Chapter 11: The Race
Well, what do you know? I did a race chapter for another story just this past weekend. I certainly didn't intent for them to be so close together. Life is just funny sometimes. Well, we will soon be able to see Bastila in action. I'm gonna do a little breakdown of her fighting style and determine what I believe her lightsaber form (or forms) are based on how I play her soon. Will do the same soon for Calak once he becomes a Jedi, then Juhani in her debut, and eventually Jolee. It will be a bit of a long set of notes so sorry about that.
So Bastila; she is a quick fighter, her only attack is the quick sort (flurry) and the basic attack. At first, I felt she would be an Ataru user but I soon threw that idea out for a few reasons. First off, Ataru is an acrobatic form that uses not only agility, but also flips and strength as well. That doesn't fit with Bastila's fighting style as she doesn't have Force Leap (which is a guardian ability in Kotor). She also doesn't have power attack until her… conversion… at the end and she gets completed reworked and I say weaker.
So Ataru doesn't fit for the Bastila I know and love, no pun intended for Calak. But I think there are others that suit her better based on her abilities and fighting style as I play it. My top 3 lightsaber forms for her are in this order, Makashi, Shi-Cho, and Niman. I think she would use a variant of Makashi with her double-bladed lightsaber that focuses on speed and grace, as I said her only attacks are the quick Flurry and basic strike, and Makashi is all about speed and quickness. Also, basic is an operative word for the second form I picked for her, Shi Chi, which is the beginners form that all Jedi should have at least some skill in. Lastly, I felt Niman was a good match for her since it is known as the Diplomats form and is for people who prefer to study or practice other skills. She probably doesn't participate in battle too often as she primarily focuses on using Battle Meditation and supportive force powers to aid her allies and defend herself when necessary. Form VI Niman is known for being a hybrid of all other forms before it, as well as incorporating force powers in battle, which all my Jedi characters have to do in game, so they may all possess a skill with it as many Jedi would practice it at least a little to be able to use the force in battle easier. But I feel it suits Bastila's personality and role as a Jedi Sentinel, the class said to favor Niman, and her use of battle meditation.
Okay that's probably good enough. Onto the chapter.
They made their way out of the Vulkar Base and found themselves back in the Lower City. Rushing forward they stopped at the crossroad between the way forward to the Bek Base and the sides leading to the elevator up to the Upper City and the abandoned apartments. Zalbaar still carried the wounded Mission.
"I think we better get Mission to Zelka," Carth said. "You take the accelerator to Gadon. Here."
He tossed Calak a commlink to communicate with each other privately.
"I expect to see you at the apartment later," Carth said. "But probably best to be safe. Let me know what happens."
"You got it," Calak said.
Carth then lead Zalbaar off with Mission. They headed to the elevator to the left which opened. Calak then headed forward to the Bek Base. The lookout let him in and he headed to the front desk where Gadon sat. Zaedra stood guard like before.
"You've returned!" Gadon said as he cybernetic implant allowed him to see Calak. "Do-do you have the prototyple accelerator?"
"Its right here," Calak said as he held out the part.
"I know you could do it," Gadon said.
"Thank you," Zaedra said. "You've done us a great service, and probably killed many Vulkars. I'm sorry for being suspicious. Maybe I am getting overzealous like Gadon says. Well, hopefully this war with Brejik will end soon. I don't expect he'll be too honorable when he loses in the swoop race. He'll probably do something rash."
"Well, there is no time to lose," Gadon said. "The Swoop Race is tomorrow, so I'll have to have my mechanics get to work on installing the accelerator. But there is one problem."
"What's that?" Calak asked.
"We tested this before it was stolen," Gadon said holding up the accelerator. "It isn't quite stable and could explode. Also there is another matter. I'm afraid I'm going to need you to be my rider for the Swoop race."
Calak's eyes widened. Him?
"Gadon you can't be serious, you need one of your best riders out there!" Zaedra protested. "This man has earned my respect by getting back the accelerator at great personal risk! But he is no swoop racer, are you?"
She looked at Calak as she said the last two words. He shook his head.
"It's the only way you will be able to save Bastila," Gadon said. "Whoever wins her will own her. You don't want that, you want to save her, right?"
Calak nodded. "Yes."
"Then you have to be the one to do it. We Beks may not believe in Intergalactic slavery but its not good business for us to just hand over a prize to you, so you have to earn it. This is your mission."
Calak nodded. "Don't worry, I'll win the race."
If only he was an experienced racer, but he didn't have much choice.
"Plus, if Brejik does go overboard there will be lots of Vulkars there," Gadon continued. "My swoop racers aren't highly combat trained. You obviously are though."
"Seems you really have all your bases covered," Calak said.
"I haven't survived this wrong without learning the game," Gadon said.
"I'll be there too," a voice said from behind.
Calak looked and saw it was Matrik.
"I owe you for saving my life," Matrik said. "Now its my turn to return to the favor."
"I'll be going too," Zaedra said. "I can't have Gadon go to present the prize money the Beks are offering if Brejik gets out of line. Then I can use the opportunity need to take him out."
Calak nodded. Gadon looked at him.
"I can tell you're nervous. But try not to be. I've got good instincts, and you have the look of a racer about you! Daring and willing to go straight into danger!"
"I… suppose," Calak said.
That was what he had been doing this whole time since he got on Taris.
"Just try to relax and in the morning we'll take you to the swoop track."
Calak contacted Carth and let him know what was going on.
"Well that sounds like a risk we're gonna have to take," Carth agreed. "Not much choice. Good luck."
"How is Mission?" Calak asked.
"She'll be alright," Carth said. "The pain just sent her into shock. But she woke up when got her to Zelka. He looked at her and she'll be fine. Maybe a little blaster scar though. But she's a tough kid."
Calak nodded. "I'll be back when I have Bastila."
"Okay. Good luck," Carth said.
Calak spent a restless night in the Bek Base. Though he tried to sleep the uncertainty of going into a big race was a lot. He was prepared to deal with Sith and Thugs but not a high speed vehicle.
He did eventually manage to get to sleep. Better then nothing at least. Then in the morning one of the Beks lead him to the racing pit where only racers and mechanics were allowed to go. Zaedra nodded as he passed her and entered the pit. She would wait until he won the race, if he could manage to avoid the engine blowing up and crashing.
Calak entered the pit. There he met an Ithorian Mechanic.
"So you are the one who is going to be riding the swoop with the prototype eh? Well good luck, fortunately for you I've done some tinkering with the accelerator and stability shouldn't be a problem."
"So, I won't have to worry about it exploding? That's a relief," Calak said.
The Ithorian then informed Calak of the basic rules of swoop racing. The race would last all day, oh boy, and he could race as many 'heats' or runs as he wanted before the day was done. This was gonna be a long, fun and exciting day. At least the racers could only go out one at a time so he didn't have to worry about crashing into one of the others.
Calak took a look around, seeing a mixture of Vulkars and Beks. For once the Vulkars weren't shooting at everyone they came across. He wondered how long that would last? He also saw a small desk where a Duros sat, he must have been the announcer. Next to the desk was a cage with a young woman inside it, and a guard in front of it. The woman had dark brown hair that she wore in a pair of pigtails, her only clothes were a pair of pants and a tank top.
Bastila!
Calak made his way over to her, hoping to speak to her, but the Vulkar guarding her held up his weapon. A large double vibroblade.
"You're not allowed to approach the slave we're selling," the Vulkar said.
"I just need to speak with her," Calak said.
"That won't be possible, we've equipped her with a neural disruptor to keep her in a confused state," the Vulkar said. "Only if you win her."
Calak sighed. Guess I just have to go through the race.
He went over and spoke to the announcer.
"Alright, racing for the Hidden Beks eh? I like them," the Duros said. "I hope you leave those Vulkars in the dust. Now, I'll need your name or an alias to put on record."
Calak hesitated, remembering that Carth had brought up the possibility of a crew manifest on the Endar Spire. He'd have to avoid using his real name.
"I'm… well, call me Ervan Chist!" Calak said as he said the first name that came into his mind.
Why did he pick that? Then he remembered hearing about the Jedi that had been the followers of Revan, the Revanchists, he must have picked a similar name on the spot. He'd just rearranged the e and r for Revan.
"Very well, Ervan Chist," the announcer said. "You're all registered."
They set up the time and Calak waited. Several other racers went before him, among them was a Vulkar named Redros who was said to be winner of the last three races in a row.
The Vulkar walked up to him. "I'm twice the rider you'll ever be Rookie."
Calak frowned at him. "Maybe so, but ever hear of beginners luck?"
"That won't save you!" Redros snapped. "I'm gonna win this race and then have some fun with that slave before we sell her to the highest bidder!"
He grinned over at Bastila. Calak clenched a fist as he watched that look in his adversary's eyes. It was just like the look that no good human man had given Mission a few days ago.
"Not if I can help it you slimeball!" Calak said, almost spitting.
Several races went. They all scored times of 30 to 40 seconds. If Calak could beat those he'd be good.
Finally his time came. The bike with the prototype accelerator came up and Calak's cover name was called.
"Up next its Ervan Chist! A rookie human from the Beks side!" the announcer said.
Calak got into the Swoop Bike. It hovered over the track, he waited for the light to turn green and then pressed the button to start the engine. The Ithorian had run him through all the controls earlier. But he wasn't quite prepared for the full speed. It took off and zipped forward. Calak had only been a soldier up until now and flying or operating vehicles wasn't something he'd had much training in. Still he managed to adapt.
The mechanic had told him that there were acceleration panels that would increase the bike's speed if he passed over them.
Right. A voice in his head seemed to tell him.
Off to the right he saw a panel but failed to direct his bike in time to go over it.
Left. The voice said.
Calak had a split second to see the next panel and move his swoop bike in accordingly. He kept his eyes open, but his instincts seemed to have eyes of their own that told him where the panels were before he even saw them. Or perhaps it was simply because they were in a pattern. His swoop went over panel after panel. Then he reached the finish and exited the inside of the track.
He ran to the board above the Beks door and saw the time. 26.70 seconds! He raised his fist in triumph.
"You did it! You got the top time! You just beat racers that have been doing this for twenty years!" the Ithorian said. "This is amazing! Someone who's never ridden a swoop bike before comes in here and… wait… I don't believe it!"
Looking up at the board, they saw another time that was even smaller then Calak's! Redros emerged from the track doors. He'd gotten a time of 26.59 seconds!
"He has a lot of experience so he knows the track," the mechanic said. "So he can pass over all the acceleration panels."
Calak grunted.
"Don't worry, the day is still young. Get back out there!"
Calak nodded. He headed back to the announcer and was back in the bike within an hour. This time he was better prepared for the speed and hitting the acceleration panels. He maneuvered the bike back and forth, the panels increasing his speed more and more for everyone he passed over. Good thing there weren't any obstacles in the way or it might have been a different story and he'd end up crashing.
Then he reached the finish line. Even quicker then before! But was it enough.
He ran into the pit to look at the board and saw… 24.46 seconds!
"You did it! You did!" the Ithorian said. "That was the best race I've seen in years! No one is gonna top that! Ever!"
Sure enough, the hours rolled by as Calak watched the other races. None of them came more than 2 seconds away from his time. The prototype accelerator had done its job. The race was soon called off.
"I officially congratulate you for being the winner of this years Swoop Track Season Opener!" the announcer said.
Cheers echoed through the pit and Calak bowed gracefully. He'd done it. He'd saved Bastila! She'd be given to him and he'd free her. Then they could get out of Taris.
"Now arriving are the leaders of both the Hidden Beks and the Vulkars!"
The doors to the entrance of the pit opened and a dark-skinned man in a military suit who could only be Brejik came out with a pair of bodyguards. He looked off to his side in disappointment as he saw not Gadon, but Zaedra coming from the Bek end. Calak then noticed Brejik had a long cylinder like object attached to his belt. Was that a lightsaber?
"Here with their prizes, are Zaedra of the Hidden Beks who is substituting for Gadon Thek who is ill," the announcer continued. "And Brejik of the Black Vulkars!"
So Gadon had lied claiming to be sick. Zaedra must have suggested it to make sure Brejik didn't try and kill him.
"Congratualions… new recruit," Zaedra said. "I now present to you the Bek's share of the prize. Twenty thousand credits!"
Recognizing this lie as well, Calak nodded and said, "Thank you, Zaedra."
She handed him a briefcase of credits. Then it was Brejik's turn. But the Vulkar leader was smirking.
"People hear me!" he shouted. "Before I offer the prize to the champion, there is something you must all know! The winner cheated!"
Calak glared. "You're a damn liar Brejik!"
"Your swoop bike was using a prototype accelerator!" Brejik countered. "Clearly an unfair advantage!"
"And you attempted to steal that advantage for yourself!" Zaedra countered as she stepped forward, her hand on her blaster, ready to draw. "There is no rule against having a more advanced accelerator!"
"Lies! I decide what the rules are now! As leader of the Black Vulkars, I am withdrawing the prize we offered up in the form of this republic officer!"
He gestured to Bastila.
"You can't do this Brejik!" the announcer said. "It goes against our traditions dating back to the first swoop race!"
"You old fool!" Brejik snapped. "Your traditions mean nothing to me! I am the wave of the future! If I want to withdraw the prize and sell the woman on the slave markets you can't stop me! Though, that might be a bad idea. Since I found out she is more then just a Republic officer. She's actually a Jedi. I will sell her to the Sith instead! When I find a new slave I will offer her up instead! Now let us leave! Or die!"
His Vulkars were gathering around him, their weapons out. Calak and Zaedra also drew their blasters upon seeing this. Zaedra's back up, Matrik and an Aqualish alien, came by her and Calak. But there were seven Vulkars against the four of them and no one else had blasters among the Beks.
"Now, you can either let us take back our prize, or we will slaughter the lot of you," Brejik said.
Zaedra hesitated. She wasn't about to risk her life for a total stranger like Bastila. But Calak had to, even if she didn't.
Fortunately, Bastila spoke. "I might have something to say about that Brejik!" she spoke from inside her cage!"
She raised her hand at the guard with the double vibroblade who was standing a foot away from her cage. He suddenly fell backwards as if pulled by an invisible hook. The cage also opened and Bastila stepped out. The Vulkar tried to get up but she landed a swift kick between his legs. He let out a pained scream and fell over, dropping his weapon which Bastila bent down over and picked up.
"What! Impossible!" Brejik exclaimed. "You were restrained by a neural disruptor! How could you have possibly summoned the will to free yourself!?"
"You underestimate the strength of a Jedi's mind Brejik!" Bastila said in a vengeful tone. "A mistake you won't live to regret!"
"Vulkars to me!" Brejik ordered. "Kill this woman! Kill the swoop rider! Kill them all!"
Blaster fire rained across the racing pit. Calak had no cover besides the announcer's desk. But that wasn't big enough for him, Zaedra, Matrik, and the Aqualish to hide behind. Fortunately, Bastila's escape had drawn the attention of several Vulkars away. Three of them focused fire on her. Calak gritted his teeth once again as he saw the shots fire at Bastila to kill her. If she died this whole mission was over! Calak thought for sure that was going to be the case, Bastila didn't have a lightsaber, so she couldn't defend herself against blaster fire and deflect them.
Or so he thought. Bastila raised her left hand, which seemed to repel the blasts, they bounced off to the side harmlessly. The Vulkars who'd shot at her gaped in surprise, and Bastila seized the opportunity to thrust out with her hand, using the power the Jedi had, the Force. Until now Calak had only heard stories of it, but now he was witnessing it in action. The Vulkars suddenly fell back several feet and landed on their backs. Bastila then charged at them, spinning her stolen vibroblade.
Blaster bolts quickly followed by scream filled Calak's ears. He silently cursed himself for letting himself be distracted by Bastila. It had only lasted about two seconds but that had been enough for the Aqualish Bek to fall after taking a bolt to the chest. Zaedra shot down the Vulkar that had killed her ally in turn.
Then the Vulkar Race, Redros targeted Calak.
"You are mine!" Redros said.
He aimed at Calak's chest. Calak focused, and suddenly a feeling coursed through him. Telling him to move… now!
Calak dove off to the side as the blaster bolt flew where he had been a moment ago. He aimed as he rolled, some mythical force seeming to guide his aim. He shot and hit Redros in between the eyes. The Vulkar fell. Now it was just Brejik and one of his other allies against Zaedra, Matrik, and Calak. Casting a quick glance further, Calak saw Bastila cutting down the last of the three Vulkars she'd been fighting.
"No!" Brejik screamed as he looked over his shoulder and saw this as well. "This can't be happening! I'm meant to rule the Lower City!"
"Your ambition has finally caught up to you," Zaedra said as she pointed her blaster. "You are nothing but a brute! A rabid animal!"
Brejik growled.
"It's over Brejik, surrender," Bastila said.
"Never!" Brejik said.
He drew the long cylinder on his belt and pressed the button, a bright yellow blade shot from one end of the hilt. He had Bastila's lightsaber. She narrowed her eyes at it.
"That is mine Brejik!" she said as she charged in.
Brejik blocked a couple of her strikes, which were quick and graceful. Calak once more felt his eyes drawn to her as she fought beautifully. Her Jedi skills were no doubt being applied to the vibroblade she was using in place of her lightsaber which Brejik was now using against her.
"Calak!" Matrik's voice called out.
Calak's attention was drawn back to the fight as the last Vulkar aimed at him. He doubted he would be able to miraculously roll out of the way again. But Matrik came between him and the blast that was let out. It tore through Matrik's armor and sunk into his chest. Calak's eyes widened as the Twi'lek he'd helped fake his death may have just given his life to save Calak's.
Matrik fell, and Calak and Zaedra both aimed at the last Vulkar besides Brejik. Their shots fired. The Vulkar fell. Now only Brejik remained. Calak dropped his rife, drawing his vibroblade. He couldn't shoot without the risk of hurting Bastila, even if she could deflect shots with the force. Zaedra likewise drew her blade for close combat.
They both headed for Brejik. Bastila suddenly managed to get a blow, one of her blades managed to hit Brejik on the shoulder, but it didn't go through. Brejik suddenly glowed faintly and grinned.
"My belt and armband are designed to repel melee attacks!" he gloated. "You can't touch me with a blade!"
Calak suddenly stopped in hesitation with Zaedra, though she quickly recovered.
"Really? Well lets put that to the test!" Zaedra said as she attacked.
Brejik gave a fearful expression as he saw he was now outnumbered two to one. But he let out an enraged roar and fought ferociously with killer intent. He struck at them with Bastila's lightsaber, and drew his own vibroblade as well. He struck at Bastila and defended against Zaedra. Calak meanwhile, crept up behind him and tried to stab him in the back. Like before a barrier appeared, but Calak still managed to sink his blade into Brejik's armor. The Vulkar leader winced and looked behind him. Calak's blow had not been deep, but it proved Brejik's defense could be overcome. Brejik tried to strike at him but clashed both his weapons against each other. He must not have been skilled it dual wielding. They bounced off each other and missed Calak who seized an opportunity to stab at Brejik again. Zaedra and Bastila likewise saw the opening and swung or stabbed at their enemy. The three of them combined was too much for the barrier to withstand. Bastila's blade caught him in the back of the heart. He fell over dead.
Bastila let out a relieved sigh before turning to Calak and Zaedra.
"Well, maybe those bloody Vulkars will think next time before trying to keep a Jedi prisoner," she said. "As for you, if you think you can claim me as a prize-
She looked at Calak primarily as he had been the winner of the Swoop Track. But her eyes widened as she saw him clearly.
"Wait, I don't believe this! You're- you're one of the Republic Soldiers from the Endar Spire, aren't you?"
Before Calak could confirm that she nodded. "Yes, I'm sure of it! How did you end up racing in this race?"
"It's a long story," Calak said.
"Well, we don't have time for it now!" Bastila said. "We need to get out of here before the Sith find us!"
The reporter and others had fled during the attack. But people would have probably heard Brejik's speech and that Bastila was a Jedi. The Sith would probably come running at that.
"Is there a place we can go that's safe?" Bastila asked.
"Yes, I have an apartment. I was gonna take you there after I saved you!" Calak said.
"Save me?" she repeated. "Is that what you were trying to accomplish by getting in that race? I think it was I that saved you."
"Hey you were a helpless prisoner before!" Calak said getting irritated.
"You think those Vulkars could really keep me restrained?" she shot back. "We don't have time for this! We must get out!"
Calak huffed. "You're right, Carth will waiting for us."
She recognized the name. "Carth? Carth Onasi is alive? Finally some good news. He's one of the best soldiers in the Republic. Maybe I misjudged you. Please take me to Carth right away, between the three of us, I'm sure we can get off this planet before the Sith realize we're here."
"Uh, they already do," Calak said.
"Oh, so much for that," Bastila said. "Then we better hurry. Oh, and I can't forget this."
She picked up her lightsaber from where Brejik dropped it.
"Ah, good to have my weapon back, now I believe that one had my clothes!" she said.
Bastila went back to the guard who had been watching her. He was now dead, he must have been killed in the fight when Calak wasn't looking? She grabbed a pack from his corpse that must have contained her clothes.
"Take Brejik's belt and armband as well if you want," Zaedra told him. "They could be useful."
Calak had to agree. He removed Brejik's belt and armband to take for his own.
"I'll give you a lift," Zaedra said.
They made their way out of the pit. Calak cast a glance back at Matrik's body sadly. He appreciated the Twilek giving his life for him, but still felt sad about it. Ah well, he had Bastila. Now he could focus on getting off this planet.
I decided to give Bastila force deflection in this story, cause I looked up energy resistance on Wookiepedia and found that was a power pretty much developed in the Kotor games. While I do base this fanfic off that I'm not gonna take a power that doesn't exist in any other Star Wars lore. If Jedi could use energy resistance they wouldn't need lightsabers to deflect blaster bolts as much I think. Hope you guys enjoyed my thoughts on Bastila's lightsaber form which I will probably go into more detail once we reach the Sith Base which should be in the next couple chapters. Still got a long way to go. This could easily reach up to 70 to a hundred chapters!