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Revan: Departure 4

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Revan Depature 4

Slowly, but steadily, Hodge was becoming tense. When his companions asked why he would freeze up at times, he would explain that he thought someone put ice behind his back. Of course, this fabrication meant that the dark side of the Force was growing stronger by the minute. Whether their wonderings on Coruscant or routine repairs on the Ebon Hawk, Hodge knew the facts were clear: he would need to leave soon.

As he slumped down in the chair by his apartment, he sighed heavily. Eventually, if he didn't go for them, they would come for him. Problem was, how was he to settle matters with his friends. How was he supposed to leave without saying goodbye? How could just abandon them at a moment's notice?

"Where do I even begin," he groaned. Suddenly, a familiar chime came through the door.

"Beep-Woo-woo." Hodge quickly rose up to see T3-M4, the astrotech droid march through the door.

"Hey, there little guy! How's it going?" He said casually.

"Whoo-woo-wooohh…" The Droid said, somehow malfunctioning.

"Woah, slow down. What's wrong with your vocabulator.?" Hodge said, examining him closely.

"Beep-Woo-Woo-Breep."

Hodge nodded in acknowledgement. "I see… You took a bad hit on the Star Forge, but you didn't experience problems until after the ceremony. Now your entire vocabulator's broken, right?"

"Whoo."

"Okay, then… pop open your hood and let's see what I can do…" The Jedi peered into the internal workings of the droid. In truth, Hodge's skill at repair only went so far. As he crossed wires and made use of his hydrospanner, he muttered to himself how someone like Mission or Zaalbar was more suited to the task. Finally, when it was all said and done, Hodge closed T3's cap and 'woke' him up.

"T3, how are you feeling?"

"Dreet. Beep-doo-bee-doop-bereep."

Hodge was taken aback at this. Due to his amateur skills, or perhaps he meant to do it all along, he had significantly altered T3's vocabulator. Rather than the subtle chimes and dings he used to speak, T3 had more of a regular vocal sound to it. The vocabulator sounded somewhat deeper and monotone. It suited the little droid.

"Did I do a good job?" Hodge asked nervously.

"Beep. Deet-dee-deet."

"Glad you like it!" Hodge smiled, sitting close to the droid. Somehow, working on the little Astromech droid gave him a sense of calm, peace. It helped him… meditate or at least, forget about the world for a while. It had been quite a while since he last left a hydrospanner in HK's core.

"You know, I'm going to be going somewhere soon."

"Dreet? Bree-dee-dee-deet."

"Yeah. Problem is, I don't want to go, but I know I have to. I just… I just need to take care of some business that's all."

"Dreedeet. Dwoo. Beep. Beep. Dooot."

Hodge turned to the droid, unsure what to say at this bold request. "You wannna come with me?"

"Beep."

"T3, I'm not going to the Mid-rim. I'm going far, very far with lots of dangerous beasts and monsters and all sorts of things a little droid shouldn't be facing. Stay here and help the Republic."

"Dwreep. Beep-beep. Deet-dee-deet."

Hodge was now frustrated. "Okay, smart guy, give me one good reason why I should bring you along…"

The Astromech droid was more than willing to answer. "Beep. Bee-bee-beep. Droot. Dwoo-beep-beep. Beep. Dwoo-dreet. Beep-beep-beep."

The Jedi sat still for a moment. Unsure what to say, Hodge had not choice but to concede to the machine. Somehow, losing an argument to a droid did not help his self-esteem much.

"Huh, you do make a good point. Fine, but… just you. And maybe HK. No one else. They can't come."

"Dreet?"

Hodge leaned back on his chair. "Because, no one else has to suffer for my ambition. If I fall to the dark side, that's just one person."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Downtown Coruscant…

It wasn't long until Hodge had successfully set up the meeting. He had stood by the corner, paying careful attention to the sun's glow when he saw Mission and Zaalbar walking up the street. There, he waved them a hello and gestured them towards him. As they met, they walked up the street together towards a cantina Hodge wanted them to go to.

"How are you settling in, Mission?" He asked, casually.

"Alright. Aside from what's-his-face calling me every two hours, I've been feeling pretty good. Big Z's just happy that he gets to eat as much as he used to. Isn't that right, big guy?" The Twi'lek said, giving a small nudge against her Wookiee companion.

"You shame me, Mission! I do more than just eat. I help out when I can with heavy lifting and repairs. I just… need to be full when I do those things." Zaalbar growled in his defense.

"Full? That'll be the day. So, Hodge, why did you want to come out here?"

"Ah… you'll see in a bit." The Jedi said. As they entered the Cantina, things were surprisingly peaceful. As the group neared their table, Mission was stunned to see none other than her brother, Griff sitting at their table.

"Griff? What are you doing here?" Mission said with a sense of distain in her voice. Apparently, Zaalbar had caught wind of her growing temper as he, too, was backing away. What could've been a clam, peaceful solution might just have easily turned into an explosive situation.

"He's here, because I invited him here." Hodge said, bluntly.

"You-What?" Mission said, feeling almost betrayed at this situation. "I told you I would deal with this. I didn't ask for you help. Maybe you should consider that, before you lend a hand. Maybe people don't want you help."

"You're right. I should ask. But I did this anyway, because I'm your friend and I want to help you, whether you like it or not."

"Please, sis!" Griff said, almost to the point of groveling. "I'm begging you, just hear me out!"

"I don't know…" Mission pouted, almost on the verge of leaving.

"Mission, you should hear him out. Among the Children of Bacca, family is sacred, second only to honor and dignity"

"Well… Alright!" The young girl said, finally sitting down with her arms crossed.

"Mission, I just want you to know that what I did to you on Taris, it was wrong. You were right; 100 percent correct-a-mundo. I'm even sorry about robbing your friend here of his well-earned credits. But the thing is, is that when I was on Kashyyyk, on my knees trying to capture some Tach Glands, I felt like I hit rock bottom. I mean, I felt like a real heel, betraying everyone who was close to me and all that. And when the Wookiees found me, I thought I was a goner. But when I mentioned your name, when I pleaded and begged and mentioned you, they spared me. That's when I realized, in your own way, you looked after me. After all that time, telling you how to live like a thief, your courage and bravado saved me in the end. And, that's when I realized how important you are to me. So, sis… I'm asking you from the bottom of my heart, will you accept a Wormhead like me back into your life?"

At this point, the female Twi'lek was moved by the sincerity of her brother's words. Hodge witnessed how her expressions changed from anger, to shock, to uncertainty, to compassion. He was glad that Mission thought mindfully of what words she would say next, and so, would be more calm before she spoke.

"Looks like she's growing up after all…" He thought to himself.

"Griff, I…" She began, almost unsure of her words.

"I accept your apology. However, I'm still mad at you for all the rotten things you did to me, and even Lena. You abandoned me on Taris! And ran out on us when we gave you money for help. You have to understand I was so angry at you, even when you came barging in with your Tarisian Ale and flaunting your credits around. But, I think… I think that maybe this is good for you. That you have changed for the better. But, if you don't mind, I think I'll stay with my friends."

She and her brother rose up from the table and met one another.

"I'm happy for you, Griff." Mission said, finally giving her brother a warm hug. "And don't you forget that."

"And don't you forget that too, Mission…" Griff responded as he held her tightly.

After a long goodbye, Mission, Zaalbar and Hodge all walked back to their rooms.

"Hey, Hodge. Sorry about what I said earlier. I know you're just trying to help me, and… you did! So, thanks!"

The Jedi smiled. "It's what I do…"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hodge waited patiently, (rather unsuccessfully one might add), for Carth to arrive. It was important that he talked to him as well. Of course, telling the Republic Captain of his future traveling plans was out of the questions, but he would at least try to convey some feelings of hope and peace towards him. Hodge realized that having Carth come to his apartment was somewhat… strange to say the least, but considering he had already conducted business in a tavern, the jedi was reluctant to repeat himself.

Finally, the door opened, revealing the guest of honor.

"Carth! Glad you could make it!" He said, gesturing a grand hug.

"You talk as if it's been a year when we've probably talked last week." The Republic Captian sighed. After a gracious handshake the two of them sat down at the couch, allowing whatever Carth wanted to watch in the vid.

"Tarisian Ale?" Hodge offered.

"No, thanks! I've had enough of that drink to actually remember Taris!"

"Hey, gotta get rid of this stuff somehow…" He smirked, taking a swig. The two sat on the couch for a long period of time, simply enjoying one another's company. It wasn't until Hodge broke the conversation that he would get anywhere.

"So, how are things going between you and Dustil?"

At this point, Carth shut of the vid. He sighed for a long time and rubbed his forehead.

"Good! I mean, I think they're going good. I dunno. Dustil's… changed. A lot. When we first met him on Korriban, I wasn't sure to be glad or heart-broken. Now that he's living with me, it's something of a migraine."

"Is he threatening you?" Hodge asked.

"No, no. But, he struggles. He loses his temper, maybe about twice a day. He brings up a lot of bad memories, mostly me leaving for the war. And he apologizes. He's trying to resist the dark side, but he's very… angry. I guess it's not easy trying to answer to an authority, especially when you know you can telekinetically choke that authority any given time."

The Jedi stayed silent for a long while, unsure what to say. He knew Dustil had almost committed himself to the dark side, but he hadn't figured things would turn so sour, so quickly. Hodge was certain that Dustil turned away from the dark side when he learned of Master Uthar's betrayal, but it seemed that his anger still lingered.

"Have you considered… Jedi Training?" Hodge suggested. He realized this request meant that Carth would probably lose all contact with his son, and it would most likely split the family apart. However, it was evident that Dustil was Force Sensitive and trained in the Sith, no less. Some action was required.

"Don't think that idea hasn't crossed my mind once or twice. Maybe it's for the best… Dustil can learn to calm himself, and I can… live my life peacefully."

"Carth, what do you want?" Hodge said, staring straight in the eye.

"Oh, don't give me that. There's no use trying to get my hopes up; I'm just being as practical as I can be."

"Nothing is impossible, not even for you. What do you want?"

The soldier of the Republic sighed. "Alright, you want to know what I want? Here it goes: I want my old life back. I want it back to when things were peaceful and quiet, and when Dustil acted up, my wife was there to back me up. I want to be able to talk to my son again, and I want him to be able to look at me like I was and still am a Hero. Of course, none of that's going to happen… My wife's gone and my son, too."

Hodge breathed and sighed. "That's a wonderful dream. But, it's not going to come easy. You know that."

"Yeah, I don't need a lecture, thank you."

"Listen to me: We've been in more impossible situations than most soldiers see in their entire lives. We stood and confronted the Dark Lord himself and lived to tell about it. Hell, we blew up a spacestation that was mass producing Soldiers to throw at up by the second! This, this is nothing. Now, you pick yourself off the floor and don't stop until he looks up to you and says 'Dad, I'm sorry'."

Carth breathed for a moment. Hodge's yelling was sure to affect him in some shape or form, and he may have taken this advice and threw it out the airlock. He rubbed his eyes, and groaned, unsure what to say at that final moment. Finally he spoke.

"Alright, you win. I'm going to give him one last chance, and I'm going-I'm going to make sure our bond is never broken, ever again!"

"That's the spirit!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

At the Cantina, near closing hours…

A large sweat drop crawled down Hodge's brow. This next decision would decide his fate once and for all. He had to admit that his opponent was formidable, and even with all of his knowledge and skill, he only managed to force a stalemate. Now, this was the last moment: the moment that would decide everything.

Should he stay or hit? Facing a rather neutral 16 to Mission's 19. Lacking a Postive 4 to bring his score to 20, he was left with two options: Fold and let Mission win the set, or Hit and hopefully prolong the match so he could obtain the winning 20. The crew stared in anticipation. Even those who swore off gambling, mainly Bastila and Juhani, couldn't help but watch.

"Hit me!" Hodge smiled, only to reveal a 3, bringing his score up to 19.

"Looks like we'll tie…" Mission said, smirking to herself.

"Not a chance!" Hodge declared, slapping down his +1/-1 card, giving him 20.

"Beat that!" He smiled. At long last, he could finally declare with a sigh, that he had finally beaten Mission Vao in a game of Pazaak.

"You asked for it…" She smirked. The moment she lay down the Golden tiebreaker card, Hodge knew he was finished. The Tiebreaker gave her a +1/-1 value in addition to awarding her the set in case that both players tied. In other words, she won yet again!

"And I was so close!" Hodge sighed to himself. The rest of the crew managed to chuckle as Mission won their 'friendly' game. (Loser bought a round of drinks). As the crew sat there, the Jedi discussing in one section, the rest of the crew minding their business in another, the droids managing to get along, Hodge saw this moment. He saw this moment with the companions that had traveled with him to Hell and back and swore to himself this one oath.

"Jedi Mind Wipe or no, I shall never forget this moment."

"A toast!" He declared, as the rest of the crew gathered their drinks. "May we always be friends forever!"

"A toast!" The rest of the crew cried as they clinked their glasses and sipped to a evening outing together. Eventually, the celebrations died down. The rest of the team had to go their separate ways. Carth wanted to make it back to Telos as quickly as possible. Zaalbar and Mission wanted to get back to the ship so they could make repairs. Jolee and Juhani would retire to their quarters before discussing whether or not to return to the Enclave. Hodge kissed Bastila good night, promising that he'd 'have a surprise' once they returned to the apartment. Finally, Hodge was left along with T3, HK and Canderous.

"Closing time!" The Bartender said, wiping a glass.

"HK, I order you to keep guard outside."

"Statement: Yes, Master!" The droid said, managing not to give a smug reply (Though, in truth, that may just have been Hodge's bluff to scrap the droid in case he questioned orders.)

"I said, 'Closing-'" before the bartender could respond, Hodge gave a wave of his hand.

"You will allow us a few more minutes."

"I will allow you a few more minutes…" The Bartender said, dazed.

Once the outsider had left, there was no one residing besides the Jedi who saved the republic, the Loyal droid and the Mandalorian. Hodge gave Canderous the courtesy of finishing his drink before speaking. He had a feeling Canderous would need the liquor.

"Canderous," He began, making up words as he went along. "Remember what I said, about those Sith coming for us? They're true."

"I figured as much. So, what's the next mission? Head out into space, blasting whatever life rears its head?"

Hodge smirked. "Partially. But first, some things need to be clarified."

Canderous put down his drink and drilled his eyes into the Jedi. He had his full attention.

"Before the Mandalorian Wars, you said you were approached by the Sith with an offer. That was a lie. The Sith… used you."

The Mandalrian smirked. "Preach your lies somewhere else. I heard the news from Mandalore himself. The Sith made us a deal."

"No, Canderous. They brainwashed Mandalore and he lead you into a false war."

The gray warrior slammed and broke his glass on the table, getting infuritated by the moment. "You lie! The Sith promised us a battle we would gain honor from. Our leader told us of an opportunity and we took it. We would've won that war, if it hadn't been for you and the Jedi!"

"You were bait!" Hodge stood up to say.

"We were conquestors! We had the galaxy in the palm of our hands!"

"Your Sith would've never let you had the galaxy. You were pawns in a game of Dejarik. Tools to lure someone strong enough, someone arrogant enough to stop the unknown. Your Sith needed someone strong enough,"

"Stop it,"

"Someone powerful enough,"

"I said, stop it."

"To conquer the galaxy in their name. And the Mandalorians were the test."

Canderous stood up and kicked the chair over. "I've had enough of this blasphemy! We may have lost the war, but I know we warred for our own sake! I will not listen to these lies!"

At that moment, Hodge seemed to have lost him. As the Mandalorian began to rush out of the bar, Hodge stopped him.

"Canderous! Candeorus, don't you walk away from me!"

"Why? So you can spread more lies about your side? Why should I have anyone who slanders and belittles my people?"

Hodge spat out, "Because I know where Mandalore's helmet is."

The gray warrior froze up, shocked by this revelation.

"And if you want it so desperately, then you're going to have to listen to my story. Then you can decide for yourself what to do with it."

Canderous sighed, and sat down. "I'm not going to like this, am I?"

"Depends. But, know that it is the truth, and I intend to keep on my promises."

Canderous poured himself another drink, awaiting the revelation. "Get on with it then…"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The apartment…

As he expected, no one came out of the revelation unscathed. To be honest, the mixture of emotion, truth and information between the two created a flurry of emotions, none which were positive. By the end of the night, both of them had ended up with bruises trying to deny each other's statement. However, Hodge managed to wedge his point in, and wanted to sleep off any scrapes and injuries he might have sustained.

"Sleep…" He thought to himself. He sighed, knowing there was one last thing that he needed to do. As the door to the apartment slid open, he met with Bastila, her eyes nearly tired with the lack of sleep. When she finally saw Hodge, she ran to his side.

"What happened to you? How could you leave me like that, without telling me what happened to you?" She argued. Hodge smiled, remembering the woman who wouldn't stop worrying about him, and who would blame him a thousand times over. He was constantly reminded why he fell in love with her in the first place.

"You could've left me a hint or a message, saying how you were- What are you doing?" The question was all Bastila managed to get out before her lips were smothered by her partners in an embrace that literally took her breath away. As much as she tried to sustain her argument, all the nerves in her body had managed to soften to the point that arguing was an uphill battle.

"Don't… think…. you can get…" She tried to say, almost struggling with her words.

"I know. It was irresponsible of me. And… I hope to make it up to you."

Many would denounce the saying 'actions speak louder than words', but it couldn't have been more appropriate than in this case. His firm hands slid off the thin lace that covered her body. She shivered from the cold, freezing to the touch of the cold night air and his delicate arms. He wrapped himself around her and managed to slide his hands from her back to her smooth, round bottom. Luckily, she had managed to regain control only to quickly throw off the robes he wore off to the ground. She, however, lost the advantage when he managed to sweep her off her feet and managed to carry her to their King-sized bed. He threw open the sheets and lay her down gently.

Just as he was about to consummate the experience, she stopped him, almost as if it were a painful experience.

"Wait, we shouldn't do this. I-I enjoy the time we spend together. But, this… this may be going past the line. Sexual intimacies have far-bearing consequences among the Jedi and we shouldn't endanger our position. We should, we should reconsider…" She said with a firm (no pun intended) stance.

"Bastila," Hodge breathed, holding her face like a porcelain statue. "I have no intention of forcing this out of you. But, I want you to know something. You are the person who showed me the way. You're not only my light, but my conscience. Someone there that reminds me that it is not unnatural to struggle with our natures, but a human characteristic. And at the risk of sounding like a very bad, very cheesy holo-vid, you inspire me. You inspire me to become someone greater than myself. If I had the opportunity, I would fall in love with you a thousand times over. That is the brilliance of you…"

Hodge must've hit a nerve point of some sort, because the moment he had finished his words, Bastila was on the brink of tears. He quickly brushed away one tear and managed to leave a kiss on her cheek. She smiled back, as her smooth delicate body rocked back and forth with his. Of course, her physique should not be overlooked, as Hodge became more aroused, sliding his hands down her rock-hard abs, almost but not quite intimidated by her body. As they nestled, as the grew closer and closer towards one another, Hodge realized that on this night, their night, he would not regret a single thing.

That wasn't a half-bad thought for a supposed conqueror of the galaxy.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

He arose from the bed, spent. What had been possibly hours of love-making and embrace, he arose to yet another vision. The dark side of the force was calling him. The feeling he had felt before, of fear of hesitation, were now replaced by anxiety and anticipation. In a few hours, he would make the flight to battle the unknown, and leave everything Hodge knew behind. When he left, he would leave everything as it was: in a tranquil, peaceful state.

He quickly opened up his com device. The other line picked up the phone, and Hodge simply stated one sentence.

"Canderous, it's time."
Revan Depature Ch 4...
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