-1Star Wars: The Dark Empire

Episode 2 - Jenesis

Part 12 - Reflections

Coruscant, Underground safe-house

gSo it has happened, Lignance?"

gIt has, my old friend, it most certainly has. Revan and Marka will have no choice but to obey our orders, neither will risk their children's lives, even if it costs them their own. They are foolish like that. We can make our move then."

gThere's still Bastila," said Feasance, a slight frown crossing his face.

gWe will outnumber her people many times over, and I am more than a match for her. I will be the one to kill her. With her death, the Republic's last hope to be able to stand against the might of the Empire will be crushed!"

gAnd I'll take care of that meddling fool Mical."

gCareful," Lignance cautioned. "He has been learning that strange Yoshi form that the traitorous Sith brought with them from the Empire."

Feasance scoffed, "There is no form more powerful than Juyo, they're blowing smoke; we both know it. You and I, Lignance, are far superior to the best Jedi."

gEven still, we must proceed with caution."

gAgreed. We make our move tomorrow, once Revan and Marka have gone. See to it that everything on your side is ready."

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Marka's Apartment

Mical hadn't ever been to a full gathering of Marka's inner circle ever before, he supposed that he should feel honoured to be included. But then, of course, by definition it meant that Marka was in charge. It seemed like all the pretences were finally off, Marka truly was the one in control of the Jedi order. It wasn't hard for Mical to read the clues, his massive popularity, the way all the ex-Sith were loyal to him primarily; and by extension all their pupils would be too. Force, that was practically the entire order. Even his current relationship with Bastila could be a scheme for making sure that she never tried to limit his powers, since she was about the only one who could.

Mical didn't entirely trust the man, he had good reason not to. For crying out loud, the man was an ex-Sith Master's apprentice. He could be just setting them up for a massive betrayal which would leave the Republic defenceless, and him pre-eminent. But even if he didn't fall, even if he didn't betray them; if he was killed or captured the effect would still be devastating. The entire order's moral would plummet, hundreds if not thousands would desert. They had bet too much on him, far too much.

When Mical entered the room he was surprised to see how many were there. He counted them, ten, eleven if he included himself. Some he knew well, like Bastila, Marka, Kaah and Brianna. He hadn't known she would be here, the last time he'd seen her she'd acted all cold to him. There were others he didn't know as well, Laman, who seemed like a mentor to Marka; Mical hadn't much taken to him. Venoak, the new council member and ex-Sith was there too. There were two he recognised as Marka's padawans, a very tall blonde beauty and a dark-skinned Miralukan; he didn't know their names. The last two hanging at the back he didn't know at all. One was a large man with loose skin, he looked like he'd lost a lot of weight at some time. The other sported a nose-cast and a pair of black eyes that caught his attention immediately, but when he looked past them he thought he was looking at Marka. But Marka was sitting down further in front, what was going on? Who was that?

As if to answer his question, Marka said, "That's everybody. Mical, meet Revan Oneiro, and his padawan Hugas Kamagi. They have just rejoined, and joined, the Jedi Order."

Revan! So that's who it was. Mical could do little more than gape, he looked so similar to Marka. He knew they were brothers and everything, but even still, this was unreal. He could see now why Marka's identity could often have been mistaken. How did one relate to the most infamous Jedi in the history of the order?

gCall me Never, please," said Revan in a soft voice, as if afraid to say anything.

gDon't, any of you," Marka countermanded, "He's back with us now, he's no longer hiding. And he will go by the name people know him as." He spoke to them as a group, but it was obvious that his comment was aimed straight at his half brother; who winced.

Something had transpired, Mical wasn't sure what. But the last he had seen of Marka and Bastila, they had been about to go on a date together. Now Bastila's husband was back, he didn't seem to be together with her, and was submitting to her new partner. Added to this, his injury seemed very fresh. Mical didn't need to investigate to know who had inflicted it.

There were more clues in the group. Bastila was wearing a high collar that covered her entire neck, a style she never usually chose. She'd been hurt on the neck. Marka was sitting in a group meeting, something he only ever did in Jedi council meetings. Added to this he seemed to be sitting rather stiffly, unnatural for a fighter like him. He'd also been hurt; somewhere on the stomach, spine or groin. Marka's blonde padawan might also have been involved, her eyes were red and puffy. What exactly had happened?

gWell, we can begin now," Laman prompted.

Marka nodded. "Just so you understand, none of what is said here leaves this room. Last night, shortly before midnight, my daughter Belaya and Revan and Bastila's son Lehon were kidnapped. Their foster families were murdered, and horribly mutilated. The kidnappers carved their demands into the victim's flesh with a lightsaber, spacing it out so that we'd have to look at all the corpses to decipher their message. It reads as follows:

gWe have your children. If you ever wish to see them alive again, Revan must fly to Lehon, home of the Rakatans; while Marka must go to Nal Hutta. People there are waiting to meet you, including your children. If you cooperate, they will be released and sent to Coruscant unharmed. If you refuse to cooperate, or there is any sign of trouble, they will end up like our writing pads. Then they put in the co-ordinates of where we should go to meet them."

Mical felt cold. They had taken the children! Words could not express his sudden rush of hatred for the perpetrators of this…this evil. He could understand killing men, but kidnapping children? Bastila looked stricken, but the two fathers rather unaffected. Then again, Revan had never met his son, and Marka had spent at most a few days with his daughter. As far as Mical knew, he hadn't ever visited her since the death of his wife; which was understandable after a fashion.

Venoak, the new council member, spoke first. "Don't go," he said, "They could only be planning on killing you on arrival, or ambushing you on your way."

gHe's right," said Laman, "I don't mean to sound heartless, but the Republic needs you. If you die, far more young children would suffer."

gBut she is my daughter," said Marka softly.

gAnd if you die, who's going to save her? Do you really think that Korgul, or whoever organised this, will keep his word and let her go?" Laman exclaimed angrily.

gEven still, I need to try," said Marka, his face set in a way that Mical had learnt meant that he couldn't be dissuaded. "She's all of her I have left." A broken note crept into his voice, betraying his emotion.

gI will go too," said Revan quietly, "Even if it means my life. Gods know, I won't be missed."

Bastila had been weeping into her lap, but now she raised her head, eyes shining with a desperate hope. "Do you think you could win, and bring the children back safe?"

Revan nodded, but without any real confidence.

Laman stood up, and started pacing up and down the room. "Since you've made up your minds, then we have to formulate some sort of a strategy that gives us the edge. It seems obvious to me that Jezebel would want to face Revan, while Korgul was almost certainly charged by his master with taking Marka down. I remember that the two of you decided, months ago, that each was to take down his opposites assailant. That could work."

gThat was a long time ago, before we realised how powerful Korgul and Jezebel truly are," Marka argued. "Many things have changed since then. And besides, they would be looking out for deception. It's far too simple."

gBut that's what makes it so brilliant," said Revan, "They would be on the lookout for something big, like a battalion of troops, or a score of Jedi to back us up. A simple identity switch would be something they would never suspect."

gBut won't they see the difference?" said Kaah.

gWith a bit of make-up, the disguise would be perfect. Marka proved that yesterday." Revan countered.

There was a short silence, which Hugas broke by saying, "I'd listen to him, he is probably the greatest strategist of our time."

gBut how does that help?" cried Bastila.

Revan seemed uncomfortable addressing her, he spoke to the group as a whole, "Korgul is a brilliant swordsman, better than anyone I've ever faced, including Marka. But I was able to do better against him in our last fight, even though I'm not quite as good. Why? Because Korgul has studied Marka's fighting style extensively. Similarly, Jezebel knows my Force-signature, and could detect and kill me if I was anything less than a hundred miles away. Marka she's never met, he would stand far more of a chance."

gYou also have greater control over your Force-abilities," Marka added, "And you were able to work out some of Korgul's abilities as you fought him. I agree, if anyone can beat him, it has to be you. I fear I wouldn't be a match for Jezebel though. I specialise in lightsaber combat. Against her level of power I would be defenceless."

gI'll come with you," said Mical, surprising everybody; including himself. When they stared, he reddened slightly and hurried on, "I understand the nature of Force-bonds and Jezebels power better than anyone, plus I followed her for a time. I have to do this, she is my responsibility."

There was silence following his pronunciation. Then Marka looked at him, his face for once open and readable. Gratefully, he gave a nod.

It was odd, but Mical found that he could no longer hold any suspicions of treachery against him. But even as he contemplated his new feelings regarding Marka, fear rose up to seize his heart. Force be damned, what had he done? He'd just volunteered to face Jezebel again, he was going to die, slowly; painfully. He had no idea how they could possibly prevail. The worst part was that Brianna had seen him make the pledge, he couldn't back out now. Oh Force, he was so dead.

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Onderon, Outskirts of Izus

It was mid-afternoon, and the scorching sun of Onderon had heated up the air to about forty five degrees, although there was surprisingly little humidity. Even still, Dustil could feel the sweat weeping from every pore on his skin, his body crying for moisture and a cool shower. He and Bee were circling each other when Morningstar approached.

gIt is time for you to leave," said Morningstar, pointing to one of the two craft parked nearby. "I have entered the coordinates for your destination already. Gather your gear, and get ready to go."

Dustil blinked, all this training with no word of when he was to depart, and now this all of a sudden. He also noticed that Morningstar was pointing to the larger of the two craft, the one the size of a large patrol ship.

gIsn't that the wrong one?" he asked, "I can fly a ship that size, but I thought I was taking the fighter."

gWe haven't progressed as far as I had hoped in our training," Morningstar explained, "That vessel at least gives you enough space in the hold to do some practising during your two-day flight."

gCould we have a moment?" said Bee.

gMake it quick," Morningstar said, and walked away.

Bee deactivated her lightsabers, and looked at him expectantly with her hazel eyes. Taking his cue, Dustil lowered his swords and gulped; he was weak against that look.

gYou like me, don't you?" said Bee suddenly.

gI…I…" Dustil stammered.

gI'm not very good at this," she confessed, "But I like you too. When this is over, could we go for a drink?"

And there she was, vulnerable, baring her heart. Dustil couldn't hold back the dry chuckle that escaped his lips. "It's supposed to be the guy who asks the girl out!"

gEven so, what is your answer?"

Dustil smiled, then his expression changed to a thoughtful one. "I have conditions."

gWhat?"

gNo disguises, no more riddles, and I want to know your real name."

Bee smiled, or rather her mask moved in such a way that it indicated that she too had smiled. "You can have that, as soon as you come back. Then there will be no more secrets between us. All will become clear, I promise you."

gUntil then, Bee," he said, striding off in the direction of the craft.

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Minutes later, the vessel shot into the atmosphere, becoming smaller and smaller until it couldn't be seen at all. Morningstar and Bee stood side by side, watching it go.

gWhat happens now?" said Bee softly.

gNow we wait," said Morningstar, "Marka and Revan will be going soon to their respective locations, I have done all I can to help them. But the third serpent is about to rear its ugly head, and we will be needed then. But for the rest of the day, we can relax and recover our strength. We leave for Coruscant tomorrow."

gWill we win?"

Morningstar sighed, "My visions did not allow me to see the end. At this point, I am almost at my limit of what I know will happen. I've set everything in motion that I can."

gThat was cruel, what you did to Revan. You knew how that would turn out."

gYou know why I did it."

gNone of them will thank you for it, even if everything turns out the way you hope. And he will definitely figure out what you did."

Morningstar sighed again, "Enough, Banali, that was the chance I took. I do regret it, I regret that it was necessary. It was nothing personal, but if those two get attached, it could well jeopardise the stability of the entire Jedi order. We won't discuss this any more, it is done."

gThey might anyway," Bee muttered audibly.

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Coruscant, Docks

It was raining outside, and bitterly cold. Small hailstones were mingled with the downpour, creating tapping noises as they rebounded off the ships and landing pad. The other Jedi nearby shimmered as the rain and hail bounced off a weak shield, maintained with minimal use of the Force.

But not Revan O'neiro.

Although he could easily have forgone getting wet and cold, he chose rather to savour the discomfort. He deserved far more for his actions the previous night. Perhaps if he punished himself enough, he could forget what had transpired. Perhaps he could forget what Bastila, his wife, had told him.

gNever, I loved you once, and I'll always treasure the time we had. But it's over between us, I'll be filing for a divorce, as soon as I find a way to do so that won't cause a scandal. Don't think this is just about the other night, it would have happened anyway."

Damn it, it was hard not to hate Marka. He was the one adored by the masses, more importantly adored by Bastila. He had as much power and influence as Revan had had immediately after the Mandalorian wars. No, more, for he had the entire Jedi order behind him. He could pity the other man for losing his wife, but why then did he have to go and steal his?

Kaah Ohtok stood in the shadow of his craft, talking to a man Revan recognised as the personal aide to the two previous chancellors he had met. Was he the current one's aide? What was his name again, Treken something. In any case, he seemed to have a lot to talk about with Kaah. The purple twi-lek was leaving for the frontlines with a few junior Jedi knights, taking Marka and Bastila's place. He was also taking two of Bastila's Battle Meditation students. Originally Marka and Bastila would have gone finish the war off quickly, but with the recent developments rendering Marka unavailable they had all thought it was wiser to keep Bastila in reserve; in case the hidden Sith tried anything while they were at their weakest. Kaah was a popular leader and a talented fighter, probably the next best that they could send.

Revan watched as Jedi and high-ranking officials came to bid farewell, mostly to Marka but some for Mical and Kaah, while he stood away; ignored. All had been told that they were all going off to Nal Hutta to fight. Most he didn't know, but he recognised Admiral Dordonna, she had stopped to speak to Mical; for some reason she was wearing senator's robes. Things had changed while he'd been away. She must have seen him, but gave no indication of it. The Jedi council was there, but besides those he had met in the earlier meeting he recognised none, save Astin Lamar and Vandar Tokare. The tiny Jedi master at least acknowledged him with a smile and nod, but Lamar looked pointedly away. Of course, that one was still under heavy suspicion for being a Sith.

He had felt lonely before, but never quite as sharply as now. His wife had abandoned him for his brother, ostracising him from them. About the only friend he had left was his padawan, Hugas, but he was staying on Coruscant under Bastila's guidance since he would be useless against Korgul. Carth was dead, he had just discovered to his shock. He wished that the news could have filled his heart with rage at Korgul's deed, but it did nothing to subdue his fear of facing him again. His other old comrades were spread far and wide, and with the sole exception of Canderous, he had no way of contacting them. He truly was alone in the universe.

There was a flash of blue at the edge of his vision, he had to force himself not to react as if it was an enemy, remembering what had happened with Bastila. Besides, he recognised the Force-signature. It was Mission! She flung herself onto him with such an abandon for propriety that he couldn't help but smile, before being nearly choked.

gNever! I didn't know you were going to be here," the blue twi-lek exclaimed gleefully, her lekku trembling with excitement.

gMission," said Revan in a strangled tone, as he firmly undid her grip, "What are you doing here?"

gI came to see husband off, but they said nothing about you being here as well."

gHusband?" said Revan blankly, his mind reeling. Little Mission, Married! That was almost too much to take in. What she said next nearly floored him.

gYou've met Kaah I think, he and I have been married three years now. If I'd known you'd be here I'd have brought our son Valour too."

Gods, how things had changed. And yet still, life had gone on without him to supervise. While some things had gone terribly wrong, there was a place for beauty and harmony to exist and thrive. He could feel the love and closeness Mission felt for her husband and child even as she spoke about them, and it heartened him. They kept talking, time whizzing by as they caught up with all that had gone on in each others lives. Never even felt comfortable with her to enough to mention the fight and his split with Bastila, she was good enough to listen and offer sympathy without meaningless advice.

The rest of the farewell party was beginning to move off in small groups, Revan noticed Kaah looking patiently on, obviously waiting for his wife. Mission noticed too, she pulled him into one last embrace.

gTake care of yourself, big brother," she said, giving an extra squeeze, "And come back to me."

gI will," he said, and watched her go to her waiting husband.

He wished it hadn't felt so much like a lie. He was practically going to his own execution, for the sake of his child that he had never met. At least, he thought sardonically, the executioner is a professional. No sense in getting killed by an amateur.

He glanced at the three craft which were to take him, his brother and Kaah to their respective locations. The rain had lessened to a drizzle by now, but most of the farewell party had already left. About the only ones left were the departee's significant other. Mission and Kaah stood leaning into each other, stroking each other's lekku. Mical and Brianna were sitting side by side, speaking and kissing at intervals. Revan felt a pang of jealousy, seeing what they had; but it was nothing compared to the maelstrom of emotions he felt when his eyes flicked to Marka and Bastila, who were standing with both hands linked, staring into each others eyes and quietly talking. A lightsaber through his chest would have hurt less.

He walked into his craft, alone, even though it wasn't quite time to leave yet. He just couldn't stand seeing them together any longer.

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The next day

Jedi Temple, Grandmaster's chambers

Bastila sat cross legged on the floor of the room that, as Jedi grandmaster, she had sole rights to. As she meditated; or tried to; she replayed in her mind the climatic and emotional events of the two previous days, making sense of what she could. A part of her wished that she could have given her soon to be ex-husband another chance, but with what had happened that had never really been an option. She had made her bed now, and she would have to sleep in it.

The old saying flowed easily into her mind, and she shivered with longing as she remembered Marka's strong arms, his passion and power. She couldn't help but regret that they hadn't yet had a chance to come together as a man and woman, perhaps when he came back… If he came back. The fear returned, and with it the questions. What if he didn't? What if he died and Never survived, what then would she do? Would she go back to him? The best case would be if they both survived, in that case Bastila resolved that she would at least go through with the divorce before getting intimate with Marka.

She could hardly hope that Never died and Marka survived, that was far too selfish. No, she resolved, she wouldn't even consider it. And yet… it would make things easier on her and Marka, not having his shadow constantly over them. Stop that, she abashed herself angrily, even if he dies just the knowledge that he saw us together would leave a shade. Besides, if Marka's prophecy means anything, he just has to live, or we cannot possibly beat the Sith.

The door burst open, startling Bastila out of her thoughts. Brianna at the doorway, her pale cheeks slightly pink. Her Force-aura's spoke volumes, even if her face didn't. She was focused, determined, yet full of indecision. That indecision was tinged with fear, but not fear for herself or someone else, at least; not directly. No, it was fear for something else, something greater?

gMaster Bastila…" Brianna began.

gCut the formalities, Brianna," Bastila snapped, "What's happened?"

She had never really spoken to the woman without Mical being around, had never got to know her socially. Talking to her now, in what could quite possibly be a perilous situation, was awkward. They didn't have a background to draw upon, for all intents and purposes they were strangers. He was the only link between them.

gThe senate has drawn up a new defence plan," said the white-haired Echani. "They're going to vote on it today!"

It took a moment for the enormity of the situation to sink in. "We had a perfect defence plan for the Sith invasion," said Bastila blankly, "Why would they change it."

The defence plan, and the provisions it made, had taken the best part of a month for the Republic's most senior and experienced generals, marshals, admirals and Jedi masters to draw up. It covered, as fully as any plan could, what should be done in the case of the invasion beginning at certain parts of the outer rim; how they would force them back and make them pay a huge toll for every planet they took. If this plan was in any way inferior, the Sith might just be able to gain a foothold with relative ease. Bastila had little doubt that it was, neither she nor Marka had been consulted in its making. It was also suspicious that they were pushing for it to be passed unnaturally fast while Marka was away.

gThere were always concerns amongst the senate that too many resources were being allocated to the defence of the outer rim, even though they aren't officially part of the Republic. You know how many senators voiced fears that their systems would be largely undefended should the Sith break through. Well, whoever drew up this plan played to those fears. There will be little defence of the outer rim, instead each system will have their own security forces, while only about half the military would be free to move to hot-spots."

gI wonder who could have drawn up a plan like that," snarled Bastila sarcastically.

It was almost certainly a move by the hidden Sith Lords. Although she didn't let it show, in her heart she was worried. No, more than worried, she was forcing herself not to give in to mind-numbing terror. Such a populist move would immediately draw senators in in droves, and with the fears that had built up since the betrayal of the Hutts and the beginning of the Suppression War; not to mention the old fears lingering from the bloody past decade, even more would be swayed. While it was nice to think that there would be forward-thinking and intelligent senators who would fight to the death to oppose such a bill, the fact was that there wouldn't be enough of them. If the Chancellor put his weight behind the bill, it would be passed. No doubt about it. And since he was probably a Sith, there was a good chance he would.

gThe Chancellor?" she said, holding her breath.

gHe signed his full endorsement of the plan an hour ago," said Brianna, confirming her fears. "The whole thing was meant to be a secret, but I have contacts in his bodyguard."

Bastila could feel cold creep up her legs and arms, numbness swathing her. This can't be happening, not now. Where's Marka, where's Never? Hell, where's Mical? No, get a grip, you're the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order. You can do this, don't give in to fear! She straitened her back and clenched her fists, wracking her brain for idea's of what to do. By the way Brianna was looking at her, she was expecting her to come up with the answer.

What could they do? They couldn't stop the senate, that was beyond their control. They couldn't appeal to the Judicial system to stop, or at least slow the bill, its powers had been suspended in the wake of the Suppression War. Think, think, what would Marka do? The answer was simple, he would track down the one responsible and kill him. And he would do so with so much conviction and strength that nobody would even dare question his righteousness. Could she act like him? It seemed like his type of direct approach was the only way to tackle the obstacle before them.

She drew a breath. "Brianna, gather together those we know we can trust; those who were there in the last meeting," she was referring to the last gathering of Marka's inner circle, "We cannot let word get out of what we're about to do, the military would turn against us, even some Jedi might. Certainly I cannot imagine Master Vandar endorsing this course of action. But I can see no other way."

Brianna nodded, "You're going to arrest the Chancellor of the Galactic Republic," she said. It wasn't a question.

Bastila turned away, staring out the window, "On the suspicion of being a Sith. You have enough evidence, I understand."

gWe could lose the chance of finding the other Sith Lord," Brianna warned, "The one in the Jedi council. We still don't know who he, or she, is. This action will certainly drive them undercover, even if it does work."

gIf we can capture the Chancellor, we can get him to squeal. I understand that the true Sith learn techniques that make ours look like child's play. I'm sure at least one of ours could be persuaded to put aside his new path for a few hours - or days."

gYou're going to torture the Chancellor!" said Brianna, her pale blue eyes widening.

gWe can if he's a Sith," Bastila countered grimly.

gIf we're wrong, and we end up torturing an innocent man," said Brianna, "It will be the end of the Jedi order. We would lose all credibility and regard, and be outcast from the Republic." She spoke softly, but her voice carried volumes around the room.

Bastila shivered, it was like the other woman had bound them in a spell. "That's a risk I'm prepared to take," she said with a confidence she did not feel.

The silence was oppressive. Finally Brianna spoke, "So it's all or nothing; a gamble. If it works, we might have a chance; if it doesn't, we lose immediately." There was another heavy silence as she finished speaking, the air seemed to thicken with pressure. After ten long and awkward seconds, she said, "I'll go and get the others," and exited.

Bastila immediately started pacing, then sat down and tried to meditate again. Peace though just would not come.

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Hyperspace, en route to Nal Hutta

The first great explorers had said that space was a very lonely place. Then again, they had been working with sub-light engines, and spent years at a time exploring faraway systems. All of Revan's space journeys had taken less than a week, even the longest ones, and this one was less than two days; one of which he had already completed. But this was the first time he had travelled alone since returning from the Sith Empire nearly a year ago, his heart hadn't been as burdened then.

He checked his ships instruments again, cautious for any unnatural variance. There was a small carbon leak in the starboard engine, he had noticed it before, it was nothing serious and could easily be patched up as soon as he arrived. Satisfied, Revan got up and looked around for something to do.

Besides being lonely, it was incredibly boring not to have anybody to talk to. He couldn't risk making any calls, simply because if he did and they were intercepted, their enemies might realise that he and Marka had swapped places. Sure he was making some phoney calls, with the made-up scars on his face, to prevent anybody from getting suspicious; but it wasn't the same. The only other thing he had to do was brood over his many problems, which wasn't healthy.

He needed to be doing something, anything, to take his mind off it. The ship had a small cargo hold, which had been cleared out enough that he could do basic stretches and workouts in it. He had exercised heavily yesterday, and it had helped, but he wanted to conserve his energy today so that he was be in peak form to he face Korgul. He considered watching a bit of mind-numing entertainment on holo-net, but he had to have all his wits about him for the fight, and really needed to be doing something useful about now.

Then he remembered the information Marka had given him, all that he knew about Korgul. Revan had been through it all before, a long time ago, he doubted that reviewing it again would yield any new insight into the man's character or abilities. Still, it couldn't hurt. He went to his locker to retrieve his data pad and the relevant information clip.

Sitting back down on the pilots seat, Revan allowed his eyes to skim through the data. He read what was known about Korgul Juglur, as well as what was rumoured about him. Then he read the accounts of the attack on the Dark Lord, the reason why Korgul had come into being, as well as an in-depth record of all four apprentices characters -the ones it was suspected that one of them had become Korgul-. Korven Naj, Lurpa Claiton, Gulnion S'reida and Jugun Sorge. Which of them, if any, was Korgul?

Korgul was almost certainly a man, so he could rule out Lurpa immediately. In terms of skill, by all reports Gulnion had been a predominant Force-user, and mediocre with lightsabers. That ruled him out too. So was it Korvem or Jugun? Both were strong fighters, and both seemed probable possibilities. The only thing that made Korvem seem more likely was that he'd had a fetish for collecting heads. But that wasn't enough to prove him the Dark Lord's assassin. After an hour of going over again the various reports of their characters, some conflicting at places, Revan was bored again.

gWho is it," he said aloud, with nobody to hear him, "Who is Korgul, Korvem or Jugun?"

He felt foolish, talking to himself with no-one to hear. But by the same token, nobody would ever know, so why not act a little foolish, if only to prove to himself that he could.

gKor or Jug," he muttered absurdly, "I wonder if it's Kor or Jug. Its not Lur or…" The sounds clicked together in his mind, sobering him immediately. "Jug…Lur, Juglur. Korvem, Kor; Gulnion, Gul; Korgul. Kor-Gul Jug-Lur. Korgul Juglur."

It was so obvious, how could he have not seen it before? The man's name was made up of the first syllable of each of the apprentices names. But why? It must be a message, for those intelligent enough to see it.

gHe's four people, at once," he said aloud as he realised it. Three men and a woman? "Impossible!"

But with Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Messiah, there seemed to be little that was. He must have performed terrible experiments on them, and somehow fused their souls together in a single body. Apparently the Force-dead were manufactured from living people with an affinity to the Force using unspeakable methods, the Dark Lord must have being trying to take it to the next level. That could explain his impossible strength and speed. But if the experiment had been a success, why weren't there more Korgul's? Were there more Korgul's? Was that what gave him his strange abilities, or was it something else? He could go on like this forever.

There were so many questions that needed to be answered, just knowing this did nothing to help him. But one thing was for certain, he was an aberration to the Living Force, as bad or worse than Jezebel Torin. For the sake of life itself; not only the Republic; he had to be exterminated, and all others like him.

The final question was, as always: how?

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Coruscant, Outside the Parliament

Bastila had to suppress a shudder as they strode into sight of the tall doors of the Senate building. There were guards there, at least a dozen. There was no way they were going to let them in without a fight, they were trained to resist Jedi mind-tricks. It struck her again what they were about to do, raising arms against their own people, against the very legislative body they were sworn to protect. What they were about to do constituted high treason.

She turned around to face those with her. Flanking her was Brianna, she was probably the strongest fighter there besides herself. Behind them were Laman and Venoak, the two ex-Sith Council Members, Marka's lieutenants. Past them; Cora and Lydale, Marka's padawan and ex-padawan. Finally there was Hugas, Revan's padawan, hiding among the others; which didn't work very well since he bigger than them. Bastila took comfort in their presence, they were some of the most powerful Jedi in the order, all had agreed that this was the only possible course of action.

gWhat's wrong, Bastila?" said Brianna, she must have been stalling longer than she had realised.

gNothing," she replied, "Are you all ready?"

They gave various words of assent, Bastila closed her eyes for a moment. There were no more words to be said, they all knew what they were about to do, they all knew how much rode on this action. Taking a deep breath, she hardened her heart and snapped her eyes open. "Lets go."

In arrowhead formation, the Jedi marched forward. The guards challenged them, naturally, stating that the senate was in session and could not be disturbed. All of them were struck at the same moment by a flurry of Force-waves, they flew back and crashed into the walls and door, stunned. The Jedi quickly locked them up with Durasteel cuffs and taped their mouths, before opening the doors and hiding them just inside.

gDid you manage to stop the camera's?" Bastila asked as they started down the passage.

gIt was easy," Brianna shrugged.

gAnd the guard's alarms?"

gNone of them managed to use any."

So their presence was, as yet, unnoticed. How long would that last?

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Lehon (Rakatan Prime) Beach

Marka sat on a rock, gingerly feeling himself for more injuries. Further away were the smoking remains of the craft that had taken him and Mical there. They had never known, flying here, if the disruption field would be active or not. Apparently it was. It had forced them to make a crash landing that had nearly killed them both, only their ability to use the Force had saved them. Mical's curses were still filling the air, he seemed to have run out of good ones in the first few minutes and was now repeating himself. In any other situation, he might have been marginally amused, he had never imagined Mical losing his temper. As it was, with Jezebel so close and now no means of escape, he was just concentrating on keeping calm and focused.

Marka reached into his medical kit and pulled out a small injection of painkiller, which he shot into his abdomen. He was on the mend, but it still hurt a lot, he couldn't have any distractions today if he was to survive. Mical gave the ship one last kick, and walked towards him, muttering darkly.

gHow far to the Temple?" said Marka, rising to his feet carefully. If the disruption field had been activated, there was no doubt that Jezebel was in there.

gJust over the next rise," said Mical, consulting the rude map Revan had given them. His face was still red, but at least he appeared calmer now.

gHow do I look?"

gLike him."

Together they walked towards the massive Temple. They could feel the huge fluctuations of power coming from inside, neither knew if was coming from the Temple, Jezebel, or both. Lehon was an exotically beautiful planet, even if it did have smashed remains of ships all over it, it seemed almost ironic that such an important battle would be fought here. The name of the planet too was ironic, it was the same as the name of Revan and Bastila's child who they were here to rescue. Both were named after Bastila's late father, Lehon Shan. Marka put it out of his mind as he walked, and centred himself.

Somewhere within that massive stone pyramid, Jezebel was waiting.

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Nal Hutta, Abandoned Town

Nal Hutta was a truly light-forsaken planet. For as far as Dustil could see, it seemed to be an endless murky swamp. The air was thick with the smog of dirty industry, it was so bad that he had to use a filter to be able to breathe. How the Hutts could have named this their 'glorious jewel' was quite beyond him.

At least where he was standing, the ground was level and raised above the swamps. Dustil had learned a little about archaeology during his time at the Korriban academy, enough to gather a bit about the place where he stood. There were a few cracked parts of walls littering the area, some close enough to give an indication where the buildings had once stood. These were nothing like Huttese ruins, whoever had built this settlement was long gone, ten thousand years or more. They must have raised the land around the time that the swamps were encroaching around them. Dustil suddenly had a chilling image of sentients, similar to humans, being trapped on this terrible world and slowly dying of the toxins in the air and water.

Glancing back, Dustil saw the body of the Phantom he'd found guarding the area. What had he called himself? Damn, he'd been good, that one. He'd been forced to use a charge from each sword to defeat him, leaving only two charges in the Sword of Mercy and three in the Sword of Vengeance. Aah, Alpha, that had been his name. Hopefully the rest of the Phantoms weren't as strong as him, or they were in very deep trouble.

A light caught his attention, it was a small ship coming in to land. That would be Revan, according to what Morningstar had told him to expect. He would have to land here, there simply wasn't another dry patch of land for hundreds, if not thousands of kilometres, making it an excellent spot for Dustil to meet him.

Korgul would be here soon, now that the person that appeared to be Marka had arrived. Could they defeat him? Morningstar had said they could. Would they? That he hadn't said.

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A/N: This is the penultimate part, thirteen is the finale of the series. I apologise in advance, but it is twice as long as most of my other parts; I simply couldn't find a way to split it. There will be a short epilogue following, just to round a few things off, then it's finished. Hope you've all enjoyed so far. As always, any and all reviews are appreciated.

PS: I tried to read my old word the other day (Exodus) and I nearly died. The writing is so bad. On the plus side, it does mean I've improved. But even still...