+TR+
(Battleship Firestar)
Meetra watched the stars fly by as her ship led the fleet towards Telos, she still felt very unnerved about the mission Revan had given her, to return to Malachor and reactivate and overload the mass shadow generator. She still had nightmares about the first time she had been tasked with dealing with that infernal machine, created by Boa-Dur a genius Zabrak who had created many weapons and armour for the Revanchists during the Mandalorian war. Her task had been to defend the machine until Boa-Dur could activate it, she had done so and almost been killed by the deadly blast wave the generator put out once primed. It had stripped her of her force abilities and connection to the force itself, or at least so she had believed until they had come back since she had rejoined the Revanchists.
She felt dread of using the thing again even if the plan was for them to be long gone before it went off, but that was if everything went to plan, and she knew better than most that no plan survives contact with the enemy. Who knew how long Kreia could hold on before succumbing to the dark side completely, once that happened, she would do all she could to stop them eliminating them. Combined with Sion and Nihilus they would be a severe threat to face, against that she had Vima Sunrider and Juhani who had volunteered to help before they had departed the main fleet. But before facing the horror of returning to Malachor, she had to find and kill Atris on Telos after she had recruited Boa-Dur.
She had a lot of scores to settle with Atris not least the fact she had led the effort to strip her of her name and stuck the title of the exile on her, she would never forgive the older woman for that offence. She had also taken her original double bladed lightsaber she had constructed and used since she was a padawan, that blade had almost been an extension of her arm when in combat and she wanted it back. She knew Vima intended to go down to Atris's not so secret academy and confront her right beside her as she too had her issues with Atris, even with her own mistrust and disgust with the council she did not begrudge Vima wanting to settle the score. She also had been told by Revan the reasons Vima had done all she had, and he did not hold it against her, and if he did not hold a grudge then neither could she.
Still this whole thing did not set well with her and the timing for it could have been better, just as they had fully announced their return to the war and destroyed one of Malak's fleets the spectres of Malachor had returned as well to haunt them. Sion and Nihilus were also caught up in the blast wave the mass shadow generator had put out the first time, but far more damage had been done to them or so she had learned before she left the fleet. She did not recall their original names, but from what she did remember from that battle they had been good soldiers and strong in the force. Now they were Sith, worse than Malak especially Nihilus and his never-ending hunger for force energy from people mostly Jedi. Sion was a body kept alive by hate according to his file, scarred to the bone and skin blackened and broken.
Their force powers had come through intact, but the damage done to them was more physical than what she had experienced, perhaps due to not breaking away from the force if such a thing was possible. She still had no real clue what had happened to her in that moment, all she knew was that her powers were gone as was her connection but physically she had come through intact. Her fear now was something worse happening by activating that machine once more, even if the plan was for her to be long gone before it went off, but she knew better than most than no plan survived contact with the enemy.
"Are you okay Surrik?" Vima's voice finally broke through her troubled thoughts and made her refocus on the here and now.
"Just trying to stem my memories of the last time I activated the mass shadow generator and the consequences of it not just for me, but the others caught in its blast wave" she answered honestly her earlier hostility absent as she knew Vima was not an enemy especially right now. "Two of the Sith lords who lead the force on Malachor were also affected by that wave, however unlike me the damage to them was more physical and had no effect on their force powers just their bodies unlike myself who lost her powers and her connection to the force" she continued. "I just cannot understand why the different effects, what did that wave truly do to us?" she finally wondered aloud.
"The council never really considered what it did to you just that it had made you a void in the force when you came back to us after the war, you were wrong to our senses, and we panicked eager to get you to leave so the wrongness would go away" Vima admitted with a sigh. "Atris's anger at you just helped us move that meeting quicker than it should have been, we failed you again" she added with a shake of his head.
"The council has many failures to its credit Vima, but I do not hold you responsible for them, Revan has told me how you did as the council wished to combat Atris's and Vrook's influence on them" Meetra responded. "And as the oldest members I hold them and Vandar and Zirrik far more responsible for those failures" she stated darkly. "But I suppose as you are part of the council, my anger at them has been directed at you and I am sorry for that" she admitted before leaving the bridge.
Vima watched her go surprised by the apology as Meetra in her view had every right to be angry, but it seemed Revan's word on her actions was enough for Surrik to be excused from been included in her wrath at least now. She wondered just what they would find when they confronted Atris, how deep into the dark side had the woman gone and then she suddenly let out a curse as she remembers just what had been entrusted to her keeping before they knew Revan was still alive. She rushed out after Surrik and found her easily enough in the next corridor, the woman turned as she heard her footsteps.
"Problem?" Meetra inquired with a furrowed brow.
"I am afraid so" Vima admitted with a sigh. "It is something that escaped my mind during all the chaos since we realised Revan was alive or that my daughter was in danger, Atris was entrusted with safeguarding a dozen holocrons both Sith ones put in the vault for safeguarding and Jedi ones already within" she explained. "It was done as a worst-case scenario; the council trusted her to be extremely careful with them clearly they were very wrong, and I did not voice a concern as I knew they would not listen to what I had to say" she finished.
Meetra let out a sigh and rubbed the bridge of her nose as she digested this news, in her mind Atris was already dangerous enough without having access to a dozen holocrons of various origins. Especially the Sith holocrons, she let out a curse and wondered just who had suggested that idea, more than likely Vrook.
"Great just fracking great" she finally vented with a shake of her head. "It makes no difference Vima; our orders are to kill Atris before she can become even more of a problem and that is what we will do no matter what kind of powers, she has learned from those holocrons" she stated before walked a few feet away before glancing back. "Remind me to let the council know what I think of their idea when we next talk to them" she added with a twisted smirk before leaving to head to her quarters.
Vima watched her go wondering if Meetra were truly taking in just how much more dangerous Atris could prove to be, still she had a point they needed to deal with her and more than likely it would end with the woman's death no matter what they did. Sith were not known for been taken alive, turning she headed back to her own quarters.
+TR+
(Leviathan)
Karath frowned as he received the report that the 17th fleet had gone silent for a least an hour or more, this was unsettling news as the commanders of their fleets knew better than to go silent without permission. Something was wrong and after the setbacks they had already suffered he did not wish to add one more especially with the way Malak was reacting to them, he moved to communications and ordered the fleet raised by after several minutes it was clear the fleet was gone.
"Problem Admiral?" Malak's cold voice echoed behind him just after he let out a curse.
He swallowed hard before turning to face his lord. "One of our fleets has vanished my Lord, all contact ceased two hours ago and since then we have been unable to reestablish any contact" Karath reported.
"Who commands the fleet?" Malak demanded to know wondering if finally, Revan and his followers had finally stepped back into this war fully or this was something else.
"It was commanded by Krynn Narlson my lord" Karath answered. "A capable commander" he added.
"I recall that he was indeed capable which is why I put him in charge of a fleet" Malak mused. "Take us to the last known location of his fleet, have all ships prepared for battle, I believe my old friend Revan has finally come out of hiding" he spat the word friend before chuckling darkly.
Karath just nodded and moved to comply with the order he had been given, but inside he worried that Revan was indeed behind the disappearance of the missing fleet, and this did not bode well for any of them.
+TR+
(Leviathan Class Battleship Revenge)
Revan was surprised to say the least to see Bastila enter his quarters looking somewhat nervous, he wondered what was on her mind. He had to admit they had not had much time to talk since arriving at this fleet, and he had sensed through their force bond her nervousness about his link with Meera. Perhaps now they could discuss where they stood in relation to their own connection, he watched as she moved over to where he sat at his desk going over a few reports. She sat across from him and watched him for a few minutes, he finished what he was doing and turned his full attention to her.
"You wished to speak to me?" he finally asked directly as it seemed she did not know how to really begin.
"I think it is time we discuss where we stand with each other Revan" Bastila responded nervously as this was all new to her, allowing her feelings free reign and wanting something so very much even though he seemed involved with Surrik and did not seem intent on leaving her and she knew Surrik had no intention leaving Revan and yet that did not deter her from wanting Revan as well.
"I would say it is yes, we both have deep feelings for each other Bastila and whilst I have embraced mine, I know you are still somewhat uncertain even after that kiss we shared back on Tatooine" Revan responded and smiled as Bastila blushed as she recalled the kiss, she had initiated to wake him from his dark side trace. "And I know that is caused by my continued relationship with Meetra" he pointed out. "First you should understand I come from a world where multiple marriages are not forbidden or even restricted but accepted, not only for males but for females as well it is just our way" he explained. "Granted I never expected to fall for two women, my relationship with Meetra was deep and profound and I never expected for another woman to come along and cause me to fall just as deeply as I had with Meetra but since meeting you that is exactly what has happened" he went on but paused as he let her take in what he had said.
Bastila wondered how to respond or even if she should, did she truly know what she wanted? Yes, she wanted Revan but was she willing to share him, that was what Meetra had been hinting at before whilst Revan was on Korriban. She had known about him been from a planet which did not find anything wrong with having more than one lover or spouse, but she had not known that as the planet Revan was from was not one she was familiar with. Could she share him without losing herself too jealously? Could Meetra share him without her jealously getting involved.
"I want you Revan I will not deny that, but I am worried Meetra, and I will not be able to share you without jealously getting involved and that could lead to all kinds of bad things" she finally admitted.
Revan nodded in understanding, and he did understand been worried about jealously, both Bastila and Meetra were beautiful women, but he suspected both were used to getting what they wanted. Hence having to share something was probably going to be new and difficult to accept for either of them, could he ask them to share him if one of them did not wish to? Meetra he was certain was prepared for this having known his background since they had gotten involved, but Bastila had clearly been taken by surprise by the information, so she clearly had not known this.
"Revan what about the council, they will not look favourably on us having a relationship?" Bastila inquired some of her former loyalty to the Jedi leaking through even after what she had learned they had done to her so they could try and destroy Revan's mind and implant one loyal to them.
Revan let out a full chuckle that made her skin tingle for reasons she did not understand, "Do you honestly believe I care how they view my relationships Bastila?" he inquired still chuckling. "The Jedi's views on love been a lure to the dark side is partially correct, it can if it evolves into obsession, but pure love can save you as it has been proven before" he informed her. "It saved Ulic-Qel Droma, yes it did not stop him murdering his brother but his love for this brother and I believe the love he still held for Nomi Sunrider brought him back from the edge to realise what he had done" he explained standing up and moving closer to her. "He helped stop Exar-Kun's rampage and then vanished for a time until Vima found him, a man truly lost would not have helped save her life and then agree to train her" he said with a smile.
"The council does not put much stock in Master Sunrider's account of her time with Qel-Droma" Bastila could not help but counter her mind still busy trying to decide what to do about her relationship with Revan and his close presence was not helping matters.
"No, the fools wouldn't especially those like Atris and Vrook, they seem to believe once you fall you can not come back but that is a lie" Revan stated with venom. "One can always come back if one believes and wants it badly enough" he added. "Ulik leaned this through his time with Vima so when he was murdered Nomi felt his death through their long-forgotten force bond and watched as he passed into the force like a Jedi instead of been torn asunder by a dark side storm like most Sith are bar the most powerful who linger in their tombs" he finished.
"We are getting of topic Revan" Bastila finally said deciding to bring things back to the more important topic. "What do we do about us?" she asked meeting his eyes as he looked down at her. "Do you really think Meetra and I can share?" she asked a second later.
Revan answered by leaning down and kissing her slowly at first and then more passionately as it went on, Bastila could do not help but moan at the contact and lean into it. She desperately wanted more uncaring of what she to do to have it, she blinked as she pulled away as that thought that realisation crystallised in her mind. Revan just watched her and gave her time to process whatever she was thinking, smiling slightly she leaned up and reignited the kiss deciding that perhaps sharing Revan would be worth it to have the truly pleasurable feelings this kiss was making her feel and she knew if they went further, she would experience far more pleasure that she had ever felt before.
+TR+
(Leviathan)
Malak stood with his hands behind his back as he surveyed the wreckages of the fleet that had been commanded by Krynn Narlson, not one ship was left intact for him to send a boarding party over to try and find any sensor logs that might prove Revan the remaining Revanchists did this. Fighters and bodies also littered the debris field, they had clearly fought to the last man to his satisfaction, but he was angered they had clearly been so overwhelmed they had destroyed not one single enemy ship for him to scan looking for the mark of the Revanchists. A mark that had once adorned his own ship and every ship in his fleet until the coup when they had covered up the mark with a new symbol, that of his new Sith Empire.
"It looks like they were completely routed" Karath could not help but mutter by his side as he too looked out of the viewport.
"That is indeed what happened to them" Malak growled. "But to do that it seems more of our former comrades survived our coup than was supposed to" his anger at this realisation making Karath shake in fear. "They were supposed to die like the ignorant fanatics they were, HOW DID SO MANY SURVIVE TO DO THIS ADMIRAL?" he started to ask before ending in a roar that made Karath jump.
"I do not know my Lord" Karath answered after swallowing nervously. "I gave each ship commander the orders you instructed me to give them before the coup happened, they had their targets as did the men under them" he insisted. "None of the Revanchists should have been able to resist bar for a token effort which we accounted for" he added.
Malak turned slowly to face Karath making the man sweat and fidgeted in place as he looked into the eyes of the man who he had chosen to follow through so much betrayal, realising he was close to been killed by this very man.
"Clearly the commanders lied to us about the success of the coup Admiral" Malak spat even if a part of him wanted to rip Karath to shreds to give vent to his rage at this discovery but he had managed to keep a lid on his control especially after his last two fits of rage had left two entire bridge crews dead and he could ill-afford a third such fit, he had already been challenged by one of his underlings after it was realised Revan was alive as was his followers and he was certain more would follow soon enough with the loss of this fleet and the fact the Republic still stood as well. He clenched his fist tightly as he was certain Revan had planned for this to happen, to try and throw him off balance to make him make mistakes and to make his people challenge him.
A very small part of him a part he refused to acknowledge could not help but admire the tactic of his former best friend, it was sound strategy. But many of his thoughts were centred on paying Revan back for these annoyances, for making his people dare question his power and leadership. He would have his revenge, he snorted at the irony of the idea considering the Sith title Revan had claimed whilst pretending to be Sith had been the lord of Revenge.
"Should I have them assemble so you can demand answers of them?" Karath inquired hesitantly.
Malak truly wished he could choose that option but now was not the time, not only could he ill afford to kill competent commanders when the Revanchists had finally come out of hiding showing they were still a force to be reckoned with. He also did not believe it wise to have some many untrustworthy people on his ship, he had no idea how many were truly loyal to him and would not attempt their own coup against him if given a chance.
"Not right now Karath as I need them out there finding and destroying Revan and his fanatics, but when they are all dead and the Republic lies in ruins then I shall have a reckoning with them for their deceit in this matter" he finally responded in a dark tone which again made Karath shiver. "Warn all fleets currently searching for the Revanchists to be on guard for ambushes, any commander who survives an engagement but loses to them will suffer for their failure" he ordered before turning on his heel and storming off the bridge wondering where Revan had moved to once he had finished destroying Narlson's fleet?
+TR+
(Jedi Temple)
Regina and Enrik followed Azrial and Jinn into the temple thankful to be home after so many months, if not a year on their own tracking down their target who was now locked up in the main jail on Corusant and finally not their problem anymore. They did not know how the council would receive them given Azrial's cold response to them choosing to ask for help from Revan, she tried not to, but she disliked the man. They had completed their mission only because of Revan and his team's help, those Jedi Hunters they had not known were on the planet would have surely captured and killed them slowly and painfully had she not asked for aide. She did not regret her choice especially as the council had told her there was an accord between them and the Revanchists, even if it turned out to be a temporary peace it was enough to make her believe help would be given and it had been.
Leaning Revan was friends with Bastila and had even helped save her life when the Endar Spire had gone down over Taris had been surprising but made him trust him more, Bastila had always had a great sense of who to trust and who not to and thus that she did trust Revan to actually stay with him and even reside on his fleet said a lot to her where Revan stood in the grand scheme of things. Many Jedi stopped to watch them pass by clearly surprised to see them, one or two looked shocked clearly having believed them dead. She wondered how many of her friends had believed her dead.
Entering the council chamber, she bowed low after coming to a halt in the middle of the room, Azrial quickly reported where and how they found them as well as in his mind the questionable choice to ask for help from Revan and his followers and the resulting outcome of that choice.
"I asked for his help as I stated before in fear our target would flee and be lost to us or hire on extra help from the scum on Stenos" Regina argued not willing to be made to look to be in the wrong and clearly her outburst surprised Azrial and some of the council who quickly frowned at her.
Azrial slowly turned his head to look at her in clear disapproval but did not respond before he turned back to the council. "I believe Knight Taloure's long absence has had a negative affect on her" he stated making her dislike the man even more.
"What made you trust Revan?" Kavar could not help inquiring.
"You told me there was a truce between our forces Master Kavar when I reported in and that gave me the belief I could rely on his help and help he did give" Regina responded tightly. "That Bastila trusts him also made me trust him, yes you could argue I should not take anything he said at face value, but I sensed no lie in his tale of how he met Bastila and what transpired when the Endar Spire burned over Taris" she told them attempting to cut off any negative response they could give to her initial statement but continuing quickly.
Kavar went to chastise her when he noted the look Zhar was giving in and stopped himself, Bastila did trust Revan and far more than she trusted them after she leaned what they had done to him and to her to stop her from feeling what they attempted to do to Revan.
"You captured your target and brought him back to face justice and that is what is most important" Zhar stated. "You also survived an ambush from Jedi hunters which is an impressive outcome for one Jedi on her own with only a protector with her" he mused aloud.
"We are only alive because Revan and his team helped us" Enrik spoke up for the first time surprising the council as most protectors did not dare speak when face to face with the council. "We had no idea there was a Sith outpost on Stenos and especially had no clue it's garrison included Jedi hunters, we would have died on that planet had Revan not been there for us to request help from and I see nothing wrong with the outcome of our request" he added with a glance at Azrial.
Azrial looked at them both clearly disagreeing with their statements, Zirrik shook his head guessing the man hailed deep mistrust of Revan just like Kavar. He wondered how many others were like them so mistrustful that it had already led some of their number to try and launch a coup and caused Atris to fall completely to the dark side, he would have Yarrik keep on eye on Azrial and any others who showed such mistrust as they could ill afford another coup attempt and he doubted they could rely on the Revanchists saving them again should one happen.
"As Revan pointed out you did not need our permission to ask for help and it showed your open mindedness to do so once you knew about the truce" he said into the silence. "Your target was captured, and you survived an ambush to return to us, you are to be commended both of you" he added making Azrial frown. "You may go and rest now as I am sure you are in need of it after such a trying time away" he added to which both nodded before bowing before leaving seeing whatever divisions had caused the attempted coup had not all been settled just yet and that worried her.
"Did you sense the tension in there?" Enrik inquired as they walked away from the council chamber.
"Yes, Enrik I did, clearly not all the issues that led to the coup attempt have been sorted" Regina responded with a sigh. "Azrial is probably not alone in his opinions on Revan and the idea of having a truce with him" she added frowning. "More than likely if it is allowed to fester there could be more turmoil in the order before this war is over" she stated feeling a sudden coldness pass over her before she shook it off.
Enrik considered her statement and could not fault her for it, they had not been wrong to trust Revan and clearly some of the council agreed with them on the matter considering what Zirrik had said to them. But sadly, some like Kavar still distrusted him and those who had contact with him, could the order survive more inner turmoil.
Back inside the chamber Zirrik considered what to say to Master Azrial, or even if he should say something to him.
"They did well to survive" Zhar stated.
"By asking a traitor for help" Azrial muttered aloud.
"Revan is no traitor Master Azrial at least not as far as the Republic goes, he and his people just have issues with how it is run and how far the Jedi order itself has fallen and those issues along with discovering an enemy in the outer rim caused him and his followers to chose drastic measures to solve these issues" Zhar countered.
"Drastic measures that brought a war down on the Republic and weakened it even more than it had been thanks to the Mandalorians" Azrial argued. "That has split the order and made you arrest some of your fellow council members and caused another to go on the run hounded by rumours she has fallen to the dark side" he glared at them as he said this. "I understand having a truce with him and his people and that we cannot afford to make enemies of them but trusting them is a grave mistake he is a Sith no matter the supposed rumours he was never really a Sith" he stated boldly.
"That is enough Master Azrial" Zirrik cut him off and slowly came to his feet even if it took a lot of effort to make it seem it did not pain him to do so. "Revan and some of his people have stood before this council having saved it from a coup that would have destroyed the Jedi order, we felt no sense of the dark side on any of them and no sense of wrongness when we discussed what is true and what is not" he told the man with what he hoped was a confident and chastising glare.
"The coup was led by Vrook, Kai-El and she who has now had her name struck from the records" Zhar spoke before he could continue, and he let him. "They spat on their oaths, arrested fellow council members including myself and threatened to kill them which is something Jedi do not do especially council members" he stated with a glare still surprised by what had taken place never had he expected something like that. "No, make no mistake had they succeeded the Jedi as we are supposed to be would have died and what would have been left would be a mockery corrupted from within as she had become and we all saw her fall and embrace the dark side and use dark side powers in her escape" he stopped as Azrial looked from each council member to try and see if anyone disagreed with him but no one did not even Kavar.
"Fall she did and Fall hard" Vandar finally spoke up. "Did not see it, did not sense it until it was too late" he mused aloud. "Felt something Vima did but taken aback by how far things went was she" he went on.
"But Atris was one of the most celebrated Jedi" Azrial could not help but argue back still trying to process what he was been told by the entire council. "She had achieved so much" he pointed out.
"Perhaps that is why her fall was so bad" Yarrik mused. "Either way we witnessed it, there can be no other interpretation Azrial, she fell and is now an enemy" he stated.
Azrial looked away unable to respond as he did not know what to say. "And Revan and his followers, you truly believe they are not and have never been Sith even though they waged war on us?" he asked a minute or two later.
"Those that follow Revan are still themselves and follow out of loyalty to him and to the Republic, but those who follow Malak did fall and are indeed Sith" Zirrik answered. "They butchered many of their former allies during their coup against Revan, a coup that only came about because we gave them an opening when we ambushed Revan and captured him" he informed his fellow Jedi sitting down again. "Look at the records of this war Azrial and see the difference between when Revan was in charge of the war and now that Malak is, it will tell you much about their true character" he instructed.
Azrial considered that before bowing and leading his apprentice out of the chamber his mind a jumbled mess wondering if somehow Revan had managed to deceive the entire council, or there was more going on that he had not known either way one thing was certain a coup had happened and had only been stopped by Revan and his people. He needed to lie down; he had a lot to think about.
+TR+
(Leviathan Class Battleship Revenge)
Bastila's back hit the wall as the kiss they had suddenly fallen into deepened and she could do nothing but moan as she felt one of Revan's hands grip her side and pull her closer to him, she had never believed she would do something like this given how the Jedi viewed love and emotional attachments. Now she saw how naive their views were, and not jus on emotional attachments and love but on all emotions. By suppressing them they were leaving themselves opening to them breaking lose and overcoming their control has had happened to so many Jedi before them.
Moaning again as she came away from the wall of the room and felt one of Revan's roams over and slightly squeeze her arse, her eyes closed as she tried to regain some control but instead, she leaned deeper into the kiss wanting more. Her hands which so far had hung loosely now reached up behind his neck and pulled him closer as much as possible, finally the kiss breaks allowing her to take several deep breaths. She locked eyes with Revan again knowing he was letting her decide on where this would go, a small part of her wanted to leave and take things slow. The rest of her wanted to drown in the pleasure she knew Revan could bring her, still she pulled away but gave him a gentle smile to show she did not regret what had happened.
"I think we should have more moments like this don't you?" she asked as she turned and began to walk back to the door.
Before she could reach it, she was gentle turned around and quickly found herself kissing Revan once more, it was such a gentle kiss it took her breath away and made her feel giddy. Slowly Revan pulled away almost teasing her as he did so, and she almost found herself following his face to keep the kiss going but managed to stop herself whilst blushing slightly at that fact.
"Yes, Bastila I agree we should have more moments like this" he agreed with his own smile amused at her reaction to their last kiss. "Perhaps you would join me for a meal later on?" he inquired as if he was just a normal guy asking a pretty girl he liked out to dinner, and this made her blush harder although she tried to stop herself reacting.
"I would love to, say seven?" she inquired to which Revan nodded and after giving her hand a gentle kiss he allowed her to finally leave his quarters.
Revan smiled as he turned to the stars outside his window pleased their talk had seemed to sort out the issues still between him and Bastila, he doubted they were all solved but they seemed to be on the same wavelength where their relationship was concerned. Placing his hands behind his back he wondered how Meetra was doing, sending her back to Malachor was one of the hardest things he had had to do but it was the right call. He knew she had to face her past, but he could feel through the force that she had always been destined to return and face the Sith there.
Outside his quarters Bastila walked away with a smile still gracing her lips over what had accrued only moments ago, the questions about their relationship she had had were all mostly answered and felt more confident going forward. She wondered how their late meal date would turn out, her mind briefly touched on how Meetra Surrik would react to what had happened, but she doubt it would annoy he. As she guessed Meetra had expected it to happen in time and she had known Revan came from a world where multiple partners were to be allowed, that had been what she had alluded to when she mentioned sharing. She had never expected to be in such a relationship, then again, she had never expected to be any kind of relationship as it was forbidden by the code, but she believed now that was an error by the Jedi.
+TR+
(Battleship Firestar)
Meetra stared out of the main port window as Telos IV came into view after coming out of hyper speed, behind her at the command station stood the lead Mandalorian of the detachment that had been seconded to her fleet for this Jeyla Zaitt, Juhani, Vima, Admiral Stark, Shepard, Celeste and Carth.
"It's been so long since I have been home" Carth mused aloud as he stared at the planet as it grew closer.
"General, Citadel Station has locked onto us and are demanding we state our allegiance and reason for coming to Telos" Jonas reported from the communications station.
"State we are aligned with the Republic but are a separate command, and we are here to locate two people one an ally and the other an enemy of the Jedi and the Republic using Telos as a hiding place" Meetra responded calmly as she took not of the immense space station that hung above the planet.
"Also inform them that you have on board a member of the Jedi council and who that is" Vima added to which Meetra glanced at her before nodding at Jonas to do as he had been told as it might help keep things calm.
Jonas nodded and quickly communicated the information the station wanted; he waited somewhat tense for the response. It took several minutes before the station responded, but at least when it came it was positive.
"They welcome us to Telos and ask if we can lend a hand with a few issues, they are having onboard the station General?" he informed them.
"Tell them we will send two parties to the station to help them however they can, but Vima and I have to go planet side with our own team" Meetra told him. "Admiral Stark, Zaitt you will command the fleet in our absence, keep a good eye out just in case any uninvited guests show up" she added.
"Understood General Surik" Stark responded with a nod of his head whilst Zaitt just nodded in agreement knowing she had been sent her to test her loyalty to the new Mandalore but also to see how she would perform when allied with the Revanchists and she was determined not to fail.
"Carth, you and Celeste will join us on the ground so suit up and get ready we leave in five" Meetra continued to issue orders. "I want you Juhani to lead one team to the station and the other will be led by Kayella and make sure both teams are made up not just on Jedi but Mandalorian and Marines" she added. "If we are truly to fight together, we must learn to trust one another and work together as well, so I want a few one your men to join us going to Telos as well Zaitt" she finished even as the Cathar Jedi nodded in agreement.
"I will make sure you have my four best soldiers General" Zaitt responded pleased they had not been frozen out of the mission which she had feared.
She knew better to know that bad blood still existed between her people and the Revanchists, whilst Revan and Canderous had led them into an alliance that did not mean all the ill feelings and hatred on both sides were dealt with. If this alliance was to work then they needed to show the Revanchists they were committed to it, but to do that they needed to take part in missions so they could show that fact, but she had feared the ill feeling would prevent Surrik and others like her from trusting them to take part she was glad she was wrong.
"Do we have a general location of where on the planet Boa-Dur could be?" Celeste inquired as she moved to comply.
"We do thanks to Revan's trip to Nar Shaddaa which is how he knew the Iridonian was on Telos to begin with" Meetra answered with a smile. "The force loves the man for him to find information we would need on a previous mission to be able to succeed in this one" she mused as she shook her head.
Celeste smiled back because she knew Revan truly was favoured by the force, considering all the man had done and survived he had to be blessed. If the force had any sentience to it and could pick a favourite, then Revan would be it. Turning she headed to where she had left her bag and armour and quickly got herself fitted, clipping her lightsaber on her belt she headed for the Ebon Hawk, which was in the hanger, Carth she found was already there with Shepard and her squad and the Mandalorians. Carth was kitted out in some black armour that looked heavy yet flexible, the others were all using whatever armour they had. Meetra. Surrik and Sunrider finally arrived and joined them joining Carth in the cockpit, as they left the hanger, she still felt strange been back with the main fleet and finding out they were now working with the Mandalorians as well.
Back on the bridge Admiral Stark watched as the ship left the hanger and headed for the planet below, five minutes later two shuttles headed out to Citadel station leaving him in charge of the fleet.
"I want fighter patrols covering us" he ordered. "If the Sith are to drop in on us I do not want to be caught flat footed" he stated when the Mandalorian woman glanced at him and then nodded at his explanation.
"Good point" she said as she watched out of the main port window. "This world has already been hit twice in so short a period of time that a repeat attack is not out of the question as they might consider it a prime target with that ex-Jedi here" she suggested.
"The fall of Atris may not have gotten out yet but if it has then it is possible Malak might consider this world a suitable target for conquest instead of just raiding it, he might find the idea of making her join his army amusing" Stark mused as the first fighter patrol left the hanger. "Then again he may consider her a rival and come here to silence her either way we will be prepared" he stated.
Zaitt nodded even as the wished she was on her own ship but for now she needed to be here to co-ordinate the joined fleet and learn how to make this alliance work, looking out into the darkness of space she wondered when the next battle would arrive.
+TR+
(Leviathan)
Malak sat in his quarters considering recent events including the death of his apprentice, the loss of Bandon irked him as his easy defeat by Revan made him look weak for choosing him as his apprentice in the first place. The man had been cruel and sadistic and could invoke fear which made him an ideal candidate, but he had chosen him also because he was not the most powerful of the candidates and thus less of a threat if promoted. Now he had to find a new apprentice, but who especially now his rule had been questioned and he had already been challenge once. He liked the idea of capturing Bastila Shan and breaking her until she cracked, and he could mold her into the perfect apprentice and weapon against Revan. Oh, it would be the perfect revenge against his former friend for the aggravation he had caused him by surviving his betrayal and attempt to kill him.
For the aggravation that he had clearly prepared his fanatic followers for such a betrayal that many of them had survived his coup as well, oh yes taking Shan from him would be oh so satisfying. But he had to admit this would likely never happen, Revan has been very careful not to expose Shan enough to be captured and more than likely was keeping her on his flagship surrounded by whatever kind of fleet he still had, and he had to admit it was a smart play. Revan had to know about the orders to capture and bring Shan to him, Either that bounty hunter or Bandon or even any of the teams he had sent out that Revan had encountered might have boasted about the orders, so no Revan would not risk her and thus he had to discard that plan and more than likely would have to Kill Shan when the time came unless he could capture her when Revan launched his assault on the Star Forge.
With that annoying realisation he turned his mind to who should replace Bandon, perhaps someone who is not sadistic but more competent and still inspires fear with a little more power and skill to him. However, whoever he chose he knew they would eventually challenge him for the position of Dark Lord, a position he had no desire or plan to give up ever until he died naturally unless he could find a way to live beyond a normal lifespan. He had read a few Sith texts now that hinted at such a possibility yes, he would have to investigate that when he could. Standing he moved to his port window and wondered when Revan would come for the Star Forge, and when he did would he dare bring the Jedi and Republic with him to help in the battle would he risk it, and could he afford not to if he wanted to recapture it as he doubted the man had the fleet to do so.
+TR+
(Leviathan Class Battleship Revenge)
Zayne smiled as he let Jarael into the room having prepared a special evening for them, it was not often they got any alone time since hooking up with Revan. He felt they needed to spend sometime together before anything else happens, so much had taken place and he had once again had to embrace his force powers but also his combat skills learned during his service in the war, a war he had never wanted to be a part of but been drafted into anyway. It had taken him away from Jarael and his family, he had feared dying whilst fighting on some distant planet. A fear Jarael had shared she had admitted, their reunion had been a joyful one and their love fully realised and before long he had proposed to her to which she had eagerly accepted. Still, they needed to work and thus had joined their friend Griff in various ventures, the last which had been the job to find Bastila Shan and inform her of her mother's illness and wish to meet.
They could never have expected how that simple task would explode into another dangerous adventure, this time though the enemy they fought was someone who had been a friend and ally during their time on the run. Alec had fallen to the Darkside and become Malak dark lord of the Sith, and unlike Revan and his people Malak and those that followed them truly were fallen and evil. Forcing his mind away from all that he shared a deep passionate kiss with Jarael before he showed her to the table where he had prepared a small romantic meal for the two of them, the joy that lit up her face made him smile.
"Zayne, this is fantastic" Jarael said with happiness having wondered when they would have time for something romantic and just for the two of them since joining Revan and his people.
"Glad you like it" Zayne responded giving her a quick kiss on the forehead before pulling her chair out and she quickly sat, and he quickly followed pouring them both some wine. "I'm sorry things have been so crazy Jarael; I never expected the job of finding Bastila would lead to all this" he admitted.
"I know Zayne this was unexpected, but Revan was truthful in what Alec would do if he ever found us, we were wilfully blind not to see the danger" Jarael responded with a sigh. "Perhaps intentionally due to our past with him, I do not regret us joining when Revan asked us to only that it has left us so little time for ourselves and our relationship" she admitted.
"I know it has been hectic since we joined, mostly apart at that which was not my intention, but I would never willingly put you in harms way by bringing you to Nar Shaddaa especially after what had happened back on Taris" Zayne told her as they began to eat their meal. "I was so afraid I would lose you if we could not reach you in time, that Revan slaughtered the Hutt and his guards mattered little to me, but he was right I am no killer even if had I been allowed to go, I would have done what I had too to get you back but I doubt I could have killed some callously" he admitted.
"You are not a killer Zayne" Jarael agreed. "Yes, you would fight for me and have before and since, but to so single mindedly kill so many, no that is not who you are, and I do not think if you could do something so grim I would see you the same way" she told him. "We cannot sink to the same levels Alec has gone, so we will fight and kill only, if necessary, no matter the situation" she stated to which he nodded as the meal continued.
After the meal was finished, they finished their wine and then moved to the couch where they quickly cuddled up to one another, Zayne held her to him as he finished his wine and put the glass down as he felt her shift against him.
"I have missed moments like this with you" Jarael said with a soft smile.
"As I have with you Jarael, soon this will be over, and we will be married and no longer will we have to risk our lives in this crazy universe" Zayne told her with honest belief behind his words.
Jarael looked up to meeting his open look which showed her just how much he loved her, leaning forward she engaged him a deep passionate kiss that quickly began to heat up as they collapsed down on the couch with her on top him.
+TR+
Revan opened the door and was pleased to see Bastila had indeed come to his dinner invitation, he stepped back and allowed her to enter. He had had the head chief whip up a small meal for two along side a bottle of his favourite spirts from his home world, a rare thing to have since he had not been back to his home for years and it was one of three remaining bottles he still had. Thankfully they had not been kept onboard his old flagship when it was destroyed and thus were still available, he felt this was a good occasion to use one up.
He showed her to the table where the meal waited and pulled the chair out for her, she seemed to appreciate the gesture if her smile was any indicator. Pleased his manners had not abandoned him after the dark turn Malak's betrayal had put him on, he sat himself and quickly poured them both some of the spirits and gestured for her to try it. He watched with a smile she took a small mouthful before swallowing and then quickly coughed one or twice at the strength of it making him chuckle somewhat, putting her glass down Bastila considering the taste of the drink instead of its potency.
"It has a very addictive taste" she finally said.
"Indeed, and it is very well sort after on my home world where it is made" Revan informed her. "This is one of three bottles I still own, I have not been back home for a very long time and have had no chance to procure more" he admitted.
"Do you have family back home Revan?" Bastila inquired curiously. "It never said in your intelligence file" she added at his look.
"I have a younger Sister still living even if I am sure the Jedi Council have forgotten that fact since all this began, her name is Kari she is only twenty-one and I have had little contact with her off and on since I returned on a mission during my time as an actually Jedi Knight before the war" He explained his eyes growing distant as he remembered. "It was then I began to dislike the code, wondering why it was important to separate us from our families, from those who we should be fighting to protect" he admitted. "My first encounter with her was explosive as she did not understand why I had been absent from her life especially when our parents died so soon after one another, I tried to explain the Jedi way to defend it but found I agreed with her view it was stupid and harmful not only to the Jedi but to their families as well" he mused.
"You've met my mother and could see the tension and unease we had with one another so I am unsure if more contact would have helped sooth that tension or not but been able to talk to my father, especially before his death would have been something I welcomed" Bastila admitted with a sigh feeling a wince at the memory of her father. "The code does need reworking I will not argue that I see how flawed it is now I have been out of the temple and seen how real life affect us" she continued. "I do wonder if allowing us contact with our families to have the reminder of why we fight to protect the Republic would truly have the affect you think it would" she questioned aloud.
"I believe it would Bastila for so many reasons" Revan responded before he dug into his meal with Bastila quickly following.
The next several minutes went by in companionable silence as they ate the meal both enjoying the taste of the food they were eating; the chief had really outdone himself Revan thought and would have to thank him the next day. Finally, they finished the meal and began too slowly finish the entire bottle of spirits, they discussed various topics including their childhoods, their time as Jedi Padawans and their views on various topics related to the Jedi and Republic. Bastila found they had a few things in common especially how both had such pressure put on them during their time as Padawans, her due to having the skill of battle meditation and Revan with his strength and connection with the force.
Both had been pushed to be the best and any slip had been chastised for, as if they were not allowed even a small reprieve from how they were seen by their fellow Jedi as anything but perfect. They were not perfect, no one was, and they all made mistakes. In fact, part of the reason so many Jedi who still served in the order reacted so harshly to Revan and his actions since returning from the outer regions was due to how he had been pushed into such a narrow view by others, when he turned from that view the Jedi felt betrayed even if she saw now they left Revan with no other choice when confronted by what he had found in the outer regions.
"That meal and the drink were fantastic" Bastila said with a smile.
"I am glad you enjoyed them both" Revan responded. "Small moments like these are a godsend that we get so very few of, during the war my relationship with Meetra kept me sane and focused" he told her. "I do not think I could have stayed stable without her; war is a truly horrible business for Jedi all the more so and yet I have a gift for it were I not a Jedi I would probably be a warlord or General" he admitted.
"Do you think such a life would appeal to you?" Bastila could not help but inquire.
"I would like to say no but considering how successfully I have waged war in two wars I would probably enjoy it had that been my path" Revan answered after a short hesitation. "But it is not my path and I only wage war because I must, first against the Mandalorians and then the Sith and now against the corruption and stagnation of the Jedi" he stated with conviction, and she believed he meant it that he only waged war as he had to not because he enjoyed it.
"What do you think you would have enjoyed doing if you were not a Jedi Bastila?" he asked changing the topic to her.
"I do not know as I have always strived to be the best Jedi and never really considered what I would have liked to do had I not been one" Bastila answered with a shake of her head. "I suppose that is a failing, one should always keep ones mind open as Master Vandar likes to say" she mused.
"Indeed, on that I agree with him" Revan said with a nod. "Vandar is the wisest of the current council but even he is not free of mistakes as his current inaction during the coup or agreeing to attempt to mind wipe me an action he knew went against all rules Jedi act under and even against one's conscious" he pointed out to which she nodded in agreement.
"Revan, say we do succeed in beating Malak and his followers and then remove the corruption from the Republic, and the stagnation of the Jedi what will we do then?" Bastila asked a question she had wanted answered since they had joined this fleet.
Revan almost smiled at her absently saying we and including herself as part of the Revanchists, but he resisted and focused on how to answer that question.
"First we will have to set about rebuilding the Republics infrastructure especially military stations and bases, the Star Forge will be crucial for this and allow us to speed up the time it takes to ensure it is completed" he answered slowly. "Then we will have to rebuild the fleets and military equipment such as tanks and artillery weapons so the Republic can defend itself against external attack like the one, I fear may still come from the Sith Empire" he continued. "Again, the Star Force is essential for this to happen as quickly as possible hence my intention to retake it from Malak instead of destroying it, if we destroy it or allow the Republic to do so then all may be lost" he concluded.
"And your people, you, me our team even Meetra?" Bastila pressed.
"If they wished to leave then they are welcome to do so once our tasks are complete, but I would hope the majority of them would stay if I decided to do something I have been thinking of for some time to delay any possible attack from the Sith Empire" Revan answered and that made her curious what his intention was.
"And what is that" she asked unable to help herself.
"To build a massive fleet and together launch a lightning assault on the Sith and destroy as much of their fleets and military infrastructure as possible and make it impossible for them to strike at us for years perhaps longer if we are lucky and the force is with us" Revan answered, and she leaned back in her chair and considered what such a possibility would entail.
It would more than likely be a bloody affair even with her battle meditation helping them, many lives would be lost but would that not be a better outcome than allowing the Sith to attack them and kill many civilian lives in their reckless hate of the Republic? She asked herself. She recalled the feeling she had felt when she saw the black pyramid on the video screen when Revan finally revealed the truth of things, the horror and darkness it evoked in her. Something like that could not be allowed to come here to vent its hatred and darkness, perhaps an assault on them was the only way to defend the Republic but it was not one she looked forward to being a part of, but she could sense she would be there is Revan was leading it.
"Is there truly no other way to forestall or prevent an attack?" she asked even though she knew from her history the Sith would never lose their hatred of the Jedi and the Republic they served. That they would never refrain from attacking them if they could, and now only the Revanchists and Malak's followers knew the Sith Empire still existed and none of them would warn the Republic and Jedi for two very different reasons.
"None, the Emperor wants the complete ruination of the Republic before he annihilates the Jedi" Revan answered grimly. "He hates and blames us for the fall of the ancient Sith Empire, he blames the ancient Sith lords just as much hence his desire to destroy their tombs on Korriban" he explained. "Nothing but his death and that of his dark council will forestall an attack on us, and even then, some other Sith would just take charge and still plan to destroy us for some reason including just plain hate we exist" he again concluded.
Bastila closed her eyes for a few seconds knowing whilst Revan's view was grim it was more than likely actuate, opening her eyes again she found Revan had moved to stand beside and thus she stood herself. Once level with him even if he was taller than her, he quickly leaned down and kissed her, she eagerly returned it for a few minutes before pulling back.
"Forgive me Bastila I did not mean for this to turn to such matters" he told her.
"It is okay I still enjoyed the meal and the drink and the talk whilst dark at times was fun" she assured him. "But I think for now we should end this here. I fear if we do not this could go where right now, I am uncomfortable going" she admitted.
"Of course, I would never push you into something you are not comfortable going Bastila, but I have hope that will not always be the case" Revan responded to which she could not help but smile and agree before giving a quick gentle kiss goodnight before exiting his room and heading for her own.
Revan stared at his door for a few minutes before a smile again graced his features confident their relationship had advanced once more, even as he set about cleaning things up, he wondered how Meetra was doing something that had plagued him even as he wined and dined Bastila.
+TR+
(Telos IV)
As she walked down the shuttle ramp Meetra could see the beautiful green field, they were in still have scorched marks visible from the bombardment the planet had undergone, the damage had been excessive during the Sith attack caused by Karath's betrayal. She could understand Carth's hatred of the man for doing this to his home world, she could see the way Carth's eyes betrayed the deep hurt he felt at seeing his world still so damaged even if the efforts to restore it had done a good job so far of fixing some of the damage. Behind them Vima, Celeste and Major Shepard and her team walked down and joined them, each looking around.
"Still so much damage, yes the fields are slowly regrowing thanks to the restoration efforts but still you can see where the bombardments were cantered all thanks to the actions of a traitor, we all trusted" Carth snarled aloud as he continued to look around.
"Karath was a career line officer Carth your mentor" Vima pointed out hoping to ease the man's anger and guilt. "There is no reason you should have suspected him of this" she added.
"No in the madness of civil war I should have kept my eyes open for suspicious actions especially from those close to me" Carth insisted. "Karath was always ambitious, he wanted to be a known figure but, in the navy, you get lost in the vast network, Revan, Malak, you, Stark, Dodonna and so many other names dwarfed his during the war with the Mandalorians and I think it grated on him" he told them. "Then when this war started, he hoped for another chance and instead he got put on defence duty to Telos, no chance for glory and no way of getting his name known for some great action" he explained.
"You think that was his motive, his lack of glory and name recognition?" Celeste inquired.
"I think it was a major part of it, Malak offered him glory and riches and perhaps some way of becoming known to the wider Republic" Carth answered as they began to head towards a set of buildings of to the side of the field, they were in. "But still, it does not justify this carnage thousands died in the bombardment including my wife and at the time I thought my son also" he continued. "I felt dead inside when I heard what he had done, then the rage came, and I wanted blood and threw myself back into the war, but I never crossed paths with Karath since" he spat.
"You will probably have your chance at revenge Carth now you are part of Revan's team, he will not take it from you" Meetra assured him. "He took the moniker of Lord of Revenge for a reason, he understands revenge" she stated.
"Just do not lose yourself in revenge Carth Osani" Vima cautioned him having been listening closely, she sensed a lot of rage in the man and whilst she could understand why it was there, she did not want to see the man fall into the darkness trying to find the cause of that rage.
"Can we help you" they all looked up to find they have reached the buildings and a pack of Ithorians had noted their arrival.
"Greetings I am Jedi Master Vima Sunrider, and we are looking for one of your workers a Zabrak called Boa-Dur as we require his assistance" Vima stated in greeting before Meetra could speak but she felt perhaps it best coming from Vima as she was a respected Jedi and a known one as well.
"I am Pato Ado ecologist and xenobiologist in charge of this zone of the restoration project and I greet you warmly Master Jedi" the Ithorian in the lead said in return with a short nod of respect. "Boa-Dur should be in the west fields if I recall the duty roster correctly" he informed them. "Will this aide you require of him take him away from the project?" he inquired.
"I am afraid so at least for a short period of time but I am afraid it is important that we have his help for the Republic's safety" Vima answered.
"I understand Master Jedi" Pato Ado said with a nod of his head knowing it was not his business to question a respected member of the Jedi Council. "Then I wish you success is whatever mission requires his aide" he added before moving back to his workstation with his fellow Ithorians following allowing them to turn and head to west most area of the field they were in until they came across one large area with many people working with various tools including a Zabrak and it was to him they headed and he quickly seemed to sense their presence as he looked up and quicky gained a look of shock to his features.
"General Surrik, is that really you?" he asked as they came to a stop in front of him.
"Yes Boa-Dur it is really me" Meetra responded pleased to be recognised even with her slight change in appearance in comparison to how Rikka how reacted when they had met again and had not recognised her for some time. "It has been sometime" she stated.
"I heard you left the fleet after the end of the war and vanished" Boa-Dur responded already having a sense his more peaceful life was about to end and the sins of his past were about to come back to haunt him.
"I did although my vanishing was not exactly by choice" Meetra could not help but answer bitterly even if she tried to keep it contained. "But I am back with the fleet now at least the Revanchists fleet that is left after Malak and his follower's betrayal" she told him. "There is a lot to go over Boa-Dur, but we need your help to stop a more dangerous faction getting involved in the war making it almost impossible for the Republic to survive and Revan is asking for your help to stop them" she explained.
"The General is alive" Boa-Dur asked in shock at the news as this was the first he had heard of it since he had heard the news he had been killed during an ambush before Malak took control of the forces he now led. "But the ambush I heard he was killed" he argued.
"No, he was not killed but captured but the Jedi council tried to wipe his entire mind and replace it with one loyal to them but they failed thanks to the force, he returned to the fleet when we located him just after my own return" Meetra answered again doing her best to keep her bitterness out of her tone and not knowing if she had been successful. "We have just announced our return to stop Malak and his ilk, but this faction just had to rear its head and now we must deal with it before it becomes more dangerous" she stated.
"Why did Malak betray the General? They were best friends and why did they start this war in the first place after all the bloodshed, we went through to end the Mandalorian war" he continued to ask questions not that she was surprised by this.
"We will bring you up to speed once we are back at the fleet Boa-Dur but that is if you decide to help us" Meetra answered.
Boa-Dur looked around him at the green fields they were still in the process of restoring like much of the rest of the planet, he knew if the war did not stop soon then this world and many more would suffer under the yoke of Malak's terror and cruelty. The idea another faction just as dangerous getting involved did not give him much confidence in it ending in their favour unless he helped the Revanchists in their mission as they seemed to still be on the right side no matter what was behind the real reason for this war. He also knew if they had come looking for him then more than likely it had to do with something he had built, and the one thing he could truly think of was the Mass Shadow Generator, and that meant they were going back to Malachor and that sent a chill down his spine.
"I will come General" he said with a sigh. "Just promise me that we are doing this for the Republic" he added to which Meetra nodded.
"It's always been for the Republic Boa-Dur, all of it even this war we are now in, and you will understand that once we get back to the fleet" Meetra assured him with some relief he had agreed to help as she had no real wish to force the issue.
Boa-Dur nodded and moved to gather what few things he had stored in a bag close by, once he had recovered that he moved back to the group who led him back to the shuttle. Climbing aboard he hoped this would be the last time he would be called upon to help wage war, that his talents so suitable to designing weapons could be left forgotten.
+TR+
(Leviathan)
Malak stood on the bridge watching as it rained destruction on the planet below, he did not even recall which planet it was only that it had refused to give up resources they required as they passed in their search for Revan and his followers. The instant the refusal had come through he had ordered the attack, it had at least allowed him something to focus his anger and rage at, he took satisfaction from the destruction he was causing. Even as he watched his senses came alive and warned him of an incoming attack, shifting sideways he avoided be split in half by a lightsaber, pulling his own lightsaber and activating it he noted it was Carack Roberts who had attacked him, powerful in the force and skilled with a blade and on the list of his possible replacements for Bandon.
"You dare" he hissed as his rage spiked once more.
"I dare as you have been proven to be weak Malak" Carack shot back as confidently as he could knowing he was taking a risk but one that would give him all the power if he could pull it off. "You could not kill Revan and you failed to kill all of his followers when they were ripe for the taking, and you have not crushed the Republic even with them been all but destroyed by us" he reasoned with a cold smile. "You are worthy of been our leader of been the Dark Lord of the Sith, I will kill you and rise to my rightful place as true Dark Lord" he spat making Malak laugh in response.
"You the Dark Lord Carak hah do not make me laugh" Malak growled incensed by the disloyalty but more to the point Carak pointing out his failings. "Come then and try and claim the title but be prepared to suffer for I will have no mercy on you, your death awaits" he taunted.
Carak tried to rush him and put him off balance, but he stood still and easily blocked the charge and shoved him backwards with a force push, glancing out of the corner of his eyes he could see Karath and the bridge crew watching in shock. Blocking the attacks Carak launched at him he gaged the man as slow on the attack, ducking a wild swing he came back up with a side upwards attack that Carak just managed to dodge backwards from. He had some speed, but it was clear that it was more used for defence than attack, this was a weakness he could exploit. Lashing out with several blows he forced Carak backwards watching as he used his speed to dodge or avoid the blows, once he was almost off balance, he twisted sideways and launched a powerful swing at the man's neck. Carack's eyes opened wide in alarm as he tried to dodge again but found his back hitting the console behind him, he barely managed to get his lightsaber in the way to block the attack.
Malak did not give him time to recover and pushed hard against him pushing both blades towards Carak's face, he grinned at the fear he saw in the man's eyes as the blades got closer before he tried to force the blades back at him before shifting sideways and falling away from him. Carak rolled back to his feet and blocked his attack aimed at his back, the had to give the man credit for the move but it angered him that this fight was proceeding. Snarling he swirled backwards and unleashed a powerful blast of force lighting, Carak tried to jump out of the way using the force but still ended up singed by his attack. The man let out a pained moan as he got back to his feet, Malak used force speed to charge him and shoved him off balance before swinging left then right making Carak unsure which side he would attack. This left him open to the trust of a second lightsaber he pulled from the back of his belt, a trick he had learned from Revan as much as it galled him to admit always have a second lightsaber on hand.
Carak let out a scream of agony as the blade cut into his torso and burned his insides, his blade dropped away from where it had blocked his first lightsaber. Malak twisted the blade left and right ripping away at the man's guts and making Carak scream in agony making him smile, finally he pulled the blade out and let the man drop to his knees with a groan with only enough strength to look up to see Malak's blades coming from both angles to decapitate him. He only had a second to curse his fate before dying, Malak stared down at the headless body feeling satisfied before glancing at Karath.
"How someone clean up this mess and make sure word spreads about the ease of Carak's death at my hands for daring to challenge me" he ordered.
"Of course, my lord at once" Karath responded with a quick nod relieved he was not asked to do it himself like with Bandon's head.
Malak put his weapons away and turned back to the devastation before him, he felt calmer now more focused. But clearly, he would have to keep his guard up as this was the second or third time he had been challenged, he knew more would come.
+TR+
(Telos IV, Shuttle)
Vima watched the landscape pass her by as they headed for Atris's not so-called secret academy wondering what state they would find the former Jedi in; she had never thought the woman was unstable until Revan's return and the war he had brought with him. No, that was not entirely true, it had first shown when Meetra had turned and joined Revan and his followers during the Mandalorian war, but she had ignored it so focused on what was happening during that time. She had been blind to the danger, and that danger had almost cost her the life of her daughter, it was only by defying the council and Revan's help she had managed to save her daughter.
But that action had exposed Atris's insanity fully when she had launched her coup helped along by Vrook and Kai-El, she had tried to paint it as saving the Jedi but she saw it for what it was a drive for power so she could finally get her way and try and kill Revan. Obsessed was the only way to describe Atris's desire to see Revan dead, a desire shared by Vrook no matter that it clashed with Jedi ways. Now she journeyed with Meetra to put Atris down for good, she could not be allowed to live to threaten the Jedi again and she had to admit a small part of her wanted to avenge Atris attempt to get her daughter killed.
In the co-pilot sea Meetra stare blindly not really taking note of the scenery, she was focused on only one thing and that was ending Atris's insanity once and for all to fully reclaim everything the woman had stolen from her when she first returned from the war.