Disclaimer: I only own the mangling of cannon. The rest belongs to better writers than I.
Prologue 1: Realization of Failure
"My fellow soldiers of the republic, I have received word that the delay on the occupation fleet has finally been handled, and they are on their way out here."
Raven looked out at the emptiness of space, waiting. Technically her fleet, the First Fleet of the Republic, was in orbit over Mandalore waiting for the occupying forces to arrive. In reality it was preparing for a fight, or to leave. She could feel it in the force, and despite that she still struggled to understand it. Why would they do this? The republic occupation force was coming with a full complement of Jedi masters, Raven didn't like her and Malak's chances if they were boarded.
"However they are not the only ones headed our way. The Jedi Council has decided to charge me and Malak with war crimes related to the ship yards above Perga."
A beep called Raven's attention back to the communications console. Downloading the report from one of her few contacts in the capital to a data pad Raven returned to the window. After decoding the transmission Raven smiled. Her anger, and her steps into the dark side, had taught her to be vindictive when she could just end her enemies. Raven wondered if the Jedi even realized what problems would arise from concealing her records. They were smart enough to not attempt to seal everything, just those portions they needed to convince the people she and Malak had fallen. Which was why Raven's contacts had convinced the admiralty to seal everything. Even her birth name was now classified.
"For this reason the occupation fleet isn't alone, half the Second Fleet and 12 Jedi masters are also on their way here."
Raven watched as the scouts in her fleet flashed into hyperspace. The Mandolarians loved creating inaccurate star charts and the First Fleet, being the spear tip of this war, had learned to take nothing for granted, smaller ships had an easier time when a mass pulled them out of hyperspace unexpectedly. This had led to Raven bribing the Captains in charge of their home port to refit some of her escort class ships as scouts. Not quite as good as the dedicated scouts she had designed with her friends in the fleet's engineering rooms, but the best they could get done. Glancing at the clock Raven realised she had 2 hours left.
"If you were involved in the operation above Perga you know we had senate approval for using those nukes. And at the Council's insistence I was given the last call on that decision."
The bridge of the, insultingly named, Impulsive was busier than Revan had ever seen it. From what she could see, they were working to move the personnel that weren't willing to stay with her onto six escort class ships. Moving up to her Admiral, and swiftly becoming best friend, Jicsuhi handed Revan a list of who was staying behind. Revan noticed no names she recognized, though she didn't look at who the lone Jedi was, unwilling to think badly of such a person. Unfamiliar feelings called tears to her eyes as she contemplated all those beings who believed or trusted her decisions.
"Navy friends who have already returned to the core of the Republic tell me that the action is political, senators who supported the plan of attack on Perga are keeping quiet."
A bundle of hate and anger approaching the bridge brought disappointment to Revan's mind. Malak was controlling his emotions, but he wasn't allowing himself to feel anything but the ones that feed his dark combat abilities. Revan's disappointment steamed from her taking over his training after Master Kreia had gone her own way but he never seemed to understand the importance of letting the mental restraints the Jedi trained them in, except for his anger. This was eroding his discipline, something definitely needed for, whatever Revan was becoming.
"Senator Sizz Rel was too sick to attend that particular day, Senator Mob'hevun was at the hospital due to his wife's near fatal accident, Senator Cheash Thom died of perfectly natural causes, and Senator Vem Mantt suddenly had technical failures preventing him from getting the sinates' attention. I leave you to guess who contacted me."
Revan and Melak watched as the first fleet jumped away from Mandalore, somehow with more ground forces on board than they started with. The Mandalorians who joined were just looking for a fight of course, but it was an easily exploitable fighting force, and Revan knew she would have to expand on the Republic's combat tactics, something an outside fighting force would be extremely valuable for.
"My contacts have failed to combat this, Admiral Jicsuhi's contacts have failed to combat this. We don't know who pushed for this. We don't know what we will be facing. I knew many of you remember the issues we had getting our 'scout ships'. I know you all remember the bullshit surrounding Malecore V. It wasn't until the Force almost literally beat them over the head with the genocide of the Cathar before the Council would, reluctantly, authorized us."
Alone the Impulsive sat above Mandalore waiting for the 'occupation' fleet to arrive. Revan had one last message to give the republic. With nothing better to do Revan loosened her controls on her emotions and started her modified meditation. Unlike Jedi she didn't seek peace, and unlike Sith she didn't wallow in her hatred. Instead she sought to understand her emotions, what they came from and what they wanted her to do and think. It was infuriatingly difficult at times, but it was clear that this came mostly from unlearning what she knew as a Jedi. It was far easier, and certainly more tempting, to simply lose all control. But that was the dark side talking, and Revan refused to fall fully. Revan stood fully in control and faced the communications console just as the occupation fleet arrived.
"And that is why I am talking to you today. No being can face this kind of systemic corruption alone. If you ask me to, I will turn myself over to the Jedi. I cannot claim I won't escape on the way back, but you cannot, probably, be held responsible for that. However, if you stand with me, we will confront the Republic and the Jedi Council. We will no longer allow genocide to go on just because we are worried. No, we will save this galaxy from itself. Since we must."
Vrook Lamar, Jedi Master, sighed as one of the most promising Jedi he had ever met left on a path that would see the return of the Sith. He had failed his oath, to never let the Sith return, no matter the cost. Turning Vrook returned to the communications room that had been given to the Jedi and contacted to the council back on Coruscant.
"Master Lamar. Has Revan surrendered to you?" Jedi Councilwomen Diyit Tetru clearly didn't expect a positive answer
"No Master Tetru. It seems the majority of the first fleet has defected with Revan. The only individuals still loyal to the Republic were left here, barely more than a skeleton crew for six warships."
"Unfortunately we expected Revan to leave. I find myself surprised that so many loyal soldiers went with her. Do we know why?"
"Yes. It seems Revan shared her view of why we were coming to arrest her with the fleet. Apparently she then promised to turn herself over to us if the fleet supported the arrest. Given the official reasons for our actions, and the number of officers and NCOs who were at Perga." Vrook then shrugged, for the single reason it was the only method of communication that seemed appropriate.
"Did any of the Revanchists return?" Master Vam Tann managed to sound hopeful, forcing Vrook to suppress a flinch.
"Only one. A Meetra Surik, Jedi Knight. However she is sitting in self imposed isolation, and is somehow suppressing her connection to the force. I am not even sure she knows what she is doing."
"I see. Anything else to report?"
Vrook Lamar considered for a while, "Only that Revan hasn't yet fallen to the dark side. I could sense a little in her, but not so much as to make a true Sith. Malak on the other hand. He seems to be on a precipice."
"Do you believe she can be turned back?"
Master Lamar replied without hesitation, "To lead others away from the order, without having fallen to the dark side yourself? No. It is impossible." There were legends, Sith, rare and few in number, who had mastered their emotions. Such creatures were far more dangerous than the normal type, for they could conceal themselves. They could convince others they were not Sith, and therefore convert Jedi who would normally resist the dark side.
Revan looked around the briefing room. Part of her plea to the first fleet was to fully explain her behavior after her defeat of Mandalore the Ultimate. Looking around the room, she realized that the people here were far more trusting of her decisions than Revan felt they should be. Rittik was her aid, and the single best being in the fleet at logistics, and outside of Malak and spent the most personal time with Revan. Admiral Jicsuhi worked with Revan on her fleet tactics, space based warfare being so different from anything Revan had done before. Both of these people had seen Revan's biggest mistakes and her insecurities when it came to leading the First fleet, having them here was simply impossible for Revan to fully understand.
Rear-Admiral Gray and General May both commanded approximately half the fighting force of the first fleet. The ground forces and May were better known to Revan because she spent so much time supporting them on the battlefield, that being where her skills best suited her. The Rear-Admiral had helped Revan adjust to life in the fleet after the Revanchists first showed up. It was through Gray that Revan learned how to cope with months in space and how to keep morale up in a navy.
"First off, thank you, all of you. I know your public support of me is the reason the fleet is intact. Whatever people say about my so-called charisma, I have always believed the effectiveness of the Revanchists was all down to you guys. The ones who helped and advised." Revan picked up the helmet she had worn in every official meeting, every combat situation, and everytime she had official duties since discovering it on Cather. She suddenly realized she never did find out the name of the Mandalorian officer who had lost her life objecting to the genicide. The helmet, or at least it's faceplate, had become something more in the years since then. Revan carefully donned the helmet, aware what this action would mean to her closest advisors.
"As Mandalore the Ultimate lie dying he told me that the idea to invade the Republic was not his, but suggested to him by another. Specifically he called him the 'Emissary of the Sith Empire'. Apparently this individual came to Mandalore and convinced him it was a good idea to attack the Republic. He wasn't lying."
The room was silent for a while as people processed this. It was Admiral Jicsuhi who asked the first question. "What did the republic say about this?"
"Nothing. It was removed from my report by someone, the note called it 'fear mongering unbefitting a hero of the republic.' I guess they didn't like that I pointed out that as a Jedi he wouldn't be able to lie to me." Reven just shook her head.
"No real surprise there I guess." General May scratched at his chin. "Did the council say anything?" Another head shake, "I somehow doubt they even looked at your report Revan, assuming it got to them unedited. I guess that's why you, Malak, and Rittik have been dragging some of my soldiers all around the conquered Mandalorian worlds then?"
"Yup, was able to get some useful information out of their computers about who was around when this happened. Oddly enough, everyone who would have been in the meeting with the 'Emissary' died within a year of the Mandalorian crusade starting."
"But they barely suffered any casualties until you joined Revan. Not even the Republic could slow them down!" She-Gim Ere was a Cerean Jedi Knight who had joined the Revanchists were officially supported by the Council.
"We joined. But your right She-Gim. That is why we were so suspicious when we discovered that. However Rittik was able to find some people who worked on the landing platform or were outer guards for the Mandalore at the time. They were able to collaborate not just the existence of this 'Emissary', but of the change in behavior after he left."
Revan looked at the faces of each and every one of her people before moving to the point. "Rittik even found an image of the Emissary and his group disembarking." Revan didn't need to turn around to see the image, it was impossible, but she couldn't believe it was a joke. The first time she saw the image she could feel a trimmer. The Force was telling her something was out there, something important.
Displayed behind Revan was a 2D image, the shuttle wasn't quite like anything they had seen before, but no one was paying attention to that. The ones with a firm grasp of history recognized the aliens getting off the shuttle. They were Sith. Not Dark Jedi, but the actual red skinned race.
"I don't recognize that species." Rear-Admiral Gray spoke up.
"Sith. Supposedly exterminated during the Great Hyperspace war. They were extremely well versed in the Dark Side. In fact they were so good at it, that their name is still associated with those who practice their religion." Malak spoke up for the first time. "If they are manipulating the Mandalorians into attacking us, you can bet they are preparing for revenge. It's a part of what they are."
"Which is where we come in. Admiral Gray, take the scouts and find out where they are. We need to know how big this empire is. Sith, Dark Jedi, whatever tend to leave burning worlds in their wake, as Exar Kun taught us, most recently anyways. Given that the Republic and the Jedi Order attempted to exterminate the Sith as a species, we can assume they might actually be worse. I won't let so many innocents die."
And I thought the defeat of the Mandalorians would get me some peace and quiet. Supreme Chancellor Dehla Lynan fought off the mounting headache caused by the recording of Revan's last message. Dehla was now regretting not paying as much attention to what was going on in the military after the end of the war. Unfortunately she had no choice, the war prevented her from paying as much attention to maintaining the normally delicate balance that was the Republic Senate.
That led to the current problem, with the Chancellor was Admiral Donaaro, probably the best, and only good, admiral after Jicsuhi left with Revan. Across from them were two Jedi, Masters Aris and Vandar. It would be the first non-war related meeting for the new Chancellor with the Jedi Council and she hoped that her predecessor had been wrong about the way these meetings went.
"Please tell me you didn't use one of the most important Operations in the war, one that is over a year old, to attempt to arrest the Republic's biggest war hero. While she is still sitting in command of our most experienced fleet!"
"Based on her reports of the last few battles the council and I have decided that Revan and Malak have fallen and become Sith. Dark Jedi. It was hoped that they hadn't realized it yet, and would turn themselves over to us." Jedi Master, and councilmember, Aris reported.
"And what evidence do you have?" The Chancellor wondered if she had just lost an entire fleet to internal Jedi politics.
"The use of nuclear weapons as well as this Mass Shadow Generator."
Admiral Donaaro shook her head, "Both weapons were authorised by the Republic, and while the Mass Shadow Generator was activated earlier than intended, I have reviewed the recordings of that battle, it was necessary, and the effect range of the Generator was larger than expected."
"While that might be fine for a soldier, no Jedi, no matter the circumstance, can cause death on those scales. So yes. Revan is a Sith." Chancellor Lynana almost thought she heard a little emotion in the Jedi Master's voice.
"Well, I have no authority to tell you otherwise. However, you will keep your ideas inside the Order. Until such time Revan takes direct action against the Republic we are going to allow the general population to view her as a hero."
"You can't. Revan is no hero, she is a Dark Jedi and a threat to the Republic."
"Aris. We have no proof, except that we pushed the person who is the only reason we won that war away because someone decided that she had fallen. We still don't know why the military reporting system failed, but I expect someone who agrees with you took actions against the best interest of the Republic." The Chancellor stood up and moved to the window to view Corasant's night. "One of our greatest generals stated there was more to this war, and no one listened. Apparently she spent much of the 4 months between winning and the arrival of the occupation force traveling around old Mangalorean territories in search of something or someone. Sounds like an investigation to me.
"Now, we have just started investigating the editing of Revan's report. However, she mentioned sending the same report to the Temple. I want to see that report, so we can investigate whether or not this threat is real."
Not wanting Airs to make the situation worse Vandar answered before she could, "Declared a Sith, Revan was. Trusted not, a Sith's words. Destroyed was the report."
The headache that the previous chancellor dubbed 'The Jedi Headache' began to return full force. Not having anything else important to deal with Dehla dismissed the Jedi.
As Airs and her fellow council member Vandar Tokare left the Chancellor's chambers, Vandar was pondering Airs' reactions to the Chancellor. Realizing it was unlikely that Airs had noticed yet, Vandar had to get involved.
"Unstable, your emotions have become. To Taris return. Find balance through meditation you must."
Revan was putting the final touches on her most recent droid. Crimson red plating, heavier armor than you would expect from the protocol droids it was attempting to masquerade as. Fortunately two different robotics companies had recently started a line of 'robust' protocol droids, which would make the extra padding stand out less. In the end, HK-47 was going to be one of her tools for fixing the Republic.
Revan shook her head and went back to work. Not the first droid she made, as this line of droids were how Revan first learned to handle the Dark Side without falling. As she assembled the plating in the droid's chassis she worked her way through the anger and hatred that the war spawned in her. Revan doubted that she could completely purge the dark feelings and thoughts she had gained fighting the mandalorians, but she was no longer certain she wanted to. During a few moments in the war, the fight with Mandalore the Ultimate being the most recent, she seemed to have found a balance between the light and dark, and in doing so achieved more than she thought possible.
This didn't stop three weeks in medical from a combination of injuries, over excursion, and over reliance on the force. Mandalore the Ultimate's title was well chosen, the man was an ingenious dirty fighter, and even with the help of her most capable Revanchists he and his guard were the toughest fight in the war. Revanchists force users now. It was still surprising for her that the fleet left with her, or that they wanted to name themselves 'Revanchists' after her little rebellion against the Jedi Council.
"Revan. It's time to make your decision. We have a plan for the scouting mission." Malak looked around his friend's workshop with bemusement. No matter how many times she suggested he should find something to 'take his mind off things' he couldn't really understand her stance on 'kinetic meditation'. Though the look on a Jedi's face when she used this line was always precious.
Revan smiled, her and Malak went back to before they were even Jedi, simple padawans intimidated by the Order and unsure of their place. Unlike her, Malak was always quick to take up new friends and challenges, something Revan attempted to learn at the time. Still, Revan would never trade her 'shy years' sense; she learned how to channel her emotions to use the force to make herself uninteresting.
"I'm staying. This is just the first scouting mission. Finding where this empire is, and a good place to touch down to get actually useful information. I can't think of a good reason to go, not when I am worried about Meetra."
Malak chuckled, "I doubt she has anything to worry about. The three of us were the face of the Revanchists, and she was the only one to return to the Republic. Worst case scenario they hail her as the only one who 'turned back before it was too late'. You know they are going to call us Sith and Dark Jedi right?"
"Of course Malak. I doubt they will let Meetra get off so easy though. Malak, what do you think about breaking her out?"
"You're serious?" Malak thought for a few minutes uncertain of what he should say. "I couldn't do it. You know they will expect us to do it. I'm also crap at stealth."
"Not really my question. I already figured that out." Revan chuckled. "I was more wondering if you thought it would be a wise move. Assuming it's needed at all."
"Well, we know they expect us too, so it isn't smart there. It could also be viewed as a direct attack on the Republic, which might not be good, depending on what we find with this 'Sith Empire'. Honestly I don't know what I would do. I say find out what happened." Malak kept his irritation hidden, as best as he could anyway.
"Well, come back to the Starforge. We will be using it as the fleets base for now. You do remember where it is right?" Revan smirked.
Malak rolled his eyes, "I got lost once. We were 8 and on a city world! And the directions were wrong!"
Revan laughed as she grabbed her mask and escorted a grumbling Malak to the hanger bay. Time to let the Revanchists know what their leaders were doing.
Meetra Surik stepped off the transport and looked around. Ussa was one of the planets that shouldn't have been liberated. Not that the people didn't deserve libration, but more that the planet had no strategic worth whatsoever. It was too far from the main fighting to act as a port or logistics hub, and lacking the industry to meaningfully support the fleets. The only thing it had going for it was mines, and not mines for useful materials but mines for precious metals and gems that could be sold for credits. Of which practically nothing made it back to the fleets themselves.
The main port, however, was just like every other Outer Rim port Meetra had seen. Dusty, noisey, filled with all kinds, everything for sale, and the Hutts had a hand in everything that passed through. As she passed a shop selling slaves Meetra couldn't stop a chuckle at how ironic this world was the place the Council's one way ticket for the Exile ended. Slaves the Jedi wouldn't free because it was 'outside their jurisdictions' on a world 'liberated' by corrupt politicians.
Finding a weapons dealer Meetra spent the last of her meger Republic Credits on a vibersward, fortunately the dealer didn't realize it had a Cortosis-weave or she wouldn't have been able to afford the blaster pistol that went along with it. Feeling much better about her own safety, Meetra stepped out and wondered how she was going to afford to purchase a ticket to somewhere the war wasn't going to hunt her.
It took only three minutes to find out there was a dueling arena in the town, and Meetra headed off. Even without the force she figured she could hold her own with a blade, and if the winner won a part of the betting like she had heard General Surik would draw a tremendous crowd.
It was while cutting through an alley that Meetra heard the unmistakable hum of the Mandolorian modified TR1 Repeating Heavy Blaster and threw herself through a nearby window. Cursing for the upteanth time the loss of her force powers Meetra pulled her blaster pistol and attempted to peek over the edge of the window. This was her only warning as two Mandolorians charged towards her and vaulted through the window as well, vibroblades drawn.
Retreating deeper into the dwelling Meetra just barely had the time to draw her sword before the two caught up with her. Back when she still had the force these two knuckleheads wouldn't have slowed her down, but now it was all she could do to keep the two sword wielding enemies between her and the Heavy Blaster. Retreating to a door between rooms Meetra exploited being ambidextrous and pulled her pistol in her off hand. She might not be the best shot in the world, but by pushing her pistol inside the envelope of his shield it didn't really matter.
Two more shots sent the other swordsmen diving for cover and gave Meetra a clear shot at the one with the Heavy Blaster. The first shot went wide, but he ducked into the second one which burned a hole straight through his shoulder. The next fight went swiftly, as the remaining enemy hadn't gotten back on his feet yet when Meetra drove her blade through his chest.
Deciding she didn't care to find out if they had reinforcements, Meetra reatreated out the back door. Maybe using my name at the arena is a bad idea. Probably should get myself a mask or helmet. Just in case.
Revan watched entranced as the Starforge assembled the freighter. Mechanical arms were moving in a dance of almost infinite complexity as the material for the construction was pulled from wherever the station did the actual forging. More interesting to Revan was the other ships in this particular bay. Almost a thousand republic dropships and landing craft were also being repaired, upgraded, and maintained at the same time. The Star Forge only had bays to construct capital ships, at least when it came to space worthy vessels, but was clearly designed to be able to construct smaller vessels. Even with that, the bays were so large Revan was fairly certain that the Rakata used larger vessels than anyone she knew of right now.
Revan watched as the last peace of hull plating was welded into place and the fuel lines were disconnected. A tractor beam moved the fraighter to one of the many docking ports that lined the construction bay now that the work was done. As soon as Revan pushed away from the observation window she was met by Rittik.
"Perfect timing. Rittik, make sure you and everyone else here spends as much time on the fleet as possible. This station is infused with the Dark Side, and I would like to limit everyone's exposure to it as much as possible. We need a better port of call as well, so ask Admiral Jicsuhi to start sending out scouts. I am fairly certain we can all use some R&R so an unaffiliated world, or two, willing to host rowdy soldiers would be appreciated. There should be a few hidden out here."
"Of course ma'am. Are you sure you should be the one to go on this mission?" Rittik didn't try to hide her unease from Revan.
"No one else has my skills for infiltration. If the target was anything but a Jedi sanctuary, then I could find someone else." Revan thought for a few minutes, "Create a few more of these freighters, I think three should work. We should start establishing some kind of trade with the locals."
"I assume you want to trade goods manufactured by the forge. What would you like to limit it to?"
"Civilian grade personal defense items and nothing more advanced than the republic can create. No need to make future missions more difficult." Revan finished, "I think that is everything I can come up with. Transmite those tests as soon as you can. I want to compare the armor we have against the knowledge of the Republic. Just in case this isn't as advanced as we think."
Done with the official stuff Revan chatted with her aid, and in many ways, her first apprentice. Even if she didn't have access to the Force Rittik was an astoundingly effective swordswomen and managed to master the use of the lightsaber. This left Revan wondering just how many people could become at least proficient with the weapon, though vibroblades were still far more cost efficient.
Revan and Rittik split ways as the rest of Revan's team came into view. Rex led a four man infiltration team, Atton Rand was her pilot, and Tel'more was the grumpy old engineer whose main job was to search through the Republic's engineering knowledge for parallels with what the Star Forge could create. And of course HK-47 who will be left behind for ongoing information gathering. And in case things go completely pear shaped, HK was capable of assasination missions.
"All right people, time to figure out how easily the Republic can be infiltrated."
"Observation: Space has no natural barriers and once we are 20 lightyears from the edge of Republic space no one would believe we hadn't already been checked at the border."
"Of course HK, got a route picked out?" Revan was curious. Every one of her previous versions of the droid was a little different. Making her think that the hardware involved influenced the personality of a droid. At least a startup.
"Clarification: I always have a plane, master."
"Run it by pilot Rand, see if he has a better idea."