Chapter 2: A Course of Action
Bastila Shan grunted as she clutched her temples. Face marred by the thundering pain she grit her teeth and used all her mediation skills to force out the sensation. Gradually, it subsided and she let out a breath she never realized she held.
It was several more breaths before she felt stable enough to stand.
Eyes full of concern, and looking rather dashing in his dress uniform Admiral Carth Onassi stood nearby, hands outstretched.
Appreciating the gesture, Bastila accepted her friend's help though there was a part of her that chaffed at needing it.
"What was that?" the Admiral asked in a worried voice.
She shook her head before answering, "A… shatter… in the Force."
"Don't you mean 'a disturbance'?"
"No," she quickly replied, looking into his eyes. "This was far more powerful than anything I have ever felt before. Not even Nihilus affected the Force in such a way."
"You still look a little pale, maybe you should sit down."
Nodding, Bastila slid down into one of the nearby chairs.
She looked around and realized all eyes in the conference room were upon her. Quickly, she took control of her emotions before they could threaten to overcome her with embarrassment. Such trivial things were not the way of the Jedi, she reminded herself and took their stares in stride. She was intent on continuing with the meeting as if nothing had happened.
The Admiral, however, appeared more concerned with her than the latest status reports from the Fleet Commanders and dismissed the others after officially adjourning the meeting. When all left them, he returned to her side with a glass of water.
"That wasn't necessary," she tried not to scold him. "I assure you I am fine."
"Lie to yourself but not to me, Bastila," he quickly countered. "It's obvious whatever happened shook you up more than you're willing to admit."
"I am not-!" she started to shout, but caught herself before she could complete the declaration. With a controlled sigh, she took the offered glass and drank deeply. The cool, soothing liquid swam down her throat and went a long way towards restoring her.
"Thank you, Admiral" she whispered.
"Bastila," the Admiral chastised, "when it's just us, it's Carth, okay? I've got enough people saluting and lavishing formalities all over me. I don't need my friends to do the same. Why can't you be more like Mission?"
Looking up in shock at the man, Bastila couldn't believe he would even suggest such a thing. Did he actually expect her to behave akin to that spoiled Twi'lek brat? She was Jedi Bastila, for goodness sake, not some smart-mouthed, misbehaving twit! It was bad enough they had someone like Padawan Rand within their ranks, now he wanted her to follow along?!
When she saw the small smirk on his lips Bastila scolded herself to falling into his trap. Slowly, a smile spread along her own face.
"So much for the disciplined mind of a Jedi," she grumbled.
Chuckling, Carth rubbed her shoulder, "You'll always be Bastila first and Jedi second in my eyes."
Glad for his comforting nature, Bastila grasped his hand and squeezed. Much as she wished to deny it, he had become a source of consolation for her. Ever since Revan left them to fend for themselves, she'd felt the loss of his presence more harshly than the others. Though still connected through their bonds to him, each found themselves drifting away in the years that followed.
When Carth set off to stamp out the last traces of the Sith fleet, Bastila naturally joined him. After the discovery of the hidden Jedi Academy on Telos, she felt a surge of relief to learn that there were others who were focusing on the rebuilding of the Jedi Order. While she agreed with the need to rebuild, she'd never quite felt comfortable when surrounded by these new Jedi. Even the students of the Jedi Exile gave her some sense of disassociation.
Would she ever feel as if she belonged amongst Jedi again? All knew of her fall at the hands of Malak. All knew of her failing. And Bastila wondered if her feelings were of her own making rather than any other. But how could she face them? It had been difficult enough returning to their little group after the destruction of the Star Forge. The Republic declared her a hero, but she never felt like one. How had Atris overcome her shame?
Whenever she looked upon that medal it only reminded her of her failures above their victories. The thought that her friends could have died by the force of her own will… she still lost sleep over it.
And yet the man she grew to respect, honor, and even love, the man she was willing to give up her whole world for, slipped not once throughout their entire campaign. Was his absence her penance? Was that emptiness she felt whenever she said his name or remembered his voice the price she had to pay for nearly destroying all she swore to uphold? Ever since that day when her love told her of his intentions, she'd known it to be true.
She remembered that moment well, though she tried to forget it time and time again. Wrapped in each other's arms, blissfully weary from their love-making, he said those four terrible words.
I have to leave.
He told her of his returning memories. He told her of the threat the Empire of the True Sith posed. He told her he loved her but had to leave her.
She'd begged him to stay. Offered one alternative after another. Tempted him with her words and body. Pleaded to go with him. In the end, he stayed true to his resolve and ventured out past the reaches of explored space with only two droids and the Ebon Hawk. Again he'd proven his ability to do what was right without regard for his own desires.
And she knew it pained him to leave her. It didn't take a Jedi to see the conflict in his face the day he left them. But he endured.
Bastila knew Revan hadn't done it to teach her a lesson. A Jedi's life was sacrifice. And neither of them were immune to that simple fact.
She only wished they had more time together…
"Hey, everything alright in there?" Carth surprised her by asking.
"Yes," she smiled in spite of herself, "I am fine. Just… old memories bubbling to the surface."
Nodding in understanding, Carth deftly reminded her of the present, "There's something else bubbling up. That's a nice lump you've got there."
"What?" she asked, suddenly confused.
He pointed to her head and explained, "You took quite a blow when your head hit the table."
Bastila's fingers quickly found the tender spot on her forehead as she remembered her violent swing forward upon feeling the surge in the Force. Grimacing at the sudden sharp sting as she ran her hand over the small bump she berated herself yet again. Perhaps perpetual clumsiness was to be her penance after all.
With practiced focus, she channeled the Force and directed its healing energies into the bump. It felt strange to her, however, as if there were still some traces of the event. Despite the aftereffects, soon after, the pain subsided and she looked to her friend for confirmation.
Again, Carth nodded, "Yeah, it's gone."
"How long was I incapacitated?" she asked.
"A few minutes," he said, in a sobering voice. "You gave us all quite a scare."
"It was not a pleasant experience for me either."
"What was it like?"
"It was as if my very sanity were being assaulted through the Force," Bastila breathed. "Some... power... threatening to overwhelm me."
"But it's gone now?" he prompted.
"I do not know," she admitted. "The Force feels different somehow, but I am not certain if it is simply due to my recovering or... something more."
"Wait," Carth's voice became even more concerned. "You were able to fight this thing off, but what about other Jedi? Is it possible someone else could have been affected by this?"
"I should contact the Academy," she decided, "and see if any other Jedi suffered as I did."
Carth wasted no time in activating the communication's console built into the conference table. In the span of only a few moments, he managed to establish a connection to the Jedi Academy on Telos.
She rubbed her temples again as the screen flickered to life bearing the strained face of Atris.
"Bastila," the old Council member greeted.
"Mistress," the younger Jedi acknowledged invoking the Jedi Master's title of Mistress of the Archives.
"I trust your training aided you in resisting the Force Assault?"
Is that what the attack was?
"It did, Mistress," Bastila said, with an incline of her head. "Were the other Jedi on Telos as fortunate?"
"Most," the white-haired woman said cryptically as she ran a hand through her moderately disheveled hair.
"What about my son?" Carth asked suddenly. "Is Dustil alright?"
"I am not privy to that information, Admiral Onassi," Atris said, turning her emotionless gaze upon the man. "However I will inform you of his condition when the knowledge and opportunity present themselves."
"Dammit, Atris, just ask someone!" the Admiral shouted angrily.
"Control yourself, Admiral," the Mistress chastised. "You hold no authority over me, and there are more pressing concerns than the fate of a single Padawan before us."
"You arrogant bi-"
Bastila laid a swift, restraining hand on Carth's arm, silently urging him to allow her to handle the situation before he could say something regrettable. Much to her relief, he pressed his lips firmly together and turned away.
"Please forgive his outburst, Mistress," she said once Carth had left the room. "Dustil is the Admiral's only remaining connection to his deceased wife, and he cares for his son deeply."
"Yet another example of why such attachments are to be discouraged," the Mistress replied.
Bastila knew it was yet another veiled commentary on the Mistress' disapproval of her relationship with Revan. She was used to it, however, and did not allow herself to take offense.
"Of course, Mistress," she said instead.
"Love is a dangerous emotion, Bastila," the Mistress persisted. "One that can easily lead to the Dark Side with only the slightest misstep."
"As you say, Mistress," Bastila replied with an incline of her head.
Eyes narrow and judging, Atris nonetheless relented, "The Council is calling an emergency meeting in light of recent events. Reports from Force-sensitives across the Republic have been coming in at an astonishing rate. It would appear the Force Assault was not a localized event and they are attempting to discern its origins."
"Do they suspect the Sith?"
"Some do," Atris confirmed, "however until all the facts are revealed anything discussed is pure conjecture at this point."
"Is there no other relevant information?"
The Mistress' jaw tensed, and Bastila knew the woman was holding something back.
"Mistress, please," Bastila begged. "Even the most seemingly trivial data could prove important."
"The Gray Raven was rerouted to Dantooine early yesterday morning," the Mistress informed her, she seemed to be straining with each word.
Bastila realized the other Jedi was not accustomed to revealing so much. After her fall to the Dark Side, several years ago, however, like Bastila, she had sought to redeem her actions and mannerisms. Though she obviously found it difficult to break old habits. Bastila could not help but sympathize.
"Padawans Rand and Mira were investigating reports of a Dark Jedi seen there," she continued to relay her knowledge on the subject. "Jedi Bao-Dur is attempting to contact them now, but his efforts have proven unsuccessful. Likewise all communications to and from Dantooine have fallen silent."
Her heart sank at the news.
Dantooine had been her home for years while she trained there. In her time there she had come to know and care for several of the settlers there despite the discouragements of her instructors. When she learned of the destruction of the Academy it had nearly broken her. Now the thought more harm coming to of all the other people she knew was almost more than she could bear.
She controlled her emotions, though, and was determined not to lose herself in that sorrow.
"Thank you for this information, Mistress," she breathed. "Shall I return to the Academy as well?"
Though still judgmental, the Mistress' eyes took on a more compassionate appearance, "For now, you should remain with the fleet. While this attack seems aimed at the Jedi specifically that may change at a moment's notice. Your Battle Meditation skills would serve the Republic better there than here, unless the Council decides otherwise."
"Yes, Mistress," she accepted the order with a reverent nod.
There were a few moments of silence as Atris pressed a sequence of keystrokes on her pad. Before she understood what she was watching, the screen flickered and the image of the Mistress was replaced by that of a young man. His face was pale, he appeared quite shaken, and he seemed slightly disoriented, but otherwise he was fine.
"Bastila?" Dustil asked.
Breathing with relief, she called out Carth's name. Her insight served her well as the Admiral came charging in almost immediately. She'd had an image in her mind of him pacing dramatically throughout her conversation with Atris.
"What is it?" he asked in a harried voice.
"Father?" Dustil's voice called out over the comm.
His eyes wide, Carth ran over to stand beside Bastila. When he caught sight of his son the Admiral barely kept himself from collapsing.
"Dustil, thank god you're alright!" he cried.
"I am… I mean, yes, Father," the young man stuttered. "I'm fine."
"I was worried about you, kiddo."
His face growing sour, the young man grumbled, "Father, I'm twenty-three years old. I'm not a kid anymore."
"Yeah, yeah," Carth grumbled back. "I'm just glad to see you're okay, tough guy."
"I'm alright, but I can't talk right now," Dustil apologized.
"Why not?"
"They need my help, Father. Some of the other students here… well… they haven't recovered yet. And a few others… won't recover."
Carth's head dropped as he let out a sigh, "I'm sorry, Dustil. Did… were… any of them… friends?"
Tears welled up in the young man's eyes, but he fought hard to resist the urge to give into his emotions. After a few calming breaths he nodded his affirmation.
"Alright, son, go do what you can to help," Carth nodded with pride at his son's restraint. "But call me as soon as you get a chance, okay?"
The young Padawan looked around uncomfortably, but nodded regardless. A second later the connection closed.
When Carth had collected himself, Bastila spoke up, "You know the Jedi discourage familial attachments. Such connections can prove especially hindering to a Padawan."
This time Carth's jaw flexed, "I know, Bastila, but if the Sith couldn't keep us apart, what do you think the Jedi's chances are?"
Though she had feelings to the contrary – the difficult swirling of emotions at her mother's deathbed came to mind – Bastila smiled at her friend.
Bao-Dur struggled to maintain his calm in light of recent events. With slow, steady breaths, he commanded his emotions back into their vault and firmly closing the door. He turned his attentions to the rhythmic hum of his repulsor arm and allowed his thoughts to become lost in the melodic sounds.
When he opened his eyes he felt the calming presence of the Force surrounding him once more. Like a familiar friend he was glad to feel it with him.
Atton and Mira still hadn't answered any of his hails. No one had heard any word from Dantooine for several hours now. Nearly fifteen students had been killed in the Force Assault – that was Atris' term for it, not his own – and over twice that number were so affected they hadn't regained consciousness. On top of it all, none of them knew anything about the Dark Jedi that seemed to have caused it.
"Atton and Mira are the most resourceful of us all, my friend," Mical said in his usual compassionate voice. "They will be fine."
He nodded in agreement, but it still bothered him that he was the one who sent them to Dantooine.
"Do not blame yourself, none of us could have foreseen this."
"But what does that say about us?" Bao-Dur found himself asking.
"They will be fine," Mical repeated.
Bao-Dur wondered if he was saying it for both their benefit.
Through the Force, he could feel his friend's emotions threatening to overtake him. Maybe it was his turn to comfort?
"You're right, Mical," he said as firmly as he could muster. "Atton and Mira are much smarter than us. They'll come through this, I know they will."
With more than a little relief, the fair-haired man smiled back.
"The Council summons us," Mical said as they both turned to see a Padawan dressed in the formal robes of the Council Attendants beckoning them.
Quickly, they made their way through the halls of the Academy feeling the frenzied mixture of emotions coming from the students as they all struggled to understand what had happened to their classmates. When they came to the Council Chamber doors they each felt a sense of tranquility sweep over them. In this, the most sacred room, none of the concerns of the outside followed. Both felt at peace and of one mind. They entered without any worries.
The five members of the Council sat in a semi-circle before them. Wise and skilled in the ways of the Force they had been asked to serve as the Council for the New Jedi Order. Each of them had spent years in hiding, and lived amongst the people of the Republic. First-hand, they saw the horrors of the wars and the everyday struggles of the citizens to survive. Made stronger for the experience, they sought to understand the failings of the Old Order and prevent the same mistakes from befalling them again.
Master Leos Rezakk, a yellow-skinned Twi'lek far into his years, sat at the center. Flanking his left and right were Masters Silos and Reb-Ma – a human and Sullustan – respectively. Both Masters were well-known for their disgruntlement in the previous Council's handling of the General upon her return. Sitting to Bao-Dur's immediate left was Master Fel Lorn, a human with a fiery head of hair that contrasted sharply with his demeanor. Finally, sitting near Mical's right was Master Iliri Petaya, a female Twi'lek who's skills with a lightsaber were said to be nearly unmatched.
Standing amongst them as he was he couldn't help but feel a little intimidated. He knew Master Rezakk held some discontent over their role in the deaths of Masters Vrook, Ell, and Kavar. It was because of this that he and Mical had been the only of the General's students to be raised to the status of Jedi since the formation of the New Order, he suspected. Politics aside, Bao-Dur trusted in all of them, and knew their combined wisdom would serve the New Order well in their fledgling years.
"We have read the report you submitted, Jedi Bao-Dur," Master Silos said. "However we would like to hear things from your own perspective."
"Of course, Master," Bao-Dur answered with a bow of his head. "Early yesterday morning Administrator Adare of the Khoonda settlement on Dantooine contacted me with reports of a possible Sith arriving via public transport."
"Did this not seem odd to you?" Master Rezakk asked. "A Sith arriving on a public transport?"
"Yes, it did, Master," he admitted. "Administrator Adare was equally puzzled by the information."
"Why did you not contact a member of the Council upon hearing this information?" Master Petaya asked.
"Over the last year we have received numerous reports of scattered Sith activity, Master," he explained. "Atton and Mira have investigated several of them in the past. On the occasions that the reports proved accurate, they dealt with the situations with little effort. I did not think this event to be any different."
"You felt no indications to the contrary in the Force? No hint of danger?" Master Lorn.
"No, Master, none at all."
"Perhaps that is your failing, then?" Rezakk countered.
"If it is, then I accept full responsibility, Master," he quickly answered.
More than one of the Council members nodded in approval.
"Please, Jedi, continue," Master Petaya prompted.
"The Administrator informed me that the Sith man asked one of her officers to provide him directions to the ruins of the Jedi Enclave. When the officer refused, he was compelled to answer through the Force."
"How did the Administrator know this Sith used the Force in such a way?" Rezakk asked. "Is she sensitive to such things?"
Petaya looked over at her fellow Twi'lek and frowned. If Rezakk saw the stare, he ignored it.
"According to her, the officer in question felt and overwhelming urge to answer," he said calmly. "I discerned this to be an effect of Domination."
"As any of us would," Master Lorn quickly added.
When Master Rezakk said nothing in return, Bao-Dur continued with his retelling.
"The Administrator inquired as to why the Sith would seek out the ruins of the Enclave."
"And what did you surmise?" Master Silos asked.
"I informed her it was possible the Sith was searching for a source to feed his Dark energies," he continued. "I also let it be known that, due to the death of so many Jedi there, the ruins had become tainted with the Dark Side of the Force. When the Administrator heard this she became deeply concerned for the people of Khoonda and requested our intervention."
Master Petaya asked, "What sort of intervention did she request?"
"The Administrator did not make her request specific, she merely asked for our help, Master."
"Which you provided?" Rezakk added.
"Yes. I asked Atton and Mira to return to Dantooine to lend whatever aid they could and investigate the matter further. In the meantime I asked the Administrator to refrain from confronting the Sith directly."
"But you gave no consul against indirect confrontations?"
Bao-Dur's brow furrowed. In truth he did worry that his not discouraging any interaction with the Sith might have endangered the people of Khoonda. He knew first-hand the threats any potential retribution of the Sith could effect. He only hoped that his silence in the matter had not proven his fears.
"No, Master, I did not," he admitted with a heavy voice.
"Who was it that suggested this course of action?" Master Lorn asked intently.
"It was General Zherron who suggested it, but I supported his decision," Bao-Dur answered.
"A misstep on your part, Jedi Bao-Dur," Master Lorn said, though his voice was devoid of any judgment.
"By not advising restraint on Administrator Adare's part you may very well have placed the people of Khoonda in harm's path," Master Petaya said. "Her people would have been better served had you suggested reconnaissance over conflict. While we understand your desire to confront, it should not be your first course of action. Knowledge is paramount in situations of this nature. Seek to understand your enemy and their goals before you set out to foil them."
"[You allowed yourself to be misled by a seemingly innocuous circumstance]," Master Reb-Ma finally added his own insight. "[But this is not necessarily a fault of your own making.]"
"Deception is the way of the Sith," Master Rezakk said, with an almost imperceptible smirk on his face. "Everything about this Sith's actions seemed intent on misdirection and the dissolution of precaution."
"He arrived on a public transport," Master Lorn continued.
"[He displayed his Force abilities where all could see,]" Master Reb-Ma elaborated.
"He allowed his enemies to know his destination," Master Petaya said.
"He gave them ample time to contact the Jedi before he struck," Master Silos added.
"How could he have known the Administrator contacted us? He may have suspected, but how could he have known?" he asked, confused.
"[It is likely Padawan Rand or Mira attempted to gather intelligence through the Force]," Master Reb-Ma replied.
Bao-Dur's brow furrowed as he digested their words. Were they implying what he thought they were?
"Masters, are you saying that this Sith wanted to draw the Jedi to him?" he asked, as realization dawned upon him.
"It is clear to us that this Sith is the most likely source of the Force Assault wave that incapacitated and killed several of our students," Master Rezakk proclaimed.
Oddly the Master's tone seemed almost impressed with the event, but Bao-Dur dismissed the thought as his own misconstrued perceptions.
"But anyone with a connection to the Force would have suffered from it as well," Mical interjected.
Rezakk continued, "That the attack affected Force-sensitives as well appears secondary. Clearly the Jedi were his intended target."
"Immediately after the attack all communications from Dantooine were severed at the source. Even through the Force we cannot see onto the surface of the planet," Master Lorn informed them.
"As we understand it all attempts at communicating with the Gray Raven have failed as well?" Petaya asked.
"That is correct, Master," Bao-Dur admitted, although grudgingly.
"Then we have no way of knowing if Padawan Rand or Mira survived the Force Assault or if all aboard the Gray Raven are now lost to us," Master Petaya declared.
"[Knowledge is paramount, Jedi Bao-Dur,]" Master Reb-Ma added.
Master Lorn leaned back in his seat and sighed, "However in seeking that knowledge it is possible that a direct confrontation will be unavoidable."
"But there a few among us who have sufficient experience in directly confronting the Sith," Master Lorn admitted.
Bao-Dur was surprised when Juhani, Brianna, Visas and Atris appeared beside him suddenly.
"For this reason it is the decision of the Council that you shall be assigned the task of eliminating this new Sith threat by any means necessary," Rezakk said with that same hidden smirk. "Although we advise you to gather what intelligence you can on this Sith's intended purpose, you are free to exercise your own discretion as to a course of action."
"We only ask that you remember your Jedi training, and strive not to falter from the path you have set out upon," Master Petaya counseled. "For the second time, in some of your cases. The training we have imparted to you will serve you well."
"Trust in your instincts," Master Silos added.
"[Trust in your experience,]" Master Reb-Ma told them.
"Trust in each other," Master Lorn finished.
"We have requested the assistance of Admiral Onassi and he has agreed to place a Republic cruiser at your disposal. Captain Deena and the Venerable should be arriving within the hour. They will transport you to Dantooine and any other location you may deem necessary. In addition his men will assist you in any military endeavor, should you deem it necessary. Remember, however, that it is essential the Sith do not learn of the Academy on Telos. No matter what occurs you must not betray that knowledge," Rezakk concluded with that same strange look before dismissing them.
They left the chamber immediately and made plans to meet up at the appropriate docking bay upon the Venerable's arrival. In the meantime, they went to their quarters to pack whatever supplies they thought were needed.
Less than an hour later, his communication console chimed to life and one of the Padawans informed him the Captain had arrived. As he was walking towards the docking bay Mical came trotting up beside him.
"Nervous?" his friend asked.
"I think so," Bao-Dur said with bemusement. "I'm just glad they're allowing us to act on this."
"The Council knew immediate action was necessary. The Masters have learned from the mistakes of old," Mical agreed.
"I just hope I can do as much," he lamented.
"Do not blame yourself," Mical said, reminding him of their earlier conversation. "The Sith have not posed any real threat to us in years. Not even the Council realized the danger in time."
Bao-Dur sighed dejectedly, "But does that mean we've become complacent already?"
Not for the first time, he wished the General was there to advise him. She always seemed to know what the right thing to do was, no matter the situation. He only wished he shared that confidence since, with her gone into the unexplored reaches of space, many of his friends had turned to him for leadership. It wasn't really a position he was comfortable with, but he did try his best to fill the General's shoes.
The pair walked on in silence until they met up with the others at the shuttle bay.
Mical surprised him when he suddenly asked, "Did you not feel Master Rezakk was behaving strangely?"
Author's Note: For some strange reason one of my favorite moments in KotOR II was T3's holo-recording of the Jedi Council scene. It always seemed too short to me, though (yes, I did go through all the dialogue options to try and extend it). So when I started writing this I knew there was going to be something similar although I didn't expect it to be this long. =/ Don't know if it shows but there's a fairly abrupt wrap-it-up-already moment where I made Rezakk cut the meeting short. That was mostly me trying to stop myself from rambling on forever in, what most people would probably consider, a slow and boring scene. But I'm curious - with that moment taken out of consideration - did I pull it off at all? I've read, re-read, and edited the thing so many times that I'm not really sure if it rings true.
Oh, and the whole thing with the Council analyzing the Sith's activities... totally pulled that out of my #$$ as I was writing it. =D