Just as I had predicted, this section became flooded with new stories and updates after the release of "Revenge of the Sith.", most of them having to do with that movie. I must congratulate George Lucas for finally making a worthy prequel.

I'm really sorry I didn't get this posted sooner. I got kind of lazy these past couple weeks, and I've been loaded with a bunch of work (and all I have to show for it is a measly chapter). Oh well. With summer coming, hopefully I'll be able to update more frequently. Happy Episode III watching!

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars. If I did, I would not have to write all these friggin' disclaimers.

Chapter 8: A New Assignment

Dax leaned back in his cockpit chair and let out a bored sigh. He glanced upward and tapped on the chair's armrest. In the background of the cockpit played a peculiar music the likes of which Dax did not care for, but had to listen to anyway. He turned toward the pilot sitting in the seat to his left.

"Hey captain, why do we have to listen to this crap anyway?" he asked with mild frustration. The pilot glared at Dax.

"Because I'm in charge, that's why!" he snapped.

Dax leaned forward and lightly banged his fists on the console. "Captain, why are we here? Border patrol has gotta be the most boring job ever devised! Nothing ever happens out here!"

"Stow you're bellyaching, Dax. As a matter of fact, things do happen, which is why this job was created in the first place." He motioned with his hand toward the cockpit window. Before them lay Korriban – now a desolate and ghostly world. For days they had been patrolling the regions around Korriban in their small scout ship.

Dax shook his head and continued. "Well, I just can't wait until our shift is over. This planet creeps me out, I'm telling you. I'd rather be almost anywhere but here."

The captain twisted in his seat. "Well, we're just going to have to deal with it until we get re-circulated."

"Yeah well, I'm still bored out of my mind. Wanna play a round of pazaak.?" He asked hopefully.

The captain sighed. "Alright. Nothing better to do, anyway. I'll deal." He drew out a pack of cards. The two moved to a small table set with chairs in the back and started playing. A few minutes into their game, a loud beeping noise emanated from the control panel.

Startled, the captain snapped his head toward the control panel. "What in the…" he muttered as he made his way toward the front of the cockpit. Dax followed quickly behind.

"Cap, what the heck is it?"

The captain stared curiously at the console. "Our sensors are picking up something. It looks like ships going through our sector."

"Probably just Republic ships."

"It can't be, Dax. No ships were scheduled to pass through this sector. The signals don't even match up right."

"Can you get an image on it?" Dax asked. The captain punched a few keys on the panel. Within seconds an image of deep space flicked up on the screen. In the background three tiny objects flew across the screen. "Quick, zoom in before we lose 'em!"

The captain was already on it, and the image zoomed in on the ships. The captain gaped at what he saw. There on the screen in formation flew three ships with menacing frames.

"Holy crap, captain! Those are Sith ships!" He practically yelped like a little girl. He watched in fear as the ships quickly disappeared into hyperspace.

"Sith! They're heading right for Republic space. Dax – get me a reading on their trajectory, now!"

Dax nodded and flew over to a nearby computer. Within seconds he got a reading. "Captain, the computer's calculated them on a course straight for… it looks like Dantooine!"

The captain swore under his breath. "Dax, send a transmission to the nearest planet and have it relayed to Coruscant immediately! Tell them three Sith scout ships were spotted heading straight for Dantooine! What are you waiting for? Do it!"

Dax didn't need to be told twice. He worked on the transmission in a heartbeat.

Bastila awoke in a feeling of raw bliss. Last night was the most wonderful experience she had in a long time, and she felt like she was on top of the world. Her eyes fluttered open and she beheld the familiar interior of the Ebon Hawk. A yawn escaped her mouth as she scanned the dormitory. Revan and Mission were both absent. As she looked down she realized she was still wearing the clothes she wore last night – she hadn't even bothered to change into her undergarments.

She immediately glanced at her hand just to make sure last night wasn't a dream – it wasn't. The ring was still on her finger. She breathed a sigh of relief and silently thanked the force. With nothing else to do, she showered in the fresher, changed into a new set of clothes, and headed for the main hold.

Sitting around the holo-projector were Mission and Revan laughing and talking. Revan took notice of Bastila's entrance and his eyes perked up.

"Hey – I was wondering when you were gonna wake up!"

Another yawn escaped Bastila's mouth. "What time is it?"

"It's about 11:00. I haven't been up for long either, to be honest," he told her.

"Hey, Bastila, what happened last night?" queried Mission. When you came back you two were talking and giggling like a…well, like a couple of teenagers! It was enough to wake me up, that's for sure. I've asked Revan about it, but he refused to say anything!"

Bastila only smiled and sat next to Revan. She decided to wait and see how long it would take Mission to notice her ring. Mission threw her hands up.

"Okay, nobody's gonna answer me? Fine! I don't care! No need to tell me anything." She leaned back and glared at the two Jedi. After a moment, her eyes widened to the size of Star Maps as she noticed Bastila's hand. "Bast—Bastila! You – Revan – did you really—?"

Bastila nodded at Mission as her smile grew wider. "You mean, you're engaged? Why, that's – that's great! Congratulations!" Her face started blushing. "I just don't know what to say."

"Well, you don't have to say anything," Revan told her. "Just keep it a secret until the others find out, okay? I want it to be a surprise."

Mission nodded. "Sure."

Moments later, T3-M4 rolled into the room, chirping excitedly. Revan had to raise a hand to quiet him.

"Whoa! Slow down, T3. What are you saying?"

"Dreee! Wroop wroop twee-deet!"

"A transmission? From whom?"

"Beep-boop deed-deet."

"From Master Vandar? Okay, play the message."

Soon the voice of Master Vandar was heard emanating from inside T3. "Good day, my fine Jedi Knights. I am sorry if I am disturbing any plans you have, but an urgent matter has come to the attention of the Jedi council. We will need you two to return the academy immediately."

Revan stared blankly at T3. "Well, that was informative. I wonder what is so important that the council needs to see us today?"

"I doubt it's anything good," muttered Bastila gloomily.

"Well, before we go, how about if we eat something first? I'm a little hungry."

"Alright," she agreed. "But we'll have to make it quick." She got up to retrieve some food from the cargo hold. A thought came to Revan's mind and he got up to follow her.

"Hey Bastila," he said to her once he caught up to her in the cargo hold, "While we are at the academy, I have some business to attend to at the academy dealing with the prisoner 'Atton'. Would you be willing to help me with him?"

She amusedly arched an eyebrow. "I should see no reason why not."

"Alright, just asking."

Upon seeing that he was done speaking, Bastila bent over to retrieve some food from a storage bin. Revan, who was standing behind her, grinned as a mischievous thought entered his head.

"You know Bastila, HK was right about one thing concerning your 'anatomy'…"

Bastila straightened up and faced him with her hands on her hips. "Oh really? For your information, we both have enough to think about without reminding ourselves of that droid's comments about my, uh, posterior! Now please Revan, just drop it."

"Alright, but I'll say it again; your 'cargo hold' is nothing to be ashamed of, neither are your 'overly swollen'--"

"That will be quite enough, Revan!" Her cheeks flushed pink and she instinctively crossed her arms over her chest. "That droid gets on my nerves enough without you reminding me of his 'comments'."

"You know Bastila, some women would be proud of it," he teased.

"You really… Never mind, just stop it. I swear, fiancé or not, you will find my lightsaber shoved through your ears if you continue." She turned around and bent over the bin to resume retrieving her food. Without warning, she felt Revan's hand connect swiftly with her posterior.

Bastila let out a surprised "Oh!" and straightened up red-faced with her hands covering the spot Revan had hit. "REVAN!" she yelled, but it was too late. He had run off. Her face flushed deep red with fury. She thought of going after him but decided to let him go. After a moment a small laugh escaped her, and she smiled inwardly. Deep down inside, she knew she loved it.

The trip to the academy went rather quickly; too quickly for Revan's tastes. Upon reaching the enclave they forced to wait for at least an hour for some unknown reason. Revan found that he didn't mind, however. He and Bastila both seemed to dread this unexpected meeting with the council. Finally Revan and Bastila were allowed to enter the council's chamber.

Awaiting them was the entire Jedi council. Revan noticed that Vandar's gaze contained a look of regret. Atris's face looked just as tired as ever, and Vrook's countenance still resembled the "angry Kath hound" Revan was used to. What drew Revan's attention most, however, was Carth standing off to the right with an expression of concern over his face. Revan and Bastila bowed courteously and stood upright before the council. Revan was the first to speak.

"You wished to see us?"

Kavar stood up. "Knights Revan and Bastila, an urgent matter has come to the attention of the council. This matter requires your direct attention. Admiral Onasi will explain the rest to you."

Carth stepped forward, and Revan noticed a small holocron in his hand. "We've been sent an urgent message from one of our outer rim scouts near Korriban," the Admiral began. "They spotted these while on their patrol." He pressed a button on the holocron, and a blue image flickered to life.

The picture made Revan's stomach quiver. He noticed Bastila suppress a gasp. In the center of the image were three vessels Revan instantly recognized as Sith. He did not say anything, he merely stood silently as he studied the image. Within seconds the ships disappeared into hyperspace, and the blue image deactivated.

Carth continued, "They were spotted just a few days ago. The scouts have calculated their most probable course as being headed for Dantooine."

"The Sith are invading Republic space again?" Revan faced the council. "What course of action does the council plan to take?"

Master Vandar's diminutive form stood up in his chair. "The Sith obviously wanted to remain undiscovered in this attempt, but they did not succeed at that. This discovery bears ill on us all, but we can use this to our advantage."

"This could be our chance to stop the Sith before they have a chance to complete whatever plans they have in store for us," said Master Vash. "If we strike now, we may have a chance to end this insurgency before it ever surfaces."

"I don't like where this is going," said Revan to Bastila through their bond. "And what do you want us to do?" he asked the council.

"This is where you come in," spoke Vrook. "We are sorry (and he didn't sound sorry at all), but there has been a change of plans. You two are to go to Dantooine and track down the Sith before they can do any damage. The Republic is still struggling to regain its footing, and we cannot risk the Sith destroying what we have fought hard to achieve."

"Go to Dantooine? When?" asked Bastila.

"You must leave tomorrow," said Atris. "We have little time to act. We must strike while there is still time."

"But what of the Republic?" asked Revan. "I thought you needed us here to help—"

"We know what we asked of you before," said Kavar. "But the Republic can mange things here well enough, and we have the fullest confidence in Admiral Onasi's abilities."

"We know that you our both very capable Jedi," Vandar said, "and your capabilities are the reason we know you two are the best choice for this mission. You will be of much greater help by undertaking this task."

"We know this has no doubt inconvenienced you, and we apologize for that," said Vash. "but we have greater needs of your services on Dantooine."

Revan nodded passively, but on the inside he felt his heart drop. "Of course, high council. We will do as you ask." He paused. "Only, are we to undertake this task alone?"

Kavar addressed him. "No. We will send some of our own Jedi to assist you. Dustil Onasi and Yuthura Ban are already on Dantooine. They will meet you there once you and your task force arrive." Kavar stood and folded his hands behind his back. "Do you have any questions for us before you leave?"

Revan and Bastila shook their heads. At this Vandar gave his last command. "Then you may go. Make whatever preparations you need today before you leave tomorrow." Revan and Bastila bowed and left the chamber. Once outside, Revan faced Bastila.

"This is just lovely, isn't it?" he growled.

"I know Revan, I'm sorry," said Bastila sadly.

"The Sith always choose the best times to show up. It's as if the force doesn't want us to catch a break!"

"I know. I'm afraid there is nothing we can do about it, though. (sigh) I suppose that's what we get for being Jedi," she said.

Revan cursed the Sith. He cursed himself even more for being responsible for leading them in the first place. All he wanted was a life without fighting; one without the Sith, and the force couldn't give him that. It's as if he was doomed to fight them for eternity.

Revan gently clutched Bastila by the shoulders. "Listen, I need to speak to Admiral Onasi. You might want to go and inform Mission of the situation and maybe have the Ebon Hawk readied for tomorrow."

"What about Atton?"

"I think I can handle him by myself. Don't worry."

Bastila nodded. After a quick farewell she hurried off, and Revan waited silently for Carth to show his face. A few minutes later Revan spotted the perpetually-stressed Admiral emerging from the chambers.

"Carth!" Revan waved his hand to catch his attention. Onasi spotted him and hurried to meet him.

"Revan!" He stopped in front of the Jedi. "First of all, I just wanted to say that I… I saw the ring on Bastila's hand. I'm really sorry about all this."

Revan shook his head. "Well, don't be sorry. It's not your fault the Sith showed up. There's nothing that can be done about it, anyway."

Carth shook his own head in response. "Still, it's not fair that you two have to be suddenly thrust into this. Having had a wife myself, I kinda know the feeling."

"Please, let's not talk about it." He sighed and changed the subject. "Listen Carth, I need to see the prisoner 'Atton'. Is he still being held in the academy?"

Carth nodded. "Technically, he's in Republic custody, not Jedi custody, but we haven't had him moved yet. The way things are going, though, he may either spend a longer time in prison or be released on parole. The Republic doesn't exactly want his kind walking the streets."

He led Revan to the prison chambers. A Jedi standing guard at the doorway stopped them. Carth raised a hand to him.

"Revan is here to see Atton. He has permission to enter."

Before entering, Revan turned to Carth. "Wait here. Give me a few minutes with him. I'll straighten him out." Carth looked confused but didn't say anything. Revan mockingly waved bye to him and stepped into the prison. He briefly thought about what he was doing. For some strange reason, something about Atton intrigued him and he was eager to see him in person.

The prison was lined with force-cells along the wall. One held a scruffy Rodian who looked like he was asleep. Another cell on the opposite end held a tall, dark-brown haired human wearing a ribbed jacket. He was leaning against his cage, and upon seeing Revan he rolled his eyes.

"You must be Atton," thought Revan to himself. He approached the cocky-eyed prisoner. "Are you Attton Rand?"

Atton folded his arms. "You want to know, too? I'm shocked, I really am. I thought you Jedi had better things to do than question a prisoner every day."

Revan ignored his remark. "So you are, eh? It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Well, excuse me if the feeling isn't mutual. You try being cooped up in a prison cell for this long, and then see if you view your captors in a nice way."

"I am not one of your captors; I am here to help you."

"Help me? Heh. That's a laugh. Most Jedi here seem to care less about what happens to prisoners. Pardon me if I don't believe you."

Revan drew a breath. "Regardless of what you think, Atton, you are in a prison cell and face being here for a considerable amount of time or being released on parole. I'm sure you don't find that fate too appealing."

"Yeah well, what are you going to do about it? What's it matter to you, anyway?" Atton seemed frustrated. Clearly, he didn't like Jedi.

"First, tell me why you're here," Revan commanded.

"For trying to peep on a senator's wife in her bedroom."

"Don't play games with me, Atton," Revan decided to switch between good and bad cop. "You can either tell me, or you can stay here and rot."

Atton sighed. "Okay, okay. I was trying to smuggle fuel out of Peragus to complete a deal with the exchange. They wanted the fuel. Unfortunately, I was caught before I could make that happen."

"What did the exchange want with fuel?" Revan asked.

Atton shrugged. "I don't know. They didn't tell me. All they said was that they wanted fuel and that they'd pay big money for it. Credits can be kind of hard to come by for a man like me, so I agreed. Would you have done it any differently?"

"There are other ways of making credits than joining with an illegal organization and stealing fuel that's meant to help other planets," Revan growled.

"Yeah, well, it's a lot easier for me. Look, there's not much more I can say that is really any help. Are you done now? Why in the galaxy are you here, anyway? Who are you?"

"I think you've heard of me before. I am Revan." At this Atton suppressed a gasp. He seemed to pale before Revan's eyes.

"Oh," was all he said in response.

At last, Revan felt he was getting somewhere. "Well, Atton, I realize you're in a quagmire, here. I know you don't want to remain in Republic custody. If you wish, I can make you an offer that can get you out of prison."

"Another offer? Sheesh, you sound like the exchange. No thanks."

"Very well, then. You can just rot in here." Revan turned toward the exit.

"Wait!" Atton called. "Wait! I'd like to here it!"

Revan smirked inwardly. Now he had Atton where he wanted. "Very well," said Revan turning back toward Atton. "I can get you out of here, but I need something in return."

"Okay, what do you want? I mean, I don't really want to spend much longer in prison. I'll do practically anything to get out of here!"

Revan smirked mischievously at him. "Tell me, Atton, can you fly a ship?"

Revan emerged from the prison chambers and greeted Carth.

"How did it go?" Carth asked him.

"Carth, I have a proposal for you about Atton," Revan told him.

The Admiral eyed him nervously. "Okay."

"If you free Atton, I can look after him for you. As you know, I'll be leaving for Dantooine. He's agreed to fly the ship for us, if you let him."

"Revan, are you sure about that? Can you even trust this guy?"

Revan shook his head. "Don't worry, Carth. I don't sense any deception in him. He seems a lot more trustworthy than many other people I've met. If you let me watch him, I'll make sure he stays out of trouble."

Carth sighed and shook his head. "Alright. If you want him, he's yours. I'll have him released tomorrow." He looked at the time. "I have to go, Revan. I'll see you tomorrow. Farewell."

"Farewell, Carth." Carth waved and left.

Revan walked through the academy. He was stopped suddenly by a familiar voice behind him.

"Hey! Where do you think you're going?" Revan turned and saw Quaid Darin, the exile, approaching him. It was just the person he had been looking for.

"Quaid?"

"You didn't think you could get away, did you?" Quaid asked him, smiling. "I heard about your new assignment."

"Oh really?" Revan smirked back. "Are you here to kiss me goodbye?"

"Ha. You honestly didn't think you could leave me here, do you? Coruscant's a nice place, but the buildings can overwhelm you after a while."

Revan laughed. "You could always visit Kashyyk."

"No thanks. I'm coming with you, Revan. There's no way in hell I'm going to let you and Bastila do this alone. Besides, I'm tired of waiting around and being an exile. I told you before, Revan, I want to help you."

Revan sighed. "You know, you remind me of Bastila, sometimes."

"Is that an insult or a compliment?" Quaid joked.

Revan chuckled. "Whatever you think it is." He paused and his voice grew more somber. "Thank you, Quaid. I know how hard it must be to face combat again. Are you sure you want to do this?"

The exile nodded. "I am sure. It is hard, but I won't sit around while the Sith try to take over again. I didn't fight in the Mandalorian wars just to see the Republic taken over by a different group of invaders."

Revan stepped up to him and shook his hand. "Thanks again, Quaid." He let out a deep breath. "You should gather your things. I'll take you to the Ebon Hawk when you're ready. I'll be sure to notify Bastila of your decision."

"Alright, Revan." Quaid stopped himself before he walked away. "By the way, have you delt with Atton?"

"Let's just say, he'll be chauffeuring us to Dantooine tomorrow."

Quaid laughed.

Kreia silently drifted through the halls of the academy. Deep in her own thoughts, she barely noticed her surroundings until a slight disturbance broke her concentration. A mind with troubled thoughts was approaching her quickly. By the nature of it, she guessed it was one of the Jedi Masters. Within moments, Vrook rounded a corner and confirmed her suspicion.

Vrook regarded her with contempt. Even Kreia's blind eyes could see his emotions. As Vrook neared her, a scowl spread over his face. He didn't notice the sly grin Kreia gave in response. Before he could pass, Kreia stopped him.

"I sense your thoughts are troubled. Why?" she asked him.

Vrook sneered at her. "Can you not see what has been happening? The council's wisdom seems to be waning every passing day. They will surely destroy our order with their continued acceptance of these renegade knights."

"Renegade knights?" Kreia remarked. "And whom are you referring to, if I am wrong in my suspicion?"

"Hmph. Revan, Bastila, the exile. They all threaten our order, just as you once did. Their beliefs and actions are causing rifts in our order. They constantly tread the path of the dark side."

Kreia snapped at Vrook without warning. "Dark side? What do you know of the dark side? Are you a god of the force? Do you even know what the dark side is?"

Vrook was taken aback by her backlash. He stumbled upon his words. "I know that they are--"

"What do you know about it?" Kreia hissed. "These 'renegade knights' have brought truth and reason to your order, and you condemn them? The arrogance!" Her venomous words picked up speed. "How could you ever know what the dark side is when you have never been seduced and betrayed by it, as Revan has? When you were never controlled and then scarred by it, as the exile has? When you have never been warped and beaten down by it, as Bastila has? They have all seen the dark side, and they know what it is, but you – YOU – have wallowed in your ignorance and spent your life confined within the narrow boundaries of your own dogma!"

Vrook was dumbstruck. His lips struggled to form words but no sound emerged. Kreia, however continued her assault on the arrogant Master.

"Of all the members of the council, you are undoubtedly the worst. You bathe in ignorance, and you will transmit your ignorance and arrogance to all those foolish enough to listen to you." She smiled wickedly at him. "It could be that in the sight of the force, you are more foolish and less fit to lead than any of the Padawans you teach."

Vrook's face had transformed from utter shock to intense fury. His face turned red as he struggled to spout words to counter her. "I am--" he began, but Kreia cut him off.

"No. I have wasted enough time with you. Leave me, fool. Save your ignorance for one of your Padawans." She turned away and silently drifted away from him. A clenched-fisted Vrook stormed off in the opposite direction, seething with anger.

I'll try to get the next chapter posted soon. With finals almost over (whew) I should have more time. Thanks for the feedback; keep it coming. I almost didn't include Atton in this fic, but I think it turned out well. And I just had to include a scene with Kreia owning Vrook. Killing him in KOTOR II is one of the positive aspects of playing the dark side. >: )