Chapter 4: Shifts and Sands.
On board the ship, Mical was inputting the data from the Star Map into the plotting table.
Carth was watching him. "Any luck?"
Mical didn't immediately answer, instead finishing plotting the data. "Well, we've got the general direction. But we'll need more data from the maps."
Carth shook his head. "If only we'd kept the data from our original journey."
"It's possible that might have worked, but remember-the Maps are constantly repairing and changing based on stellar drift. Most likely the data would have been too obsolete anyway."
Mandalore strode in and sat next to Carth. "Cade in the cockpit?" he asked.
"Yeah. Atton and him are having a blast." Carth said in reply.
"The kid did good. Didn't panic today-I was rather impressed. Fighting off that shark would have been impressive for a Mandalorian."
Carth smirked. "I thought you said he shouldn't have come on the trip?"
"I know what I said. But the kid is changing my mind rather rapidly."
Carth nodded. "He certainly surprised me. I was pretty scared down there, but he almost looked like he was having fun fighting off the Selkath."
Mical looked at Carth sharply. "You thought so too? I'm a little surprised by the way he was down there. He seems to be happier and more effective as the challenge increases."
"Wasn't that Revan's strength as well? That was one of the key reasons he did so well in the Mandalorian Wars-the challenge kept increasing, so Revan became as powerful and effective as he could be. It was said there was none who could match him in combat." Carth replied.
"That's most likely true." Mandalore said.
"It seemed the harder we pushed, the tougher Revan became. When the final battle came at Malachor, he was willing to do anything to achieve victory. Even Mandalore couldn't match his tactics or his skill. It was an epic contest, but in the end it was no contest at all. As I watched, I saw that Revan was toying with Mandalore. He wanted to test him to see who was better. While I don't see Revan in Cade right now, it's possible he could be his equal. The signs are there."
Mical frowned. "I think we'd best involve Bastila in this conversation. And possibly Masters Kae and Bindo. We'll meet in the cargo hold in five minutes."
Cade listened as Atton described the Hawk's features. "She's possibly the fastest ship in the entire galaxy, thanks to a lot of fine tuning over the years, as well as a prototype Tarisian accelerator."
"But why make a ship like this that fast?" Cade asked, puzzled.
"Smuggling, kid. This ship used to belong to Davik Kang, an Exchange crime lord on Taris. Revan stole the ship and escaped the Sith blockade just minutes before the planet was bombarded to rubble."
They continued to talk happily back and forth as they traveled to Tatooine.
ared her throat. "That 'kid' is one of the most capable pilots I've seen in years. Either get in or you can stay up here."
"Okay, okay. Wouldn't want to step on the Princess's slippers." Mandalore replied.
Bastila set the holoprojector in the middle of the cargo bay. It hummed and brought up the holoimages of Masters Kae and Bindo.
Jolee looked around. "You people look a bit concerned. Master Shan, do you have something to report?" he said.
"Yes, Master Bindo. We're becoming a bit concerned by Cade's behavior. Let me clarify: He's not a problem in the way you might expect. We're becoming concerned that he might possibly not be ready for this. We've seen that he seems to lose himself in battle. Sound familiar?" She asked.
Jolee frowned. "Are you saying he might be following Revan's path?"
Mical leaned forward. "We're not necessarily ready to make that declaration. But we are becoming concerned-he seems to become more powerful with battle. His lightsaber skills were more impressive today than they were just a week ago."
Master Kae turned to Master Bindo. "Jolee, you've got the most experience. Is there any other cases where this has happened?"
Jolee considered. "Revan is the most obvious example. But there were others. Master Kavar, Exar Kun, the Exile, and Master Vash. So it's not necessarily a bad thing, or even an implication of a tendency toward the Dark Side-Masters Kavar and Vash were two of our strongest Council members. Still, it is something that merits close monitoring. Do you think you will be able to guide him along the path, Bastila? If he can succeed, it will make him a powerful Jedi and an asset to the Order."
After a considerable pause. "I will try to help him. And if I see signs that he is turning away from the path?"
Master Kae didn't hesitate. "Do what you can to stop it." The connection terminated.
The Ebon Hawk descended into the landing area. The group walked down the ramp. The gates were open and no one tried to bar their entry, so they walked into the city. There were small stalls lining the main street. Bastila walked up to one marked "Speeder Rentals."
A small, dirty Jawa was sleeping in his chair. Atton pounded on the table. "Hey! Wake up!"
The Jawa, startled, fell off his chair. "Ah, giants of humans. You are here to rent speeder?"
Atton nodded. "How much?"
The Jawa did some quick figuring. "100 credits."
Carth stepped forward and counted out the chips. The Jawa nodded. "Here are ignition codes-you find speeder outside city."
The 'speeder' was in rough shape.
Atton lifted the engine cowl. "I don't like the way things look, but it's not as though we've got a lot of choice. Cade, this thing seem operational to you?"
Pressing the starter, Cade checked over the gauges. "Everything seems okay. Let's go and get back before dark."
They all grabbed a seat. Cade punched the throttle, heading to the coordinates Mical provided.
Fourty minutes later, Cade and the others were looking around at a barren stretch of desert.
"I don't see the dragon's cave-are you sure these coordinates are accurate?" Carth asked.
Mical slapped the datapad. "Seems so-I checked them myself based on the data from 15 years ago. Let's fan out-see if we can spot it."
Cade began to climb a hill, trying to get to the high ground to see the surrounding area. At the top, he didn't see anything nearby. Giving up, he started to run back down the hill towards the speeder. He stopped and turned when he noticed a small cave off to the left.
"Over here!" he yelled, waving. The others reached him.
"Nicely done, Cade." Bastila said. They walked toward it. It was barely big enough for one person to crawl through-barely.
"I'll go first." Cade said.
Carth started to shake his head. "Oh no you don't, mister. You've done enough for one trip. Let someone with more experience go first."
Cade snorted. "Look, old man, it makes sense. I'm the quickest and the youngest. I'll be able to check the tunnel and get out if things start collapsing. And I'll be fine-don't worry about me."
Before anyone had time to argue, he dove head first into the hole. Carth sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Does that kid ever listen to anyone?"
Bastila was laughing. "You've forgotten what it was like to be his age, Carth. If you'd stop trying to be his father and treat him like an equal, he'd respond much better." Carth was about to reply when the ground shook, and the tunnel collapsed under a wave of sand.
"Cade!" Atton yelled, running over to where the hole was. He started digging in the sand, but it kept sliding down and filling what he removed.
Carth whirled around. "Juhani! There were some powershovels in the back of the speeder-get them and bring them back as quick as you can!"
Cade pulled out of the end of the tunnel, coughing as the cloud of dust reached him. Well, he hadn't expected that to happen. He checked his belt to make sure his saber was still there, and started walking towards the faint light ahead in the tunnel. He reached it-it was the Star Map. Luckily, he had a spare datapad on him. The map activated, and Cade downloaded the data.
"Well, that way is blocked. I guess I'll try this way." he said aloud, walking down the tunnel.
The air seemed to be blowing this way, so he knew there had to be a way out. He continued walking until he heard a sickening crunch underneath his boot. He pulled out his saber and lit it to see what he had stepped on. It looked like some kind of egg-he couldn't tell what had been in it-and it was then that he noticed that the floor was lined with eggs. Cade spotted a tunnel ahead, and began to pick his way through the egg field.
Juhani rushed up with the powershovels. Carth tossed one to Mandalore and one to Atton. They all started digging, trying to expose the hole. But the more they dug, the more shifted to take it's place.
"It's no use." Carth said, throwing the shovel into the dirt.
"What else do you suggest we do, Carth?" Atton demanded.
Bastila intervened before Carth's temper got the better of him again. "He's not dead-I can sense that much. Cade's resourceful. I would bet he's looking for another exit right now. Let's climb this hill and wait to see if we can spot him or another entrance."
Her suggestion made sense, so they all agreed and trudged up the hill.
Cade turned into the tunnel. It was open into the desert! He started to walk out when he realized where that breeze had been coming from. A massive Krayt Dragon lay at the foot of the tunnel. Cade impulsively started to back into the tunnel, away from the dragon, when he stepped on an empty eggshell. The crack seemed horrendously loud-it made Cade jump a bit, knocking over a pile of scrap. The dragon lifted its head, spotting Cade. It came to its feet, and began to reach into the tunnel. It pounded and raged, trying to get Cade.
The others spotted the cloud of dust and ran towards it, hearing the dragon roar.
Cade ran back into the main chamber with the eggs. Panting, he was deciding what to do when he saw an egg in front of him begin to hatch. A baby dragon fell out. It was about half his height. It sniffed the air, and turned, spotting Cade. The dragon cocked it's head, looking at him for a moment. Then it leapt at him. Cade had his lightsaber up just in time-he severed the creature's head. The other eggs began to hatch. Cade backed himself into a corner, hoping to avoid detection. But as they hatched, they all attacked him. He continued to swing his saber back and forth, cutting dragon after dragon. He laughed, enjoying the fight the longer it went on. In fact, he felt more powerful than ever, confident enough to take on anything. Cade was finishing off the last of the hatchlings, and he turned to rush the tunnel and try to kill the dragon outside. He entered the light, temporarily blinded. As his vision cleared, he saw a massive head swinging towards him.
This is going to hurt. he thought to himself. He felt the head slam into his side, lifting him off the ground. As the breath left his body, he felt his saber go flying. Then he noticed the wall was approaching with alarming speed. He slammed into it, breaking his back, then he fell towards the ground. The landing hurt more than the actual impact did, he noted glumly. He looked down and saw his shin was poking out of his calf, and noticed his guts didn't feel quite right.
Cade expected to be eaten, but the dragon seemed confused for a moment. Cade felt his connection to the Force shift and strengthen, and it almost seemed to be someone else who moved his hand and taught him a technique he didn't recognize. He used it anyway, as a last-ditch effort. The dragon screamed in pain as it was suffocated, finally collapsing. He knew it was dead, but he continued to use the power, refusing to let go. Bastila and the others had witnessed Cade being thrown, then saw him perform a Force Crush on the dragon. She continued running towards him.
As she reached him, she saw he was spitting up blood-clearly he was bleeding inside. "Cade-where does it hurt?"
"Everywhere." he gasped, coughing up more blood. He passed out.
Bastila turned to Juhani. "I don't know if I can do this, Juhani-I need your help. Mical and Visas, you too. Throw everything you've got into a Force Heal and we'll hope for the best."
The four surrounded Cade and reached into the Force. Carth, Mandalore, and Atton watched as Cade was bathed in Force energy and as the air around him roiled with power. Finally, they collapsed backwards, exhausted.
Atton ran forward. "He's okay-looks stable. I won't be able to tell until I get him back to the ship, but I think he'll be all right."
Atton and Carth were loading Cade into the speeder-he was still unconscious-while Mandalore examined the dragon, telling Bastila what he was finding. "Definitely dead. See the eyes? It strangled, all right. Looks like it's throat was crushed."
Juhani walked out of the tunnel. "Dozens of dead dragon hatchlings inside."
Bastila looked at Cade's lightsaber in her hand, which the dragon had stepped on and broken.
"I know what you're thinking." Juhani said.
"Yes, he's becoming more powerful, and now it seems he's also more dangerous. I don't know where he learned how to Force Crush. It takes an immensely powerful Jedi to even use the power, let alone effectively. But sending him home would be the worst thing I could do. I will try to train him how to control his power. Before it consumes him." She turned and strode to the speeder.
Mandalore looked at Juhani. "Who's she to try and control that kid's future? If he's destined to be this powerful, let him get there by himself instead of hampering it."
Juhani frowned. "For once, Mandalore, I find myself agreeing with you."
Chapter 5: Kashyyyk.
The Ebon Hawk leapt into Hyperspace. Atton was monitoring Cade's condition-Carth was flying the ship. Atton noticed the brainwave monitor began to spike. Cade's eyelids flickered, and he sat up with a start.
"Atton-what? Where am I?" Cade said, confused.
Atton pushed him back down on the pillow. "You're on the Hawk, kid. You gave us quite a scare back on Tatooine. Took all of the Jedi to heal you."
Cade pondered how much power that would have been. "I was that bad?" he asked.
"You were worse-broken back, broken shin, massive internal bleeding and lacerations, ruptured eardrum, broken jaw. You're lucky to be alive."
Cade looked sheepish. "I guess I kind of lost control there. I don't know what I was thinking. It was almost like a bloodlust-I wanted to kill the dragon. The power was...intoxicating."
Atton shrugged. "Probably normal. One day of bed rest, kid. Minimum. It'll be three days before we get to Kashyyyk anyway, so no hurry. Get some sleep."
Atton turned out the light and closed the door. Cade settled back on the bed. Sleep sounded nice...
In the cargo hold, Bastila and the others were discussing the latest events with Masters Kae and Jolee.
"You say he used a Force Crush? How did he learn that?" Master Kae demanded, turning to Jolee.
Jolee shook his head. "I never taught him anything like that, and he never researched anything that would lead him to that power. I think the Force was at work here."
Atton walked in. "I've just spoken with him. He said that he felt like it was a 'bloodlust' that took control of him, and that the power he felt was intoxicating."
Jolee spoke. "Well, that much is understandable. He's never seen real battle like that before, and Jedi can get a little goofy during it. As for the power, that's roughly normal too. But being subconsciously taught a Force power is uncommon enough-it's unheard of for it to be a power so deeply rooted in the Dark Side."
Master Kae turned back to the group. "It's possible that due to the strong dark side influence in the cave, and being exposed to the Star Map temporarily changed his connection to the Force. Bastila, you said you detected only positive waves emanating from him once he was on the ship?"
Bastila nodded.
"Then it's likely a matter of being on the edge of death-it would have compromised his defenses from outside influences. He should still be watched closely, but there isn't any cause for immediate worry." Master Kae finished.
Bastila breathed a sigh of relief, then added, "His lightsaber was destroyed in the attack, I'm afraid."
Jolee visibly winced. "Poor kid-it's not like he hasn't had enough trouble lately. What do you have for spare weaponry?"
Bastila looked at Mandalore, who added, "We've got some spare blasters the kid could use-and one vibrosword. I'm assuming he'd be a better match for the sword, so I'm going to make sure it's in good enough shape to use after we're done here."
Kae nodded. "Very well. Keep us apprised of any further developments." The projector shut off.
Carth was making some adjustments to the ships trajectory when Cade came walking in.
"What's up?" Carth asked.
"Just bored. Not much to do back there." Cade replied.
"Well, we're almost to Kashyyyk. I'm sure there will be plenty to do there." Carth said.
"Right. I just hope there won't be any combat for once-it might be a bit difficult without a lightsaber."
Carth nodded. "We'll try to keep things calmer on this one. You'll want to stay close to the group this time, that's for sure."
Cade laughed. "Don't worry, I've learned my lesson."
Carth pulled the ship out of Hyperspace. He checked the landing grid-the old pad was still operational. The Hawk set down on the pad.
Zaalbar was waiting for them at the pad's entrance. Carth walked up and greeted him. "Zaalbar, how are things?"
"Much better, thank you. We've got a pretty good tourist industry now, thanks to the Republic. But I'm sure you didn't come for that."
Carth nodded. "No, we didn't. We're here to see the Star Map again-need some more coordinates. It'd take too long to explain, though. But first, is there a weapons store around here?"
Zaalbar pointed off towards the old Czerka compound. "We keep it there for the tourists, mostly, but they should have what you need."
I doubt it. Cade thought.
They said goodbye to Zaalbar and walked into the shop.
"Hello, offworlder. Could I interest you in a blaster?" the Wookie storeowner asked.
Mandalore shook his head. "We're in the market for swords right now."
The Wookie nodded. "Very well. My selection is rather limited at the moment-but here is what I have."
Cade looked through the racks. He spotted something and grabbed it. It was a weirdly designed lightsaber-it took him a moment to realize it was a double-bladed version.
He motioned to Bastila. "Where would he have gotten this?"
She took it from Cade and looked at it. "Probably a trader or something. Let's see how much he wants for it. A saber would be a better fit than these blades here."
She set it on the table.
"How much?" Mandalore asked.
"It's free if you promise not to try to return it-I've had so many returns from customers who've cut themselves. Apparently the twin blades mess them up." the Wookie replied.
Cade agreed not to return it and walked out of the shop with it. He activated it, and twin silver blades appeared. Giving it a twirl, Cade felt like it was easier than his old saber.
Bastila warned him, "Be careful how you swing that until you get used to two blades-it took me a while to master."
Cade nodded, and they proceeded to the elevator to the Shadowlands.
The group walked in a rough line through the Shadowlands.
They passed an old hut when Juhani laughed. "This was Jolee's when we found him-looks like no one bothered to claim it."
Cade glanced at it. "That was a lot nicer than Jolee makes it sound-he always talked about sleeping on the ground and how he kept one eye open all the time to fight off the waves of Kinrath Spiders. I'll have to give him a hard time about that."
Carth laughed. "That old coot does like to tell his stories. Thing is, they were either total crap or completely true-and you couldn't tell between them, they were all so outlandish."
They reached the Star Map. Mical recorded the data into a pad and started walking back along the path. The rest began to follow suit when Cade noticed a group of Kinrath off in the distance.
He motioned to Atton, who got Bastila's attention. "Ah, you want to use them as training?" she asked.
Cade nodded.
"Go ahead-should work fine. They're a threat to anyone passing by anyway." she said.
Cade activated his lightsaber and settled into a ready stance, then sprinted into the kinrath. He sliced one after another-he noticed how the twin blades were much more effective, and how it seemed that the saber were a natural extension of his body.
Bastila noted this with interest-he had a great deal of potential, it seemed. A little rough around the edges, yes, but Jolee had done a fine job training him. Maybe it would be wrong to limit his potential. She planned on speaking with Jolee when they returned to the Hawk.
Cade ran back up to the group.
"Impressive, Cade." she said. "Few have the talent to master the twin blades. I think you'll do fine, however. You've really impressed me on this trip-it seems you have a lot of talent and potential."
He looked at her crossways. "Is this the same Master Shan I knew on Dantooine? I remember being told how I had to limit myself to keep from being exposed to the dark side."
She smirked. "Yes, but that was different. That was before I had seen how you handled yourself in battle. Glad to have you on the team."
He nodded graciously in reply, but she noticed an extra bounce in his step as he pulled ahead with Atton.
Juhani came beside her. "That was the right thing to do." she said.
Bastila smiled. "It seems so. I think we all worry so much about losing everything we've gained in the last decade that we forget how things used to be. He needed that restriction lifted. I'll still watch him, but I won't bug him constantly about avoiding the dark side."
Juhani smiled back. "I think we've learned the lesson that Masters always learn-our pupils teach us more than we teach them."
They continued walking back until they reached the ship.
Chapter 6: Changes.
They were all sitting in the main hold-the ship was on autopilot.
Bastila looked at the group."Okay, everyone. We've been saving it for last to delay it as long as possible. The final Star Map is on Korriban. Now, the planet has been abandoned for years, but we should still be on our guard-according to the Exile's reports, there are many creatures in the caverns, one of which contains the Star Map. Plus, there are dangers here far older than you can imagine. We'll be sure to avoid Ajunta Pall's tomb. We'll need to find Naga Sadow's tomb, and then get inside. The only one who knows the layout is Revan, however-we weren't allowed to enter. Let's see if we can find it-and let's avoid entering the Sith Academy-there are still a lot of nasty things in there."
Atton went forward and took the ship down on to the surface, landing on the edge of the Valley of the Dark Lords. When they all gathered by the ramp, Cade saw Visas, Juhani, and Mical were missing.
"Where are the others?" he asked.
Bastila shook her head. "They all decided to stay behind. I think they're worried about the dark side. I'll leave it up to you whether you want to go."
Cade didn't hesitate this time. "If I feel things start to get out of hand, I'll turn around."
The ramp lowered, and the hot, dry Korriban air rolled in. He coughed a bit at the chalky taste of it, and then walked down it, the rest following behind.
There were four tombs in the valley. Two had collapsed entrances. Bastila recalled from memory that one was Marko Ragnos's tomb, and one was Hord's tomb, so that meant one of the remaining tombs belonged to Naga Sadow.
"How will we find which is which?" Cade asked her.
"We explore them-there's no real other choice. Let's just hope that we don't pick Pall's tomb."
Cade turned around. "What's so scary about this Pall guy? I know he was a Sith Lord and all, but he's dead."
Surprisingly, it was Mandalore who spoke. "This Ajunta guy is technically dead. But the last time we entered his tomb he appeared in spirit form-scared most of us out of our wits, expect for Revan."
Bastila nodded. "I was...indisposed at the time and wasn't here, so I can't say for sure what happened-I only found out through Revan a few weeks later."
Carth, Mandalore, Atton, and Cade all shoved themselves against the tomb door-it refused to open at first until it finally started to slide in. They stepped inside.
The air was stale and close. Rather than use sabers, drawing attention to the fact that they were Jedi, Mandalore had issued them all flashlights before they left. Cade clicked his on and started walking forward, with the others following.
Bastila noticed that even though he was the youngest, they all were beginning to see him as the leader. He was also unconsciously taking command, though he never said anything or questioned one of the others' judgment. She saw more of Revan in him by the day, it seemed. Though he wasn't an exact clone-Cade had a sense of reservation, of caution, that Revan had never seemed to exercise or possess-Revan expected results, and when he didn't get them he often took matters into his own hands. While it made them different, each way was it's own strength, not a weakness as some might define it.
They came to another door. The latch was less weather-damaged-Cade was able to slide it open alone. He waited for the others to join in pulling the door open. Ahead was a tomb. There was no Star Map. The door slammed behind them, and their lights went out.
Cade stepped back and rejoined with the group. He drew his saber, though he didn't light it.
"Now what?" Carth hissed.
Bastila whispered back. "No idea what to do. But we need to get out of here."
Cade felt the room grow colder. "I think something's here." he whispered.
The others looked around, trying to make something out in the darkness. A purple light appeared off to the right. It writhed and twisted until it formed the shape of a Sith Lord. "Have you come to steal my sword? I tell you, you shall not have it! No one shall! It is mine, and mine alone! Now you must die!"
The ghost rushed at them-surely it couldn't attack, could it? Cade thought.
Bastila leapt out in front of the group and began to duel the Sith Lord. Their sabers met, crackling and sparking. Though he only had a single lightsaber, he defended against her double blades effortlessly.
She shouted, "Get the door open and get out of here!"
Carth and Mandalore began to fire their blasters into the ancient hinges. The hinges started to crumble. Cade was mesmerized by the fight-it was some of the best saber combat he had ever seen. Just as it seemed Bastila had the upper hand, Ajunta sent a surge of dark power through the air, slamming her into the wall. He then lifted her up and began to Force Choke her. "And now, you will die for entering my tomb."
Cade didn't even remember choosing to enter the fight-it was automatic. He didn't remember roaring a battle cry, either, but that's what Atton told him later. He did remember swinging his saber with all his might, trying for a killing strike. Ajunta whirled at the last moment, dropping Bastila, and parried the stroke away.
The ghost smiled. "Another victim-good. This one needs a lesson in obeying his superiors."
Cade began to strike at him, and the combat began. Stroke after stroke, parry after parry, the fight continued, neither combatant giving the other an inch. The others were dragging an unconscious Bastila outside the tomb. Mandalore was watching in something close to awe-here was a kid, barely a Knight, taking on one of the most powerful Sith Lords of all time, not minding the danger, not caring of the risk. He was enjoying himself, just as a Mandalorian would. It seemed as though the battle could go on forever.
Cade, however, was beginning to tire. He'd been keeping this up for twenty minutes now, and he was approaching the point of exhaustion. He decided to risk it and opened himself fully to the Force. A wave of power washed into him. It reinvigorated him, and he threw himself back into the fight with all he had. This was no longer just a Knight defending himself-this was a Knight defending his friends, doing whatever was necessary to stop the enemy. This was a Jedi at war. As he watched, Mandalore realized he was now having trouble keeping track of the strokes-and they were still getting faster. Atton was next to him, watching with equal interest.
Cade could sense the Sith Lord was wearing out, and something in the back of his mind told him that something that was not alive was no longer in tune with the Force. It seemed that this was true. He noted Ajunta's face beginning to show the strain of battle. Cade watched, trying to spot any advantage. Suddenly, Ajunta misstepped, stumbling. Cade used the Force to push him over and disarm him. Then, not hesitating a bit, Cade took his lightsaber and stabbed the Sith Lord in the heart. The ghost screamed, and began to writhe and disappear. When it was over, Cade stood there for a moment shaking, his chest heaving. He turned off his light saber, placed it on his belt, and began to walk out of the tunnel, not saying a word to anyone. Mandalore exchanged a glance with Atton. Neither of them spoke, instead helping Carth carry Bastila back to the Hawk.
It was a few hours later when Bastila awoke in the medical room. She blinked a few times, seeing Carth in the chair in the corner.
He smiled. "How are you feeling?"
She sat up, running her hands through her hair. "Terrible. What happened back there? How did we get out?"
Carth shook his head. "It was...unbelievable. When the Sith Lord started choking you, Cade, well, he reacted immediately. He charged the Sith Lord, and they began to fight. We dragged you outside to get you away from there. The battle...is nearly indescribable. I've never seen so much power, Bastila. Not from you, not from the Masters, not even from Revan or Malak. Cade dueled him for over thirty minutes, single-handedly, never missing a beat. It was like he was a machine-we couldn't keep up with his strokes. Mandalore himself said it was the most impressive fight he had seen in his life, and that not even Revan would have been able to equal it. Near the end, when Ajunta tripped, Cade slammed him down and disarmed him, and he stabbed it through the heart. After that, he stood for a few seconds before he walked back to the ship-he didn't say a word. And he's been in his dormitory since."
Bastila sat, quiet. She knew that Cade had to have been in a state of 'total war', and she knew how that had happened. From her reading, she was well aware of the effect that had on Jedi from the reports in the Archives, though it hadn't happened in over five centuries. Sometimes, it had changed them for the better, while others had left the order, unable to come to terms with what they had done. Either way, he was going to need someone to talk to. She slid out of the bed, walking out into the hallway.
As she entered the main hold, she noticed the others were all talking.
"Bastila, you're awake! How do you feel?" Juhani asked.
"Well enough." she replied. "Is Cade still in the dormitory?"
Juhani nodded. "Yes. He's going to need someone to talk too, but I knew it wasn't me. What he did..." she trailed off.
Bastila shook her head. "It wasn't the dark side, Juhani. We've been wrong the entire time. Don't worry about that anymore. I'll tell you later what's been happening with Cade. But I need to go talk to him right now."
Bastila slid the latch on the door and stepped into the dormitory. Cade sat on his bed, motionless, his eyes boring a hole into the deck plates at his feet. She sat on the bed next to him. Neither of them said a word for several minutes.
Cade finally spoke. "I, I think I'm falling to the dark side, Bastila. I'm not ready to be here-I should return to Dantooine immediately, and study for several more years before venturing out again."
She turned to him. "You say that, but you don't really believe it's true. And you should know that it's not. You're not going to the dark side, Cade."
He scoffed. "Really? Then how do you explain me killing an unarmed combatant without offering him a chance to surrender, or showing him mercy?"
She shook his shoulder. "If you were going to the dark side, you would have relished the kill, you would have been glad. Cade, it's time I was honest with you about a few things."
He turned, giving her his attention, wondering what she hadn't told him. "First things first. During the Jedi Civil War, on my travels with Revan, do you remember me saying I was 'indisposed'?"
He nodded, not seeing where she was going.
"Cade, during that time I had been captured by Darth Malak, and fell to the dark side. I became his apprentice, I betrayed my oaths, I betrayed my friends."
Cade looked surprised-clearly he hadn't been expecting this.
"Later, during that final battle on the Star Forge, Revan defeated me and turned me back to the light. So you can imagine I have a bit of first hand experience about this subject." she said, with a faint smile.
"What's the other thing?" he asked.
She paused. "We've been watching you the entire trip, trying to see what was happening to you-it was plain you were undergoing a change. It wasn't until I heard of what happened in the tomb that I made the connection with what was happening." She took a breath. "It's been nearly five centuries since someone was a part of the class you are becoming. It's nearly unheard of because it's been so long. It's called the Jedi Warmaster. Basically, members of your class were typically the most powerful of their generation. Even all the Council members combined couldn't match the power of a Warmaster. What happened to you today is what made me realize that. You basically lose yourself in battle, and today was a very difficult battle, so you unconsciously used the Force form of 'total war'. That's why you ended up stabbing the ghost. Not from some 'dark side' influence, but because the Force was controlling you to do what was right. It's a very rare gift you have been given."
Cade was momentarily silent, pondering this information. "So what do we do now?" he asked.
"We would normally take you before the Council on Coruscant, but that's not an option at the moment. I'll try to train you the best I can for the remainder of the mission. It's the best I can offer."
Cade nodded. "At this point? I'll take all the help I can get."
They settled down onto the floor and began to meditate, with Bastila showing him how to center himself in light of his new abilities.
The next day, the group of them left the Ebon Hawk again and headed for Naga Sadow's tomb.
"We're sure this is the one? I can't be pulling this 'total war' stuff all the time, you know." Cade said, teasing.
Mandalore laughed. "He's got you there, Bastila."
She said nothing, though she was laughing inside.
They pulled open the door and started walking in to the tomb. She hoped that there were no apparitions or other nasty surprises in this cavern-Cade needed a break after yesterday. They came to a three way junction in the tomb.
Mandalore looked around. "Center one." he spoke.
They opened the door. There was a river of what looked like acid flowing through the room.
"Great. How do we cross this?" Carth said.
Cade began to turn around. "We check the other rooms and see what's there-could find a plank of sorts."
His suggestion made sense, so they turned around and headed for the right side of the junction. The door was ajar, so they walked through. A pair of skeletons were sitting in the chamber.
"Terentateks." Bastila said. "Revan said he found them on Korriban."
Cade nodded and walked across the room to the second door. A lever stood by it. Mandalore jerked it and the door slid open. A pillar stood in the center of the room, with a crate below it.
Carth cracked the lid. "Looks like some kind of grenade. Ice, I'd say."
Atton snapped his fingers. "It's simple-we throw the grenade at the river and it'll freeze over. Then it's a simple matter of walking across it."
Mandalore took the grenade from Carth. "Let's go do it instead of standing around, then."
At the river of acid, Mandalore flicked the switch and threw the grenade. It cracked and froze the river solid.
Cade stepped lightly across it. "Seems safe enough. Don't hang around on it, though."
After they had all crossed it, Mandalore pulled a second lever, which opened the door into Naga Sadow's tomb itself. The sarcogaphagus sat in the center of the room. And there, behind it, was the Star Map.
"Last one." Cade said, recording the information.
"Now it's off to the Unknown Regions." Bastila added.
Cade looked a little worried at that. Bastila saw the look, and felt relieved. Cade knew he wasn't invincible, which was the cause of death for most of the previous Warmasters. They exited the tomb and headed for the Hawk.
On board, Mical was plotting the last of the data. "The final coordinates point to...here. About a day's journey from the Sith homeworld."
Bastila walked to the cargo bay. "I'll need to inform the Council. Cade, you're with me."
They walked together across the ship. She entered, closed the door, and activated the holoprojector. "I'm contacting the Council on Coruscant-it's where Master's Kae and Bindo are anyway."
Cade laughed. "Never thought I'd be involved in Council business. At least, not for a long time."
She laughed. "Well, you will likely be the Council's business for a while."
The projector beeped. "Link established." a recorded voice said.
The image of the Jedi Council Room on Coruscant appeared in the cargo bay. "Master Shan, you have something for us?"
She nodded. "Yes, Masters. I'm here to report that the mission has been a success-we've acquired the coordinates of the second Star Forge."
Master Kae nodded. "That is good news indeed. But we've been discussing matters-we're afraid there isn't a Jedi powerful enough to use it's power without being corrupted. From what Revan has told us, he barely controlled the first Forge, and this second Forge is supposed to be much stronger."
Bastila cleared her throat. "It appears the Force has presented a solution to our problem. Masters, I'd like to introduce Cade Richards, one of our newest Knights."
The Master of the Council leaned forward. "Ah, so this is the legendary Cade we've been hearing so much about from Jolee. While we are all impressed with his accomplishments, and at such a young age too, I'm afraid we don't see where you are going with this, Bastila."
"Masters, are any of you familiar with a long forgotten class of Jedi called the 'Warmaster'?"
The room went quiet, and Jolee wondered where she was going with this. "Yes, Bastila. We are also aware that no Warmaster has existed in over five hundred years."
"Not anymore. Cade here has become a Warmaster."
The Council was silent. No one spoke for a full minute. Finally, the Master looked up. "Cade, it appears we've misjudged you greatly. I owe you an apology." He bowed, surprising everyone. Cade was speechless. "You have our respect and our ears. If you have any suggestions, feel free to bring them forth as you see fit."
Cade managed to stammer a 'Yes, Master." The Master nodded.
"Now, as a Warmaster, you will be the only person potentially capable of controlling the Star Forge. But it will come at great personal risk-the strain could kill you, or worse." He left the comment hanging. "We are not going to order you to do this, but we remind you-the fate of the Republic is at stake."
Cade didn't immediately reply. "Masters," he spoke, "I do not know if I am ready for this. But I do know that if I don't try, I'll likely never know. I will travel to the Star Forge and attempt to harness its power for one last time."
The Master nodded. "That was the answer I was hoping for. Very well. We wish you the best of luck. May the Force be with you."
The connection terminated. Bastila didn't say anything for a moment. She turned to Cade. "In all my years, I have never seen the Master of the Council bow before anyone. What you've experienced...treasure it forever."
Cade didn't reply. "You know, when this is over they'll appoint you to the Council, and grant you Master status." she added.
Cade looked at her. "I'd be honored, but I think after this is over I'll need some time to think about whether I'm ready for that." He walked out.
The Ebon Hawk was flying through Hyperspace toward the coordinates Revan had given to Mical.
Cade sat in the cockpit with Atton, looking over the read outs and monitoring the progress screen to see how long was left in the trip. "Roughly an hour left, folks." he said on the intercom.
Atton looked at him. "You ready for this, kid?" he asked.
Cade glanced over. "I'm ready for it, yeah."
"Meeting Revan should be interesting. It shouldn't be a problem, but it'll be interesting to how he reacts to someone more powerful than he is."
Cade hadn't thought about that yet. And the Exile would likely be interesting, as the only person who had turned away from the Force willingly and survived. But that was an old story, one a little more documented than Revan's had been. Cade stood and walked back to his cabin for a chance to meditate and center himself-it was likely to be the last chance he'd get for a while.
Juhani was walking down the corridor when she spotted Cade meditating in his dormitory. The air around him was roiling with the immense power of the Force being channeled through Cade. Bastila saw Juhani standing there and walked up beside her to see what she was looking at. She too saw Cade.
Juhani shook her head, grinning. "I never would have expected so much from someone so young in the Order."
Bastila smiled slightly at that, then let the look fall. "He'll be okay." she said, more to herself than anyone else.