Torture's Victim
- Jen Sahara / Ness Jonohl -
I felt my side ache with tenderness as I strode back to the 'Hawk, but I had no regrets. Allen Bala had been an irritation, and – despite knowing better – I'd felt a keen sense of gratification when I landed him in the dust.
The day was going well, and my mind was sharp with confidence. After yesterday's craziness, I had a supreme wellspring of renewed belief that we could get through Korriban and be on our way soon. My mood was resolutely self-assured – dammit, we could do this. We really could.
Underpinning it all was the knowledge from Bastila – I wasn't a Dark Jedi. I hadn't been a Dark Jedi. She'd have to explain Darth Revan to me soon, and it would all make sense – but for now, I'd hold my head high and know that I was on the right path.
Because it was my head, dammit, and I wasn't going to let anyone – Sith Lord or no – take it over again.
The Mandalorian business had been… interesting. I felt immensely gratified with the way it had all played out, and my thoughts turned towards Canderous. He was with us, now, I felt. Wholly until the end. A Mandalorian general. It didn't surprise me. Canderous liked to play the part of the gruff, crude mercenary, but he wasn't as stupid as he sometimes liked to make out.
His brief words about Revan and Malak and the Jedi Thirteen came back to mind, and I grimaced in distaste. What was the Jedi Thirteen? The words had resonated deeply, which I found both distasteful and annoying. I didn't want to think of Darth Revan as someone whom people would follow, didn't want to dwell on that fact that once, she must have been a respected and worthwhile leader. I scowled. Obviously, idiot, if I followed her into the Mandalorian Wars. But surely there must have been something deeply rotten in her – in both her and Malak – for them to turn out the way they did.
I forcibly turned my thoughts away. I didn't want to think on her. I wasn't going to think on her. She wasn't important. I knew who I was, now, and that knowledge was what would keep me going forward.
We had a short window of time before Canderous would return, and I was eager to get ready. As I strode into the docking bay, I recalled the tough Mandalorian female who'd sauntered suggestively towards Canderous as I left. I rolled my eyes, as I heard the 'Hawk's hatch open. Teethree, monitoring the video cams, must have alerted someone to my presence. After all this talk about action, and of course it's the sodding mercenary who gets some. A shame for him that I only allowed him an hour's grace, I thought with a smirk. Although, he's a Mandalorian. Their idea of foreplay is taking their clothes off – if they even get that far.
I looked up to see Carth in the ship's entrance, smiling in welcome. For some utterly unfathomable reason, I felt my cheeks flush.
"You alright there, Jen?" Carth asked. His gaze was a warm brown, and the corner of his mouth twitched. He'd noticed my discomfort, then.
"Fine! Never better," I said in what I hoped was a breezy tone, inwardly cursing hormone crazed Mandalorians, and bond-sisters who asked damnably awkward questions. Stars, where did she get that ludicrous idea about Carth from anyway? She's been staying in the 'Hawk too long, I bet she's going space crazy. Bastila was currently asleep in my head, but then, it wasn't yet mid-morning. I hadn't been gone long.
"You're back early. Very early," Carth said, echoing my thoughts. "Did the duel go okay?"
I nodded, clambering up the ramp, and Carth stepped to the side to allow me entrance. "Canderous will be back soon. I'm keen to head out, Carth. Let's get the others and meet in the common room."
With a nod of assent, Carth wandered over to the cargo hold. I debated waking Bastila up before deciding against it. Surely we can retrieve the Map without her, and I may need her strength for the extraction. She was spent, yesterday. And I had an ominous feeling about the Academy; my instincts were pressing me to get moving on the Map, and quick.
On one hand, I felt a renewed surge of confidence since I'd spoken with Bastila last night; a deep certainty that I was capable of accomplishing everything we needed to. Ness Jonohl did not fall. It was like a mantra, a strength I held onto inside me. It meant the rage and the grief and the hunger for power I felt – none of it surely belonged to me, right? It must all be the influence of the Sith Lord's echo in my head.
Yet I also had a premonition that the Academy was going to go belly up, and soon – and whether it was the Force or merely instinct guiding me I didn't know, but everything was urging me to hurry.
There was no one in the women's quarters, so I strode back to the common room, raking a hand through my hair. A small cloud of dust briefly enveloped me, courtesy of the brawl I'd encouraged. I wrinkled my nose, and looked up to see Carth appear from the other hallway, his eyebrows raised.
"Not a word, flyboy," I warned, sitting down on a plimfoam bench with a groan. I could smell the sulphuric taint of Korriban's air in amongst the matted curls that fell in my eyes. I need a haircut. More than that, I needed a long, hot water shower. The 'Hawk's sonic would have to do - surely there was time for that before dashing off to the shyrack caves. I raised my hands, and grimaced at the dirt on them. The tips of my fingernails were almost black.
"Hey, I wasn't going to say anything," Carth replied, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'm learning not to comment on your appearance."
I glared at him, struggling for a pithy retort, when Mission breezed in. "Jen! You're back! How'd it go? Where's Canderous? Did he win?"
I winced at the effusive onslaught. "Hi. Yes. Great. Having fun. Yes." I replied succinctly before turning to appraise Carth again. "Turns out you were right. Mandalorian duels can end peacefully."
"Oh?" he queried, raising a brow.
"Mhmm," I replied. "Collective powers of persuasion enabled Jagi to see that Canderous did not act with dishonour."
"Huh," Carth replied noncommittally. "And why do I think you had something to do with that?" I shot him a questioning look which he replied to with a half-smile before commenting, "You seem to have something to do with just about everything, Jen."
I grinned. "It's all part of my charm," I said lightly.
"Well, if you manage to pull off everything here on Korriban, you won't see me argue with that again."
My amusement dissipated as I stared at him seriously. He was staring right back. "We'll get Dustil, Carth. I promise. Let's just focus on the Map first, huh? One step at a time."
"Who's Dustil?" Mission asked.
I'd actually forgotten Mission was there, no mean feat considering her ebullient personality. I gestured to Carth, but he sighed, giving a little shake of his head. "Shyrack caves," he said. "Explanations can come later. Let's do this first."
I nodded. "Alright. Canderous is back in an hour. Bastila- she's still out cold. I think yesterday's trials were a little… intense." I frowned, concerned about the weakness of our bond. Her recuperation from Manaan's trials had taken a step back, definitely. Mekel had better be worth it. Bastila spent just about all she had on him. And yet, the powers of our bond were growing. To think that she had brought someone back from the brink of oblivion through me, using my link with the Force, was genuinely startling. I wondered if Bastila found it as amazing as me.
"I'll go get Big Z," Mission said brightly, getting to her feet. "We got a partial map, and Juhani'll be back soon, too - she said she wouldn't be long."
"Wait." I frowned, as her words sunk in. "What?"
"Oh, she nipped out just after y'all left for the duel," Mission replied lightly. "She was gonna chat with an old friend, but told me to say that she'd be real careful an' use the Force an' all." Mission frowned. "Something about making sure she didn't run into this guy called Uthar."
What? A sinking feeling of dread pulled at my stomach as I stared at Mission in mounting horror. "She went back to the Academy?"
Mission blinked. "Uh, yeah, but that's ok, right? You guys are students there, right?"
I was standing without realizing it, feeling the heat of alarm flush my cheeks. Carth was looking at me worriedly. I'd been so concerned about making Carth stay put that I forgot to focus on Juhani. Stars! She should have waited!
"Uthar's after her," I hissed, feeling my fists clench reflexively. "And he's got a dozen eyes in there. Dammit!"
"Is Juhani in danger, Jen?" Carth asked quietly. He'd placed his hands on the table, leaning forward to stare at me seriously. Mission's mouth had dropped open.
"Only if Uthar catches her," I muttered. "I've got to run in there and get her. There's enough time before Canderous gets back-" I halted in mid-thought, registering the concerned gazes fixed on me. I sighed. "Juhani's trying to redeem a lost cause. Uthar's after Juhani. Mekel wants Yuthura to challenge Uthar, and Dustil knows we're not really Sith. This whole situation's about as safe as riding a terentatek bareback."
Carth shook his head. "Dustil won't betray us. Not- look, he won't, alright!" His brows lowered in a familiar stubborn façade.
I stared at him steadily. "I hope so, Carth. But I want to get Juhani out of there, now."
I'd counted on her assistance in the caves, although I only really needed one Force sensitive to distract the terentateks – me. I gritted my teeth and stared at them both. "You guys prepare. Get the wrist-comms ready, light-sticks, armour, bio-scanners – anything useful in that environment. Rations, too – we don't know how long we'll be in the caves. I'm thinking Canderous, Mission and HK-47 going in deep while Juhani and I run interference. Carth, you'll be doing the comms back on the ship."
I'd predicted the angry scowl that clouded over his face. "You're going to power up that insane droid-"
"Me!" Mission squeaked excitedly. "Great!"
"Hang on a minute," Carth cut in, backtracking, and I could see he was torn over what to complain about. "Mission in the caves? Are you sure that's a good idea? Wouldn't Zaalbar be a better choice?"
"Hey, I can help!" Mission retorted indignantly, folding her arms and shooting Carth a scowl with all the teenage vehemence she could muster.
"We'll be reliant on the comms," I said bluntly. "You and Canderous can't understand Shyriiwook, and I want at least one able guard on the ship protecting Bastila. Mission can hold the bio-scanners and map while Canderous and HK protect her." My eyes caught on the discarded Sith robe I'd thrown in the corner an hour or so ago. I grabbed it, before heading to the quarters to collect my lightsabers.
"Look, we'll flesh out the details when I'm back," I threw over my shoulder as I left, leaving them standing in the common room. "I won't be long!"
xXx
Juhani, what were you thinking? I seethed inwardly, striding down the ornate ferracrete path that led to the Academy. I'd hoped to walk along this only one more time; it was becoming a depressingly familiar trip. She was thinking the duel could go on all day, and now would be a good time to track Dak down. I sighed, closing my eyes briefly. Was Juhani underestimating Uthar? Her Force sense would aid her in avoiding him, sure, but there were dozens of Initiates in there, and any one of them could betray her presence to Uthar, if they knew the Headmaster was looking for her.
And what if Dustil betrays us? He'd had a night to stew on yesterday's chance meeting. I'd expected Uthar's protégé to be both strong, and easily underestimated – particularly after Kel's information. Yesterday, however, changed everything. No matter how we managed it, we had get Dustil off Korriban – but if I didn't believe Dak had much hope of redemption, then how likely would it be to sway Uthar's pet? Uthar's pet Dustil Onasi. What are the frelling chances? Was it just luck, just coincidence that he was here? The son of a famed Republic warhero, taken after the Telos bombing, and sent to a Sith Academy?
Carth must have had no idea that Dustil was Force-sensitive. But Mekel, too, was taken from Telos, so perhaps it was just standard Sith protocol. Bomb the frell out of a planet, and pick up any promising talent in the aftermath.
I turned a steep corner, and the Academy rose sharply in my vision. I was assailed with a moment of doubt as I strode closer, spotting a lithe figure by the double doors. Am I doing the right thing, going after Juhani now? Urgency still pressed on me, pulling me towards the Academy, pulling me towards the shyrack caves. We can get the Map without Juhani. Surely she can keep herself safe until after? Was I willing to bet my friend's life on that?
Jen. What is wrong?
The woman at the Academy's entrance – Lashowe, I recognized from my altercation with Mekel - glanced at me, before swiftly opening the ferracrystal entrance with a hand motion and slipping inside. Alarm twisted my stomach, and I hurriedly drew on the Force, pushing my senses outward. I should have been using the Force earlier.
Overconfidence. You always were too damnably overconfident. Someone, a man's voice, sneered at me in my head. Everyone is fallible. Even you. Especially you.
Jen? Bastila's voice was sharp. Answer me.
Juhani rushed off to the Academy by herself. I halted in front of the entrance as I registered an overwhelmingly dark presence just on the other side. The bottom of my stomach dropped nauseatingly. Uthar. Kath crap! Not now!
What?
The entrance creaked open again, and the humanoid form of Uthar Wynn, clad in a Sith soldier's uniform instead of the standard dark robe, strode out into the Korriban sunshine. His expression was one of anticipation, and it set my hackles rising.
And to think, I'd been concerned about Juhani encountering him.
Bastila. I'm about to have an uncomfortable conversation with Uthar Wynn, I threw wildly into the bond. And just like that, she was with me, her thoughts and strength and reassurance pressing against my mind gently. It was so easy and familiar and… tiring. Bastila? I said sharply. You're still exhausted.
"Ness Jonohl," Uthar intoned, and his voice was a drawling combination of amused pleasure. He was looking forward to this, I realized with alarm. Milky white eyes fixed on my form tightly as he strode over the packed clay ground. There was no lightsaber in his grasp, and I highly doubted he saw me as a threat. That's a good thing. A very good thing.
"Master Uthar," I answered respectfully, bowing. Does he know about Jorak? Stars, does he know about Dustil?
Contain your thoughts, Jen!
"I believe you were warned against visiting Dreshdae," he said sharply. "What have you been doing?"
"Nothing of import, Master," I replied in a meek tone, my thoughts racing. "Releasing the mercenaries who travelled with me, and tying up loose ends."
He stopped about four paces in front of me, arms folded and a heavy frown creasing his forehead. Uthar's face was heavily tattooed in black and silver, markings that edged over the shiny dome of his head. His almost translucent white eyes were likely a sign of Dark Side corruption, I thought, rather than actual blindness. I wondered briefly how he had ripped out Jorak's eyes, and shuddered. Hide your thoughts, Jen! Think of something else, something innocuous!
A searing blast of agony stabbed deep into my temples; suddenly there was a malevolent presence pummelling through my mind, tearing through random thoughts as Bastila retreated in shock. I was completely unprepared as Uthar's power scoured through my head, looking for memories of mercenaries and Dreshdae and the Cathar. The pain was like a piercing migraine amplified tenfold, and I clutched at my head reflexively, half-aware of someone screaming.
Think of something else, something innocuous! Bastila's words echoed to me, and I reflexively pulled up the image of the Mandalorian brawl. Uthar's curiosity caught, and he paused in his rough rummaging to focus on the picture of Canderous and Jagi facing each other in the windswept clearing in from of the caves. The memory replayed itself under his grasp, but Uthar doesn't understand Mandalorian, and I could feel his frustration mounting at his inability to comprehend any meaning other than some sort of barbaric stand-off.
And then, a quicksilver spark of inspiration flared into life within me - at the end, the blonde female warrior walking suggestively towards… towards me, I changed the memory ever so slightly, I thought of the Mandalorian looking at me with a knowing glint in her eye and a sway to her hips, and created the idea of fun and passion that would lure me away from the Sith teachings I pretended to crave. I pictured her face close to mine, her blue eyes sharp with desire, lips full and red and ready to kiss, her armour unwieldy but begging to be removed.
Uthar loosed a loud bark of laughter, and suddenly I was released from his mental clinch. I found myself prone in the Korriban dust, my fingers digging deep into the sides of my head.
"Well, well," Uthar said in amusement. "You have been busy, Ness Jonohl."
"Through passion, I gain strength, Master Uthar," I gasped from the ground.
Uthar chuckled again. "You are stronger than I realized, Ness Jonohl. But as tempting as your distractions may be, you do not have leave to exit the Academy. Next time you do won't be nearly so pleasant. Do we understand each other, Ness Jonohl?"
"Yes, Master Uthar," I mumbled, pulling myself into a sitting position, keeping my head bowed.
"Good," he drawled with satisfaction. "Now, where is that Cathar that came in with you?"
Wariness still sat heavy within me, I could not trust the privacy of my own head, yet. "I last saw her in the Valley yesterday, Master Uthar," I said quietly, focusing only on the memory of the dying afternoon sun as Staria and I picked our way through the valley. There - I sensed the faint evil touch of Uthar, which confirmed he was still snooping – but this time, testing my honesty by stealth instead of brutally ripping the thoughts from my mind. All I focused on was the rocky path in the Valley of the Sith Lords. Uthar would look for more, I knew, but if he could be distracted into believing my main drive was my own desire-
I'm glad there's Mandalorians in Dreshdae, I thought overtly, randomly, grabbing the falsehood and running like a crazy stimmed-up swooper with it. They're so built and well-endowed, rough and ready and know how to have a good time. Better than the blasted Echani who think everything has to be a sodding battle dance. There was that one who even asked me to bed him in the middle of a sparring match, I swear he would have screwed me right there, even though that ice-queen Atris was in the next room, and then Mal walks in and stars didn't he get pissed off, he really should have known better though, like I'd bed one of those fairies when I had him-
"Enough!" Uthar barked, and suddenly I was yanked up hard into the air, the wild thoughts derailing as Force power squeezed tightly around my oesophagus. Rage ignited a maelstrom deep in my belly. Deception, this can still be won by deception, a voice whispered a reassurance in my head, and I wasn't sure if it was Ness or Revan. I roughly tamped down on the anger. Let him think he's in control.
"You really are ruled by your passions, aren't you, Ness Jonohl?"
"Yes, Master," I gasped, my hands scrabbling at my neck, as I inwardly focused on my fear, and my fear alone. Panic, not rage. He can still be tricked. Was it overconfidence, or just a natural understanding of my own abilities? But Uthar was underestimating me, and I wasn't ready to show my strength just yet.
There was, however, genuine fright threading through my anger, and I zeroed in on that. It must have appeased Uthar, for he grunted in satisfaction and dumped me back in the Korriban dust.
A place I'd been a little too often, lately.
"You're a bit wild, certainly," Uthar mused. "I'm more interested in finding your friend, now, but I think I'll take over your teaching, Ness Jonohl. I don't trust my apprentice to control someone of your… unbridled talent. Get up."
I scrambled awkwardly to my feet, bowing before him once more.
"Get yourself to the Initiates quarters, and stay there until one of my Adepts calls for you," he ordered.
"Yes, Master Uthar," I quietly assented. Uthar nodded in satisfaction, turned and strode back into the Academy. I followed meekly, projecting the very impression of a cowed Sith Initiate.
Sun and stars, I thought dazedly. That was intense.
Intense? Bastila sounded a mixture of horrified and appalled. Jen. That was subterfuge on a mental level I have not seen before. It would have fooled me, had I not intercepted your initial thought about modifying your own memory. How do you think so expeditiously on your feet?
I don't know Bastila. I really didn't. The thoughts had been random and accelerating and dizzying, borne out of panic rather than any premeditation. I just kinda made it up as I went along! The large ferracrystal doors swung shut behind me, and Uthar was already stalking off to the east, headed towards the Valley, the last place Staria had presumably been seen - according to my memory.
Dak hangs out in the Valley. Which means it is Juhani's most likely location, I realized with disgust, halting in the central ceremonial cavern of the Academy. What is Uthar's motivation? What does he want with Juhani? Ridiculously large sculptures of glaring Sith Lords glowered down at me as I stood, alone, in the vast circular room. I resisted the childish urge to scowl back.
Uthar had already gone.
We need the Star Map, Jen. It must be our first priority.
Bastila was right. If I couldn't find Juhani quick, I'd have to bail and hope she'd keep herself safe until we planned the extraction. It made me feel nauseous, but I could sense the risks mounting. The urgency was still there, an undercurrent of tension telling me I had to move. I couldn't dally, with Uthar restricting me to the quarters, and the politics of the Academy itself edging towards a boiling point.
The Map, Jen. You must leave Juhani, return to the others, and focus on that. As long as there is one Force-user going after the Map, you can succeed. I nodded mentally at her. Of course we needed a Force sensitive, how else were we going to draw the terentateks away from the Star Map? She probably hadn't been a party to any discussions of the caves, yet, I reminded myself.
Drawing deep into the Force, I spread my senses out, hoping desperately that I could detect Juhani. I feel like I should be better at this. I could sense Uthar, moving further away towards the tombs. He all but pulsed with poisonous strength whenever he registered within the Force. That sort of power… I felt like there was only one way I could possibly vanquish it… and I'd sworn not to go down that path again.
You cannot deny me forever, Revan whispered.
My jaw clenched as I pushed the insidious thought away.
There wasn't much else of interest. A couple of minor sparks - Initiates probably - in a corridor nearby. The Force itself had that dark taste to it, a cruel edge that sparked against the rage and lust for power, and I had to forcibly breathe in deep, focus on the calm and the peace and push the black thoughts away.
There is no emotion, there is peace, Bastila murmured, and I found myself echoing her. I didn't know if it was to reassure her or myself, but it worked. It actually frelling worked. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. I breathed in again, trailing off as Bastila continued to chant through the bond. I have to leave Juhani behind, I knew, even as I felt sick about it, but she wasn't near me. There was nothing nearby, nothing I could pick up on other than an odd, dead patch of-
I swung around sharply, my gaze zeroing in on the entrance to the training rooms.
Jen, Bastila's tone was sharp… but it was also fading in strength. Do not be distracted.
My eyes followed the shielded presence as it abruptly backpedalled, stumbling away from me. Before I'd consciously realized what I was doing, I was striding after it.
Jen!
Maybe the Force brought me here for a reason, I threw back at her as I stalked into the training room I'd sparred so briefly in. It was also, mercifully, empty, and Dustil had already retreated into the corridor beyond. The corridor that Yuthura had explicitly forbidden me to enter. But then, she also said it was out of bounds for Adepts, I realized with a touch of amusement.
Maybe you are merely being wilful, Bastila replied tartly, but I could sense she had conceded the argument.
I walked determinedly down the hallway; it wasn't long, and finished abruptly with a lone door at the end. No sign of Dustil, and there was only one place he could have disappeared to. I eyed over the door; it was made of a thick titanium alloy, with a control panel visible at hand height. There didn't seem to be an obvious keycard or autoprint mechanism though, and I wondered whether it was Force-locked in some fashion.
I frowned at the door, concentrating through the Force as I eyed the lock over. On Manaan, I'd been desperate for entry into the Republic Base, and I'd done something… or rather, Revan had. But this wasn't some corrupted use of the Force, and my life wasn't in immediate danger… surely this was something I, Ness Jonohl, could do.
I felt Bastila's interested focus as my senses curved around the door circuitry. On such a minute scale, the electrical impulses oscillated wildly like an incredibly complex dance; a complete jumble to an outsider, and yet somehow it worked. I didn't understand the specifics of how it operated, or whether some Force power was required to open the lock, but I could see the electromagnetic energy as it streamed through the mechanism. And there, right there, I could impede the flow, disable the power, and cause the lock to fail.
The door clicked, and now I could take a step forward and manually slide it open.
Awe radiated quietly from my bond-sister. How… how is it possible you can do that, on that scale? Her thought was a whisper. So insignificant… I could only feel it through your senses. I have nowhere near that sort of awareness.
We all have our strengths, Bastila, I answered, feeling vaguely uncomfortable. Let's not forget all you managed yesterday, through our bond. Mekel would be dead now, if not for you.
Perhaps, she conceded, albeit grudgingly. She still sounded weak. It is true that my prowess has always been with the psychic side of the Force… but your instincts ring with the Force's own luck. Even though you have no recollection of any training.
I stepped forward, about to slide the deactivated door open. I could sense a spark of life inside, but it was so faint it seemed on the verge of winking out entirely. I didn't think that was Dustil. Either he was shielded, in which case I could only sense his absence, or his presence should radiate with far greater strength.
Well, you did start training me before I ran. And Juhani's been helping me, Bastila. I didn't know what else to say. We had so much to speak of, she had so much to explain… and yeah, I felt resentful that she kept Ness Jonohl hidden from me. A Jedi Knight who hadn't fallen to the Dark Side. Would that have helped? Would I have stayed on Manaan and met Karon, had I known? Would I have done better, on Tatooine, at keeping Revan's darker emotions under control?
Here on Korriban, of all places, you are maintaining the path of the light side, Bastila murmured to me, picking up on my thoughts once more. Yet on Tatooine, to my great chagrin, I failed you. You should not blame yourself for being absent on Manaan, and for what happened to Master Karon. I could have… I could have been braver, and enlightened you earlier. Prepared you. I am sorry I have not done well by you.
I paused, my hand lightly touching the door, as sheer shock resonated through me. Just when I thought I had her pegged, she tipped it all upside down.
Bastila, I thought in astonishment, I don't understand the whole of it… of everything. But we are working together, now. Let us both leave these feelings of regret behind, okay?
She paused, and then I felt her agreement wearily touch my mind. With a mental touch of reassurance, I pulled back from her and opened the door.
The room in front of me was, very obviously, a Sith interrogation room, and my initial response was one of repugnance. Three cages lined one wall, robotic arms curving around them in a threatening fashion. One was occupied with the slumped form of a human female hanging from restraints that fastened her to a central pillar. A prism of amber static crackled around her in a forcefield.
The other wall bore a desk with a console, and behind it – now that I was familiar with it – was the cloaked presence of Dustil Onasi.
I scowled darkly at the empty air until he dropped his shields. He was staring at me in shock. Again.
"How- how did you get in?" Dustil demanded, his eyes wide with either fright or anger.
"Uthar let me in," I said, a touch sarcastically, and his expression darkened.
"Right," he snapped, hair falling into his eyes. "I suppose Uthar made you his first apprentice, too."
I folded my arms and stared straight into his brown gaze. "I rather think that's your aim, Dustil," I said softly. A dull flush of colour darkened his cheeks before his eyes narrowed.
"Did dear old Dad send you after me?" he accused, taking a step back and leaning against the chrome alloy wall. It was all shiny metal here, overlaying the granite of the mountain we were underneath. Possibly some sort of shielding against surveillance, or maybe just a nod to some Sith Lord's interior decorating bent. The walls were buffed enough I could make out my own reflection against them. A side wall, at right angles to the cages, bore a set of manacles too high for any sentient to touch the floor, were they restrained in it. And Carth's son hangs out here. Frelling fantastic.
My eyes flicked back to the prone figure that hung limply in the torture cage. She was a nondescript human woman, about my age, dressed in unadorned clothing. Maybe a trader of some sort. Dried brown smatters decorated the gleaming metal ground underneath her feet.
"I have my own objectives, Dustil," I said absently, still staring at the prisoner. "But your father is a tenacious fellow." I dragged my gaze back to the youth, whose brows had lowered in anger. Stars, he looks a lot like Carth. I wondered how much of his mother was in him. What sort of mother had she been? What sort of wife? What sort of woman would catch the heart of Carth Onasi? "Carth won't give up on you."
Dustil snorted at that. "He gave up on me and Mother years ago. He has no right to demand anything now!"
"I didn't say he wasn't a crap father," I snapped. "But he is a good person. And he's going to force you into a choice, Dustil. One of your options will be him, either dead or in there." I pointed to the unconscious human, helpless and wholly at the mercy of the Sith. "Will you be willing to live with yourself if that happens?"
I could see the emotions wage war on his face. He opened his mouth to say something, clenched his jaw, and then shut it again.
"What sort of a life do you have here, Dustil?" I said softly. "Sure, there's power – but are you happy?"
"Happy?" he scoffed in disgust, face contorting in disbelief at my words. "Happy is a pipe dream, Jen. Happy doesn't give you what you want, what you need. Happy sure as frakk doesn't protect those you love!"
My eyes narrowed as I stared at him, that younger clone of Carth so twisted up with bitterness and fury at the world. "You think you should have been able to protect your mother?" I guessed.
The look of utter derision told me my stab in the dark went wild. "Don't try to analyze me, Jedi. And don't you ever speak of my mother again!"
"Okay," I said slowly, forcing my voice neutral and unruffled. "But exactly who are you protecting, here? You're not even mates with Mekel anymore –"
"Mekel?" he sneered, and it sounded outraged. "He may be your best buddy, but you're going to get a 'saber to the back if you are stupid enough to trust him."
"I don't trust him," I retorted. "And we are hardly buddies. But one thing I do know – Mekel is loyal to those he cares about."
Dustil all but spat out a laugh. "Really?" he drawled. "Why don't you ask him about Selene, then, and see if you can find out just how loyal he really is."
My eyes narrowed, and I stared at him in silence for long enough that Dustil began to shift uncomfortably. Here, maybe, was a piece of the puzzle. I'd had no intention of seeing vicious little Mekel again – he might owe his life to me, but I had no illusions that I could claim any of his loyalty - yet now, I was wondering if speaking to Mekel was exactly what I needed to do.
"I might just do that," I said quietly.
For some reason, this response annoyed Dustil further; I saw his fists clench as he straightened from the wall, shoulders bunching in unbridled anger.
"What are you still doing here on Korriban?" he hissed furiously. "I told Father to leave. You think I won't kill him? You think I won't betray you, Jedi Jen?"
"I'm hoping you won't," I answered, keeping my voice mild. "I'm hoping you don't really want to be here."
I could see a flash of some emotion cross his face, raw and indecipherable, as he ran a hand through his hair in a gesture that was so familiar. There was no doubting whose son he was, underneath all the bitterness and teenage angst.
"I belong here," he said at last, and his expression had turned resolute. "If you think I won't betray a Jedi, then all you have to do is look there." He raised a hand, pointing to the nondescript woman.
I blinked, startled. Jedi? I glanced at her again. Human, close in age to myself, and dressed in a plain, if now bedraggled, tunic. I would not have picked it.
"I captured her. I tortured her. I'm responsible for that, and you dare to imply that I'm not Sith material?" His voice rose with every word, fury fuelling them, and I sensed the Force as it rallied through him, a dark and unstable crescendo of energy.
Dustil's strength was enough to make me wary, particularly with his state of mind. But I had to believe – I had to hope – that perhaps underneath it all was despair. Despair, and maybe the desire to be elsewhere. "Anyone can turn back." I said quietly. "Staria keeps showing me that."
Dustil laughed mockingly. "Turn back? Are you for real Jedi Jen? What, shall I wake Belaya up and say oh, I'm so sorry but I didn't really mean it, maybe we can be happy little friends together?"
"I never said it'd be easy," I snapped. "If you want easy, then keep jumping like a kath pup every time Uthar clicks his fingers. But you have a choice now, Dustil. Are you strong enough to make the right one?"
His mouth opened, and then shut again with a click as his face contorted with emotion. I could see the torment on his face and knew that – despite his bravado – he wasn't sure of his path. Not yet.
"I- uh, frakk it!" With one last, highly frustrated glare at me, he turned on his heel, slammed a hand on the door control, and stormed out of the room. As the entrance closed behind him, I let out a pent-up sigh.
That could have gone worse. It could have gone better, too, but at least there was hope. I think. My gaze slid back to the helpless victim in the restraints. And what the frell am I going to do here?
Bastila? Have you caught what's going on?
It took her some time to answer; I was already standing by the console, reading the health report that someone – likely Dustil – had left up on the screen.
No. I am very tired, Jen.
Bastila's voice was still quieter than normal. Thinner. Weaker. Juhani told me what the medic said, back on Manaan. No permanent mental damage, but be prepared for her to sleep. A lot. Yet, Bastila had been still managed to help through the bond- throwing her advice and support and inner Force strength to me when required- no matter how drained she was. If nothing else, I couldn't fault her dedication.
I narrowed my eyes on the screen; scanning through the information detailed there. The access level blinked at the top of the console: controller authentication accepted. Dustil had left the system logged in. Was it naive to think that had been deliberate?
The health report on the screen labelled the woman as Jedi Knight Belaya Linn, alias Rita Sunrider, human, female, and rattled off a list of constitutional statistics that held very little meaning for me. It did state that she had several broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, and a punctured lung – the latter two had been surgically repaired.
It didn't state the cause of her injuries, but I had a sinking feeling I already knew.
Bastila. I need the medbay. I'd made the decision, then. I couldn't leave the unknown Jedi here, despite the risks.
The console allowed me to disable the amber energy shield surrounding the cage - some sort of Force-inhibiting prison, I would guess, as the restraints around the woman made a repulsion or shock field somewhat superfluous. She's not collared with a neural disruptor, either. Since she's a Jedi, they must've had some method of blocking her Force abilities.
I stared at the crackling amber prism as it vanished into nothingness under my input. There was the tiny, nagging feeling, deep within my gut, that I'd seen these sorts of prisons before. I felt the corners of my mouth turn down, gave my head a little shake to disperse the unwelcome thoughts, and turned back to the console.
It had a medical AI that allowed me to inject the Jedi with adrenal stimulants. One was usually enough to rouse a person from light unconsciousness, but considering the injuries inflicted upon this Belaya Linn, I decided on a double-dose. I need her up and walking out of here. I can't exactly carry a body through Dreshdae - or the Academy. I stabbed a key on the touchscreen, and looked up to see a robotic arm inject the woman twice under my order. Stimulants have their own side-effects, though. If I could employ some method of Force healing - like Bastila used on Mekel after we'd brought him back from the brink - then that would improve this Belaya's health tenfold.
The medbay? Bastila finally answered. She was confused, rightly so, but her mental tone sounded so bone-weary that I knew I couldn't request her assistance this time. I'd have to sort Belaya out myself. For, I'd likely need Bastila's assistance later, after the shyrack caves - for now, she needed to recuperate.
Yes. I'll explain later. You should get some rest. Can you move back to the pilot's quarters?
A groan issued from the woman as the drugs began to hit her bloodstream. Belaya Linn, the records said. The name sounded familiar, like I'd heard it recently. An uncertain sensation hit me as I wondered whether I'd ever met her before. I walked closer, slowly, and her head rose. Blue eyes opened, and focused blearily on me.
Okay.
Get some sleep, I ordered Bastila gently. By the time you wake up, we might even have the Star Map coordinates and be ready to leave this rock.
Fear tightened the woman's face, but there was no sign of familiarity – she did not know me. Her gaze darted all around the room, looking for other tormenters, before settling back on me again. There was a kernel of anger there, though, within the depths of her gaze. She wasn't fully broken yet, and I blessed that discovery.
That… would be lovely. I shall sleep, now. We will talk again soon. Her exhausted mental voice turned hesitant. My friend.
"I am Ness Jonohl," I said quietly. "Jedi Knight Ness Jonohl." I paused, watching her closely for any sign of recognition, but there was none. Her face creased in wary confusion. "I am a friend, and I have a ship in Dreshdae that you can take refuge in. But I can't carry you out of the Academy without raising suspicion – I need you to walk out, next to me."
Sleep well, my friend, I sent back through the bond gently.
Belaya's face had grown pale, mouth dropping open further with every word, it seemed. I could see her swallow, and then her eyes closed in despair. She didn't believe me. Days of torture and I'd likely think everything is a trap, too. I sighed, and walked back to the console.
"I'm going to release the restraints. Don't fall or anything, okay?"
The cage opened under my command, and the restraints released. Belaya hadn't, however, balanced herself, and she crumpled to the ground with an anguished moan. I remembered the broken ribs, and winced as I rushed to her side.
Okay, Jen, time to try that Force Healing. I grimaced. Ness. Not Jen. The name wasn't comfortable. Not yet. Maybe I just needed time to become familiar with it again.
Belaya was curled up on the ground, but she heard me walk near, and I saw her entire body tense even as she groaned again.
"I'm going to try healing you with the Force," I murmured. If only Bastila had been a little less exhausted, then her expertise would be riding with me once more. But I'd been more than just a spectator yesterday, when she coaxed Mekel back from the other side of death, and then nurtured his body back to health. If I couldn't learn from that experience, then I didn't deserve to call myself a Jedi Knight.
I placed my hands ever so gently on Belaya's torso, and felt her tremble underneath me. The Force sank gently into her flesh, into her muscle, into her very bones. I focused on a sense of rightness, and saw the outlines of musculature as it curved away from the skeleton. There was a painful spot of inflammation around the abdomen, swelling around the jagged edge of two broken ribs. The Force bent itself to my will, and I felt the sweet sensation of melding it to my very desire. I wrapped it gently around the damaged bones, and then jerked them together with a firm twist.
I felt the bones interleave and then separate again, Belaya screamed, and the Force slipped through my fingers. My stomach turned as my failure slapped me in the face. I'd just caused her intense pain and accomplished absolutely nothing.
"Ah, kath crap," I cursed. So much for the whole Jedi Knight thing, then. "Sorry – I, ah, I've not done that before." Belaya whimpered once, twice, still curled up on the floor with her back to me. "Dammit. I'll see if I can find some pain meds in the desk. Hang on." I scrambled to my feet, backing away from the prone Jedi and towards the desk. It touted a couple of drawers that were full of hypoderms, tablets, scalpels, and other small implements I didn't readily recognize. I started rifling through the 'derms with speed. I needed something fast acting and localized that could numb Belaya's pain and get us out of here.
"Ceramol-40," I muttered, placing a 'derm on the desk. "Ceramol-100, too, but that's likely to make you forget you have a body. Or- Profanol. That might work." I looked up at a moan, to see Belaya struggling to push herself up. Her pained blue eyes were watching me warily.
I winced. "Sorry," I repeated. "I've recently observed an impressive Force healing, and thought I could repeat it. Obviously I was misguided." The blue eyes blinked at me, but she said nothing. I sighed. "Look, we've got to get out of here, and for that, you need to be able to move. I've got Ceramol-40 or Profanol here – pick your poison."
A pained grimace creased Belaya's face, but she finally answered. "Ceramol," she whispered. I nodded, and came back to her side, handing her the small disposable cylinder. After inspecting the meds silently, then staring at me in consternation again, the Jedi handed the 'derm back to me and slowly pulled up the side of her tunic.
I gave her a minute for the injected drug to hit her bloodstream, and then stood, offering her a hand and a small, shaky smile. After a pause, Belaya leaned forward to clasp it.
She gasped as I pulled her up, and leaned against me unsteadily before finding her feet. I eyed her over, and realized just how out-of-place she appeared. Her tunic was nondescript and torn, and even with the pain meds she was obviously wounded. I frowned, and looked down at myself.
"Use my robe," I muttered, hurriedly removing the filthy Sith garment that I'd been abusing for the last few days. It's not like I needed it to fit in, half the residents knew who I was anyway. I looked at Belaya seriously. "You'll have to pretend you're a Sith," I explained, and she nodded, lifting an arm. Stars, she's a quiet one. Together, we got the robe on, with only one grunt of pain from the Jedi. I inwardly hoped my terrible attempt at healing hadn't actually made her injuries worse. But even with the Dark Jedi robe, Belaya still didn't convince me she belonged here. Maybe it was her body language, the way she held herself. Or maybe it's because she's just been tortured, idiot. I grimaced.
"Here," I said, drawing out my off-hand 'saber and offering it to her. "Activate it. It's a Sith one, it'll make you look like you belong here, and draw attention away from your demeanour." I grimaced. "You don't look nearly cocky enough to pull this off."
Her lips pursed, and for the first time I saw a flash of irritation cross her face. "I have suffered through days of unpleasantness. Permit me a moment to regain my composure." Her voice was tart – shaky, but tart.
I grinned. "Good. Keep hold of the attitude." I glanced back to the console, frowning. It was damn risky, rescuing a Jedi from the Sith Academy – particularly when we still needed time. Time to get the Star Map, before Uthar sent Sithlings after our ship. I couldn't know that Dustil wouldn't betray us and the Ebon Hawk – he was dithering, but it wouldn't last, and it was too close to tell which way he would fall. If Uthar found his Jedi prisoner was missing… If Uthar found I wasn't waiting in the Initiate's quarters… If Uthar found Juhani…
And then there was Kylah to think about.
I breathed in deep. There wasn't much I could do about Kylah, bar ensuring that Bastila was well-guarded. But I could, possibly, cover my tracks here.
"A second," I murmured, and strode over to the console. Belaya stood awkwardly in the room, the 'saber grasped loosely in her hand as she stared at it in dawning wonder, like she was only just beginning to accept the possibility of freedom. As I began entering commands on the system, I heard the all too familiar snap-hiss as she switched it on. I glanced up briefly to see her grimace at the colour, and rolled my eyes.
Belaya walked closer as I pulled up the medical logs. "What are you doing on Korriban?" she asked quietly. She rested her free hand on her side.
"It's complicated," I muttered, staring at the screen. What can I do here to cover my tracks? Fabricating fake medical entries was impossible without a droid. Slicing into the system and uploading a virus might work if only I had the skills of a certain Twi'lek street kid. I could delete the records pertaining to Belaya, but the auditing logs would then point the finger at who'd been logged in at the time - and I could only assume that was Dustil Onasi. Sithspit, I thought with disgust. I can't think of anything useful to do here.
"Are you… are you here to attend the Academy?" Belaya asked, her voice hesitant. She stared at me warily from behind the blood-red beam.
I blinked, looking over to her. Belaya's eyes were now fixed on my filthy robe that covered her body. "No! No, I'm not a Dark Jedi." It felt good to be able to say that with confidence. Ness Jonohl did not fall.
Her face was solemn. "You are the strangest Jedi I have ever met."
I flashed her a grin that was cheerier than I felt, and stepped away from the console, admitting technological defeat. "Okay, Belaya. Chin up, ignore the discomfort, and glare at everyone you see."
Her face trembled as she breathed shallowly. "I am… exhausted and in pain. I do not know if I have the fortitude for this."
I strode back to her, and placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Wrap the pain up in the Force, Belaya. Focus on your anger that you were caught, and on how you were treated."
The anger was there, all right, and it was levelled at me. "That is not the Jedi path!" she said, her voice at once stern and forbidding. This one definitely walks in the light. She could strike sparks off Juhani.
I felt the side of my mouth quirk. "No, it's not. But to escape, you must pretend to be a dark Force-user, and anger is not looked at twice, here. You can meditate on the code when we're safe." I walked over to the door, and stretched my senses out. There were no life-forms nearby, and I felt confident of getting us away from the Academy without encountering anyone. It was Dreshdae I was more concerned about – no avoiding sentients there, and who knew which traders or mercs were eyes for the Sith.
I took a deep breath, depressed the door control, and walked out of the interrogation room.
xXx
Luck was riding with us. We'd had to double-back down a corridor in the Academy to avoid company, but we were successful. There was no one in the large cavern, either, and I inwardly hoped that was Dustil's doing. Unlikely. But he thinks I'm a Jedi, and led me to an imprisoned Jedi. And left the console active so I could release her.
It had the feel of wishful thinking, but for Carth's sake I hoped it was true.
Belaya stayed two steps behind me, clutching tightly onto the activated Sith 'saber. I heard a gasp of relief as we stepped out of the Academy, and knew the same feeling myself. I'd entered with the hopes of finding my Cathar friend, and instead was returning with a wounded stranger. If my luck holds, Juhani will be back at the 'Hawk. And if not, then I'd just have to hit the shyrack caves without her.
We began our walk in silence; my strides were long and hurried, and I knew Belaya was struggling to keep up, but I didn't feel comfortable dallying. The woman had a permanent grimace on her face, sun-streaked brown hair falling into pale blue eyes as we continued our journey. After some time along the distinctive path, I realized that distraction would be beneficial for her.
"Talk to me," I said absently, my concentration intent on the Korriban terrain that was becoming awfully familiar. The ornate path was deserted, as normal. Dreshdae inhabitants avoid the Academy. I would, too, if I were Force-blind and lived here. "It'll keep your mind from your injuries."
"Alright," Belaya acquiesced. "Let us become acquainted then. Perhaps now you can explain why you are on Korriban?"
"Not yet," I replied wryly, "but it should comfort you to know that I am travelling with two other Jedi."
"Oh," she said in bewilderment. She looked at me sideways. "That is fortuitous, if it is true."
I raised an eyebrow at her, and saw an answering flush.
"Forgive me," she said quietly. "I was lured to the Academy under a false pretence from a stranger, so it is difficult to trust again."
"Fair enough."
We lapsed into silence again for several minutes, before Belaya plucked up the courage to speak once more. Her voice was fading, and I realized the stims and the meds were wearing thin. "These Jedi who accompany you… they are Knights, also?"
"No," I said, and my voice sounded surprised even to my own ears. "They're both Padawans. One failed her Knight trials, but only because they were sodding ridiculous. The other… well. It's patently farcical that she's still a Padawan." A Padawan, in command of the Endar Spire. The one who'd knocked out the old Sith Lord, saved my life, and countless others with her Battle Meditation. What the frell were the Masters thinking, keeping her as a Padawan?
I realized Belaya was frowning at me in some confusion, and shot her a quick grin. "Never mind. You'll met them soon. But we've got to get through the colony first. Follow my lead, and look angry." I breathed in deep, and my eyes held hers. "Be angry at the world, and no one will pay you a second glance."
I forced a dark glare on my face as we entered Dreshdae, taking the time to scowl at every sentient within view. I couldn't activate Karon's 'saber, not without screaming Jedi, but I hoped between my bedraggled appearance and Belaya's readiness with the blood-red beam, we would be left alone to stalk through the air-conditioned tunnels. I spotted a handful of mercenaries – not Mandalorians, for which I was grateful, I did not want them to place Canderous' second as a Dark Jedi – who eyed us over briefly before wandering into the cantina.
A small group of Czerka-uniformed staff gave us a wide berth as we made our way to the spaceport; and I found myself struggling to keep from running. Walk confidently, head up, like you own the place. I deepened my scowl, landing an angry glare on the docking officials who avoided my gaze, undoubtedly used to dealing with temperamental Sith.
I jammed my hand on the docking bay door control, hearing Belaya stumble behind me as we entered relative safety. We made it, I thought with determined victory as I strode deeper into the roofless area, the Korriban atmosphere assailing my senses once more. We made it! The flush of victory was riding high in my veins, and, once more, my confidence rose. We would conquer Korriban, damn it, and get off this stars-forsaken planet.
Canderous met us at the hatch, answering my loud knock, his weathered face slackening in surprise as Belaya floundered next to me. She gave a gasp, maybe at the appearance of a very obvious Mandalorian, or perhaps simply because she'd reached the end of consciousness, for her next action was to slump against me as the lightsaber slipped from her loose grasp.
I'd caught her, just, and shot the Mandalorian a frantic, demanding look.
"Found a friend, Jen?" Canderous asked mockingly, but he answered my unspoken order and reached to grab a hold of the inert Jedi. I transferred Belaya into his arms as gently as I could.
"Careful, she has two broken ribs," I said softly. "Get her to the medbay."
He nodded, the extra weight no encumbrance to him, and strode into the Hawk. After snatching up the 'saber then securing the hatch behind me, I raced to catch up; he'd transferred Belaya to the bed Bastila had recently occupied, and Carth was already there, rifling through the medical supplies, a dozen questions on his face. Mission, further back in the common room, peered in curiously at us.
Canderous stepped out of the crowded medbay, next to me, his eyes still fixed on the newcomer.
"You started the extraction already, Jen?" he drawled, but he was frowning at me. "Wasn't that supposed to be a stealth mission after your Star Map, not something we draw out over the day?"
"Her heart's racing," Carth murmured from inside the room, injecting a hypoderm of kolto into her arm. "It's irregular, too, like she's been stimmed." His hands were sure as they rested on her upper chest, and I wondered if he'd had medic training in his past.
"She has," I said shortly. "Two adrenastims, to wake her up and get her out of the Academy."
The collective gaze of everyone swung onto me, demanding an explanation, and I heard the thud of Zaalbar's footsteps from behind. "She's a Jedi. Jedi Knight Belaya Linn. I found her in a torture chamber. I couldn't leave her behind." I sighed. "Bastila could help, but she's still so weak. I can barely feel her through our bond."
Mission, standing next to Canderous and I, bore such an endearing look I had to look away. Canderous was slightly grim, and I knew he was mulling over our situation and objectives, and likely coming to the conclusion that rescuing a comatose prisoner of the Sith was not going to help our chances, Jedi or no. Carth's expression was harder to pick, but he stared intently at me.
"You did the right thing," he said quietly.
"Did I?" I shrugged with discomfort. "Juhani's not back, is she?" The answering silence told me all I needed to know, and I sighed. "So, instead of finding our able crewmate, I brought back an injured stranger that may risk us all." I closed my eyes, and that damned urgency was still there, beckoning me to hurry the frell up. "Check her ribs, Carth, there's two broken at least. Then get her stable. We're moving out. Now."
xXx
