Chapter 26: Leaving Dantooine
Well, back in business, and we'll be more at than ever. All but two of my stories have been completed counting this one. So, I'll be able to now give weekly updates to this as well as my other one. I predict we could still be at this story for a long time, maybe up to a year from now. No way to be sure though. Hope you all enjoy and please review!
Edit: As I was writing this chapter I realized I forgot a little something in the chapter with Sherruck in that I never had Calak take his helmet as a trophy for Jon. So I'll fix that when I can. If you find any other contradictions in the story please let me know and I'm open to suggestions as well.
Calak, Bastila and Carth all made their way back to the enclave. As they neared it, they spotted Elise and her droid still out by her speeder in front.
"Oh, there you!" the woman said. "Are the Jedi that found my droid?"
"Yes," Calak told her.
"I thought so since you were the one I asked to find him," Elise said. "He told me everything about his reasons for running away. I see now that I've been too attached to him since he was the last thing I had left of my husband. He wouldn't have wanted me to stop seeing people, my husband that is. He would have wanted me to move on."
"You're right," Calak said. "I know it's probably not easy."
"No, it isn't," Carth said.
Calak looked at him. Did he know from experience? Calak then recalled he wasn't aware of Carth's family. He knew that Saul had betrayed him, but could there more to the story then that? Calak would have to ask at some point. It seemed pretty personal since he wanted to kill Saul so badly.
"Well, I have to try," Elise said. "For his sake as well as my own."
"I wish you luck," Bastila said. "May the force be with you."
Elise nodded. "Come on C8! We have work to do when we get back to the farm. And don't worry, I'll make sure to try and build new human connections soon."
"Good Mistress Elise," C8 said.
The two of them got into their speeder and sped off as Calak and his companions returned to the enclave at last. As they stepped onto its front stone walkway, they soon saw someone waiting for them. Jon, the man who'd asked them to defeat the Mandalorians was there. He stood in the same area as when Calak first met him. That had been… only a day or two ago? It felt longer than that with all that had happened.
"Jon!" Calak called as he did a brief jog over.
"Master Jedi," Jon exclaimed. "Have you found the Mandalorian raiders yet? I heard they've been killed in several different locations on the plains."
"Yes, we killed all of them," Calak said as he reached into his pack and drew Sherruck's helmet.
"Thank you! My daughter's soul can at least rest since her killers have been brought to justice."
"Slaughter and revenge not the Jedi way," Bastila said.
"But those Mandalorians were a threat to the settlers here," Calak reminded her.
"Yeah, we couldn't let them just run amuck," Carth agreed.
"Thank you for this," Jon said. "Now I can return home. Wish my daughter was there, but I'll settle for this. Now, please accept this! My life savings!"
He reached for a credit case that Calak hadn't noticed before at his feet.
"Oh no you don't have to!" Calak tried to object.
"Please, keep it." Jon insisted. "My daughter is gone. That was meant for her someday, I think you've earned it. I'll be able to provide for myself with my farm no problem. Use it for whatever you wish, help the galaxy or yourself."
And he left without giving them a chance to object further. Calak sighed.
"Guess there's nothing wrong with accepting a reward," he said.
"None at all," Carth agreed.
"Still, we must help others even when there is no reward," Bastila said. "That is what makes us selfless."
They headed to the enclave front doors. As they entered, Carth looked at the female Jedi among them.
"Bastila did you ever think about joining Revan and the Jedi that went to fight in the Mandalorian Wars?"
"That was nearly five years ago, I was still an apprentice," Bastila replied with a frown. "My Battle Mediation had not yet manifested itself. Yet even then I had the wisdom to listen to the council, unlike Revan."
Carth frowned now. "I guess, still do you think things could have been different. Would Revan and Malak still have been corrupted if the council had supported them instead of dragging its feet?"
Bastila now glared at him. "Do not blame Revan's corruption on the council! Your Republic navy saw only the threat of the Mandalorians! But the wisdom of the masters saw beyond the immediate threat! They sensed that if Jedi went to war they would fall to the dark side, and they were right! Revan and Malak offered a quicker solution and the Republic chose to walk the easy path instead of the path of wisdom!"
Calak looked at her in confusion. "Wisdom? The Jedi are supposed to serve the Republic! How can they do that with inaction What could have been beyond the immediate threat?"
"There was something lurking out there," Bastila argued. "Something that devoured Revan and Malak, and many other Jedi! It spit them out and left them as dark shells of their former selves. They became Sith because they went to war and fell into the trap. Had the council sent us all into the unknown how many more would have fallen?"
"I haven't seen anything that suggests there was something out there," Calak countered. "Its true that Revan and Malak fell to the dark side but they had good intentions at heart!"
"Perhaps, but even good intentions can lead to the dark side," Bastila said.
"So, you're saying we should have done nothing?" Carth asked angrily. "Just let the Mandalorians conquer us unopposed? The Republic was being slaughtered and the order abandoned us!"
"We did not abandon you!" Bastila objected. "The Jedi would have aided you in time but you would not wait!"
"There was no time! If the Jedi had waited we would have never had a chance!" Carth said.
"You ask me if I thought things could have been different, I know they could have!" Bastila stated. "If Revan had only listened to the council millions of innocent people would still be alive!"
"Yeah right!" Carth scoffed. "And every single one of them would be speaking Mandalorian! I think we're done here!"
Calak was silent as he and Bastila headed to the council chambers while Carth returned the Ebon Hawk to join the others.
"Ah, you have returned young Padawans," Vandar greeted the two Jedi as they entered.
"Apologies for the long absence masters," Bastila said. "We encountered several things that required our attention."
"We have heard as much," Vandar said. "The feuds between the Matales have been settled, the Mandalorians defeated, and a murder mystery solved. Quite a busy time. Your mission maybe important, but if you can help more people all the better. Now, have you discovered what it was that Revan and Malak sought in the ruins?"
"Yes," Calak said. "We found an incomplete star map that supposedly leads to something called the Star Forge."
"Star Forge?" Zhar asked. "That sounds like some sort of place where things are created."
"This news is disturbing," Vrook agreed.
"We should check the archives," Dorak suggested.
"Agreed," Vandar said. "This had to be the key to stopping the Sith. It must be how they created their fleet. But first we must know more? What exactly did you find with the map you had?"
"A list of worlds Master Vandar," Bastila said. "Tatooine, Manaan, Kashyyyk, and Korriban."
"Korriban?" Vrook repeated. "Great. The Sith homeworld. We left a bunch of them there to lick their wounds after the last war, now Malak has it under his command now, unofficially… but still. They are training new Sith there!"
"There might not be a choice," Zhar said. "But that will have to come another time. For now, let us see what we can find out."
"Yes," Vandar said before turning to the two padawans. "You two are likely tired. It is getting late. Return to your ship and rest. We will summon you when we are ready to speak again."
Calak and Bastila nodded, with the former yawning. They headed back to the Ebon Hawk and climbed inside, crashing on the bunks on board the ship.
…
They waited until the council summoned them in the late morning the next day.
"Padawans, you have done well discovering the Star Map," Vandar praised.
Dorak then spoke. "I've consulted our vast archives for any mention of this Star Forge, but so far my efforts have been in vain. They are likely in the unknown regions. Revan and Malak likely found it when they disappeared after the Battle of Malachor V. Whatever it is, it must be the key to stopping the Sith."
"Yes, which is we will be sending you both on a new mission. You will travel to the worlds that the map showed you," Zhar said. "You will find the Star Maps and whatever clues they may hold. Find the Star Forge, destroy it, and defeat Malak."
Calak felt as though an invisible weight had been put on his shoulders.
"We're to go on this mission alone? Shouldn't a master come with us?" he asked.
"The force works strong between you and Bastila," Vandar reminded them. "You will both be able to support each other throughout your mission. We fear that sending a large group of Jedi you will attract unwanted attention from the Sith. Secrecy is our best ally. Of course we will need to provide you with some help. Juhani has asked to accompany you. After some deliberation, we have granted her request if that is alright with you."
Calak recalled Juhani attacking him. He shuddered at the memory of her fierce and aggressive attack. But he also recalled her helping him against the second group of Mandalorians, and felt that having her on his side would be useful.
"I suppose so. But maybe I should have a master along to help me continue my training?" Calak wondered.
"Bastila can help you with your force powers," Dorak assured him. "She may not be a consular like myself but she has a certain strength in that area. I think she might have made a better consular then a sentinel actually."
Bastila giggled softly. "You might be right Master Dorak, I haven't had time to develop any technology focused skills with the war going on. The only other skills I have are some medical expertise and perception. Though the medical skill is pretty useless unless I exhaust my force abilities."
"Hey, sometimes physical methods are needed more than the force," Calak said offering a smile.
She looked at him and returned the smile. "I suppose you're right. When I was on the front lines I had so many injured around me I could only use the force on so many of them. So, I guess skill with medpacks is an important one."
"And Juhani will be able to help you improve your saber skills Calak," Zhar stated. "That will be useful for both of you."
"So that gives two Jedi Guardians and a Sentinel to this team," Vrook said. "Perhaps we should send one more to be safe. Never know when a skilled Consular might come in handy."
"I believe they may have an ally waiting for them soon," Vandar stated. "I had a vision of someone strong in the force joining them down the line."
"Let us hope they do encounter this person and not have to fight them," Vrook said skeptically.
Calak then thought of the others that had been with him so far. "There are others I would like to be permitted to accompany me."
"Of course, those who aided you on Taris will also come," Vandar agreed.
"So, when do I leave?" Calak asked.
"Whenever you wish," Vrook said. "The sooner the better, but beware. The lure of the dark side is difficult to resist. I fear this quest to find the Star Forge will lead you on all too familiar path."
Calak looked at him, Vrook always seemed to be the most distrustful of him.
"I won't fail Master Vrook."
"That remains to be seen," Vrook replied coldly.
"I suppose we better tell the others then prepare the ship," Bastila said. "We'll leave by nightfall Masters."
"Good, may the force be with you," Vandar said. "And you are both welcome to return here any time if you need to."
"Thank you," Calak said.
He and Bastila headed to the ship and found Juhani waiting in front of the ramp leading inside.
"Hello," the Cathar greeted.
"Hi," Calak greated.
The looked at him with her yellow feline eyes in remorse. "I'll be joining you on your quest Calak Star, Bastila Shan.
"So we've heard," Bastila replied. "We're honored to have you by our sides Juhani."
She and Calak prepared to walk up the ramp to the interior of the ship.
"Um, Calak?" Juhani asked. "Can we have a moment alone?"
Calak was surprise but nodded. "Sure."
They let Bastila enter the ship and stayed outside. Calak looked at Juhani and she took a breath. "I feel I must apologize to you for my attack in the grove."
Calak felt a small bit of anger but he repressed it and put on a forgiving smile. "You thought the dark side had consumed you. It is alright."
"Thank you," Juhani said appreciatively. "I only hope I can make up for my mistakes aiding you. So many settlers on Dantooine were hurt or even killed because of me. My control over the Kath Hounds and making them more aggressive through my meditations on the dark side."
"Well, I'm sure if you help us save the galaxy then it will be enough," Calak said. "We all make mistakes."
He recalled his killing of the Sith soldiers in the Undercity as he thought of that as well as Bendak Starkiller. True they'd been killers themselves but maybe he'd initiated those encounters. Still as long as he didn't take an innocent life then he was probably still on the good side, right?
"Thank you," Juhani said smiling back.
They headed inside the ship as Bastila was informing the others of the new mission.
"So, we find these Star Maps and hope to find the secret to stopping the Sith huh?" Mission said.
"Sounds like a pretty big Mission!" Canderous said with a chuckle.
"Ha ha! Very funny!" the young Twi'lek said with sarcasm.
"I don't know about this," Carth said. "What about the Republic? Your Battle Meditation is needed on the front lines Bastila! Without it we might not be able to defeat the Sith at all!"
"Even with my Battle Meditation, the Sith Forces are too many," Bastila said. "It might give the Republic courage and the ability to do more damage, but it won't be enough. We have to find the source of the Sith fleet."
"I suppose you're right," Carth admitted. "Hopefully the Republic can manage without us."
He looked down, and Calak felt he was troubled. He'd have to talk with the soldier later.
"Alright, we need to make sure all the systems are running," Calak said. "T3, Mission, Zalbaar. You three have the most tech skills of all of us. You check on that."
"You got it captain!" Mission said.
"Captain?" Carth said. "I was captain on the Endar Spire! I outrank Calak!"
"Not when he's a Jedi," Bastila said. "That makes him a Commander automatically!"
Carth sighed. "Fine. What do I do then. Commanders?"
He looked at the two Jedi.
"Guess we'll need supplies like food and other stuff," Calak said.
"Yes, power cells, equipment for harsh environments we might go through," Bastila agreed. "Speaking of which where do you think we should go first? Korriban is a Sith World, I'm not sure how well prepared we can be if we go there. Of course, the Sith are everywhere, it wouldn't surprise me if there are Dark Jedi passing through the worlds we go to."
"I call Tatooine first!" Mission said.
"Why would you want to go there?" Canderous asked.
"My brother is there," Mission told them.
"Okay, we'll probably need a lot of water. That's a dessert planet," Bastil said.
Mission, Zalbaar and T3 all checked the ship's systems while Calak and the others headed to the enclave's market area. They sold the Mandalorian weapons and armor they'd taken off the corpses of their enemies, stocked up on food and especially water since they were going to a dessert planet that had twin suns. They also got a large number of energy cells for their various blasters and weapons, in case they ran into trouble and needed to resupply.
"Right on time," Carth said as he checked his pistols. "Mine were running rather low."
He inserted new energy cells into his blasters. Calak looked at them, noticing that Carth's main blaster was of high quality while his other was only standard and couldn't be upgraded.
"You might want to think about getting a higher quality blaster there for your left hand Carth," Calak said. "You know I have Bendak Starkiller's blaster, I was thinking of keeping it but now that I'm a Jedi with a lightsaber I won't be needing that anymore."
Carth looked him. "Uh thanks. I guess it would be better to have two high quality blasters then just one. But you might want to think about keeping a blaster. If we are going to Korriban at some point you may want to disguise yourself so no one will think you're a Jedi."
"Good idea," Calak said.
He inspected the blasters in the shop. He spotted a bluish silver rifle on one of the stands. It looked to be of high quality.
"Ah that's the rifle of Jurgan Kalta," one of the Twi'lek shopkeepers Crattis Yurkal said. "It is quite a weapon, very accurate, and does very high energy damage as well as ion. That makes it effective against both droids and sentients."
"Who is Jurgan Kalta?" Calak asked.
"A Zabrak mercenary that fought in the Great Sith War against Exar Kun. My father found it, he was a soldier that fought alongside the Jedi of that time. After losing his leg he decided to settle here and kept the rifle. It's very expensive though, eight thousand credits."
That was expensive, but Calak had made quite a bit of money on Taris so that wasn't a problem. If he kept gaining at this right, he might be able to buy himself a nice apartment on Coruscant when the war was over. He wasn't sure if he'd stay with the Jedi as their code forbade attachment, and Calak did want to find someday. He thought of Bastila as well, she was a great young woman. Capable, spirited, compassionate and gifted… true she could be willful and arrogant when it came to the Jedi but Calak greatly admired her and knew her heart was in the right place.
He'd have to worry about that later though. Calak drew the credits from the case that Jon had given him. Yurkal counted out eighty gold colored credit chips from it that each valued as one thousand. That was a major dent with only two thousand left but for Calak's total, not too bad. He still had just under twenty thousand credits even once they were done stocking up. Good thing he won that big Swoop Race and got the credit prize. This was an expensive rifle, one that Calak may or may not use. Still, it was high quality and could serve him or someone else well when the time came.
Calak then exited the shop with the others and found someone waiting for them. It was a Twi'lek Jedi with green skin just like the two shopkeepers. He looked at Calak seriously.
"Greetings Padawan Star," the Twi'lek said. "I am Deesra Lur Jada. I must speak with you."
Calak was surprised. "Um, alright."
Carth looked at Calak and held out his arm. "I can take your things to the ship."
"Thanks," Calak said handing over his new high-quality rifle. He followed Deesra for a short distance then spoke.
"What's up?"
"I heard you are off on a mission to some… certain worlds," Deesra said. "Namely Korriban and Kashyyyk."
"Yes why?" Calak asked. "Does everyone know?"
"Not everyone, but Master Dorak is my master and he mentioned it to me. He told me this mission of yours could be our only hope. I've been training to succeed my master as the chronicler of our academy one day. I've studied our orders history extensively, and there is something about those two worlds I felt I should warn you about."
"I know Korriban's the homeworld of the Sith," Calak told him.
"Yes, but there is something else. Something that could possibly be even more dangerous then the Sith," Deesra said.
"What?" Calak was surprised. "What could more dangerous then the Sith?"
"Something they created," Deesra explained. "It's said that long ago the Sith created a number of vile beasts, one of their most dangerous was known as the terentatek, a large creature with spikes along its body, tusks on its head, an poison in its very claws."
The sound of that caused Calak to shake a bit.
"To make matters worse, it craves the blood of force sensitives, both Sith and Jedi. And it has a near immunity to the power of the force."
"Okay that sounds bad," Calak agreed.
"There was once a Great Hunt called by the Jedi. The creatures were deemed too dangerous for even the Jedi to allow to live," Deesra continued. "Several groups were dispatched, and it was largely successful. Especially tales of Guun Han Saresh, Duron Qel Droma, and Shaela Nurr. They were all the most proficient team of terentatek killers, but they eventually split up with Saresh going to Kashyyyk while Quel Droma and Nurr went to Korriban, believing both worlds held terentateks. They disappeared and were presumably killed by the creatures."
"When was this? Recently?" Calak asked.
"No, it was about thirty-five years ago just after the Great Sith War against Exar Kun. No one has seen a terentatek since those three gave their last report," Deesra told him.
Calak gave a look of suspicion. "Sounds they are probably extinct by now and even if those Jedi were killed by terentateks shouldn't their killers be dead by now?"
Deesra shook his head. "This isn't the first time the creatures have disappeared. Its theorized by some old Jedi researchers they go into hibernation during times of peace. But when the dark side grows strong, they emerge to repopulate the galaxy. I fear Darth Malak's rise to power may have awakened those that went into slumber. Be careful when you go to those worlds. Don't split up from your Jedi… or non-Jedi companions, you will need all the help you can get."
"Thanks for the warning," Calak said gratefully. "I just hope you're wrong and those things are all dead."
"That would be the best-case scenario," Deesra agreed.
Calak then returned to the Ebon Hawk as the sun was preparing to set. The crew met in the main hold and Carth pulled up the galaxy map on their hologram projector in the center.
"Tatooine is on the other side of the galaxy," Carth said pointing to the top of the map and then to the bottom. "We're gonna be flying all night and have to switch hyper space routes a couple times."
T3 beeped and Calak understood it. "Yeah, that's sounds like a good idea, you should probably help out."
"Good thing we had the fuel topped off," Mission said. "Guess the sooner we take off the sooner we get there."
"You're right," Carth agreed. "Alright. I'll stay in the pilots seat tonight, T3 you stay with me and wake me up when the time to swap routes is near."
T3 beeped in agreement.
"Well, we'll take off and then have dinner."
Carth headed into the cockpit and worked the controls, Bastila sat in the copilot seat as well. The engines started up and they rose into the sky. Calak stood behind and watched as the wall of the enclave's landing zone fell beneath them. They turned spaceward and Carth flew them forward at high speed. They soon exited the atmosphere and with a few button presses from Carth and Bastila, the engines burned brighter on the back and the Ebon Hawk entered lightspeed, vanishing into the seemingly endless darkness of space ahead. This was the start of a new journey.