Writer's notes: UPDATED 27 NOV 06. Another look back into Revan and Juhani's past as well as looking into the Revan/Malak/Exile dynamic. In this section, old dynasties are overthrown. Both Revan's power and arrogance are Napoleonic in magnitude, but she bases her actions on a desire to do good. I also wanted Revan to revitalize the Republic Navy through her ideals and her commitment to be a superior leader.
Sad Stories About the Death of Kings – Part I
Coruscant – Offices of the Supreme Chancellor Ptolemeus – During the Height of the Mandalorian War
The Grand Chamber of the most powerful sentient in the galaxy sat atop a tower, kilometers above the bustling city-planet's surface. The transparisteel windows overlooked the world of metal and duracrete, providing a breathtaking view. The Chamber was clearly designed to impress, but today, the effect was not made upon the Chancellor's guests.
Three Jedi walked slowly into the Grand Chamber across the plush carpet that absorbed the sound of every footstep. The leader, a young woman, strode ahead of a tall man in red body armor and an athletic blonde woman. The Chancellor's Guards flanked them, marching with precise steps as if this were a parade.
Two guardsmen stopped before the Chancellor's desk and stood at attention, bringing their Force pikes smartly up to their shoulders in a salute. "Supreme Chancellor, we bring you the Jedi Knights Revan, Malak, and T'Sing."
With her hair perfectly coiffed, Revan bowed before Supreme Chancellor Ptolemeus, sweeping her arm low in an aristocratic fashion. Her blue, Cortosis-woven robes were now cut in a most flattering manner and a broad smile graced her full lips.
"Supreme Chancellor, we thank you for granting us an audience. We represent a faction of the Jedi Order that has agreed to intervene on behalf of the Republic."
The old man nodded, his grave face clouded with the numerous defeats of the recent past. His snowy hair framed the wrinkles that had crept into his visage, brought upon by the stress of perpetual conflict. "You are awfully young to be a Jedi, are you not?" he asked gravely, an edge of suspicion in his voice.
"In actuality, Sir, the Jedi begin their training while still young children. We are the best and brightest of the Order."
Ptolemeus stroked his white sideburn while looking the three over, seemingly sizing them up. "Then, I thank the Order for sending representatives. What do you propose?"
Revan could see and sense his desperation that hid just beneath the surface. Digital maps on the walls of the Chamber showed that the Mandalorians had made massive gains in the last month, destroying an entire Republic fleet. Several key worlds were under siege and some of those would fall in days. "I would humbly ask for a single Republic fleet, which the Jedi will take to fight the Mandalorians. With the power of the Force, we would be a formidable asset to the Republic."
The Chancellor pinched his lip with his fingers for a few seconds while gazing upon Revan. "Do you have any qualifications to manage a fleet?"
Revan smiled as she had anticipated the question. "The mind of a Jedi can be an amazing thing. Through the Force, I have studied every fleet action that the Republic has ever had from the time of the Great Hyperspace Wars. I know every ship class and every naval armament. For example, the turret-mounted turbolaser has-"
Ptolemeus waved his hand. "I trust you on that. No need to go into details," he said. He averted his eyes and thought for a moment, seemingly weighing the options. Then, he looked back into her eyes. "Very well, I have asked the Jedi Order numerous times for their service, but they denied me. Your coming here today shows me that the Order is still our friend. You will have your fleet, young lady."
"Supreme Chancellor, you have made a most wise decision. I make no wild boasts, but I shall do my utmost to defend your worlds with the Jedi powers and learning that I have."
"I could expect no more from you. After all, we have had one disaster after another. My expectations are not high at this point."
"I do not think that you will be disappointed, Sir," said Revan. "We are well trained and highly motivated. I do ask one more thing though."
"And that is?"
Revan took a breath and then continued, "I ask that my fleet answer only to me and I answer only to you. There is to be no influence from the Admiralty. I need complete freedom to reorganize and train my people. I ask you to trust me in this."
Ptolemeus narrowed his eyes and stared deeply at Revan. "In this, you ask for a lot. The Minister of the Navy and the Admiralty are jealous lovers. It will take great effort to keep them off your back and Minister Locarno will never be comfortable with it," he said as he tapped his finger on his chin. Then, he leaned back and nodded to her, his expression now confident and calm.
"My hope…the hopes of the Republic are with you, Admiral Revan."
Revan smiled broadly and turned to Malak, who grinned from ear to ear. Together, the three bowed low and began to walk from the Chamber, escorted by the guards, but the Supreme Chancellor called, "Admiral, stay a moment."
The young woman touched Malak on the arm. "I'll see you later," she said and he and Mai-Lyn departed. Revan walked back to the old leader of the Republic and he beckoned her to sit.
"Young lady, since I have given you a fleet and free rein to fight, I would at least like to know you better," he said in a kindly way.
In her seat, Revan felt amazingly relaxed by his now fatherly demeanor. There was something comfortingly familiar about him and she decided that she liked the old man. "What would you like to know, Sir?"
"For starters, tell me where you originally came from," he said. His smile was genuine and warm and Revan wondered how such a man could rule the better part of the galaxy.
He seems so…so human.
Revan took a breath and then spoke, "I came from Freesia, Sir. I am the daughter of the late King Malleus. I suppose, technically, I am the ruler of that system, but I forswore that responsibility to uphold my Jedi oaths."
"King Malleus? Yes…yes…he was a brave and noble man…a true patriot to the Republic. I am very sorry."
"Thank you," Revan said as she squirmed slightly, finding the topic uncomfortable.
"You know, young woman, that I was on Freesia…just after you were born. You didn't know that, did you? I thought your accent was familiar," he said, nodding. "Your parents showed me a wonderful time."
"Do you have any family, Sir?"
Ptolemeus seemed surprised by the question. "Why…why no…not any more. Both my sons were killed in the war. I lost another son long ago to the War with Exar Kun. My wife is long passed…so, I am alone. When I pass the mantel of Supreme Chancellor, my name will fade into history."
Revan felt her heartstrings tugged and she leaned forward. Her expression softened as she spoke, "I will make sure that does not happen. I swear by the Force that I will save the Republic or die trying."
"I hear the confidence in your voice and know that you will do your best," he said and then chuckled at some private thought.
"What is it, Sir? Did I say something funny?"
He sighed and then looked deeply into her eyes and she found that comforting. "It's just that I am a father without a child and you are a child without a father. We make an interesting pair, you and I."
Revan laughed at the comment. "I suppose we do."
The Republic Admiralty
In the massive building that housed the Chiefs of Naval Operations for the Republic, a gathering of the most powerful military personnel took place. A dozen men sat in a massive chamber that appeared to be more of an art gallery than a meeting place for the Admiralty. Whimsical statues adorned the corners of the room while floral paintings lined the walls. Even a beautiful floral arrangement dominated the circular table in the center of the room.
Hovering around the minister and the admirals were gaily-attired servants, carrying pitchers and trays of the finest gourmet items in the galaxy. The Minister of the Navy, Nicholas Locarno, held a massive turkey leg in his hand, gnawing at the smoked flesh. He was razor thin, with black hair and a black goatee that sat under a hawkish nose and dark eyes.
"What of the last battle with the Mandalorians?" the Minister asked with his mouth full. He made a loud, gulping noise and then washed the food down with a long drink of wine.
Grand Admiral Vrex held a mirror in front of his face and checked the comb of his perfect hair, patting a stray strand down with his other hand. "Oh yes," he said with disinterest, "Another fleet was mauled by the Mandalore. Losses were reported as being near sixty percent with the fleet in a disorganized rout."
"You shouldn't put it so harshly, Lionel," voiced Admiral Deritz. "It won't play so well to the masses."
Minister Locarno nodded and popped a ripe tomato into his mouth. He leaned back and thought for a moment. "Well, did the fleet complete all proper forms and reports on time?"
"Indeed they did," said Vrex. "Their punctuation was perfect."
"And were all inventories and budget audits finished and accurate?"
"Indeed they were."
Locarno wiped tomato juice from his goatee with a silk napkin and sat forward again. "Then, I would declare that a victory. All administrative requirements were met and the fleet was certainly inspection ready." He turned to the Minister of the Media. "Faupas, release this story to the public…Republic fleet achieves victory. We shall claim credit for this magnificent occasion and surely our power shall be enhanced."
From across the table, another officer scratched his head. "Minister, but there was no victory. We were trounced by the Mandalorians. How can we justify this if the Mandalorians conquer us?"
Locarno looked dumbfounded. "Captain Sunfire, how could such a small, unimaginative race conquer the Republic? We are simply too large. They will peter out and soon become a footnote in the history books. Besides, Admiral Burnslider's plan is flawless. He will bring the Mandalorians to heel. Until then, we must keep the public's confidence and…manipulate the truth somewhat. After all," he said with a wicked smile, "the riff raff can't think for themselves."
He took another large bite from his turkey leg and then pointed it at a display. "What of the new fleet that is forming here in Coruscant?"
Vrex spoke off the top of his head, "It will go to Admiral Deritz. He'll have another crack at the Mandalorians soon."
Locarno nodded. "Good…good, just make sure you remain administratively pure. I'd hate for a good career to be ruined," he said and then pointed the turkey leg at the admiral. "No training until all inventories and audits are complete."
"Just like last time, sir. I know the drill," said Deritz.
"Wait," interrupted Vrex. "It says on this data pad that the Eighth Fleet goes to…to an Admiral Revan? Who the hell is he?"
Locarno's face twisted. "I've never heard of him. Who made the appointment?"
"It was…the Supreme Chancellor."
Locarno turned red. "Who does he think he is?"
Captain Sunfire raised an eyebrow. "The Supreme Chancellor, perhaps?"
"Hah, we'll see about that. Find out everything you can about this…this Admiral Revan. Report to no one else but me."
RNS Eagle
Aboard the Flagship of the Fleet, the Eagle, Revan eagerly took the command seat. She slowly spun the plush, leather chair in a circle, surveying her bridge…her ship…her fleet. The spacious bridge was swathed in muted white lighting, illuminating the numerous stations for the important functions of the ship. Lights flashed at the consoles providing up-to-the-minute data on the status of the fleet. Revan beamed with pride as she gazed into Malak's blue eyes and took his hand.
"Give the order to break orbit," Revan told him. "I want Indraal and Moritz to bring me the personnel records of the officers and I want you and Mai-Lyn to begin the battle drills we discussed." Revan had spent countless hours studying the Mandalorians, their culture and their tactics. If not for her delicate, Freesian looks, she could easily walk unnoticed in a Mandalorian War Camp as one of the women, she was so well versed in their behaviors.
Malak nodded and turned to the helm officer. "Jorath, establish an orbital departure solution. Communications, send word to the fleet to fall into formation…with Revan's compliments."
As the great fleet broke orbit, Revan examined the holographic stellar map. She rose from the command seat and walked to the map, stabbing her finger toward a system in the Outer Rim. "We will assemble here…at Taris."
Malak nodded and looked to Jorath. "Plot the coordinates and relay them to rest of the fleet."
The young man nodded and set to work, "Yes sir."
"Engage hyperdrive when ready."
As the crewman gently eased back upon the lever, the Eagle leapt into hyperspace, followed quickly by the rest of the massive fleet. The light years bled by with their increasing velocity, but even then, the journey would be weeks; time enough to change the face of the Republic Navy.
In the conference room of the Eagle, Revan reviewed data on the failed campaigns of the previous, politically minded admirals. "They hamstrung themselves with ridiculous oversight and bureaucracy," she told Malak and Mai-Lyn. "Three forms had to be submitted before a ship could even change formation. Also, if an officer made even the most minor mistake, he could be court martialed. That stifled any initiative in the ranks," she continued as she perused the voluminous regulations that governed the Republic military system.
"It's unbelievable," said Malak, dumbfounded by the information.
"Look at this battle," Revan continued. "The commanding general was so obsessed with the color and condition of uniforms that he ordered his men to change just as a Mandalorian attack came."
Mai-Lyn burst out laughing. "I'll bet that their uniforms were all blood red after that."
Revan nodded. "In the last campaign, the entire Republic Eleventh Corps collapsed and routed when the Mandalore had the Ordo Clan force march around their flank. Morale in the Republic Army is atrocious and leaders lead from the rear."
Revan then shook her head. "All of this…this nonsense…it has to change or we'll lose the war for sure," she said as the rest of the Jedi leaders filed into the room.
The eyes of the young Jedi force were upon her and excitement electrified the air. In a dramatic motion, Revan cast aside her datapad. "The failure of our predecessors lay in many areas. For one, they had no guiding principle of war; their battles were conducted haphazardly, at the whim of the commander. I propose nine principles of war for us to follow."
Revan laid it out for her commanders. They would use; mass, to overwhelm the enemy; objective, to focus the mission; offensive, to gain the initiative; maneuver, to keep the enemy off balance; unity of command, to ensure unity of purpose; security, to prevent our plans from being exploited; simplicity, to prevent avoidable mistakes; surprise, to maximize any advantages; and economy of force to achieve victory with minimum losses. "These principles of war will guide our fleet and lead us to victory."
Then, Malak brought up a holographic projection of another system and Revan continued, "Our first objective is to arrive at Taris and bring the fleet in line with my vision. We will instill a will to win…a will to prevail within the men." Revan smiled at the crowd, which waited upon her every breath.
Malak swept his hand toward their admiral. "Revan has brought us from captivity to freedom…from darkness into light."
The Admiral strode to the hatch of the conference room and nodded. "Come, we must spend time with the crew. They must see our commitment to this ideal. We must lead from the front."
Aboard the RNS Eagle
In the ensuing days, Revan ate with the crew, cleaned weapons with them, and learned their fears and hopes. Soon, through her Force-powered mine, she knew the names of every crew member of the Eagle and the faces of the crew took on a new confidence; they saw a leader who was one of them…one who cared about the welfare of those in the trenches. To the amazement of the troops, she dined with them regularly, breaking down the social barriers that divided command and staff.
On the side, her Jedi, Indraal and Moritz ferreted out the incompetent officers and quietly moved them around, seemingly as a reward. Thus, leaders with merit began to fill key positions within the fleet.
The battle drills were long and hard, but Revan endured the hardships equally with her crew. The welfare of every member was seen to before Revan would eat or sleep. Her inhuman stamina was soon sorely tested.
As yet another drill wound down, Revan stepped down from her seat, tired and disheveled. As she scanned around the room, her heart pounding in anticipation, she asked, "Malak, the results?"
The blond Jedi reviewed the data. "All formation changes completed far quicker than standard. Gunnery accuracy rates are improved by twenty percent," he said with a satisfied grin.
A relieved sigh escaped from her and an infectious smile graced her lips. Revan walked over to Mai-Lyn, who sat at the tactical station. "You've made me proud. I can see your commitment in every fiber of your being."
"As I've said, no sacrifice is too great. I would follow you into the mouth of the Sarlacc, Revan."
Revan could see the adoration in Mai-Lyn's eyes and she loved it. "There is no need for that yet," she said jokingly. She then turned to the rest of the Bridge. "Come, my brave crew, let us celebrate tonight. You have shown me that we are ready to fight the Mandalorians. We shall be in orbit around Taris tomorrow."
The revelry was intense as weeks of constant drill began to wear on the crew. By this time, Revan had her finger on the pulse of the fleet and knew it was time for them to blow off steam. As the festivities wound down, Revan could see the passion on the faces of the Jedi and the crew. Other than the creed of peacekeeping and passivity, I see why the Jedi do not engage in war so readily. While a leader must keep cool and remain in control, the men must have a fire in their bellies for the fight. The Mandalorians understand this with their creed of honor.
Revan watched Mai-Lyn down another glass of ale, laughing at a joke told by Bandon. I watched the holovids of the last Republic defeat…the beaten expressions of the men…the shifting of blame by the admirals. In contrast, our morale is high. We hunger for the fight.
Bandon raised his glass at Revan and shouted, "All hail Revan!" and she smiled back at him. She stood and walked over to their group, where Nisotsa and Carriaga Sin also sat.
"Are you ready for what lies ahead?" she said with energy.
"We are hungry!" they called in unison.
"Excellent…. Then I can retire knowing the fleet is in good hands. Maintain vigilance tonight for we enter the Taris System in the morning. I bid you good night," she said as she strode from the room.
Revan went to her quarters and entered the fresher where she tossed her smoky robes to the floor. She quickly smelled herself and wrinkled her nose. "Too many cigara smokers in the fleet."
She reached into the shower and turned on the water stream, sending steam rolling up to the ceiling. She stepped in, letting the hot water spray her body for a minute before the shower door opened.
It was Malak.
"Are you hungry?" he said playfully.
Revan pulled him into the shower, letting the spray envelope his body. "How did you know?"
"You always have a prodigious appetite."
Revan feigned shock and her eyes widened. "Oh, do I?"
He reached around behind her and caressed her cheek, feeling the water cascade between his fingers. "You do, but only when I'm around to feed you."
Revan did the same to Malak and pulled his hips to hers. "Malak, you create the fire in my belly," she said with a giggle and their lips came together beneath the falling water.
The Taris System
As the fleet entered orbit, they were a force to be reckoned with and a sense of hope flourished within the men.
"Admiral, we are in orbit around Taris," informed Malak.
Revan nodded. "Indraal, you have the fleet. Malak…Mai-Lyn, you are with me. We are going down to the planet to pay the governor a visit." The Admiral stood and relinquished the command seat to her Twi'lek friend.
Indraal bowed and took the seat with a smug expression. I have replaced Bastila as Revan's confidant. I always knew Padawan Shan would not measure up; she had no stomach to follow through with her convictions.
The purple-skinned Jedi surveyed the bridge of the great vessel and tidied her rose-colored robes. She had placed all of her confidence in Revan and would follow her into the gates of hell if the Admiral so ordered it. Indraal had always needed something to believe in; once, it was the Jedi Order, but they had fallen short.
Upon the arrival of the Jedi at the Governor's Mansion, servants opened the door wide and bowed low before the entourage. The Governor's aides met them in the grand foyer, which was decorated with gaudy tapestries and knick knacks.
"Admiral Revan, please follow us," one said nervously. "Forgive us for not being totally prepared. Your arrival was most unexpected, but rest assured, the governor is making every possible arrangement to assure your personal comfort."
Indeed, Revan's arrival had thrown the local politicians in a panic. In the centuries that the Tarisian Government had been ignored by the Republic, it had grown use to its own autonomy.
"It seems we surprised them," commented Malak with a hint of humor as the aides scurried off.
Revan grinned once they were out of earshot. "Good, it shows our operational and communications security measures are working. Plus, I shall enjoy seeing these fat bureaucrats squirm."
Mai-Lyn smiled broadly at Revan's words and then raised her nose. "How different this is from the Academy on Dantooine. You could drown in the raw emotion that permeates this place."
Together, they walked down the broad parkway to meet the Republic's leader on Taris. Once inside, they saw that the office of the Governor was gaudy in its attempt to rival the Supreme Chancellor's place of business. Mismatched sculptures and flashy paintings decorated the room. Each was of high value, but no coherent plan went into the selection and display of the art.
The corpulent Governor glanced about warily as the Jedi group entered. "Admiral Revan, Taris welcomes you as the military representative of the Supreme Chancellor."
Revan forced a smile and took the seat that was offered to her. "Governor Tarsoff, the Supreme Chancellor sends his compliments; however, I would like to get right to the point."
"Of course Admiral."
"We are here to resupply the fleet prior to our offensive into the Ryloth Sector. This means I shall be procuring fuel, provisions, and personnel on behalf of the Supreme Chancellor."
Governor Tarsoff fidgeted. "I understand your needs Admiral, but I am afraid we do not have much to provide to your fleet. It would cause undue hardship on my people."
"Do not worry, during our stay here, my team will redistribute the wealth of your city to ensure that all of its people are cared for."
The color drained from the Governor's face.
Revan did not allow the Governor time to respond as she rose and turned on her heel and strode out the door. As the Jedi departed, Malak probed Revan's mind. Revan, we are not going to Ryloth.
Precisely, I only want Mandalore's agents to believe that. We are going to the Vortex Sector to reinforce Admiral Burnslider.
The corner of Malak's mouth turned upward. You continue to amaze me.
Republic Headquarters on Taris
The Jedi delegation regrouped at the Republic Headquarters and Revan began reviewing the militia records. Her Force-powered mind absorbed the details of the garrison on Taris and she made note of some items of interest. Looking over to Malak and Mai-Lyn, she said, "There are many able-bodied militia troops here. I suggest that we commandeer some of them and incorporate them into the fleet."
"Excellent idea," said Mai-Lyn. "I need to round out our ground units – I could use more infantry."
Revan stood from the terminal. "I was wise in giving you command of all ground forces, Mai-Lyn. You have that aggressive, 'can do' attitude that I need. In battle, once the enemy fleets have been dealt with, you will lead the invasion forces."
"Do not worry, Revan, we will be prepared."
The admiral then led them to the office of the militia commander, who stood at attention as she entered. She handed him a data pad with her needs. The colonel read the requisition list and his mouth opened with shock and horror.
"Admiral, we need those troops to maintain order in LoCity. The savages down there have caused us numerous problems," protested the colonel of militia. His face then pinched up and he glared at her. Young Revan could understand how this middle-aged man would resent her, arriving out of nowhere and demanding a quarter of his force.
Revan looked back at him with genuine concern for his needs. She sat in one of the chairs in front of his desk, letting him maintain the position of superiority. "Colonel, I appreciate your situation. As you are well aware, we are hard pressed by the Mandalorians. Every system must contribute to the greater good," she said. Then, she pointed to a map on his wall. "I shall see LoCity for myself as I wish to understand your problems."
The colonel looked at Revan with a new interest. "Admiral, are you serious?" he asked, narrowing his eyes and cocking his head to hear more of her words.
Revan smiled. With that ineffective, self-serving governor in power, I know that no one has ever listened to what this colonel has ever said.
"I would not want to deprive you of necessary forces without understanding the totality of the problem."
The colonel wrinkled his nose while stroking his dark moustache. "I can appreciate that. I will have some troops accompany you."
Revan stood and moved to the exit. "That will not be necessary. We are Jedi."
The Lower City
Deep within the bowels of Taris resided a squalid world devoid of light and fresh air, unseen by the Tarisian sun for centuries. Aliens and humans alike scratched out an existence of desperation and despair, completely ignored by the nobility above. Others, more fortunate or more powerful, had established better lives based on their abilities to exploit the weak.
In a dark cantina, the slug-like Zax the Hutt inhaled hallucinogens from a brass hooka as rat-like creatures played about his bloated body. Diffuse fluorescent lights gave the great den an almost hellish appearance as gamblers, bounty hunters, and other riff raff jostled around, pursuing various illicit enterprises.
At the bar, a man slid drinks and stale snacks to various patrons seated on stools. A cat-like woman put some of the drinks on a hand tray and took them to another table. As she placed the tray down, a wracking cough gripped her frail body. She staggered, nearly falling before grabbing the table.
Zax took notice of the weakness of his waitress and waved one of his enforcers toward her. A large being encased in leather armor with a mask stomped over and grasped the hacking woman by her hair.
"Cathar, your usefulness to the Hutt is growing less. Zax's benevolence is likewise diminishing. If you continue to lack motivation…."
The woman fought to control her failing body. "No, I can continue," she stammered.
The enforcer released her and gestured to Zax. The Hutt rolled his eyes. He was forced to remove the Cathar from the pleasure dens when she became ill. She was still useful at the bar, but not for very much longer. The Hutt nodded and the enforcer turned to leave.
As the Cathar weakly picked up the tray, the room began to spin. The tray, full of glasses, crashed to the floor and the woman collapsed. As she lay there with the world growing dim, she called weakly. "Juhani…Juhani. Someone save my daughter."
Somewhere in the Lower City
A Cathar child of about 12 standard years sat on the floor of a nearly bare room, sewing items of clothing. Her threadbare garments hung about her emaciated frame as she hummed a familiar tune. Suddenly, the rickety door burst open, startling the girl. Two large Transdosians stomped in, carrying the sick Cathar woman. They hurled her to the ground and she groaned, barely moving.
One of the reptilians pointed at the girl. "If she dies, you incur her debt."
When they had left, Juhani tried to drag her mother to the bed beneath the flickering fluorescent light. Her mother was gripped by wracking coughs as she lay there. "Juhani…I have given you everything. You must flee before Davik's thugs come for you."
The girl wept, tears running down her furry face. "Mother, I cannot leave you. I have no one else."
As the Cathar woman weakened over the passing days, Juhani refused to leave. She would go and beg for money to buy medicine for her invalid mother. Despite her best efforts, the smell of death grew in the lonely room. One day, the wracking coughs ceased and the woman failed to wake.
Desperately, Juhani shook her. "Mother! Mother, please."
Then, a low, desperate growl escaped her chapped lips and she curled into a ball, unable to face reality; her race destroyed, her family dispossessed, her father beaten to death, and her mother fallen to disease and prejudice.
Days went by until Davik's brutes became away of the smell emanating from one of their tenements. The two Transdosians burst in again and sniffed the air. "Oh, now we're going to have to clean this up," one commented. The other reached down and grasped Juhani.
"Well, it looks like we have another wage earner."
Juhani appeared to be in a trance, staring out into space and unmoving. Without warning, she focused her eyes on the Transdosian and shrieked, stunning the thug. With feral abandon, the girl tore the reptile's eye out.
As the one Transdosian howled, the other hammered his fists into her, until she fell to the ground, unconscious and bloody.
As Juhani lay there, the wounded thug kicked her solidly in the gut. Holding his face, he called his master on the link.
"Master Kang, we have her. She's unusable; can I just kill her?"
"No, then I'd be out my entire investment. Take her to the slave auction."
Taris Upper CityRevan's delegation gathered beneath the setting sun, which was casting an ethereal, rosy glow about the city. Revan inhaled the cool, fresh air as she straightened her blue Jedi robes. Malak stood close by her side, enjoying the moment with her. A dozen other Jedi waited with them.
The metal doors to the elevator opened and the delegation stepped in. Revan turned to face the entrance. "I cannot abide by this system of class warfare on this planet. We are going to make some changes."
The elevator grinded slowly downward into the bowels of the city-planet. The air became stale and fetid and the lights flickered and dimmed. Some of the Jedi muttered nervously, but Revan calmed them. "Do not show fear to the enemy. We must portray confidence at all times," she said and gently touched Mai-Lyn and Bandon.
Mai-Lyn clenched her jaw. "This is very different than Dantooine."
"We must experience many different environments and learn to take them on without being afraid. Just think of this as one of our Knighthood trials."
"But that was different," voiced Bandon.
Revan shook her head. "No, no different. A Jedi, who has confidence within his heart will show it in any situation, great or small."
When the gates opened, a force of powerful Jedi stepped off of the elevator. Near the entrance, swoop gang members stepped aside, unsure of what to make of the newcomers. An aura covered Revan, visible by even the least Force sensitive.
Several humans, dressed in the gaudy attire of swoop racers, stood nearby, eyeing the delegation. Taking interest, Revan walked up to them, seemingly without concern.
"Greetings gentlemen, I come on behalf of the Republic to do battle with the Mandalorians."
Two of the men exchanged glances and laughed at some inside joke. "Girl, the Republic has no meaning to us down here." A man who looked to be in his thirties smiled bitterly at her in an expression as hard as the life he had lived in LoCity.
Malak stepped forcefully forward, standing many centimeters taller than they. "Watch your tongues. You are speaking to Admiral Revan."
Revan raised her hand to settle Malak down. Her eyes focused in on the older of the two men. He had a handsome face, dark as the Undercity with a strange goatee. Strands of energy floated from Revan's being, touching the man gently. He gasped.
The young woman looked deep into his eyes, holding him in thrall. "Gadon Thek, I see the good that is in you still. Take care of your people."
The man's eyes stared at her in wonder as she walked away. Something in his heart was changed then and there. The younger man scratched his head. "Gadon, how did she know your name?"
"I don't know, Brejik, I have no idea."
Deeper in the Lower City
The Jedi pressed further into the depths of LoCity until they heard a loud commotion. They entered into a vast arena-like area filled with sentients of many races. People were chanting numbers while holding up slips of credits. The frenzy grew to a fever pitch as a Cathar girl was hauled up onto a podium. She was dressed in rags with a chain collar around her neck, held by a Transdosian.
The crowd howled as the mob leapt up and down, trying to place bids. On a billboard above the podium, figures in alien script flashed and faded, casting a glow on the face of the terrified Cathar.
At the front of the crowd, a Twi'lek dressed in black, elbowed his way to the podium, waving credits. He walked with a decided limp, but his movements were still strong. Pushing others aside, the Twi'lek thrust his credits into the auctioneer's clawed hands and seized the chain from the guard. Perverse joy lit up his face like a sun and he dragged the screaming Cathar from the podium. The mob shouted its disapproval, but the disappointment in the crowd was short lived as another slave took Juhani's place and the bidding began anew.
Once they were free of the mob, the Twi'lek yanked the collar hard, causing the Cathar to fall roughly onto the deck. Two other Twi'leks, dressed as mercenaries joined him. "My name is Xor, my little slave. I thought your race had been exterminated! How delighted I am at this-" Xor said, before he noticed a delicate human woman standing next to him. "What to you want, human? Begone."
Revan inhaled deeply, displeasure evident on her face. "Sir, let the girl go." Revan said the words without emotion, without malice. She made no eye contact with the Twi'leks, but looked down at the pathetic Cathar.
Xor looked at Revan with incredulity, his eyes wide. Then, he made a tooth-baring smile while shaking his head. "I can't believe my luck. A second slave for free…."
The other Twi'leks quickly tried to grab Revan, but in the blink of an eye, her lightsaber came to her hand. Blue lights flashed, cutting the darkness and a hand and a lekku flew through the air as the two thugs fell screaming to the floor. Revan then flicked her hand at the Xor and he was frozen where he stood. She placed the tip of her blazing weapon to his throat for a second before unpowering it. Revan then gave him two taps to the cheek with her open palm and took the chain from his hand.
"Thank you for your cooperation."
With a look from her eyes, the collar on Juhani's neck burst open. The terrified Cathar cringed as Revan wiped her filthy cheek. The dark-haired woman smiled. "I am Jedi Revan, you are free."
Taris Upper CityThere was a great stir in the Office of the Governor as servants and bureaucrats scurried about in near panic and without purpose. Revan sat in the Governor's seat, twirling slowly behind the desk. She stared out of the grand window vacantly while holding one of the Governor's curios. The door burst open and the leader of the planet stomped in behind his personal bodyguards.
"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, his pink cheeks puffing over his double chin. His fists were clenched and it seemed that he would pop from the strain.
Revan purposefully dropped the fragile object, letting it shatter on the ground. "Governor, you have betrayed the people of Taris. I have been to LoCity and seen the squalor there; slavery, disease, corruption. I then took the liberty to investigate your finances and discovered numerous monetary transactions between you and this…Davik Kang. Isn't he the notorious crime lord?"
Governor Tarsoff's face went blank for a moment before he renewed his tirade, "Nonsense! Where did you find such poppycock?"
Revan spun the computer monitor about so that it would face him. "On your own records. You really should hide your ill gotten gains better."
The Governor gasped, his face turning even more red. He then sputtered for a moment before stabbing his finger at her and yelling, "Guards, seize her!"
The men took a step forward before Revan raised her hand and Tarsoff's guards were instantly hurled backward with a wave of the Force. Then, Malak and the other Jedi stormed in and kept the guards down with threats from their lightsabers. Seeing his best men incapacitated in two seconds, the Governor's eyes widened with fear.
Revan stood from the chair and walked over to the man. "You are being replaced. A new leader shall govern Taris. Your guards shall be transferred to the militia and I shall also reorder your cabinet to better serve the people."
Revan spent several days restructuring the Tarisian government. The militia troops that she had procured were replaced by the good men in Tarsoff's guard. Supplies were redistributed and for a while, they reached LoCity. Little did she know that her best efforts would not take hold on the planet after her departure, but she was determined to bring equity to the troubled world.
As the Jedi boarded the shuttles to return to the fleet, Juhani watched from a bench in the Upper City. The shuttle lifted off and the Cathar's eyes followed it until it was out of sight. "I will become a Jedi one day, just like you, Revan."