reconnect with our origins and to regain our strength, but we have focused too much of our energies internally. I believe Matriarch Ranna is sincere in wanting to improve relations, and recent events show that we must do so. United, both of our communities will benefit. If we stay on our current path of division, further conflict will become inevitable."
This time, Master Orgus' grunt showed disapproval. Master Jaric also seemed unhappy with this decision. Still, nobody challenged her.
Satele turned back to Canlyn and Ashara.
"Our apologies for keeping you waiting, Padawans," she said.
"It's my fault for being late," Orgus complained. "Alderaanian nobles love their banquets almost as much as they love their speeches."
Satele smiled lightly, but her eyes remained on the two young women.
"Canlyn Dessan," she said, her tone growing formal, as if preparing to make a proclamation. "The Council has had a difficult deliberation. There is no question you were aiding Master Yuon, and acting at all times with her knowledge. However, you admit to acting against her wishes by proceeding to the Great Forge without waiting for assistance. You also forged your own lightsaber – an act that marks the end of a padawan's training, and that by tradition is done only with the Master's permission. You also state that you were not compelled by The Force to journey to The Forge."
Canlyn bowed her head. "This is all correct, Grandmaster," she said. She closed her eyes, waiting for her sentence.
"I don't believe that is true."
Canlyn looked up, startled by Satele's statement.
"You state The Force did not compel you," Satele said. "But The Living Force does not act as a voice, calling to us from the sky. It weaves through us, working through people and shaping events to its will. Had you not been studying the holocrons of the original Masters, it would have taken hours to discover that Rjaivari's recording had been stolen, if not days. Instead, you were able to recover it that very night. Rajivari's recording led you to the Hilt of the First Blade, and Rajivari's own Force Ghost directed you to the Great Forge. And you were compelled every step of the way by your own determination to rescue Nalen Raloch – an act of compassion, one of the most important qualities that should guide a Jedi."
Canlyn stood frozen, barely comprehending as Satele stood and gestured to Master Yuon.
"Your every act," Satele continued, "speaks of The Force working through you, guiding you. Compelling you to journey to The Forge, to create your own lightsaber. To save a man most would have considered lost – not by fighting, but by refusing to fight. Your journey speaks for itself, and this decree is made unanimously."
Master Yuon stepped forward. She now smiled openly as she approached Canlyn.
"Before the Council," Yuon said, her voice formal even as her face cracked in a broad grin, "I take from you the title of Padawan. I name you a full Jedi of our Order. Honor the past. Work for the future."
Yuon bowed deeply. The Masters rose from their chairs and also bowed.
Canlyn swallowed, reminded herself to breathe. Nervously, she returned the bow.
"I am deeply honored," she said.
Master Orgus grunted again.
"Just don't let it go to your head," he said. "You still have much to learn, young lady!"
Canlyn smiled at him. "I look forward to my future lessons, Master."
Ashara beamed at her, made a "thumbs-up" gesture with her right hand.
"We do not yet have an assignment for you," Satele told her. "So I would ask what your choice of tasks would be, until a mission presents itself."
Canlyn thought for a moment. She looked at the Council members, at Ashara, then at Yuon.
"I would – If the Council deems it fitting," she stammered. "I would like to continue my work with Master Yuon." She glanced at Yuon. "If you will have me, that is."
Satele grinned. "Given Master Yuon's glowing statement on your behalf, I doubt that is in question."
Yuon stepped forward, taking Canlyn's hands in her own. "It would be my honor, Pad – Jedi Knight Dessan."
The Council members sat again, their faces growing severe once more. When Satele turned to Ashara, there was no hint of her previous smile and all the warmth was gone from her eyes. Master Ryen glared openly at Ashara. Canlyn felt frightened all over again, this time on her friend's behalf.
"Ashara Zavros," Satele proclaimed. "You have engaged in deception by omission, actively hiding your activities and whereabouts from your Master. You knew he did not wish for you to leave the Temple grounds, yet you insisted on following Knight Dessan to the waterfall caves, then to Fount of Rajivari, and finally to the Forge. What drove you to these actions?"
Ashara's orange face turned a shade paler. She struggled to find an adequate response.
"I – I wanted to help Canlyn," she said.
Satele nodded. "As we expected."
She looked over to Master Syo. Syo nodded, rose.
"The Jedi adhere to basic principles against attachments," Syo said. "We all have friendships, and this is fine... to a point. But when a friendship becomes so intense that it causes one to ignore Jedi discipline, then it becomes dangerous. Passionate emotions, whether romantic or not, inevitably lead to suffering. Passions can destroy a person – and Jedi destroyed by passion become something terrible."
Syo looked directly at Ashara as he made his pronouncement.
"By recommendation of Master Ryen, you will spend the next 48 hours confined to your quarters. Thereafter, you will be restricted to the grounds of the Jedi Outpost when not acting directly under his orders. This much has been ruled unanimously. Further, you are from this day on forbidden to have contact with Jedi Knight Canlyn Dessan. You will not speak with her. You will not communicate with her by holo. You will not write messages to her. This decision was not unanimous, but it remains binding. As of this day, your friendship is severed."
Syo nodded to Master Ryen, who approached Ashara. He took her forcefully by the shoulder, pulled her away. Ashara looked back at Canlyn, her eyes reflecting a shock that mirrored Canlyn's own. Then Ryen and the guards surrounded the young Togruta, escorting her away to begin her confinement.
Satele looked sadly at Canlyn.
"It may seem harsh," she said. "Ashara is very strong in The Force, gifted even. She could be a great Jedi. But not if she continues on her current path."
Canlyn hesitated, bowed her head.
"As The Council decrees," she said.
But she felt as if a lead weight had been forced down her throat and had settled in her stomach.
Caecinius sat in the ruins of Kaleth, at the garden where he had spoken with Satele a few short weeks ago. He again attempted to meditate, this time making use of the technique Master Ryen so often assigned his padawans. He stacked a larger stone on top of a smaller one. Then added another, slightly larger rock to the top of the stack. Then another.
He willed his mind to clear. No thoughts, no emotions.
"There is no emotion, there is peace."
He spoke the words aloud, trying to make them true.
All he saw was the Temple at Coruscant. The bodies. His Master, crumpling.
"There is peace," he repeated.
Bengel Morr's face, grinning up at him from the training grounds. Bengel's burned visage, as he gasped his final words.
"You are the weapon I came here to Forge."
The inverted stack of rocks exploded, the individual stones scattering. Caecinius snatched one of the rocks out of the air before it could land. In his frustration, he hurled it as hard as he could against the Temple wall, then watched it bounce off the stone wall and into the grass.
He took a ragged breath, trying to steady himself. Closed his eyes, reached again for some level of inner peace.
He could not find it. All that he saw were corpses.
He opened his eyes and took in the ruins around him. How much of this destruction had been caused by time, and how much was a result of Rajivari's ancient rebellion? How many lives had been claimed by that battle? Millennia had passed, but the violence remained the same.
There is peace, the Jedi Order proclaimed. But if so, he could not find it.
Peace was a lie.