[FIC]Heart of Deception

[CSI]

Another very, very great chapter. I have nothing to complain about it...

[Diego Varen]

Another very, very great chapter. I have nothing to complain about it...

 

Me neither. We'll let igyman do that. Good Chapter as always JM12 and I'm looking foward to more.

[igyman]

Nah, I've got nothing. This was truly flawless.

[JediMaster12]

Thanks guys. I hope you caught the slight attraction that my newest character feels for my resident scoundrel. The next chapter I will come out and say that it was inspired by the movie Rocky III and the scene that discusses fear. It is particularly important since it concerns a final confrontation between Atton and his past. You also get so see some glimpses into Kiera's character as well...

 

Chapter 35

I’m going to get the Old Man for this, the thought ran through Kirabaros’ mind as he struggled to awaken from the powerful sedative that Jolee had injected him with. His amber eyes were clouded as they opened to a light overhead. If Kirabaros had been anyone else, he would have thought it was the white light a person greets at death. He had the sense to know that he was in a med bay, just where, he had no idea. He shifted his eyes around and surveyed the room as far as he could see.

 

The room was rather small but then again so was the ship. It smelt of disinfectant though Jolee would say otherwise and he could make out the panels necessary to create medpacs and the like. As he explored with his drug-induced haze, he was aware that the screeching and the noise had softened to a dull and the pain in his neck from the injections were gone. Feeling satisfied at his observations, he slowly sat up. His ruminations were interrupted by a gruff voice saying, “Glad to see that you are up sonny. Now maybe you can explain a few things.”

 

Kirabaros turned towards the door to see Jolee standing there with his arms crossed. He grinned and replied, “I guess I owe an apology to the old man for getting out of retirement to come and rescue me.”

 

“You keep quiet with the jokes there, sonny. After that lively display of insanity I want to know exactly what happened to you on that ship,” Jolee responded rather stern.

 

Kirabaros knew this was serious. He had a tendency to forget that he dealt with trauma as a joke and his friends didn’t see it that way. Of course they didn’t have to live with childhood memories of torture but he never held that against him. He gave a sigh before replying with, “Do you really want to know?”

 

Jolee could see that Kirabaros wasn’t intending to be funny with the question. Jolee remembered when he was captured by the Leviathan and endured the interrogation process. It wasn’t a pleasant thing but he had to know. He replied, “What did they do to you sonny?”

 

“The usual: the threats, the torture, whatever it takes to reveal what they want to know.” Kirabaros looked away to gaze at a particularly interesting panel, “That and Draconis injected something that causes me to hallucinate.”

 

“Yes that was made clear after that interesting exhibit on the way out.”

 

“It made me remember things. Things that I have long buried.” Kirabaros began to look disturbed. He disliked feeling vulnerable and he reacted to it in not a pleasant manner. He closed his eyes and the memory of the Blood King drenched in blood passed through his mind along with flashes of death in general. It was a joke amongst the tribesmen that Kirabaros saw death everywhere and even he laughed about it. Now it was haunting him much like his dreams. True that the sedatives dampened the effects but it didn’t stop it. He looked at Jolee with a pleading look.

 

Jolee saw the look of desperation, the plea for help. He always knew Kirabaros to be someone too stubborn to ask for help but this time he was. The one time that he was asking for it, Jolee didn’t know how to give it. Instead he replied, “That’s war for you sonny. You never get over it,” and sat next to Kirabaros.

 

“You can’t get over things that nearly killed you either, things that should have killed you but didn’t,” Kirabaros replied looking at the ground. He remembered that attack in the enclave where Cronus was killed but it was mingled with those that he cared about being killed amongst those that he knew then. It was maddening and it terrified him for he couldn’t tell vision from memory.

 

“Kid, I don’t know how many times you have brushed with death since I met you. Some of those things should have killed you but they didn’t,” Jolee picked up on his train of thought. Saying that made him think that whatever it was they injected him with would have probably destroyed a normal Jedi. “This is probably one of those times.”

 

Kirabaros said nothing but continued to stare at the floor. He would have gone on staring in complete silence if Mission hadn’t poked her head into the med bay. Jolee asked, “What is it lass?”

 

“Just came in to say that we will arriving at Amshrey in two days and my watch is up,” Mission gave a thumb back and leaned in the doorway. Her lekku twitched to indicate her impatience at Jolee.

 

Jolee sighed, “Fine, fine. This youngsters have no respect for their elders.” He was still muttering as he disappeared around the bend towards the cockpit to take over.

 

Mission watched him leave and said to Kirabaros in a conspiratorial whisper, “He’s an old married woman.”

 

Kirabaros couldn’t resist a chuckle. He coughed to keep it from becoming a full-blown laugh. He replied, “He’s tougher than he looks.” He then looked at Mission and added, “Thanks Mission.”

 

“No problem,” Mission replied with a smile on her face. As quick as the smile appeared, it dropped out of sight. She inched her way forward and asked, “You all right?”

 

“Yes and no.” Then seeing that she was going to pursue the subject, Kirabaros added, “I don’t know.”

 

“Hey, you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. Revan didn’t remember anything about being a dark lord and that’s not her any more.”

 

“Mission, I don’t think that has anything to do with this,” Kirabaros began.

 

“Then what? Because you keeping secrets from everyone doesn’t help matters any.” Mission had made her way inside the med bay. Her lekku was twitching with impatience mingled with concern.

 

“What do you want to know?” Kirabaros asked. His head was pounding for the occasional hallucination was going through his head. He hid his discomfort by using his hand to brush his hair away, a futile gesture at most.

 

“Why were you captured and what did they do to you?” Mission was quick to ask.

 

“Because of the kids and he did something,” Kirabaros replied but not being clear. Seeing that Mission was getting annoyed, he sighed and made to explain his thoughts. He didn’t get far for a vision or a hallucination gripped him. He winced in pain and gripped his head at his temples. He stood up; unaware that Mission was gripping him to steady him. His eyes were open and wide in shock, terror and pain.

 

Mission saw him grab his head and became frightened. She pushed it side as she reached out to try and shake Kirabaros and get him to focus. He was groaning from whatever he was seeing and his eyes were wide open. She kept asking him what he was seeing and what was wrong. When she turned him to face her, he looked at her but not at her before squeezing his eyes shut and nearly shouting, “No!” The next thing she was doing was catching Kirabaros as he tried to sit back on the bunk and nearly fell on Mission as she reached out to steady him.

 

 

Atton had worse. After being in the company of Darius and later Kirabaros, he could shake off causal injuries. This time however, it just hurt more. Mainly it was because he had to face someone who willingly followed him when he used to kill Jedi. It brought back bad memories and the familiar self-loathing that Kirabaros at one time told him fiercely to get rid of.

 

They were standing on the shore of the Chinooka River before Atton was to return to Coruscant to carry out his new duties as a Jedi. Kirabaros was tossing some fry bread mixed with rice into the river when Atton walked up and asked, “Something up?”

 

Kirabaros tossed another handful in before saying, “You still carry much guilt.”

 

“Look who’s talking,” Atton retorted getting defensive.

 

“I’ve learned to let it go but this is not about me,” Kirabaros calmly replied, “In order for you to face the challenges that will come your way, you have to let it all go.”

 

“Look, it’s bad enough that I have to leave Morgan here…”

 

“I am not speaking of that but rather of your past activities,” Kirabaros turned to look Atton in the eye. “They have held you back and I suspect create a desperate need to live.”

 

Atton squirmed slightly for this reminded him of when Kreia crawled into his head a wrestled out his secrets. He began to flush and wanted to turn tail and run but was held by Kirabaros’ calm and reassuring hand. Kirabaros then said, “There will come a time when you will have to face that which you have done. You have to be able to battle it by believing that you have changed, believe in yourself.”

 

“What do you mean?” Atton asked.

 

“We all have to face our pasts. It’s what you do then that defines who you are. For you to succeed, you have to let the guilt go away so that you have no excuses should you fail,” Kirabaros replied.

 

“I admit that I am afraid,” Atton replied, turning away.

 

“Don’t carry that fear around inside of you. Let it go,” Kirabaros responded before turning back to the river to continue tossing fry bread and rice into the river. “May the gods grant a safe journey home.”

 

Atton thought about that day he spent in Kirabaros’ company. He then wondered if that conversation had been the result of a vision. Next to Revan, he was the only one who knew that sometimes Kirabaros received such visions through the Force. Everyone else thought that they were ramblings or something. That caused Atton to wonder why they had to keep running and hiding. It had been two years since the great evil had been defeated but it was like Kirabaros was still running from a shadow and no one knew why. Not even Michaela though she knew more than most people.

 

Atton couldn’t think more when he felt the sting of antibiotics on his ribcage. He turned to find the strange woman who helped him escape applying whatever it was to his ribs. Michaela had gone to the cockpit after scolding him mildly about being careful. The funny thing was that she was much younger than he and should have been more respectful but her excuse was that she lived with a warrior. He looked at the woman and studied her.

 

She was a pretty woman with ivory skin that was tanned. Her hair was a dark brown tinged with reddish streaks as if they had been bleached. She wore a short dark brown jacket over a black tube top. Her holster was slung low over her hips that were hugged in tight black pants that met with her boots. She was short but she was strong for she nearly pulled his arm out of the socket when she yanked him up the stairs.

 

Kiera was aware of how much the Jedi was studying her. She suspected that he wasn’t always a Jedi from the way he was staring at her. She decided to get him focused by applying a little more pressure to the rake to his ribs. Satisfied at the grunt he gave, she smiled and asked, “So, why were the three of you at Nar Shaddaa?”

 

“Heard about the call for bounty hunters and we needed the credits,” Atton uttered the lie.

 

His reward was another sting. Kiera said, “Sithspit first lie. You want to try again?”

 

“Fine,” Atton conceded, “We were there on a mission for a friend.” It was a partial truth but he wasn’t sure of whether or not to trust this woman.

 

“And you dropped right into a nest of gundarks and the guy in charge of hiring knows you. At least that’s a start, Jedi,” and Kiera applied the last of the antiseptic and threw Atton’s shirt at him. She turned to leave but not before she added, “By the way, your friend Michaela filled me in.”

 

Atton said nothing but watched her leave. He fumbled into his tunic while grumbling about her. Finished, he made his way to the main hold where Michaela was sitting at the communications console. He tapped her shoulder just as she was finished and asked, “What’s up with the new girl?”

 

Michaela had switched to a data console and was examining data when she answered, “She has joined us. I told her everything worth mentioning.”

 

“Kirabaros?”

 

“No,” Michaela scrolled through her data, “Only that we were trying to prevent a war. Nothing more.”

 

Atton nodded and made to turn away to relieve Rowan in the cockpit for a few hours. He was stopped when Michaela spoke up, “You didn’t banish it. You were not ready to face him yet.”

 

Atton turned to look at her. All he saw was her back but he asked just the same, “What did you say?”

 

Michaela turned to face him. She looked him in the eye and repeated, “You weren’t ready. You still carry that fear inside you.”

 

“What do you know about that?”

 

“I know nothing except what your personal signature in the Force tells me,” Michaela explained. “He is not the only one who can sense these things.”

 

“Maybe so but that doesn’t give you the right to pry into my head,” Atton was getting indignant.

 

“I did no such thing Atton.” Michaela stood up to her full height. “Or should I say Jaq?”

 

“That is not my name!”

 

Michaela softened her voice, “I know that. What I am saying is that the more you hide, the more the fear and the guilt grows. I think she once said that it squirms like a worm inside of you.” She paused to scan Atton’s features. She could see the anger and sense the feelings of violation. She continued, “He said to let it go. Don’t let this past dictate who you are.”

 

Atton had been schooling his rage at mentioning of his past till it became nothing more than a dying ember. Feeling that he could control his voice he said, “I knew him. I was him.”

 

“I know,” Michaela replied softly.

 

“I taught him things I knew but not all. I taught him to kill Jedi.” Atton was then struck with a realization. He said, “He was the one who shot at Kirabaros.”

 

“I know.” Michaela sat back down. “Atton, we all have our demons. This race of deception leads to only one course, the facing of those demons.”

 

“How and when?”

 

Michaela shrugged her shoulders. She then replied, “They are heading to Amshrey so he’s all right. We are heading to Tatooine since we are low on some supplies and it is fairly close.”

 

“The girl?”

 

“A comrade fighting the same cause.”

 

‘Tatooine?”

 

“Tatooine.”

[CSI]

Another good chapter. I like it. Nothing to comment on, for now.

[Diego Varen]

Another good chapter. I like it. Nothing to comment on, for now.

 

Agreed, although it was nice to see some of Kreia's past. She is one of my favourite characters. Looking foward to more.

[igyman]

Good chapter, keep up the good work. Sorry for not providing a better comment, but I'm really tired and I can barely think.

[JediMaster12]

Thanks for the comments. I was trying to show the friendship that Kirabaros has with Atton. It becomes important for later adventures after this fic. I just wanted to point out that the rice being thrown into the water is an old Japanese custom. It was done to wish the travelers a safe journey home. It is symbolic in that Atton has to make a journey and Kirabaros is wishing it to be safe since he won't be there to tell him.

 

You know I am surprised you guys don't see that. Then again I don't notice how powerful it is until after I read the chapter.

 

Well that said and done I have another chapter for you. There is action and reflection. On a side note the action scene was inspired by the fight scene in The Mummy Returns since the action was crisp and the like. Well enjoy...

 

Chapter 36

Tulre was busy with the blade on his lap. He held a welding tool in one hand and some sort pick in his mouth. He ignored the sounds of the clashing blades in the practice ring as he put the finishing touches on the blade edge he was working on. Morgan was helping him by handing tools and upgrades that he fixed when he needed them after they were scanned by T3. The boys had welcomed the droid with hugs after the adults were out of sight and the droid warbled at them with the same enthusiasm and inquired after any help they needed.

 

It almost seemed like home but it was dampened by the fact that Revan had not recognized either of the boys. Even after giving her various blades to practice with, it was obvious that her mind was elsewhere. Tulre didn’t let his disappointment show as he fixed the blade that had broken the day before. Occasionally he would lift his head to watch his Aunt Reva practice with one of the blades that he made. It made him proud that the ones he made lasted longer than the ones that the other swords smith made but he would never voice that. Pride was cautioned against, even more so when it concerned the Jedi.

 

Joran was the swords smith in the hamachi but he was a malcontent old man. For many years he had strove to become a maiko but it never happened. He made good blades and Mamesa encouraged him to continue that line of trade. He noticed that Tulre and Morgan were good with their hands and asked the okâsan to let them enter a term of apprenticeship. He had them for three months and had a further five days with them. He tried getting Mamesa to extend it but she was adamant about the original contract. In the end he piled the work on the boys but they bested him by having it done. So while they were helping the participants in the Shaak Ti, he hid himself in his hut and worked on separating the ores, leaving the boys alone.

 

Tulre knew of this and plunged into his work. Finished, he and Morgan sat and watched as Revan and Caelos stood off in a makeshift dueling circle. The warriors had been practicing for the past day and Dustil shown some impressive skill and was able to best his father, who admitted that he was better as a marksman. Caelos was undefeated so far. Having been raised as an Avalonian from birth, he grew up with a sword in his hand, as the saying goes. He managed to beat everyone else. Today was his turn with Revan.

 

The two faced off in the ring with their blades drawn. When Yasha, the ‘referee,’ clapped his hands together, they turned away from each other into a pose. At the call to begin, both combatants turned rapidly and began swinging. No sound was made except for the grunts of the combatants and the clangs of the blades against each other. Caelos had speed and flexibility on his side and Revan had experience. It was a good match and all the maiko stopped from their practice to watch.

 

Caelos backpedaled quite a bit and stayed on the back foot. Kirabaros had taught him to hold his own and wait and see what his opponent would do. He held against Revan fairly well though her strikes and parries were powerful and could be felt down his arms when her blade clashed with his. In a quick move, he locked his blade with Revan’s and spun behind her. His right hand clasped he right wrist and he tried to wrench her other hand behind her.

 

Revan countered by bring her leg straight up a kneeing Caelos in the face. She gave a slight grin when she heard him grunt at point of contact. She then turned around to face him and swung in a downward arc towards his knees.

 

Caelos was ready for her and blocked. He brought her sword around and locked it to the ground. He countered her punch by blocking it with his free hand and locked his hand on her wrist. With a twist, he flipped her over onto her back while freeing her sword so that it fell a few inches from her outstretched hand. Oblivious to the polite clapping from the maiko Caelos looked at Revan and said in Avalonian, “Get up. The Shaak Ti cannot be won by you lying there.”

 

Revan responded by flipping forward, an amazing feat considering that she hadn’t really been up to date in terms of training. Anyone who was casually watching would have thought it normal since she didn’t appear to be a woman of some thirty years. She twirled her blade in which Caelos responded in a similar manner until they paused into a pose. She led off with a thrust, which he blocked. She then gave off a series of parries and thrusts, trying to get inside. When Caelos came in with a thrust, she sidestepped and grabbed his sword hand. With her blade, she knocked his out of his hand. Falling in motion, she spun him away.

 

Caelos used his momentum to flip to the edge of the circle where he grabbed a staff. He twirled it and looked at Revan with the unspoken challenge in his eye. He was pleased when Revan threw her own blade into an old table and assumed a fighting stance. Caelos tossed her the staff he had and grabbed another and immediately came forward and twirled it. Not a word was spoken as the wood clunked against each other. It was punctuated by Revan grunting with her swings. She was at a disadvantage since she hadn’t had much practice with a staff like weapon. She lost her staff when Caelos managed an upward hook swing that sent it flying. She countered by managing to grab Caelos’ staff but he flipped her over onto her back and placed the end of his staff near her throat. He smiled at her and spoke in Basic, “You’re good Revan. I think you’ll give ‘em hell at the Shaak Ti,” and moved to help her up.

 

Tulre and Morgan had watched the entire thing and were impressed with the whole thing. Morgan said, “I wish I were big enough to enter.”

 

“Me too,” Tulre agreed.

 

“I bet you would make it into the top ten,” Morgan replied.

 

“Sure,” Tulre answered. “I’m good but not that good. Besides Mamesa says that it is unbecoming of an apprentice maiko.”

 

“But we are not…” Morgan began.

 

“Not what,” a voice interrupted them.

 

The boys jumped to face Carth who was amused at their reaction. When they didn’t answer, he asked again, “You aren’t what? Maiko?” He then kneeled next to them so he could whisper to them, “You are not maiko but you are missed.” He smiled at them and went to greet his wife who was taking her licks from the lighthearted jabs of the maiko.

 

Tulre and Morgan watched as Carth walked away. Some how their day just became brighter. At least one person knew who they were and it meant a lot more to them than anything in the world. Morgan smiled as he raced off to get his pack. He was to go into the settlement and pick up some more power cells for Tulre.

 

 

Lady Mara was not a cruel woman. Indeed she tried to make concessions for everyone to the best of her ability. Even a person with a vast store of patience has limits. After the fiasco during in the Senate, she couldn’t stand the presence of arrogant Republics. True that there were those who were sympathetic and supported Avalon and they weren’t classed with the others but the accusations were an insult to the integrity of the Avalonian people. She wasn’t going to take it any more.

 

As soon as she and the senator left, she immediately cut all trade to the Republic except the sympathizers. The effects were immediately felt and the retaliation began. In one day there were reports of revolts against the Avalonians as they pulled out. Some were gravely injured but Lady Mara didn’t respond with violence. That was not the Avalonian way. It wasn’t until the reports of an unprovoked attack on a camp in the Yavin system that she ordered the fleet and the ground troops to mobilize. It was because of that she was called to the Chancellor’s office to explain the unusual activity.

 

“Lady Mara, you do understand that I am a supporter of Avalon being a member of the Republic?” the Chancellor asked.

 

“I do Chancellor,” Lady Mara replied, “That is why those systems that support our inclusion have not been affected.”

 

“Your quarantine affects everyone,” the Chancellor countered.

 

“It is unfortunate and true but after seeing what the other members of the Republic think of us, I cannot help but wonder if it was wise in the first place.” Mara didn’t want to admit it but that very remark spoke of doubt in Kirabaros since he began this.

 

“My Lady,” the Chancellor began.

 

“Chancellor, I understand that there are bound to be disagreements. All the senators try to balance their own ideals with what is good for the people and that often is a basis for disagreement. However, to openly insult Avalon’s representative, therefore insulting us as a whole, questioning our very existence, it hurts,” Lady Mara looked across the desk at the Chancellor. She could see the desperate plea in his eyes, begging her to not be so harsh, to end this by leaving well alone and take the kicks as they come.

 

“Insults must be taken as they come,” the Chancellor admitted. He hoped that the Lady Governor of Avalon would see that he wanted her to back down. He didn’t want another war as much as she but her persistence in wounding the Republic like this was taking it a bit too far in his mind.

 

“You mean take it lying down,” Mara clarified.

 

“If that is how you see it,” the Chancellor replied. “There are some battles that you can’t fight at the moment. Pick and choose them.”

 

“I can’t do that,” Mara looked at the Chancellor. The regret was plain in her eyes. “You cannot ask me to ignore this and I cannot ignore it.”

 

“Why?”

 

Lady Mara studied the surface of the desk before looking at the Chancellor. “We are proud people, much like any other. We believe in acceptance based on the deeds one does. What the one you call Darth Revan, we have never met that person. The Revan we see and live with is a loving, caring wife and mother who is devoted to the Jedi Order though not all its principles. You say that Kirabaros is a legend. He is a man who has done a great service by first uniting the dissident people within our own system before bringing us to the Republic.”

 

“So you do this because of them?” the Chancellor asked.

 

“We have done this because they are a part of our people, our way of life. It makes us who we are. I think some of your senators forget that,” Mara replied softly. She then got up and with a rustle of skirts, made her way to the door. Before exiting, she paused to face the Chancellor. She said, “We bear you no ill will but we must protect that which is a part of us,” and she turned and left, leaving the Chancellor watching her retreating figure.

 

The Chancellor sat down and remained in his seat until Admiral Keegan came in. The first words out of Keegan’s mouth were, “Well, are they going to back down?”

 

“No,” the Chancellor replied, “They are going to continue their selective trading.”

 

“The biggest bunch of hypocrites and traitors if I ever saw one,” Keegan spat with such vehemence that the Chancellor glanced at him with surprise mingled with suspicion.

 

“Perfectly within their providence,” he cautiously replied.

 

“So you are going to let them do whatever they want without any regard for our laws?” Keegan questioned the Chancellor.

 

“The Republic more or less doesn’t exist out in the Outer Rim yet we still have merchants coming from there,” the Chancellor stated a fact. He was suspicious at Keegan’s bursts of anger towards the Avalonian.

 

“So they are above the law? You can’t allow that. The Jedi already do that and it wouldn’t do to have the Avalonians be in the same rank,” Keegan countered, “They have been lying us from day one trying to get more concessions.”

 

“Possibly but now I must go. I have a meeting with a committee,” the Chancellor allowed, uttering the lie to be out of Keegan’s presence. He needed time alone to think so he politely showed Keegan out. Out of Keegan’s presence, he decided to head towards his favorite spot. They said that he was welcome to come as often as he wished. To him that was proof that the Jedi were not the animals that Keegan believed them to be. He was met along the way by one of the lieutenants that acted as a courier between him and Admiral Dodonna. The courier handed him a datapad over which he frowned over the rest of the way there.

 

 

“Milady, if we mobilize, we risk getting into armed conflict with the Republic,” Senator Amstar was saying to Lady Mara in the privacy of the apartment.

 

“We have no choice. The Republic must see that we will fight to preserve our way of life, the one that he brought us,” Lady Mara replied.

 

“I seriously doubt that he would want us to go to war over this,” the senator countered.

 

“He would want us to share our ways. Not change them because they appear strange to the republic,” Mara retorted. Her temper was starting to flare a bit. “To join was probably not the wisest of ideas.”

 

“Do you doubt him?” Senator Amstar queried.

 

Lady Mara regretted what she said. She turned and placed a hand over her eyes as if she had a headache. “No, not him.” She turned to face the senator and said, “I don’t doubt him but I doubt his faith in the Republic. After what I have seen, I cannot help but determine if he had been misled.”

 

“What if one of our own has betrayed us?”

 

“How so?” Mara asked interested.

 

“Who else knows about our laws in detail? Whoever it was could have fed it to that admiral that despises us and hates the Jedi,” the senator replied. “This could not merely be a troublemaking person.”

 

“No. This is about revenge,” Lady Mara looked at the senator. “The forces that attacked the settlements on Yavin IV. The reports said that they were composed of mainly Outcasts but also there were bounty hunters and mercenaries amongst their numbers.”

 

“Traditionally traitors have used the Outcasts for they are driven solely by a lust for revenge,” the senator added.

 

“Before he left for Coruscant, Kirabaros said that they had been attacked by bounty hunters, one who especially was skilled at tracking Jedi,” Mara thought allowed. She had begun pacing with her hand to her chin.

 

“He has had many enemies since he ended the segregation and he has made many strange requests…”

 

“Very clever,” Mara mused not entirely listening. She turned towards the senator and said, “We will continue as planned. We will defend our settlements.”

 

Senator Amstar watched with a look of astonishment as Lady Mara sauntered to her bedroom. Somehow she thought that Mara hadn’t heard a word that was said. She wondered if Mara had become as narrow minded as some of the senators.

[Diego Varen]

Another good Chapter as always JM12.

[igyman]

You know I am surprised you guys don't see that.

Don't be. I rarely notice those things. The only thing I did notice is what's so obvious that there isn't a person in the world who wouldn't notice it - that you have incorporated elements of Japanese culture into your Avalonian society and into this story and you have done so extremely well.

As for this chapter, again great work. I enjoyed the Chancellor and Lady Mara dialogue, it emphasizes the traits of the Avalonians, but also adds a little mystery when future events are concerned.

[JediMaster12]

Thanks for the comments guys.

 

The emphasis on the traits is what was going through my mind on how AValonians should be. They are the kind of people that can inspect a situation and the are not the kind to back down easily. These traits are actually part of one of my characters for another story I am writing besides my archaeology story except this one is about a dead Naval officer who recounts his experiences from the dead through his granddaughter as they relate to her life. As you can see it is reflective of my nature; I prefer the internal examination thing.

 

As to the Japanese culture mingled into Avalonian culture, it is comingled with ideas from Buddhism and Confucianism, many Oriental cultures. The segregation and the camps and townships that were briefly mentioned here and are in detail in HotG are from South African history. Mostly I saw the Avalonians as a deep thinking people who write poetry and practice a code of honor with the sword. The code of the samurai always inspired me.

 

Anyway, thanks again for being loyal readers. I will have a new chapter up just as soon as I finish thirty-nine.

[JediMaster12]

Well here it is another chapter. I know it's a long story but when you have many subplots coming together it takes up a lot of space. To hold the suspense, it contains the answer to igyman's questions about the Blood King and maybe a few predictions of what's to come.

 

I'll just say it I am making the manuscript fly again over your eager heads.

 

Chapter 37

The fires were burning as members of both sides were driven by the power of the temples. Each side fought with fury, bent on destroying one another. The rivers of blood flowed everywhere. The once life giving rivers were now stained with blood killing everything. The fires burned with an intense heat and the bodies stared out of their lifeless eyes.

 

Kirabaros stood in the middle of the field. The smoke swirled about him as Outcasts, mercs and bounty hunters ran past him to meet the Bushida warriors. He walked as the mortars exploded around him, gazing at the dead and the dying. He continued walking, following this shadow that led him deep into the thick smoke into a clearing. There was fighting on both sides as they clashed and the rivers of blood flowed freely but it didn’t affect Kirabaros as he walked freely between the bodies and the chaos. The shadow that he had been following stood clearly in front of him, grinning as if he had been waiting for him.

 

The Blood King stood his full height, the height of classic Avalonian, and grinned a sardonic grin at Kirabaros. He said, “Once again we meet at the field of battle. Such is the destiny of people such as us.”

 

Kirabaros, against his better judgment, responded, “The future comes of its own accord.”

 

The Blood King chuckled, “The words of a Jedi: always preaching to accept that which comes.”

 

“I take it that this meeting was not by chance and you have something to say,” Kirabaros said, annoyed at the mockery.

 

“I wouldn’t have been able to meet you under normal circumstances,” the Blood King replied almost bored as he approached closer. “That, whatever it was, was able to allow you to see me though I must say that you haven’t coped very well.”

 

“I don’t think that was the maker’s intention,” Kirabaros grumbled. He had no fear of this person anymore. Then looking at the battle around them, he asked, “Is this the future?”

 

“You tell me. I’m from your past as well as he,” was the reply.

 

“Who? Draconis? Nah, he’s one of many who hated me after your time,” Kirabaros answered as if the conversation were a friendly banter between friends.

 

“Still, if you want this new world that you hoped for, you have to fight it.”

 

They were stopped by a sight that had Kirabaros open his eyes in shock. The three human children were running through the middle of the battle followed by an alien child. Tulre was tugging on Lilah and Morgan with both hands while a fourth, unmistakably a Cathar, followed them and they were running from Draconis. They were ignoring the explosions as they ran into one of the temples. The Blood King looked amused as he said, “Cute little sprats.”

 

Kirabaros said nothing as he watched Draconis wielding his heavy blade with a malicious intent chase after the children. It was obvious that Draconis intended to murder them or something. He began to chase after him, leaving the Blood King standing there. He heard nothing as he ran across the field. He then began to see images of death, those that he knew covered in blood, screaming. It was deafening to his ears so that he put his hands over his ears. He squeezed his eyes shut and the darkness consumed him. A voice called his name, “Kirabaros…”

 

“Kirabaros?” Mission shook her friend’s shoulder. When he nearly fell, she steadied him, trying to get him to sit. He kept grasping his head as if there were a loud noise. She knew that he had sensitive hearing and wondered if it was something that he could hear but they couldn’t. When he finally opened his eyes, she smiled in relief and said, “You scared the poodoo out of me.”

 

Kirabaros looked around before replying, “Sorry Blue.”

 

“You wanna talk about it?”

 

“Not really.” Then seeing the look on her face, he acquiesced, “I saw what is to come but not really. Bah, it sounds like the ramblings of a crazy man.” He then got up and went to the door. He paused to tell Mission, “Tell me when we dock.” He then left and disappeared down the corridors. He ignored Juhani as he passed her into the cargo door where he shut the door and sealed it. Right now he just wanted to be alone, in the dark.

 

 

Tatooine, a planet of sand full of moisture farmers for the most part and a few space ports that are havens for those who didn’t wish to be found. Michaela found none of these things to be a problem. The immediate problem lay in their supply stores particularly their power sources and charges. The detonation device she had used on Nar Shaddaa consumed much of their demolitions supplies, more than she anticipated. The other problem lay in their finances. Though they had Republic credits, they were virtually worthless. They were somewhere between a rock and a hard place.

 

Those were thoughts running through Michaela’s head as she walked with Kiera through the market area of Anchorhead. They had just come from the third dealer they had been in and they had decided to take a shortcut to the cantina for a drink. They were crossing the street when Michaela abruptly stopped, causing Kiera to bump into her. Kiera responded, “Hey, what gives?”

 

Michaela wasn’t listening. She sensed something through the Force, something that was familiar but changed. She calmed her mind and stood there, reaching out as she did when she looked for Atton. She didn’t close her eyes but actually moved them along with her head as she scanned the street. She said to Kiera, “Someone’s here,” and she smiled slightly.

 

Kiera interpreted the response to mean that a threat was coming and she had her hand near her blaster and looking around. Seeing that no one was approaching, she was becoming increasingly aware of a feeling of embarrassment. Kiera looked at Michaela who had stopped scanning and was focusing on a small boy with messy hair. She then realized that Michaela was some sort of Jedi and suspected that the tall man was one as well. When Michaela started to move towards the boy, Kiera stopped her and asked, “The kid?”

 

“He’s the one,” Michaela calmly answered and continued towards the boy.

 

 

Morgan had stopped at the favored junk dealer who sold good power cells and blade upgrades for reasonable prices. He purchased what Tulre specifically asked for and some things extra, things that would impress Tulre. He was telling the merchant that he wagered that the duelists from the hamachi could best the bounty hunters and the mercs in the Shaak Ti. It was a friendly wager of trading goods which the crotchety merchant took part in with great pleasure. Morgan said, “I wager three chargers that the hamachi has the best warriors.”

 

“I’ll take that bet Chiyo and I’ll throw in my best vibro cell for good measure,” the merchant, an elderly Ithorian, spoke with a chuckle in his native language.

 

“You’re on Habas,” Morgan pointed in good humor at the Ithorian. He packed the last of the cells into his pack and slung it on his little shoulder. “See ya at the match.”

 

“I’ll be there,” Habas replied before returning to work.

 

Morgan left the shop and became aware immediately that someone was following him. It wasn’t that Rodian that had bothered him and Tulre whenever they went into Anchorhead; it was warm and loving. He decided to stop at an outdoor vendor for a treat for Tulre, Kimiko, and Lilah. He was aware of the presence and it wasn’t alone. The second one was strange to him but he sensed that it meant no harm. He waited, patiently.

 

 

Michaela followed the little boy to the vendor and watched him as he made his purchases. She was almost to him when she tripped over a womp rat. Looking up, she saw that he was gone. She looked around, reaching out with the Force to find him only to find that she couldn’t. She continued her search, puzzled.

 

Kiera managed to catch up with Michaela’s fast pace. She almost tripped over her when Michaela tripped on the womp rat. She stumbled to maintain her balance and asked, “Why did you stop?”

 

Michaela stood there looking around. She then replied, “He was here but now he is not.”

 

“Who are you talking about?” Kiera asked rather impatiently. She was already annoyed at being led on some Bantha chase. Michaela’s vague talk was annoyed her more.

 

Michaela didn’t answer as she continued to look around. She thought that she was losing her mind but it had been an unmistakable signature within the Force. She was about to give up when a little voice piped up behind her, “Have you come to take me to my papa?”

 

 

Morgan had recognized the woman who had been following him but he wanted to be sure. After buying the treats, he managed to duck behind passer-bys and, using the trick that he, Tulre and Lilah had learned, circled around to behind the woman. When she turned around, he knew that the woman was Tulre’s mother. He could also sense that she knew about his papa or had seen him. He had to ask though he had learned not to dwell on it.

 

As he approached from behind, he grew more confident and comfortable with the one who had been following him. The other one he wasn’t sure about but she was friendly. Morgan let his natural curiosity guide him as he camouflaged himself within the Force. It was a trick he used when he wanted to hide from Joran or Mamesa but that was only to tease her. It was neat when Tulre and Lilah joined in for even old Tante didn’t know if they were there or not.

 

He had this in effect as he planted his two feet firmly behind the pair of women who were scanning the settlement in front of them. His pack hung across his chest by its strap as he waited. He waited while the two women exchanged words with each other. He waited until the strange woman finished her question and his new aunt paused to answer. In a strong voice, he asked, “Have you come to take me to my papa?”

 

 

Michaela spun around and saw a small boy with messy dark hair, brown eyes and a face that could work its way into a smirk if given the chance. She recognized that face and smiled warmly at the boy. In response to his question she replied, “I can’t take you home but I can bring him to you, Morgan.”

 

Morgan rewarded her with a hug. He then said, “Here my name is Chiyo. Okâsan says so.” Then noticing the other woman he asked, “Who’s she?” and pointed at Kiera.

 

Kiera was stunned at this little reunion. At first she thought that maybe the boy belonged to Michaela but upon closer inspection, she recognized the scoundrel that she traveled with. The boy could be a spitting image of him but only cuter, as children could be and she had a weakness for children. When the boy Morgan asked who she was, she was at a loss for words. She fumbled at something decent to say, “I…um…I’m…”

 

“She’s a friend who is helping us. Her name is Kiera,” Michaela rescued her.

 

Pleased with the answer, Morgan didn’t question any further. Instead he asked, “You want to see Shang?”

 

Michaela was puzzled at first by whom Shang was. She lifted an inquiring eyebrow at Morgan but all she got was his little face staring back at her, waiting for an answer. It then struck her that he didn’t go by Morgan here nor did Tulre and Lilah go by their names here. Her face then bloomed into a smile and she replied, “Yes Morgan and I am sure your papa will want to see you too.”

 

Morgan returned the smile and said, “Follow me. I am late getting back to the hamachi.”

 

Michaela nodded and beckoned him to show the way. She was glad that at least Morgan was safe. That meant that Atton would be a hair’s breadth less anxious. She smiled slightly at the thought for Atton hid it well behind a mask of sarcasm when it suited him. She had no doubts that the others were fine as well. She was thinking of this when Morgan interrupted her thoughts by saying, “Everyone’s good. My name is Chiyo.” He beamed as he said it.

 

Michaela said nothing but smiled. Kiera wasn’t satisfied with the answer and asked, “Why Chiyo? I thought your name was Morgan?”

 

Morgan stopped to look at Kiera. He regarded her like a wolf pup looking at a fish in a river and cocked his head. He then replied, “Okâsan said that was my name for the hamachi. Like a secret.” He then continued along the street.

 

Kiera became thoughtful about the response. It was obvious to her that he was in hiding but from what and why were still questions running through her mind. True that she had part of the picture when Michaela told her and what she rung out of the scoundrel but she was curious especially with the boy. She wanted to know who the others he was talking about were. The words he used were different too and she was at a loss to what he meant. She worded her question carefully, “Why do you need to keep a secret?”

 

Michaela answered, “Not here in the open,” then seeing that Kiera was going to protest, “I’ll explain when we are amongst friends.”

 

Kiera saw that Michaela meant what she said. Well, she knew that when Michaela asked or implied something, it was followed to the letter. She found out from Rowan that Michaela was someone to be obeyed especially when the situation was serious. She nodded and followed the little boy to this place called the hamachi.

 

When they reached a series of huts, Kiera’s eyes opened. The settlement of Anchorhead looked like a sleepy town chock full of unscrupulous characters but here it was…different. The huts didn’t look like they blended in with the landscape and the people were upright, not downtrodden. It was well, peaceful. Her eyes roamed a bit until they fell on the boy who beckoned them to follow.

 

Michaela was delighted that Kiera was amazed by her people and seemed to like what she saw. She herself saw that the head of the hamachi was a good leader. Michaela also sensed that there were friends here as well. She guided Kiera to follow Morgan who led them to the back of the largest hut where another boy was sitting, sharpening a blade. Her heart warmed at the sight of her son and was aware that she wasn’t displeased by what she saw. She didn’t move but Morgan called out in Avalonian, “Shang, look who’s here.”

 

Tulre knew his mother was there before he saw her. Even after Morgan called to him, he took his time. He loved his mother dearly and desperately wanted to run to her and give her a hug but he kept his reserve. He greeted her calmly and gently, “Hello, mother.” He then noticed Kiera but he didn’t worry. If Morgan thought it was all right then so did he.

 

Michaela said nothing but smiled at her husband’s son. She then replied, “Shang, I see that you have become accustomed to life at the hamachi.”

 

Tulre smiled but didn’t reply. Instead he beckoned the two women to follow him inside. They followed his movements as he removed his shoes and led them to the main room where there were voices coming through the thin wood walls. He kneeled by the door and spoke that there were visitors in Avalonian. He slid the door open and let them in but didn’t go in himself. He remained with Morgan kneeling by the door until he heard his Aunt Reva exclaim, “Michaela!” He and Morgan both smiled big.

[Diego Varen]

It's nice to see the Blood King again and was all the parts in italics copied directly from The Rise of the Blood King/Return of Kirabaros Fics? I see Kirabaros doesn't want to tell anyone, because of bad memories or something. Good Chapter (I think this is longer than The Rise of the Blood King) and I'm looking foward to more. I hope the Heart of Deception is the beginning of a new Heart of the Guardian Trilogy, which needs to be posted in the Jedi Archives.

[igyman]

Wow. Again an exquisite chapter, thought I would have probably divided it into two for the purposes of easier reading, but still, well done. The dream with the Blood King was something I especially liked. A vision of the past and the future at the same time. Nice.

[JediMaster12]

To answer your question Pottsie, no I did not take this from HotG and stop pestering me about putting it in the archives. I am trying to edit it!!!! I noticed grammar error and continuity issues that I am trying to resolve. The dream sequence is a prediction of what will come.

 

igyman: Yeah it probably should have been separated but I slipped into a theme that the two traveling parties should be placed in the same chapter if possible and things like with the baddie and the Senate proceedings in the same chapter. There is a loose connection there and I intentionally put it that way.

 

The whole dream sequence was my intention to bring about what was previously discussed with Atton and is remenicent of HotG: you have to face your past. You can run and hide of even pretend that it's not there but eventually you have to come to terms with it. Forgive me but I have a big thing for stories with meaning and the whole deeper meaning thing. Too many Eng lit analyzations that carried over into cultural analyzation. The reunion that I inserted on Tatooine was my blatant attempt for Kiera to get to know a certain scoundrel better and what better way than to do that through the kid. Working on a new chapter that involves a Mandalorian and some more suprises til the big showdown.

 

As to another trilogy, I have to think about that. I could continue this line of thought but I am seriously considering rewriting my Lost Tales of Revan. I just have to see what happens.

[Diego Varen]

To answer your question Pottsie, no I did not take this from HotG and stop pestering me about putting it in the archives. I am trying to edit it!!!! I noticed grammar error and continuity issues that I am trying to resolve. The dream sequence is a prediction of what will come.

 

I'm sorry if I sounded rude, that wasn't my original intention. Perhaps you're like Jae, trying to get everything just right.

[JediMaster12]

Yes I am extreme perfectionist that simply blows a head gasket if it is not exactly right at the right time. I am obessed with perfection. Everything must be perfect of the world will end.

 

Joking aside it's OK Pottsie. I am a bit like Jae and the first part is undergoing serious editing due to the fact that the other two books have epilogues and story flow is not quite right. The first one really bugged me after I wrote it so I am looking at it and trying to see how to make it better. That's the thing about being a writer. You always are looking to improve what you have written maybe because you have more info or whatever. Don't worry about it. When you see the thread that says [FIN] Star Wars: Heart of the Guardian, you can do a little happy dance on the comment thread. OK?

[Diego Varen]

That's the thing about being a writer. You always are looking to improve what you have written maybe because you have more info or whatever.

 

I have to agree with you there JM12. I'm not pleased with how I wrote my two current Fics, Echoes of Darkness and Unsatisfied Hunger and I'm currently doing a re-write of the both of them, before posting them here. So, perhaps I'm also a perfectionist, I'm not sure.

[JediMaster12]

That was sarcasm in my first lines Pottsie. It is true that I can be a perfectionist at times but only if it is something extremely important to me. I will say this, I am glad that you have enjoyed my fics and have said so. I have heard my family say that my work is good but you know how that is: they're your family and they don't want to hurt your feelings. I'll have another chapter when I finish my route where Kirabaros meets Canderous again. That's a spoiler for you guys.

[JediMaster12]

Here is another chapter o ye huddled masses. This is one of those things that leaves a ton of questions and leaves some answered. I do have my disclaimer that parts of the dialogue and scene setting are from Memoirs of a Geisha, a scene that is meaningful and it gives more into personality and character. So for ye huddled masses I give you...

 

Chapter 38

Draconis was angry and he desperately wanted to vent it. First his archenemy escapes with the help of an old man and a Cathar Jedi and the squadron that had been distracting them left them with extensive damage to the port engines. He then learned that his prize bounty hunter was missing and the army he was building was fighting over who was in charge. Things were looking pretty bad out there in the Outer Rim. Draconis knew this and it showed with him pacing around in the debriefing room. He was joined by Admiral Keegan who had left after his meeting with the Chancellor to report the news of what Avalon was up to. Out of habit, he saluted Draconis, who scowled at him, and said, “News from Coruscant milord.”

 

Draconis stopped pacing and eyed Keegan with suspicion. He replied, “What is it then?”

 

Keegan his peevishness as he replied, “Your Lady Mara declared Avalon pulled out of trade with the Republic.”

 

Draconis responded with indifference, “So? I knew she would do that. Mr. Sixty Minutes, tell me something I don’t know.”

 

“The systems that felt the embargo have responded with attack and the Jedi are at a loss of what to do,” Keegan replied.

 

“That, I did not know.” Draconis then crossed the room towards Keegan with a smile that sent a chill down Keegan’s spine. Draconis paused, his face close to Keegan’s, and said, “That is good news. This coupled with the final show down will finally bring back everything that is supposed to be. Good job Keegan.” Draconis flashed a smile, masking his true feelings as he turned away and headed towards where he had dropped a datapad on the table. He picked it up and scanned the contents before turning back to Keegan and saying, “Our bounty hunter is missing. Go to the smuggler’s moon and organize that rabble. We’ll need them.”

 

“And my job at the fleet?” Keegan asked.

 

“Call it a holiday. I don’t really care. Get there immediately and find something that won’t make you stand out,” Draconis waved his hand in an absent manner not acknowledging Keegan.

 

Keegan watched as Draconis took no interest in him after dismissing him. He was peeved that Draconis was not exhibiting his usual cold manner that spoke of the mischief he was planning. It was almost as if he didn’t care anymore and he grew suspicious. Keegan had heard that the great Kirabaros was known for portraying one emotion and following through with another and he wondered if all Avalonians were as good. He said nothing but turned and walked out of the debriefing room to head to the communications room to request leave for awhile.

 

Draconis felt the suspicion roll off in waves. He was pleased that Keegan was finally picking up on the Avalonian tendencies even if he fully didn’t understand them. He truly didn’t care how Keegan would do it but he wanted him to bring order to the group that Jaqrand had started. The bounty hunter was missing but not dead, that much was certain. It was confirmed when the door to the debriefing room slid open again. All Draconis did was turn to face the entrant and said, “I see that you have survived an encounter with a Jedi.”

 

___________________________________

 

The Chancellor had been sitting there for a long time. He looked lost as he sat on the cool stone bench staring into nothing as the water flowed with a gentle calm. Bastila and Karas saw that as they came from the main hall. It was actually Karas that mentioned that they had a visitor and that the visitor needed some advice. It was Karas who led the way to the Room of a Thousand Fountains with an air of calm acceptance where they found the Chancellor sitting.

 

The Chancellor had been bothered by the recent turn of events. The datapad he had from Admiral Dodonna was disturbing too. The galaxy he knew it seemed as if it were falling apart. He couldn’t believe that the Avalonians would intentionally attack Republic vessels, not after speaking to Lady Mara and discovering that they didn’t do anything unless provoked. Even then it was not their way to respond with violence and Kirabaros was a testament to that.

 

Admiral Dodonna had sent word that one of her admirals was missing and that there was unusual mobilization in the Outer Rim. Her report even mentioned some ambushes on cargo for the Republic, always in the same vicinity as Avalonian traders and the like. The poor Chancellor couldn’t help but think that maybe it was Avalonians going behind the Lady Governor’s back. It hurt and that was what was going through his mind when Bastila and Karas approached him.

 

Karas was the first to speak, “It is too pretty a day to be sad. Something wrong?”

 

Bastila glanced at her companion with ill concealed surprise. She could scarcely believe that he was acting so lighthearted. Then she remembered that Kirabaros was the same way. They both believed that if you greeted a situation, no matter how dire, with a little lightness in your heart, you could find the solution you are looking for. She said nothing and preferred to let Karas speak.

 

Karas barely heard the sudden intake that Bastila gave when he opened his mouth. He ignored it and continued in a pleasant manner, “We all have bad news from time to time. Surely if you share it with us, we can help.”

 

The Chancellor recognized the mannerism and almost mistook it to be Kirabaros. He looked at the Avalonian Jedi and replied, “Does a Jedi know how to solve which way is up or down?” It was a question for help and he hoped that this Jedi would understand.

 

Karas had the beginnings of a smile at the corners of his mouth. He replied, “Knowledge must be sought to seek an answer.”

 

“Do you believe the rumors?” The Chancellor looked intently at Karas who, by now, had seated himself on the ground in the kneeling fashion that Avalonians called sitting.

 

“No,” came the reply, “We don’t believe in attack without provocation. Even then we don’t strike with the sword.”

 

“Lady Mara said the same thing.”

 

“Do you doubt her?”

 

“No, but…”

 

“Understandable, Chancellor. You don’t know us well and you wish to be sure,” Karas interrupted with the elegance of a geisha, if he were a female. “I suggest that you sent a scouting group to the troubled places to report. I am sure that there are some Jedi who would be willing to do the same.”

 

Bastila chose to enter the conversation after the bewildering exchange of words between Master Karas and the Chancellor. She said, “Of course. I am sure that they are nothing but rumors.”

 

Karas nodded slightly to her as the Chancellor spoke, “What of the fleet? There seems to be a division of order especially with Admiral Keegan.”

 

“I know you are no fool Chancellor but I suspect that the admiral cannot tolerate Jedi and more likely one in particular,” Karas replied.

 

“Your Kirabaros?”

 

“No. Someone not of our world.” Karas studied the Chancellor. He had a distinct feeling that the Chancellor knew what he was going to do. He changed the subject slightly, “It would be good of you to go and speak to Admiral Dodonna about this and maybe the ones responsible for this division and rancor will be brought to light.”

 

The Chancellor didn’t respond except to nod his thanks as he stood up and declared his intentions. Karas remained sitting until he had left and then stood gracefully to face Bastila who asked, “Why did you deliberately lead the conversation like that?”

 

“A good politician knows how to use words that create a soothing atmosphere,” Karas replied as he started walking back into the Temple halls, “Besides Master Shan, he knows that Avalon bears no ill will and he knows the Jedi are loyal to the Republic. He sees the lies but he needs reinforcement.”

 

“So you lied?” Bastila queried, confused.

 

“No. I confirmed what Lady Mara spoke of at the Senate hearings.” Karas then looked around to make sure that no students were eavesdropping. He then began to speak softly, “The answers will be found in battle. I have foreseen it.”

 

“Where?” Bastila asked in the same soft tones.

 

“I cannot say but one of the places I suspect is Yavin system. Our people have settlements there and it was listed as a trouble spot on the Chancellor’s datapad. Are there sufficient Jedi to come?”

 

“Not many,” Bastila paused, “Are you sure?”

 

“If I am wrong…” Karas drifted off.

 

“Trust in the Force,” Bastila interjected. It was something that Kirabaros firmly believed in even when it conflicted with what was in his heart. They had both heard it many times before and each wondered if they would be able to hear it again.

 

_________________________________

 

Senator Amstar was frightened, a thing unbecoming of an Avalonian woman, especially a senator. After Lady Mara disclosed her intentions, she understood that things had gone too far to be solved with words but it was up to her to soften things with words. Her fear stemmed from the fact that the senators were raging in anger over the latest of incidents. She wasn’t afraid of the assassination attempts but afraid that everything that had been achieved through hard work would be turned into space dust. It all depended on this mobilization at Yavin and her words in the senate.

 

Sitting in the transport, she gazed out the glass to view the skyscrapers with an apparent look of fascination that masked her thoughts. She thought of her upcoming speech as she sat next to the senator from Ryloth who was speaking of possible strategies. She liked the senator and he spoke Basic very well. She expressed a warm gratitude for his support in this matter. She knew it stemmed from the fact that Kirabaros risked his life to save the senator’s. She knew this because the senator would tell the story to anyone who would listen. She was able to listen as she thought about Lady Mara’s orders.

 

Lady Mara was not dressed like the governor she was but rather like a warrior or a Handmaiden. She was tying her belt on her waist as she gave her last instruction to Senator Amstar, “Selene, we have only one last round at diplomacy. It will be up to you to try and ease the bad feelings.”

 

“What do you intend to do my lady?” the senator queried.

 

“I am heading out to our settlement on Yavin IV. There were reports of some trouble there and I aim to check it out. Along the way I will stop at our trading posts.”

 

“So you are preparing for war?”

 

“I don’t know. I have this feeling that trouble is coming soon and if one of our own has betrayed us, then I want to be there for when he answers to his crimes,” Mara replied hanging her blade from her belt. She looked at the senator with an appraising eye, aware of the distinct contrast between a warrior and a noble. “Besides,” she continued, “We have to defend our way of life. We can bear the dislike of certain practices but the insults is something that should not go unnoticed.”

 

“What will you do when you get there?” the senator asked not answering or commenting on Mara’s previous statements.

 

“I don’t know,” Mara replied looking out the window. “I will contact Eómeros but I daresay his hands are full at home.” She did not speak of her son whom she left behind to see to this matter. It had been a hard choice but it had to be done. She was lucky that her promised and her chosen was understanding and volunteered to watch the baby.

 

Senator Amstar knew this and said nothing about that. Instead she said, “Then I’ll speak to the senator of Ryloth. Together I am sure we can work out something.”

 

“You do that,” Mara replied as she made to exit the room. She paused before going through the door to turn and say, “May the gods be with you and grant you safe journey.”

 

“As to you my lady,” Senator Amstar replied as Lady Mara left the apartment to head to the transport that would take her to the Outer Rim. She sighed before heading towards the communications console to set up an appointment with the senator.

 

“I daresay that your attempt to speak to the Senate alone would show that you and your people bear no ill will,” the senator from Ryloth was saying.

 

Senator Amstar was jerked from her thoughts but replied suitably, “I suppose so. Senator, do believe us or are you supporting us out of loyalty?” She had to ask the question. Long ago she had learned that you had to have a strong alliance based on trust in order to get anywhere. She watched as the senator formed his answer.

 

“Kirabaros saved my life. That plays a factor but unknown to anyone, I met him in a private session that he requested of me. He came to tell me that certain persons would want to see Avalon destroyed and that your people would need help. I didn’t believe him at first but he convinced me by uncovering a scam that had been in place for a long time. He didn’t ask for payment, just friendship. Since then, he has come by and inquired about my family. I don’t know if that would pass muster but I hope it shows that I am doing it because I believe in him.”

 

Senator Amstar smiled the first true smile she had in days at the senator. She replied, “That is all anyone needs: a little bit of faith.” They sat in agreeable silence the rest of the way to the Senate rotunda. It may get messy in there but they were united in a way that it cast a beacon like the light that guides the weary travelers in. It was hope.

[Diego Varen]

Good Chapter JM12 and I like the length of the Chapter and the three storylines going on in the Chapter too. I'm looking foward to more since there is nothing to comment on that needs improving. One question though? Has Darius, your Jedi Exile starred yet or won't he be in the Fic?

[JediMaster12]

He is mentioned a few times in previous chapters and I am debating on whether or not to have him in. In this fic I was trying to bring to light characters I touched on in HotG but didn't go into detail. I don't know yet because now I am writing the Shaak Ti chapter and there are a few suprises there.

[Diego Varen]

He is mentioned a few times in previous chapters and I am debating on whether or not to have him in. In this fic I was trying to bring to light characters I touched on in HotG but didn't go into detail. I don't know yet because now I am writing the Shaak Ti chapter and there are a few suprises there.

 

Thanks for telling me JM12. Did he ever have a surname, because I don't remember reading it. The only reason I'm asking is because I've always preferred the Exile to Revan, but I won't lose faith in this Fic if Darius isn't in it. Your decision. And that Shaak Ti Chapter, will you post that here too?

[JediMaster12]

Well yeah Pottsie. It's part of the story. Tatlo will make another appearance because of a bet between him and a certain...

 

scoundrel named Atton

 

 

 

Atton gets to see little Morgan

 

 

As to Darius' surname, I never gave him one because to be honest he is not a major player in this. I am considering a shortie on one or two adventures he has with my beloved Kirabaros. He may make a guest appearance but for the most part, I don't see him in this. I hope that doesn't turn you away from this story because if that happens, I doubt the flying manuscript will keep you around.

[Diego Varen]

Please JM12, no more manuscripts. I couldn't bear the pain again. Don't worry JM12, I've been a fan of your works since the HotG trilogy, since The Lost Tales of Revan didn't really draw me in, but I suppose it was your first Fic.