The Light Rises
The Summit of the Ancient Temple - Lehon
Darth Malak stared out over the pristine ocean view that stretched out before him as he reached out with his senses. He closed his eyes in concentration. A frown creased the lines across his forehead as his eyebrows drew together as he felt her presence coming nearer.
Revan. She is getting closer.
His eyes snapped open, the golden metallic color was a bold contrast against the deathly pallor of his skin. Damn her. She has been nothing but a thorn in my side! Even when I thought she was dead, she managed to find a way to vex me.
He sensed his new apprentice approaching. Clad in black robes, the lovely young woman knelt behind him.
"Ahh, Bastila." He spoke slowly as he turned, his voice dark and menacing as it forced its way out of the vocalizer in his cybernetic metal jaw. "Rise, my new apprentice. Revan approaches. You sense her presence as well?"
Bastila rose, her dark grey eyes narrowed as she nodded. "Yes, my Lord. Even now, I can sense her. It will not be long until she arrives."
Malak paced, deep in thought. "We must force her to ground. We must keep her from gaining access to the Star Forge." He paused, looking down on his new apprentice who was so eager to prove herself to him. His eyes landed on a nearby computer terminal. "Yes, the disruptor field… She will be forced to land here on this pitiful excuse of a planet, and make her way here, where you will be laying in wait." He paused. "Kill her. Kill them all, then return to me at the Star Forge." He turned, his black cape flourishing behind him, and stalked towards his shuttle that awaited him.
"It will be done, my master."
#
Aboard the Ebon Hawk - hovering in the outskirts of space near an unknown planet (Lehon)
"Magnificent," Ashla's breath came in fast as she stared at the large space station looming before them. "So much power… with this, the Republic would never tremble in fear again." She pulled her eyes away from the Star Forge. Her eyes widened with horror as she realized what she said… how she must have sounded… like Revan.
"Oh, my stars," she said as she stumbled, reaching for the back of his chair, only to have him catch her mid-fall.
As if in a forgotten dream, she saw herself standing on a large observation deck, staring out at the black expanse of space with Malak standing silently at her side.
"Revan, we promised the Elders we would destroy this space station," Malak said, breaking the silence. "That is what we set out to do, why are you hesitating?"
"In order for the Republic to finally achieve peace, we need the power of the Star Forge. No, we cannot destroy it." She paused, deep in thought. "You have seen the shadows in our visions, just as well as I… With the Star Forge under our control, the Republic would stand victorious before the Darkness that is coming. If they will not see, then they must be made to see. No, whatever this Darkness is, I fear it will be much worse than the horrors inflicted by the Mandalorians. We must protect the Republic, no matter the cost."
Malak turned to his sister in concern, "Revan, are you sure? Surely you feel the dark energy residing in this place? Are you sure we should use this monstrosity?"
She stood silent, as she listened to the sound of ghostly voices that rose from the Star Forge. The black cowl hid the curve of her face, allowing only a part of the black and red mask to be seen. "To defeat your enemy, you must know them. In order to get to the light, sometimes you must go through the darkness."
"Revan, I promised our mother long ago that I would do whatever I could to protect you. That I would stay with you, no matter what." Malak placed his hand on her shoulder protectively. "At your side, I will remain. Even into darkness, if I must."
"In order to save the Republic from the threat we both know is coming, my brother," she spoke sadly, though the vocalizer distorted her voice leaving it to sound harsh and unsympathetic. Revan turned her head slightly, the black visor looking up at him. "I fear that is where we must go."
The pain in her temple throbbed as she rubbed the scar, hoping to send the aches away. She opened her blurry eyes to see Carth staring down at her in concern. With a start, she realized that he was holding her, supporting her so that she didn't fall. "Flyboy, I…"
He wrapped his arms tightly around her, pulling her close to him. Breathing in her calming lavender scent, he whispered, "I'm here. I've got you."
She buried her face in his chest as she recalled the vision… the memory… she just had. She gave him a look full of pleading. "Carth, promise me. No matter what happens, promise you will see that this station is destroyed. Please."
No matter what happens? He pulled away slightly, so that he could look down at her in concern. "Ash, just what are you saying?"
She swallowed hard, as she breathed in a deep breath. "The dark side can easily tempt you. Seduce you." Quickly, she told him about the vision… no, the memory. "I think when Malak and I first found the Star Forge, we intended for the Republic to use it. I don't know, but perhaps, we became corrupted by its darkness, and decided to use it for ourselves - to overthrow the Republic, thinking the Republic would never agree to it. Maybe we thought that was the only way to ensure peace in the galaxy." She tightened her grip on his shoulders. "You must get the coordinates to Admiral Dodonna as soon as you can. It is imperative that this station is destroyed. It's the only way."
"I agree," he said as he released her. He slid back into his seat, his fingers flying over the keyboard panel before him. He leaned back and sighed. "There, message away. Now we just wait for the Republic to show up."
She squeezed his shoulder in support. "Great work, flyboy." She drew in a calming breath, trying to soothe her nerves which were still raw from the pull she had felt from the dark side and the memory that bubbled to the surface. "Do you think that we will be safe here?"
He nodded, as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Yes, we should be just outside of their sensor range."
Still feeling guilt ridden from her momentary slip, she looked down at him apologetically, "Carth, I…"
The blaring of an alarm cut her off.
"We've got Sith Fighters, coming in hard!" He quickly buckled himself in.
Ashla rushed to the intercom, "Canderous, head to the gunners. Everyone, strap yourselves in!" She glanced down at Carth, "I'll head to the gunners too, unless you need me here?"
At the quick shake of his head, she fled towards the ladder to take her to the turrets. Canderous met her in the corridor as she climbed the ladder upwards to the dorsal turret, and Canderous rushed to the ventral. It didn't take the two of them long to pick off the few Sith fighters coming at them.
She felt the ship lurch violently. She grabbed the headset and slipped it on quickly, "Carth, what's going on?"
"We've got problems!" Carth said anxiously in his headset, "we've flown into some kind of disruptor field! Damn, all my instruments are jammed! Hold on! I'm picking up a single planet, not far from here. I'll set her down there. This may be a rough landing!"
Ashla breathed in a deep calming breath, and released it slowly as they began their bumpy descent to the unknown planet below.
#
Ashla raised her face to the warm sunlight as she listened to the soft cooing of the gizkas hopping along the shoreline. If the ship wasn't so badly in need of repairs and this planet didn't feel so… odd, the beach that Carth managed to land them on would have been picturesque indeed. Beautiful crystal clear water and sandy white beaches that was rimmed with swaying palm trees. A tropical paradise.
She heard the sound of footfalls on the sand as Carth walked slowly up behind her. She turned when he paused beside her, "so, how bad is it?"
He stood silently, a scowl marring his handsome features. He planted his hands on his hips as he turned to look back at the ship. "Teethree is finishing up the diagnostic scans now, but I can tell you that the stabilizers are fried. Plus, the hyperdrive was busted in the landing." He sighed heavily, they were so close! "We were lucky to make it down in one piece. If we can't find the salvage to make the necessary repairs, I don't know if I'll be able to get her airborne again."
"Hmm…" Ashla closed her eyes, as she connected to the Force.
"Hey, guys! Teethree picked up some odd readings coming from a large stone structure to the east of us. It looks like some sort of ancient temple." Mission said in a rush as she ran up to them. Ashla felt a tingle of dread crawl up her spine.
As they walked back up the beach towards the ship, Carth grabbed her hand and stopped her while Mission raced into the ship.
"What is it?" she asked in concern. She lifted one hand to shield her eyes from the bright sun.
He squeezed her hand. "I don't know. I have a bad feeling about this planet," he said quietly.
She nodded in agreement. "The dark side is strong here. This place is beguiling. For such a beautiful world, it feels… I don't know, off. Odd. Like something terrible happened here long ago." She wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him close, enjoying the security she felt in his embrace.
After a moment, she pulled away. "We must be ever mindful. Trust in the Force."
"Heh,heh. You know, I have no clue what that even means, beautiful." Carth said as he smiled down at her. "But, I trust you."
Despite the darkness of the planet she felt swirling around her, she felt a moment of light as the sincerity of his words rang true in the Force. "That means a lot to me, love." She smiled warmly at him as she rubbed her hands along his upper arms, "pay close attention to your surroundings and how you react to them. Perhaps once this mission is over, perhaps I'll have to teach you how to use the Force. You are sensitive to it already." At his incredulous look, she smiled. "Just keep doing what you do."
Canderous jogged up to Ashla and Carth as they were stepping onto the extended loading ramp, "this planet is a starship wasteland! Just finished a quick scout of the area. I saw dozens of downed ships, probably taken down by the same disruptor field we were in."
She turned and gazed out over the crashed ships that could be seen in the distance. "Take Mission and Zaalbar with you to see if you can recover any salvageable parts. I'll have Teethree start working on repairs immediately."
"Good start," Canderous replied. "You and Republic going to check out whatever is causing the disturbance that caused us to crash?"
"Yes," she nodded, then turned to Carth. "Unless you need to stay here with Teethree?"
Carth frowned, obviously torn between the desire to stay with Ash or the need to stay behind to work on the repairs. Damn, he sighed. "You'd better take Jolee and Juhani with you. Teethree will need my help getting those repairs started."
Canderous nodded to them as he headed off in search of Mission and Zaalbar.
The lines in Carth's forehead deepened as his eyebrows drew together in frustration. "I feel like I should be going with you."
"I wish you could too, but you're right. Teethree will need your help. We'll put HK on patrol outside of the ship, that will keep him busy." She reached down and wrapped her hand around his. "I'll be fine. Besides, we have to find a way to get that disruptor disabled, or the Republic fleet will be slaughtered when it arrives in the system."
A few minutes later, while standing before the ship with Teethree, Tuuka the loth-cat and HK standing guard, the bad feeling churning in the pit of his stomach deepened as he watched her leave with Jolee and Juhani. Tapping the hydrospanner against his leg, he silently stood before the ship as she walked up the beach without him.
#
It was nightfall before Ashla, Jolee and Juhani were able to return to the ship.
Jolee grumbled, "I'm getting too damn old for all this crap," punching in the security code to extend the loading ramp to allow entrance into the ship.
Ashla waited patiently as she watched the other two board the ship, reflecting over the day's events.
They found the ancient temple to the east. After multiple attempts to enter the temple, the trio had been forced to give up. The door to the massive temple simply would not open. It was sealed up tight, as if magically protected from their attempts to open it, even when they called upon the Force to do so.
Not far from the temple, they located a village of people calling themselves the Elder Rakata, who seemed to have recognized her right away from her previous trip here with Malak. Ashla was dismayed as she listened to the Elder Councillor's recollection at their prior visit and how she had used the Force to learn their language… and pushed Basic into their minds as well.
The Elder Councillor's words rang in her ears. "We are not so sure we want to help you. We trusted you before, Revan, and you betrayed us… yet you return and ask us to trust you again? Why should we believe in you now?"
In an effort to prove herself to the Elder tribe, she located the rival village of the One and rescued one of the Elder's scouts who was being held against his will. Luckily, Canderous, Mission and Zaalbar were able to meet up with them before they stormed the One's village; finding not only the missing scout, but also the parts necessary to repair the Ebon Hawk.
After returning to the Elder village, the Elder Councillor agreed that they would help her gain access to the temple, but only her. No one else would be allowed to enter the temple with her, due to their continued mistrust - thanks to her earlier betrayal as Revan.
Walking through the ship, she made her way to the ladder that would take her to the hull of the ship. Sitting in the dark on top of the ship, she looked out over the moon drenched shoreline, deep in thought.
How am I going to tell Carth he can't come with me tomorrow morning? That I am supposed to go inside the temple alone? He'll never agree to that… nor understand. She sighed deeply, as she buried her face in her hands. Even Jolee and Juhani were against the thought of me going alone, but the Elders were very insistent. No one would be allowed to enter the temple with me. This is something I must do alone.
She heard the hatch open behind her, and quiet footsteps coming towards her.
"Jolee told me what the Elder's said," he said softly. "About the temple."
She sighed, "I was going to tell you."
"When?" he asked as he lowered himself gently beside her. "Tonight? Tomorrow morning?"
"Tonight," she said slowly, not wanting to face him. "I don't know."
He rested his arms on his raised knees, his face grim as he looked out at the two moons shining in the sky.
"You are so damn stubborn, you know that?" he said angrily. "You don't have to do everything alone, Ash. That's why we're here. To help you. That's why I'm here!"
She pursed her lips together, as she inhaled sharply. "I wasn't given a choice, Carth. The Elders will not perform the ritual to lower the temple shields unless I come alone." She turned to look at him, the moons' light illuminating her face. "Otherwise, you know I'd take you with me if I could!"
He looked away, shaking his head in frustration. "This whole damn thing gives me an uneasy feeling, beautiful. I don't like it."
"I thought you said you trusted me," she whispered.
"I do trust you." He pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly to him. "What's lying in wait inside that damn temple? That's what I don't trust!"
"I'm sorry, love," she said tenderly as she reached up and lightly ran her fingers over his cheek, smoothing down his beard. "Please don't be angry."
He sighed as he stared down into her dark brown eyes. "You know, I can't stay angry with you, beautiful. I just wish…" He sighed as he brushed a long red tendril that had escaped the braid she had coiled at the nape of her neck. "I can't protect you if I'm not there."
Ashla leaned into him as her lips gently brushed over his. "You're always with me, Carth. Can't you feel the Force tying us together? When we're apart, all I have to do is close my eyes and I know you're there, waiting for me."
#
Early the next morning, Carth rolled over onto his side, running his hand over the cool empty sheets. "Ash?"
Propping up onto his elbow, he saw her meditating quietly in the middle of the room. He grabbed his datapad that rested on top of the crate acting like a bedside table and quickly checked the time. Just before sunrise. She'll be leaving soon. He laid back against the pillow, running his hands over his face trying to wake up. After a moment, he rose quietly and dressed in the darkened room, hoping not to disturb her meditation. He took one last look at her before leaving in search of caff.
He leaned back against the counter while waiting for the coffee to finish brewing, thinking about last night. A small smile curled at his lips when he thought how bashful she was when she asked him to stay with her because she didn't want to be alone, and the butterflies he felt in his stomach as he waited outside her door.
Nervous. Yes, I was nervous, he admitted to himself as he poured two cups of caff, it has been years since I've been intimate with anyone, not since Morgana. Recalling her breathless admission that she couldn't remember having been this close to anyone before, he felt the decision for them to wait to deepen the intimacy of their relationship was right. Once this mission was over, there would be plenty of time for that. We have the rest of their lives to spend together, after all… What's a few more nights?
He felt her quiet presence behind him. "Good morning, beautiful."
"Did I wake you?" she asked softly.
He turned around to face her. She wasn't dressed to leave yet, still wearing her soft blue robe and her hair unbound. "No, you didn't. You should eat before you leave."
They ate in silence, enjoying the peaceful solitude since everyone else was still in their bunks.
Remembering his anger at the thought of her having to do this mission solo, she asked hesitantly, "are you still angry about the temple?"
He pushed his plate away, suddenly no longer hungry. "No, I'm not… but something about the whole thing just doesn't sit well with me, Ash. I just can't put my finger on it."
"Everything will be fine," she said, her eyes downcast as she moved the food around in her bowl with her spoon. She kept her eyes lowered, hoping he wouldn't see how conflicted she was regarding this mission as well.
Her morning meditation, which usually relaxed her, had left her feeling bereft, with its mixed images of what could come.
The future is always in motion. At times, I saw myself entering the temple alone to battle the many dark Jedi roaming the temple's ancient halls. Other times, I saw Jolee and Juhani with me… and at other times, Carth was by my side. The times when Carth was with me, they always ended up with him lying in my arms, dying at the hands of the darkness that awaited me at the summit. No, he cannot come with me… for his own safety, he must remain here.
Forcing her dark thoughts aside, she stole a peek at him from under her lashes. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you for staying with me last night."
"Trust me, it was my pleasure," Carth said, causing her cheeks to flush. With her hair loose and tumbling down over her shoulders, he thought she had never looked more beautiful. "Just doing my part to help out with the mission," he said with a wink.
She chuckled softly as the blush deepened, bringing a rosy hue to her pale cheeks. She smiled as she rose to get ready.
He watched her head towards the refresher, the blue silk robe billowing around her. His smile slipped as the feelings of uneasiness returned.
#
Jolee heard Carth and Ashla talking quietly in the galley. Deciding to give the two some time alone this morning, he eased himself down in a seated position for his morning meditation in the med bay. The Force swirled around him. Occasionally, he would have a thought rise up, pulling his concentration away. Letting the thought go, he returned his focus to swirling mist.
He saw Ashla entering the ancient temple, battling hordes of dark Jedi and archaic droids as she fought her way to the summit, where a dark shadow awaited her.
The Force continues to swirl.
...an intense battle
… the clashing of lightsabers
… a dark choice.
He rushed out into the galley, hoping to catch Ashla before she left, only to find the common area empty.
He hurried to the garage and ran into a panic stricken Juhani.
"Jolee! I have had a terrible vision! Ashla is in terrible danger! She cannot go alone into the temple!"
"Hmm, I had a vision as well. You're right, she's in danger." Jolee said, frowning.
"Maybe she hasn't left yet," Juhani replied. "We must go with her."
"I agree," Jolee said. He swore softly under his breath as he noticed the loading ramp was extended. "I think we might be too late."
Carth started down the hill, heading back towards the ship. He stopped and turned to stare up at the temple he could see peaking in the distance. The sight filled him with dread. The quicker we get off this force-forsaken rock, the better, he thought. As he walked up the extended loading ramp, he was met by Jolee and Juhani.
"Carth! Did she leave already?" Jolee asked, in a rush.
Carth frowned at the older Jedi. "Yes, about maybe half an hour ago. Why?"
Juhani stepped forward, her hands held forward in supplication. "Jolee and I have both had horrible visions! Ashla must not go inside that temple alone!"
"I knew it!" Carth said, raking his hand through his hair in frustration. "If we hurry, I think we can catch her before they start the ritual!" Carth rushed into the garage and slung the pack containing his silver armor over his shoulder. "Well, what are you waiting for?! Let's go!"
Jolee closed his eyes, and searched the Force. He heard only dark voices whispering death and destruction through the Force as he debated on whether or not to allow Carth to come with them. "No, son. You'd better wait here," he said, with a sad shake of his head.
"What?!" Carth shook his head in dismay. "No! I'm going with you! She needs me!"
"No, son. She needs you here, to finish the repairs. Trust us on this." Jolee said as he laid a calming hand on Carth's shoulder. "Her feelings for you would only cloud her judgement."
Juhani exchanged a knowing look with Jolee as she approached Carth slowly, talking to him in a calm, soothing manner. "Carth, please. It is for your own safety that we ask that you remain here. Please, listen to us."
Damn! "Fine! You're wasting time!" He grated out as he tossed down the pack full of armor angrily on the floor. He crossed his arms across his chest. "Just… let her know, I'm waiting for her."
Carth debated going after them as he watched them rush up the beach towards the path that led to the ancient temple, but the fearful look in Juhani's eyes cemented his feet in place.
#
Ashla looked up from her seated position surrounded by the Elder priests to see Juhani and Jolee racing up to her in the temple's exterior courtyard. After a heated argument with the priests, they relented and allowed the two Jedi to come with her. At first, she had been unsure about them coming along, but after they had encountered not only a large number of dark Jedi roaming the temple's halls but also numerous droids; she was happy that they had been insistent.
The longer they remained inside the ancient walls, the more her feelings of dread and unease increased. Now, as they approached the summit of the temple, she hesitated. A cold presence awaited her. She knelt on the landing, resting in the Force as she connected with Jolee and Juhani in meditation, who knelt beside her. Through the Force, she saw Carth coming out of the Hawk and staring up at the temple in the distance, almost as if he could sense her drawing on the strength of their shared bond.
She could feel the dark presence growing impatient as she rocked back on her heels, preparing to stand. "Let's go see who awaits us, my friends."
"Do you think it is Malak, himself?" Juhani whispered fearfully.
"Be mindful of your emotions, Juhani…" Ashla reminded her as she paused and closed her eyes, reaching out through the Force along the familial bond they shared. She could see Malak stalking impatiently across a long observation deck. She released the connection quickly, "no, he is on the Star Forge. Whoever this is, it isn't Malak, but they are strong in the Force." Although, I have a sinking suspicion I know who it is, she thought, but kept it to herself.
As she stepped out into the sunlight, the feeling of dread intensified as a woman walked out of the shadows and strode purposefully towards her. Ashla drew in a deep calming breath as she prepared herself for the confrontation she knew would come.
Bastila.
"Revan. I told Malak you would come for me." Bastila let out a small haughty laugh. "He thought you would be too frightened to enter the temple again, but I knew better. He doesn't know you like I do, now that you've changed."
Juhani rushed towards the newly turned Sith, but Ashla caught the Cathar by the arm. "Wait, Juhani. Patience." Ashla stepped in front of Juhani, and palmed both lightsabers.
Bastila laughed maliciously. "Still spouting Jedi nonsense, Revan? Please, I thought you would have learned by now just what drivel it really is!"
Juhani exchanged a confused look with Jolee as they stood silently behind Ashla.
Ashla took a cautious step forward. "Bastila, it's not too late. Come with me, and put this behind you. Let go of your anger… of your hate, and return with me. We can complete our mission together, as we set out to do."
Bastila scoffed at her. "Let go of my anger? Oh no, Revan, I think not. My anger gives me strength! It gives me power! Never again will I be made a pawn… a mere puppet of the Jedi Council, like they have made one of you! I do not fear the dark side! No, I have broken free of the chains that bind me!"
Ashla closed her eyes and felt along the dark withered cord that was their shared force bond. On the other side, she could see the angry swirling mass of red, but hidden deep inside was a tiny flicker of blue light struggling to break free. "I can feel the conflict within you, Bastila. Take my hand, and I will help you!" she said as she opened her eyes, and extended her hand.
Bastila stared at the offered hand for a long moment before scowling. "You're a sad pathetic fool, Revan! You think I'm the same little Bastila that you've known all along! Well, you're wrong! You don't know me at all! Having freed myself, I've become so much more!"
"You have been seduced by Malak's lies!" Ashla said as she lowered her hand.
"Lies?! You are the one living a lie, Revan!" Bastila yelled as she paced in front of them. "Look at what the Jedi did to you! Reprogrammed into something that you're not! Malak freed me from the shackles of the Jedi! Look at you! You could have been so much stronger! Stronger than me, perhaps! But I will prove my worth to Lord Malak after I have finished with you! With the power of the Star Forge, Malak will destroy the Republic! Then, together he and I will rule the galaxy!"
Bastila held out a double bladed lightsaber hilt in front of her. With a press of her thumb, she extended the red blade and whirled it in a blood red arc. "But, first. You will die."
Ashla closed her eyes, and saw the whirling mass of red strike at her. Lifting her two white blades, she blocked Bastila's attack. Juhani and Jolee fought at her side, defending against Bastila's strikes. Their lightsabers cracked and hissed as they fought. A colorful display as their white, green and yellow blades defended against the blood red blade.
Ashla lunged and extended her palm. Calling up a strong wave of force energy, she sent it crashing into Bastila, flinging the woman backwards into the temple wall. She swept the white blades up in an arc, and settled low into a defensive stance, while Bastila ran back towards her.
"Enough!" Bastila yelled as she skidded to a stop. Reaching out with both arms, she froze the Force surrounding Juhani and Jolee, putting them into a stasis. She paced angrily in front of Ashla, "you are stronger than I could have possibly imagined, even after what the Jedi Council did to you! Perhaps Malak was wrong, and the power of the dark side has not been lost to you after all!"
Ashla knelt, breathing in a deep calming breath, as she rested momentarily in the Force. "You're wrong, Bastila. I draw my strength from the light now. The name Revan holds no power over me any longer… I am Ashla now."
"Ha! You are only fooling yourself, Revan! I know! I've seen the shadows that creep in your mind! Remember? I saved your life when you nearly died in that trap laid by the Jedi! We will forever be linked by my actions that day!"
"Yes, that is true, my friend." Ashla murmured. "That is how I know you will return to the light once more."
"Hmph. You speak as a true tool of the Jedi." Bastila said mockingly. "But, I have seen how the Jedi used us both! I will not be fooled again!"
Ashla felt a cold breeze as Bastila prepared to throw her lightsaber at her. She reached out with one arm, and held the force surrounding Bastila's double lightsaber, freezing it in mid air. The red glow illuminated her pale face as she released her hold on the force around the blade, causing it to fall to the stone floor with a clatter.
She sensed Jolee and Juhani breaking free of Bastila's stasis and fighting once more at her side.
Bastila, fueled by her anger and rage, pulled on the force and sent a wall of force energy at the three of them. Ashla dug her heels into the rock floor as she extended her hands out, palms up, calling up a wall of force energy acting as a barrier. She gritted her teeth together as she held onto the force, while Jolee and Juhani tumbled backwards.
"I see it now," Bastila seethed, as she paced in front of Ashla. "It is you who deserves the mantle of Sith Lord, not Malak. Together, with our combined strengths, we can defeat your old apprentice and rule the galaxy! Join with me, Revan, and take up your old identity!"
"Ashla! Don't do this!" Jolee yelled out to her. "Don't listen to her, Ashla! I've seen the horrors that the Sith can unleash on the galaxy!"
Juhani pleaded with her, "Ashla! Remember what you taught me in the Grove!"
Ashla felt as if she was engulfed in a whirlwind.
She could hear their voices, yelling over the fray.
Through the Force, she saw Carth as he rushed out of the ship to stare worriedly in the direction of the temple.
Carth…
Suddenly, a multitude of futures flashed before her eyes.
Jolee and Juhani, dead by her own hand, lying in a crumpled heap while Bastila swore allegiance as her new apprentice.
'You will join me or die. Bow down to me, your new master, Revan, dark lord of the Sith.'
Mission was lying in a pool of blood, while Zaalbar screamed in fury and Carth looked on in horror, before running away. 'Let him go,' she said. 'He'll be back.'
She saw a large crowd before her, chanting her name. Carth stood behind her as she addressed her new Sith Empire with a deadpan look in his eyes as he stared out over the crowd. When he turned his eyes on her, the look he gave her was a mixture of lust, loathing, and anger. He hated her for turning him into a mockery of his former self, but burned for her at the same time.
Another future played out before her eyes…
She saw Bastila lying dead on the floor of the Star Forge, while she and Carth stared at a burning star, huddled together. "I love you," she whispered as the Star Forge fell around them.
I love you…
Suddenly, a different path opened up before her… one filled with light.
Carth smiled as he raced to meet her as she walked down the beach with Jolee and Juhani. He swept her into his arms, and confessed his love for her. She saw them face a cheering crowd together.
They stood on a balcony, overlooking a city of full lights, as they planned their future together while waiting for Dustil to arrive.
This was the future she wanted, she thought as the blue light swirled around her, and the winds of destiny slowed.
Love.
I choose love.
I choose the light.
"No, Bastila," Ashla said as she slowly opened her eyes as she lowered her blades. "I will not join you. I have renounced the darkness. I embrace the light! I traveled that road before, and I know where it leads! I will not go down that path again!"
"No!" Bastila stared at her in disbelief. "Revan! Together we could have destroyed Malak and ruled over an Empire!"
Ashla stood calmly in front of the raging storm, replying softly, "no, Bastila. Never again will I fall into darkness. The dark side whispers sweetly to you, but it is all lies! Sure, there is great power there, but at what cost?! Pain, destruction and death! Please turn away from this path and come with us, Bastila!"
"You are a fool, Revan!" Bastila said as she fled towards her waiting shuttle. Ashla ran after her, but Bastila was faster. The shuttle soared high above them, shooting off into the blue sky.
Ashla fell to her knees on the stone floor as she watched Bastila fly away. She hung her head in defeat. I have failed her. I couldn't save her.
She felt Jolee's comforting hand on her shoulder as he helped her to stand. With a last look at the azure sky, Ashla turned to the old computer terminal and disabled the disruptor field.
"It's done. Let's head back," she said sadly as she turned.
As they stepped onto the landing, Ashla noticed a locked footlocker in the corner. On a whim, she knelt down and placed her thumb on the identity print scanner on the lock. As she did, the lock sprang open. She marveled at the sand colored set of robes with bronze colored armor pieces that were inside. She grabbed a pack from inside the locker and began putting the armor pieces and robes inside before following Jolee and Juhani out of the temple.
#
Carth dropped the hydrospanner in the sand as he felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. Ash… He turned to stare worriedly at the temple he could see peaking in the distance. Something's happened. Damn! I wish I was up there!
Teethree beeped in concern, "doooo?" as he rolled over to him. T3 = Carth ill?
"No, buddy," he replied as he bent over to pick up the hydrospanner. "I'm fine. Let's get back to it."
What felt like hours later, he heard Mission call out, "Carth! I see 'um! They're on their way back!" from the top of the hull. Dropping his tools, he rushed out of the ship to see Jolee and Juhani rounding the corner, with Ashla walking slowly behind them.
Even though exhausted from the day's ordeal, Ashla picked up the pace as she saw her crew… no, her friends rush out of the ship towards them. She dropped the heavy pack onto the beach, stopping just behind Jolee and Juhani. An odd sense of deja vu swept over her as Carth rushed towards her.
"Thank the force you're back," he said as he held her tightly in his arms. "I was so worried," he murmured softly in her ear.
Realizing everyone's eyes were on them, they pulled apart abruptly.
"Just what happened in that temple?" he asked, his voice deep with worry. "Did you find Bastila in there? Where is she?"
Ashla drew in a shaky breath, not sure she was ready to tell everyone about Bastila's fall. "This will not be easy to hear, but my fear that Bastila fell to the dark side was true." She closed her eyes in sorrow, "Bastila is now Malak's new apprentice. She told me herself."
Carth's hands tightened into fists at his sides. So, it was true. She has fallen.
Beside him, Mission gasped. "Bastila's fallen to the dark side? But, she was so…"
Jolee patted the young Twi'lek on the back. "Mission, Bastila has always been in danger of being seduced by the dark side. She's strong, sure, but she's also arrogant, impatient and headstrong. Qualities that Malak likely preyed upon. This planet is a tainted place, strong in the dark side of the force. The Star Forge and the temple have twisted this place into an instrument of evil… much like Malak has twisted Bastila into a servant of the Sith."
Zaalbar moaned sadly, "she can be saved, yes?"
"It is difficult to say," Jolee said as he closed his eyes, searching through the Force for an answer. "Malak's hold on her is strong. It will be difficult for her to break free of his influence," he turned his dark eyes on Ashla, "especially given her association with you and the bond that the two of you share which was forged when she rekindled the spark of life within you. Through it, she touched your memories, and the echo of the dark taint that resides within you."
Ashla hung her head in sorrow. "Yes, I know. I tried to reach out to her, but she has shut me out. I feel as if I have failed her."
"You have not failed her, not yet." Jolee said. The older man smiled down at her, "although, I must say… you had me worried up there. I thought for a moment that you would decide to… well, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm glad you're still here with us."
Carth cast a confused look at Jolee. "Decide? Decide what?" He turned Ashla, searching her eyes for the answer. "What is he talking about?"
Juhani stepped forward to explain, "Bastila tried to sway her to the dark side… to reclaim the title of Sith Lord." The Cathar woman smiled brightly, "she failed."
"She failed?" Carth turned to Ashla, and took her gently by the shoulders. "You did it? You rejected Revan, once and for all?"
Ashla reached up and caressed his cheek, "yes, I did. I realized that I didn't want a future that you couldn't be a part of."
Happiness radiated from him as he pulled her in a close embrace. "I knew it!" He whispered. "I thought you would be tested, and you did just what I hoped you would do! I know that couldn't have been easy for you. "
"It wasn't, but I had you to help keep me strong," she whispered as her heart raced. "After all this is over, I just want to be with you."
"I'm so proud of you," he said as he cupped the sides of her face and smiled down at her. Swallowing hard, he had eyes only for her - not caring that all the others were watching and listening. "I… I love you, Ash."
Her eyes widened at his open declaration as her breath caught in her throat. She felt her heart quicken, "I love you, too."
He lowered his head as he brushed his thumb against her lips, gently parting them open as his lips touched hers. She slid her hands up around his neck as he deepened the kiss and pulled her tighter to him.
Canderous let out a loud whistle, while lightly elbowing Jolee, who snickered.
Mission watched with embarrassment. "Sheesh, you two!"
As they broke apart, Carth chuckled softly. "Sorry, Mission. I, uhh, think I got a little carried away there. I just can't remember the last time I've felt this happy before." He brushed his lips against Ashla's gently, then whispered hotly in her ear, "I can't wait for all this to be over."
Ashla blushed, her cheeks turning a brilliant pink hue as the meaning behind his words tingled its way down her spine. "Me too," she whispered, once she found her voice again. She cleared her throat, "but, we still have a lot to do. This isn't over yet." She pulled away from him briefly to pick up the pack she had dropped onto the sandy beach.
Carth nodded as they stood hand in hand, "luckily, we are almost finished with the repairs. Teethree should be finishing up installing those parts you found yesterday."
"I knew I could count on you, flyboy."
Mission groaned as she and Zaalbar headed towards the ship. "Is this what I need to expect from now on? Geez!"
Zaalbar huffed softly, "it's a good omen that two spirits have found each other during such trying times, Mission. You should be happy for them."
Mission let out a small hmph! "Yeah, well, I am happy for them… I'll be even happier when they get a room! Big Z, it's like listening to your parents. Eewww!"
Ashla couldn't help but chuckle at the young Twi'lek as she grabbed Carth's hand and they walked into the ship together. She smiled up at him, causing him to pause on the ramp, and pull her into a loving embrace. He kissed her softly before leaving her to help Teethree finish the repairs.
Her happiness vanished as she settled herself down to rest in meditation in the quiet cargo hold. Tuuka curled himself up on her lap as she thought of what was to come... the Star Forge… to save Bastila, and face her brother one last time.
No one is beyond redemption…
Can I save them?
Do I have the strength to do what must be done if I cannot?