Revan: Departure 2

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Revan: Departure Chapter 2

Somewhere within the far reaches of the Unknown Regions…

Malak gave a heavy sigh as the last wave of Sith fell before them. Revan stood in disbelief, seeing the path they ventured towards littered with corpses, all of them foes. Rather than applying tactics, they came like wave upon wave of locust, unthinking and willing to harm anything in its path. Still, it was nothing compared to what they were about to face. On Malachor V, even under the influence of the Mass Shadow Generator, Revan felt the taint. He felt the taint that had corrupted the Mandalorians and traced its source here.

What few Republic soldiers accompanied them perished as Revan and Malak entered, what was assumed to be, a palace of sorts. Inside its dark corridors, machines and droids worked endlessly, as if calculated. As the entered further into its depths, the Hero of the Republic couldn't help but feel a creeping motion come near its face. His veins began to pulsate, further making their mark on his face.

"The dark side is strong here. Even stronger than the Star Maps we found." Revan whispered. "Take caution…"

"Whatever this taint is, it is the source of everything. This is the true threat." Malak winched, unable to help stating the obvious.

There, the two Jedi came across a throne. An on it, was a figure of great power.

"So good of you to join us…" the figure spoke. Revan gripped his saber, but did not draw it. He was wary of the threat he was facing.

"I had wondered when such… potential should arrive at my disposal. Now… we shall see how powerful you are."

Malak rashly drew his lightsaber, "Not if we destroy you first!"

"Malak, no!" Revan warned, much to his vain. By that point, Malak had already proceeded to run along the nearest wall, jump several feet into the air and attempt a downward slash. Of course, such an amateur move could only have been countered by a force push of bone-crushing strength. With his saber rolling away from him, Malak lost conscience. Revan turned to the malevolent force facing him and drew his own saber, and slowly advanced.

"You are not as rash as your companion, there. Tell me, Jedi… are you afraid?"

"Afraid? No. Cautious? Yes."

The being cackled with a very loud and throaty voice.

"An interesting distinction you make. Let's see if it will save you…"

Revan stepped forward, surely and steadily. He held his Lightsaber in the basic defensive stance. He would've gladly used the Makashi Form against the dark prescence, but instinctively, he knew that no lightsaber meant that he would be countering Force Powers. Surely enough, the first indication of Force Lightning appeared as Revan blocked the bolts with his command with the Force or his skill with a blade. He came closer, ready to strike when the being threw his hand destroying nearly everything in its linear path, save Revan.

However, the victory was short-lived as the destroyed pipes and debris began to circle around Revan. The Hero of the Republic cut away the larger portions while dismissing the rest with a Force Wave. Just as he believed he had gained the upper hand, the creature's Force Choke strangle Revan, now struggling for air.

"How… ironic. The greatest of the Jedi is little more than a padawan to me. You may be considered a genius where you come from, but you are not as skilled as you think, child. I will break you and make you see the true power of the Force."

"You'll never break me…" Revan wheezed from what little air he managed to take out.

"We shall see…" With that, the Sith Lord cast out Force Lightning so powerful, Revan's wails filled the hall.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hodge awoke, his sweat cooling him with the night air. Much to his pleasant surprise, he was neither in the clutches of a Sith Lord, nor did he go by the name of Revan. Instead, he was half-naked with a Jedi Padawan sleeping by his side. On Coruscant, the two gathered in secret, kindling their love. However, the pleasure was short-lived, as the Jedi Council had decided to call a meeting on Dantooine, wanting to discuss the extent of Bastila's crimes.

Suddenly, the young Padawan awoke. "Hodge? Are you feeling alright?"

Trying not to be distracted by his lover in a nightgown, Hodge knew that flat-out lying to her would be impossible, due to the nature of their Force Bond. However, that didn't mean that Hodge was simply restricted to the truth. So, he finagled his way around, as per usual.

"Just a nightmare, Bastila. Nothing more."

The young Padawan sat up from their bed. Her gown was humble, yet left little to the imagination. Her rather sizable bust revealed itself as did they also give way to her narrow waist. Still insisting on wearing her signature pigtails, even in bed, she looked rather adorable, as if leading Hodge on. However, the expression she wore on her face revealed much worry in her heart.

"I disagree. Force Sensitives are prone to have dreams related to major events. Tell me, this Sith Lord you faced, how did you survive?"

Hodge looked down at the bed, letting the cool air calm him.

"That's a good question."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Ebon Hawk was deep in Hyperspace as her crew met together. The meeting itself was little more than a group of friends coming together, but issues that came forward needed to come out into the light.

"Are you sure you won't need me?" Zaalbar grunted in his native language.

"I'm sure," Hodge replied, sitting back. "You just stay on the ship."

"If you're sure, Hodge. I will be here if you need me."

"So Mission," Carth began, making sure the Hawk was headed to her course. "Clear this up for me. Didn't your brother owe money to the Exchange?"

"Yeah," the Blue Twi'lek rolled her eyes "They would've shaken him down the moment he made more than his fair share. But apparently, Griff and a bunch of Wookiees walked up to the Hutt that he made the deal with and the Hutt suddenly 'released him' from his contract. Now it all goes to Griff."

"Huh, maybe we should've enlisted more Wookiees when we were invading the Star Forge…" Carth muttered under his breath.

"The Children of Bacca are a fearsome race. If Slavers hadn't invaded my tribe, we would've been more than willing to help. Then again, we would've also needed transport…"

The discussion would've gone further, but Bastila put a stop to it.

"I think that's enough of what if's for the time being. Right now, we need to discuss what we'll say to the Council."

Carth interjected yet again. "That's the other thing; what is this about? Is this a trial? Surely the Council isn't going to banish you."

Hodge spoke up. "They didn't say anything specific. They said there was something we needed to see first and then discuss what we should do."

"No doubt the Council wants to discuss my actions on the Star Forge. And they may have… found out about us."

"Aww, you guys!" Mission beamed. "What's the worst the Council can do in the face of true love?"

Of course, Jolee was more than willing to oblige. "Banish them. Hold them prisoner. Rewipe their memories. Strip them of the Force."

"Okay, grandpa! You've made your point."

"Hey, you asked, whippersnapper."

Hodge cleared his throat, signaling his turn. "Bastila, I'm not ashamed of what we did, and what we have. But, I know that the Order means a great deal to you. So if you don't want me to say anything, just say so."

Bastila sighed and went to the far side of the central room. "It's just that… I don't know how they'll react. After my actions on the Star Forge, they may see you as a liability, a weakness. Even if you redeemed me, they may just send me somewhere else just to be safe. I don't want that. But, I need their wisdom more than ever. I can't fall again. If I do, I… I won't be able to come back to the Light again."

Hodge came closer to Bastila. "Don't be silly. You were strong enough to free yourself of the dark side's grasp once; you can do so again."

A small beeping from the console, signaled the crew.

The Pilot chimed in, "Well, I don't want to burst your bubble, but we're near Dantooine. So, I suggest that whatever method you're going to do, you decide quickly."

The crew dismissed as Hodge caught sight of his Assassin Droid.

"HK! Have you seen Canderous?"

"Statement: The Mandalorian meatbag was resting near the Swoop Bike master. At the moment, he is still unconscious."

"Observation: It would seem that the Mandalorian is still asleep from last night's heavy consumption of Tarisian Ale. It would seem to suggest that he is suffering from deep depression and/or large frustration."

"Request: May I shoot him, Master? Oh, I so do hope that I can eliminate that waste of mass."

"Do it, and I'll reprogram you into a peaceful protocol droid."

"Cautionary: You wouldn't dare, Master!"

Hodge smiled. "Try me; if I programmed you once, I can do it again…"

With that, the droid kept silent as Hodge walked up, only to find a rather gloomy Cathar keeping to herself.

"Juhani? What's wrong?"

The Cathar Jedi was a bit frightened by Hodge's precense, but regained her composure once more.

"Oh, it is… nothing."

"Juhani… you know better than to lie to me." Hodge smiled, as if he enjoyed teasing her.

"Well, I had received a transmission from my friend. Apparently, it came from Dantooine."

Hodge's expression changed from smug to somber, "Oh, Juhani. I'm so sorry…"

"N-no! It came after the Sith Bombardment, and they said they wanted to meet with me."

"That's great! So, what's the problem?"

"Well, this person… my companion is very dear to me and… and…" Immediately Hodge knew the immediate signs. A nervous expression, stuttering of words, irregular breathing. Hodge smiled, almost as if he were back in the Cargo Hold once again with another Padawan.

"Juhani…" Hodge began. "Never take that first 'no' as an answer. Otherwise, I would've given up on this one a long time ago."

Once Bastila caught wind that she was the object of that statement, she immediately objected.

"Revan! I-I mean, Hodge! That is highly inappropriate-I mean, it's wrong to- it's wrong to lead her on like-"

"I love it when you can't find the right words to say." Hodge smiled, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

"Come back here!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Jedi Enclave...

All around the crew were ruins, shells of things that were once grand. With each ship-sized crater they passed, Hodge as well as all the others, could feel how empty the planet was. Dismissing the lingering of death in the air, there were also the cold stares of many of the farmers. The group neared closer to what was the Matale estate and were allowed in by a few friendly faces. As the entered the tattered halls, the droid turned to the group.

"Only padawans Hodge Antilles and Bastila Shan are permitted at this point. All other guests must wait in the lobby."

"Okay," Hodge said, patting himself down. "How do I look?"

"Like a person going into his own execution," Carth scoffed. "Just play it by ear and… you'll be fine."

Bastila bowed to her crewmates. "That we shall."

As Hodge and Bastila entered the chambers, they were met by the Jedi Council or at least Masters part of the Jedi Council. Hodge recognized Master Vandar and Vrook easy enough, as they had been his first masters. The others weren't as familiar, though they struck a familiar chord with Hodge.

"Padawans," Master Vandar said with his gravely, gentle voice. "Allow me to introduce Masters Kavar, Zez-Kai Ell, Lonna Vash and Atris."

Suddenly, Hodge's face lit up as if a new memory had bubbled into his mind.

"Wait, Atris. I think I remember you… You… don't like me very much, do you?"

The silver-maned Jedi scoffed. "Please. A master is above hate."

Hodge sighed. "Well, that's a relief."

"I do, however, question if such a criminal as yourself is worthy of the Jedi Order at all."

Suddenly, the Hero of the Republic felt like this was going to be a very long meeting.

"Peace, Atris," Vandar spoke. "While it is true that Revan was a major cause of the war, he has shown his loyalty in the battle of the Star Forge."

"You may speak truth, but his intentions have yet to be decided. Let us get underway."

Vandar turned to the two padawans. "Very well. As you may or may not know, the Jedi Council has summoned you both here for several reasons. Firstly, as you walked the surface of the planet, you surely felt the emptiness that Malak has cast on the planet."

Both of them nodded.

"As you know, many of us thought that Malak wouldn't attempt to bomb Dantooine. However, we were proven wrong. With the destruction of Taris, the Enclave and many other worlds, we've had to… reconsider our tactics for recovery."

Bastila chimed in, "I wouldn't have thought the Matales would be so generous, considering our their troubled history with our order."

Master Vrook spoke at once, "Unfortunately, neither the Matales nor the Sandrals survived the attack."

"Oh, I see." Bastila said. Hodge could hear an audible gulp coming from her. He remembered Rahasia and Shen so desperate for their love that they were willing to die for it. If Hodge hadn't stepped in, they may have well might done so, but luckily even two old men had enough sense not to attack their children. Of course, it was all for nil as everyone of the aforementioned party was dead.

"After much debate, we decided to use this residence, respecting the previous owner's wishes. We tell you this in good faith, as we want you to understand our point of view."

Hodge looked around, "So, is this the new Enclave?"

Master Kavar spoke up, "Things are… complicated. We may have won the war, but many of our students lay dead or have fallen to the dark side."

Master Zez-Kai Ell spoke next. "And as much as we would like to train more knights, we cannot strain the Republic's resources further. While we may have won the war, it was costly and much of the Republic needs time to heal."

"What about Coruscant? Can't we train more Jedi there?" Hodge asked, still unsure he was hearing correctly.

This time, Master Vash spoke up. "It is less about training more Knights than it is letting the Republic recover. Many of the citizens view us as an unknown force, unable to comprehend our side of things."

"Well, this isn't right!" Hodge cried. "Public opinion or no, Jedi Knights were always needed. Many of them helped during the war. Without them, we might not be here today!"

"Be silent!" Atris cried out, her voice filling the room. "I always knew your strong willfulness would step out of line and now it has. Can we really trust this man to aid us in our time of need?"

Master Vandar spoke up, "Peace, Atris. While he may speak out of turn, he does bring an excellent point. And while we understand the necessity of our kind, it is important that we still have the Republic's support. So for now, we must remain in secret."

"Eventually," Vrook spoke up. "We will gather the remaining Jedi Knights and travel to Katarr. There, we can discuss if the war is truly won or not."

"But we have other matters to discuss. Because of our decision to limit the training of more Knights, we must further decide what is to be done with the Padawan, Bastila."

Atris spoke up. "Do not think your Battle Meditation will protect you from our judgment. Even if your ability saved us in the end, we may just strip you of the Force if we see fit."

"Wow, and I thought Vrook was hard on us…" Hodge thought, as he stood perfectly still.

"Bastila," Vrook spoke up. "While your Battle Meditation is a key asset for us, we must discuss your fall to the dark side. What do you have to say in your defense?"

"I know what I did was wrong," Bastila spoke. "Even if Malak tortured me constantly, part of me always was too proud of my actions. Thus, Malak may have used my pride and turned it against me. However, even knowing the power I hold, I still wish to walk the path of the Light. If it takes me a lifetime to redeem myself, then I shall do so."

"You presume too much, child!" Atris spoke. "Even the Jedi Council can forgive only so much!"

"Actually," Kavar spoke up. "I think Bastila is being sincere in her words. She may have fallen to the dark side, but she might use this experience to teach younger students how easy it is for us to fall."

"While you bring a valid point, Kavar," Vrook said, voicing his opinion. "I still think that Bastila has much to learn about the Force. I think assigning her to a Master would be most appropriate, for the time being."

At this point, Hodge and Bastila nervously glanced at one another, unsure how to respond. Hodge desperately wanted to hold his companion's hand, to ensure her that everything would be alright. But the bond between them told Hodge that this would be unwise. If the Council assigned a Master to Bastila, it wouldn't be long before their affair would be brought to light. That would make things most difficult. Suddenly, as if a flash of brilliance struck him, Hodge spoke up.

"Assign me!" He said. "Our Force Bond helped us in the past; assign me and I'll make sure Bastila doesn't fall again."

"Are we so certain that you should be the one to safeguard her?" Vrook replied angrily, as if he knew more than he should. "After addressing some of your actions?"

"Vrook is correct," Master Zez-Kai Ell spoke. "We also need to discuss some of your… choices you made on your quest."

Hodge turned to Bastila. This was it; they were caught in a web of lies. The Council surely must have known about Bastila and Hodge's affair, not only on Tatooine, but also how they confessed their love for one another on the Star Forge. Both knew this day was coming, but were unsure how to handle it. In truth, it was worth it. Their love was worth anything the Council could do to them.

"Bastila, step forward." Kavar spoke.

As Bastila did, Hodge would've wanted nothing more than to leap in front of her, put his hands up and guard her with his life. Perhaps, when he was a soldier of the Republic. Perhaps, when he was a headstrong Padawan. But, not now. He begged to whatever the Force was to save their love.

"Bastila, do you confess to your crime on Tatooine and admit that what you did was wrong?"

The padawan sighed and spoke her case, "Wise Council of the Jedi, please hear me. I do admit to what I did, but I do not regret it. People may look at this and see another path to the dark side, but I do not. Instead, I see something beautiful and strong, something to aid against the dark side rather than for it. Besides, who is to say something between two individuals must be destroyed?"

"Do not presume to lecture us, child!" Atris barked, her eyes becoming fiercer by the minute. "You may have fallen to the dark side, but don't think you of all people understand its nature! It is a power you cannot even fathom and can even consume you if you should let it."

Master Lonna Vash made a quick save, "Atris may be harsh in her words, but she is correct. The Jedi Code forbids all passion from entering in our minds. Any passion, good or bad, can destroy you in the long run."

"You know why we separate Force-sensitive children from their families," Vrook spoke. "Family exerts a strong emotional bond between two people and this is no exception."

"And do not think your act of charity automatically redeems you," Kavar said.

"Charity?" Bastila said, sharing both her and Hodge's confusion. "Umm… if I may be so bold, but why was this act considered charitable?"

"You cannot hide from you actions, Bastila." Master Vandar said. "We all know that you met with your mother on Tatooine and gave her a sum of credits so that she could get by."

"I…I see." Bastila said, almost biting down to hide her excitement that the Council did not, in fact, confront her about her relationship with Hodge. "Still, I stand by my decision. My mother and I were never on good terms, but when I heard about her illness, I could not sit by and watch. Tell me, is it not in the Jedi ideal that we should help those in need?"

Kavar spoke, "You are perceptive, young one. However, you gave your mother credits out of a sense of duty or compassion towards family. You should've stepped back, and instead brought your concerns with another Jedi, Revan perhaps, so that he or she might help them."

"What's the difference, then?" Hodge asked.

"The difference…" Atris began, "is that while her mother would've received help, the girl would not have experienced emotional ties. Instead, she gave in to her baser emotions and aided her. Should it be a wonder, I think, that she fell to the dark side so easily?"

"Now, wait just a minute!" Hodge began, only to be cut off by his lover's voice.

"Are you assuming that by giving my mother credits, I fell to the dark side?"

"Oh, now you've done it," Hodge shook his head towards the Council.

"Please hear me; I know that my fall may have caused skepticism among you all, but I assure you, of the many things I've done, my mother did not cause me to fall. If anything, it gave me new perspective on my otherwise spiteful relationship with her. Deny it all you want, the truth of the matter is this: there are many degrees of light and dark, and it can't be limited by our viewpoint."

"Bastila!" Vrook spoke up, "Mind your words. The slightest step out of line can see you banished from our Order."

"This is just what I'm talking about!" Bastila said. "We've created a system of rigid rules and regulations that it has caused many of our Knights to fall. Many rebel, unable to comprehend that redemption is possible or that even the light can help you. Instead, we create this strict enforcement where we aren't allowed to do anything, and we become shells of human beings, always separate."

"I knew it!" Atris cried. "This child is not worthy of forgiveness! Exile, I say! Strip her of her rank and cast her out where she can harm nobody, once more!"

"Calm yourself, Atris," Master Vandar said. "Bastila, it has become clear that you need to calm yourself before continuing any further. We shall reconvene tomorrow and discuss your actions further. However, know that you cannot and will not contact your mother at this time. Rest well, and may the Force be with you."

After the two left the Council chambers, and were far from anyone's sight, Bastila collapsed into Hodge's arms, as if her confrontation drained all the strength out of her.

"You did good, Bastila," Hodge smiled.

"Then, why does it feel like I've lost?" She spoke, unable or unwilling to open her eyes.

"Some victories feel like that. C'mon, let's go back to the ship."

As the two left the Enclave, they were greeted by a group of wide-mouthed individuals, men mostly. At first, Hodge believed them to be staring at he and Bastila but we surprised when they witnessed Juhani embracing her companion, Belaya quite fondly.

"Well… this is a surprise," Carth said. "No wonder she denied my good looks."

"This is no laughing matter!" Bastila scolded. "This is something that should be… cherished or be cautious of. Hodge, what do you think?"

The Hero of the Republic smiled. "I think Love is a strange and wonderful thing, and should be celebrated. Juhani! Will your friend be staying with us for dinner?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Revan woke up to the burning of his scars. As his eyes regained focus, he had realized that he was in a force cage. How humiliating. As he stood up, his mental calendar had failed him. He did not know how long he had been here, or how long it was that he had come here. He was losing focus. He was getting sloppy. As the Force Cage began to hold him, Revan thought of potential escape routes, hoping to survive this confrontation.

"Can't… worry about Malak. Need to… tell the Republic. Dammit! Scars burn…"

His eyes focused around the tomb, seeing nothing but dark and damp places, nothing reaching out for as far as his eye could see. Save for the light from his cage, there was nothing but pitch blackness surrounding him. His arms were chained so he could not freely use his limps, nor rewire the Force Cage. Malak was no where in sight. It was over; Revan had lost.

"No!" He thought to himself. "Has to be a way! Can't let them win… Need to… need to… surrender?"

Revan closed his eyes and remembered what his master had taught him. "A difference between a fall and a sacrifice is important to remember. Fall, but don't give up. Fall, and save the Republic. Kill a Million, to save Billions."

Then, he knew what he had to do. "I am willing and able, Master…"

Suddenly, his Force cage shut down and his shcackles were suddenly unlocked. As he rose up, he met a familiar figure walking twards him. Almost like a specter, the once proud Malak had become pale, broken, a shell of his former self. He said nothing and simply led the way.

There, they met the figure, shrouded in a cloak as it cackled wildly. "I see that you have chosen to see reason. Good… Now for your first test. You are aware of the Star Maps that aided you here, correct?"

Revan obeyed, feeling the Dark Side instantly take over him. "Yes, Master. They lead to the Star Forge."

"Then, use its power to destroy the Republic, so that the True Sith can come and claim what is ours!"

Revan bowed his head. One way or another, he would find a way to betray the darkness. But not here, and not now. He needed to wait and plan. And when the time was right, he would counter attack.

"This is but the first step to long and glorious rule!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hodge woke up in a sweat. He would've made a comment of how these dreams played out like bad Holo-vids, but was too terrified to say so. What he had seen shocked and terrified him. Was it possible that it was never his intention to rule, but to save the Republic? Was he trying to do something besides destroy worlds? And the figure, what was it? Hodge was careful not to wake Bastila, nestling beside him. He came to one dreadful conclusion out of many.

He had to go back.