Knights of the Old Republic II: Sith Lords - Volume 3: The Enclaves.

Knights of the old Republic and Starwars are owned by George Lucas (I think he owns them both).

Buffy the Vampire Slayer and all characters belong to Joss Whedon.

I own nothing here. As said by many wise men..and women…please don't sue me.

The timeline for Buffy takes place about three years after the end of Buffy. No exact date has been decided. KOTOR 2 timeline starts right from the beginning of the game. I apologize now for my lack of grammar etc, etc. I've never posted anything I've written until now. This bug has been floating in my skull since I first read Slayers of the old republic by Michael Weyer. It definitely fed my imagination. Thanks Michael. Anyways on with the show. Please comment. It won't get better in quality or quantity without constructive criticism.

Dantooine…

Atton double checked the freighters nav-comp and then spun his chair to check the pre-flight systems. Just because he was sure the old ship would fly it never hurt to be thorough.

Besides, keeping busy kept his mind from wandering towards a young and beautiful young woman, who had all but captured his heart.

"Bah" he hissed, and turned back to the pre-flight systems "Focus Rand".

An odd feeling tingled in the back of his mind, he turned slightly and almost jumped out of his skin at seeing someone standing in the hatch. Even obscured by shadows he knew who it was.

"Come to lend a hand Mical?" he asked, trying to hide the annoyance he felt.

The blonde Jedi smiled as he moved further into the room "That was my intention yes" he said.

Atton watched him move to the main Navigation console, evaluating the young man while his back was turned, he didn't't know why, but the man bugged him.

"Navigation protocols haven't been updated in five years" Mical said.

"Once we leave orbit we'll link with one of the older Nav-beacons" he responded smoothly.

Mical nodded, not once looking away from the Nav-console "Something bothering you Atton?".

He cursed himself mentally and turned back to the flight systems "What makes you think that?"

The young Jedi chuckled "You've been watching me, with a rather unpleasant look on your face ever since I arrived with the Ex..Shayla, and the others".

Another mental shake, "Something about you I should be bothered about?" he quickly recovered.

"Nothing comes to mind my friend" Mical said quietly.

Atton's fingers hesitated "Let's get something clear, we're not friends".

"I stand corrected".

Atton reeled in the wise-ass comment about to erupt from his mouth and focused on the display in front of him. The last thing he needed was a ticked off JedI.

But he would watch this one, his gut said something wasn't right with the Jedi, and he learned along time ago that his gut was rarely wrong.

Ebon Hawk…

Shannon hefted the large cloth sack higher on her shoulder as she trudged the final few feet up the old ships ramp, it wasn't heavy, just very slick.

Not surprising really, considering what she had packed into it.

Reaching the main access corridor she heard voices to her right. The ships common area. She turned and headed towards them, her thinking being the sooner she could offload her package the sooner she could crawl into a nice shower, a nice hot and long shower.

She stepped into the large room, and realized that something was not quite right. It took only a few seconds for her brain to latch onto what that was.

None of the locals were in the room. No Shayla, Atton or Kreia.

"Hey guys, what's up?" she said, not really caring if she was interrupting.

Everyone stopped and turned to her, smiles on their faces instantly made her feel like she wanted to be somewhere else. She always hated being the center of attention.

Buffy was the first to move "Hey, about damn time you showed up…Whoa, what have you been crawling through!!" she exclaimed quickly.

Shannon smirked and carefully set the sack on the floor, a rather audible sloshing sound echoed through out the room.

"That would be what I was doing" she pointed at the bag.

"Oh my gawd!" Cari said dramatically. The smell had finally reached her.

Giles moved a few feet closer to look down at the bag, but kept his distance "I am hoping that there are no severed heads in that bag".

She laughed loudly, surprisingly making Buffy jump. Only a little however.

"Naw, even better" she said and turned towards the sleeping berth she shared with Buffy "But I really need a shower and a change of clothes" she said as she stripped her armour off.

Buffy started pointing frantically at the bag "Your…what…your just gonna leave that thing there?!".

Shannon smirked "Sooner you get used to it the better boss-lady, it's the key to rescuing our missing JedI master".

She then quickly left, hoping to reach the shower before she was bombarded with more questions.

Korriban - Shyrack Caves…

Xander had no idea how he was still alive. His Violet lightsaber thrummed with every parry, every strike, every flourish.

And if the grim determination and barely restrained rage on the faces of his two opponents was any indication, they we're asking the same thing.

Abruptly the skirmish stopped. Like a buzzer had gone off they all stepped back. Eyeing each other as they slowly circled.

He briefly met Bastila's emerald green eyes, a thousand questions flashed through his mind in the second they met. It was all pushed to the side however as a strange feeling raced up his spine.

He looked to Mission. And was completely unsurprised to see nothing but hate in her eyes.

He wasn't sure how he managed to relax his posture. Some instinct from Shayla maybe, or maybe he had been doing this for far too long. Facing insurmountable odds that is.

Bastila mirrored his own stance. Her arms held loosely to her sides, her weapon still active.

Mission was not. Her five foot tall frame paced back and forth like a caged predator, simply waiting for the right moment to pounce, every muscle tensed and ready to react.

"This is getting us no where" he said quietly, hoping his voice wouldn't disrupt the reprieve. He needed the rest, even if it lasted only a few seconds longer.

Bastila's eyes narrowed "What do you propose?".

Xander sighed "In case you two were unaware, the cave collapsed behind me".

Mission started giggling "I couldn't let the broken moron kill you before I could now could I".

Xander sighed "Why does this not surprise me" he said quietly "Still, we're trapped in here. And out there is a rather unpleasant individual and an army of Assassins".

"You are offering what…an alliance?" Bastila asked with only a hint of distrust.

"Call it what you want. We work together to get out of here, avoid Mr. sleeps-with-vibroblades and then, if you two are so intent on continuing this little talk…" he said calmly.

Mission sneered "What makes you think we're not allied with them?".

Xander smiled, hoping neither could feel his lack of confidence "Call it a hunch…though it might be indigestion".

He wasn't sure but he could have sworn he spotted a twitch on Bastila's lips. But the sound of Mission laughing. No, cackling. Like a teenage girl distracted him.

He watched her bend over, holding her stomach as she laughed, her weapon deactivated but still clutched in her hand.

That settled it. The girl was completely insane.

"It wasn't that funny" he said quietly, unsure of what to do, or say.

Bastila stepped closer, only a foot or so. Instantly halting Missions display of mirth.

Her head lowered slightly, long unkempt dark hair flowed to darken the shadows around her face "He is right Mission, I will accept this…truce. However, if either of you betray me, I will kill you both, slowly".

Xander couldn't help himself "That's the spirit!".

Mission looked at him oddly "I think he's broken…not quite right".

"Huh?" he mouthed.

"But, okay" she smiled sounding like a bubbly teenager "It might be fun. We'll kill each other later".

Xander sighed, and hoped that he wasn't making a very large mistake.

Turning from both women he regarded the dark and rather ominous feeling hole in the rock face "Well, something tells me that's the only option we have".

No one spoke for a few seconds. He hoped his probably foolish show of trust wasn't going to end with a lightsaber through his back. Again.

"I sense a tremor in the force, something dark dwells within that cave" Bastila said quietly as she moved to his right side, keeping several feet from him.

"Hmm, like a bad horror vid" Mission giggled as she stepped right up to Xanders left, and wrapped both arms around his free arm, resting her head against his shoulder "I'm scared Xander..Hold me".

He looked down at the teenager with a mix of shock and surprise, then at Bastila who had an identical look plastered on her face.

What the hell have I gotten myself into….

Dantooine

Dawn stood in silence, the day was coming to an end. Soon the light of day would give way to night, and she would leave this world for another.

It felt like she was running away. And it left a bad taste in her mouth.

"Your thoughts betray you young one" intruded Kreia.

Dawn sighed "I came up here to be alone Kreia".

The old woman didn't respond. The silence stretched on until the sun had finally dipped below the horizon. It was Dawn who finally broke that silence.

Turning slightly she regarded the shadowed figure standing next to the Swoop bike she had borrowed from Buffy.

"Why are you here?".

The old woman still didn't speak, she couldn't tell if the woman had suddenly gone deaf or was lost in thought.

"I have come. To apologize".

Dawn stopped "Not something I ever expected to hear you say".

Kreia nodded, the hood of her robes shifted slightly "Myself as well" she sighed slightly before stepping up to the ridge that Dawn occupied. Her gaze turned towards the horizon and the myriad of colors being cast from the setting sun.

"I am not accustomed to apologizing. Yet I believe it is warranted. I have not shown anything except derision towards you and your friends. You could have left, at any time. Your friends could have found a way to return you to your world. And yet you all chose not to. This is not your fight, and yet you chose to stay" she paused as she turned to regard Dawn directly.

"Kreia, this is what we do. It's all we've ever known, helping people. I don't think we know how not to help people".

"A habit you will need to break I'm afraid" the old woman said, and held up a hand to halt any response "Just listen to my words before you vehemently reject my opinion. This Galaxy is teetering upon a chasm. The winds of change are strong, and the fate of every sentient in this galaxy hang in the balance. Should our enemy succeed, the darkness that shall descend will be unlike anything either of us could imagine. In light of this, helping is the right course. The enemy needs to be stopped. But we cannot be everywhere. We cannot help everyone".

"Then what. Help only those who can be useful to our fight?" Dawn asked, no anger seeped into her voice.

"Yes and no. Help those you can. But chose your battles. Do not offer your guidance or your strength to everyone you come across, to do so will weaken you, and now is the time to conserve what strength we have" she responded.

Dawn turned towards the horizon without thinking about it "I'm not sure I can do that. I don't think it's in me to turn my back on another persons suffering".

Kreia abruptly turned and began to walk away "Perhaps. I ask that you only consider what I have said".

Dawn didn't watch the old woman leave. She just stood there and watched the last of the light fade away. Her mind racing with thoughts she would rather not have.

Korriban - Elsewhere…

Jon scanned the narrow Valley through the range-finder and smiled, he tapped his ear-mic "BD, your mod worked, I got a hazy image of three cloaked assassin's, standing watch over those star fighters we tangled with earlier, and four Interceptors".

Good was a quiet response in his ear.

I'm at the ridge overlooking the valley now, no sign of the Sith Lord. But there's a lot of activity here, looks like he left everyone behind to dig out the cave, he really wants Xander dead.

"We did detect a ship leaving orbit".

Or he wants us to think he left.

"Glad to know I'm not the only pessimist".

So, what's the plan?.

Jon scanned the Valley again and sighed "Leave Spider to watch the Valley, then get your ass over here, we're gonna screw up their rides while they do the work of getting Xander clear".

I like the way you think O'neill.

Dantooine

Willow watched in silence as the massive freighter lifted off and slowly moved over them, gaining height and speed as it moved. All too soon it was gone, like it was never there.

Giles stepped up to her side "They'll be fine" he said.

"I know, it's us I'm worried about" she said as she looked up at his face.

The old brit smirked as he reached for his glasses "Your not the only one my dear".

Someone coughed behind them, drawing their attention.

"Sorry" Graham said as he drew closer "Just thought I'd let ya know that, uh..your friend Visas. She kind of fixed that droid in the closet".

Willow and Giles looked at each other and together they all ran towards the Ebon Hawk.


Shayla studied the slightly rusty, and very battered droid standing just within the storage room, the look in it's receptors gave her the feeling that she was being evaluated, and being as it looked identical to the hunter-killer droids they had already tangled with she wouldn't be surprised at all if that was exactly what it was doing.

Riley stood close to the hatch leading to the cock-pit, his submachine gun already in his hands, though not aimed directly at the droid. She was thankful for his presence.

"Visas…how exactly did you fix it?" she asked, while not diverting her gaze.

"The fix is only temporary, without additional parts it will cease to function within five days, six at the most" she responded.

"Irritated Statement: Though I am only an inanimate object, to speak as if I am not in the room is simply rude" the droid spoke, sounding literally identical to the others it resembled.

Riley snorted "Until we know your not a threat, being polite isn't a priority".

The droid turned it's head slightly, just enough to keep the earth soldier in it's view "Diagnostic: HK-47 activated. Running checks through primary systems.

Assessment: It appears I have suffered considerable damage and dismemberment. I can feel cracks in my motivators. And my central control cluster seems to have taken several repeated blaster shots at close range. How crude.

Riley raised an eyebrow at the droids speech patterns, but remained by the hatch, saying nothing.

Shayla smirked at his reaction, then looked into the droids optics "You look a lot like a series of droids that have attacked us on several occasions. Any explanations for that?".

HK shifted slightly.

Answer: Oh, that is impossible Master. If I were out to kill you, we would not be speaking. And regardless, I am a unique model. Why, to think they're would be other versions of me would be unacceptable.

"There are several not so functional versions of you out their" Willow said from the entrance "How do you explain it?".

HK shook his rusted head, looking back to Shayla.

Statement: Master, I must inform you that your attempts at humour are wasted on a droid such as I. As I have expressed. I am unique.

Shayla smiled slightly "Sorry to tell you otherwise, but there's a series of HK-50 droids that share your model. And function. We have encountered them on multiple occasions".

The droids posture change, an audible sigh echoed from his vocal processor.

Resignation: Very well Master. If you must persist in your attempts at humour, I shall indulge you. Let me check the ships records, and we will settle this matter once and for all.

Without moving from the enclosed area he was found in, the droid turned slightly and a six inch long chrome spike erupted from it's metal fist. Which he inserted into the door access panel. Only a few seconds passed before it removed the spike and turned back to Shayla.

Conclusion: You speak the truth. This discovery is causing me some degree of Anger. And humiliation.

"That's a new one" Riley snorted.

"Are you alright?" Shayla asked, not taking her eyes from the droid.

Mockery: Am I alright?. Oh Yes Master. I am fine.

Statement: I mean, I have only just been reactivated, only to find that there are substandard duplicates of me running all over the galaxy, corroding my good name. But if they are in fact hunting you. Then I look forward to the opportunity to meet these units - And educate them in proper assassination protocols.

Everyone could hear the very real emotion in the droids voice. It truly seemed to be rather angered, and was definitely spoiling for a fight.

Conclusion: So. It seems I need you Master - For the time being.

Giles stepped forward "So, you are an assassin droid?"

Recitation: Yes, as I said. I am an assassin droid. It is my primary function to burn holes through meat bags that the master wishes to be removed from the galaxy - Oh how I hate that term.

Miller leaned forward from behind Willow "What term?".

Answer: Master - Ah, I said it again.

Everyone smirked slightly at the droids obvious quirks. Shayla quickly regained the droids attention however "Look, just to be clear on one thing. You are not to kill anyone unless in self-defence. Even then, I don't want you acting without my order".

Answer: Yes. Master. HK-47 is ready to serve.

Korriban - Unknown Tomb

Xander stepped across the stone work archway, a near physical feeling raced up his spine, leaving him feeling oddly weaker. He instantly felt like he did those first few days after his eye had been gouged out.

Two Gasps echoed behind him. He wasn't the only one apparently.

Bastila stepped up to his side "Something…is blocking my ability to call upon the force".

Mission too stepped forward "The fire in my brain…the fire is smaller.." she said in little more than a whisper.

Xander spared both women only a glance before turning to the room ahead. Which upon further inspection appeared to be an intersection. A worn statue adorned an alcove across from them. Two stone worked doors lead to his left and right.

"Stay frosty" was all he said before stepping further into the room.

He was immediately assaulted by a powerful wave of vertigo. His vision blurred and he nearly fell. But it passed just as quickly. Leaving him slightly nauseous but otherwise unharmed.

He then noticed a tall man, dressed in gold and blue armour literally step through the wall across from him. Two light blue tattoo's stretched over his skull.

He heard both Mission and Bastila gasp, instinctively moving closer to him. He then spotted why. Five more hazy figures stepped through the walls. All dressed in the soft tan and brown uniforms of JedI.

Xander also noticed that two of the hazy figures he already knew. The much younger vision of Shayla Kracek stepped right passed him, stopping only feet from the tall armoured figure standing across from them.

The second vision was also standing right beside him. He couldn't help but turn towards Bastila, and then back to the much younger vision standing next to Shayla's doppelganger.

The differences in the two women was almost impossible to believe.

The teenaged vision standing only a few feet away was so full of life. Her eyes wide and full of defiance. He couldn't't stop himself from looking back at the older woman.

To be confronted with such a vision, he could see the differences time had inflicted upon her. The weariness in her eyes. Even more pronounced as the real Bastila stared in shock at the vision of her younger self.

He noticed that the short pale blue skinned Twi'lek standing next to her was also lost in thought, her red and yellow tinged eyes were a mix of confusion and pain.

A deep yet powerful voice grabbed their attention "Do not heed the words of the JedI council. The Republic will fall if we do not act now. Already the Mandalorians have taken three systems along the Rim. They will only grow more powerful with time. Come, stand with me. We will use our might to help the Republic in it's time of need. Join us, Join Revan and I. Together we will battle this menace".

The tall figure turned towards a woman near end, short with soft Asian features, her long black hair pulled into a tight braid.

"I have heard of you. Your Master speaks well of you. Of your battle prowess. Join us".

The woman nodded, with only a hint of a smile "To fight for such a cause is the duty of all JedI. I will join you" she said before stepping up to stand next to the tall figure.

Another voice, much softer and instantly familiar whispered next to him "This is when I joined Revan. To fight in the Mandalorian wars" she said, staring directly at him.

"Shayla?…Why…Why are we seeing this?".

"A connection. Something you need to see. To understand" she replied, then turned back to the tall figure.

Bastila stepped closer "This…It's been so long…that's Malak, before he fell".

Xander turned back to the collection of visions. Just as Malak began to speak again.

"The JedI council is wise but can make mistakes. History has proven this, time and time again. The council seems content, to watch, to debate, while entire systems fall to the Mandalorians. If we do not act now, there may be no Republic Army to assist in the future" he then turned to look at the vision of Shayla.

"I sense you will join us. What are your reasons?" he asked, his voice deep, with a commanding passion.

Shayla nodded, then turned slightly looking to Xander "I did join. Without hesitation, against the Councils wishes. I had to do it. The council was taking so long. The Mandalorians would have won".

Malak again spoke "Trust in yourself. Trust in you instincts"

Another vision stepped forward. A tall blonde male with crystal blue eyes. He bowed before Malak and then stepped to his side.

"It was within our power to end the war. Instead the council chose to debate behind closed doors, while planets burned" Malak continued. This time looking directly at Xander.

Bastila shook her head "You never gave them a chance. To reveal their plan" she said quietly.

Another vision moved to stand next to Malak. A tall blonde woman, nearly a twin of the blonde male. Right behind her a dark skinned male with curly black hair.

"There vaunted wisdom bred only inaction" Malak continued "And that would have lead to greater destruction than anything bred of the dark side".

Malak's gaze shifted again to Xander "The Mandalorians await on the edge of space, eager to crush the Republic. You know how this turns out. If it was you, standing here with us all those years ago. Would you have done what we felt was needed?. Knowing what it would cost?. What it cost her. What it cost us all?….What it would cost you?".

"Yes" he said. Surprised at hearing his voice answer so quickly.

Shayla was now standing next to Malak, her gaze cold as she turned to face him.

Malak smiled "So knowing how it all ends. The lives and worlds lost. You would have joined us. Revan and I. Your alone now. Could you have turned away from us as she did? Facing Exile or worse for defying the council?".

The younger vision of Bastila then stepped to stand next to Shayla. Smiling with righteous defiance as she looked to both Xander and the real Bastila.

"No..No!. I never joined you!. I tried to warn you of defying the Council!" she nearly screamed.

Malak smiled deeper "Oh. But you did my dear. You did. In time you came to our way of thinking. And even before then, you wavered, and wondered what would have happened".

"You didn't't give me the choice!" she growled "You made me what I am!".

Malak sneered "Are you so certain?. Every step along the way, we did what we believed was necessary. What we believed was right".

He turned to Xander "Perhaps the same path lays before you".

"Maybe. But this happened along time ago. I wasn't there" Xander said, stepping further into the room.

"That moment. This moment. The same choice needs to be made" Malak said, stepping forward as well, igniting a red lightsaber "The time for words are done. Now it's time you felt the full power of the dark side".

Dantooine

Willow stepped from the temporary quarters assigned to Visas-Mar. The Miraluka woman was strong, there was not denying that. But she was still weak. Her use of magic to bring the woman down had been more than she intended to use.

It shouldn't have happened.

She rubbed her face, pulling her hair back as she took a deep breath. She needed to relax. To meditate. Or maybe a hot bath. She was stressed, she knew it. Hell everyone knew it.

'Your just gonna have to tough it out Willow. Like everyone else'.

Taking another deep breath she started for the common area. She knew they would be going after Master Vrook soon. And she intended to join them. She had no intention of staying cooped up in the ship any longer.

She slowed as she neared the large central room. The voices of the others echoing through the corridor. It seems Shayla had again started the meeting without her.

Oddly enough it didn't bother her, she hadn't made it clear that she was intending to do anything but sit in the ship. This time however was different.

"Alright. So it's settled. Thanks to Shannon, we shall use the Kinrath glands to by-pass the herd. Once inside we'll split into two groups. The map her friend made for us indicates that Vrook will be held in one of two area's" Shayla was saying.

"Are we absolutely sure this is accurate?" Riley asked "This Twi'lek was working with the Merc's".

"Ahrnell is a good guy Riley. A Xenobiologist down on his luck is all, I trust him" Shannon responded.

A brief silence filled the room. Shayla finally spoke "Still, Riley is right. We will use what Ahrnell acquired. But it would be wise to assume that this information may have been planted. Plan for the worst".

"Alright" Shannon said quietly.

"Okay. Two teams. Slow and quiet. Avoid contact with any mercenaries if possible" a brief pause "We cannot afford to let any one of them raise an alarm. Both tunnels eventually meet up, so keep going until Master Vrook is located, or we rendezvous".

"Which would mean they've moved him" Giles added.

"Precisely" Shayla said.

Willow took another breath and stepped into the room "I volunteer to lead one of the teams".

And so I continue. Having so much relatively free time as I recuperate, and going over everything I've written and has been collecting dust, I felt the old muse returning. More so as I stared at the wreck of what I left unfinished. Let's pray I have the inclination to actually finish this entire story before we all turn white haired, sitting on porches, with Whiskey and walking aides!.