Dantooine, Council Chambers.
Bastila Shan

The Council stared wide-eyed as she finished her report. They had all thought her dead when the news of Taris had reached them. Twice now it seemed she had cheated death with Revan in tow. Master Vander was the first to ask any questions, "It is clear the Force wishes for our success, but you have spent the most time with the reformed Revan. Tell us, do they remember anything of their past?"
Bastila shook her head, "No, the mental restraints placed on her are holding, but upon meeting me I fear it triggered a memory of her capture. I was able to explain it away as a mere vision, but doing so has opened her up to knowing she's force sensitive."

Maste Vrook folded his arms grumbling, "This could be unfortunate. We had hoped she wouldn't discover her powers until our guidance. Has she demonstrated any use of them?"
"I believe she has unknowingly. It can be the only answer as to how I was located and rescued under the extraordinary circumstances."
"That is not what I'm asking.", Vrook did not blink, "Has she used her powers ill-fittingly?" Bastila didn't allow herself to react, keeping a cool tone she spoke, "Nothing outside the boundaries as to accomplish the mission. Revan's ability to lead and to achieve impossible goals has remained intact. Her influence, and charisma acquired a rag tag group of highly skilled individuals who all helped us escape Taris."

"Troubling this may show to be.", Vandar pondered aloud, "If Revan's strong independence has remained, our hope for our plans may be doomed." Master Dorak, who had been merely listening alongside Master Lestin, said, "It was to be expected. If we had completely stripped away Revan's being, then she might never have been able to help us. But tell me Bastila, has Revan shown any indication they could fall again?" Bastila felt the heavy weight of all the Master's fears weigh upon her answer.

The only thing she could tell them was the truth, "Revan has demonstrated several times to serve the Republic's cause and its citizens, including those who fall outside its scopes. According to the Soldier Carth Onasis, Revan saved innocent aliens from Sith massacre, an old man from loan sharks, even giving him the credits to pay off his debt while they had none. Braving hordes of Gamorrean slavers through Rakghoul infested sewers, Revan rescued a captured Wookie from a life of slavery. As the planet came under bombardment, she risked life and limb to liberate slaves."
Master Lestin brought his hands together and his forefingers to his lips, "It sounds exactly like the Revan I once helped train. You make her sound like a shining example of Jedi heroics, but you've more to tell us."

Bastila wished she could share the Master's knowing smile and find it as humorous as he did. Inhaling, Bastila continued, "Yes…well, Revan is still rough around the edges of her character. In all other circumstances I would vote against what we find necessary to do."
Master Vrook raised his brow, "But?" Bastila thought of the way Revan cared for Mission. She knew it wasn't just sex between the two, and while she had mixed feelings knowing that it showed a level of empathy the old Revan never processed.
"I believe that ultimately, despite her less than desirable attributes, Revan will prove instrumental in accomplishing the Sith's downfall."

The Council were quiet as they each took time to meditate on what she said. Master Vander looked to each of his fellow Council members before he rested his eyes up at Bastila.
"The Force has seen you back to us. We cannot refuse its gifts; Bring Revan to us."

Dantooine, Landing Pad
Aria Vercet

They had all been told to wait after touching down, and then Bastila had darted off before anything more could be said. That didn't keep a ship full of people itching to stretch their legs for nearly a week inside. Dantooine homesteaders and Jedi alike got eyefuls of their new visitors coming off the Hawk's ramp. A parade of ex-pleasure slaves filled the open area. Enjoying the open air as they lounged around and began chatting with the locals in their skimpy attire. One of the Jedi had dashed inside the Enclave and came barreling out with a cart of spare robes to hand out to the freed slaves. Even offering one to Aria which baffled her, "Um…thank you?"

She held up the simple bit of cloth thinking it would serve better as an oil rag than clothes. Aria had thought the outfit she changed into was appropriate enough. Throwing on a reasonably clean mechanic jumpsuit she saved after the legs were burnt off. Turning the bottom half into nicely hugging shorts, and wearing the short sleeved top half unzipped. Letting her panties peek out and the Dantooine sun on her skin. Shrugging she used her welcome gift to start wiping off some atmospheric entry soot off the Hawk.

Carth checked out her work, "Huh, that is surprisingly working pretty well, but you know that Jedi is glaring at you." Aria didn't stop her work, "What are they going to do about it?" As if on cue Bastila came running back, "The Council demands you answer to them." Aria and Carth looked deadpan at her, and then both pointed to the cloth in Aria's grip. Bastila scrunched up her face confused at their stupor, "What? This has nothing to do with the dirty old rag."

She started over sounding like she would rather fight a Rancor than deal with their shenanigans. "I have spoken briefly with the Council; they request an audience with you. We should go at once." Carth scratched his chin still baffled, "An audience with the Jedi Council? That's pretty unusual for someone who isn't even a Jedi. What's this about, Bastila?"
"I'm sorry, Carth, but I cannot tell you. All I ask is that you trust in the Force and the wisdom of the Council." Aria saw Carth's paranoid nature get fed, but he swallowed it down.
"Well, I don't like being left out of the loop, but I'm not looking to get you in any trouble with the Jedi Masters. We'll do things our way for a while." Bastila nodded appreciatively to the soldier, and then to Aria, "Come, they are expecting us. I will lead you to the Council chambers."

The pilot and the smuggler exchanged the same curious look with each other as they began to follow her. Bastila led them into the Enclave at a brisk pace. Taking turns and twists not waiting for them to keep up. Carth had to start jogging to keep up, and Aria nearly yelled for her to slow down when someone else yelled first.
"You there! Padawan!", A young Jedi woman grabbed her by the elbow. Scowling at Aria as she jutted out a hip and crossed her arms, "Why are you not wearing the customary robes of the Jedi? Do you mock the honored traditions of our Order?"

Aria fought her instinct to start a fight. Still her fist clenched as she took the mature route, "I believe you're mistaken. I am not a Padawan. The names Aria, and I just landed here with Bastila." The Jedi looked at her like she had grown a second head, "Bastila? I have heard of her. She's here now!"
"Yes, I was just following her, but it looks like I got left behind because of you."
"Oh, I'm sorry.", The Jedi apologized with a disingenuous tone, "But are you truly not a Padawan? I find this hard to believe. The Force is strong within you. I can feel its presence. If this is some type of jest, it is in very poor taste. The Jedi Order is not a subject for jokes."

'Don't make trouble for Bastila. Don't make trouble for Bastila.', Aria chanted to herself. She didn't know what the hell had soured the Jedi's attitude, but she wasn't going to take it.
"Look here, I didn't come here to be scolded by you! I've been dealing with one snobbish Jedi, and she's enough for me, but you're making her look downright a humbled saint. Now stow the attitude, and let's try this again. Hi, my name's Aria, not-a-Jedi, can you please show me the way to the Council Chamber that specifically summoned me?" The Jedi gulped taking a step back and the good manners to blush ashamed, "Ah, you weren't lying." Her next apology was more genuine, "I apologize. Please forgive the abruptness with which I first greeted you. It was harsh, and perhaps unfair. My Master often warns me I must learn to control my emotions. I…I've been struggling to do so very much. My name is Belaya and allow me to show you the way.", She escorted Aria the rest of the way. Side-eyeing her the entire time, "Are you really going to greet the Council in that?"
"Will it kill them?"
"No, but its just so…", She gestured at her trying to think of a word other than schutta. Aria smiled politely, ready to hit her, "Thank you for guiding me Belaya."
"Uh-Yes.", Belaya blushed again, "Again I'm sorry for my ill behavior."
"Don't worry about it. It's not like you're ever going to see me again. So don't waste the energy fretting."

Carth was waiting at the entrance, "They're inside waiting for you."
"Not us?", She pointed at him. Carth lightly groaned rubbing the back of his neck, "Yeah, turns out its just you they're interested in."
"Weird, but this shouldn't take too long. I'm probably going to offend them right off the bat, and we can get out of here." Carth's thinly pressed lips told her to lose the attitude without any words needed.
"You never know with Jedi. No offense.", He nodded to Belaya who meekly didn't take any offense, "And I imagine these Council types, who we respect," Again he stressed to Belaya, "May be a special type of headache all their own. Again no-"
Belaya interjected, "No you're quite correct. The wisdom of the Council is not to be mocked, but that doesn't mean they are not a frustrating people."

It was easy to hear that the Jedi was speaking from experience. Belaya excused herself wishing them a good stay, and Aria readied herself for something asinine. Entering the chamber, she found Bastila standing off the side of four much older Jedi. Two Humans, a red Twi'lek, and the last looked like a sickly green Lannik. The scrutiny in their hardened gaze didn't waver as she walked in. They were watching every move she made like she might attack them. Which she couldn't take offense to, because something deep inside her suddenly wanted blood. Instinctively screaming out that she wasn't safe, Aria felt something unnerving about this place.

The Twi'lek spoke first, "Ah, so you are the one who rescued Bastila." He probably had the friendliest look in his eyes, but there was still something guarded about the way he spoke to her, "It is appropriate you are here. We have been discussing your rather special case. I am Zhar Lestin, a member of the Jedi Council. With me are Master Vrook" He gestured to the cantankerous looking human, "Master Vandar" He introduced the little green man, "and of course, the Chronicler of our Academy, Master Dorak." He introduced the last human who seemed the most excited at the turn of events. "And Jedi Knight Bastila, I am sure you are already familiar with."

"A pleasure," She lied, "but why request an audience with me?" Master Vandar asked a question instead of answering her, "Do you know why the Sith destroyed Taris?" Aria put her hands on her hips seeing the run-around way they were going to do things.
"They wanted Bastila, but when it became clear they couldn't capture her-"
Master Vandar nodded interjecting, "Darth Malak seeks to the destroy the Jedi Order. Our most effective weapon, perhaps our only hope, is Bastila's skill with Battle Meditation. With this power she can swing the tide of nearly any battle in our favor. Which is why Malak was seeking her so fervently." Master Lestin spoke next, "We need Bastila in our fight against the Sith. Indeed, we need every Jedi we can muster, since the Sith have been hunting us down at every opportunity. Which brings us to you…"

It was clear where this was going, Bastila had spoken with them about her sensitivity to the Force. Aria shot the Jedi an annoyed glance, but Bastila just held her gaze. The Twi'lek found something humorous in all of this with the way his eyes twinkled, "Yes, she has told us you are indeed strong in the Force, and we are considering you for Jedi training." Again, a flash of pain erupted in her skull breeching the topic, not visibly reacting to the intense migraine Aria weighed her next words carefully.
"As I understand, the Jedi never take on adult students." Master Vrook agreed with her in a held frustrated tone, "We don't. We shouldn't. It has only brought destruction before, and it'll bring it again if we train you." The historian Dorak ignored the small outburst, "Traditionally the Jedi do not accept adults for training, though there are rare exceptions in the history of our Order. But you are a special case."

Master Vandar sided with Dorak, "I agree with Master Dorak. Many of our own pupils are leaving the Jedi order to follow the Sith teachings, we need recruits to stand against Malak! With Revan dead…" Again, Aria found an unlikely ally in Vrook. The Jedi narrowed his eyes at the small green alien, "Are you certain Revan is truly dead? What if we undertake to train this one, and the Dark Lord should return?" The air went out of the room at the warning. Aria saw past the calm exteriors the Jedi wore as masks and felt their hidden trepidation. She sighed, "I haven't agreed to anything yet, and I'm not sure I want to." Master Vandar responded, "Please take your time to consider. A commitment to our Order is not to be taken lightly, but now we should discuss this matter more fully in private. Bastila, you and your companion must go. This is a matter for the Council alone."

Bastila led Aria, and Carth back to the ship. The pilot kept his questions until they got back outside the ears of any Jedi. Asking, "What did they want?"
"Fleets, you wouldn't believe me if I told you.", Aria rubbed the sides of her temple. Trying to exercise the lingering headache the Council had brought on, "They want to train me." Carth's surprise was naked on his face, "That's…They want to make you a Jedi? That makes no sense. Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me."
"I agree! Can you see me living with these monks? I don't know which one of us would break first." Carth ran a hand through his hair looking as if he was mentally putting some missing puzzle pieces together.
"None of this makes sense…First they transfer you to the Endar Spire, and now this?"

"Don't look at me like that Carth, I'm just as frustrated and confused as you are! I don't want to be here; this place makes my whole skin crawl. Can't we just take off?", It embarrassed her to plead but she just wanted to leave. His features softened and Carth gave her back a pat, "I've already got orders from command. We're grounded until Bastila and the Jedi order figure out their next move."
"Fucking figures.", She groaned, "I need to rest for a little bit." Retreating into the Hawk Aria made a beeline for her bunk. With everyone outside the Ebon Hawk, the ship was eerily peaceful, but she could do with the silence. However, she found Bastila waiting for her in the room.

The woman had let her guard down, letting the unwavering strength she had shown in the Chamber vanish. It made since considering she had dealt with them twice now, and once was enough for Aria. She jerked her head up as Aria entered the room, and the two said nothing for a moment. Just regarding each other in their own private thoughts. Aria's shoulders slumped as pity for the Jedi outweighed her annoyance.
'She's been through so much. The way they spoke about her as if she wasn't even a person. They just see us as pawns.' Bastila sensed her anger, but misread who she directed it at, "You hate me?"

Aria rubbed a forming knot in the back of her neck, "No, Bastila I don't hate you. It's them I want to give a swift kick to." She settled down on the floor next to where Bastila was seating on a bunk. Bastila rested her head in her hands, "You really don't wish to be a Jedi?"
"I get the impression it's not its all its cracked up to be. Besides I'm a walking textbook of who not to train.", Aria griped unable to work out the knot. Bastila huffed with the ghost of a laugh, something Aria had said had amused the Jedi with an understanding she couldn't find. Bastila threw one of her legs over Aria's head, repositioning herself on the bunk so that Aria was between her thighs.

"Here let me.", Bastila moved Aria's hand, and began to massage her neck. Pressing in with her thumbs, working out the kink she found. Aria reactively shuddered and moaned with relief, "Thaaaank you. That's been killing me." The pressure in her head was beginning to fade away into nothing.
"Do you get these often?"
"No, actually the only times I can think of is when we talk my connection to the Force." She could hear the frown in Bastila's voice, "Perhaps it's some kind of mental block? It's not uncommon to appear in those untrained. The prevailing theory is that the brain attempts to block out the connection to prevent self-harm. I can attempt to remove it, it'll open yourself up to the Force, but prevent anymore migraines associated with it."

Aria titled her head back, resting it in Bastila's lap so that she could look up at her. She got the feeling there was more to it than what Bastila let on, but she found herself lost looking at the Jedi's concerned and pretty face.
"Bastila…Do you really want me…here with you? You know I'm just going to drive you crazy." The Jedi rolled her eyes, but a small smile grew on her lips, "I think I've survived your worst behavior."
"You literally haven't seen anything yet.", Aria threatened good naturally, "Just ask Mission to play you my match with a fighter named Ice. That should be enough to end this bad ideal of handing me a lightsaber." Bastila's eyes darted away from hers and the blush spreading on her cheeks said enough; she'd already seen the fight.

"Aria-", Her name sounded so forced on Bastila's tongue, "These back-to-back wars have worn the Republic down to its last legs. We cannot turn away those with the power to defend it…and I cannot shoulder the sole responsibility of being expected to save it all…You and Master Vrook may be quite correct, but we need you." Aria saw how close she was to the cusp of breaking down. Taking a deep breath Aria hung her head back down. Fiddling with her thumbs as she weighed the decision. Relenting, she let Bastila's open vulnerability defeat her.

"Okay, let's do this mental unblock.", Closing her eyes she let Bastila's hands run through her hair. It felt nice, soon they started to thrum with energy. It vibrated through her head making her whole body relax. Aria could feel Bastila carefully working taking apart the barriers inside her mind. It was soothing feeling her work. Like there were old fashioned heavy cast iron locks she'd never noticed being removed inside her head. Carefully being picked open, it gave her a pleasing tingle down her core each time one was unlocked.

"That should do.", Bastila let out a shaky breath. The work appeared to have been taxing, beads of sweat were collecting on Bastila's brow. Aria hummed, feeling lighter than air. Had she really been carrying so much mental weight in her head this entire time? She couldn't help but smile up at Bastila, "Thank you." Bastila looked smugly pleased with her thanks, and it made Arai want to annoy her. So she did, "Though isn't it silly for a Slave to undo their Master's chains?" Bastila lightly shoved her head down, but Aria heard the Jedi laugh.

Getting up and laying down in the opposite bunk Aria felt better than she expected. Sleep came faster than it usually did, and soon she was dreaming.

Dantooine, Ancient Ruins (Six years ago)
Revan

They were about to break all the rules. The great heavy doors that sealed the entrance whispered out to be undone. She brushed her gloved fingers down their faded instructions; warnings in a tongue so old it was nearly extinct. Her companion, strong and as hungry as she was, bathed in uncertainty that she was already beyond. He spoke, "The Dark side is strong in this place, I can feel its power! Is this wise? The ancient Jedi sealed this archway. If we pass beyond this door, we can never go back. The Order will surely banish us. Are the secrets of the Star Forge so valuable? Can its power truly be worth the risk?"

She smiled knowing the answer couldn't be said. It could only be shown by those brave enough to make the first move. Destroying the ancient seal with her powers, Revan opened the door. The tremendous labor of the unseen mechanisms trembled the ground under them. Long dormant air erupted out of the shadows, bringing a chill down into their bones as it rushed past them. Revan didn't hesitate to step forward into the awaiting abyss of Dark side energy. She would take that waiting inside and add it to her strength. Whatever the cost might be, it would be hers.

The power to change their fate was worth it.