W/N - Thank you, Taeniaea. I am determined to finish this once and for all. There's some nostalgic moments and a prelude to the parts covering KOTOR II.
To the Great Beyond
Upon the Rakatan planet, a grand ceremony was held to celebrate the Republic's improbable victory over the Sith Empire. Fireworks burst and starfighters roared by, giving the gathering a festive atmosphere. On a pedestal, a tiny Jedi Master spoke glorious words commemorating the sacrifice of the brave and honoring the living. Master Vandar's voice carried far and wide over the field, echoing with new found strength.
High atop the alien temple, Revan, fallen and redeemed Jedi Knight and heir to the Throne of Freesia, stood, looking down at the tired, but victorious forces of the Republic. Thousands of soldiers, crewmen, and pilots looked on, seeking hope for the future that had been so dark only a day earlier. Revan tried to smile as she gazed down on their faces. Although relieved at the survival of the team, doubt gripped her heart – doubt in her deservedness of the accolades being heaped on her.
Her raven hair was once again perfectly coiffed around her delicate, tanned features and the bruises and lacerations that adorned her skin on the Star Forge had been carefully erased by the Force. Revan's white robes were neatly pressed and devoid of the slashes, burns, and blood from the recent fray and she cut the imposing, charismatic figure that she was known for as the victorious admiral. As in the past, her aura shimmered brightly, drawing adoration from the people. She knew that, had she but strayed just a little, those would be Sith troops down there, hailing the return of Darth Revan. She shuddered.
Admiral Carth Onasi stood beside her, assuming his typical, roguish stance, hand on hip. The brave and stubborn pilot had changed over the long, desperate months. He was leaner, but softer in appearance, the bitter scowl that had once marred his handsome features now replaced by a long-forgotten smile. Both his heart and his step seemed lighter and his dashing, heroic looks captured the imaginations of the forces under his command. Maybe now, they could finally find peace together.
Bastila Shan, now a Knight of the ancient Order, hovered behind them, shunning the spotlight. Once more, she was clad in her robes of sienna and brown, her auburn hair neatly styled for the occasion. The young Jedi blinked at the setting sun, torn between her guilt and her elation at the Order's survival. What would the future hold for her now?
Enjoying the moment, the rest of the team gathered around them in the growing darkness of dusk as the ceremony concluded. A final flurry of fireworks heralded Revan's official return to the Order and she bowed low before the crowds, honoring them. The throngs cheered one last time and then began to break up, with officers assembling their men to attend to the duties of cleaning up after the massive battle. It would be a long and tedious task ahead.
Revan remained at the ledge as the sea breeze blew in for the evening and her hair whipped about her face. Carth and Dustil gazed out at the sliver of the dying, orange star, now void of the dark spike that had fed on it for millennia.
Then, a voice rang out in the twilight air, "Aerin…Aerin Dakar!"
The Jedi turned, not fully realizing that the call was for her. She focused her eyes on a tall, muscular man with graying blond hair approached, leading a group of familiar faces. Revan's eyes lit up as recognition hit her. "Marl! Ice…Gadon…Zaerdra…and, as I live and breathe, Deadeye Duncan." How in the galaxy did they get here and find her? It must be destiny.
Nearby, Mission Vao, holding young Sasha's hand, squealed with joy at the sight of her fellow Tarisians. Matrik, the once desperate fugitive, wrapped Mission up in a bear hug, while Ice's characteristic chill melted and she gave the Twi'lek a toothy grin. Revan could not have been more fulfilled and happy than at this point in time in the company of her dearest friends. She wanted nothing more than for this moment to last forever, but she knew that the only thing that was constant in this world was change.
Breaking the solemnity of the moment, Duncan raised his fist defiantly above his head. "Wow, I was creamed by none other than Revan! I'm a celebrity!"
The group broke into laughter and the Jedi embraced her friends, one by one.
The Rakatan Planet – Three Months Later
Time flew by and soon, the victorious Republic fleet completed its repairs and departed, leaving a contingent of scientists and Jedi on the planet to learn more of the Rakatans and to cleanse the world of the influence of the Sith. The Elders had proven to be valuable allies, shedding insight into the Star Forge and the lost history of that once-great race.
After a particularly long meeting, Revan leaned back into her chair and stretched her aching back. She was finding that she was not so well suited for administration and she was finding the scientific mission tedious. Only the fact that most of her friends had remained with her made it bearable. As Sasha played by her side, Carth walked in – a huge grin covered his face.
"What is it?" Revan asked, her mouth twisted in a half smile full of curiosity.
"Are you sitting down? Oh wait…you are."
She had to know now and realized that he was teasing her. "Okay, out with it!"
"You remember Jordo Crae?"
How could she forget? The man had lived on the Hawk with them for months and was one of Carth's best friends. "Uh, yeah."
"Well," he said, dragging it out, "He's now a Vice President of the Telos Restoration Project! It was approved by the Senate yesterday!"
Revan let it sink in for just a moment before she leapt out of her chair and into Carth's arms. It was everything that they had dreamed of. "That's wonderful! When does it begin?"
"Jordo just called from Coruscant and they'll begin construction of the massive, Citadel Station, an orbital platform from which the planet will be healed. Apparently he'll be joined by Chodo Habat, head of an Ithorian Herd."
"Ithorian? What will he do?"
"They'll provide flora and fauna for the project to ensure its success. I think this is going to work, Revan. I think it's going to work," he said excitedly as he spun her around in his arms. "Hey, you remember Lieutenant Dol Grenn?"
"No. Wait…rough looking guy with graying hair? I kind of do."
"He's another old friend. I've just selected him to be the Chief of Security for Telos."
Revan felt a warmth in her chest that was near to bursting. The peace that she sought so long ago and had betrayed her oath to gain was coming to her in the most roundabout way. "So, when are we going to join them?"
"I'm hoping we can be there in a month," he said and sat in her chair, putting her on his lap. She nestled into the crook of his neck and watched Sasha play. She thought of those friends who had departed and hoped that they were well.
Mekel and Dak Vesser returned to the Order and were sent by Master Vandar to the Onderon System to facilitate the entry of that world into the Republic.
Lieutenant Niki Helos continued to serve the Republic through insightful and aggressive operations. The Director of Republic Intelligence had taken a liking to her and she was sent to the frontier to head up her own unit.
Admiral Forn Dodonna, the last remaining Theater Commander, was given the rank of Grand Admiral, replacing the incompetent sycophant, Admiral Vrex. As the Chief of Staff of the Navy, she would be in a position to influence and reform the fleet.
Then, she thought of someone else and smiled a distant smile. "I really miss him," she said.
"Miss who?"
"Big Z."
She felt Carth nod. "That was a great thing that you did for him…consider his life debt paid and allow him to return to Kashyyyk. I really miss him too."
Revan giggled. "But not his breath. I spoke to him about three weeks ago and he told me that he was embraced by his father and was made the chief of his clan."
"Chief? Wow, that's serious."
"He wields Bacca's Blade now in honorable hunts and wants to return the Wookiees to their cultural roots."
"With the help of the Republic, I'm sure that the stain of the Czerka will be washed away."
Revan sighed. Soon, there would be someone else that they would miss. She looked up into Carth's eyes and he knew what she was thinking. Their time together had forged such a bond between them that they sometimes finished each others' sentences. "She'll be okay."
Carth chuckled. "Well, maybe not for the first year. It's going to be tough, you know."
Revan knew that training at the vaunted Republic Naval Academy was going to be intense – at least that is what her fake memories told her. "You know, she never dreamed that she could have come this far. I think back on the wild street urchin that she was and I feel…."
"Proud…. Yes, Mission has become like a daughter to me. You know she'll never forget her humble beginnings while she rises through the ranks."
"That you can be sure of," she said confidently. Then, something else came to her and she held out her hand to summon a data pad. It flew to her hand crisply. "Get this, Carth. I got this letter from Mission's brother of all people. Beyond all hope or logic, Griff found a niche in the Tarisian Ale market. He says he's going to pay us back." They both burst out laughing at the same time. She again snuggled in his arms where it was so warm and reassuring. Beyond all hope or logic, they too had not only survived, but overcame the darkest, most deadly force to ever threaten the Republic. Perhaps Griff might come through after all.
"So, what do you think Juhani will do?" Carth asked.
"She spoke about rejoining Master Quatra, this time as a full Jedi Knight. You know, I think she has finally put her demons to rest."
"She does seem so serene these days…unlike-"
"Jolee Bindo?" she asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yeah, he's as grouchy as ever these days. I don't think that sitting around agrees with him now that he's off Kashyyyk."
"I wonder if he even knows what he wants. You know the Order agreed to accept him again."
Carth snorted. "And I'll bet he groused about it endlessly," he said and then adopted a Jolee impersonation. "If those damn fools think I'm going to drop everything and rush back into their open arms, they've got another thing coming."
They burst into laughter again. "He'll go back," Revan said knowingly. "I know him too well now."
"And Bastila, what of her? I haven't seen her in a month now, I've been so busy."
Revan developed that faraway look. She knew it would be a long time before Bastila was normal again. "She renewed her commitment to the Order, but I know she's never stopped loving Kyle and will be atoning for his death for the rest of her life. You know, if one good thing has come out of this, she's learned that compassion and love are not such evil things."
"Well, that is a good thing," he said, nodding and then he got a mischievous look in his eye. "And…what of your boyfriend, the Mandalorian."
It was Revan who snorted this time. Evan after the destruction of the Star Forge, Canderous refused to depart and insisted on remaining with her. "Poor guy, he's bored out of his skull. No more battles to fight…for now. He has the remaining Mandalorians waiting for him on Dxun, the site of the first battle of the Mandalorian Wars. Kelborn, Bralor, Xarga and many others went there to prepare the way for the new Mandalore."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" he asked and she could see the concern written on his face. After all, it was the trick she had used to initiate her own war against the Republic. Carth shifted uncomfortably under her.
"They are so few now…I don't even know if their race will survive long. I want them to have some semblance of honor in their dying days. In any case, we're leaving soon for Coruscant. The Order wishes to see me."
"What about?"
She pursed her lips, not entirely sure, but she had an idea. "To give a final answer for my sins."
Coruscant – Two Months Later
Jedi Revan traveled to the capitol of the Republic, hooded out of concern for sentiments about her in the Core Worlds; despite her redemption, there were still hostile feelings toward her regarding her near overthrow of the Republic. To keep her safe – or perhaps to keep others safe from her, Carth, Dustil, Canderous, and her faithful droids accompanied her.
In the great Jedi Temple, Revan walked alone in the courtyard garden where younglings trained with tiny lightsabers under the guidance of Master Vrook Lamar. The man had aged considerably in the past few years and his hair was now mostly gray. Against her better judgment, Revan approached and bowed before the old master and he waved his hand to tell the younglings to cease training.
"Knight Revan…what brings you to this hallowed temple? Surely, glory and conquest can only be found elsewhere." The sarcasm and contempt were clear as the Coruscant sky.
The young woman pursed her lips, regret filling her chest. She would make no attempt to justify or make excuse. "I…I was wrong. I am here to pay for what I have done," she managed to say and then turned, leaving a surprised Master Vrook to resume his lessons. She could only hope he would understand and forgive.
She journeyed to the highest level of the temple, where she met with the Grand Masters of the Jedi Order, the wisest and most powerful of the mystic element. There, the elder Jedi sat in a circle overlooking the city world and Revan stood in their midst. The Knight's heart was heavy and she anticipated an adversarial meeting. She had come to put herself on trial for the past, knowing full well, that she may not see her friends, or Carth again. Reluctantly, she prepared herself to accept this.
"Grand Masters of the Order, I stand humbly before you, ready to answer for my crimes."
Master Vandar stood and walked toward her, his sky blue robes shimmering in the light. "Knight Revan, it is true that you have done many things for which you must atone for. It has been decreed that you shall pay through service. Travel to Telos with Master Atris and help her to build another Jedi Academy."
Revan's eyes widened, surprise and hope obvious on her face. "Telos?"
Vandar nodded with a faint smile. "Yes, I understand that Admiral Onasi will be there as well. It is…a fortunate coincidence, is it not? I suggest you go to the Office of the Supreme Chancellor and inform the Admiral of your punishment."
Concealing her glee, the young knight bowed low, sweeping her hand near the floor. "I accept the correction and wisdom of the High Council. Let me attend to my task and trouble the Order no more."
Then, the diminutive master walked over and took her hand. "Come Revan, I have something to show you."
He escorted her down the tall spire of the temple and into a grand hall, carpeted in rich blues and golds with wide marble pillars. Within the long hall stood twelve statues, cast in bronzium.
"Revan," spoke Master Vandar, "These are the Lost Twelve, a dozen Jedi, who left the Order voluntarily to pursue what they felt was a higher calling. We commemorate them here with both honor and sadness so that their lessons may be learned by all. Behold," he said, lifting his hand up to a massive sculpture of her – the twelfth lost Jedi.
Revan nodded seriously, understanding that she was not the first, nor would she be the last in the long span of the Order. Then, she gazed down on the kind master with a bittersweet smile.
"Farewell, Master Vandar and may the Force be with you."
The Office of the Supreme Chancellor
Jedi Revan was escorted before Supreme Chancellor Dakar by four elite soldiers of the Old Guard. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest at the prospect of meeting her faux father.
As they entered the grand chamber, lit by priceless lamps, she saw Carth, Dustil, and Canderous waiting for her. The Admiral was attired in a white dress uniform with the Mandalorian in his red armor. Standing beside them was the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic, robed in spring colors of green and yellow. At his side was a raven-haired young woman.
Revan looked upon her as if she were gazing into a mirror. It was all becoming clear.
The Jedi bowed humbly before them. "Supreme Chancellor Dakar…Mistress Aerin Dakar, I am honored by your presence and it is my pleasure to meet you again."
Aerin lifted her twin up and they stood face to face. Carth and Dustil gasped at the resemblance between them, the few exceptions being their hair and clothing. Mistress Dakar cocked her head and pursed her red lips.
"I could think of no greater person to carry my identity in this time of need. The Republic is in your debt."
Revan shook her head. "No Mistress, it was your kindness, compassion, and sacrifice that saved us all. Had it been left to me alone, all would have been lost. Having discovered my true identity, I believed you to be weak…but now, I stand in awe of you. I carry you now in my heart and I am the greater for it."
Revan found she liked her twin and they became as sisters during their short stay on Coruscant. Together with her friends, they visited Mission at the Academy, where the young Twi'lek was growing accustomed to military life.
As they reluctantly departed the capitol, old Jolee Bindo bid them farewell at the space port. He had indeed rejoined the Order and…been given a special honor.
"Master Bindo," Revan said with a bow.
With a twinkle in his eye and a smirk on his lips, Jolee groused the way he always groused, "Cut that nonsense out. We've been through too much together for that 'Master' bantha poo. You want to give me a complex?"
Revan chuckled happily. Yes, she was happy – perhaps the first time she was truly joyful in her entire existence. Unburdened by ambition, conquest, and destiny, she felt at peace. She leapt into old Bindo's arms and wrapped him up tightly. After a moment's hesitation, he gripped her back.
"Jolee, my wise and grouchy Jolee. I once saw your death in the Force, but now I know it was not true. At our parting, I have one request…never change." Once, on the Star Forge, she had seen into an alternate reality where the old man was killed. She knew she could not have borne it if it had come true. As they embraced, she could smell his salty tears and knew no words would come to him.
With that, she departed to a new destiny, knowing that his wisdom and guidance would foster in a new generation of Jedi.
They journeyed to Freesia, where Revan met her mother, the Queen, for the first time in twenty years. Although the reunion was joyous, they could not remain, but there, Revan declared that Sasha should be her heir.
"Why can you not stay?" her mother asked.
Revan gazed upon the woman, who seemed to be as young as the day she left for the Jedi Academy. Her beauty was still as radiant as Revan remembered it to be. "I am sorry, mother. I have been given a task by the Order. I intend to fulfill my promises from now on."
The queen seemed happy with this. "Is he good to you?"
Revan smiled and took her mother's hand. "He is. I cannot think of a more joyous destiny. We will be happy on Telos."
The queen wrinkled her nose. "Telos…such a backwater planet. Are you sure you will be satisfied there?"
"I am."
"Well, you must visit often. I look forward to the day that you might rule and when Sasha comes of age."
Revan looked forward to that too, but not the ruling part. Her destiny would take her elsewhere. Sasha would make a fine queen.
At the end of their traves, they landed on the new Citadel Station, orbiting Telos. The planet was mostly barren except for pockets of damaged terrain and the polar ice caps. Revan looked upon the battered world and wept for the destruction that had been wrought in her name.
Work continued on the station as the Ithorians worked their magic, regrowing large sections of wasteland, creating forests, plains, lakes, and oceans. Additionally, the new Jedi Academy blossomed under the polar ice cap and Master Atris began to instruct new students in the ways of the Force.
However, darkness continued to lurk in the Outer Rim and the influence of the Czerka came to Telos and they undermined the work of the Ithorians. A year passed and, one day, Revan was awoken by an urgent call. She extricated herself from Carth's arms and he moaned softly, still asleep. She brushed her dark hair from her face and covered herself as she pressed the receive button. A surge in the Force told her that something was wrong.
The glue-green holographic images of Bastila and Jolee appeared. Old Bindo's face was serious...grim. This couldn't be good.
"Revan, thank the Force you and Carth are safe. We have disturbing news," Jolee warned.
Jedi Shan nodded, her eyes darting around as if someone would attack at any moment. "Lieutenant Helos has informed us of a growing Sith threat in the Outer Rim. As you recall, Darths Sion and Nihilus were not accounted for after the destruction of the Star Forge. Moreover, several Jedi have been assassinated in systems adjacent to yours. We fear you may become a target."
Revan's eyes narrowed with concern. After all of the fighting and all of the sacrifice, all that she loved and cared for might once again be in mortal danger. Her fear went against everything that she had been taught in the Order about attachment. She thanked Jolee and Bastila and then rushed to the next room, holding a sheet over herself. She was near terror. As Revan tore through the door, there, sleeping soundly, was Sasha.
The young Jedi sighed heavily. Would she ever know lasting peace? Would everything they had worked for be ruined? She could not allow those that she loved to come to harm and if that meant abandoning them, then so be it. Revan now faced the hardest decision of her life.