13 Revan’s Journal: Taris: Command Issues
“Thank goodness you two finally arrived!â€
Those were the first words that greeted me and Bastila when Carth saw us back at the apartment in the Upper City we were using as a camp.
“Aw, aren’t you a sweet thing.†I said heavily with sarcasm, adopting a baby talk tone along the way.
“Eon, don’t start.†Carth warned me.
“Oh lighten up Carth; I got Bastila out of there alive didn’t I? Nobody has a sense of humour nowadays.†I added in an undertone.
“Got me out of there? You call that a rescue mission? In case you’ve forgotten, I got out of my prison easily without your help.†Bastila said with an air of superiority.
“Yeah, and the beating that Brejik would have given you if I didn’t step in doesn’t count as me saving you… ma’am?†I asked. Before Bastila could retort, Carth stepped in cutting her off.
“Eon drop it. Bastila we got you out of there as soon as we could. It hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park getting to where we are now.â€
“And where did you get might I ask? I suppose you haven’t formed a plan to get off this planet, have you? I expected more from a man with your reputation Carth Onasi.†Bastila said.
“Our primary objective was to get you ma’am. We decided to worry about getting off this planet once we’ve rescued you Bastila.†Carth explained.
“I was never in need of rescuing Carth, you should remember that I’m a jedi, and a jedi is never defenceless, we have the Force.â€Bastila said defensively.
“I am now taking charge of this party with the authority bestowed unto me by the Jedi Council and The Republic Army. As of this moment, I am once again your commanding officer.â€
“But -.†Carth was about to say before I cut him off.
“ENOUGH! This conversation has gone too far. First, Bastila, you should accept the fact that we did rescue you. Whether you like it or not, you were still weak from the drugs administered to you when you escaped, if I hadn’t stepped in, you wouldn’t be alive to talk about it. Even a jedi can be caught off guard and at a disadvantage; this war is living proof of that.
Second, you haven’t the experience or the strength to lead this group. You may be a great jedi, but you’re not exactly the best commander here, the destruction of the Endar Spire is proof enough.
Third, as an officer or even as a jedi, which to the best of my knowledge you are, you’re taught to calm yourself and to know when to accept your weakness. So far you have failed to do both, that is another proof that you cannot lead this party.
Call this mutiny if you will, but I won’t follow a superior officer or even a jedi if he or she is incapable of recognizing the shit that the people under her command went through just for her. The people on the Endar Spire died just to make sure that you got out of there alive. Carth and I had to swim through a river of blood just to save you from the Brejik and the Black Vulkars and this is how you repay them and us? This conversation is meaningless for I will not follow you even if you had your lightsaber under my chin.
Furthermore Zaalbar owes me a life-debt and Mission will follow him to whatever end, I cannot speak for them or Carth but even so, the only person you can command is him, who can still choose to follow you or not.
So what will it be Bastila? Can you accept logic when you see it, or will you force your authority over us and tear this party apart?â€
A deadly silence fell over the camp after my little speech. I looked Bastila in the eyes and didn’t budge even as she glared into mine. It seemed that everyone was still trying to comprehend what I meant for I subtly indicated that I was in charge. Carth was the first to break the silence saying:
“Eon is right. His decisions haven’t failed us yet. He didn’t force me to follow him, neither has he forced any form of authority on me. He’s also taken the most risk ever since we got here and compared to what you’ve just shown me Bastila, I’d prefer to let him lead this group over you.â€
Another silence enveloped the camp as we waited for Bastila to respond to all that we’ve said. After the longest time elapsed, Bastila said:
“You’re right Eon, I wasn’t in any condition to set myself free on the tracks and I haven’t shown the proper gratitude I should feel for all that the four of you and all that was on the Endar Spire have done for me.
Forgive me for my outburst. I hate feeling weak and it has always been hard for me to accept that sometimes I too need help. Master Vandar has always chastened me about it.â€
“Apology accepted, now let’s all get some rest. It’s been a long day, even if it has just started, or at least it feels like it’s been a long day for me. Zaalbar, Mission, I suggest the both of you have a talk with Gandon if you’re both coming with me. It looks like you two won’t be with the Hidden Beks for a while. Carth, I suggest you go with them and make sure that Gandon receives or gratitude for all that he’s done for us, and maybe you could also resupply our stocks. Sorry ‘bout this but I’m dead beat.†I said.
“Don’t worry about Gandon, Eon, we’ve already talked to him about everything after the race and he already knows that Zaalbar and I will be coming with you. I’d be happy to restock our supplies; I found a new pair of boots I want to try out anyway. Carth you can stay if you want.†Mission said.
“No, I think I need some fresh air anyway. I’ll come along. Besides, I don’t think the people of the Upper City would let you walk around by yourself anyway.†Carth replied.
“All right, Zaalbar how ‘bout you?†I asked.
He said.
“Very well, Bastila you need to stay and get some rest, you still look woozy on your feet. There’s a sleeping bag in that locker.†I said.
