Jedi Civil War, chapter 4: Mercenary
The Proxis had made it out safely. It would seem the three Dark-Jedi that had come in the stinger ship had been independent of the Sith armada after all. It was as Carth suspected when he knew they were Dark-Jedi. Ever since the death of Darth Malak, the Sith have been divided in two fronts: the military forces, and the Jedi assassins, or Dark-Jedi as they were. When the attack by the stinger made out to be an attack against Bastila and Kavar, it was clear that there was a possibility that the Proxis’ whereabouts fell on death ears, or at least ears that were not ready to jump at the opportunity of a space battle. He had been right, of course, but after he had heard the damage report, it wouldn’t have taken much to reduce his ship and his career to nothingness. He had to stop somewhere safe for some repairs and to pay his respects to the casualties. There had been several republican deaths including Jedi master Kavar. The small group of Jedi that claimed his beheaded body had been sorrowful. They had all rejoiced in the belief that Kavar had achieved oneness in the force and that death had just been a small part of his journey, but, having been the wonderful Jedi he was, he would be terribly missed. Master Kavar had been a hero and a close friend to many highly reputed figureheads throughout the systems that he had aided in his time as a master and council member. His funeral would be grand. Gathering all the people who desired to pay their respects to him along with finding a safe designated place for them would take a long time. Bastila had reported her mission to the three Jedi and it was decided that she had to continue to elude the Dark-Jedi’s search parties without the aid of a master. Bastila was bewildered.
“I don’t understand, master Vrook. Why am I being left behind when it’s obvious the Sith have singled me out! Separating the masters from the padawans has been their plan from the start!†Bastila felt betrayed.
“You are no ordinary padawan, Bastila. Your connection to the Dark Lord has made you easier to find than the rest of us.†Vrook answered diplomatically,
“I can’t believe this! You would rather be rid of me than risk having to defend me?†Bastila was appalled.
“We cannot have a single massive confrontation with the Sith while our numbers are so diminished.†Vrook answered harshly.
“And what’s there to prevent this grand confrontation if they dispatch me and come for you all next?†Bastila was unconvinced.
“You will not fail so easily.†Master Vrook said simply.
“Search your feelings young padawan. Know it is your destiny; know that, in turn, we must also follow this path to insure our survival. Your mission may prove more difficult, but in time we must all disperse. If you are to stand with us, and only with us, our sacrifice will be for nothing.†Master Vandar added. Bastila froze. She had only begun to absorb the concept of dispersal and what it meant for all Jedi.
“Are we abandoning the republic? At this time of need?…†Bastila was withholding as mush as she could. Answers to her questions were inevitable; she had but to wait. At the risk of sounding as if she was accusing the council members, she stood up even straighter and waited stoutly for the answers.
“It is time for all Jedi to reposition their efforts. We need to withdraw our position as peacekeepers, for the time being, and draw as little attention to ourselves as possible.†Master Vrook said in a monotone voice.
“We are all running away? We are all separating?†Bastila said in a trembling voice.
“Yes, Padawan. We cannot wage war with the Sith for that is all they desire, and we cannot allow them to hunt us. There is but one solution that doesn’t end in our defeat.†Master Vrook said with some detectable sadness.
“What about our vulnerabilities; what about the Dark-Jedi who can track us wherever we go?†Bastila worried.
“By dispersing, we make it that much more difficult to them. As for you, we know you have the potential to hide anywhere you wish without being found, as we may yet be capable of ourselves.†Master Vrook said convincingly.
“Hide? Me? After all that we have discussed about how I had been singled out?†Bastila was too curious to sound upset.
“We believe the answers lie in your connection to HIM. As HE walks the galaxy like a ghost, undetected, so must you be capable. As for the rest of us, without our burdens, we could be very difficult to find.†Master Vrook confessed.
“After all this time we are following Revan’s footsteps? Has it come to this? Has it really become so desperate? How will the Republic react?†Bastila had kept her professionalism as soon as she had heard her old companion’s name. She saw only irony in the Jedi’s withdrawal as she had wondered time in time again why Revan had chosen that path. Again she had been completely bewildered by Arman Clash’s intentions. Had he foreseen this as well? Had he prepared for the dispersal of the Jedi?
“Padawan Bastila Shan, Revan’s path has always been that of solitude. As Jedi, we are bound by the code to act on behalf of others, as always. Revan’s premature withdrawal is nothing but another act of defiance. His failure to share his intentions with anyone is an insult to everyone. However similar our paths might be, we need to look at his as an example of the dangers of seclusion and nothing else.†Master Vrook spoke harshly at the thought of Revan and his dark ways. Bastila didn’t answer right away. She understood very well the dangers of seclusion and to be abandoned by the Jedi was all that she had needed to fear her destiny once again. It all came right back to Revan and her and how conflicting everything seemed when HE was involved.
“How should we proceed?†Bastila asked carefully.
“You are to continue your travels with Captain Onasi and his ship. You must trust his wisdom and allow his ship and his crew to guide you to your destiny.†Master Vandar said.
“I am to follow his command?†Bastila asked carefully as to not sound insulting. Master Vandar only answered with a nod. Bastila dismissed the thought of what could only seem like a demotion and immediately asked the next question that was bothering her.
“And you? How will we communicate? How will we proceed from here?†She asked.
“We will part ways here and now.†Was the only answer that the small Jedi master gave. Bastila felt heartbroken. There was no more hope of becoming a Jedi Knight. There would be no more adventures serving the council and aiding the republic on the behalf of all that she was. There would be no more guidance and teachings from the oldest and wisest of the galaxy. It all felt unreal. How could she accomplish anything under the command of a Republic Army Captain? She could no longer take risks or communicate her willingness to serve the republic with the authority of all Jedi. She was completely stripped of her power and status. She would be nothing more than a lieutenant with a lightsaber and a bag of tricks. How could it have come to this?
How could this be my path? The path of a young blooming Jedi who was ready to save the republic? Come back to me Arman Clash. Show me that this isn’t the end. Bring me along on one of our mysterious missions to save the galaxy.
All that was on the mind of the beautiful Bastila Shan, on her way back to the Proxis, was the thought of Carth Onasi mocking her as he had almost two years ago: She had crash-landed on Taris onboard an escape pod. The crash had been severe enough that she had lost consciousness. Upon her awakening, she had been surrounded by a group of thugs and her lightsaber was nowhere to be found. Carth had insulted her in front of Arman and it made her terribly uncomfortable. She wanted from Arman the same recognition she wanted from the Jedi council, perhaps even more. At the time, Arman had not been aware of his force sensitivity and was under the illusion he was no more than a mere scout and a linguist. Despite the unfamiliarity of his new party, he had the power to turn the situation around and unite the trio by maintaining Bastila’s composure and reminding Carth that she deserved the respect of a commanding officer, despite the current situation. Even with virtually no experience with Jedi, he had understood their vulnerabilities as well as their strengths. He was smart and, from that moment, he had been the foundation of the team. He had gathered people to him from Taris who had next to nothing in common, other that the immediate threat of the Sith’s planetary lockdown, and had allowed them to perform as a flawless team. He was a grand leader. She wished he were here now to keep Carth in check and to bless them with his leadership once more.
“I assume you learned of my position here?†Bastila asked in a mocking tone as preparation to defend herself.
“Yes, Bastila, I have.†Carth said simply and respectfully.
“As I said to your Jedi masters: I promise to keep you safe and well for as long as it takes.†Carth continued.
“Have you been told that I am under your direct command?†Bastila challenged.
“Yes, I was told.†Carth said.
“And?†Bastila was not ready to move on just yet.
“And what?†Carth asked unprovoked.
“And what do you have to say about that?†Bastila asked straightforwardly.
“I think they are just worried about you. They don’t believe you’re ready to lay low and I think they are right. To prevent you from being noticed, they put you under my command.†Carth said simply.
“You mean to prevent me from making mistakes; from drawing attention to myself the way I always do?†Bastila asked in a challenge yet again. Carth clearly saw what it was that she wanted but he chose honesty instead of caution.
“Yes, something like that.†He shrugged. Bastila’s face reddened and she simply walked by her Captain. He could have sworn the room’s temperature climbed a few degrees.
Carth would need a lot of help on his mission. He had to go see his commanding officer and find out what his limits were. Dodala was as hospitable as ever.
“I have little to offer, I’m afraid. Few ships and even less manpower.†Dodala confessed sadly. She was vexed that she couldn’t make due on her promise in the way he had needed. Carth took a deep breath and prepared to lay down his contingency plan. The republic, as he knew it was on the verge of a military collapse. Everyone involved in it felt they were on the losing side, whether it was the Sith or some other upcoming foe that they would lose to was unknown, but the verdict had already been adopted. The number of soldiers entering service had already dropped well below the minimal required amount to maintain what little forces they had left, much less restructure the fleet. Warships had also become scarce. It wasn’t so much that there were not enough war-designed ships out there to replace the ones that were lost, only that they were not up to par with republic military standards and conversions would take as much time and effort as waiting for the next batch of certified ones. For his plan to work, however, Carth only needed to know one thing: if the republic still had money.
“Credits? Whatever for?†The Admiral was curious.
“Mercenaries. Well-armed mercenaries. Pilots with fighters and their own military structures.†Carth said carefully and very slowly as to let every word sink in.
“Who could possibly have all that and be dependable… loyal enough to the republic to…†Dodala was puzzled.
“Mandalorians.†Carth interrupted his Admiral to save her the headaches that he had to go through himself to arrive at this conclusion. There were many mercenary factions out there who would be willing to do just anything for the credits but none as organized, powerful, dependable and, perhaps, even as loyal as the Mandalorians. Fresh from a war of their own making, the Mandalorians proved to be a great military power, even more so than the republic alone. However, it was only recently that the remaining Mandalorian forces spread out and offered their services as mercenaries to any who would pay. It was also true that the honorable ones had no issues with the republic after confessing having lost a fair war. What the Mandalorians demanded, in addition to the credits, however, was assurance that whatever battle they would face in the line of service would be a worthy and honorable one. Indeed, they were extremely self-centered and would consider their own reputation before taking any action. It wouldn’t be such a bad thing if that reputation hadn’t been galaxy-wide known as being warmongers and battle-happy bullies. Admiral Dodala had to think long and hard before even hinting at acceptance. She finally stopped wide eying the chest-plate of her hero and looked up to his eyes in a more calm and professional manner.
“If that is what it takes to keep you, the republic and the Jedi safe.†She said hesitantly and with increasing gravity.
“I may know just where to find what you are looking for.†Dodala said while standing up and looking more confident about how to proceed.
“I have just discovered a Mandalorian outpost on Dxun, one of the moons of Onderon. It has a high probability of being a permanent diplomatic residence in our part of the galaxy.†Dodala said slyly, withholding just enough information to bring out Carth Onasi’s full curiosity.
“Diplomatic residence? What are you talking about?†Carth asked.
“As you may not know, we have an outpost of our own on Dxun: it has been secretly installed there to keep an eye on Onderon. They had become aware of the Mandalorian presence on the moon and started picking up communications chatter about their activities. It turns out that there is a new self-appointed Mandalore and that he is on that moon as we speak. We don’t know if all of it is accurate, but from what we do know of the Mandalorians in general it’s that they have what it is that you seek. If there is a Mandalore and he is there, you’ll have more than what you need… if you get him to accept your offer, that is.†Dodala explained.
“I never said it would be easy. I just thought it was our best option.†Carth clarified.
“Well, good luck to you. You will have all the credits you need.†Dodala accepted her hero’s proposal and sent him away on his mission.
Dxun was a very wild moon, filled with dangerous beasts and packed with vegetation. It was hard to land on, hard to walk through and impossible to circumnavigate. Carth and his team had no idea where to go and worst of all was that the Mandalorians didn’t want to be found. The Proxis’ sensors had narrowed down the location of the outpost to a five-mile radius but with a handful of scouts, it could take a day to find the cloaked fortress. Carth separated the team in only two groups. He took a couple of soldiers with him and planted himself in an open grassland somewhere in plain sight while the rest of the team would look around aimlessly for signs of humanoid life. Following his instincts about the Mandalorians, he would allow them to come to him. Trespassing on their territory should be enough to gain their attention, and if it didn’t, his scouts would finally find them. Carth had to wait until the first sign of dusk to be approached by a Mandalorian patrol. He stood up with his team, hands on his blasters. He had been bold to show up uninvited, but hailing a top secret cloaked Mandalorian outpost and asking for help would have been suicide. He knew the Mandalorians.
“Identify yourselves.†Said the Mandalorian patrolman behind his gray plastisteel helmet. He had come up to them in a squadron of three. A fair number, just as expected: they had intended to find Carth’s team, which was as much of a greeting as they would get.
“I am Captain Onasi of the republican warship Proxis. I am here to speak with Mandalore.†Carth said coolly.
“Mandalore? What makes you think you’ll find Mandalore, if he even exists?†The patrolman asked suspiciously. Mandalorians had no theatrical skills: they only knew to mask their intentions with aggression.
“I will speak to Mandalore and no one else.†Carth stood his ground and stiffened up as much as he could. He was bluffing, of course; he would speak to any Mandalorian that would listen, but that was not how the Mandalorians played. He had to do as they would do.
“You have no business with Mandalore. Go back to your ship and leave immediately.†The patrolman demanded. This is where anyone else would offer credits and opportunity for more by giving away his proposal. Carth would do no such things. He had to give the Mandalorians what they wanted and only what they wanted: someone to respect.
“I’m not going anywhere.†Carth hissed. There was a pause where the patrolman traded a little bit of hostility with some respect. To cover up their shift in mood, they did what they do best to cover their tracks: respond in threat.
“Is that a challenge?†The patrolman asked in a threatening tone. It was a trick question. Carth could not answer with words. If he said yes, there would be a duel that could only end in someone’s death. If he said no, he would be sent back with not another moment’s thought. He pulled out both of his blasters and held them facedown. He had done so slowly as to not cause a firefight while the possibility that it meant he was ready for a challenge was enough to grant him the respect he needed to be heard.
“What does the republic want with Mandalore anyway?†The patrolman asked rhetorically, putting aside all hostilities.
“Fine. I will take you to our outpost.†He conceded reluctantly. Carth was instantly relieved and could sense his colleagues’ gratitude even in silence. They were proud of their Captain’s accomplishment. He was no diplomat, but his knowledge of the Mandalorian ways was astonishing.
Onasi and his team were separated once they entered the cloaked fortress. Everything that was around looked new but seemed engulfed in vegetation as if it had been there for generations. Carth was focusing on a communications tower with a large dish mounted above. He was amazed to see that it stood properly despite the large vines that tugged at it from one side.
“Not much place for technology in this place.†A Mandalorian spoke from behind. There was irritation mixed with slight despair in his voice. Carth turned around to look at the man. He also wore the full armored uniform like the rest.
“I’m Zuka, the chief technician of this sorry place.†He said as neutrally as he could.
“I’ll be taking you to Mandalore now.†He said in a monotone voice. Carth expected more pride in a Mandalorian and suddenly wondered if this place had what it was he really needed. It was certainly large enough to hold a few squadrons of fighters and perhaps even more, but the moon’s environment was hardly appropriate for such structures. Mush effort and credits had to go into this fort; much more than it would take if it were situated on a more suitable planet. Whatever reason they had to be settled here had to be a good one. Carth brushed away the thought and took a good look at the building he was being brought to. It could easily have been the head office of this place and the Mandalorians did seem to trust him enough to allow him inside. Why they could ever trust him so much was beyond him. All he could perceive was the evidence of it as he was allowed to see a third of the compound with minimal escort, who would seem to be a chatty mechanic, by Mandalorian standards. He was led straight inside the empty room with the blast doors still open.
“Make yourself comfortable. He will be with you shortly.†Zuka said and walked back the way they had come in as much of a hunch as a Mandalorian ever showed. This must have been a joke, an attempt at humor, Carth thought. This was the command base and there was no one there but him. Everything felt like he was being led to an interview in a place that was so understaffed that the technicians had to help with the administration. Everything seemed upside down.
“I see Zuka has given you all the time you need to conduct sabotage and spy on all our equipment.†A voice said from the steps on the far side of the room. Carth was startled but kept in mind that this was all a big Mandalorian joke and all he had to do was wait until it was done before he could talk business. He kept his cool and waited for the armored Mandalorian to approach him. His uniform seemed different. It looked even heavier that the others. It was shiny as it was given a smooth metallic finish. His helmet was also larger and more defined than the others. It seemed to have extra features and was accompanied by a larger air supply mounted from the neck down that was as neatly built into the armor as it could be.
“Mandalore, I presume.†Carth said simply while keeping his posture straight and respectable.
“In the flesh.†Mandalore answered proudly.
“So I guess the rumors were true.†Carth said.
“Rumors? Oh, you’re talking about the radio chatter that the republic picked up from their outpost here?†Mandalore asked in a mocking tone.
“You know about them?†Carth was surprised and didn’t feel the need to hide it.
“The republic has never been able to hide things from the Mandalorians and I’d be damned if they could now.†Mandalore said. There was a short pause.
“I also know that you came here to ask for our help.†Mandalore said mockingly. Carth stiffened again and regained his professional stance.
“So what if I am?†Carth asked.
“It would confirm a lot about the republic’s state of affairs.†Mandalore said simply.
“And what do you think you know about our current state of affairs?†Carth asked, feeling as if he was being dragged into a game and playing his part just as he was supposed to.
“That you’re weak, vulnerable, desperate… not giving up hope yet, are you? The big bad republic isn’t ready to crawl in a hole and die just yet, is it?†Mandalore asked unsympathetically.
“Never. We’ll never see the end of the republic.†Carth said confidently.
“Perhaps not. So, is that why you’re here: to make sure that never happens?†Mandalore asked without the mocking tone Carth had expected.
“Not exactly.†Carth answered uneasily.
“Well, what then?†Mandalore asked.
“I just need a fighter escort for my ship.†Carth said quickly. Mandalore just grunted and went over to some of the controls near the door Carth had entered by. Mandalore looked at the monitor at the center of the console briefly.
“I guess I could spare a few ships. I suppose you need the pilots too?†Mandalore asked and finally turned around. Carth was astonished. Never in his wildest dreams would this conversation go the way it did. Mandalore had not asked for any price or any details whatever. Most importantly, he hadn’t openly considered the honor and glory of the task. He simply said yes.
“Yes. Pilots and ships. About a handful.†Carth said.
“I have just what you need.†Mandalore said almost excitedly. Instead of explaining himself, he simply dashed to the door and signaled Carth to follow. Carth was even more confused but he was getting used to it and could keep it concealed with more ease. He followed Mandalore and took confidence in the thought that he may be able to answer his own questions. There was a large hangar dug into the hillside. The door was very large, just large enough to fit the Proxis. The hangar itself ran deep into the ground, twice as deep as his ship. Carth had been right to assume even this outpost would be well armed but he had no idea how much effort and resources had been expended to build such an elaborate hangar. The giant hanger doors were open just enough to allow Mandalore and Carth to walk into it at each other’s side. Inside the hangar were many ships of various sizes. Mandalore kept pacing farther and farther into the hangar, not giving as much as a glance at the numerous ships they walked by and or around. When they finally reached the end of the hangar, Carth notice five identical ships that he had recognized.
“Basilisks?†Carth asked puzzled.
“Aren’t these atmospheric ships?†He asked suspiciously.
“These are heavily modified Basilisk wardroids. I have a friend who’s pretty handy with droids. These are space worthy and much more maneuverable than any fighter planes I know of.†Mandalore said. A feeling of deja-vu mixed with doubt kept Carth in a motionless state.
“They will serve you well as long as you don’t jump into hyperspace and leave them all behind.†Mandalore continued as he notice Carth’s hesitation.
“How much is all of this gonna cost?†Carth asked as he crossed his arms. What he really wanted to ask was if the pilots he would include had any experience in these experimental fighters but he feared it would come out as an insult.
“I’ll take whatever you are offering Captain. I have a feeling there will be much glory to be gained from this little alliance.†Mandalore said simply. It felt as if there was much he was holding back. As much as he was pleased that the Mandalorian leader felt there would be glory in his mission, Carth couldn’t help but succumb to suspicion.
“You HAVE tested these ships before, right? I mean, you aren’t just dumping these things on my lap so I can combat test them for you, right?†Carth asked.
“As a matter of fact, I have. I also have a team of expert fighters to fly them, including my finest pilot, and I’m going to loan it all to you.†Mandalore said proudly. Only in this surreal situation could Mandalorian pride be mistaken for a sales pitch, regardless of the fact that Carth could pay them whatever he saw fit.
“You would do that for the republic?†Carth asked carefully.
“Don’t get me wrong: there is something to be gained out of this for the both of us. Maybe we can talk more about that someplace else.†Mandalore said seriously. Carth nodded and followed Mandalore wherever he would take him.
It was a medium sized room filled with canapés and Mandalorian art. It was no office or even a public sitting room; this had the look of a private living room.
“Have a seat Captain Onasi.†Mandalore gestured with his had for his guest to sit and make himself comfortable.
“I’d prefer to stand.†Carth said honestly.
“Always the tough-guy right? I prefer to stand as well.†Mandalore said. Carth was suddenly uncomfortable.
“Do I know you?†Carth asked wryly…….
“I suppose I could get rid of this helmet now that all formalities are through.†Mandalore said as he reached for the release buttons at the front and back of his helmet. Carth’s mouth fell opened when he saw the face that was hiding behind a new man.
“Canderous Ordo.†Carth whispered.
“Now it’s all making sense to you isn’t it?†Canderous asked.
“No. Not all.†Carth shook his head and frowned.
“Maybe I’ve misplaced some pieces to this puzzle.†Mandalore shrugged.
“When did you become Mandalore? Last time we met you were nothing but a well paid bully for some crime lord.†Carth said, forgetting his manners and his fear of disrespecting a Mandalorian.
“That’s not how we left off.†Canderous grunted and shot a cold gaze at the republican Captain.
“The last time we met I was aiding Revan in his quest to destroy the Sith’s alien space station and kill his betrayer. You speak as though you forgot what glory there was in that.†Canderous Ordo said.
“I guess I try not to think of it.†Carth said honestly.
“You haven’t changed. You’re so blind with loyalty to the dying republic that you would forget what great favor he did for you.†Canderous accused.
“He left. He just picked up and left. I’m surprised you aren’t just as angry about it as I am.†Carth said defensively.
“As much as I wished I could continue to be of service to Revan, it was unrealistic to think it was possible. Besides, he did me a favor. I’m Mandalore now. I couldn’t have done it without him.†Mandalore said.
“You would’ve continued with him if you were given the chance?†Carth asked.
“Without a doubt.†Canderous replied slyly.
“Because you think he could have done so much more?†Carth asked quickly.
“I see where you’re going with this. If I haven’t become Mandalore I may have felt abandoned as well, but it’s obvious to me that Revan left us all with more than what we had.†Mandalore said.
“Not all of us.†Carth said regrettably. There was a short pause and he felt he should continue.
“The Jedi seem to have lost something important, maybe even vital.†He said.
“For some reason, I don’t think that’s true.†Canderous said in a grunt. Carth shot him a quick frown and continued.
“Bastila took it very hard.†Carth tried his best not to reveal everything.
“As disappointing as she may be, Revan favored her. Without a doubt, he left her with something more significant than anything we have.†Canderous said.
“From her perspective, she feels as though she lost everything.†Carth said defending his new crewmember.
“She has the favor of the greatest warrior in the galaxy. For as long as he lives, she has something worth more than I could ever dream. What she does with it is another story. Bastila was one of the weaker Jedi I have seen, of course, putting aside her fancy battle meditation. I know Revan saw much more than that and I know he believed she would come around.†Canderous mused.
“And how would you know that?†Carth asked curiously.
“Revan had a plan for all of us. He knew a lot of things about us and about our future. I spent the end of the war marveling at his skills in battle, his strategies, and his resolve. I was very disappointed to hear Malak had killed him. Of all the people in the galaxy, WE were the ones to witness his return. Of course we had no idea. But everything that happened from that time on Taris until the Starforge couldn’t have happened any other way. He made everything possible. It’s as though the galaxy itself had to conform to his plan. We were the same. From the moment he showed up, we were all caught in his wake. Because of that, we can never go back. Everything has to move forward and I get the feeling he knows exactly where we’ll all be.†Madalore said with certainty. Carth wouldn’t answer.
“All that time with him and I only realized it when he was gone: he can predict the future. The war, the Jedi, me… I bet you’ll be an Admiral someday just for having been there with him.†Mandalore revealed. The thought of becoming and Admiral made Carth feel sick, but he knew it wasn’t far-fetched. With the republican military shrinking in size and numbers, there would be less and less leaders to promote.
“If he’s left us all with something, what did he leave the republic?†Carth was upset. Whether there was truth to Mandalore’s theory or not, Revan’s tactics left the Republic crippled and the Jedi defenseless. It was hard to imagine any purpose to any of it.
“I don’t know. You would have to ask him.†Mandalore shrugged.
“All I know is that I’m supposed to be here, waiting for you to come asking for help. I’m supposed to give you want you want and send you on your way.†Canderous said.
“So that’s what this is about? You think you’re still working for him?†Carth didn’t realize just how much Revan was missed until now.
“In so many ways, yes. Don’t try to fool yourself; if he ever came back, there would be nothing he would ask of you that you would refuse. You would be stuck in his wake again.†Canderous answered. Carth shook his head.
“Did he ask you to do this? Did he tell you all of this would happen?†Carth said almost mockingly. Canderous shook his head.
“You just don’t get it do you? Revan never left. He’s still pulling his strings and making us all work together. What else could he be doing?†Canderous asked.
“No one’s forcing you Canderous. You do what you want; we all do. Nothing Revan does could change that.†Carth said.
“Don’t forget that Revan was a Jedi. I’ve heard many things about how the force could alter destinies, even free will. After having served him, I know first hand that he has that power.†Canderous said. Carth had forgotten all about that. His pain had turned his perspective of Revan. He blamed him for everything and focused so much on what was left behind that he forgot why he blamed him. He blamed him because he did have that power. He was angry with him because he wanted him to use that power and fix everything that had gone wrong.
“So how do you know he wants you to help me?†Carth asked, not yet willing to yield.
“How did you know to come here and ask for my help?†Canderous replied cryptically.
“I would expect an answer like that from the Jedi but not from you.†Carth said.
“He got to me too: the Jedi have a way of dealing with destiny unlike anyone I know. You came here with whatever idea you had in mind and I’m the one that answered your call. It’s no coincidence, you know that.†Canderous said.
“I wish Bastila was here to see how you’ve corrupted the Jedi ways to fit your idea of Revan and his influence.†Carth said as respectfully as he could.
“If she were here, you’d be surprised what she would have to say. We may have been wrong about her, but Revan wasn’t. Maybe you should ask her just how much influence Revan had and how much he still has.†Canderous said.
“Maybe I will, if I ever see her again.†Was all that Carth could say.
“It’s settled then. I’ll prepare Otis and his team while you prepare your ship with the extra accommodations for my five pilots and Basilisks.†Mandalore extended his arm waiting for a shake. Carth nodded and shook hands. Whatever awaited them was certainly going to be interesting. It was odd that he went from dreading the futility of his babysitting mission to striking a deal with Mandalore himself on what would seem to be nothing short of a glorious mission.
