A/N: Sorry about the delay again. Been away on holiday, work's getting hectic once more and someone convinced me to reinstall Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines. What a game! Got a lot of ideas for a Toreador/Malkavian femslash story bubbling up while playing it, but I doubt many people would care for it. (and considering vampires can't have sex it would be all sorts of weird, though those crazy Malks would no doubt find a way to show their affection)
Anyway, have another chapter. I'll try to release the next one sooner than I did with this.
Interlude – Revan's Past
Desert
They attacked at night.
Two Jedi Padawans, a droid and sixteen female Cathar soldiers, the most stubborn bitches the galaxy had ever known. The crap they spewed about 'honor' and 'hierarchy' had become really annoying really quick, but otherwise Revan quite liked the blunt and direct cat-people. At least there were no false pretenses here, only the raw, unadorned truth. And stubborn bitches or not, she was glad the pack of wild women was on her side, for they were skilled, strong and extremely resilient.
The Mandalorian camp was peaceful, with just a few grunts walking guard. It was makeshift, clearly intended for a single night before marching on, yet well-hidden in one of the desert's many canyons. It was a miracle Revan had even found it, but with her enhanced Force senses and hardheaded persistence she had done what even the Cathar had failed to do.
The guards were silently taken out – Cathar could be frightfully stealthy when need be – leaving the encampment wide open. Revan's strategy was meticulously executed; together with half of the soldiers she swiftly penetrated the camp to its center where they reached the goal of their mission: a cage with two Cathar women locked inside. They took defensive positions around the cage to protect the prisoners, while Alek and his group of soldiers signaled the attack from the other side of camp. The Mandalorians woke up in a confusing yet violent skirmish, facing a threat from two fronts.
Revan slipped into the fifth lightsaber form Djem So, the direct evolution of Soresu. Besides an invincible defense, Soresu offered little else, hence the need for a form that negates that weakness. Djem So did just that by adding a whole slew of brutal counterattacks. Revan had perfected Soresu to the point where it began to bore her, so she had started practicing this fifth form as well. Sure, she could control most battles with pure Force prowess alone, but she was a firm believer in having multiple contingency plans.
The Jedi were divided over this form, for it was aggressive and at some points ruthless. Some even claimed the technique belonged to the dark side, but Revan laughed at that. If annihilating your opponent is required to live to see another day, so fucking be it. Because it relies on brute strength to dominate and overpower the enemy Revan had begun doing fierce physical training besides her mental training. At eighteen years of age her body was toned and healthy, adding to the powerful aura she radiated.
The vibrosword came pelting towards her. Revan nimbly dodged it, then made a powerful slash at the Mandalorians belly. He never stood a chance, but went down in a splash of metal, blood and flesh. Before he even fell Revan had already closed her tight defense. Five other enemies were circling around her like hungry predators. The soon-to-be knight smirked, it was playtime and she was in her element.
At the camp's entrance Alek was fighting his share of enemies. He was truly a sight to behold, his skill with the lightsaber exceeded even Revan's. Vrook Lamar had taught him the seventh lightsaber form, Juyo. By funneling his aggression into his weapon he became a vicious and unpredictable enemy, focusing purely on the offense. If Djem So was controversial, Juyo was even more so, as it was a passionate style full of controlled anger, making it easy to mistake for a tool of the dark side.
HK-45 was happily blasting away with his new blaster rifle and flamethrower, protected by its reinforced armor plating and hovering safely above the pack of feline warriors. These Cathar were the elite of the elite, clearly visible in their disciplined yet fierce combat style. Their spears made short work of the enemies they faced, fueled by decades of hatred and war.
The battle was short but intense, barely lasting five minutes. When the last enemy perished the Cathar wasted no time to set the two women they had come for free. It took only a quick glance to note they were exceptional creatures. Even to their race's standards they were tall and proud, standing straight despite their apparent anger and exhaustion. Revan could only admire their display of willpower after being locked up in the blazing hot sun for several days.
The strongest of the Cathar soldiers that had joined them on their search – a haughty ice-queen by the name of Lamaendes – briefly spoke with the two captives. Some quick glances where shot at Revan, who was watching them from a respectful distance. Respecting them was something she had learned quickly during her time with the Cathar. They valued it greatly and had the physique to coerce it. Not to mention Revan was their guest and as a Jedi was expected to act as such.
After being filled in by Lamaendes the two captives stepped confidently towards the two Jedi, the princess taking the lead. She was of the pure Cathar race, representing a bipedal cat almost exactly. Her face was complete with snout and brown, rugged fur that ran down her entire body. Even for a Cathar she was tall, towering at least seven inches above Revan, with a powerful yet lithe body. Her proud stance and rich mane betrayed her royal lineage.
Revan made a deep bow, knowing how much these people valued their hierarchy. "Your majesty, Padawan Revan." She spoke fluent Catharese and pointed at her companion. "Padawan Alek, unfortunately unschooled in Catharese."
The tall feline regarded her slowly. "Princess Rhawones of House Jenn," she introduced herself. She nodded at the Cathar who had been trapped inside the cage with her. "Head of my guard, Battlemaster Aviendha."
The battlemaster was of a sub race that was more humanoid than the princess's. Her face was mostly human and actually rather pretty, with strong, aggressive features and beautiful, large yellow eyes. Her body was sinewy and muscled, with a slim waist but pronounced hips and breasts. Revan took her time to study the handsome woman and when she noticed Aviendha studying her with the same interest she felt a strange fluttering in her stomach.
The tall feline suddenly seemed to remember the danger and positioned herself between her princess and the Jedi. "Friend or foe?" she demanded, tone harsh and intimidating.
This was one of the race's quirks Revan had come to appreciate so much. The no-nonsense directness was simply refreshing, especially because she preferred wielding the same bluntness. She knew she had to return it now. "Friend. Duty demands we save the princess."
Aviendha nodded and visibly relaxed. "We need to leave quickly," she told Rhawones.
The princess nodded as well, before turning to Revan. "You've earned my gratitude and we have much to discuss. Please follow us to the royal encampment. You're my guests."
When Rhawones left them the battlemaster lingered behind, grabbing Revan by the shoulder and leaning in. "Her majesty takes a great risk by inviting you," she whispered, her jaw set and her yellow eyes stern.
"Relax battlemaster, I get the message," Revan answered evenly, not allowing weakness to show, while trying to remain as polite as possible. "No funny business. If I were here to harm your people, I would've already done so."
The tall feline patted Revan's shoulder and actually smiled, revealing a set of straight teeth with rather long cutting teeth. "Firm reminder not to believe all the crap Lamaendes spews. I like you." It was stated in a matter of fact tone, yet it hit Revan like an ion beam, turning her insides to molten lava and her legs to jelly. With a final, appraising look the battlemaster followed after the princess, leaving a slightly winded Revan behind.
The City of Jenn, a capital built on a mountain of red rock, protecting its forty thousand citizens with its thick walls. Houses consisted mostly of wood, clay and canvas – a remainder of their nomadic culture – but were much more elaborate and beautiful than simple tents, with a wide variety of bright colors. The streets and squares were bustling with activity, everybody had their task in this harsh and unforgiving life and carried it out with conviction. Revan saw some cute cat-children romping around in the sand, encouraged by fierce battlemasters who didn't shy away from physical punishment if necessary. The kids watched the two Jedi with big, curious eyes.
They were led to the royal encampment, which was in reality a city within a city. It was perched on top of the mountain, overlooking the wide canyons beneath. It had defensive walls of its own, guarded by the royal guard; the most elite soldiers of the Catharese army. Even here wood, clay and canvas predominated, yet it was a magnificent place in its own right. Glorious battles and powerful warriors were depicted everywhere, on colorful tapestries, beautiful wooden carvings and statues of red rock. Skulls of strange and imposing predators were on display, trophies of deadly hunts. It was imposing, yet with a warm and welcoming air to it. And certainly a palace worthy of the most powerful royal house of planet Cathar.
The Catharese people were split up in different clans, or houses as they were also referred to. Each house was led by a queen, a matriarch. While she was the one in command, she had a whole slew of advisors protecting the interests of the trade they represented. It was a form of democracy with dictatorial traits, as the queen could overrule their advice at any given time to ensure efficient politics, though she had to be able to explain her decision.
House Jenn was the biggest and most influential clan of the planet of Cathar and governed a large portion of its desert and savannah surface. While different clans often raged war with each other, mostly over scarce fresh water, their spears were currently stilled by a truce. They had found a common enemy in the Mandalorians, who were raging war with the natives.
But war was momentarily forgotten, as a feast had been prepared in honor of the return of Princess Rhawones, held in the massive housing owned by the royal Cathar. The princess sat on the head of a long table, with Revan and Aviendha on either side of her. It gave the raven haired human all the time to thoroughly study the pretty battlemaster in front of her, much to her pleasure. Alek was sitting next to his friend and the other seats were occupied by important lords and ladies. Many servants clothed in simple, white robes were bustling around to serve the guests. Rhawones had only eye for the Jedi though.
She watched the Force sensitive woman with keen interest. "You are an intriguing woman, Padawan Revan. Where my people failed to locate us, you did just that. You came up with a sound strategy to free us and fought valiantly, like a true Cathar battlemaster. All of that on a planet that's both hostile and alien to you." She spoke in Galactic Basic, to involve Alek in the conversation.
The padawan allowed herself a small smile. "It hasn't been easy, your majesty, but we were determined to set you free. You see, this task has been given us for us to prove our capability and advance to the rank of Jedi Knight. Failure was not an option."
And a strange trial it was. The assignment had come out of the blue and had left the two friends in a hurry, considering the princess' dire situation. None other than Master Kreia had been the one to give the order, despite the fact she hadn't been Revan's master for six years. After her apprentice's promotion to padawan the old woman had disappeared, claiming there was nothing more for her to teach at that moment. Yet now she was mingling with Revan's education again, by putting out her Knight Trial despite being lost somewhere beyond the Outer Rim.
It had come as a bit of a surprise to help the Cathar saving their captured princess, as the planet wasn't part of the Republic. But Kreia had always loved doing things in her own, mysterious way, so Revan had just gone along with it. "While finding you was hard, gaining the trust of your people was possibly even harder. They are… rigid."
Rhawones barked a throaty laugh. "Stubborn and blunt thrawoans, you mean. They must have given two outsiders such as you a hard time, certainly when you announced you were looking for their precious princess."
Revan smirked, not understanding the cussword but getting the gist of it. "Indeed. I must confess I wasn't well-prepared for Catharese culture and often misunderstood your people. I think I offended most of them at least once."
The princess shrugged. "They're big girls, I'm sure they'll survive."
"Still, it was the Mandalorians who surprised me. Both history and the Jedi Order depict them as a ragtag group of criminals, but they appear well-structured and supplied. From what I've seen during my short time here they have your planet locked in an all-out war."
The princess snorted. "They have half of the Outer Rim locked in an all-out war. Even your Republic has trouble keeping them at bay, although – no offense – I had expected nothing more from that group of incompetent hobbyists."
Revan shot an awkward glance at Alek, who watched her just as sheepishly. "Surely you must be exaggerating," the woman carefully said. "I've heard that the Republic has sent additional troops to the Outer Rim, but to claim they have trouble with a bunch of Mandalorians is… well, absurd."
"The Mandalorians have reformed, stronger than ever." Aviendha's soft words surprised them. "For the first time since the Sith Wars they're under capable leadership again. Under the flag of Mandalore the Ultimate and with the strategic prowess of Caius Fett they are raiding the Outer Rim. They call themselves Neo-Crusaders and are determined to expand their territory. Doing a good job at it as well, your Republic is swiftly losing ground."
For a moment Revan and Alek looked at each other, before bursting into cheerful laughter. "Now that is a good one!" the raven haired woman said through fits of laughter.
Alek also couldn't hide his glee. "The Mandalorians being a genuine threat to the Republic, ridiculous."
"Aviendha is telling the truth," the princess said quietly. "Many planets have already fallen to the Neo-Crusaders. You can scout them out yourselves if you don't believe us."
That sobered Revan up considerably. "Okay, let's pretend for a second you're telling us the truth, instead of mistaking the situation on your own planet for something bigger. Let's pretend the Republic does indeed have trouble with these Neo-Crusaders, who I still consider to be pathetic and underneath my worth. Why haven't they come to the Jedi Order for aid?"
"Touché," Alek smirked, clearly thinking that was the end of that.
Rhawones gave them a surprised look. "Padawan, Knight, Master, Council Master. I don't know much about the Jedi's hierarchic structure, but you seem to be awfully far away from the fire."
It took a moment for the meaning of her words to sink in. "Preposterous!" Alek said hotly. "Implying the Order would keep something that big away from us. The Mandalorians are a bunch of cutthroats and scumbags, thinking they could orchestrate an entire crusade is absurd."
Aviendha got worked up by that offense, but the princess calmed her with a single gesture. "The naivety of youth."
Revan just smiled politely, internally wiping away the alien's ridiculous ideas. There was no way the situation was as dire as Rhawones and Aviendha made it out to be. Without big daddy Exar Kun these sorry criminals wouldn't even exist today. The Cathar were probably only trying to gain sympathy from the Jedi, hoping that the Order would come save their little savannah planet.
The princess must've sensed Revan's skepticism, for she decided to close the subject and speak about more pleasant matters. Both Cathar were impressed by the Jedi's battle prowess and soon they were engulfed in discussing techniques, stances and weapons. They also spoke about the Cathar's culture, which deeply interested Revan because it was so different. Throughout the night Aviendha's yellow eyes were trained on the raven haired woman almost constantly, a thing not only noticed by the Jedi herself, judging by Rhawones' knowing smile.
The following morning the two friends were at the city's dock, waiting for the shuttle that would take them home. Alek was lying on his back in the shade, while Revan was walking around the area, taking in the beautiful city that she had become so fond of. She was sad she had to leave it behind for the hectic life that awaited her.
Her brief encounter with the feline people and their habits had made her quiet and thoughtful. She had grown up in a society that was dominated by large corporations, politics and industry. She had learned to keep everyone at arm's length, yet at the same time had been convinced this was the way to go. Technological advancement, economic prosperity, territorial expansion; in her mind it was all critical to ensure the survival of the Republic. And if pathetic little cultures had to vanish for it, so be it.
But as she watched the colorful city of the Cathar, in a world that was almost barren yet surprisingly full of life, her conviction was crumbling. These people lived harsh and unforgiving lives, without technology to help them. Yet they reveled in it, made the best with what they got. They loved the thrill of the hunt, respected nature and lived in harmony with their surroundings. And they even managed to create beautiful things, like their tapestries. And Aviendha. Damn, what a woman!
Raging hormones aside, this strange world completely shook around Revan's ideas and beliefs. She was curious about it, wanted to explore it, experience it, become it, live it even. Was a society with synthesized food and a convenience store on every corner really all that great, or had the Cathar actually had it all figured out, living simple but exciting lives close to nature? Of course she'd never get that chance to find the answer, considering she'd be a full-fledged knight soon. It gave her a somewhat bitter and longing feeling, like she was going to miss out on something important.
As she slouched around the docks she was approached by Battlemaster Aviendha. A smile grew on both their faces as they greeted each other. It was weird to see a Cathar smile, normally their faces were blank and inscrutable, unless it was displaying anger. To be greeted with something else than apathy or hostility was a welcome change, certainly from the pretty battlemaster.
"Padawan Revan, I had not yet properly thanked you for saving the princess' life."
The raven haired woman held up her hands. "No need for thanks, I merely followed orders." Revan smiled cheekily at the woman. "Besides, being able to see your pretty face is reward enough."
At first the Cathar was visibly taken aback by the open flirting, but then her face melted in a warm smile. Her yellow eyes sparkled when she looked Revan over. "You surprise me. I always figured your race to be frail and uncertain, but you're as bold and direct as any Cathar."
"Every race has its exceptions. Your soldiers had me think your race only wasted its passion on hunting and offending outlanders, but judging from the appreciative looks you've been throwing me you're the exception to that rule."
Aviendha briefly licked her lips, the motion sending shivers down Revan's spine. "Oh, we don't waste our passion on just that. When we wish to gain something our passion can be very convincing."
"And may I ask what it is you wish to gain?" Revan inquired innocently, although she was sure her flustered cheeks betrayed her.
For a moment lust was clearly visible in the Cathar's eyes, but then logic struggled with it before taking over. Any form of lust vanished quickly when she made up her mind and she shook her head sadly. "No, I shouldn't…" She looked up apologetically. "You must return to your Order and I to my princess. I have nothing to offer you."
Revan felt a pang of regret that Aviendha wasn't willing to explore whatever there was brewing between them, but she couldn't really blame her. In fact, she recognized it might be for the best. Both had their duty which they couldn't abandon. Revan would work somewhere in Republic space, while Aviendha had to remain at her princess' side. Trying to get something to work would be extremely hard. She nodded in understanding.
"Remember our words. Don't take the Neo-Crusaders lightly, our planet isn't a single incident."
Revan was again surprised by the sincerity and certainty the battlemaster spoke with, but still wasn't convinced. The idea that the Mandalorians were a pathetic bunch was simply too deeply ingrained into her system. Despite that she offered a polite, "I'll remember your words, Aviendha."
The Cathar left with a bittersweet smile, leaving Revan to wonder if she was making the right choice.
Cheerful cries and applause followed them as they were making their way through the Jedi Temple. A shorthaired Jedi Padawan approached her to bump fists. "Congratulations Revan!" he happily exclaimed.
The young woman smirked confidently. "Thanks, Raoul." The boy looked ecstatic that she had remembered his name. More and more bystanders approached the duo to extend their congratulations, most of them of the younger generation, but also some older masters who didn't hide how impressed they were. The freshly promoted Jedi Knight took it all with smug poise, while her tall friend was more boastful.
When they reached one of the main halls they were suddenly surrounded by a large group of younglings, padawans and even some knights. "Finally a knight, huh?" one of the girls said with a wanton smile. "Two years too late, if you ask me."
"D'aww, thanks Miri," the raven haired woman said while giving the blonde girl an affectionate squeeze in the cheek. During the last six years as a padawan, the Grey Trinity – as Revan, Alek and Meetra secretly called themselves – had built up quite the fan club. Especially the younger generation was charmed by the audacious trio, who were known to liven up the place by stirring things up. As unofficial leader of the group Revan had collected most fame, but the other two were very popular as well.
"Leave that girl alone!" came an angry shout, but when Revan wheeled around she saw a positively beaming Meetra approach her. She flung herself in the older woman's arms and embraced her tightly. "I knew you'd make it, Rev!"
"Then why the emotional hug?" Alek asked dryly, towering above the knot of fan girls surrounding him. The tall man had become quite handsome and got plenty attention from the ladies, something he loved rubbing in his companion's faces.
"Shaddap Squint, no one asked you anything!"
"Yeah Squint, you're the brawn of the group, stop trying to appear intelligent," Revan added with a devious smirk. Alek gave her a feigned wounded look, but a couple of girls standing around him quickly made that expression vanish.
"So what was your Knight Trial all about?" Meetra wanted to know.
The crowd looked at her expectantly and Revan knew exactly how to get them on her hand. "That's classified by the Council Masters, so naturally I'll tell you all about it tonight," she said while giving her spectators a wink and a smirk. Her quip earned her snickering and laughter from the crowd, as well as awed and impressed looks. Only Revan and her crew were brave enough to take the orders of the masters lightly, everyone knew that. Each and every onlooker wished they were just a little bit more like the beautiful, bold Jedi.
While talking with her bystanders Revan suddenly noticed a purple skinned Twi'lek watching her from a distance with a small, seductive smile and fluttering eyelashes. Her face fell as fast as her mood, some people just didn't know when to stop.
Annoyed she looked the other way, her eyes landing on a young girl she had never seen before, standing all alone. The sight was so adorable she couldn't help but chuckle. The girl could be no older than thirteen and had her brown hair knotted up at several places. Her complexion was pale yet her face was cute. She was staring at Revan with big silver eyes, her mouth slightly open and a little blush on her cheeks. Her face was so full of awe you'd think she was looking at the embodiment of the Force itself, walking these halls to bring blessings and prosperity.
When the girl noticed Revan looking her eyes became wide in fright. The knight tried to reassure her with a warm smile, wanting to beckon her closer, but then an angry looking master approached the girl and yanked her away. Bloody conservative masters. After a shrug she continued chatting with her admirers.
Did she really just say she's going to break the rules? Is she really going to reveal the secrets of her trial to her friend, against the wishes of the masters? Against the wishes of the Council Masters?
Bastila was staring at the female Jedi Knight with big eyes, her mind barely comprehending what was going on. This woman, this Revan… how could someone be so… so brilliant, so beautiful, so strong and yet so… roguish? Bastila had always learned that her masters were infallible and going against their wishes was something of a criminal offense. But this woman – whose skill and intellect made people call her 'the Prodigy' – disregarded their orders like it was nothing.
Yet still everyone loved her, idolized her even. And Bastila couldn't blame them, Revan was… humongous, in a non-physical way. When she had entered the hall her presence had filled it in an almost tangible way, drawing all eyes towards her. And she seemed to love the attention, addressing the crowd in an easy and laidback manner, inquiring about the lives of her… fans?... with genuine interest. It made her envious, Bastila always had trouble connecting with others. Not that the masters allowed her to, but still… every time she had tried making a friend she had no idea what to say or how to act.
And she was so beautiful! How could someone be so beautiful? There was no flaw to be found in that woman, she had everything. Just looking at Knight Revan – with her tanned skin, toned muscles, gentle curves, sharp face and bright eyes – made her body do things it had never done before. Her insides felt tingly, her face became all hot, her brain felt like she became weightless and numb. What did this all mean? Was it supposed to do this when you saw someone who deserved great respect? No, that couldn't be it. Her master deserved great respect as well, yet she had never felt these things when looking at him. It frustrated her to no end she failed to answer her question.
She wanted to approach the woman, impress her somehow. She wanted this Revan to speak to her the same way she spoke to the others, like she mattered. Yet she could never do that. Revan was everything, a goddess from the stories capable of great deeds, while Bastila was nothing, an ignorant little girl who wasn't trusted to do anything herself. So close, yet so far away.
Suddenly she noticed Revan looking at her, at her, for crying out loud. It almost seemed like the handsome knight was smiling at her, and kindly at that, but that couldn't be true. Bastila was nothing, only a tool with a convenient talent. The bright, green eyes trained on her increased the strange feelings tenfold, her stomach and face were absolutely on fire. She ducked her head and turned away, to her dismay coming face to face with her master, who was looking very angry.
With dread she followed him, wondering what her punishment for running away to look at the Prodigy was going to be.
Festivities lasted the entire evening, until the masters deemed it enough and ushered them all to their rooms for meditations and rest. It still surprised Revan up to this day how many people wanted a piece of her, but in a historical sense it wasn't so strange. People wanted a hero to look up to and Revan was shaping up to become one. The handsome woman was good with people and very approachable to boot, making her the perfect person to fill in that role.
That didn't mean she exactly liked the attention. Growing up on Nar Shaddaa had instilled a deep distrust for strangers and she had trouble letting them in. While appearing warm and interested she was in fact careful and calculating, only sacrificing the comforts of solitude to build a strong social safety net by gaining loyalty from her admirers. These youngsters would one day be Jedi Knights and very useful as such.
The only ones she truly trusted were Meetra and Alek. After all these years they were still inseparable, in no small fact due to the Force Bond that had grown between the three of them. The masters had accepted their connection and made sure they could remain together. After all these years they still shared a room, both here as on the enclave on Dantooine.
When they reached their room late that night Revan heaved an exhausted sigh. "It's finally over."
Alek smirked. "Years of endless switching masters coming to an end."
The raven haired woman grinned sheepishly. It was true, after Kreia had left she had turned to many masters, draining them from their wisdom before switching to the next victim to quench her insatiable lust for knowledge. "At least I've received a well-rounded education."
Meetra puffed her cheeks. "For you two it is over, but I'm still a padawan. While you two get all the nice assignments, I'm stuck in this craphole."
Revan wrapped her arm around the younger girl's shoulders. "You must be kidding, why would I leave my pretty new apprentice back here when there's so much to teach?" When Meetra gave her a confused look she elaborated, "As a knight I'm entitled to have a padawan of my own, remember?" A hopeful grin appeared on the girl's features.
"I think she rather stays here with her girlfriend than to travel the galaxy with us," Alek remarked with a teasing smirk.
Meetra's grin made way for a deep scowl. "For the billionth time, Atris is not my girlfriend!"
Revan locked eyes with Alek and grinned as well. "Cruel girl, using poor Atris purely as a sex toy."
Meetra's face turned bright red and gave Revan a violent shove in an attempt to cover it up. "You're just jealous she chose me over you!" She turned to Alek. "And you should just shut the hell up. The situation's complicated enough as it is."
"Falling in love with the most stuck-up light sight bigot can't be easy," he answered sympathetically. "Although her ideals vanished surprisingly fast when confronted with your lithe, naked body," he added with a lecherous smirk.
Revan mimicked Master Vandar's fatherly voice. "Remember well, young Padawan Meetra, never to put ideals before a nice looking, willing girl." Alek burst out in cheerful laughter and gave his companion the high five.
"You two are the worst," huffed Meetra.
Revan saw her angry stare and patted her best friend's back soothingly. She had always had a soft spot for her little Meet – Alek called it sisterly overprotectiveness – and seeing her all distressed instead of in her usual cheerful mood rubbed her the wrong way. In an attempt to put that smile back on her face she apologized. "Sorry, we're just happy for you, is all."
The smaller girl pushed herself against the older woman and buried her face in Revan's shoulder. "You'd better mourn me, things are ultra-awkward between us. All the secrecy and doubt, yuck. If you ever go looking for a girlfriend, you better pick a normal girl."
"Note to future self: don't fall in love with a beautiful yet ice-cold Jedi Knight."
"I know a certain purple Twi'lek who seems more than interested in our nimble Lady Knight," said Alek with an innocent little smile.
Revan's eyes narrowed and she growled dangerously, "Don't mention her, Squint."
He held up his hands and tried to look innocent. "Hey, she's cute, smart and powerful."
"…and doesn't have a problem with worming her way in the Prodigy's panties to get it on with the upper echelons," Meetra chimed in, while giving Alek a dark look. "She's manipulative, Rev, don't get it on with her."
"Don't call me 'the Prodigy'," Revan groaned. "And can we please discuss something that's not Yuthura Ban? She's ruined my night enough as it is, with that sickening succubus thing she's got going on."
"Great chest as well," the male continued imperturbably. "Wouldn't mind cuddling up against that after a long, passionate night."
"ALEK YOU COCK! Shut your virgin trap before I set HK upon you!" In response the droid let out a series of threatening beeps.
"Last time I checked you're the only virgin in our company," he said with an evil grin.
"What, did Vrook Lamar finally pop your cherry instead of licking your boots?"
Alek's face dropped in horror and disgust. "What the actual fuck Revan? I'd rather rip off my lower jaw than that."
Meetra giggled at that. "Would improve your ugly muck. Still, even you can't deny he has his fist up your ass so deep he can tickle your tongue."
Revan mimicked Vrook's grumpy voice, "You could take a leaf out of Alek's book, Revan. With your skill you should be focusing on the offense rather than the defense. Bastard. Who needs his lightsaber to attack when you can use Soresu to achieve immortality while blasting everything to bits using the Force?"
Alek made a face. "Easy for you to say, you wield the Force easier than breathing. And stop saying I'm gay, you might start a rumor and chase away the girls."
The raven haired woman rolled her eyes, but she decided to ignore him. He was still a bit resentful that both his best friends turned out to be lesbian, even though nothing would've come from it even if they had been straight. Revan and Meetra saw each other as sisters, buddies. They just couldn't look at each other in any other way, certainly not as lovers.
Instead of starting another pointless argument she turned to her best friend. "C'mon Meet, it's time to tell you all about our Knight Trial. We learned some interesting things from some high-ranking Cathar and I'm eager to hear what you think of it all."
Meetra looked at her expectantly. "Let's hear it then."
Telling Meetra about the Mandalorians hadn't been the smartest idea. Where Revan had expected the brunette to dismiss the threat immediately and ease Revan's mind, the young girl had become quiet and thoughtful. A small amount of doubt had formed in Revan's mind when the deviously bright brunette had asked two very sharp questions.
What reason did a proud and wise warrior have to blow the Mandalorian threat out of proportion?
Aviendha and Rhawones weren't just some barbaric women, they had a very good grasp on what was going on in the galaxy. They knew all about Exar Kun's Sith War and what it had meant for the Jedi Order. Cathar had good connections with neighboring worlds and was part of an important trade route, so they knew very well what was going on in the Outer Rim. And both of them had been so sincere about their words, so certain…
What reason did Kreia have to send them to a planet outside Republic influence?
It was unusual. After years of absence the master had suddenly made contact with the Order to give them their Knight Trial. Revan didn't know much about Kreia, but she did know the woman was wise beyond years and never did things without a reason. Had she wanted her student to meet the princess and her guard to learn about the supposedly weak Mandalorian's strength?
The old hag had always warned her not to get too trusty of the Jedi Council, for they made mistakes just like any sentient creature. Was there perhaps something the Jedi were not telling them? Had the Republic indeed met with too much resistance and asked the Jedi for help, but had the Council refused? And if so, why hadn't the lower ranked Jedi been informed? It all made very little sense.
So, next day when she was having a meeting with high-ranking Jedi Masters regarding her career plans, she was planning to do some investigating. Surely the masters would wipe any doubt she had from her mind, allowing her to forget about the Cathar's warnings and peacefully continuing her comfortable life.
The raven haired knight was seated at a long table in one of the Temple's meeting rooms, surrounded by five rather pompous masters eager to exploit her skill. "Congratulations on your timely promotion to Jedi Knight, Revan. With your aptitude the galaxy is literary at your feet, hence this meeting to discuss your career plans. The Core Worlds would welcome you with open arms and I think it's wise to prepare you for a future as Jedi Watchman of an important planet."
Revan wrinkled her nose, having expected this. "I'd prefer somewhere with a little more action, master."
The master looked surprised. "Indeed? Hmm, perhaps the Mid Rim would be more to your liking. There's quite a number of important planets there; resources, trade, politics… you name it. Surely we'll find the perfect position for you there."
"To be brutally honest I'd prefer the Outer Rim. I wish to aid in the situation with the Mandalorians." If there was indeed something the Council wasn't telling them, now was the time to find out.
An awkward silence ensued, one that filled Revan with dread, until one of the masters cleared his throat. "There's no point in wasting your talent on such trivial matters. Don't you have the ambition to become something greater?"
"What I saw on Cathar was far from trivial." Revan was far from happy with the uncomfortable looks exchanged between the masters. And the fact that he had called it a 'matter' troubled her even more. Sure, a 'trivial matter', but a matter nonetheless.
"That planet is an extreme, there's much bad blood between the Cathar people and the Mandalorians after the Great Sith War."
"I spoke with a Catharese princess while I was there. She claims the situation on Cathar is characteristic for a large portion of the Outer Rim and that the Republic has a hard time containing the situation. Is this true?"
There was no mistaking it, the masters were definitely getting nervous. "That's neither here nor there. Sure, the Mandalorians are launching some innocent skirmishes now and then, but the situation remains under constant surveillance. If the High Council deems intervention necessary they won't hesitate to give the order. Now, about your career…"
"So should I travel to a random planet in the Outer Rim, I'd find it in relative peace?"
"You'd find it in a state that doesn't warrant Jedi intervention."
The tanned woman got to her feet and leaned forward over the table, looking the master straight in the eyes. "Forgive my choice of words, master, but cut the bullshit." She spoke low and dangerously, making the master flinch. "Has the Republic called for Jedi aid, yes or no?"
His silence spoke loud and clear.