Author's notes: Well… there's a lot of in-game dialogue in this chapter. But it's important, and I couldn't find a way to cut it out of the fic. So, sorry about that. Either way, there is new stuff here, including the way they get into the Sith base. I try to do all side-quests, though the other party members, not Revan, do some. Oh, and the title refers to several people in the fic…you'll see.

One more chapter, and Taris is finished. Literally.

Dark Lord Daishi – Soon enough?

MilenaSkywalker – oh, the tears, not the tears! AAAH! HERE´S THE CHAPTER! JUST... JUST DON´T CRY!

EDIT: Sith governor encounter & Mission dialogue changed. Many thanks for constructive criticism, Data. Those bits... it was my stupid mistake from the earlier version of the fic. I hope this is better.

EDIT - mistakes corrected, many thanks for pointing them out.

X X X X

Chapter 7 – Warrior of darkness

X X X X

"Bastila! You're alive! Finally things are looking up! Now we just have to find a way off this planet."

"You mean you don't have a plan to get off Taris yet? What have you been doing all this time?" The Jedi threw her arms into the air in frustration.

"I´m getting really sick of your attitude, you little brat…" Revan muttered, but the brat didn't hear it. They only just entered their apartment and she was already trouble.

"Now that I'm back in charge of this mission, perhaps we can start doing things properly." That bossy voice was really annoying. "Hopefully our escape from Taris will go more smoothly than when you 'rescued' me from Brejik." The quasi-sarcasm was even more irritating.

"I know you're new at this, Bastila, but a leader doesn't berate her troops just because things aren't going as planned." Carth told her. "Don't let your ego get in the way of the real issues here."

"That hardly strikes me as an appropriate way of addressing your commander, Carth." Bastila hissed. "I am a member of the Jedi Order and this is my mission. Don't forget that!"

"Your talents might win us a few battles, but that doesn't make you a good leader! A good leader would at least listen to the advice of those who have seen more combat than she ever will!"

Mission and Zaalbar were watching the two arguing. Revan was lost in thought and didn't bother calming them.

The memory was so vivid, so clear. She was sure that it was the dream she had before, but an extended version. It came to her after finding Bastila. Why? She didn't ask for these "visions", she wanted to believe that those days were part of the past.

Finally, Revan decided to interfere.

"Both of you shut up, now!" The cold commanding voice took them by surprise – they stopped arguing and stared at her. Her military leader-like posture, folded arms and narrowed eyes worked immediately.

"Good. Now, before you start bickering again, you're going to listen to me. We can't waste time biting each other's heads off; we have to cooperate to get off this rock! Mission, you will come with me and we'll ask around the locals for some information. Zaalbar, I mean no offense, but the Upper City citizens wouldn't exactly ignore you, so I'd rather leave you to guard these two vicious kath hounds." The Wookiee smiled and nodded. "And as for you two," Revan turned to Bastila and Carth. "Jedi, quit being so full of yourself. I need to get you off this planet alive and you're the one they're after. If you don't want to end up locked in a Sith Base and sent to Malak, you have to listen to others. Carth, you've probably seen more combat than the rest of us, but I strongly advise you not to lecture a Jedi about warfare, especially if the Jedi is Bastila Shan over here. I've heard enough of her lectures already and I have no intention in hearing more of them. Is that clear?" Revan´s gaze moved from Carth, who was stating at her as if she had just popped out of nowhere to Bastila, who was pale and staring at her boots in embarrassment and then to Mission, who gave her the thumbs up and Zaalbar, who growled "yes" in response. Revan clipped her vibroblade to her belt when Bastila approached her.

"Is...is something wrong?" She asked, slightly nervously. "You seem as if something's troubling you."

Revan looked at Bastila, suspiciously. "Something weird happened when we met. Like a vision of you… fighting me."

Bastila seemed a bit frightened. "I know. This is…strange. We could seek out the aid of the Jedi Council, if you wish…" Revan's glare made her option on that clear, "However, it would be best to leave that matter be, for now."

Ignoring the curious glances of their companions, Revan nodded and didn't speak of that matter anymore.

"Bastila, I was wondering something." Carth suddenly piped up. "How did those Vulkars manage to capture a famous Jedi like you? Were you knocked out when your escape pod crashed?"

Bastila paled slightly. "No, I was conscious. But my Force powers were exhausted from using my Battle Meditation in the battle of the Endar Spire. Without my help, you might have never gotten off that ship alive." Revan snorted, so Bastila glared at her.

"Fair enough, but I've seen you Jedi in action. There's no way those Vulkars would have stood a chance against your lightsaber." Carth noted.

"My lightsaber was…" she hesitated, "Misplaced. I couldn't find it after the crash. I looked everywhere in that pod. The Vulkars came and overwhelmed me even as I was searching for my weapon."

"Wait a minute, let me get this straight. You lost your lightsaber?" Carth asked, great deal of emphasis on the word 'lost'. "Ha-ha! I mean, isn't that a violation of some kind of Jedi Code or something?"

"Maybe loosing lightsabers is a side effect of her Battle Meditation." Revan suggested.

Bastila glared venomously at her for that. Carth sniggered.

"This is no laughing matter!" Bastila snapped. "During the crash my lightsaber mast have… it must have fallen from my belt and rolled under my seat! The Vulkars probably found it when they searched the wreckage."

"Hey, hey, hey, don't get mad." Carth said defensively. "I´m sorry. It's just funny to think of a legendary Jedi losing her lightsaber." Revan tried hard not to snort. "Take my advice: this is one detail you might want to keep out of the history texts." Carth said, though it was obvious he wasn't serious. Bastila probably didn't get it, since she blushed slightly.

"I hardly consider myself a legend, Carth. Though I will consider your advice when I relate these events to the Jedi Council. There is no need for them to know every detail of what happened." Revan stared at Bastila for a moment, but shook her head. Seeing as Mission was ready to go, she made a move to get to the door.

"Where are you going?" Bastila asked.

"I told you I'd go and have a look around."

"What about me?" Carth asked. "We're not bickering anymore."

Revan thought for a moment. A grin crossed her face when she answered Carth´s question.

"Well, someone needs to stay here and protect her, don't you think? I mean, what if she'd loose her lightsaber again? I can't afford to leave my weapons here and who knows – there may yet be some Vulkars hiding amongst the aliens living here. Besides, I can see you're good friends already – I'll leave you alone to chat a bit. Bye."

Before she turned to leave, she waved with a sweet smile on her face. Revan smirked as she opened the apartment door, Mission close behind her.

X X X

The apartment complex was rather quiet, so Revan clearly heard the quick footsteps heading her way.

"You there, human! You're the one who won the big swoop race, correct?" A green Twi´lek that ran towards her hastily asked.

"That's right."

"I have a message for you from Canderous Ordo. He said he wants to meet you in the cantina." He informed.

"Canderous Ordo?" Revan arched an eyebrow. "Isn't he that Mandalorian who works for Davik?"

The Twi´lek nodded quickly. "Yes, that's the one. Given his connections, you see why it wouldn't be a good idea to keep him waiting. Mandalorians are known for many things, but patience is not one of them."

"Did he say anything else?"

"No, he just said that he's got an offer you can't refuse." He explained.

Mandalorians weren't exactly the people you talk back at, so she nodded. But before she left, she knocked on Dia´s door. The woman came out, rather anxious.

"You're back. Did you… did you managed to get Holdan to withdraw the price on my head?"

"Yes, I did. He called the bounty off."

"He… he called the bounty off?" Dia´s face lit up. "That's wonderful! I only wish I had something to give you as a reward." She thought for a moment. "Wait a minute… I know! I don't have many credits, but there is something I can give you. It's a family heirloom. It's not much, but it's something." She handed Revan and energy projector. It was better than nothing, so she took it without question.

"Thanks."

"I can never truly repay you for helping me, but you'll always have my thanks for what you did." Dia said, beaming at Revan.

"Wow. Sometimes helping people feels really good, y´know?" Mission said when they left for the cantina.

"Only when they give you something in return." Revan retorted. Mission glared for a moment, but then shook her head.

She kept telling Revan some general info about the Upper City and how things work there while they were passing through the streets – some of the citizens gave the Twi´lek quizzical look, but didn't say anything.

The Upper City cantina was mostly filled with average citizens, but there were a few "nobles" there as well.

"Go beat that guy out of his credits. This could get a little rough." Revan suggested, dropping Mission off at the Pazaak tables.

The Mandalorian was waiting for Revan at one of the tables – she remembered him well from the Lower City. He was no doubt older than he appeared, with short steel gray hair and matching eyes. Although fights were forbidden in the cantinas and there was a tough security system installed to prevent them from happening, Revan didn't fail to notice the heavy blaster he was carrying. Her own weapon was hidden in her vest, ready to be drawn in the case of a real emergency. In any case, the small Vulkar shock stick she carried as a substitute for the hidden lightsaber could prove useful. She sat down, facing the Mandalorian.

"I saw you in the swoop race. Very impressive. You seem to know how to get results. That's just the kind of person I´m looking for."

"Cut the small talk. I was told you wanted to tell me about some sort of offer. So?"

Canderous smirked, obviously amused by the woman's bravery. "My name's Canderous Ordo. I work for Davik Kang and the Exchange. The hours aren't great, but they've promised me a fortune and I've got nothing better to do. Mandalorian mercs like me are in high demand."

"Rare species are always valuable." Revan noted.

"True." Canderous nodded. "But lately, Davik hasn't been paying me what he promised. I don't like being cheated, so I thought that maybe it's time to get off this rock."

She didn't want to show too much interest – he could see that she was desperate and use it to his advantage.

"Why are you telling me this?" Revan warily asked.

"I've got a plan to escape Taris, but I can't manage it alone. I saw you win that race and started thinking – anyone crazy enough to race like that is probably crazy enough to break into the Sith military base. I need the launch codes protected there. That's where you come in. Here's the deal: you get me those launch codes and I can provide the escape vessel – Davik´s flagship, the Ebon Hawk."

The major problem would be getting into the Sith base – the encrypted security system was too advanced to be sliced by a human.

Revan raised an eyebrow. "Getting in will prove difficult. Unless of course, you have a plan how to slice the security systems." Revan pointed out, smirking slightly.

"It would take a top-of-a-line astromech droid to slice it. Lucky for you, I've got just the droid we need. Davik had a T3-M4 unit custom made by Janice Nall. Just tell her Canderous sent you and she'll sell you the droid. You shouldn't have a problem with that – everyone respects and admires the Mysterious Stranger." He added with a grin.

Revan quietly laughed. Well, her dueling career was no secret on Taris – she was the one who killed Bendak Starkiller, after all. The big-shot celebrity without a past or a name…the Mysterious Stranger, emerging from the shadows. It suited her – it was similar to her situation, after all.

"Okay, Canderous – you have a deal."

They briefly shook hands.

"Good. I'll be waiting at Javyar´s cantina. You come see me when you get those codes. Good luck, miss…?" he said, clearly asking for her name.

"Alexa Denali. I'll see you there."

Revan stood up and turned to leave. This went rather well. Ignoring the fact that she knew the Mandalorian was still watching her (obviously judging her abilities), Revan made her way out of the cantina. She almost had to drag Mission away from the Pazaak tables, where she was beating the local champion very badly.

X X X

"Welcome back. Do you require healing or treatment? I can treat almost any ailment right here at the facility, except the rakghoul disease, of course." Zelka warmly greeted them as they entered the medical facility. Despite Revan´s protests, they returned there to hand over the rakghoul serum. She might not wish the disease on anyone, but that didn't mean she was turning into a goody-goodie. If the infected ones didn't have the wit and ability to find a cure, they didn't deserve it.
Mission took out the vial and handed it to Zelka. "It's the rakghoul serum. We figured you could produce in mass quantities, right?" she asked hopefully.

"The rakghoul serum?" He asked, his voice showing more than disbelief. "I… yes!" he said after a second of examining it. "This is the cure for the rakghoul disease! The people of Taris owe you a debt they can never repay." He said, beaming at Mission. "Please, take this small reward. It isn't much, but it's all I can afford: a few credits and two spare medpacs." Revan took it without question.

"We could have made a fortune selling it to the Exchange, you know." Revan noted when they left for the droid shop.

"Sheesh, Alexa. Do the words ´good deeds´ ring a bell?" Mission asked, "Stop being so evil."

"I'm not evil, I'm just misunderstood." Revan objected, mockingly.

"So, how are we going to sneak into the Sith Base?" Mission quietly, changing the topic Revan had actually already thought of a plan – she dragged Mission into one of the abandoned apartments in the northern complex.

There, Revan finally took out what she had in her backpack – Dark Jedi robes, not her own infamous armor, which she always carried with her, in any case, but standard Dark Jedi robes, though with slight improvements, such as the embroidery on her belt in colors of blood.

Mission's eyes widened when Revan took out her lightsaber. "You… you're a Jedi?" she asked, awed and amazed.

"No, I'm not." She said, but didn't bother telling Mission that she was a Sith, "These are just minor tricks I´ve learned while scouting the galaxy – deceiving the enemy… plus a stolen Dark Jedi outfit and lightsaber. Now, we've got a Sith Base to sneak into. Do I look like a Dark Jedi?" Revan adjusted the lightsaber to her belt and focused on her inner darkness. The way Mission winced told her enough.

"You look… creepy."

Revan smiled, then pulled on the hood of the robes and put on a half-mask, concealing the lower half of her face, as most Dark Jedi wore, "Let's go buy that droid."

They proceeded to the northern part of the Upper City, helping an Ithorian who was being kicked and attacked by random kids.

"Please, human – I am injured and in need of assistance. These human children keep hitting and kicking me. I cannot reason with them, but if I fight back I could be arrested." The Ithorian begged. That only made the kids kick him some more.

"Get out of here you goggle-eyed freak! You're too ugly for the Upper City!" a boy snapped.

"Yeah – go back where you came from! We don't want your kind up here!" another girl added. They attacked the Ithorian yet again.

"Please – human! Help me! Maybe these offspring of your species will listen to you." He begged again.

Revan´s eyes narrowed. She did, in fact, like to constantly remind particular people that they were inferior, but she wasn't too arrogant. Oh, she knew she was powerful, beyond powerful and many other things, but she was careful not to grow complacent. Besides, fear equals respect. So, scaring the hell out of the little brats would grant her more respect than siding with them.

"Get out of here you punks or you'll be the one's in pain." She growled at the kids, who immediately screamed "Run!" and took off. The Ithorian picked himself up from the ground.

"Thank you, human. I was returning from a visit with a work associate when those child humans attacked me and chased me through the streets." The Ithorian said gratefully.

"You look hurt." Mission noted. "Here, I've got a medpac. Let me help you."

He smiled as he took it, "You are too kind. I thank you for your generosity. Most of your kind here on Taris care little for aliens like myself."

"Well, humans are a very intolerant species." Revan commented, slightly coolly.

"Perhaps." The Ithorian said. His aura, however, said that he completely agreed with her, though he admired her for admitting it and even more for being different. "Once more, I thank you for saving me from those human children. I must take leave of you now. My life mate will be wondering where I am."

"You have helped aliens in the Upper City!" A voice called at them when the Ithorian slowly walked away. A street preacher stalked to Revan. "They are a blight upon Taris – they take our jobs and our homes, and spread filth throughout our world."

"No more filth than you're spreading, crazy kook." Revan snapped.

"Yeah! You tell him, Alexa!" Mission cheered.

"Silence, alien scum!" He snapped at Mission, "Your kind are tolerated up here, but the day of reckoning is near!" Back to Revan, "How dare you brazenly parade about the Upper City with such alien scum at your side! I, Gorton Colu, founder of the Anti-Alien League, will not stand for this!" The street preacher declared. He immediately began clutching his head in the mental fear she projected into his mind.

"You dare oppose a Dark Jedi, fool?" Revan hissed. Mission checked the scene – the civilians scurried away from Revan and the Sith didn't take much notice of them. "This should teach you to show the Sith proper respect!"

She intensified the level of fear she projected to him, taking it to a high level of horror. The preacher squealed in fear and ran away, screaming. Revan could sense several nearby Sith smirk and silently congratulate her.

"Um, that was good. No idea how you did it, though." Mission noted, slightly edgy. "But a bit too cruel, ya know?"

"That's the whole point, kid. And I can assure you that my voice has that effect on many people." Revan said, stalking to the droid shop. Everyone gave her a respectable amount of space.

A Twi´lek was fiddling with droid parts in the droid shop. Her face lit up considerably when she saw the pair enter, though she seemed to notice the Sith robes Revan wore.

"Customers? Come in, come in. Janice Nall at your service. Welcome to my droid and droid supply shop. Always good to see a new face – customers are hard to come by. A lot of the Taris citizens won't even come here; they refuse to shop at a store owned by a Twi´lek. My selection is a bit limited right now – the… well, just limited." She hastily amended, seeing the Sith robes Revan wore. Translation: the Sith confiscated all my best droids. "But I've got a utility droid you might find interesting."

"Canderous said you'd sell the T3-M4 droid to me." Revan said.

"Oh, Canderous sent you! Well why didn't you say so? Okay, the droid is ready. You can have it for 2000 credits." Revan´s eyes narrowed – it was a fair price, true, but that didn't mean she had to like it.

"Give me the droid for free or Davik will have this store closed permanently!" she hissed.

The Twi´lek paled. "H-hey, I don't want no trouble with Davik! Okay, take the droid. But next time Davik wants something custom made, he's out of luck!" She hastily removed the restraining bolt from the T3-M4 unit and the small white droid beeped happily as it rolled out of the shop, following Revan.

"Go back to the apartment, kid. It's safer if I go alone." Mission's eye twitched, but she nodded and departed.

T3 made a beeline for the Sith Base. Revan was a bit surprised that the droid knew where to go, but followed nonetheless. The droid began slicing the system once they reached it.

"All right, junk pile, let's see if you were worth the trouble." Revan was the lookout, casting random thoughts of important things elsewhere to people who wandered too close.

"Speed up, tin can." Revan snapped at the droid.

"Beep-boop-beep-beep." The droid replied and the door to the Sith base opened. The droid entered with Revan and a Twi´lek secretary immediately stopped them.

"What ar-?" She saw the death glare Revan was giving her and her black robes. "Oh, I…I apologize. One must not talk back at a Dark Jedi. If you were sent to talk to the Governor, he can be found in his study, meditating."

"Thanks." Revan said coolly, sensing the only Force Sensitive presence in the base. If anyone had the codes she needed, it would be that guy. The only surprise she encountered was the Duros that helped her when they first crashed on Taris – he was locked in a cell.

"You there – human. Remember me? You helped me once before when the Sith were trying to arrest me. Outside your apartment. I know it is you – I recognize your eyes. Do you remember? I am in need of your help once again. The Sith are going to execute me for removing the Sith corpse from your apartment complex. Please, help me get out of this cage." The Duros begged her. Revan chose to ignore him – it would blow her cover to save a Sith prisoner.

"I can't." She said in Duros. "I am a Dark Jedi now." She saw the Duros´ eyes widen, but he saw her dark robes. He hung his head, sadly, but didn't say anything else.

The elevator door opened. "Who dares disturb my meditation?" The Sith governor stopped as his gaze fell upon Revan. "What do you want?"

"The Tarisian launch codes, of course." Revan said, smiling politely under the mask.

"You must have authorization to leave the planet. Do you have the proper authorization?"

"Let´s just say hand them over now and I won´t have to show you my authorization, " Revan´s eyes narrowed.

The governor arched an eyebrow. "What is this? Do we have a spy on the loose?"

"Call me whatever you want, but I will have those papers."

"Then I call you dead, woman. The Force is strong with you, but my power is greater. You are no match for a true disciple of the Dark Side!"

Revan snorted, "Then bow down to the Master, disciple!"

She sent a Force Storm at him, killing him almost instantly. Not surprisingly, he had the codes. The datapad in one hand and her lightsaber in the other, Revan slowly walked to the elevator, leaving the lifeless corpse there. Revan quickly changed back into the Echani fiber armor. They left the Sith base without much problem, though she left a trail of bloodshed behind her.

X X X

Revan goggled when Zaalbar and Bastila caught up with her on the street leading to the elevator.

"You want to be with Malak that badly, Jedi?" Revan asked, a hint of laughter in her voice.

Bastila frowned. "Mission has told us what you are up to. I managed to confuse the minds of the Sith who could have seen me. I wish to go with you to see that… person." She couldn't bring herself to say the word "Mandalorian", which made Revan smirk. She sighed.

"Fine, just don't get in the way. This place can be a little rough."

They entered the Lower City, confusing the guard's mind when he almost recognized Bastila.

X X X

Canderous was waiting for them, though he gave Bastila and Zaalbar little more attention than trash.

"I figured you'd be back. Neither of us has a chance of getting off this planet alone. Now, I know the Sith military base had a break in. And I know it was you. I know you have the launch codes I need."

"Ah, ah, ah – first tell me the rest of the plan. Then we can talk about this datapad." She sweetly said and took out the datapad of the Sith governor that has the launch codes in it.

Canderous arched an eyebrow, but nodded. "Davik´s always looking to recruit new talent. I'll tell him how you won that swoop race and mention that you're interested in working for the Exchange."

"So we steal the ship while he's doing a background check on me?" Revan idly asked.

"Exactly. I see you figured the rest out by yourself. So what do you say?"

"This is too risky. We should find another way." Bastila objected.

Canderous glared at her. "You got another plan, sister? Or are you just objecting ´cause you didn't think of it?"

"No…I don't have another plan." Bastila sulkily admitted. "I would rather not place my life in your hands, however."

"I could say the same about you. That makes us even." Canderous sneered. "Fortunately, we both wanna get off this rock."

"Okay, let's join up." Revan silenced both of them. "We should leave now – I've had enough of this corrupted pit already."

"I´m coming with you." Bastila decreed.

"No. I already did you a favor by bringing you here. How am I supposed to explain why you're with me? It would look suspicious." Revan objected.

Bastila opened her mouth to object and an expression of a child whose favorite treat had just been snatched from her appeared on her face. Revan silenced her with a near death glare.

"Take her back to the hideout, Big Z." She ordered Zaalbar. "Tell Mission and Carth about the plan and make sure you're ready for a quick pick up – I've got a feeling things are about to get pretty nasty around here."

And she spoke the truth. Bastila could also feel tremors in the Force…distant, but still strong enough for both of them to sense. It seemed that the rumors that the Dark Lord himself was on a ship orbiting the planet were indeed true. Neither of the Jedi wanted to be on Taris should he choose to land and search for them personally. With a sigh or resignation, Bastila nodded.

The Wookiee put an arm on Bastila´s shoulder, taking her away from the cantina. T3-M4 quietly followed them.

"You pick strange companions, Miss Denali." Canderous noted. "The Republic boy, Princess Padawan, a Wookiee…"

"And don't forget a Twi´lek street urchin and a tin can. Looks like you'll fit into the group." Revan replied, grinning.

"Hah, maybe. And what about you? How did you end up with a bunch of Republic fugitives?"

"That's complicated." She said with a grin. "Davik will trust you more than me." She handed him the datapad with the launch codes. "For safekeeping."

"Careful, people might actually think you trust a Mandalorian." He said with a smirk.

"I don't." Revan shrugged. "But if someone has to get vaporized because of these codes, better you than me."

"Don't get your hopes up too high. I have no intention of dying."

"I know. That's precisely why I gave you that datapad." Revan explained. Canderous gazed at her for a moment, but she just shrugged innocently.

He smirked, "C'mon – I've got an airspeeder nearby to take us to Davik´s estate! The sooner we get off Taris, the better!"