Chapter 20: Encounters of Various Kinds

Okay, been a while. Had a little change in my writing schedule due to focusing on another story that I want to get done sooner. Then I had some ideas for clop stories that set me back another week.

Calak meditated for a time, reflecting on his recent encounter with Juhani. It confirmed all the things he'd heard of. How Revan and Malak had once been Jedi then turned to the dark side. How he didn't know. They had been Jedi when the Mandalorian Wars started and when it ended. True they had somewhat crossed the line in the battle of Malachor V using the Mass Shadow Generator to destroy an entire planet. But that had been a prototype, maybe they didn't know the destruction would be so great? Regardless, Calak at times felt he himself was walking on thin lines. He'd killed plenty of people now ever since he'd left Deralia to join the Republic, but he'd never spilled innocent blood. Though he could have avoided violence at certain times like the Sith Troopers in the Undercity, or maybe even killing Bendak, but those were not innocents. Still, it might have been close to crossing the line. One day he might step all the way past the line, even unintentionally, and become something terrible. Juhani had let the bloodlust go to her head in her training, and she'd nearly killed her master and lost hope.

Calak sighed. He had a feeling he would one day have a test of his own to resist the dark side, just as other Jedi did it seemed. He breathed in and out, knowing he needed to clear his mind. Now was not the time, but he knew it would come sooner or later, his senses told him. He only hoped he had the strength to resist the dark side, and avoid becoming like Juhani, Revan, or Malak. Though Juhani also proved that one could turn away from the dark side.

Once he felt he'd mediated enough he went to sleep. No dreams bothered him this time, though he still remembered that vision of Revan and Malak. He also wondered why he dreamed it in the first place. He'd been meaning to ask Bastila but with all the training he'd had to do there hadn't been much time. But that would change today. He went out to the main area of the ship where they had a few small tables and many sets for passengers. He saw Bastila and Mission there, the others were nowhere in sight.

"Morning ladies," Calak greeted.

"Good morning Master Jedi!" Mission said with a grin.

Calak chuckled. "Not a master yet, just a new padawan."

"Rather old Padawan," Mission said. "Wish I could be a Jedi."

"Yes, but these are exceptional circumstances," Bastila said.

"So I guess today we'll head out and find those ruins," Calak said.

"Most likely, but the force works in mysterious ways," Bastila said.

"Speaking of which I'd like to talk about that vision," Calak said.

"It was less of a dream and more of a vision," Bastila corrected him.

"Right," Calak said. "But I still don't understand why we shared this vision in the first place."

"Are you wondering why we both received it or why we did in the first place?" Bastila wondered. "For the first I can only repeat what the council said our fates are intertwined. As to the second, I can only guess."

"Why did we dream about that though, Revan and Malak?" Calak asked.

Bastila thought for a moment. "Perhaps because we wanted to. Or because we needed to."

"I certainly wouldn't to dream about them," Calak said.

"That would not be my first choice either," Bastila admitted. "But if the force is with us we must trust it. It showed us that vision for a reason. Hopefully it will provide us with the means to defeat the Sith."

There was silence and Calak looked at Mission.

"How are you holding up?"

"Fine," Mission said. "Taris is gone, but its not like it was a really great planet. All that corruption and human racism. Maybe now I can find a place that will be a better home, or even find my brother. But I know that's not likely."

"Oh yeah, you mentioned you had a brother," Calak said recalling how she'd been when reached the part about someone named Lena."

Mission remembered that as well. "I… I was a little snappish before. I get that way when it comes to Lena."

She frowned and Calak could sense anger boiling in her a bit.

"Why do you hate her so much?" Calak asked.

She sighed. "My brother and me had a good thing going. Then he met Lena, she was a dancer at the cantina where he would play pazaak. They started going out, but I thought she'd dump when she saw how poor he was. Lena was used to dating rich Tarisian nobles. She was attractive enough even for alien haters that lived there. But for some reason she stuck around!"

"Maybe you were just jealous?" Calak wondered.

Mission shook her head stubbornly. "I saw Lena for what she was!" she insisted. "A busty credit grubbing cantina rat! She used Griff and took away the only family I had! They went on a shuttle offworld two years ago and left me behind? Griff said he'd come back for me once they made enough money."

"How is this Lena's fault?" Calak asked.

"Oh I now what happened!" Mission said passionately. "Once they were off Taris, Lena sank her claws into Griff but good and made him forget all about me!"

"I think you letting your emotions get the best of you Mission," Bastila said. "Attachment leads to jealousy. Did you ever look for the good in Lena?"

"There was no good in here!" Mission said before sighing to calm herself down. "I know I'll probably never see Griff again and what you're doing is important. So don't worry, I'll be with you and the others."

At that moment said others walked up the ramp into the ship.

"Ah Calak, you're awake!" Carth said. "We were hoping to attend the meeting with the council alongside you."

"Yeah things have been pretty boring aside from yesterday," Canderous said.

"Arr!" Zalbaar agreed.

T3 beeped in confirmation.

"Alright, as soon as I have breakfast we go," Calak said.

He helped himself to a bit of bread bacon from the local market. Then they headed out into the landing area of the Enclave. Several Jedi walked it, as well as an orange skinned Twi'lek who looked at them as they approached.

"Hello!" she greeted.

"Hi," Calak said politely.

She then looked at Mission. "Mission is that you? Its me Lena, I dated your brother back on Taris."

What were the odds? Calak had just been told about her and now he was meeting her.

"Lena, Mission exclaimed in surprise before asking. "What are you doing here? Where's Griff."

"Oh I'm just passing through. Griff and I broke up a couple months after we left Taris," Lena said. She seemed civil enough. "Your brother can be a real charmer, Mission. But in the end he was nothing but trouble."

Mission glared at her. "Don't you go trashing my brother you cantina rat!"

Lena stepped back at the unexpected hostitlity. "What? Mission what's gotten into you?"

"She thinks you made her brother leave her on Taris," Calak told her, not sure what to think yet.

Lena looked at Mission. "You got your facts a little backwards. You could have come with us if you wanted to."

Mission shook her head in disbelief. "Griff told me you didn't want his younger sister tagging along."

Lena's eyes flashed with anger. "Is that what the Hutt-spawn told you? I wanted you to come with us Mission! I even offered to pay for your ticket. But Griff told me you didn't want to leave Taris. I said we shouldn't even go then. But Griff convinced me you would be okay. Once we were off world he told me the truth, that he was leaving you behind because you were always holding him back."

Mission gritted her teeth, though Calak could sense the pain in her at these words. "You… liar!" she said with a slight hesitation. "Griff would never abandon me! Where is he?"

"Last I saw him he was on Tattoine working as a miner trying to strike big," Lena said.

Calak wasn't sure whether to believe his friend or someone he'd just met.

"I'd like to hear Griff's side of the story before I judge him," he said.

"If he really abandoned his sister he should probably receive a good beating from her," Canderous chuckled.

"Feel free to look for him at the Czerka office if you want to. But as far as I'm concerned he's out of my life."

"Griff's better off without you your brother stealing schutta!" Mission cursed Lena.

The older Twi'lek sighed. "I guess that's my cue to get out of here."

She continued forward, perhaps going to one of the shuttles. Calak and the others had to focus on other things right now. Maybe they'd get the chance to go Tatooine? Who knew?

They entered the council chambers and saw the masters present as usual. The group of the Ebon Hawk stood before them. Vrook narrowed his eyes at Canderous.

"We sure we want to include a Mandalorian in our meeting?" he asked.

"He is with me," Calak said. "He may not have the same sort of morals as most of us but he has proven trustworthy so far."

"I'm not a double-crosser, as long as my allies or employer hold up their end of the bargain," Canderous said.

"Well we aren't exactly paying you," Carth said.

"No, but I have a feeling that I will find challenges worth facing," Canderous said. "That's all I ask."

The Jedi Masters masked any emotional objections they had.

"Very well, a lone Mandalorian should not be a threat, especially against two Jedi at once," Vandar said. "Still we advise you to be cautious as they started the first war through which the Sith we face now were born from."

Calak nodded slowly.

"Now, we must get down to business," Zhar said. "The vision you both…" he gestured to Calak and Bastila. "…had of the ancient ruins."

"We sent a Jedi to investigate the ruins shortly after you left to confront Juhani. But they haven't returned, we fear the worst."

Calak felt a surge of pity for the unknown Jedi.

"Now we must send the two of you, and your companions if they wish to come," Dorak said.

Calak looked at his companions.

"If whatever is in those ruins is capable of killing Jedi, then it must surely be formidable," Canderous said. "Count me in!"

"Not to mention I wouldn't mind getting out of this enclave a bit," Carth said. "I'm in as well. If this really could be the key to stopping the Sith then you're gonna need all the help you can get. My blasters are your service.

"Arr!" Zalbar said. "I swore to follow you until the Sith were defeated. That still stands!"

"I'm with you, Calak!" Mission said. "Anything to get back at the Sith for what they did to Taris!"

T3 let out a confirming beep. Vrr bpp bpp dweet.

Calak smiled at his companions and looked over at Bastila who had a smaller but still visible smile. She looked at him and nodded.

"Thanks guys," Calak said. "Lets do it."

Bastila looked at the council. "You can count on us, Masters."

"Make sure you are well prepared," Vandar advised.

Bastila and Calak bowed, then turned and began to walk out. Then an aging man in a fine green tunic stormed in.

"Finally!" the man said as he approached. "Out of my way!"

He was certainly impatient, he must have been important.

"Welcome Mr. Matale," Vandar said as they greeted their new guest.

Matale, that was a name Calak had learned a few days ago when hearing rumors. They were one of the few nobles on the world, along with another family called the Sandrals. The two of them were reportedly feuding with one another. First Nurik Sandral's son had gone missing, then Ahlan Matale (who must be this old man), his son went missing as well.

"Nurik Sandral has kidnapped my son!" Ahlan told them loudly.

"You have proof of this?" Vrook asked.

"I need no proof!" Ahlan said. "Its simple logic! I demand justice! The Sandral family is a blight upon Dantooine! They must answer for what they've done!"

Vandar tried to reassure him. "The council will look into this matter Mr. Matale. Please, remain home. We do not want you stirring up trouble with the Sandrals if there is some mistake."

"Mistake?" Ahlan repeated incredously. "My son Shen is missing! How can there be any doubt the Sandrals are to blame."

"There are other possible explanation for your son's disappearance," Vrook said.

"The Mandalorians and Kath Hounds for one," Dorak added.

Despite the reasonableness of these possibilities, Ahlan was not at all convinced.

"Bah!" he exclaimed in disgust. "You Jedi are good for nothing but talk! Send a Jedi to me when you are ready to take some worthwhile action. If my son is not returned I will do so myself!"

He then stormed out.

"That didn't go well," Mission said. "Important guy."

"The Jedi often take too long to solve problems," Carth said. "They should have joined us sooner in the war."

Bastila heard this and frowned at Carth.

Vandar looked at Calak. "This could indeed be trouble. We often hope to find ways to resolve things peacefully and carefully. But Ahlan Matale is known to be very tempermental. The ruins are not far from his estate, if you have time we would ask you to try and find Shen Matale as well if possible."

"What about the Jedi you sent to the ruins?" Calak asked.

"As Vandar said we fear the worst. It might possible he is still alive but doubtful."

Calak nodded. It made sense. A Jedi should have been able to contact someone for help, whether by comlink or the force.

"We'll do our best," Calak said. "If either or both of them are alive we'll help them."

Bastila, Carth and everyone but Canderous and T3 nodded eagerly. The droid beeped in affirmation.

They checked their weapons and supplies before they left. They had to be prepared. Canderous and Mission had used up a bit of energy for their blasters when they followed Calak going after Juhani. Mission had to switch her energy cell to recharge as it was smaller and held fewer shots. They'd hopefully have enough between all of them to tackle anything that came their way.

They headed to the door leading to the plains. As they did so, Calak spotted Juhani. She was with Belaya, the young Jedi who had abruptly halted Calak when he first arrived on Dantooine.

"Juhani!" Calak exclaimed.

"Calak," Juhani greeted with a little surprise of her own. "Off on another mission I presume?"

"Yes," Calak said. "How are you?"

"I'm… better," Juhani said. "It turns out Quatra's injuries were not as severe as I believed. It was a test to see if I could control myself. I failed and went down the dark path, but thanks to you I am back on the light."

"I'm glad for you Juhani," Bastila said. "You set an example that even once you start on the dark path there is still hope you can turn back before its too late."

Carth however didn't approve. "So the Jedi tricked you into becoming an enemy, and then welcome you back like nothing happened. I can't say I approve of their teaching methods."

"You need to learn what the dark side represents to be able to resist it," Bastila told Carth.

"I hurt many settlers with my Kath Hounds," Juhani said in remorse. "I can only hope I am able to make up for it."

"You will my friend," Belaya said. "I'm glad you are back. I don't what I would have done if you had remained on the dark path or been killed."

"Let us be glad we never had to find out," Juhani said to her before returning her golden gaze to Calak. "Thank you again."

Calak nodded. He and his group made their way outside and onto the plains once again.

"So what do we do now?" Mission asked. "Go to the ruins or look for that missing son?"

Calak thought for a moment. The ruins were nearer but the Jedi that was inside was most likely dead already. Still, they should perhaps try and do both.

"Let's split up," Calak said. "If we delay too long either one could die if they aren't already. Bastila and I will go to the ruins. Carth you come with us in case we need backup."

"Not sure I'll be any help for two Jedi but alright," Carth said.

Calak looked at the others. "The rest of you look around the plains I guess. See if you can locate those Mandalorians or the missing Matale boy. If you find the Mandalorians, report back. Don't engage, you understand?"

"I understand," Canderous said.

They exited the grounds of the enclave where they could split up into two parties. Before they could however, they saw a middle aged woman standing next to a speeder.

"Jedi! Please I need help!" the woman said raising her hand and waving.

Calak let out a small sigh. Everyone needed help. Ah well, it was his duty.

He put on a warm smile as he approached. "Hello ma'am. Need help?"

"Yes, my companion! He is missing!"

"Missing? Oh dear," Bastila said.

"Alright tell me what happened," Calak said.

"My name is Elise," the woman introduced herself. "I live on with my companion on the farm. We were working in the garden out back and he went inside to get some water but didn't return. I went in and checked, finding the front door wide open."

"Were there any signs of forced entry?" Calak asked.

"No, though it wasn't locked. I fear he may have been kidnapped!" Elise said.

"Its possible," Calak admitted.

"Maybe it was the Mandalorians," Elise said worriedly. "I haven't had trouble with them yet but I feared it would come sooner or later."

"If it were Mandalorians they probably would have approached you," Canderous said. "Made some demands or… worse."

Elise shuddered. "Who else would have come in? Kath Hounds are not intelligent enough to open doors. Though I've heard they've been more aggressive of late."

Another possibility occurred to Calak. "Coud it have been opened from the inside?"

Elise hesitated. "Well, yes it could have. But he had no reason to run away! His programming-"

Calak raised an eyebrow. "Your missing companion is a droid?"

"Well, yes he is a droid," Elise said. "But he is very valuable to me all the same! He is the last thing I have left of my husband! Please bring him back!"

She sobbed as though she were begging for her husband to be brought back. A little dramatic for a missing droid but then she was obviously attached.

Calak nodded. "I'll do what I can."

They continued forward a short distance then their two parties faced each other. Calak, Carth, and Bastila would go to the ruins while Canderous, Mission, Zalbaar and T3 would look around the plains and see if they could find the Mandalorians or Shen Matale. Looked like they would add a missing droid to their list as well.

"Here, take this commlink," Carth said tossing one from his pocket. "Contact us if you find anything."

"Right," Canderous said. "But if I have to defend myself I will!"

"Understood!" Calak said. "Lets go."

Their two groups split up, three in one and four in the other. Hopefully they'd all be okay.