Jedi Talk
- Karon Enova -
A heavy despair – mingled with a bitter relief upon which I did not wish to dwell – sat painfully on my shoulders as I watched the civilian transport lift and leave the ocean world. I could sense my former apprentice's Force presence within the ship, and wondered what she was thinking as she made good her escape.
The transport was headed to Rii'shn. What bitter irony, the planet I had just departed. Two choices lay before me, each one damning the other. Flights to Manaan's closest neighbour were abundantly frequent, and it would be an easy task to jump onto the next available passage and pursue Revan. But I had promised to complete a task for Roland Wann, and how could I leave Bastila Shan? The young Padawan had sounded desperate on the transmission I had received, despite the briefness of it. The remaining Dantooine Council members were unsure of her survival, although Vrook was adamant she still lived. Vrook Lamar was already on his way to Manaan, but he was on the other side of the galaxy. It would be weeks before he arrived.
I grimaced. The press of sentients around me began to disperse, as people slowly left the commercial landing pad. Loud talk hammered at me from all sides, but my thoughts were so chaotic that I did not need the Force to block the noise. My mind was active enough to drown out any surrounding conversation.
I must stay. Bastila needs my counsel. And I already know that Revan and I shall soon meet again. The premonition I'd received days ago haunted my every breath. There was no running from fate, but it seemed a cruel, wicked thing, to be taunted with the very nature of my downfall. And all I know is that it will happen soon. And that Revan will be involved...
…
My skin ached and burned; the residue of a massive bout of Force induced lightening. The cool floor underneath my back was a blessing; yet it did not dull the agonizing pain pulsating from my ribs. My eyes were glued shut, and one hand rested protectively over my torso. Underneath my fingers, I could feel the cauterized edges of a fatal lightsaber wound.
I barely had the strength to draw another breath, and I did not need to wield the Force to realize I was dying.
I opened my eyes, and a bright red bar flared through my vision. A lightsaber; its owner swathed in a black cloak. A Dark Jedi has been my downfall? I couldn't see my surroundings; everything behind the figure was a fuzzy blur.
"It was you!" the stranger hissed in a tone wracked with emotion. I could not tell if it was horror, rage or grief, but I recognized the voice. Revan.
My eyes widened, and I made out her shadowy face under the hooded robe. Sharp green eyes glared down at me in accusation, and her hand tightened on her sickly red lightsaber. After everything that has happened, am I to die by the hand of my old apprentice?
…
The vision had faded then, and I inwardly damned the lack of detail. I could not even tell where it would occur, but intuitively I knew it would be soon – if I waited here, Revan would come to me. Is this a destiny I cannot escape? Am I doomed to die?
Only on a few, brief occasions in the past had I been able to glance into the future, and never so vividly as this. Premonitions by nature were not infallible; but I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that soon, I would be facing Revan.
The guilt still sat with me: the musings of what could have happened, what might have been. I thought I'd worked through my feelings of inadequacy over the past few years; thought I was stronger, whole once more. I'd even, finally, agreed to train another apprentice; but all it took was one desperate transmission from Bastila Shan to stir my doubts and worries back into a frenzy. Things might have been so different.
I allowed my thoughts to wander dangerously - it did no good to dwell on past mistakes, but sometimes one couldn't hold back the tide. If only Revan and Malak had been separated when we'd first found them on Talshion. She'd been so angry, so hurt, so desperate when we finally put an end to their forbidden romance. The High Council said it was for the best, and I'd agreed; we all knew how dangerous such strong emotions were to Jedi. And yet... And yet at times I wondered what would have happened, had the High Council let the young lovers be. Would Revan have angrily disappeared to join the Republic cause? Would Malak have followed her so blindly? That encounter was still so sharp and vivid in my mind, like it had occurred but yesterday...
…
"...so while I understand the wisdom of that part, I am unsure why I was tested on it," Jedi Knight Kylah Aramai droned on, still talking excitedly to me about her recent successful trials. I knew I should be patient with her, but I did not understand why the new Knight was singling me out for her questions and long-winded thoughts. Perhaps she does so to each Master she comes across. I had more pressing concerns weighing me down. It had been three weeks since the Coruscanti High Council approved a plan of separating Knights Revan and Malak, and transferred Revan to the Dantooine Enclave to ensure little future contact between them. Thirteen days since Revan had thrown a tantrum that eclipsed any sort of emotional outburst I'd seen from her before. Eight days since I viewed the holo-streamed destruction of her homeworld by the Mandalorians, and ran desperately to Revan's quarters... to find her missing.
Surely she will come back. Why did she not seek me out? Where has she gone? Part of me thought I knew the answer. Her crusade over the last year had been against the High Council's inaction over the growing Mandalorian threat. Surely she would not be so reckless as to disobey the High Council?
Perhaps I no longer knew what my old Padawan was capable of.
"Looks like a ship is coming in to land," Bastila Shan, Vrook's prize Padawan and regular companion of Kylah, commented. I squinted up into the summer sky to see a small transport shuttle swoop down to land. I held my breath. Could it be her? Is she returning?
I restrained myself from running eagerly to the small landing pad adjoined to the Enclave, and made my way sedately there instead. Knight Kylah was still chatting in overt animation, with Bastila throwing in an occasional word. By the time I reached the ship, the exit hatch was already opening.
A figure in brown robes stepped out. Despair punched me in the solar plexus the moment I realized it was not Revan. In its wake followed a shaft of surprise when I recognized exactly who it was instead.
"Knight Malak!" I called in greeting, walking forward. Next to me, Bastila tensed.
I had heard many young Jedi exclaim that Malak was good-looking, for a Human, although being Zabrakian I was not a good judge of his species' attractiveness. He did have an engaging manner; always ready with a smile and a quip to set others at ease. Despite all his years at the Order, I knew, deep down, that his first loyalty always remained to the woman he had loved since well before we had stumbled upon them. He had always been Revan's shield, her strength, her calm.
Presently, his brows were lowered, and his gaze simmered with angry intent.
"Master Karon," he acknowledged grimly, not bothering to greet Kylah or Bastila. "Where's Revan?"
"Malak, you should not be here," I rebuked. "You have been assigned to a mission on Coruscant, your home Enclave. Why have you disobeyed the High Council in coming here?"
He scowled. "Some things are more important than the Order, Karon! I won't leave her alone after Talshion! Answer the question – where is she? In her quarters?"
Kylah gasped in affront. "Malak, you should not address a master so!"
His brown eyes darted over the new Knight. "I'm not speaking to you, am I?" he bit out, before turning back to face me. "Look, Karon, the High Council can lecture me to death afterwards. But I must see her! If you won't tell me where she is, then I'll find her myself." With that said, he brushed past me into the Enclave. I saw a disapproving expression on Kylah's face, and a stiff, icy one on Bastila's.
I closed my eyes briefly, and wondered how best to handle this. "She's gone, Malak." I heard gasps from the others: Revan's disappearance was not yet common knowledge.
Malak stiffened at the Enclave entrance, before turning around very slowly. "Gone? What do you mean, gone?" His voice was low, and almost dangerous.
"She... vanished directly after the televised attack on Talshion. We do not know where she is."
All vestiges of colour disappeared from Malak's face. "You don't know where she is," he echoed. "What do you mean, you don't know where she is? If she's left Dantooine, there's only one place she will have gone!"
"Malak-"
"I can't believe this!" he burst out, running a hand angrily through his short, dark hair. "She's gone off to fight the Mandalorians, hasn't she? And you- and you all just let her?"
"Calm yourself!" Kylah intervened in a righteous tone, and inwardly I groaned.
"Kylah, Bastila, can you leave me alone with Knight Malak please?" I said quickly, shooing them away with one hand while keeping my focus on the enraged Knight. "Malak, she has not yet reported back to us, and we are still looking for her. Do not let your emotions cloud your judgment."
"Judgment?" He laughed bitterly. "You really think this would have happened, if you hadn't forced us apart? Oh no, the High Council's to blame for this, and I'm not going to sit around and wait until I hear she's been killed by some primitive Mandalorian bastard!" he spat out as he strode back towards his ship.
"Malak!" I called desperately. "Please, do not do this! Calm down first, at least! The High Council-"
"The High Council can crucify me for all I care," he said coldly as he re-entered his ship. "Revan's always meant more to me than their backward judgment." The hatch closed ominously behind him.
A sinking feeling overcame me as the shuttle slowly rose back into the sky. My eyes closed in bitter despair. Rash, just like Revan. Return home, my old Padawan. Please.
"I never did like that man," Kylah commented piously from behind me.
…
They did return – but back to Coruscant, after a year-long reconnaissance mission on behest of the Republic. And Revan petitioned the High Council once more, this time with the backing of dozens of Jedi, as well as some key members in the Republic top brass.
The High Council still vetoed it, and Revan left to join the War proper, bleeding the Order of Knights as she went, the brightest of them forming the Jedi Thirteen. Although the Fleet liked to name them Revan's Guard, I recalled with a sigh.
I always wondered – would the two of them have listened to our counsel, had they been together when Talshion's fate was broadcast? Maybe...
I forced such futile scenarios from my head. What was done, was done. In retrospect my decisions over Revan's tutelage and future may have been flawed, but hindsight was always such a bitter window from which to view the past. And yet, the pain of losing an apprentice sits with you always. The scars of Exar Kun sat heavy on many of the Jedi Masters. And others had disappeared - one example was my childhood friend Jolee, who had vanished entirely after the fall of his wife.
I had not wanted to tutor Lars, but caved under Vandar's insistence. I should have listened to my heart. I was not ready, and only now I realize how unfair it is to Lars. I had left him behind with our shuttle, busy unloading the few possessions we had brought with us.
I grimaced, suddenly disgusted with myself. Why am I standing here like a buffoon, lamenting a past I cannot change? Bastila surely needs my counsel. I sighed, and began striding in the direction of the Republic Base. When the distress signal and accompanying message from the Ebon Hawk had been received, I had known who was involved. Unexplained explosion, indeed. But why is she running? There could be only one reason – Revan thought I was her enemy. I pursed my lips, lost in thought as my feet strode over ferracrete foundations. She remembers. How much, perhaps only Bastila knows.
The mind rebuild should have been complete, lasting. Galdea and Vima had been adamant it was. But nothing is eternal. Perhaps it is the will of the Force. It had been the worst experience I'd ever had; stripping my apprentice's mind back and rebuilding it with the identity of a dying casualty from the wars she herself had started. I'd had no choice – not only had the Council themselves agreed on the action taken, but Galdea and Vandar has insisted my cooperation was vital.
If not for Bastila's vision of the Star Map on Dantooine, then Revan may have had a real chance at redemption. The Dantooine Council had been divided, but I had hoped for the best outcome. The idea had been posed to heal the Sith Lord slowly, naturally, over months, and attempt to guide her back to the Light. Vima had not believed her mind would ever recover from the psychic injury, but we might have tried regardless.
No one had expected the young Bastila Shan to behold a vision of Revan and Malak entering Force tombs on Dantooine that we did not even know about. Suddenly, it became a lot more urgent to have a sane shell of the Sith Lord walking about, so we could mine that information if our team of Jedi did not find the Star Maps themselves.
I had done the Council's will, but a dark seed of doubt over the outcome sat with me always.
xXx
A short message from an officer on my comm-link informed me that the crew of the Ebon Hawk had already been escorted to the Republic Embassy, despite the Selkath impounding their ship. That puzzled me; I didn't understand why the Selkath would be involved in a Republic rescue mission, though surely I would find out soon.
The embassy itself was situated on the northern side of the city, close to the Selkath Supreme Court and High Command. Despite the Selkath's protestations of neutrality, I knew they at times had background dealings with the Republic they kept secret from the Sith. Even such a determinedly neutral species as the Selkath cannot blindly ignore the destructive nature of the Sith.
As I approached the complex, one Republic officer was berating two junior soldiers in a loud, irate voice.
"Your speeder was broken? Where is it? You can't mean to tell me you left it out there! Speak up, Ensign!" The officer had his hands resting angrily on his hips, his face mottled red in irritation.
"The escape pod was empty, sir. My speeder broke, and I thought I should report to you, sir," the soldier responded in a mechanical voice. I stiffened. There was something slightly wrong, even automated, about his voice.
"You already told me the pod was empty, man!" the officer yelled, and I wondered in distaste if I saw spittle fly from his lips. "But where is your speeder? You should know the protocol by now, you shameless excuse for a soldier! We don't have an unlimited supply of vehicles on Manaan – the Sith pinch everything – so all broken parts are to be supervised until they can get towed! Get out there right now, and don't report back until you've brought the wreckage home!" The officer finished his long-winded rant in a sort of snarl, before turning on his heel and exiting the Republic compound in a furious march.
My eyes narrowed as I interpreted the lost, bewildered expression on the two soldiers left behind. It couldn't be, could it? I strode over to them, intercepting the men before they could leave.
Injecting just a small amount of Force into my words, I addressed them mildly. "Tell me what happened when you came across the escape pod."
The soldier blinked and swallowed convulsively. "I, uh, I- the escape pod was empty, Master Jedi," he stammered. "My bike broke, and I had to ride double on Stirwin's." The second soldier was nodding dazedly in confirmation.
It is as I suspected then. Revan's strengths may have been in other areas of the Force, but she had certainly picked up a few things under my tutelage. In the early days, I had often doubted whether my training would suit her; I was strong at mental manipulation, but I preferred to avoid outright conflict. She had a flair for the more physical manifestations of the Force, be it lightsaber forms or outright expositions of power like her fabled ionization. However Revan was as adaptable as she was brilliant. Not only did she become one of the strongest duellists in our Order, but she also gained an impressive knowledge – and ability – of the more passive, subtler uses of the Force.
I grimaced, and drew more power in. "Your will is your own. You will remember what occurred."
The soldier's expression became even more dazed, if that was possible. Then, abruptly, it twisted into a confused anger. "Wh-what happened? Th-there was a woman!" The second soldier stumbled slightly as a dawning awareness broke on his face, also.
I smiled gently. "It is alright now. The woman is a Jedi, who was lost." That, in a sense, was true. "I will talk to your superior and explain what happened. I would appreciate it if you could tell me everything that occurred first, however?"
The men quickly extrapolated on the encounter, and I wondered at how fortuitous it had been for Revan to find a speeder so easily. After assuring the soldiers that everything was under control, I turned to enter the embassy, subtly reaching out with the Force to scan the area. I sensed Bastila immediately: her presence shone from within the complex. What startled me was the aura of another Force-user next to her. Grief and guilt encompassed a compassionate heart, and I wondered in astonishment whom it could be. I lengthened my stride, and made quick time into the embassy proper.
"Master Jedi," a sentry greeted me in the foyer. Large, chrome pillars gave the place a classical style, akin to the rest of the Selkath architecture on the planet. An immense holo-picture of Coruscant dominated the east wall, adding colour to an otherwise utilitarian foyer.
I nodded briefly at the Republic guard. "Perhaps you can lead me to the crew of the Ebon Hawk?"
"Certainly," the man assented. "Follow me."
We walked down one of the hallways, and the sentry stopped at the first meeting room. After activating the door switch, he stepped back to allow me entrance.
Commander Wann, the current leader of the Republic Embassy whom had holo-commed me more than once, was deep in conversation with Bastila Shan and a man I recognized as the war hero Carth Onasi. They turned at my entrance, and I could not miss the flare of relief on the young Padawan's face as she recognized me.
But my attention was focused on the other inhabitants of the room, and my surprise intensified. A young Twi'lek girl sitting on a recliner was wearing a surly expression and being comforted by a Wookiee of all things. A small utility droid whirred at their feet. Behind them, a formidable Mandalorian wearing a garish purple suit of armour stood scowling, an unlit cigarra dangling from his lips. I blinked. How in the Force has Bastila managed to gather such an entourage?
Then it hit me, of course. People always flocked to Revan. Her leadership skills were perhaps only matched by her charisma. My last surprise was the unknown Force user; a silent Cathar was standing in one of the far corners. My eyes widened. That's Quatra's missing charge! Juhani!
"Master Karon!" Bastila addressed me effusively, and I realized I was still standing in the doorway. I smiled wryly, and knew that even now, Revan could still surprise me.
"Padawan," I acknowledged, and strode forward to take her hands in greeting. "It is good to see you again." I noted the tense set of Bastila's shoulders relax, and understood that her time had been far from easy.
"Master, allow me to introduce you to my companions," Bastila said as she quickly recovered her composure. "This is Captain Carth Onasi, whom I am sure you have heard of."
"Master Jedi," the man intoned, but his gaze was on Commander Wann.
I smiled briefly. "Captain. So nice to see you again." I saw surprise flash over the soldier's face as he turned back at me. I let out a small tinkle of laughter. "You perhaps do not remember me, Captain. We met but once, and I am sure most Jedi look the same to you."
A wry grin of agreement curved his lips as I glanced back toward Bastila. She nodded towards the young Twi'lek, but I noticed her expression tense. She does not like the girl, I wonder? "This is Mission Vao, a refugee from Taris. Her companion is Zaalbar, also from Taris."
"Welcome to Ahto City," I murmured, but the girl merely nodded, her eyes trained on the floor. The Wookiee, however, was more courteous and rose to bow.
"(I greet you, Master Jedi)," he rumbled.
My smile grew, and I wished I could emulate Shyriiwook. Before I could address the Wookiee, Bastila moved on, obviously wishing to hurry the introductions.
"That is the mercenary Canderous Ordo," she said flatly, nodding towards the older warrior.
"Yo," he acknowledged, looking away to light his cigarra. I raised an eyebrow, but smiled anyway. Mandalorians were not particularly known for their manners, and I knew it would gall Roland Wann just to have one in residence.
"And I believe you know Juhani already?" Bastila ended on a soft note.
I turned to look at the Cathar who did not meet my eyes. She was wearing a loose white tunic, one hand plucking at the overlong sleeve. My expression grew gentle as I approached her. "Padawan," I said softly. "It warms my heart to see you here."
Juhani looked up then, tormented golden eyes staring into mine. A maelstrom of emotions warred through the Cathar's face as I reached for her hands and squeezed them lightly.
A small, nervous smile flicked at her lips. "Master Karon." Her voice was a mere whisper.
I wondered what had happened. Quatra had sensed her Padawan embracing the Dark Side in her Knight trials, but the woman who stood opposite me merely felt confused; even grief-stricken. I did not approve of Quatra's methods. Even I had sensed the young Cathar had grown too attached to her master, but there are better ways to deal with as apprentice's love than to throw it in her face during her Knight trials. The bitter aftermath had been the disappearance of not one, but two Padawans as Tefain's charge had vanished after a biting argument with Quatra herself. I'd walked in on the end of that confrontation, as the young Human Padawan had stormed away after giving Quatra a piece of her mind. Tefain still hasn't managed to track Belaya down, but at least we have found Juhani.
"We will talk later," I promised Juhani. "For now, relax and have something to eat. I must convene with Bastila."
Juhani nodded, and I looked back at Roland Wann. "Commander, perhaps you could organize quarters and food for all of Padawan Shan's companions? For now I wish to talk with Bastila alone."
Roland Wann nodded, although I could tell he was not happy. Like many of the high-ranking military stationed on bases that saw little action, Roland had become used to being in command, and did not appreciate accommodating a Jedi. While I had no rank as far as the Republic was concerned, protocol demanded that they cooperate with us unless otherwise ordered. His narrowed eyes settled on the Mandalorian, who was leaning against the wall casually and flicking cigarra ash on the clean floor. I sighed inwardly.
"Of course," Roland muttered.
"(Maybe we could stay here for one night, Mission? At least for the meal?)" I heard the Wookiee say to his companion. I glanced at Bastila, who had pursed her lips.
"Come," I invited. "Let us talk for awhile."
Roland harrumphed. "But what about the escape pods? I thought there had been some survivor who had ejected from the Ebon Hawk?" he demanded.
"It's under control," I replied. "You can call the search off, Commander."
Six intent and shocked faces swivelled around to stare at me.
"Under control?" the young Twi'lek burst out. "What do you mean by that? Do you know where Jen is? Tell me!" She had leapt to her feet, an aura of intense determination around her.
Bastila shot a scandalized look at Mission, but turned to question me regardless. I noticed that even Carth Onasi had stopped haranguing Commander Wann to pay attention. Revan certainly made an impact on this lot.
"Do you know where Jen is?" Bastila asked quietly.
"Not yet," I answered, glancing seriously at everybody in turn. "But I will soon. Bastila, let us leave." I motioned Bastila out and followed before the impassioned Twi'lek could erupt once more.
xXx
"For all that I need the reprieve, Master Karon," Bastila started, as soon as we had entered a more private setting. "Shouldn't we be going after Jen?"
I noted that she still used Revan's false name, even in a secure room. Whether this room was devoid of sensors or not, my Force ability was currently soundproofing the room against any potential eavesdroppers, sentient or otherwise.
The meeting room itself was fairly large; a long, circular table stretched out from wall to poraclay wall, and I inferred Roland liked to hold many officious meetings here. Bastila herself appeared more comfortable to stand and pace across the fluffy grey carpet, but I sat down and picked up a piece of succulent kakasi fruit laid out in a tempting platter. I wondered just how to word the next bit of information.
"She has left the planet already Bastila," I said simply. Sometimes the bare truth was the best way to handle a situation.
Blank shock dulled the lustre of her eyes, and the colour drained her face. "Then we must go after her, immediately!" she burst out. "Where has she gone?"
For all that I felt the bitterness of Revan's escape myself, I could not hold back a chuckle. "Sit down, Bastila, and relax. Your dedication to duty does you credit, particularly since it must have been a thankless task indeed."
Bastila's mouth dropped open at what she probably considered a blasé attitude for a very serious matter. "But we cannot just let her roam free!"
I sighed. "I know. But this is something you must leave to me. I do not know where she has gone, but I will find her soon enough." I did not want to tell her of my vision; the young woman had enough resting on her shoulders as it was.
"If you do not know where she has gone, then how do you know she has left the planet?" Bastila questioned, sitting down reluctantly.
"I sensed her depart. She was my apprentice, Bastila. I have spent years in the past trying to track her and Malak down from their escapades." A wry smile curved my lips in remembrance; thoughts of Revan invariably granted me a wide range of emotions, encompassing everything from grief, anger, and even love.
I noticed Bastila glance around the room surreptitiously as I named the Sith Lord. "It is safe to talk here, Bastila. No one will hear."
She nodded her acquiescence, before staring down at the table. "What now, then?"
"Perhaps a chance to meditate and relax, Bastila," I suggested softly. While I venture to explore the mining facility, like I promised Roland? My premonition told me that Revan would return to Manaan soon, did I really want to be lurking on the bottom of the ocean when she arrived back on the planet? "Your master is on his way here also; he shall arrive in a few weeks."
At that, Bastila jerked her head up, a surprised smile lighting her face. "Master Vrook is alive? Coming to Manaan?"
My smile warmed further; it was good to see the Padawan held her Master in such high regard. Of course. She has not yet returned to Dantooine; she may not have known whether he made it through the attack. "Yes. He was delighted to hear of your survival – as were we all, Padawan. You have done well."
"Well?" Bastila's expression dropped in self-doubt. "I have failed. Revan is out there, unguided, alone, up to who knows-"
"Bastila," I cut her off gently. "You are too harsh on yourself. You should never have been placed in this position, and you were never meant to be alone. I, of all people, understand how hard to is to deal with Revan, and knowing somewhat of both your personalities I doubt you two would have warmed to each other. She cannot be commanded, and follows her own will. She-" I stopped short, and closed my eyes briefly as I halted my train of thought. "But that is not important. What I do need to know, however, is how much she remembers. How is she acting?"
Bastila tensed visibly as she answered. "She is unbalanced. A seething mass of emotions. When I first encountered her on Taris, she showed compassion and- and a rather annoying sense of humour. Then there was a time when I thought the identity of Jen Sahara had returned, but ever since Tatooine she has been behaving psychotically." She shrugged in helplessness. "I have no other word for it. All I can sense from her is rage and desperation, and now she knows how to shield me from her mind."
My eyes narrowed at that; I understood the power and limits of the mind-link Bastila shared with Revan, and it was not good that Revan was beginning to discover it for herself. No one expected Bastila Shan to form a bond with my erstwhile Padawan. It had been created when Bastila had preserved the spark of life within Revan's dying body, but she herself had not been aware of the consequences her act of mercy entailed until she glimpsed that first vision of the Dantooine Star Map.
Those types of Force bonds were exceedingly rare, with the potential to become exceedingly strong.
I motioned for Bastila to continue, and she did so haltingly. "She is starting to remember. Her dreams are awfully fragmented, but she is recalling flashes of her past."
"Before or after the fall?" I asked softly, but my tone was deadly serious. If she is remembering her childhood, then perhaps there is hope for redemption. If, however, the stronger memories are of her time as the Sith Lord...
Bastila looked like she did not understand why it was so important. "Both. I do not believe she has any idea of her true identity, but her Force abilities are increasing in power and intensity. She has little control over it, but her strength is returning." She closed her eyes as a small surge of fear emanated from her upon the Force. Bastila has stood up well as she could have, being made to babysit a volatile ex-Sith Lord. Again, I realized how unfair circumstances had been upon the young Padawan.
"That is worrying," I said heavily, more for the lack of a better response. If Revan recalls her dark heritage, and is lashing out in violent darkness, then perhaps I already know my murderer. And perhaps redemption is long past her.
"Worrying?" Bastila countered sharply. "It is more than worrying. If she returns to her apprentice's side..."
"She will not," I interrupted. "You forget - Malak betrayed her. He was always her unwavering shield. She would not return to him, nor would he work with her. Even as the Dark Lord of the Sith, I still felt her grief at his betrayal during the mind rebuild. She had not believed he would ever turn on her." That had been the only sane emotion I had sensed from the fragments of her mind. That such a strong love could be destroyed so completely showed just how corrupting the Dark Side truly was. And yet the fact that she grieved flared my hope for her redemption.
"Why did the Council decide to rebuild her mind? Surely- it would have been safer- to, to-"
"To what, Bastila?" I rubbed a hand over my short horns wearily. "To imprison her with the Senate, and lead her to assured execution? To kill her ourselves? We value life, and you are the very one who saved her and made that choice. Like it or not, Revan owes her life to you alone." I paused briefly. "As for the mind rebuild- well, we needed the information on the Star Maps. We still do - we have no idea where on Kashyyyk or Korriban the maps could be, and the latter would be almost impossible to infiltrate even if we did know. No, we needed information that only Revan knew, and her mind was too fragmented to allow any other course of action."
Bastila sighed. "But then why is she recalling her past with such clarity? She knows she is not Jen Sahara - that façade had already crumbled away. It is only a matter of time before she finds out who she really is."
I felt my lips pursing, and knew that to be the truth. "Perhaps. But things are not always as hopeless as they seem. Trust in the Force, Bastila." I had to do that myself.
She nodded reluctantly as I glanced at the east wall. Behind it, I knew, was a pacing Cathar I still had to see. I smiled again at Bastila. "It is a good thing you have done, returning Juhani to the Order. I am keen to talk to her, although I must confess there are many who believed she would never be seen again. I can sense the turmoil within her, but she is not lost to the darkness. Not anymore. I commend you."
Bastila dropped her head, and I realized with a shock that the credit did not belong to her. She closed her eyes wearily. "I did not find her, Master Karon. Revan did," she said succinctly.
A sudden spark of hope shot through me. "Really? Revan redeemed Juhani?" Maybe all is not lost. Perhaps I am the one who should have more faith in the Force.
Bastila swallowed, but her next words were terse. "I would not quite say that. They fought on Tatooine – I believe Juhani challenged her – and Revan returned with Juhani in tow."
"But that is good news! If Revan could make someone-" I stopped myself, realizing just what Bastila had said. "Tatooine? What were you doing there?"
Bastila blinked. "I-I tried to go to Dantooine after leaving Taris, but we exited hyperspace in the middle of the Sith attack," she explained hurriedly. "We had to leave, our ship was damaged – Carth chose a pre-programmed hyperspace jump – we ended up on Tatooine."
"And?" I prompted. Tatooine? There is no such thing as coincidence.
"And I found the Star Map," she ended simply.
I could feel the joy blossoming on my face; the warmth of hope filling me once more. "Well done, Padawan. You have the coordinates?"
She nodded. "I sent them under encryption to the High Council. But I have them with me, also."
My smile grew. "It appears the Force led you there, then. And now to Manaan? Why did you choose this destination?"
A frown pleated her face as she chewed on her lip. "I-I do not really know, Master. Revan was planning to run on Tatooine – I convinced her to travel with me to a neutral place, one where there was no other Jedi. Manaan was the first one I thought of. I-I guess she somehow found out about your appearance here."
I nodded; obviously that had been the case. "And yet, you have journeyed to the location of another Star Map. It would appear that the Force is leading you, Bastila. This was always your mission, and now I wonder if you are destined to complete it." Perhaps this way Roland Wann's request could be satisfied, without me leaving the surface of Manaan. The situation in the mining colony sounded dire, and I understood the need for prompt investigation. Fortunately, the location of the Star Map is within the Hrakert Rift – right next to the station. If only we knew more about the whereabouts of the other two Star Maps.
Bastila's lips parted in mute astonishment. "I-I had thought to rest awhile, Master Karon."
I looked at the woman then, and for the first time noticed the drawn lines around her expressive eyes. She is not tired so much as exhausted. "Yes, I understand, Bastila. And while I do not deny you a few days of rest, this mission is important. I will take care of Revan when she returns, but your task will be to travel to the Hrakert Station." I would hear more of what had happened after she had slept, and then I would see to it that some of her companions accompanied her.
A determined look tightened her face and she nodded at me. "I will do my duty, Master Karon. I- wait, did you say when Revan returns?"
"Yes," I answered softly. "For she will, and perhaps it is time to give you a break from dealing with her, hmm?"
A small smile curved the woman's face, and I once more noted the look of relief flash through her eyes. "Master Karon, a few hours of sleep would be ample. I have slept recently, and would prefer to get started on this quest."
"Fair enough, Padawan, but please ensure you are rested. There are more details I need to impart to you about Hrakert Station, but for now I will let you relax while I talk to Juhani."
Bastila's smile turned compassionate, and I sensed that she felt for the Cathar. "Thank you," she said softly, and I inclined my head.
"Thank you, Bastila. You have done much already."
xXx
