A/N 1: I do not own Harry Potter nor do I own Star Wars.
Spells or Force Powers
------- Perspective change
Chapter 23: The King is in Play
November 19th, 2007
Decimator, High Earth Orbit
Revan was in his quarters on the Decimator. He had yet to return to the planet after bringing Malak up from the surface. The brig on the ship was far more secure than anything he could come up with on the planet. His attention was pulled away from the reports he was reading when the buzzer on his door went off letting him know that someone was outside.
"Come." He ordered.
The door slid open to reveal Halcyon who was dressed in a perfectly pressed uniform as always. "Lord Revan, a short while ago we intercepted a transmission coming from outside of the system. We were unable to trace the source but we did pinpoint the receiver."
"Malak's ship?" Revan asked curiously.
"No, it was directed to a site in north Scotland. Sir it is my belief that the transmission intended for the remaining Sith on the planet."
Revan was on his feet in a flash. "Excellent work commander. Prepare an assault team. We will go in at dawn."
"The men will be ready my lord."
Once the door closed, Revan moved to his bed and sat down. With luck, by this time tomorrow, the Sith would be dead. It wouldn't stop the fleet that was on its way but they wouldn't have any forces on the planet to help coordinate their attack. The only obstacle left in his path would be Voldemort. The thought that he could be defeated by that cretin was laughable. He was powerful, but he lacked finesse and ultimately, Revan expected his greater experience in battle would prevail.
November 20th, 2007
The assault shuttle departed the ship a little after 5am. The stealth field protecting the shuttle from detection flickered briefly when the ship entered the atmosphere. Once the initial insertion was complete, the field stabilized and the ship was hidden from detection. The shuttle came in at a steep vector before leveling off a few hundred feet above the ground. The shuttle then shot forward on a northward heading.
The shuttle touched down well outside the probably range of any ground based defenses. After moving off the ship, Revan and the assault team crept forward. Despite their distance from the designated coordinates, Revan could detect the ripple in the force from the Sith Master. He and his team made their way towards the only visible structure. It was a rundown looking home, mostly stone with some wood accents. Holes were visible in the roof, even from a distance. Revan guessed there was an underground level that the Sit was using as his headquarters.
He was surprised by the apparent lack of defenses around the structure. Perhaps the Sith had never expected to be threatened on the planet since it was so primitive. Either way, it was making the approach surprisingly easy. Still he didn't relax his attention.
While Revan was making his way towards him, Kael was waiting for the Jedi. He could have escaped when he first detected him but this was his chance to get revenge for his humiliation. Should he fall then the Massassi would slag the planet leaving nothing for the Jedi to claim.
Minutes passed before he sensed the Jedi enter the building. Grinning in anticipation he got ready to face him in a duel for the last time. So it came as a surprise when a few minutes later a small grenade bounced down the stairs. Suddenly he was flying into the wall from the blast before he even had a chance to react. Kael sank to the floor stunned.
Once the smoke had cleared, Revan descended the stairs, his light saber casting an eerie red light over his body. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim light. Most of the lights had been destroyed by the plasma grenade. Revan couldn't help but chuckle, he doubted the Sith ever expected him to do something so underhanded.
His laughter was cut short when he felt the force slam into him throwing him back against the far wall. Reacting on instinct he reached out with the force himself, pushing against the wall to stop his flight. He grunted in pain when he felt the two colliding forces center on his body, compressing his body painfully though it was only for a few seconds before he forced the Sith's attack away from him. His second plasma grenade fell from his belt, knocked off by the impact.
Kael saw an opportunity when he noticed the grenade on the floor. Suddenly dark blue lightning arced in Revan's direction. He snapped his light saber into position and intercepted the lightning. The force of the impact actually forced him back a step. Reaching out with his free hand, he drew on the force and clenched his fist. Computer consoles and equipment tore away from the wall and slammed into Kael.
The lightning attack died immediately. The ruined equipment exploded, shooting away from the kneeling form of Kael. Revan crouched down, dodging the worst of the debris. Attacking again while Revan was distracted, Kael reached out and triggered the grenade. The explosion was deafening and the flash momentarily blinded him and Revan's body was sent crashing into the wall.
Twisting just enough, Revan's shoulder took the brunt of the impact rather than his head. Pain lanced through his body and he knew that it was dislocated. With an effort, he forced the pain away and met Kael's charging attack with his light saber. The impact of the two blades sent a painful vibration through him. Again and again, Kael attacked, swinging his force blade wildly in his desperation to strike a killing blow. Though both were injured, Kael's injuries were worse and it was obvious to both men that he was weakening quickly.
Putting on a burst of speed, Revan dodged Kael's latest attack and thrust forward with both light saber and his free hand though it sent another wave of pain crashing over him. A bubble of the force expanded outward from his chest, cracking the walls and ceiling and pushing Kael forcibly back. In a move born out of pure desperation, Kael mimicked Revan's attack but was only able to counter the force pushing against him; he was unable to push the bubble out further than his own skin.
Revan took advantage of the Kael's distraction and charged forward. His light saber was met by a desperate parry from Kael. The duel was one sided after that, Revan was in complete control, toying with his enemy leaving nicks and shallow wounds on his arms and legs.
The battle went on for a few more minutes, even Kael knew it was over and he was soon to die. Rather than give the Jedi the satisfaction of defeating him, Kael put his last bit of strength into his attack, forcing Revan away from him. Moving with incredible speed, Kael spun his blade around and plunged it into his own chest. A triumphant grin was on his face as the life faded from his eyes. He had stolen the victory away from his enemy and now this forsaken planet would burn. The Jedi would have nothing.
Revan stared in shock and disgust at the fallen Sith. After growling angrily he stalked away and up the stairs. He ordered his men to search the premises for anything of use. Finally, he left and went to wait on the shuttle. Revan had planned on staying planet side but maybe he would take his frustrations out on his brother. Malak had been given enough time to adjust to his situation. It was time he be made to understand his place in the order of things.
November 21st, 2007
Decimator, High Earth Orbit
Revan was running out of patience. His shoulder still ached despite the painkillers so he was not in a forgiving mood. Despite multiple attempts to talk with her, Bastila continued to vacillate between ignoring him and blaming him for all her problems. Now that things were rapidly coming to a head, Revan decided to give Bastila a choice. She could either stay here or leave.
After walking for a few minutes, Revan arrived at Bastila's quarters. He waited for a moment after pressing the button to signal his presence. There was no reply and the door remained closed. Heaving an annoyed sigh, he pressed the button again. Still, there was no response which annoyed Revan even further. He knew that Bastila was in her room, she had sequestered herself in there for days. Finally he had enough, tapping in his command code, the computer overrode the lock and the door hissed open.
Revan strode in to find her reading a pad and studiously ignoring his presence. He had let this go on for too long now. "Bastila, I don't have time anymore for you to play these children's games."
Her head slowly tilted up so that she was looking directly into his eyes. "What are you going to do kill me like you did to the other Jedi or maybe I'll be lucky and you'll just torture me until I turn dark?"
Revan crossed his arms and leaned against the wall near the door. It was clear that he was not threatened in the slightest by Bastila and he was shoving it in her face now. "Why would I do that? They were at least worthy enemies or could be of use to me in some way. They weren't spoiled children angry because their favorite toy was broken."
Brandishing her metallic arm she cried "This is a broken toy? I'm less then I was because of you. Because of your lust for power and revenge, I'm the one who suffered for it and the Republic too!"
"I can't help but notice that you placed your injuries before the damage done to the Republic. That isn't very Jedi of you and your arm doesn't make you less. Your pathetic need to cast blame on anyone other than yourself makes you less." He watched as she lost her composure further, her face turning red. Her back had stiffened and he could see she was struggling to deliver another accusation. "Regardless of your thoughts on the matter, I didn't come here to argue. I came to give you a choice, you can stay here and join my forces or I give you a shuttle and you can return to the Republic and your Jedi masters."
She scoffed "You expect me to believe that I'm free to go whenever I wish? Why now?"
"Frankly, I've grown tired of you. If you are going continue to wallow, I'd prefer you do it somewhere else. You have until tomorrow to make your decision, after that it will be made for you." Revan spun on his heels and stepped out of the room with the door hissing shut behind him.
Bastila was lost. She had never expected Revan to give her an ultimatum. Is this what she wanted? Did she want to return to the Republic? Part of her was certain that it would be for the best. There would be no more uncertainty or self-doubt. She wouldn't have anyone challenging her beliefs of the force. She could immerse herself in the teachings of the Jedi and leave the war for someone else to fight.
Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she put the pad she had been reading on a table top and sank down to the floor. Meditation was the only thing that could provide her answers. She only hoped she could reach her decision quickly because it would soon be taken out of her hands.
After leaving Bastila's quarters, Revan decided it was time for another visit with Malak. He had made virtually no headway with his stubborn brother. But, he needed whatever forces Malak had nearby to bolster the system, the Sith fleet would be here soon. The thought of what the fleet would do now that there was no one on the planet was a little frightening even to Revan.
After traversing nearly the entire length of the ship, Revan reached the cells where Malak was being kept. There were two guards stationed outside of the entrance as an additional precaution though currently Malak did not pose much of a threat since he was kept behind a security field and the force suppressor was still around his neck.
Nodding in acknowledgement to the guards, Revan entered the brig. There was only a single cell occupied. Malak was sitting on the metallic platform that extended from the wall, staring impassively at Revan. "So my jailor has come for another visit." He stated in a bored tone.
"I didn't want you to get lonely."
"Have you come to share more tales of the horrible Sith and what they will do to the Republic?"
Revan couldn't help it, he grinned. Malak could be a bastard when he wanted to be. "No, today I came with a simple request."
Malak laughed coldly "You have a request for me." Malak spread his arms wide and gestured to the cell walls "Me, because clearly I'm in a position to solve all your problems?"
"In this instance you are more correct than you know and my problem will soon become your problem." Revan replied enigmatically. He couldn't help pushing Malak's buttons, even as a Jedi Malak had never had much patience for mysteries or games.
"Just get on with it!"
"Fine, I need you to call in whatever forces you have nearby to reinforce my fleet."
Whatever Malak had been expecting, it wasn't that "What makes you think I have any ships in the sector and if I did, why would I put them under your control?"
Revan just looked at Malak with disbelief. "I've known you too long; you would never have come here without some form of backup. You have a fleet somewhere within a day or two of this system I have no doubt."
Malak couldn't deny Revan's supposition and grudgingly nodded his head to show Revan that he was indeed correct. "Be that as it may, you still haven't told me why I should call them in."
It was never easy with Malak, not that he ever dreamed his brother would just hand the ships over. Part of him wanted to rub in the fact that in a matter of days the Star Forge would most likely be in his control once again. "Before I killed him, the Sith summoned a fleet of ships. We have already intercepted a message from them and we can only assume they are on their way."
Malak sat down and his eyes spoke of boredom and a general lack of interest "So, retreat why stay here if you don't think you're strong enough to face them?" Despite the expression on his face, his voice carried a hint of curiosity.
Revan debated whether he should risk telling Malak the truth. If he did and Malak ever escaped, the planet would be at risk from Malak almost as much as from the Sith. However, if he didn't there was little to no chance that Malak would consider calling in his forces. "Didn't you pay attention to anything when you were on the planet?" Revan paused for a moment and then continued "Earth has more than a million force sensitives and an entire hidden society where every member is force sensitive to some degree."
"But why has no one ever discovered it before? The Jedi would surely have come here to raise the children." Malak spluttered in surprise.
"I'm not sure. Kreia obviously knew about it since she is the one that took me from my home but I doubt we would ever get a straight answer from her as to why she never came back. So you must see why we can't let the planet become part of the Sith Empire, the power of so many trained force users would be an almost overwhelming advantage."
"I do see now, it's not just about the Sith. Sure it would be a disaster if they were to capture the planet but with the ships you have at your disposal in the system, you could easily lay waste to it and eliminate the threat. No, you don't want to just protect the planet; you want it under your control. It's like you said, the power that its inhabitants could offer is astounding and you want to command that power." Malak's mind was racing with possible plans. It was a foregone conclusion that the only way he was getting out of this cell was either dead or by agreeing to stand at Revan's side once again. If he could subvert even a portion of the planet's population he could easily form his own empire to rival any other in the galaxy.
Revan refused to acknowledge Malak's theories. In truth, he was dead on but there were some additional factors at play that Malak was not giving credence to. His family was one such factor. If necessary, Revan would destroy the planet but only as a last resort. He did not want to sacrifice his family or any hope of relationship with them unless absolutely necessary. Malak would never understand that until he had found a balance within himself in the force the way Revan had.
Minutes passed in silence as the two men stared at each other. Malak finally asked the question "What's in it for me?"
Revan knew that he had him. "Survival. I'm not leaving this system regardless of whether you commit your forces or not. So, unless you too are willing to die, trapped in a cell you will call in your forces."
Malak was somewhat surprised that Revan hadn't tried to offer him a position at his side. Since walking in Revan's memories, he understood that Revan wanted him to join him once again but right now there was no trust between them and there wouldn't be for some time. However, Malak was nothing if not pragmatic. There would be no chance of escape or a return to power if he died in the damned cell. His only hope was to go along with Revan's plan for now and wait for his opportunity. Still, he would make Revan wait for his answer. "I will think on what you've told me and give you a decision soon."
Revan narrowed his eyes before responding "Don't wait too long; your entire fleet wouldn't do us any good if the they can't get here in time." Leaving Malak to his thoughts, Revan left the brig to return to his quarters. His day was still not over, he Still had to return to the planet and speak with his father. If he was willing, James would be an effective part of his plans for Earth and could make the introduction to the galactic stage much smoother.
Potter Manor, Godric's Hollow UK
James was meeting with Revan in his shuttle rather than in the manor. Lily was still extremely upset after hearing Revan's full role in the war he had described to them. Now James understood why he had been so vague about the second war, Revan knew that it would raise questions he wasn't willing or able to answer. There were many actions that James could overlook but he was finding it difficult give Revan the benefit of the doubt this time. Still, Revan was his son and he would give him a chance to explain his actions before condemning him.
It was with a weary soul that James walked across the grassy field from the manor to the shuttle. The entrance ramp was down so James was able to walk right up without having to wait. He was greeted at the top of the ramp by a subdued Revan.
While they walked to a private area of the shuttle, James said "Thanks for doing this here. I'm sorry to say that Lily did not take the ahhh…." James was paused thinking of an appropriate word "revelation of your role in the current war very well."
Revan offered James a drink while saying "I gathered that. You're not upset?" He finished curiously.
James gave his son a hard look over the rim of the glass he was drinking from. "I wouldn't say that…" He started coolly "But I am willing to give you a chance to explain yourself before I do anything I would regret."
Revan sat down across from James "That's the best I could hope for I suppose. It would probably be easier if you just asked me questions." He said and James couldn't help but notice that he sounded tired.
James leaned back in his chair; head tilted back, eyes focused on the ceiling. Taking a deep breath, James asked "Who is Malak? Why were you fighting him in the manor?"
Revan closed his eyes as he began to answer. Reliving the memories. "I'm sure that I've talked about Malak before but he is the closest thing that I ever had to a brother while I was growing up. We were both Jedi and there were few that could equal us. Then came the Mandalorian Wars…" Revan had yet to open his eyes but his face reflected the change in his memories. The anguish so evident on his face echoing the darkness of his memories. "We stood by for as long we could, urging the Jedi Council to take action and help the Republic, but they stood by letting world after world burn. Together, we went against the Order and took charge of the war against the Mandalorians. We were the perfect team, he was able to take my strategies and execute on them in ways I would never think of. Everything we did complemented each other. Unfortunately, we both began to sink to the dark side during the war." Revan fell silent, reluctant to continue.
"If you two were so close then what happened?" James prompted fascinated by the insight into his son's past.
"Once we started down the path of the dark side, we never turned back. We deluded ourselves into thinking that we were in control but even though we had a purpose behind our search for power after the war was over Malak was right. Underneath it all, it was a quest for more power. I could sugar coat it or try and rationalize it but Malak and I knowingly descended to the depths of darkness and his eventual betrayal of me to gain more power can't really surprise anyone. Even now, I can't say I blame him. It is the natural order of things for those who follow the dark side."
"And now?"
"Now, I'm striving to achieve that which I gave lip service to before. You've seen the Sith, their entire civilization is based around the anger and hate that used to dominate my life. They represent one of the greatest threats the Republic has ever known. It may be selfish of me, but I want my brother by my side again when I face them. I may not blame him and I certainly don't trust him at the moment, but I can't condemn him for something that I was just as guilty of."
"But what about the millions of people that have died in the name of your cause?" James said accusingly.
Finally, Revan opened his eyes and looked at James "There's nothing I can do to change the past. If I had it to do all over again, I'm truly not sure what I would do different for we may not have won the first war if we hadn't started on our path. I know that one day, I will face the judgment of all those that have fallen because of me and I can only hope that at that time, I have done enough to balance out the evil that I have committed."
James looked at Revan, surprise evident on his face which only made Revan laugh "You know as well as I do that men such as us often have to make difficult decisions that could result in people dying. I recognize my past for what it is, but I can't let it cripple me or the people that died will have done so for nothing"
"So what happens now? The Sith is dead, will you leave and go back to waging war against the Republic?"
"No. In truth though, the danger to Earth is greater now than ever. The Sith called for reinforcements and they are certainly on their way. I can only hope that the forces that I have available are strong enough to hold them off until my contingency plan takes effect."
James' eyes narrowed shrewdly "You don't intend to leave Earth alone do you?" Almost pleadingly James said "Please don't make me fight you."
Revan's expression softened and he explained his plans for the Earth. He truly wasn't interested in conquest. The planet would be much more useful if it came peacefully under his banner. The discussion meandered over his reasons for protecting the planet from the Sith and how he planned to approach the governments.
"James would you help me?" Revan asked when he was done explaining.
"Why me? I've met some of your officers, why would you need me?"
"Because you know this world. You know the wizarding world and the non-magical world and through me you know what's out there in the galaxy. You know what it is like to make the difficult decisions and you won't let me get away with anything." He answered honestly, more honestly then he expected. James had surprised him by his willingness to listen and to give him a chance when most others would have condemned him immediately.
"I don't know. I want to believe you, but I need time to think this through and everything else you've told me." James smiled softly at Revan "Why couldn't you have been something normal like a business owner or a teacher? No, you just had to go and try your hand as a galactic conqueror."
Revan couldn't help it. He laughed and it wasn't a cold or cynical laugh, it was full of humor and lacking in any darkness.
James stood and Revan followed suit. Impulsively Revan gave his father a hug, surprising the older man. In the months since Revan had returned, he had never one initiated anything so personal. Pulling away, Revan said sincerely "Thank you for giving me a chance."
James nodded but felt compelled to add "I still don't know how I feel about all of this."
"I know, but you'll be back." Revan said confidently.
"What makes you so sure?"
"For the same reason you stunned Malak during the duel, you don't want to see me go back to what I used to be. In order to do that, you'll have to be around."
James couldn't help but wonder if Revan's parting words were true. Could he overlook everything his son had done? It helped that Revan recognized that his actions were wrong; James had sensed no lies when he said that. The Sith were not the same threat to James that they were to his son, but he recognized what that kind of path to power would do to you. Voldemort in his own way served as an example of that. It didn't excuse what his son had done while under the influence of the dark side but by turning away from that path, it meant that his son could right some of the wrongs he had committed. But with all of that James still needed time to think.
November 21st, 2007
White House, Washington DC
General Martin was sitting with the Chief of Staff waiting for the President of the United States. Even though he was a general and no stranger to politics, he never thought he would be in a position to brief the President. Certainly, he never expected to be briefing him about the existence of alien life.
The Chief of Staff had already been briefed and like the general, this was a problem that he had never expected to have to deal with, not even in his wildest dreams. Not only did they have conclusive proof that there was intelligent life out there, but apparently it was right on their doorstep. Today was one of those days that he was truly glad that he was not the President. History would never judge his actions or decisions, but there was little doubt that what the President decided today could change the course of not just the nation but the planet as a whole.
Eventually the door separating the Chief of Staff's office from the Oval Office opened. Standing in the doorway was a tall man with black but graying hair wearing a pin striped navy blue suit with a pale blue tie. Both men immediately sprang to their feet "Mr. President, it's an honor." General Martin began only to be waved off by the President.
"Come inside General, I believe we have things to discuss." The President stepped away from the doorway and motioned the General to one the available chairs.
The Chief of Staff joined them. After a steward served them coffee, the General began to brief the President on the situation. The first images from the Asteroid Belt were passed around and the prevailing theories and speculation were discussed. Next to come out were the images captured more recently of the ships just outside of the dark side of the moon. Needless to say, none of the men were comfortable that a potentially dangerous and advanced race was so close. Finally, the General pulled out the latest images that had been captured 2 days ago.
"Mr. President, these images were captured by one of our spy satellites that had been retasked to capture anything in near Earth Orbit after the discovery of the alien ships near the moon. As you can see, it is clearly a small vessel, probably used for short range trips. Whatever its purpose, we have documented numerous times when these ships are descending or returning from the planet. Whatever they use to prevent detections seems to waver for a moment on the initial atmospheric insertion that is the only time we have captured images of them."
"Is there any indication of where they are going once they are in the atmosphere?"
"None, they are completely invisible to our best spy satellites and ground based radar. It may be possible to attempt a visual ID, but we would have to have our birds in the air at all times and if we did, it would only be luck."
"Is there anything we can do to stop these incursions or to the vessels out near the moon?"
"We might be able to target them with some of the ICBMs if the vessels move to a closer orbit, but there is nothing that would reach that far. We don't even know if the missiles would have any effect."
"So you're telling me that if they decided to attack there is virtually nothing we can do?"
General Martin nodded his head reluctantly.
"Do you have a recommendation?" The President asked after a few moments of silence.
General Martin answered slowly "Mr. President, I think the only real course of action available to us is to make contact with them."
The President just stared at him incredulously "You want to make contact with them? What makes you think they will even understand anything we say, assuming their technology can pick up our signal?"
"It's the only viable option Mr. President."