Savior (chapters 5 and 6)
Title: Savior (chapters 5 and 6)
Author: elinatrevisan
Artist: Anna (art currently incomplete)
Beta: gravaja_umbros
Canon: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Ratings: T
Warnings: Non-graphic violence and character death
Summary: The war with the Mandalorians is raging across the galaxy. Mala Noor, also known as Revan, has led the Republic in countless victories. Her leadership is put to the test, however, when she discovers an ancient threat that could destroy the galaxy. With only her oldest friends to aid her, she must embark in a search for the truth before all that she has worked to protect is lost.
Author's note: Chapter 5 contains a few bits of Mandalorian. Below the cut is a glossary of the phrases used.
Jetii - Jedi
Vor entye - Thank you
Su cuy'gar - Hello
Nayc - No
Ori'jate - Excellent
Tayli'bac, Mando'ade? - Understood, Mandalorians?
Chapter 5: Mandalore and Malachor
Revan's strategies were now focused entirely upon directing Mandalorian forces to Malachor. The progress on the weapon was encouraging, and Revan hoped that it would be ready soon. The reports also showed that she had been wise to keep Halae from knowing details of the device. There was no way Halae would have agreed to its use if she'd known just how devastating it would be. Revan knew that it was just as likely to destroy their own forces as the Mandalorians'.
With this in mind, Revan began to assemble a list of ships that would serve in the battle. They needed to carry as much of the fleet as possible with them when they turned to conquer the Republic, which required the elimination of any forces that were unlikely to follow. Any captains who had ever questioned her found their ships on the list. She hated doing it, but that seemed to be how she felt about most of her actions lately.
Her heart was lightened somewhat when news reached them of Senator Cah's death. The reports said that she had died of a heart attack, brought on by a poor diet and exercise routine. Unsurprisingly, it was only a few days later when HK-47 returned.
Revan was with Malak, receiving a report on some recent intelligence from the Mandalorians, when the droid entered her quarters.
"Ah," she said. "Excellent work, HK-47. No one suspects a thing."
"Agreement: Yes, master, it was a wonderful thing. I felt great satisfaction as her face contorted with-"
"Thank you," Malak said. "We don't need the details." He looked to Revan. "You didn't stop him from labeling everything he says? It's so annoying."
"Passive-aggressive threat: Master, I do not know this organic. Is he to be my next target?"
Revan laughed at that. "I don't know, Malak. I rather like that quirk." Malak frowned at her. "Oh, come on. It's fun! Look, I'll show you. HK-47, this is General Malak. He's an old friend. I suppose you could consider him my apprentice."
Malak's brows rose. "Since when?"
"Since we decided I would be the Dark Lord. Unless you'd care to fight me over the title?"
"Definitely not."
"In any case," she said, turning back to the droid. "He is not your master. I am."
"As if I'd want the psychotic thing."
"Shush, Malak. Just because you're jealous of my toys, doesn't mean you can't be nice. HK, what do you think of my apprentice?"
The droid turned its head to Malak. "Cursory analysis: He is very large, master."
Revan rolled her eyes. "Come on. Give me more than that."
The droid let out a rattling sound much like a sigh. "Statement: Very well, master. He appears to have impressive physical strength, though his intelligence is questionable. He also has strange markings on his head." Revan attempted to contain her giggles. "He no doubt frightens other organics. In short, he is a serviceable meatbag."
Revan was no longer able to contain herself, and her laughter spilled out.
Malak glared at the droid. "Meatbag?"
"Explanation: Yes, General Malak. You are an organic construct of meat and organs, contained within a bag of skin. A meatbag."
Revan regained enough control to speak. "So I'm a meatbag, too?"
"Answer: Yes, master. However, you are a very skilled and intelligent meatbag, as evidenced by your creation of me."
Revan immediately moved to the droid and opened the main control panel. "Oh, I'm so adding that to his programming!"
"What?" Malak said. "Are you serious?"
"Of course! How many other people have droids that can shout, 'Die meatbag!' before they kill people?"
"Apparently plans for galactic domination do strange things to your sense of humor."
Revan's fingers hesitated over the control interface. "Yes," she said softly. "Well, what do you expect? Things aren't going to stay the same forever."
"I suppose not." He cleared his throat. "So... what are you going to do about Halae?"
Revan finished her work and closed the panel, though she didn't turn to face him. "Can we not talk about that?"
"We need to talk about it eventually."
"No, we really don't."
"We can't just leave her out there. She'll try to stop us unless we can get her to join us."
"I asked her about that, if you recall. She thinks that falling to the Dark Side isn't an option."
"That was a hypothetical situation. If we talk to her, we might be able to-"
"No." The word wasn't spoken loudly, but it was firm enough that he was silenced. She sat down at her desk. "Trust me, Malak. I've known her almost since she could talk. She would never come with us."
"Then what are we going to do?"
"I've already taken care of it."
"How?"
Rather than speaking, she brought up a file on the viewscreen.
Malak moved to read it. "But... this is the list of ships that will be at Malachor."
Revan nodded.
"The Ordinance is listed as the command ship."
"It makes sense, doesn't it? Revan, unable to be there, assigns his most trusted general to command. No one will know." Revan leaned forward and worked her fingers into her hair, gripping it tightly and painfully. "The perfect murder. Halae dies a hero, never knowing that I was the one to do it."
Malak was still staring at the list. "There must be another way."
"What? If you have ideas, I'd love to hear them. Trust me, this brings me no pleasure." She sighed, attempting to calm herself before she broke into tears. "If we tell her what we're doing and why, she'll go to the council. If we don't tell her and let her live, we eventually have to fight her. I can't do that. Can you?"
"I... I don't know."
"If you can, it hardly matters, does it? If you succeed, then she's dead, anyway."
"We could arrest her. Keep her locked up."
"Until when? We're never going to be able to release her. I think she'd rather die without knowing that we betrayed her."
Malak swore under his breath, and Revan took that as agreement.
Damn it.
- - - - -
It wasn't long before they received word that the Malachor weapon, the Mass Shadow Generator, was ready. Revan had carefully maneuvered both fleets, and now the Mandalorians had little option but to run to Malachor V. She was ready for the final strike.
Revan paced the communications room as she waited for her call with Halae. The communications officer aboard the Ordinance had paged her, but she was taking far too long for Revan's nerves. When Halae's familiar image finally appeared on the screen, Revan sighed.
"General Jasra," she said, nodding to her friend. "It's good to see you."
"And you, Revan," Halae replied. "I take it you've received our latest reports?"
"I have. You have the device ready for transport?"
"Yes, we do. We can arrive at the location in less than a week."
"Excellent. Proceed to the location and have your techs set it up. It appears that I won't be able to be there in time for the battle, so I want you to command."
"What? Why?"
Revan looked around the room. "Privacy, please." All of the soldiers stood and left the room, leaving Revan alone with the video feed. "We've received word that a group of Mandalorian scouts are in the area, making a move towards Mon Calamari." The action was an obvious distraction, and she had no doubt that Mandalore's goal was to keep her as far away from Malachor as possible. For once, their goals were in perfect alignment. "I'll be taking the Swiftsure to attend to them."
"A group of scouts? Couldn't you send another ship?"
"The Swiftsure is the best positioned ship in the fleet for this. And in any case, I'm hardly needed at Malachor, am I? I have faith in you."
Halae nodded, and Revan pushed away the sense of guilt that rose up at the trusting gesture.
She pressed a few buttons on the console. "I'm transferring my battle plans to you. They account for the range of the device, so the bulk of your forces should be out of the way when it activates." Another lie. She had fiddled with the numbers, showing the range of the device to be only half of what it truly was. Both fleets would be within the sphere of destruction.
"Of course."
"Just know that the objective is to defeat the Mandalorians. I can't imagine that you'll be able to keep everyone in the safe zone, so some lives may be lost."
Halae sighed. "Isn't it always that way?" She closed her eyes. She opened them a moment later and acted as though nothing was wrong. "Is there anything else?"
Revan hesitated. A part of her wanted to tell the truth. A very large part. "Just... the Mass Shadow Generator isn't tested. We don't know how big the device's radius will be. Try to have double the distance between your ship and the planet. Okay?"
"If you think that's necessary, I'll do what I can."
"Good." Halae had a fighting chance now. If the Force wanted her to die, she would. "That is all."
"Actually..." Revan turned and saw Dira walking into the communications room. "There is one more thing. I shall accompany the techs on the planet."
Revan's eyes widened. She looked back up at Halae, who appeared just as confused.
"Malachor V is a dangerous place," Dira continued, "full of Dark Side energy. A Jedi shall be needed to defend the tech team."
Revan frowned from beneath her mask. She knew the danger, of course, but there was no need for a Jedi. She had considered the risks during their early stages of planning, and had decided a regular armed escort would suffice. Was Dira attempting to commit suicide?
"I have several Jedi in my division who are more than capable of guarding the techs," Halae said. "There's really no need for you to rush here."
Dira looked to Revan. Most people believed the old archivist to be nearly expressionless, but Revan had learned how to read her years ago. The look she sent now was clear.
Trust me.
"No," Revan said, turning to Halae. "It won't be your Jedi who accompany the techs. It will be Dira. She'll leave today and rendezvous with you at Malachor."
"If you insist."
"Good. Dismissed." They cut the comm, and Revan turned to Dira. "My quarters. Now."
Dira nodded, and they left the room, allowing the communications team to return to work. Revan and Dira sped through the halls, not even attempting conversation. Whatever was going on, Revan doubted that this was the sort of thing they wanted to discuss in public.
As soon as they were safely enclosed in her quarters, Revan ripped off her mask and turned to Dira. "I don't appreciate being blindsided like that, Master Dira. Now would you kindly explain to me why you have a death wish?"
When Dira spoke it was with irritating calmness. "There is an ancient Sithras academy on the surface of Malachor V."
That sentence drained away all of Revan's anger. "What?"
"As far as I can tell, it was their largest academy and storehouse of knowledge. If we can gain access to that knowledge, it would be a great help."
Revan sat down on her bed. "And how do you plan on sharing that knowledge if you're dead? You realize, I assume, that our plan would not leave a single ship to carry you safely from the battle."
"I plan on taking a courier to the rendezvous. I shall man it, and I shall escape upon it."
Revan shook her head. "That's far too risky. This place isn't worth the risk. I won't allow it."
"I cannot allow this academy and its knowledge to be lost forever."
Revan sighed. "You're going to go, aren't you? No matter what I say?"
"Yes."
"Halae won't hesitate to give the order to activate the device. Even if you're still on the planet."
"I am aware of the risks."
Revan saw something in her face that took a moment to identify. When she realized what it was, she stood to look eye to eye. "How long have you been toying with the Dark Side?"
Dira didn't even hesitate before answering. "I don't recall, exactly."
"Will you be here to see our plans through?"
Now she hesitated. "...no."
Revan's face was blank. "So this will be the last time we see each other?" Dira nodded. "I see. I have learned from the best Jedi of our times. I have studied the writings of ancient masters, both Sith and Jedi, and taken all that I can from them. Despite all of the teachers I have had, I consider you to be my true master. Whatever happens between us, know that."
Dira smiled, an expression that was rare on her. "I do. And know that you are the greatest achievement of my life. Should I someday train another who grows to be even half of what you are, I shall consider it a miracle."
Dira, like her prize pupil, was never the type to gain comfort in physical contact. It was, therefore, without hugs or kisses that they parted. Only a bow from each served as a goodbye, and then Dira was gone. Some part of Revan still hoped that they would meet again, but she knew that to be impossible. Their lives were changing, and she was no longer the precocious young padawan who drew the attention of the austere archivist. Mala died the day that she chose the name of Darth Revan. She wondered who Dira would be if she survived this battle. A Sith? A Jedi? Something new?
She knew one thing: whatever the old woman became, it would change the galaxy. Revan smiled. They all would.
- - - - -
Revan had assumed the purpose of the Mandalorian scouts was to keep her from commanding at the battle, weakening the Republic forces by her absence. After they captured and interrogated them, they discovered that Revan wasn't the only commander who wasn't to be present at Malachor. Mandalore wanted her for himself. Their only goal had been to keep the Swiftsure away from the battle long enough for Mandalore to catch them.
An ambush had been set at one of their stops between hyperspace jumps, and Revan adjusted their course. They were still making the stop, but now they would come out of hyperspace beyond the range of Mandalore's weapons. Revan gave orders to contact her when they dropped out of hyperspace, then retreated to her quarters to meditate. It was several hours later when the door opened and Malak entered.
"We're out of hyperspace and the Buurenaar is in sight."
Revan nodded and stood, shaking out her stiff limbs. "Excellent. Let's finish this." She picked her mask off the table and put it on.
"I take it that you have a plan?"
They left her quarters and began heading for the bridge. "I always have a plan."
"Does it have something to do with the fact that you're wearing your combat armor?"
"Possibly."
"Are you going to let me in on this plan?"
"No."
They reached the bridge before he could ask further.
"Status report."
"We're still out of weapons range, but the Buurenaar is closing the distance," Admiral Karath said. "It's good to see you, sir."
Revan ignored the greeting. "Are we within communications distance?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then do it. I wish to speak with Mandalore."
Karath nodded to the communications officer, and the screen lit up a moment later. Even if not for the mask, the figure that greeted them was impossible to mistake: two meters tall, broad-shouldered, and with an imposing set of armor. Mandalore.
"Revan," he said. "I wondered when we would come face to face."
"Please, let's skip the pleasantries. You wish to kill me, and I wish to kill you. I won't lie; I don't know how this battle will end."
Mandalore nodded, but said nothing. He had made a tactical mistake when he assumed that she would kill his scouts outright, and therefore never interrogate them. The Buurenaar had firepower, but the Swiftsure had range. It would be a close battle.
"You are aware that our forces face off at Malachor V as we speak. We are both too far away to affect them. The only battle we have control over is this one, between the two of us. What would you say to an offer to end this with minimal bloodshed?"
"I'm intrigued. What is your plan?"
"It's quite simple. I understand that your people have a tradition of dueling." She could sense the surprise of everyone on the bridge at these words. "Mine do, as well. Jedi and Sith have faced off for as long as the two have existed."
"You suggest a duel?"
"I do. One on one. What do you say, Mandalore?"
There was only a moment's hesitation as he considered this. "I accept. I hope you aren't insulted when I ask that this duel take place on my ship."
"Not at all. If I win, we take your ship captive and your crew surrenders peacefully. If you win, my people do the same."
"Agreed. To the death?"
"To the death."
"Very well." He turned to one of the crewmen behind him. "Prepare for their arrival." He turned back to Revan. "How many of your crew are to come aboard?"
"Only two. Admiral Saul Karath, and my apprentice, Malak."
"I have met both of them. I trust they won't cause trouble this time."
"If they do, then they die. By my hand or yours, it hardly matters." She could sense that Malak was largely unsurprised at these words, though Admiral Karath was shocked.
She thought she could hear a smirk in Mandalore's voice when he responded. "Very good. I shall expect your shuttle shortly, Revan."
His image cut out, and Revan turned to the stunned crew. "Move to rendezvous with the Buurenaar and have someone prepare our shuttle. Karath, Malak, ready yourselves."
Admiral Karath seemed far too stunned to respond, so Malak spoke. "Master, may I speak with you a moment?"
"I suppose. It should be a few minutes before we make contact with the Buurenaar." She looked past him to Karath. "I expect you to be waiting for us in the shuttle bay, Admiral." He nodded and rushed off. "He didn't salute," Revan muttered. "I shall have to reprimand him for that."
"Master, I really need to speak with you in private."
"Of course." They moved to an empty briefing room.
As soon as the door closed, Malak turned to her. "Was this your plan all along? Some ridiculous duel?"
"I'd hardly call it ridiculous."
"Mandalore made his way to the top on the bodies of his challengers! This isn't just some poorly-trained grunt."
"I am aware of his skills."
"Then why?"
"Do I really need to explain it? I'm ashamed of you, Malak."
"Please."
"In dejarik, you don't just plan your current move. You plan the next one, and the one after that, and the one after that. That's all that I'm doing."
"I'm afraid I'll need more than that."
Revan sighed and removed her mask. She sat down on the table. "After this war is over, we need massive numbers of people to betray their old allegiances for us. We need to start making ourselves a legend. What better way to do that than to defeat the leader of the Mandalorians in single combat?"
"And what if you fail? What if he kills you in this duel?"
"Then I expect you to take my place." She placed one hand on Malak's arm. "Trust me, Malak. I can do this. Have I ever lost a fight when it counted?"
"It only takes once."
"We need to take this chance." She stood and reattached her mask. "Come on. We'll be leaving soon."
- - - - -
A Mandalorian guard squad was waiting for them when they pulled into the shuttle bay. Revan didn't hesitate before disembarking from the shuttle.
"Jetii Revan," the leader of the team said, stepping forward. "We ask that your companions relinquish their weapons while they are on our ship."
She nodded.
"Master?" Malak said, his hand hovering over his lightsaber.
Revan didn't turn when she spoke. "Malak, you could easily fight your way off this ship unarmed. This is a mere formality."
She could sense that her words shook the Mandalorians somewhat, but they did their best not to show it. Her companions handed over their weapons, though Malak hesitated before giving up his lightsaber.
"Vor entye," the leader of the group said. "Please follow us."
The guards led the Republic group through the ship to a room which had once been a gym. She was impressed with how quickly they were able to convert it into an arena for the purposes of the duel. All of the equipment was pushed to the sides and large collapsible stands had been erected along the walls. A Mandalorian occupied each seat. Revan knew this could only be part of the crew, and she wondered if there were cameras broadcasting this to other areas of the ship.
Mandalore stood in the center of the room, inside of a circle painted on the floor. "Su cuy'gar, Revan! I trust you had no difficulties on your arrival?"
She bowed. "Nayc, Mand'alor. Your people have been very accommodating."
"Ori'jate. Now, I realize that we have yet to determine the conditions of this duel. I propose that we fight simply. You may use your lightsabers, I may use my axe, and no more. No stims, no shields, and none of your Force tricks. Is this acceptable?"
Revan mourned the loss of her Force powers, but she had expected no less. She nodded. "It is."
"There is one other thing. Neither of us is some prancing Echani, so I don't request the removal of your armor, but I would like to look my opponent in the eye as we fight."
Revan's eyes widened. She hadn't considered this possibility. "I... I see. And how important is this to you?"
"Vitally important."
"Are you aware that I have never shown my face in public?"
"I am. I have not done so, either. A fitting end to the war, don't you think?"
"I suppose." She looked around at the masked spectators. "I ask only two things. First, that no record is made or transmitted of this duel, even to other locations on this ship."
Mandalore nodded to one of the people standing near the circle, who stepped back and spoke into his comm. "Done. My crew will have to suffer the silence."
"Thank you. The second is that none present here speak of what they see."
She could hear the curiosity in his voice as he answered. "Very well. Tayli'bac, Mando'ade?"
The affirmative response echoed throughout the room.
Revan turned to look back at Karath. "That goes for you as well, Admiral."
"Yes, sir," he said, snapping off a sharp salute.
"Very well." She reached up and removed her mask. She abruptly wished she'd thought to put on her contacts before coming here, but it was too late. She lowered her hood and looked up, back straight and shoulders back. A whisper ran through the room as they all took in her appearance. She handed her mask back to Malak, not taking her eyes off of Mandalore. "It's done, Mandalore. You know the secret of Revan. I think it's your turn."
He reached up and removed his helmet, revealing his face. Revan had only ever seen the face of a Taung once before, and that had been a dead one. All the same, she knew what to expect. The gray-green skin and bony structure were completely ordinary for his race. His eyes were nearly the same color as hers were now, she noticed. His only distinguishing mark was a large scar that ran across his face. "Well," he said. "I must admit, I didn't expect that, Revan. A very convincing ruse. I never suspected you could be a woman."
"I know."
He smiled, the expression seeming strange on his alien face. "How many know of your true identity?"
"Until now? The entirety of the Jedi council, as well as three of the Jedi in my army."
"Interesting. I see no reason for the deception, but I suppose I never will understand you." He held out his hand, and one of his men handed him a massive axe. It was at least as tall as the Taung. "I would just like to say that it has been a pleasure to fight you, Revan. If you were a Mandalorian, we would have been unstoppable."
Revan drew her lightsabers and ignited them. Twin blades of blue crackled from the ends. "I can say the same for you. It is an honor." She bowed, and Mandalore followed suit. Then the two of them moved into combat stances.
The two fighters circled each other slowly, each studying the other's form. Mandalore rushed forward suddenly, and she rolled to the side. She knew that there was no way she could block one of his strikes, so she needed to remain mobile.
She brought one of her sabers across his torso as she moved, but it only skittered across the surface and created sparks. It would take a lot of work to burn through it enough to cause any serious damage, and she lacked the strength to do much with the force of her blows. His arms and legs were her best shot.
She righted herself and resumed her defensive posture.
"Not bad," he said. "But you can't dodge forever."
He was right. Being on the defensive was unusual for her. She needed to take charge.
She leapt over her opponent, landing behind him and slashing out at his legs with one of her blades. It caught him behind the right knee, but he was able to move away before it could sever the hamstring. She ducked to dodge the swing that he directed at her in response. It caught the top part of her bun, slicing cleanly through. Her hair fell down around her face, and she shook it away.
She knew that Mandalore wouldn't wait before striking again, and rolled away. Sure enough, he brought his axe down in a fierce blow.
As soon as she was upright again, she jumped into the air, driving her lightsabers down towards his body. She realized the move was a mistake almost immediately.
He slid to the side, away from her weapons, then swung his axe in a high arc.
Revan managed to bring one blade up to block the blow, but the power of his strike only batted it away. The axe sliced through to her leg and she finished her fall with an awkward tumble to the ground. She drew on the Dark Side, allowing the pain to fuel her strength. Revan rolled away. She was just in time, though part of her cloak ripped when his axe bit into the floor. A second earlier and it would have been her.
She stood shakily, ignoring the feeling of warm blood trickling down her leg. She shrugged out of her cloak and threw it back, never once looking away from Mandalore.
There was no time to think. She continued to move, striking and springing away to keep him from facing her directly. Her leg shot with pain each time she landed, and more blood flowed from the wound. She nearly tripped once, slipping in the blood that was beginning to coat the ground.
She didn't allow it to slow her down, however. She nearly cut his arm off with one particularly acrobatic spinning jump, but he was faster than he appeared. He managed to duck away, and she landed across the ring.
Mandalore also had his share of near hits. He anticipated a landing of hers and swung his axe towards her. She only barely ducked away from the blade, falling back onto her rear. She turned the movement into a roll and recovered.
She was at a serious disadvantage. She was losing blood, while his wound was neatly cauterized. As much fuel as she gained from the pain, she couldn't fight without blood. She needed to end it soon. Revan sensed her opportunity when Mandalore charged. She flipped into the air.
Mandalore was just recovering from the charge and turning to face her when she swung. He began to raise his axe to block her blades, but it wasn't soon enough. Both blades swung towards him and his eyes widened at the sight of the bright blue beams moving towards his unprotected neck.
The head thumped to the floor and Revan took a deep breath. The room was silent. No one moved. Someone behind her began to clap, and she spun around to face them. It was Malak, a smirk on his face.
"Well done," he said. "Now, shall we contact the ship? I wonder if the battle might be over by now."
"Of course," she said, taking another shaky breath and switching off her lightsabers. She moved back to where Malak stood to retrieve her mask and cloak. Now with her appearance reassembled, she started searching through her belt pouches for a medpac. "Karath, contact the ship and tell them that we have prisoners." Admiral Karath stepped back and began speaking into his communicator. "Whichever of you has my officers' weapons, return them now. We'll also need someone to load Mandalore's body onto our shuttle."
Two Mandalorians approached. One was carrying their weapons, and he passed them back. The other was the one who still held Mandalore's mask. "Please," he said, "allow us to attend to the body."
"I suppose you can have the body," she said, drawing the medpac from her belt and removing a small hypospray of kolto. "All I need is the mask."
The words were loud enough to carry to some of the observers, who gasped. "But," the Mandalorian sputtered, "But the mask is... It's Mand'alor!"
Revan turned to face him. "I defeated him in combat, therefore I am free to take it. There will be no arguments."
The man swallowed, and she held out her hand. He hesitated. She placed a hand on her lightsaber hilt, and he passed over the mask, which she tucked away within her cloak. She looked away from him and injected the kolto into her thigh. The wound would need further medical care, but the shot would close it off and dull the pain, and that was enough for now.
"Sir," Karath said, stepping back towards her. He paused. "Er... ma'am."
"If you call me ma'am again, I will be forced to wound you."
He nodded and swallowed. "Yes, sir. If we go to the bridge, the ship can connect us with a real-time transmission of the battle at Malachor."
"Excellent." She threw aside the hypospray and turned to the man who had held Mandalore's mask. "If you could lead the way?" He nodded, and she addressed the assembled Mandalorians. "Your leader made a deal. Go to your comrades and inform them of the situation. The Republic will be along shortly to take you all. I... suggest... that you do not attempt to escape." She turned back to their reluctant guide. "Lead on."
The trip to the bridge was short, and soon Revan was facing the ship's tactical display. Small red triangles indicated the Mandalorian ships, while green circles stood for the Republic. The Mandalorians still had the advantage of numbers, but Revan knew that meant nothing. As expected, they were clustered around the planet.
"Shall we inform them of Mandalore's death?" Admiral Karath asked.
"No," Revan replied, not taking her eyes from the screen. As she watched, several key Republic ships began to drift away from the planet. The battle was nearing its end, though most of the combatants were completely unaware.
"But the Mandalorians might stand down," he said. "I thought that was the whole reason for this duel."
Revan removed her mask and turned her yellow eyes upon him in a piercing glare. "Do not contact them." She looked back to the screen. "The battle will continue."
"Ravager," Halae's voice issued from the console, directing one of the ships in the battle. "Move to position Besh-4. A group of Mandalorians is trying to break through the lines there."
"Acknowledged. Moving to position," the captain replied.
Revan followed the line of the Ravager and studied the small triangles it was to intercept. They were hardly a real threat. Halae was shifting their forces away from the supposed range of the weapon. The Ordinance, and therefore Halae, was still within the Mass Shadow Generator's reach, though beyond the false range that Halae had originally been told. As they watched, it began to slowly move back.
"They're preparing for the final strike," Malak said, stepping up next to Revan.
"Yes," she said, not taking her eyes off the display.
"Do you suppose Dira is still on the planet?"
"It's possible." A large part of her hoped that the woman had escaped by now, but she thought it unlikely. "It looks like something is about to happen."
Halae's ship was still not far enough out that it would be spared, but it was close.
Her voice was heard again. "This is General Jasra. All Republic ships, retreat! Get as far away from the planet as you can!"
"What?" Revan hissed. "She's tipping off the Mandalorians!"
The ships began to move instantly, pulling away. To no great surprise, the Mandalorians did the same.
"Damn it," Halae said softly. Revan imagined that she'd forgotten the speakers were on. "No time."
There followed what felt like an eternity of silence. The ships continued to move, and Halae's own vessel crossed the invisible line of safety. Revan was torn between relief and frustration at this. Then the destruction began.
Revan fell to her knees as the feeling of the deaths reached her. Her mind was filled with the screams and terror of the thousands who were shredded or crushed in the moment of the device's activation. Those who didn't die instantly cried out in fear of the chaos around them. Revan's head felt as if it would explode, and every nerve in her body screamed in agony. She drew on the Dark Side to help shield her from the worst of the pain, and the death fueled her strength. She stood again and watched the screen.
Starting from the center point of the planet, the symbols for ships began to vanish. The wave traveled fast, moving quickly to the point where Halae had been told it would end. Then it pushed past.
As it spread, fewer and fewer ships were pulled in and destroyed. It still bore some force, however, as it reached the final estimated range. Several more ships winked out.
The Ordinance was gone.
The computer began to run up estimates of casualties. Revan had to look away. She turned to Malak.
"It's done," she said.
"It looks like she didn't make it," he said. "Despite your final interference."
Revan didn't answer.
He continued to study the screen. "Wait... some of the ships are coming back online."
"What?" Revan whipped around and stared at the screen. Sure enough, some of the ships on the fringes of the blast were transmitting again. "The wave must have caused some temporary interference."
She watched the spot where Halae's ship had disappeared, ignoring the chatter as confused voices called for help. One voice cut through the cacophony of the rest to draw Revan's attention.
"Mayday," Halae shouted, and Revan could hear pain in her voice. "Forces at Malachor have been decimated! Surviving ships are badly damaged and in need of medical assistance! By the Force, get us some medics!"
Revan's finger hovered over the comm button. What could she say? She stepped back and nodded to Karath. "Tell them that help is on the way. Then send the rest of the forces in this sector to them. Medical teams are a priority."
"Yes, sir," he said, stepping up to the comm.
Revan put her mask back on. The war was over. Her plan had worked. Now she had only to deal with the aftermath.
Chapter 6: The Aftermath
Revan saw to it that the medical teams reached Halae's ship first. More than a few members of the crew were dead, though Halae was only injured. The teams arrived to find her desperately working to save the life of a tech, ignoring her own wounds. It was only once he was stabilized that Halae allowed herself to be transferred to one of the medical ships.
Revan knew which ship it was, but she couldn't bring herself to visit. She didn't go to any of them. She'd sent those people to their deaths; to comfort them now felt like spitting in their face. She limited herself to obsessively reading reports of Halae's recovery.
She was surprised at how slow her friend was progressing. Halae was a skilled healer in her own right, and was capable of entering a very potent healing trance. None of the reports bore any mention of this. Was she somehow punishing herself?
When she wasn't studying Halae's reports, Revan was busy planning what to do with the rest of the fleet. She still needed some way to escape and search for the Star Forge. The solution appeared upon analyzing the records of the battle, which showed remnants of the Mandalorian fleet escaping into the Unknown Regions. The senate viewed her as a messiah for killing Mandalore and ending the war, and was more than happy to approve her plans to chase after them. No one would notice when she and Malak disappeared.
She was working on troop deployments for the Unknown Regions when Malak entered her room.
"Do you ever plan on knocking?" she asked, not looking up from her console.
"No," he said. He sat down on the edge of her desk. "I found something interesting when I was studying the casualty lists."
"A depressing hobby."
"I just thought someone should, and since you haven't done it yet..." When she didn't respond, he continued. "I found two unexpected names."
Revan stayed silent.
He continued on. "The first was Dira Rimora."
"Halae put her there. We can't find anything to indicate that she managed to escape before the destruction began."
"But we don't know."
Revan glared up at him. "No. We don't. However, if she is alive, then she hasn't contacted us, which means she doesn't want anyone to know where she is. I just thought that proclaiming her dead would be appreciated."
He nodded. "I can see that."
"Good." She looked back to her console. "Now will you let me get back to work? I have a lot of work to do before we leave."
"There's still the second name." Revan stiffened. "Mala Noor."
A thousand different comments flew through her head. Each sounded more stupid than the last. "So?"
"You're looking remarkably fresh for a dead woman." Revan ignored the joke, and Malak sobered. "Halae will see this, you know. She probably already has."
Revan leaned back from the computer. "She had to find out eventually. Why not now?"
"You'll never be able to speak to anyone as yourself again."
Revan shrugged. "What else is new? Our lives are changing. How many of our old friends will want to chat with Darth Revan and Darth Malak?"
Now Malak seemed to be the one with no response. He shifted his position slightly. "Have you been to see her?"
"No. You?"
He shook his head. "I can't."
"I would tell you off for that, but... you know. Pot. Kettle." Revan smiled, though it was weak. "If you want an excuse not to go, I can put you to work."
"Please."
"I want you to start looking for any archaeological records of structures similar to the Dantooine ruins. Just in case we don't find anything useful there."
"I'm sure we will," Malak said, standing. "After all, the Force is on our side." He walked briskly from the room and the door shut behind him.
"I hope so."
- - - - -
Revan didn't stop watching after Halae's progress. Because of that, it came as quite the surprise to both Revan and Malak when Halae entered her quarters.
Revan immediately ducked behind her terminal, hoping to hide her eyes. Her contacts were in their case on the other side of the room.
"I didn't realize you'd been released," Revan said. She quickly closed out the map of Dantooine that she had been studying.
"I know," Halae said. Revan had to look up when she heard her voice. It was quiet and hoarse, and there was a quality to it that she couldn't place. She'd never heard Halae sound like that before.
Something was horribly wrong. Not something physical, though her arm was still in a sling. All living beings had a connection to the Force, no matter how weak. Halae had none.
"Malak," Halae said. "May I speak to Mala alone?"
"Of course," he said, bowing to Revan as he left.
"So." Halae sat down on the edge of the bed. Revan studied her as best she could while attempting to hide her yellow eyes, and was not pleased with what she saw. Halae's normally bright and energetic expression had fallen. It was as if everything about her had been dimmed. What happened?
"How are you feeling?" Revan asked.
"I think I'm still a little shell shocked. I wasn't expecting it to be that bad."
Revan peeked out from her console further. Halae's eyes were downcast. "And your injuries?"
"Minor, really. I... I couldn't heal them. The force of all of those deaths is still weighing too heavily on me. I don't know how long it will be before I recover."
"You'll manage."
Halae nodded. "Did you hear about the council?"
"You mean that they're calling for our return? Yes. They think that just because Mandalore is dead, we're no longer needed out here."
"Is it true?"
"The threat is still out there." That was true, and vague enough that she wouldn't question it. "I'm going to pursue the Mandalorians that escaped."
"I heard." Halae was still staring at the floor. "Is this what war is? So much death, and then hardly any break at all before you go chasing after an enemy who is already beaten, just in case they can hit you in their death throes?"
Revan thought long and hard about that question before answering. "Yes."
Halae nodded to the floor. "I remember the early days. Back when we were just thinking of leaving. Do you remember how worked up we would get over the council's inaction? We were so passionate."
It pained Revan to hear her friend using that flat tone, her face expressionless. She was never like this. "I still am," Revan said firmly.
Halae shook her head. "I can't keep doing this, Mala. It's too much for me. I'm going back to the Jedi."
"They'll punish you for leaving."
"I'll deserve far worse."
"Don't say that."
"You saw what happened to the fleet at Malachor. I did that."
"Only because I ordered you to. Besides, for every life that was taken there were thousands more saved."
"That isn't how it works. Those people are still dead, I still did it, and I deserve all of the punishment which comes as a result."
If Halae was returning to the Jedi, they would eventually clash. A very large part of her wanted to kill the woman now, to save the trouble later. She had yet to fall so far to the Dark Side for that to be an easy decision, however. She studied the frail, broken woman before her. Revan closed her eyes.
"If that's what you want to do, I won't stop you."
"Thank you. I... I wondered if you would."
So did I.
"We had a good run," Revan said, mostly just to fill the silence.
Halae nodded. "We did."
"When are you leaving?" Revan asked.
"Today. After I leave you here." Halae finally raised her eyes to meet her friend's, and Revan resisted the urge to look away. She wanted to look into those beautiful blue eyes once more before she left. Their brightness was dimmed, but there was still an echo of the warmth that had once filled them. "You... Mala is gone, isn't she?"
The words were like a shock to Revan. She hadn't thought of it like that. Mala Noor was officially dead, yes, but some part of her still considered that to only be the official version. Was she still Mala, though? She searched within herself, and found herself unable to lie to those piercing eyes.
"Yes."
Halae nodded. "I was afraid of that."
Revan wanted to say something. She wanted to comfort her old friend, to tell her that she was still the same girl that would sneak out of her room at night so that they could play in the caves. She wanted to tell her not to leave. She wanted to tell her that all of this was for a good cause. She couldn't.
Halae stood. "Goodbye. We... may never meet again."
Revan nodded, her tongue stilled by the lies between them.
Halae reached out with her unbound hand, but froze before she could complete the gesture. Without another word, she walked out. The door shut on the closest friendship that either woman ever had.
"Goodbye."
-The End-
Author: elinatrevisan
Artist: Anna (art currently incomplete)
Beta: gravaja_umbros
Canon: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Ratings: T
Warnings: Non-graphic violence and character death
Summary: The war with the Mandalorians is raging across the galaxy. Mala Noor, also known as Revan, has led the Republic in countless victories. Her leadership is put to the test, however, when she discovers an ancient threat that could destroy the galaxy. With only her oldest friends to aid her, she must embark in a search for the truth before all that she has worked to protect is lost.
Author's note: Chapter 5 contains a few bits of Mandalorian. Below the cut is a glossary of the phrases used.
Jetii - Jedi
Vor entye - Thank you
Su cuy'gar - Hello
Nayc - No
Ori'jate - Excellent
Tayli'bac, Mando'ade? - Understood, Mandalorians?
Chapter 5: Mandalore and Malachor
Revan's strategies were now focused entirely upon directing Mandalorian forces to Malachor. The progress on the weapon was encouraging, and Revan hoped that it would be ready soon. The reports also showed that she had been wise to keep Halae from knowing details of the device. There was no way Halae would have agreed to its use if she'd known just how devastating it would be. Revan knew that it was just as likely to destroy their own forces as the Mandalorians'.
With this in mind, Revan began to assemble a list of ships that would serve in the battle. They needed to carry as much of the fleet as possible with them when they turned to conquer the Republic, which required the elimination of any forces that were unlikely to follow. Any captains who had ever questioned her found their ships on the list. She hated doing it, but that seemed to be how she felt about most of her actions lately.
Her heart was lightened somewhat when news reached them of Senator Cah's death. The reports said that she had died of a heart attack, brought on by a poor diet and exercise routine. Unsurprisingly, it was only a few days later when HK-47 returned.
Revan was with Malak, receiving a report on some recent intelligence from the Mandalorians, when the droid entered her quarters.
"Ah," she said. "Excellent work, HK-47. No one suspects a thing."
"Agreement: Yes, master, it was a wonderful thing. I felt great satisfaction as her face contorted with-"
"Thank you," Malak said. "We don't need the details." He looked to Revan. "You didn't stop him from labeling everything he says? It's so annoying."
"Passive-aggressive threat: Master, I do not know this organic. Is he to be my next target?"
Revan laughed at that. "I don't know, Malak. I rather like that quirk." Malak frowned at her. "Oh, come on. It's fun! Look, I'll show you. HK-47, this is General Malak. He's an old friend. I suppose you could consider him my apprentice."
Malak's brows rose. "Since when?"
"Since we decided I would be the Dark Lord. Unless you'd care to fight me over the title?"
"Definitely not."
"In any case," she said, turning back to the droid. "He is not your master. I am."
"As if I'd want the psychotic thing."
"Shush, Malak. Just because you're jealous of my toys, doesn't mean you can't be nice. HK, what do you think of my apprentice?"
The droid turned its head to Malak. "Cursory analysis: He is very large, master."
Revan rolled her eyes. "Come on. Give me more than that."
The droid let out a rattling sound much like a sigh. "Statement: Very well, master. He appears to have impressive physical strength, though his intelligence is questionable. He also has strange markings on his head." Revan attempted to contain her giggles. "He no doubt frightens other organics. In short, he is a serviceable meatbag."
Revan was no longer able to contain herself, and her laughter spilled out.
Malak glared at the droid. "Meatbag?"
"Explanation: Yes, General Malak. You are an organic construct of meat and organs, contained within a bag of skin. A meatbag."
Revan regained enough control to speak. "So I'm a meatbag, too?"
"Answer: Yes, master. However, you are a very skilled and intelligent meatbag, as evidenced by your creation of me."
Revan immediately moved to the droid and opened the main control panel. "Oh, I'm so adding that to his programming!"
"What?" Malak said. "Are you serious?"
"Of course! How many other people have droids that can shout, 'Die meatbag!' before they kill people?"
"Apparently plans for galactic domination do strange things to your sense of humor."
Revan's fingers hesitated over the control interface. "Yes," she said softly. "Well, what do you expect? Things aren't going to stay the same forever."
"I suppose not." He cleared his throat. "So... what are you going to do about Halae?"
Revan finished her work and closed the panel, though she didn't turn to face him. "Can we not talk about that?"
"We need to talk about it eventually."
"No, we really don't."
"We can't just leave her out there. She'll try to stop us unless we can get her to join us."
"I asked her about that, if you recall. She thinks that falling to the Dark Side isn't an option."
"That was a hypothetical situation. If we talk to her, we might be able to-"
"No." The word wasn't spoken loudly, but it was firm enough that he was silenced. She sat down at her desk. "Trust me, Malak. I've known her almost since she could talk. She would never come with us."
"Then what are we going to do?"
"I've already taken care of it."
"How?"
Rather than speaking, she brought up a file on the viewscreen.
Malak moved to read it. "But... this is the list of ships that will be at Malachor."
Revan nodded.
"The Ordinance is listed as the command ship."
"It makes sense, doesn't it? Revan, unable to be there, assigns his most trusted general to command. No one will know." Revan leaned forward and worked her fingers into her hair, gripping it tightly and painfully. "The perfect murder. Halae dies a hero, never knowing that I was the one to do it."
Malak was still staring at the list. "There must be another way."
"What? If you have ideas, I'd love to hear them. Trust me, this brings me no pleasure." She sighed, attempting to calm herself before she broke into tears. "If we tell her what we're doing and why, she'll go to the council. If we don't tell her and let her live, we eventually have to fight her. I can't do that. Can you?"
"I... I don't know."
"If you can, it hardly matters, does it? If you succeed, then she's dead, anyway."
"We could arrest her. Keep her locked up."
"Until when? We're never going to be able to release her. I think she'd rather die without knowing that we betrayed her."
Malak swore under his breath, and Revan took that as agreement.
Damn it.
- - - - -
It wasn't long before they received word that the Malachor weapon, the Mass Shadow Generator, was ready. Revan had carefully maneuvered both fleets, and now the Mandalorians had little option but to run to Malachor V. She was ready for the final strike.
Revan paced the communications room as she waited for her call with Halae. The communications officer aboard the Ordinance had paged her, but she was taking far too long for Revan's nerves. When Halae's familiar image finally appeared on the screen, Revan sighed.
"General Jasra," she said, nodding to her friend. "It's good to see you."
"And you, Revan," Halae replied. "I take it you've received our latest reports?"
"I have. You have the device ready for transport?"
"Yes, we do. We can arrive at the location in less than a week."
"Excellent. Proceed to the location and have your techs set it up. It appears that I won't be able to be there in time for the battle, so I want you to command."
"What? Why?"
Revan looked around the room. "Privacy, please." All of the soldiers stood and left the room, leaving Revan alone with the video feed. "We've received word that a group of Mandalorian scouts are in the area, making a move towards Mon Calamari." The action was an obvious distraction, and she had no doubt that Mandalore's goal was to keep her as far away from Malachor as possible. For once, their goals were in perfect alignment. "I'll be taking the Swiftsure to attend to them."
"A group of scouts? Couldn't you send another ship?"
"The Swiftsure is the best positioned ship in the fleet for this. And in any case, I'm hardly needed at Malachor, am I? I have faith in you."
Halae nodded, and Revan pushed away the sense of guilt that rose up at the trusting gesture.
She pressed a few buttons on the console. "I'm transferring my battle plans to you. They account for the range of the device, so the bulk of your forces should be out of the way when it activates." Another lie. She had fiddled with the numbers, showing the range of the device to be only half of what it truly was. Both fleets would be within the sphere of destruction.
"Of course."
"Just know that the objective is to defeat the Mandalorians. I can't imagine that you'll be able to keep everyone in the safe zone, so some lives may be lost."
Halae sighed. "Isn't it always that way?" She closed her eyes. She opened them a moment later and acted as though nothing was wrong. "Is there anything else?"
Revan hesitated. A part of her wanted to tell the truth. A very large part. "Just... the Mass Shadow Generator isn't tested. We don't know how big the device's radius will be. Try to have double the distance between your ship and the planet. Okay?"
"If you think that's necessary, I'll do what I can."
"Good." Halae had a fighting chance now. If the Force wanted her to die, she would. "That is all."
"Actually..." Revan turned and saw Dira walking into the communications room. "There is one more thing. I shall accompany the techs on the planet."
Revan's eyes widened. She looked back up at Halae, who appeared just as confused.
"Malachor V is a dangerous place," Dira continued, "full of Dark Side energy. A Jedi shall be needed to defend the tech team."
Revan frowned from beneath her mask. She knew the danger, of course, but there was no need for a Jedi. She had considered the risks during their early stages of planning, and had decided a regular armed escort would suffice. Was Dira attempting to commit suicide?
"I have several Jedi in my division who are more than capable of guarding the techs," Halae said. "There's really no need for you to rush here."
Dira looked to Revan. Most people believed the old archivist to be nearly expressionless, but Revan had learned how to read her years ago. The look she sent now was clear.
Trust me.
"No," Revan said, turning to Halae. "It won't be your Jedi who accompany the techs. It will be Dira. She'll leave today and rendezvous with you at Malachor."
"If you insist."
"Good. Dismissed." They cut the comm, and Revan turned to Dira. "My quarters. Now."
Dira nodded, and they left the room, allowing the communications team to return to work. Revan and Dira sped through the halls, not even attempting conversation. Whatever was going on, Revan doubted that this was the sort of thing they wanted to discuss in public.
As soon as they were safely enclosed in her quarters, Revan ripped off her mask and turned to Dira. "I don't appreciate being blindsided like that, Master Dira. Now would you kindly explain to me why you have a death wish?"
When Dira spoke it was with irritating calmness. "There is an ancient Sithras academy on the surface of Malachor V."
That sentence drained away all of Revan's anger. "What?"
"As far as I can tell, it was their largest academy and storehouse of knowledge. If we can gain access to that knowledge, it would be a great help."
Revan sat down on her bed. "And how do you plan on sharing that knowledge if you're dead? You realize, I assume, that our plan would not leave a single ship to carry you safely from the battle."
"I plan on taking a courier to the rendezvous. I shall man it, and I shall escape upon it."
Revan shook her head. "That's far too risky. This place isn't worth the risk. I won't allow it."
"I cannot allow this academy and its knowledge to be lost forever."
Revan sighed. "You're going to go, aren't you? No matter what I say?"
"Yes."
"Halae won't hesitate to give the order to activate the device. Even if you're still on the planet."
"I am aware of the risks."
Revan saw something in her face that took a moment to identify. When she realized what it was, she stood to look eye to eye. "How long have you been toying with the Dark Side?"
Dira didn't even hesitate before answering. "I don't recall, exactly."
"Will you be here to see our plans through?"
Now she hesitated. "...no."
Revan's face was blank. "So this will be the last time we see each other?" Dira nodded. "I see. I have learned from the best Jedi of our times. I have studied the writings of ancient masters, both Sith and Jedi, and taken all that I can from them. Despite all of the teachers I have had, I consider you to be my true master. Whatever happens between us, know that."
Dira smiled, an expression that was rare on her. "I do. And know that you are the greatest achievement of my life. Should I someday train another who grows to be even half of what you are, I shall consider it a miracle."
Dira, like her prize pupil, was never the type to gain comfort in physical contact. It was, therefore, without hugs or kisses that they parted. Only a bow from each served as a goodbye, and then Dira was gone. Some part of Revan still hoped that they would meet again, but she knew that to be impossible. Their lives were changing, and she was no longer the precocious young padawan who drew the attention of the austere archivist. Mala died the day that she chose the name of Darth Revan. She wondered who Dira would be if she survived this battle. A Sith? A Jedi? Something new?
She knew one thing: whatever the old woman became, it would change the galaxy. Revan smiled. They all would.
- - - - -
Revan had assumed the purpose of the Mandalorian scouts was to keep her from commanding at the battle, weakening the Republic forces by her absence. After they captured and interrogated them, they discovered that Revan wasn't the only commander who wasn't to be present at Malachor. Mandalore wanted her for himself. Their only goal had been to keep the Swiftsure away from the battle long enough for Mandalore to catch them.
An ambush had been set at one of their stops between hyperspace jumps, and Revan adjusted their course. They were still making the stop, but now they would come out of hyperspace beyond the range of Mandalore's weapons. Revan gave orders to contact her when they dropped out of hyperspace, then retreated to her quarters to meditate. It was several hours later when the door opened and Malak entered.
"We're out of hyperspace and the Buurenaar is in sight."
Revan nodded and stood, shaking out her stiff limbs. "Excellent. Let's finish this." She picked her mask off the table and put it on.
"I take it that you have a plan?"
They left her quarters and began heading for the bridge. "I always have a plan."
"Does it have something to do with the fact that you're wearing your combat armor?"
"Possibly."
"Are you going to let me in on this plan?"
"No."
They reached the bridge before he could ask further.
"Status report."
"We're still out of weapons range, but the Buurenaar is closing the distance," Admiral Karath said. "It's good to see you, sir."
Revan ignored the greeting. "Are we within communications distance?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then do it. I wish to speak with Mandalore."
Karath nodded to the communications officer, and the screen lit up a moment later. Even if not for the mask, the figure that greeted them was impossible to mistake: two meters tall, broad-shouldered, and with an imposing set of armor. Mandalore.
"Revan," he said. "I wondered when we would come face to face."
"Please, let's skip the pleasantries. You wish to kill me, and I wish to kill you. I won't lie; I don't know how this battle will end."
Mandalore nodded, but said nothing. He had made a tactical mistake when he assumed that she would kill his scouts outright, and therefore never interrogate them. The Buurenaar had firepower, but the Swiftsure had range. It would be a close battle.
"You are aware that our forces face off at Malachor V as we speak. We are both too far away to affect them. The only battle we have control over is this one, between the two of us. What would you say to an offer to end this with minimal bloodshed?"
"I'm intrigued. What is your plan?"
"It's quite simple. I understand that your people have a tradition of dueling." She could sense the surprise of everyone on the bridge at these words. "Mine do, as well. Jedi and Sith have faced off for as long as the two have existed."
"You suggest a duel?"
"I do. One on one. What do you say, Mandalore?"
There was only a moment's hesitation as he considered this. "I accept. I hope you aren't insulted when I ask that this duel take place on my ship."
"Not at all. If I win, we take your ship captive and your crew surrenders peacefully. If you win, my people do the same."
"Agreed. To the death?"
"To the death."
"Very well." He turned to one of the crewmen behind him. "Prepare for their arrival." He turned back to Revan. "How many of your crew are to come aboard?"
"Only two. Admiral Saul Karath, and my apprentice, Malak."
"I have met both of them. I trust they won't cause trouble this time."
"If they do, then they die. By my hand or yours, it hardly matters." She could sense that Malak was largely unsurprised at these words, though Admiral Karath was shocked.
She thought she could hear a smirk in Mandalore's voice when he responded. "Very good. I shall expect your shuttle shortly, Revan."
His image cut out, and Revan turned to the stunned crew. "Move to rendezvous with the Buurenaar and have someone prepare our shuttle. Karath, Malak, ready yourselves."
Admiral Karath seemed far too stunned to respond, so Malak spoke. "Master, may I speak with you a moment?"
"I suppose. It should be a few minutes before we make contact with the Buurenaar." She looked past him to Karath. "I expect you to be waiting for us in the shuttle bay, Admiral." He nodded and rushed off. "He didn't salute," Revan muttered. "I shall have to reprimand him for that."
"Master, I really need to speak with you in private."
"Of course." They moved to an empty briefing room.
As soon as the door closed, Malak turned to her. "Was this your plan all along? Some ridiculous duel?"
"I'd hardly call it ridiculous."
"Mandalore made his way to the top on the bodies of his challengers! This isn't just some poorly-trained grunt."
"I am aware of his skills."
"Then why?"
"Do I really need to explain it? I'm ashamed of you, Malak."
"Please."
"In dejarik, you don't just plan your current move. You plan the next one, and the one after that, and the one after that. That's all that I'm doing."
"I'm afraid I'll need more than that."
Revan sighed and removed her mask. She sat down on the table. "After this war is over, we need massive numbers of people to betray their old allegiances for us. We need to start making ourselves a legend. What better way to do that than to defeat the leader of the Mandalorians in single combat?"
"And what if you fail? What if he kills you in this duel?"
"Then I expect you to take my place." She placed one hand on Malak's arm. "Trust me, Malak. I can do this. Have I ever lost a fight when it counted?"
"It only takes once."
"We need to take this chance." She stood and reattached her mask. "Come on. We'll be leaving soon."
- - - - -
A Mandalorian guard squad was waiting for them when they pulled into the shuttle bay. Revan didn't hesitate before disembarking from the shuttle.
"Jetii Revan," the leader of the team said, stepping forward. "We ask that your companions relinquish their weapons while they are on our ship."
She nodded.
"Master?" Malak said, his hand hovering over his lightsaber.
Revan didn't turn when she spoke. "Malak, you could easily fight your way off this ship unarmed. This is a mere formality."
She could sense that her words shook the Mandalorians somewhat, but they did their best not to show it. Her companions handed over their weapons, though Malak hesitated before giving up his lightsaber.
"Vor entye," the leader of the group said. "Please follow us."
The guards led the Republic group through the ship to a room which had once been a gym. She was impressed with how quickly they were able to convert it into an arena for the purposes of the duel. All of the equipment was pushed to the sides and large collapsible stands had been erected along the walls. A Mandalorian occupied each seat. Revan knew this could only be part of the crew, and she wondered if there were cameras broadcasting this to other areas of the ship.
Mandalore stood in the center of the room, inside of a circle painted on the floor. "Su cuy'gar, Revan! I trust you had no difficulties on your arrival?"
She bowed. "Nayc, Mand'alor. Your people have been very accommodating."
"Ori'jate. Now, I realize that we have yet to determine the conditions of this duel. I propose that we fight simply. You may use your lightsabers, I may use my axe, and no more. No stims, no shields, and none of your Force tricks. Is this acceptable?"
Revan mourned the loss of her Force powers, but she had expected no less. She nodded. "It is."
"There is one other thing. Neither of us is some prancing Echani, so I don't request the removal of your armor, but I would like to look my opponent in the eye as we fight."
Revan's eyes widened. She hadn't considered this possibility. "I... I see. And how important is this to you?"
"Vitally important."
"Are you aware that I have never shown my face in public?"
"I am. I have not done so, either. A fitting end to the war, don't you think?"
"I suppose." She looked around at the masked spectators. "I ask only two things. First, that no record is made or transmitted of this duel, even to other locations on this ship."
Mandalore nodded to one of the people standing near the circle, who stepped back and spoke into his comm. "Done. My crew will have to suffer the silence."
"Thank you. The second is that none present here speak of what they see."
She could hear the curiosity in his voice as he answered. "Very well. Tayli'bac, Mando'ade?"
The affirmative response echoed throughout the room.
Revan turned to look back at Karath. "That goes for you as well, Admiral."
"Yes, sir," he said, snapping off a sharp salute.
"Very well." She reached up and removed her mask. She abruptly wished she'd thought to put on her contacts before coming here, but it was too late. She lowered her hood and looked up, back straight and shoulders back. A whisper ran through the room as they all took in her appearance. She handed her mask back to Malak, not taking her eyes off of Mandalore. "It's done, Mandalore. You know the secret of Revan. I think it's your turn."
He reached up and removed his helmet, revealing his face. Revan had only ever seen the face of a Taung once before, and that had been a dead one. All the same, she knew what to expect. The gray-green skin and bony structure were completely ordinary for his race. His eyes were nearly the same color as hers were now, she noticed. His only distinguishing mark was a large scar that ran across his face. "Well," he said. "I must admit, I didn't expect that, Revan. A very convincing ruse. I never suspected you could be a woman."
"I know."
He smiled, the expression seeming strange on his alien face. "How many know of your true identity?"
"Until now? The entirety of the Jedi council, as well as three of the Jedi in my army."
"Interesting. I see no reason for the deception, but I suppose I never will understand you." He held out his hand, and one of his men handed him a massive axe. It was at least as tall as the Taung. "I would just like to say that it has been a pleasure to fight you, Revan. If you were a Mandalorian, we would have been unstoppable."
Revan drew her lightsabers and ignited them. Twin blades of blue crackled from the ends. "I can say the same for you. It is an honor." She bowed, and Mandalore followed suit. Then the two of them moved into combat stances.
The two fighters circled each other slowly, each studying the other's form. Mandalore rushed forward suddenly, and she rolled to the side. She knew that there was no way she could block one of his strikes, so she needed to remain mobile.
She brought one of her sabers across his torso as she moved, but it only skittered across the surface and created sparks. It would take a lot of work to burn through it enough to cause any serious damage, and she lacked the strength to do much with the force of her blows. His arms and legs were her best shot.
She righted herself and resumed her defensive posture.
"Not bad," he said. "But you can't dodge forever."
He was right. Being on the defensive was unusual for her. She needed to take charge.
She leapt over her opponent, landing behind him and slashing out at his legs with one of her blades. It caught him behind the right knee, but he was able to move away before it could sever the hamstring. She ducked to dodge the swing that he directed at her in response. It caught the top part of her bun, slicing cleanly through. Her hair fell down around her face, and she shook it away.
She knew that Mandalore wouldn't wait before striking again, and rolled away. Sure enough, he brought his axe down in a fierce blow.
As soon as she was upright again, she jumped into the air, driving her lightsabers down towards his body. She realized the move was a mistake almost immediately.
He slid to the side, away from her weapons, then swung his axe in a high arc.
Revan managed to bring one blade up to block the blow, but the power of his strike only batted it away. The axe sliced through to her leg and she finished her fall with an awkward tumble to the ground. She drew on the Dark Side, allowing the pain to fuel her strength. Revan rolled away. She was just in time, though part of her cloak ripped when his axe bit into the floor. A second earlier and it would have been her.
She stood shakily, ignoring the feeling of warm blood trickling down her leg. She shrugged out of her cloak and threw it back, never once looking away from Mandalore.
There was no time to think. She continued to move, striking and springing away to keep him from facing her directly. Her leg shot with pain each time she landed, and more blood flowed from the wound. She nearly tripped once, slipping in the blood that was beginning to coat the ground.
She didn't allow it to slow her down, however. She nearly cut his arm off with one particularly acrobatic spinning jump, but he was faster than he appeared. He managed to duck away, and she landed across the ring.
Mandalore also had his share of near hits. He anticipated a landing of hers and swung his axe towards her. She only barely ducked away from the blade, falling back onto her rear. She turned the movement into a roll and recovered.
She was at a serious disadvantage. She was losing blood, while his wound was neatly cauterized. As much fuel as she gained from the pain, she couldn't fight without blood. She needed to end it soon. Revan sensed her opportunity when Mandalore charged. She flipped into the air.
Mandalore was just recovering from the charge and turning to face her when she swung. He began to raise his axe to block her blades, but it wasn't soon enough. Both blades swung towards him and his eyes widened at the sight of the bright blue beams moving towards his unprotected neck.
The head thumped to the floor and Revan took a deep breath. The room was silent. No one moved. Someone behind her began to clap, and she spun around to face them. It was Malak, a smirk on his face.
"Well done," he said. "Now, shall we contact the ship? I wonder if the battle might be over by now."
"Of course," she said, taking another shaky breath and switching off her lightsabers. She moved back to where Malak stood to retrieve her mask and cloak. Now with her appearance reassembled, she started searching through her belt pouches for a medpac. "Karath, contact the ship and tell them that we have prisoners." Admiral Karath stepped back and began speaking into his communicator. "Whichever of you has my officers' weapons, return them now. We'll also need someone to load Mandalore's body onto our shuttle."
Two Mandalorians approached. One was carrying their weapons, and he passed them back. The other was the one who still held Mandalore's mask. "Please," he said, "allow us to attend to the body."
"I suppose you can have the body," she said, drawing the medpac from her belt and removing a small hypospray of kolto. "All I need is the mask."
The words were loud enough to carry to some of the observers, who gasped. "But," the Mandalorian sputtered, "But the mask is... It's Mand'alor!"
Revan turned to face him. "I defeated him in combat, therefore I am free to take it. There will be no arguments."
The man swallowed, and she held out her hand. He hesitated. She placed a hand on her lightsaber hilt, and he passed over the mask, which she tucked away within her cloak. She looked away from him and injected the kolto into her thigh. The wound would need further medical care, but the shot would close it off and dull the pain, and that was enough for now.
"Sir," Karath said, stepping back towards her. He paused. "Er... ma'am."
"If you call me ma'am again, I will be forced to wound you."
He nodded and swallowed. "Yes, sir. If we go to the bridge, the ship can connect us with a real-time transmission of the battle at Malachor."
"Excellent." She threw aside the hypospray and turned to the man who had held Mandalore's mask. "If you could lead the way?" He nodded, and she addressed the assembled Mandalorians. "Your leader made a deal. Go to your comrades and inform them of the situation. The Republic will be along shortly to take you all. I... suggest... that you do not attempt to escape." She turned back to their reluctant guide. "Lead on."
The trip to the bridge was short, and soon Revan was facing the ship's tactical display. Small red triangles indicated the Mandalorian ships, while green circles stood for the Republic. The Mandalorians still had the advantage of numbers, but Revan knew that meant nothing. As expected, they were clustered around the planet.
"Shall we inform them of Mandalore's death?" Admiral Karath asked.
"No," Revan replied, not taking her eyes from the screen. As she watched, several key Republic ships began to drift away from the planet. The battle was nearing its end, though most of the combatants were completely unaware.
"But the Mandalorians might stand down," he said. "I thought that was the whole reason for this duel."
Revan removed her mask and turned her yellow eyes upon him in a piercing glare. "Do not contact them." She looked back to the screen. "The battle will continue."
"Ravager," Halae's voice issued from the console, directing one of the ships in the battle. "Move to position Besh-4. A group of Mandalorians is trying to break through the lines there."
"Acknowledged. Moving to position," the captain replied.
Revan followed the line of the Ravager and studied the small triangles it was to intercept. They were hardly a real threat. Halae was shifting their forces away from the supposed range of the weapon. The Ordinance, and therefore Halae, was still within the Mass Shadow Generator's reach, though beyond the false range that Halae had originally been told. As they watched, it began to slowly move back.
"They're preparing for the final strike," Malak said, stepping up next to Revan.
"Yes," she said, not taking her eyes off the display.
"Do you suppose Dira is still on the planet?"
"It's possible." A large part of her hoped that the woman had escaped by now, but she thought it unlikely. "It looks like something is about to happen."
Halae's ship was still not far enough out that it would be spared, but it was close.
Her voice was heard again. "This is General Jasra. All Republic ships, retreat! Get as far away from the planet as you can!"
"What?" Revan hissed. "She's tipping off the Mandalorians!"
The ships began to move instantly, pulling away. To no great surprise, the Mandalorians did the same.
"Damn it," Halae said softly. Revan imagined that she'd forgotten the speakers were on. "No time."
There followed what felt like an eternity of silence. The ships continued to move, and Halae's own vessel crossed the invisible line of safety. Revan was torn between relief and frustration at this. Then the destruction began.
Revan fell to her knees as the feeling of the deaths reached her. Her mind was filled with the screams and terror of the thousands who were shredded or crushed in the moment of the device's activation. Those who didn't die instantly cried out in fear of the chaos around them. Revan's head felt as if it would explode, and every nerve in her body screamed in agony. She drew on the Dark Side to help shield her from the worst of the pain, and the death fueled her strength. She stood again and watched the screen.
Starting from the center point of the planet, the symbols for ships began to vanish. The wave traveled fast, moving quickly to the point where Halae had been told it would end. Then it pushed past.
As it spread, fewer and fewer ships were pulled in and destroyed. It still bore some force, however, as it reached the final estimated range. Several more ships winked out.
The Ordinance was gone.
The computer began to run up estimates of casualties. Revan had to look away. She turned to Malak.
"It's done," she said.
"It looks like she didn't make it," he said. "Despite your final interference."
Revan didn't answer.
He continued to study the screen. "Wait... some of the ships are coming back online."
"What?" Revan whipped around and stared at the screen. Sure enough, some of the ships on the fringes of the blast were transmitting again. "The wave must have caused some temporary interference."
She watched the spot where Halae's ship had disappeared, ignoring the chatter as confused voices called for help. One voice cut through the cacophony of the rest to draw Revan's attention.
"Mayday," Halae shouted, and Revan could hear pain in her voice. "Forces at Malachor have been decimated! Surviving ships are badly damaged and in need of medical assistance! By the Force, get us some medics!"
Revan's finger hovered over the comm button. What could she say? She stepped back and nodded to Karath. "Tell them that help is on the way. Then send the rest of the forces in this sector to them. Medical teams are a priority."
"Yes, sir," he said, stepping up to the comm.
Revan put her mask back on. The war was over. Her plan had worked. Now she had only to deal with the aftermath.
Chapter 6: The Aftermath
Revan saw to it that the medical teams reached Halae's ship first. More than a few members of the crew were dead, though Halae was only injured. The teams arrived to find her desperately working to save the life of a tech, ignoring her own wounds. It was only once he was stabilized that Halae allowed herself to be transferred to one of the medical ships.
Revan knew which ship it was, but she couldn't bring herself to visit. She didn't go to any of them. She'd sent those people to their deaths; to comfort them now felt like spitting in their face. She limited herself to obsessively reading reports of Halae's recovery.
She was surprised at how slow her friend was progressing. Halae was a skilled healer in her own right, and was capable of entering a very potent healing trance. None of the reports bore any mention of this. Was she somehow punishing herself?
When she wasn't studying Halae's reports, Revan was busy planning what to do with the rest of the fleet. She still needed some way to escape and search for the Star Forge. The solution appeared upon analyzing the records of the battle, which showed remnants of the Mandalorian fleet escaping into the Unknown Regions. The senate viewed her as a messiah for killing Mandalore and ending the war, and was more than happy to approve her plans to chase after them. No one would notice when she and Malak disappeared.
She was working on troop deployments for the Unknown Regions when Malak entered her room.
"Do you ever plan on knocking?" she asked, not looking up from her console.
"No," he said. He sat down on the edge of her desk. "I found something interesting when I was studying the casualty lists."
"A depressing hobby."
"I just thought someone should, and since you haven't done it yet..." When she didn't respond, he continued. "I found two unexpected names."
Revan stayed silent.
He continued on. "The first was Dira Rimora."
"Halae put her there. We can't find anything to indicate that she managed to escape before the destruction began."
"But we don't know."
Revan glared up at him. "No. We don't. However, if she is alive, then she hasn't contacted us, which means she doesn't want anyone to know where she is. I just thought that proclaiming her dead would be appreciated."
He nodded. "I can see that."
"Good." She looked back to her console. "Now will you let me get back to work? I have a lot of work to do before we leave."
"There's still the second name." Revan stiffened. "Mala Noor."
A thousand different comments flew through her head. Each sounded more stupid than the last. "So?"
"You're looking remarkably fresh for a dead woman." Revan ignored the joke, and Malak sobered. "Halae will see this, you know. She probably already has."
Revan leaned back from the computer. "She had to find out eventually. Why not now?"
"You'll never be able to speak to anyone as yourself again."
Revan shrugged. "What else is new? Our lives are changing. How many of our old friends will want to chat with Darth Revan and Darth Malak?"
Now Malak seemed to be the one with no response. He shifted his position slightly. "Have you been to see her?"
"No. You?"
He shook his head. "I can't."
"I would tell you off for that, but... you know. Pot. Kettle." Revan smiled, though it was weak. "If you want an excuse not to go, I can put you to work."
"Please."
"I want you to start looking for any archaeological records of structures similar to the Dantooine ruins. Just in case we don't find anything useful there."
"I'm sure we will," Malak said, standing. "After all, the Force is on our side." He walked briskly from the room and the door shut behind him.
"I hope so."
- - - - -
Revan didn't stop watching after Halae's progress. Because of that, it came as quite the surprise to both Revan and Malak when Halae entered her quarters.
Revan immediately ducked behind her terminal, hoping to hide her eyes. Her contacts were in their case on the other side of the room.
"I didn't realize you'd been released," Revan said. She quickly closed out the map of Dantooine that she had been studying.
"I know," Halae said. Revan had to look up when she heard her voice. It was quiet and hoarse, and there was a quality to it that she couldn't place. She'd never heard Halae sound like that before.
Something was horribly wrong. Not something physical, though her arm was still in a sling. All living beings had a connection to the Force, no matter how weak. Halae had none.
"Malak," Halae said. "May I speak to Mala alone?"
"Of course," he said, bowing to Revan as he left.
"So." Halae sat down on the edge of the bed. Revan studied her as best she could while attempting to hide her yellow eyes, and was not pleased with what she saw. Halae's normally bright and energetic expression had fallen. It was as if everything about her had been dimmed. What happened?
"How are you feeling?" Revan asked.
"I think I'm still a little shell shocked. I wasn't expecting it to be that bad."
Revan peeked out from her console further. Halae's eyes were downcast. "And your injuries?"
"Minor, really. I... I couldn't heal them. The force of all of those deaths is still weighing too heavily on me. I don't know how long it will be before I recover."
"You'll manage."
Halae nodded. "Did you hear about the council?"
"You mean that they're calling for our return? Yes. They think that just because Mandalore is dead, we're no longer needed out here."
"Is it true?"
"The threat is still out there." That was true, and vague enough that she wouldn't question it. "I'm going to pursue the Mandalorians that escaped."
"I heard." Halae was still staring at the floor. "Is this what war is? So much death, and then hardly any break at all before you go chasing after an enemy who is already beaten, just in case they can hit you in their death throes?"
Revan thought long and hard about that question before answering. "Yes."
Halae nodded to the floor. "I remember the early days. Back when we were just thinking of leaving. Do you remember how worked up we would get over the council's inaction? We were so passionate."
It pained Revan to hear her friend using that flat tone, her face expressionless. She was never like this. "I still am," Revan said firmly.
Halae shook her head. "I can't keep doing this, Mala. It's too much for me. I'm going back to the Jedi."
"They'll punish you for leaving."
"I'll deserve far worse."
"Don't say that."
"You saw what happened to the fleet at Malachor. I did that."
"Only because I ordered you to. Besides, for every life that was taken there were thousands more saved."
"That isn't how it works. Those people are still dead, I still did it, and I deserve all of the punishment which comes as a result."
If Halae was returning to the Jedi, they would eventually clash. A very large part of her wanted to kill the woman now, to save the trouble later. She had yet to fall so far to the Dark Side for that to be an easy decision, however. She studied the frail, broken woman before her. Revan closed her eyes.
"If that's what you want to do, I won't stop you."
"Thank you. I... I wondered if you would."
So did I.
"We had a good run," Revan said, mostly just to fill the silence.
Halae nodded. "We did."
"When are you leaving?" Revan asked.
"Today. After I leave you here." Halae finally raised her eyes to meet her friend's, and Revan resisted the urge to look away. She wanted to look into those beautiful blue eyes once more before she left. Their brightness was dimmed, but there was still an echo of the warmth that had once filled them. "You... Mala is gone, isn't she?"
The words were like a shock to Revan. She hadn't thought of it like that. Mala Noor was officially dead, yes, but some part of her still considered that to only be the official version. Was she still Mala, though? She searched within herself, and found herself unable to lie to those piercing eyes.
"Yes."
Halae nodded. "I was afraid of that."
Revan wanted to say something. She wanted to comfort her old friend, to tell her that she was still the same girl that would sneak out of her room at night so that they could play in the caves. She wanted to tell her not to leave. She wanted to tell her that all of this was for a good cause. She couldn't.
Halae stood. "Goodbye. We... may never meet again."
Revan nodded, her tongue stilled by the lies between them.
Halae reached out with her unbound hand, but froze before she could complete the gesture. Without another word, she walked out. The door shut on the closest friendship that either woman ever had.
"Goodbye."
-The End-