Atonement
Space - above Rakata Prime, nearing the Republic Fleet
Carth leaned his head into the cargo hold. "Ash, we're about to start our approach. Are you ready?" As he spoke, the crates that had been floating mid-air slowly rotated and landed gently with a soft thud. Ashla floated in the center of the room, looking at peace as she rotated in mid air. She opened her eyes as she lowered herself to the floor. Tuuka sprang out of her lap, landing lightly on top of the nearest crate. She stood and lovingly brushed the top of his fuzzy head.
She walked slowly towards him, radiating a quiet strength. Wearing the light colored robes and armor with the cowl covering the top half of her face, he thought she looked mesmerizing and every bit of the legend that Revan was said to have been before she fell to the dark side.
Soon, this will all be over and we can put it behind us as we start our life together, he thought. He cleared his throat, and reminded himself to stay focused. "I just got off the holo with Admiral Dodonna. They are attacking the Sith Fleet and taking heavy losses."
Ashla nodded. "Yes, I sense Bastila using her battle meditation to aid the Sith Fleet. Unfortunately, it is a rare ability, and one that I don't think I've ever possessed." She paused, searching the Force for an answer. "Hmm, have Jolee continue to co-pilot, and I will focus on strengthening the Force surrounding our vanguard to offer additional support."
Carth nodded in agreement, then added, "Master Vandar wants you to lead the Jedi strike team that will fly in with us."
"I don't know if I'm ready," she murmured, as she hung her head, filled with uncertainty.
Carth placed his thumb under her chin and tilted her head back. He lifted the cowl covering her eyes to see her worried expression. He smiled as his fingers lingered on her cheek. "You are. I can feel it."
She reached up and held his face in her hands, smoothing down his beard. She leaned back to look up at him, "you're right, of course. The Force is with us. It's time."
Ashla watched him leave before kneeling and lowering her head as she focused on the Force, feeling it expand and harden around them, like a shield surrounding the Ebon Hawk and the Jedi Starfighters flying alongside them as they approached the massive space station. She envisioned a bright blue aura surrounding them… protecting them… as they evaded the Sith Fighters firing upon them.
She felt the stabilizers engage as the ship slowed and slipped into the hangar bay of the Star Forge.
The battle of Rakata Prime had begun.
#
A hush fell as Ashla walked slowly down the ramp of the Ebon Hawk. She stepped off of the ramp, and stood silently before the Jedi knights and her crew assembled before her. Even though her eyes were closed under the cowl, she could see their bright signatures glowing in the Force.
A gasp from one of the older Jedi knights caught her attention as he recognized her sand colored robes and armor.
"So, it's true, then? Revan, you have been redeemed…you have returned to us...to the light?"
An unsure murmur spread through the Jedi Knights.
Ashla lifted her head high as she squared her shoulders, and nodded. She breathed in a deep calming breath before addressing the small crowd before her.
"We do not have much time, my friends. I know I have made many mistakes, but now is not the time to address my wrongdoings." She paused, and took a moment to calm her emotions.
Be serene… show them you have risen above such base emotions…
"It is time for us to rise up and stand together. This won't be easy."
She stepped forward, slowly walking among them. Her voice softened. "But then, nothing ever is. We must place our trust in the Force. There will be loss and sacrifice," she paused, quelling her nervousness. "Yet, think of all the things we stand to gain! Families reunited," she nodded to Carth. "New friendships forged," she touched Mission lightly on the shoulder. "And old ones, rekindled," she said, looking out at the Jedi gathered around her. She nodded to Canderous, " and differences, set aside."
Ashla faced the Jedi once more. "Today, we will be challenged! Let's rise up to meet it as we stand together! This is when we are at our strongest! They say that confronting fear is the destiny of a Jedi. Here, in our darkest hour, join me as we confront it together!" she said as she held one of her lightsabers aloft and thumbed the switch. A brilliant white light shot out of the hilt, brightly shining in the dimly lit hangar. "Join me, as we light the way! As one! For the Republic!"
A multitude of lightsabers burst in a dazzling array of colors as a cheer rose up, "For the Republic!"
A door opened behind them, and a throng of dark Jedi rushed into the hangar. She pointed her single white blade at the rushing tide of dark Jedi. A brilliant rainbow of lights rushed towards the dark Jedi as one. Blaster fire zinged past her as she ignited her second saber and swung at the angry dark red mass swirling before her.
After the fighting ended, she turned the remaining Jedi. "Break off into two teams. Team one, keep this hangar secure and guard our means of escape. Team two," she nodded to Jolee and Juhani, who stood silently behind her. "Follow us as we move further in to find Bastila."
Carth checked his charge on his blasters as he followed behind them.
Ashla halted before the elevator as she felt him walking up behind her. "Where do you think you're going, Onasi?"
"I'm coming with you," he said stubbornly as he pulled off the protective helm.
"Carth, we talked about this earlier." She said, lowering her voice as she turned to face him. "I need you to stay here and help guard the ship… to be ready to fly at a moment's notice." She felt the eyes of the curious Jedi upon them as they argued.
"And, as I told you earlier, my place is with you. I'm coming with you," he retorted as he rolled his shoulders loosely, standing his ground.
"Stubborn, fool of a man," she grumbled softly under her breath. She closed her eyes and searched the Force for guidance. Hearing no dark tidings, she gave in and nodded. "Fine," she spat out, "we don't have time for this. But," she frowned as she leaned in close to him and poked him in the chest, "when we get separated- not if, but when - we get separated, you will return to the hangar at once."
"Yes, ma'am." He gave her a devilish grin as he winked at her before fitting the helmet back over his head.
#
Bastila seethed, focusing her anger to fuel the Sith fleet engaging the Republic armada. She breathed more power into her battle meditation.
Darth Malak strode purposefully onto the command center deck. "Bastila," he beckoned her to come to him through the Force.
She sighed in frustration as she rose to stand before the dark lord. "My lord," she bowed stiffly. "Why have you broken my concentration? Without my battle meditation, our ships could fall under the might of the Republic fleet."
His eyes narrowed at her haughty tone. "Cease your tone with me." He paced before her, feeling the dark power rising from the Star Forge empowering him. "You will be able to return to your meditations soon enough, apprentice. Revan is here. You must finish what you started on the temple summit. It is time to put aside your feelings for her, and end her. Show me that you are worthy of being my apprentice."
Bastila paled, remembering her punishment for having failed. "Of course, master. I will not fail you again."
"Your fear is unfounded, my dear apprentice. Here, surrounded by the dark forces of the Star Forge, you will be unstoppable." He said as he loomed over her. "Stay here and resume your battle meditations. She will come to you in due time. It is inevitable."
Bastila swallowed down her fear as she watched him stalk off.
#
Ashla lost herself in the Force, her white blades hummed with power as she sliced through the onslaught of droids. Quickly clipping the hilts of her lightsabers to her belt, she squeezed her palms together focusing on the two droids before her. Pulling the Force around them like a vice, they crumpled in upon themselves. Flinging her arms outward, she sent them flying off of the high walkway. Unclipping the hilt from her belt, she reached out through the Force, and pulled the closest mechanical bot to her, igniting her saber as she did, impaling it on the white blade. She didn't stop pressing forward as the last droid fell before her, instead she kept her focus on the Force. They picked up the pace as they moved further into the Star Forge.
As they entered the elevator to take them to the command deck, Carth checked his blasters before holstering them to let his hands and arms rest as the long minutes ticked by while they ascended.
His Jedi companions knelt in the middle of the elevator, resting in the Force. Ashla focused on slowing her heart rate by taking cleansing breaths. Several minutes later, she rose, sensing the elevator slightly slowing to a stop. She could sense Bastila through the withered bond between them. "Bastila is close," she murmured softly to Jolee, Juhani and Carth. "We must be ready."
Juhani closed her eyes, searching the Force for insight, "I sense so much darkness. And fear."
"Hmm… Dark Jedi," Jolee added. "A lot of them, too."
"We fight as one," Ashla said as the doors opened. "The Force is with us!"
As they exited the elevator, Ashla directed three of the Jedi in their entourage in one direction, while they went the other.
They met with waves upon waves of dark Jedi. Just when they thought they would get a moment to rest, another wave would surge down upon them. Carth's arms burned under the pressure of holding up his blasters, continually firing upon the insidious fiends.
"The Force fights with us," Juhani yelled, spurring them onward.
Carth was grateful for a break in the throng of enemies when Ashla reached out with the Force and released a massive wave of force energy, sending the droves of dark Jedi flying off the sides of the high walkway. Their screams echoed around them as they fell.
The horde of unrelenting mobs seemingly quelled, they were able to rest in a long narrow corridor. Carth leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath as he looked down at Ashla, who stood calmly beside him. Tiny beads of sweat sliding down her half covered face betrayed her serene exterior.
"Wishing you stayed with the ship yet?" she asked him with a smirk.
Carth let out a tired chuckle, "and miss all the fun? Never."
Ashla smiled weakly at him, "I'm glad you're here, flyboy." She knelt beside Jolee and Juhani as they rested briefly in a meditative trance, rejuvenating themselves in the Force.
Ashla searched the Force for an answer to who was waiting for them on the other side. Darkness, but within the swirling mass of anger and hate was a flicker of light.
Bastila.
She sensed Jolee and Juhani preparing to stand. With a sigh, she rose as well and pushed the cowl back, letting it fall to her shoulders.
"What was it?" Carth asked. "What did you feel?"
"Bastila," she said softly.
Having sensed that this was the moment they would be separated, she longed to see his face one last time. She reached for him, wanting to be close to him before she had to face Bastila, alone. Wishing they had more time, she sighed as she rested her hands on his armored chest. "Carth, I just want you to know," she said, her voice raw with emotion, "that I have cherished our time together."
"Ash." His brows furrowed together as he lifted the helmet off and held it loosely in his hands. "Why does it feel like you're saying goodbye?"
She touched his cheek softly, her fingers tracing the outline of his beard, as she memorized the lines of his face. "If I don't make it…" she swallowed hard.
"Don't." Carth snapped, feeling an icy hand wrap itself around his heart. "Don't talk like that."
Tears began to well up in her eyes. Blinking fast, she pursed her lips together, keeping them at bay. "I have to," she whispered. "I love you. I want you to remember that, always."
"Don't you dare talk like you're not coming back from this," he said roughly, his voice cracking.
"I might not, flyboy." she whispered as she swallowed hard, emotion constricting her throat. "Remember your promise to me."
He gave her a questioning look, then remembered their heated argument from last night before they had left the planet below. I need you to stay with the ship - to be ready to fly at a moment's notice - to get our people to safety, so that the Republic can destroy this monstrosity. Even if I am not back yet.
He had refused at first, saying there was no way he could leave her behind. Yet, the shadow of fear he saw in her eyes stopped him cold. In the end, he relented and made the promise, even though doing so chilled him to the bone.
His jaw tightened angrily, "alright, damn it, but you have to promise me something, too."
"Anything," she whispered, not wanting what could be their last moments together to end in an argument.
"Swear to me that you'll fight to survive. That you'll make it back to me," he dropped his helmet so he could grab her by the shoulders and crush her against him. He didn't want to let her go, this woman who had crept her way into his heart and soul. He whispered hotly in her ear, "because I love you, you damn stubborn Jedi, and I refuse to give up on you. You got that?"
Her breath escaped her as he kissed her roughly at first, a kiss full of unsaid emotion and fear that he might never have the chance to do so again. Then gently, as if it might be the last one to share with her.
Breathless, she rested her forehead against his. "This isn't a goodbye. I promise you, we'll see each other again," she whispered as she smoothed back the two locks of hair that always seemed to stay stubbornly in place, her eyes searching his. She swallowed down her tears as she left his side. Lifting the cowl back into place, hoping it hid the betraying tears that had welled up in the corners of her eyes.
With a wave of her hand, she opened the door, revealing the woman kneeling on the other side waiting for them.
Bastila Shan rose to meet them. "Revan. I knew you'd come for me."
Ashla motioned for her companions to stay behind her as she slowly approached the woman she had begun to think of as a friend. "Bastila, I told you that name holds no power over me any longer. There's still time. Let go of your hate," Ashla said softly. "You can leave this behind you."
"You're wasting your time," Bastila sneered. "I have seen the Jedi for what they really are: weak and afraid! The Sith are the true masters of the Force! A lesson you have forgotten, but now you must pay the price! With the might of the Star Forge amplifying my abilities, I will prevail. This time I will not be defeated!"
Bastila reached out with the Force, and pulled it tightly around Jolee, Juhani and Carth - locking them into a frozen stasis. She pointed her hand at the door, and slowly lowered it, shutting and locking the door with the Force.
Ashla pulled the Force around her like a shield as she pulled both saber hilts off her belt, and leapt at the dark Jedi before her. Her white blades sparked off of Bastila's blood red lightsaber as she blocked and parried Bastila's vicious assault. She ignored the burning sensation in her arms as she sank deeper into the Force. Eyes closed, she fought to push back against Bastila's darkness trying to overwhelm her.
#
Carth's eyes widened as he felt the air freeze around him, rendering him immobile. He watched helplessly as the door closed between him and the woman he loved, locking her on the other side. As the Force released itself from around him, he rushed to the door, desperately trying to open it. "C'mon, open damn it," he muttered under his breath until he felt a calming hand on his shoulder.
Jolee nodded to him, "it's time for you to keep your end of the bargain."
"What? No," Carth stammered. "Jolee, open this door. We have to get in there and help her."
"Carth," Jolee paused, sighing deeply. "This is something she has to do alone. Trust in the Force."
"But," Carth slammed his hand on the door, willing it to open, but it remained closed.
"Then, trust her." Jolee gently pulled him away from the door. "She's strong, stronger than you think. Let's get back to the ship, so we can help the others."
Carth rested his head against the door, praying it would open as he heard the clashing sounds of lightsabers striking together on the other side. Yelling an expletive, he slammed his gloved hand against the door one last time before turning away and stalking angrily behind the other two Jedi back to the hangar.
It was a quiet walk back to the elevator. There were no waves of dark Jedi or droids barring their way. They stopped and checked on a few wounded Jedi knights they came across. Carth stood guard as Jolee and Juhani healed what they could with the Force, and helped them back to the ship. The dead, they left where they lay fallen.
As they entered the hangar bay, Mission rushed to meet him. "Carth! Admiral Dodonna has been trying to reach you! She's on the holo now!"
"Thanks, Mission. Help Jolee and Juhani get the wounded on board while I talk to the Admiral," he replied as he pulled off the helmet.
Carth dropped the helmet on the workbench as he passed through the garage. He could see the blue flickering image of Admiral Dodonna hovering over the holo table.
"Admiral," he said, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.
"Carth, thank goodness you're still alive. We've experienced a break in the Sith's formation, and we are readying the fleet to move into position." Admiral Dodonna said as Master Vandar moved to stand beside her.
Carth nodded. "That's because Jedi Knight Ashla Marek has engaged fallen Jedi, Bastila Shan, in combat, breaking her battle meditation."
Master Vandar frowned, but remained silent.
He leaned against the holo table, frustration lining his features. "Admiral, she needs more time."
Dodonna folded her arms in front of her. "I'll give her as much as I can, however if we see an opening, we must be ready to strike. Have your people ready to evacuate when I send the call." Carth readied himself to argue, but Dodonna cut him off. "That's an order, Onasi. Dodonna out."
He slammed his hand against the holo table in anger. C'mon, Ash. I'll be damned if I'm leaving you here.
#
Ashla knelt, revitalizing herself in the Force, while Bastila paced angrily in front of her.
"You grow weary, Revan." Bastila said arrogantly. "I can feel your strength leaving you. The light side is failing you, while the Star Forge re-energizes me."
Ashla breathed in a deep calming breath, feeling the Force surround and fill her. Be at peace, she thought as she visualized the garden in her meditations. The flowers bloomed in the peaceful meadow. Blue butterflies flew through the sweet air. Harmony. Serenity. Be the garden, and let the light grow.
"Then, strike me down. I won't defend myself."
"What type of Jedi trick is this?" Bastila said in disbelief.
"No trick," she replied with equanimity, setting the lightsabers before herself on the metal floor. She kept her focus on the Force. She could feel Bastila wavering, the light growing stronger… her dark resolve weakening. "This isn't you, Bastila, no matter what Malak has told you. I know you won't strike down a defenseless opponent."
"You're wrong!" Bastila said as she ignited her lightsaber.
Ashla leapt up and over Bastila, landing behind her. She pulled the Force around her, as she dodged Bastila's attacks. She sensed a cold breeze float past her as Bastila readied her arm to throw the lightsaber. The lightsaber sang through the air as Bastila hurled it in her direction.
Ashla reached out with the Force and froze the lightsaber in mid air. The double blood red blade hovered between them, as Bastila pulled on the Force to bring the blade back to her, while Ashla did the same. Bastila, unable to match Ashla's command of the Force, was forced to release her hold on the saber. Ashla caught it by the hilt as it flew towards her. Thumbing the switch, she deactivated the plasma blades, then tossed it to the floor.
"No!" Bastila yelled. "How is this possible?! You rejected the dark side! How is it that you can best me? Why am I unable to defeat you!"
Ashla breathed in a cleansing breath. "The dark side is not any stronger than the light, Bastila. The Force seeks balance."
Bastila knelt before her, and looked up at Ashla with sadness in her eyes. "Yes, I can see that now. I see that you speak the truth. For the sake of the friendship we once shared, please don't make me suffer. End my life quickly."
"I would never kill you, Bastila."
"What other choice do you have?" Bastila cried. "I have fallen to the dark side! Apprenticed myself to the dark lord himself! You should not let me live!"
Ashla lifted the cowl covering her face, letting it fall behind her. "There is another way. You can return to the light. Let go of your anger and reject the dark side."
"No, I'm not like you… I'm not strong enough." Bastila said wearily.
"Then, use our bond to make you stronger. You're my friend, Bastila, let me help you." Ashla extended her hand. "Take my hand, use my strength."
With tears streaming down her face, Bastila closed her eyes and looked inside herself. She looked past the shadows until she found the light glowing inside of her. She sensed the connection between herself and Ashla, and felt it grow stronger. She latched onto it, and felt Ashla's quiet strength fortify her own as the light began to burn brighter, driving the shadows away.
Bastila reached up and grabbed Ashla's forearm. Ashla pulled her up and wrapped her in a friendly embrace.
"The nightmare is over, Bastila. We weathered the storm together, my friend."
"Yes, you are my friend," Bastila nodded. "Urgh! You were Revan, and I wanted so badly to tell you, but I couldn't! It was eating me up inside! Even worse, as I felt our friendship begin to grow, and the connection between us deepening, I despised myself for having to deceive you, so I pushed you away." Bastila moved away from Ashla slightly, closing her eyes as she focused on their bond. "And even now, through our bond, I feel your strength. I think I can face the end now."
"The end?" Confused, Ashla paused. "Bastila, you need not die. You can be redeemed… like I was."
"But, you were a special case," Bastila said sadly. "The Council needed you alive so that we could find the Star Forge. I was supposed to have watched over you… protect you… so that you didn't fall into darkness once more."
"You did protect me," Ashla said softly.
Bastila walked over and picked up her lightsaber. "But, at what cost? I fell to the darkside while trying to keep you safe. Is that the price of redemption? That one must fall, while the other rises?" She shook her head sadly. "No, this is too painful. Please, just end me now."
"Look in your heart, Bastila. See the light that resides there." Ashla said calmly, hoping to get through to her friend.
Bastila closed her eyes and looked inward, focusing on the light that was beginning to burn brighter. "The light," she murmured. "But how can I return? How can I possibly atone for my actions?"
Ashla nodded in understanding. "Bastila, if anyone could understand what you're going through, it's me. I have been seeking atonement everyday since I found out that I was once Revan. You can do that, too. Help me defeat Malak. Help me by using your battle meditation for the Republic Fleet. Help us defeat the Sith, and that will set you on the path of atonement."
Bastila smiled weakly at her. "Yes, it is a good start. I'll use my battle meditation to bolster the Republic Fleet."
Ashla reached out her hands towards her lightsabers and pulled them to her using the Force, then clipped them back on her belt. "I must face Malak. Get back to the ship as soon as you can. The others will be waiting."
"I'll stay here and begin my battle meditation. I would come with you to help you in your fight against Malak, but I fear it's too risky. I fear I would slip back into the shadows." Bastila said as she knelt down. Ashla nodded in agreement, it was best for her to go on alone.
As Bastila began her battle meditation, Ashla knelt beside her and locked her focus on their force bond. What was once withered and grey, was verdant once more. Ashla breathed in a deep calming breath as she visualized the vine becoming stronger, brighter… blooming with life.
It's time, she thought as she rose to stand.
She could sense the shift in the battle. The tide was now in the Republic's favor.
As she reached out with her senses, she felt Malak's anger grow as he realized the Sith fleet was beginning to take heavy losses.
She walked towards the source of the anger she could feel pulsating in the Force.
I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me, she thought as stood silently before the locked door that led to where Malak awaited her.
#
Carth heard the holo table chime, alerting them to an incoming call. He rose from helping Jolee tending one of the wounded Jedi. He glanced at Mission who came in with another of the wounded, who shook her head sadly.
He sighed deeply, as he answered the holo call, Admiral Dodonna flared to life before him with Master Vandar standing beside her.
"Carth! The tide has turned!" Admiral Dodonna said with a grin. "Green and red squadrons are moving in."
Master Vandar nodded. "I sense Bastila using her battle meditation for the Republic now."
"That's great! Then...Ash must have gotten through to her!" Carth said, his features brightening as hope filled him. "She must have gotten Bastila to come back to the light!"
"Our capital ships will be moving into the firing range in a matter of minutes." Admiral Dodonna said resolutely. "Carth, get your people out of there and get back to the fleet."
"Admiral, we need more time! Ash hasn't made it back yet," he said with a frown.
Master Vandar closed his eyes as he searched through the Force for an answer. "I sense she is confronting Darth Malak as we speak." He opened his eyes, his expression full of sadness.
"What? What did you see?" Carth asked, the hope that had rose up in him sank, leaving him feeling deflated.
"Uncertainty," Master Vandar replied softly.
Carth closed his eyes with a groan. When he opened them, he shot his narrow gaze at Admiral Dodonna. "She just needs more time, Admiral."
"Time that I'm afraid we don't have, Carth." Dodonna said grimly. "Begin the evacuation process now. Our ships are within range."
Promise me that the Star Forge will be destroyed. It's imperative that it doesn't fall into anyone else's hands, Carth. His chin dropped to his chest. "Affirmative. Onasi out," he said, his hands tightening into fists as he faced what he had to do. He nodded to Dodonna, then turned off the holo table and began walking through the common area towards the garage.
"Mission, tell everyone we're moving out. Now," he said as he strode towards the exit.
"B-b-but," Mission stammered as she trailed behind him. "Ash isn't back yet."
"I have orders to follow, Mission." He said gruffly.
Mission paled, her eyes filling with tears. "But, Carth…"
"Mission! Just stay on the ship!" He ground out in frustration, refusing to look at the young Twi'lek.
Mission buried her face in her hands as she turned and fled deeper into the ship, her lekku trailing behind her.
Carth walked out into the dimly lit hangar towards the group of Jedi guarding their position. "Get to your starfighters," he said bluntly, as the soldier slid firmly back into place over him, determined to let his personal feelings get in the way of what he had to do. "The Republic's capital ships are moving into range. Get back to the fleet."
The Jedi nodded as they dispersed towards their ships.
Carth turned to Canderous, who stood nearby. "Ordo, time to go."
The sound of the elevator doors opening stopped him suddenly, filling him with hope. He held his breath as a woman walked towards them. He rushed forward, then stopped as the woman stepped out of the shadows.
Bastila.
A loud boom sent shock waves through the hangar. Carth reached his arms out to steady himself.
"Carth! We have to get out of here," Bastila yelled as she ran towards him. "This space station is going to be ripped apart!"
He stepped back warily, his hand resting on the butt of his blaster. "Bastila… are you… have you returned to the light?" He tried to read the young woman in front of him. A wave of relief washed over him when he didn't sense any malicious intent from her.
"Yes, Carth," Bastila said quietly. "Ashla saved me."
Another boom rocked the space station.
"Where is she?" Carth glanced towards the elevator door, wishing it would open again and Ash would be walking towards them.
Bastila hung her head sadly. "With Malak."
Carth raked his hands over his face in frustration. "Get to the ship, and have Teethree prepare for take off."
Bastila nodded as she fled inside the ship.
He heard another loud boom, followed by a distant rumble as one of the capital ships fired upon the Star Forge. With a heavy heart, he stepped up the ramp into the Ebon Hawk. Giving one last glance at the closed elevator door and empty hangar bay, he waited with bated breath.
Come on, Ash. Come back to me…
After several minutes passed and the elevator door remained closed, his eyes closed in defeat as he slammed his hand down on the sensor to raise the ramp.
#
Ashla hid under the raised platform while Malak hunted for her from above.
"Come now, Revan." Malak seethed, slashing his lightsaber at the metal grates, not far from where Ashla huddled. "I grow tired of this, show yourself."
She focused her breath on slowing down as she slammed a medpack into her thigh. She sighed with relief as she felt the kolto hit her system and spread through her battle ravaged body.
She knew he was badly wounded as well, having seen the damage her lightsaber had done to his side. She became very still as he approached one of the hanging life support pods containing a Jedi knight, wondering what he was about to do. She watched in horror as he siphoned the life force from the Jedi, the blue rays encircling him. The Jedi's scream filled her head as Malak breathed in the blue rays, healing and replenishing him instantly. She drew back as if struck.
"Power," Malak said, as if intoxicated. "Unlimited power. Ahh, you didn't know what you threw away, little sister. All you saw was an enormous factory, capable of producing an endless fleet, while I unlocked all the Star Forge's dark secrets. It is so much more than a space station or a factory. It feeds on the dark side. Don't you feel its hunger?"
"It has corrupted you, Alek. Leave this place, and come with me...back to the light," Ashla called out from her hiding spot.
"Alek is no more. He was weak. I destroyed him." Malak sneered. "Why don't you come out and face me, sister."
"I will not fight you, brother." Ashla said, as she jabbed another medpack into her thigh. Wincing as she moved, she pressed her hand to her side as she drew in a jagged breath.
"Then you will die here, sister." Malak said as he hunted her.
She inched her way under the platform until she was on the other side, away from him. She stood hunched over, drawing in a pain filled breath as she ran out from under the raised steps, and threw her lightsaber at the nearest pod. Her aim was true. The Jedi trapped inside the pod let out a soft sigh as the white blade hit it, dying instantly. No time to grieve, she closed her eyes and flung her saber at the next pod.
A fearsome roar erupted from Malak as he realized her game. "No!"
He leapt across the distance, bearing down his saber upon her as he landed. She ignited both blades and blocked his attack. He pushed harder into her, her feet sliding back under the pressure. "You are a blind fool, Revan." He reached out with the force and flung her backwards.
She pushed herself up to stand, grunting from the effort. Pain shot through her as she ran to the next pod, flinging her lightsaber at it. The Jedi held within sighed with relief as she died. Ignoring her pain, she ran all the while blocking his attacks as she destroyed the life-force transfer pods one by one.
Malak bellowed with a dark fury as her blade smashed into the last pod. The Force from his scream rattled the beams around her and shook her to her very core.
Enraged, Malak seethed, "damn you, Revan! Death will not come for you, my dear sister. Oh no, I have something much more special in mind for you now, my dear. Once I have beaten you down, I will do the same with you as I have done with these pitiful fools." He laughed maniacally at her. "Do you not recognize them, my sweet dear sister? They were your fellow Jedi from Dantooine… I will trap you just like I did with them! I will feed off your miserable existence while I conquer the galaxy!"
He struck out at her, unleashing all his anger and hate upon her.
She reached for the bond that she had formed with Bastila and drew strength from it as she focused on blocking his attacks. Drawing on the strength from the bond with Bastila, and the quiet serenity she found in the bond she had forged with Carth, she sank deeply in the Force. She found that tranquil place deep within her and moved in harmony with the Force, her blades singing with power as if they were an extension of herself.
Using her smaller size to her advantage, she leapt at him, landing squarely on his chest, knocking him backwards as the tips of her lightsabers dug into his chest.
"No!" Malak screamed in agony as the plasma blades burned through his armored bodysuit, hitting the cybernetic jaw as she drugged them behind her.
Ashla landed in a low lunge before whipping around, and sank low in a defensive stance; the white blades trailing behind her in a reverse grip.
He struggled to rise, his breath ragged and sharp through the vocalizer of his damaged cybernetic jaw. "This… is impossible. I cannot be… beaten. I am the Dark Lord of the Sith."
"The Force seeks balance, my brother. Always." Ashla said softly.
Malak slumped back to the floor, holding his chest. "Still spouting the wisdom of the Jedi, I see." He coughed. "Perhaps there was more truth in their words than I realized, dear sister."
"It's not too late, Alek. Let go of your hate," she said as she circled around him. "Let go of your anger, and step out of the shadows."
Malak shook his head as he stared up at her. "Alek is gone. It's too late for me, Revan."
She knelt beside him, and took his hand in hers. "No, it's never too late. Come with me."
"No, Revan," Malak shook his head. "Those days are over."
Ashla swallowed down the tears that threatened to well up in her eyes as the cowl slipped down behind her head, revealing her visage. "I'm not leaving you here, Alek."
Malak gave pause as he stared into her eyes. A faint waft of lavender swept over him, reminding him of their mother. A warmth spread through him, a warmth he hadn't felt in years came over him, calming his rage and thawing his icy heart. He remembered their mother pulling him aside, and whispering fervently to him. "Alek, listen very carefully. It's very important that you remember to keep the fact that Ashla is your sister a secret. If the Jedi discover that I have lied to them about her parentage, she will be separated from you and sent to another temple. You might never see her again. She's so young...so small…you have to protect her. For me. Never forget, I love you, Alek." He remembered the way her long auburn hair draped over him and her calming lavender perfume she always wore made him feel safe and loved, as she hugged him one last time.
His eyes locked with hers, as Malak faded back into the shadows and Alek fought his way to the surface.
"You look so much like our mother, Ashla. I had forgotten how much you looked like her. It's been so long since I've seen your face without that Mandalorian's mask." Unable to stop himself, he reached up and gently touched her cheek. "So beautiful, just like her."
The tears that she had been holding back, spilled over onto his fingers.
"Alek?" she murmured softly, hoping beyond hope that Malak was gone at last, and Alek had returned to her. "You called me Ashla."
"That was the name our mother gave you. Your name before you took the name of Revan. She called you her child of light." He said softly. "Do you remember the promise I made to you all those years ago, when we were brought to the temple?"
She shook her head. "No, my memories… they are gone. Mostly."
Alek coughed, his hand gripping his chest. "I promised to take care of you. To protect you. Cough. Mother made me promise to keep the fact that we were brother and sister hidden. She didn't want us to be separated. You don't remember any of this? No, perhaps you wouldn't, even before I..." He couldn't finish the thought, couldn't bear to remember that he had nearly killed the one person he had sworn to defend. "You were so young when we were brought to the temple. Not more than a toddler, really." He coughed again.
"Save your breath, Alek." Ashla whispered.
"No, things must be said," he said roughly. "Things you must know… I followed you down this path… because I felt it was my duty to protect you."
"I know, Alek. I'm sorry," she said sorrowfully. "But, it was your choice to continue. You could have turned back."
"You're right," he said. "It was my choice. I must accept responsibility for my actions, and stop placing the blame solely on you."
Ashla felt a rumble spread through the space station as the Republic opened fire. She redirected her attention back to him as a cough tore through him.
"You should leave. Save yourself," he whispered.
"I'll not leave you here in darkness, Alek."
"You were one to never give up, little sister." His breathing was rough and ragged. "Leave me here. I sense someone's waiting for you. Your pilot."
Ashla felt her heart break as she remembered her promise to make it back to him. Oh, Carth… I am so sorry, she thought as she felt another hit slam into the station. As she closed her eyes, tears streamed down her face.
"Ashla…" Alek said softly. "cough...I think you were falling in love with him then, too. That's why I had him transferred when we were on Cathar…to try and save you from disappointment."
"Yes, I do love him." She breathed in a deep breath.
"Then, go to him," he wheezed. "Remember… I always did love you, sister, even if the darkside did corrupt and twist my feelings for you."
"I loved you too, my brother," she said as hot tears rolled down her cheeks. "What happened to us, Alek?"
"War." He said bitterly. He touched her face tenderly. "Is there room in your heart to forgive all of my transgressions?"
At her mute nod, he let out a deep sigh of relief. "You always were the stronger one, Ash. Even when we were children, you were the stronger one. Now, go." He gave one last shuddering breath as his eyes closed.
She bent over him, her tears spilling down onto his ashen face. Another blast hit the station, sending shock waves through the floor under her.
She laid her hand on his chest, checking for a spark of life, but there was none. Her brother was dead. "I'm so sorry, Alek," she cried. "Please, forgive me."
#
Carth slid into the pilot's seat and began flipping switches, preparing for takeoff.
"Carth? What are you doing?" Bastila asked, strapped in the copilot's seat. "Has Ashla returned?"
"No," his response was brief as he focused on the controls, trying to keep his emotions under control.
"What?!" Bastila said, aghast. "We can't leave her here, Carth!"
"A good soldier follows orders," he murmured.
"A good soldier knows when to disobey an order as well, Carth Onasi!" Bastila stared at him like she was seeing a stranger.
He slammed his hands on the sides of his chair in frustration. "Damn it! She made me promise! She made me swear an oath that I'd get everyone to safety if the Republic could destroy this damned station. She made me swear, even if she wasn't back yet, Bastila! So, don't sit there and lecture me about when to obey or disobey a direct order!" He ran a trembling hand through his hair, trying to keep the two strands off of his forehead. They stayed for a moment, before falling stubbornly back into place. "I don't want to leave her here, but it looks like I don't have a choice!"
Bastila could tell this decision was tearing him apart. She let out a deep sigh. "I'm sorry, Carth. I know how difficult this is for you. Given your feelings for her."
He angrily brushed aside a tear that dared to fall as he maneuvered the ship into position. "I don't want to talk about it, Bastila. In fact, don't ever bring her up, again."
Bastila stared sadly out of the viewport as they shot out of the hangar bay, leaving the Star Forge behind.
#
Ashla rocked Alek's lifeless body in her arms as she sobbed. She heard a distant rumble as she gently laid his body down. She drew in a painful breath as she set his hand on top of his lightsaber hilt, which lay on his still chest. "Goodbye, Alek."
She struggled to stand as pain lanced through her. She gasped as she took one step, then another. A large tremor shook the floor under her, causing her to sway and almost lose her footing. She ground her teeth together and focused on getting to the elevator, which she hoped would take her directly to the hangar bay where Carth and the others were waiting.
She gripped her side as shuffled her way into the elevator. She leaned heavily against the wall as she activated the lift. The metal plates lining the walls felt cool against her cheek as she rested, closing her eyes briefly.
A chime alerting her the elevator had stopped it's descent caused her eyes to flutter open. Hang on, Carth. I'm almost there, she thought as she waited for the doors to open. Hands trembling, she pushed off of the wall with a groan and stepped into the empty hangar bay.
"No!" she cried, falling to her knees. The Ebon Hawk was gone. "I'm too late," she cried, her tears running rivulets down her cheeks. She curled up in a ball as despair filled her. "Carth…"
Another tremor shook the foundations of the Star Forge.
She replayed their last moment together in her mind. She reached into herself and felt for the bond that they shared as she tried to connect with him, to let him know she loved him.
Swear to me that you'll fight to survive. That you'll make it back to me.
Ashla rolled painfully to her knees and reached out, sinking into the Force once more as she felt for the bright silver cord running between herself and Carth. She pulled on it with the last bit of strength she had within her. "Carth, hear me."
#
Carth felt a tingling sensation rush up his spine. His breath came in sharply through his nose as he inhaled.
"Carth, hear me."
He heard her plainly, if she were standing right behind him. He could see her kneeling, alone on the Star Forge, reaching out to him, trying desperately to connect him through the Force.
Beside him, Bastila sat straight up in her seat.
He turned to her, awestruck. "You heard her too, didn't you?"
Without waiting for her to reply, he whipped the ship around. "She's there! You know she is!" He pushed the ship as hard as he could, racing back to the hangar bay they had just left moments ago. He ignored the flashing of the commlink alerting them to an incoming call. He had one single thought in mind…to save the woman he loved. And this time, I will not fail.
As the Ebon Hawk touched down in the hangar bay, he could see her kneeling, not far from the elevator, just like he envisioned.
"Teethree!" He yelled back to the little droid as he unbuckled the crash webbing securing him into the pilot's seat, "lower the ramp!"
Not wanting to waste a single second, he fled down the corridor towards the garage. As soon as the ramp was low enough, he jumped out and scooped her up in his arms. "There's no way in hell I'm leaving you here, beautiful."
Ashla's eyes opened as she felt his arms wrap around her. The ship faded into black as her eyes fluttered closed in exhaustion.
He raced back up the ramp, yelling for Teethree to get them out of there.
After leaving her in Jolee's capable hands, Carth slid into his seat. A soft chime rang, indicating a call was being patched through to the bridge. Flipping a switch, he answered the comm.
"Carth, you made it!" Admiral Dodonna's triumphant voice rang through the bridge.
"Yeah, well, you didn't think we'd let you celebrate without us?" he asked in an upbeat tone, one that he had not heard himself use in such a long time.
"I'm sending an honor guard out to escort you back to the fleet," Dodonna said. "You'll all be getting a hero's welcome when we all get home!"
They soared through the black towards the large red and white hammerhead cruiser, The Liberator, as the Star Forge was sucked down into the burning star below.
The battle was over.
The Star Forge was no more.
*A/N: Inspiration for this chapter was pulled from Return of the Jedi, namely the fight scenes between Vader & Luke...and then, Anakin's redemption and his conversation with Luke moments before the Second Death Star was destroyed. (Malak Vs. Ashla) Plus, Empire Strikes Back when Luke reached out to Leia through the Force after his confrontation with Vader. (Carth hears Ashla through the Force.)
Ashla's speech was inspired by Obi Wan Kenobi's beacon that was sent out after Order 66, Ezra Bridger's broadcast on Lothal from Star Wars Rebels, and Luke's dialogue with Rey during The Rise of Skywalker.
I apologize for the lengthy chapter. I had thought about splitting the chapter in half or ending it on a cliffhanger, but this close to the end of the story...I felt a cliffhanger might be too climatic (or maybe it would have worked?). Let me know what you think in the comments below :)
Thank you so much for reading! One more chapter to go! Cheers!
May the Force be with you, Nia