CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CORUSCANT
Revan stepped into the High Council Chambers, his eyes sweeping the remaining seven members of the Jedi High Council. He moved into the center of the circle of chairs, positioning himself where he could watch all of them and still cover his back. The members of the Council took notice of this and Jolee shook his head.
"You are in no danger here son of Revan." Atris spoke, her voice unusually clam and warm.
Revan looked at her. "I was measuring my exit and attack points Master Atris. Forgive me, it is habit."
"Do you wish to attack anyone here?" She asked.
"We are in this war together by the council's own decree. With the sith apprentices gone from this council, there is no reason for me to question any of you." Revan spoke.
"Yet you still don't trust us." The remaining Cerean spoke, leaning forward slowly.
"The actions of this council in the past have not instilled a great deal of trust Master, yet I still respect your wisdom and status as Masters of the Order." Revan replied. He was trying to stay politically even so that they did not dictate anything that would harm Anja's chances of becoming a Knight. A hope she still harbored deep in her heart, though she had never spoken of it.
"And your actions recently have presented you in a different light than the first time you were here several months ago." Vandar spoke now.
Revan looked at him. "I am the same person Master Vandar."
"No. We sense a calmness about you that was not present when you stood before us before. A sense of peace." Vandar said.
Revan nodded. "Perhaps."
"I sense that Padawan Tamari is a large part of that peace Revan." The Cerean spoke again.
Revan looked at him. "Forgive me Master… I don't know your name."
"Ki-Van Tar."
"Have you brought me here to ask me to have nothing else to do with Anja?" Revan asked. "If that is the purpose of this meeting, I am not the one you should be talking too. I suggest you speak with Anja herself and discover what her feelings are. If that is what she wishes I will abide by her decision."
"What do you think she would say?" Atris asked.
Revan looked at her. "I love her with all that I am. And she loves me just as much. I do know that she still harbors a hope of becoming a Jedi Knight. Something her love for me most likely will not permit." Revan looked at Vandar. "Why don't you speak with her?"
"We already have young Revan." Vandar spoke, causing Revan to look at him, clearly surprised.
"You… you have spoken with her already?" He asked.
"Indeed. An enlightening conversation to say the least." Ki-Van Tar said. "We sensed from her the same thing we sense from you. We have deducted it is due to the bond you obviously share, and due to the deep feelings you have for one another."
"I was not aware that you had spoken to her." Revan said.
Jolee nodded. "We asked her not to say anything to you within your bond." He said.
"More secrets?" Revan asked.
"Everyone has secrets young Revan." Vandar said.
"Yes they do. However, most of their secrets will not damage the Republic if they were revealed." Revan couldn't help but hand out the dig to the Council members. He looked at them again. "You obviously want something from me, or else I wouldn't be here. Forgive me, but I don't like to play guessing games."
Ki-Van Tar chuckled. "Yes, we get that feeling from you." He got to his feet and walked up to where Revan stood. He towered over even Revan at six feet seven, most of it due to his cone like head, a distinction among his people. "On behalf of this Council young Revan Panlie, I wish to express our sincere indebtedness to you for your actions in safeguarding this Temple, as well as the enclave on Dantooine. Without the support and tactics you worked out, both Jedi Temples would be destroyed, and most of our Order leaderless."
Revan bowed his head in respect, suddenly liking this Cerean Master. "I made a vow many years ago Master. It is a vow I intend to keep."
"Yes." Vandar said, rising from his chair and walking towards Revan. "A vow to insure the survival of the Jedi Order no matter the cost to you."
Revan looked at him surprised. "How… how did you know that?"
The other Masters also looked at Vandar with surprise in their eyes. "Yes, Vandar." Atris spoke now, also leaning forward in her chair. "What do you mean?"
Vandar met Revan's eyes and stopped in front of him. "Young Revan made a vow to his father many years ago. A vow to insure the survival of our Order at all costs, even though he himself could never hold the title of Jedi Knight, to protect us from all evil… even from ourselves. A mission you have performed without fail young Revan."
All of the Masters looked at Revan now with a new respect in their eyes. Ki-Van Tar returned to his seat as Revan went to one knee in front of Vandar.
"We have a request for you young Revan." Vandar asked.
"How can I be of service?"
Vandar held out the small data pad to Revan, and watched as he took it and began to read. Vandar returned to his chair as Revan read what was on the data pad, his face betraying no emotion. He returned to his feet and looked at the Masters on the Council.
"Is this even possible?" Revan asked.
"As the last Scholar of Jedi knowledge, I assure you it is very possible, yet it hasn't been used in nearly two thousand years." Atris said. "And that person was a Bothan, not a member of the Jedi Order, but a Force wielder."
"Why?" Revan asked.
"Young Revan, whether you will admit it or not, the members of this Order flock to you. They flock to your father and to Dacen Vorsut." Ki-Van Tar spoke. "This Council was wrong when we exiled Dacen. We could have learned so much from him. He was no more a wound in the Force than you or I. We have done much soul searching and meditation since the attack on this Temple Revan. We have decided it is time to perhaps change the way we do things, and to return to the ways of the Jedi when they were formed."
Revan's face could not hide the stunned expression on his face. "I… I will need to discuss this with Arren." He managed to say.
Vandar nodded. "We assumed as much. If you can provide us an answer before the ceremonies tomorrow evening that would be satisfactory."
Revan nodded. "Of course."
"Good." Vandar said. "There is one more thing…" He looked at the Twi'lek Master next to him and he placed an elaborate lightsaber into Vandar's hand. The handle was intricately carved, and shone in the light. "This is an old lightsaber taken from the archives storage center. I understand you are somewhat of a designer of lightsabers, so your father says. We have been unable to get it to activate. Perhaps you might have better luck."
Revan stepped up to him and took the lightsaber gingerly. His eyes swept over the handle, noting the strange lettering and imbedded jewel handle. "The outer casing seems fine." He said. He touched the power switch and the blazing orange lightsaber blade sprang forth. The blade was clear and hummed with an almost unnatural power. It almost felt balanced just for his hand. Revan looked at Vandar. "This is a finely crafted weapon Master Vandar. There doesn't appear to be anything wrong with it."
Vandar nodded slowly as Revan deactivated the blade and returned it to him. "Thank you young Revan." He said. "We look forward to your decision. Please tell no one of what we have discussed."
Revan bowed his head to them and made his way back to the elevator.
Vandar turned to the other Masters, who all had looks of surprise on their faces. Atris let her eyes follow where Revan's path to the elevator had taken him.
"Vandar… is it possible?" She asked.
"I think we have all seen the answer to that." Vandar replied, moving back to his chair. He opened the finely crafted case next to his chair and easily opened the crystal compartment. He reverently withdrew the two crystals, one a silvery color, the other a white gem of shimmering brilliance. He rested them separately in the case and then placed the lightsaber hilt next to them. He closed the case slowly and returned to his chair.
"We must wait." Vandar said. "His answer will be the final test."
Arren looked at Revan, her pale blue eyes unable to hide her stunned feeling. Revan had gone to the tavern to meet with his father after leaving the Council chambers. He remained there for several hours, enjoying the company of his father and Uncle Carth. Vlaina was there as well, always close to Carth. He had greeted her in the Mandalorian fashion, whispering to her his sorrow and pride in her father. Small tears had filled her eyes and she kissed both his cheeks in thanks, squeezing his hands. Revan had left them, both his father and Carth feeling no pain as they drank Cerean Brandy. He had walked for a long time among the Temple halls, deep in thought. Anja had called for him through their bond, and he told her he was doing something important with Arren and to continue with her friends, who nearly hadn't left her side since she had returned. He and Arren stood in the Great Hall standing on one of the many balconies overlooking the courtyard.
"They actually said that?" Arren asked.
Revan nodded. "Yes. It threw me for a loop too."
"What did you tell them?"
"I told them I needed to talk with you. It concerns you as well." He replied. "You've read the data pad. You are like the sister I never had Arren; my confidant. I needed to run this by someone other than my father and Anja."
Arren smiled and slipped her arm through his, her head resting on his upper arm. "And you are like the older brother I never had Revan. Dralor and our sons my hold my heart, but you hold my essence Revan."
Revan smiled and pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her forehead. "So what do you think I should do?"
"Revan… regardless of what we both desire, they will never make us Jedi." Arren said softly. "We are too old… too independent. I am married, and you will be getting married soon. They may very well intend to make changes to more suit the times we live in, but it will take time and much changing of millennia old traditions. I will do this… but I want something in return." She looked up into his blue eyes.
Revan nodded. "Yes, so do I."
Arren nodded. "Then the answer is yes."
"As long as they agree to our conditions." Revan said.
Arren looked at him and smiled. "It's been a long time since you held me like your sister Revan. I've missed it."
Revan nodded and tightened his arms gently. "I believe you were seventeen the last time. And if I recall Dralor wasn't very happy. He almost took my head off with an Echani Vibrosword."
Arren laughed loudly and recalled the memory. "That was something. It proved to me he loved me." She said.
"Yes. I'm sure." Revan replied, rolling his eyes. "No matter that he almost killed me, and gave me a very close haircut."
"He wouldn't have hurt you."
"Have you ever seen your husband when another man looks at you?" Revan said with a smile.
"He'd better!" Arren said.
They stood there together, enjoying the company of family, unaware of the pair of eyes on them from across the Temple courtyard. Victor Paal lowered the binos, an evil smile painting his face as a plan came together in his mind.
Vandar and the other Masters looked at Revan as they reviewed the data pad he had provided them. He waited patiently as each of them looked at the pad, none of them displaying any emotion.
Vandar took the pad as it came back to him. "These are most unusual requests young Revan." He said.
Revan nodded. "Yes."
"I saw nothing for you among your requests." Atris said.
"Me?" Revan asked, somewhat taken aback. "This is not about what I want Masters. I have everything I want. Anja's love makes me complete. Win or lose, I will need nothing more, for I have experienced that which I desired above all else."
"And if we refuse?" Vandar asked.
Revan met his eyes. "I would still do it; because the survival of the Republic and this Order mean more to me than personal gain. All of you already knew what my answer would be. We waste time discussing this more. I have given you my answer and I can only hope you will accept my requests."
Vandar looked to each one of the Masters, and Revan saw all of them nod their heads with no hesitation. He felt his heart leap inside his chest when Vandar turned back to him and nodded.
"Very well young Revan. We will do what you ask of us. I believe it is something all of us will now admit we should have done long ago." Vandar spoke.
Revan nodded his head, a smile crossing his lips. "Thank you."
"We will see you at the ceremony young Revan. May the Force be with you."
"And with you Masters." Revan bowed his head and made his exit. He felt euphoric as the elevator brought him to the first level and he saw Anja and Arren waiting for him.
Revan stepped up to Anja and pulled her into his embrace, surprising her slightly when he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her deeply. Her surprise didn't last, and she folded into his arms and kissed him back, heedless of the dozens of Jedi and Padawans watching them.
Arren looked at him after they had ended their kiss. "I take it everything went as planned?"
Revan looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes, Anja looking between the two of them confused. "As planned."
Arren didn't understand the small smile he gave her, but she nodded her head in response. Anja looked at him.
"What plan? What are you talking about?" She asked.
Revan looked at her, his eyes bright. "Would you care to meet my mother with me my love? She arrives in thirty minutes with Uncle Dacen. We should also invite your parents, and find my drunken father and Uncle. They need to be present as well."
"Present for what?" Anja asked, her heart beating a little faster.
"Our marriage." Revan said.
"Now?" Anja asked stunned.
"Unless you have a better time?" He said.
Anja threw her arms around his neck and crushed him to her, happiness flooding through her. "No! Now works for me!"
Revan laughed. "Good. I was beginning to think you would get cold feet."
Anja's face became stern and she opened her mouth to retort, but found herself kissing him instead, Arren's laughing in the background.
The inside of the small chapel was warmly lit with nearly two hundred candles and cinnamon scented incense burning in the background. There was a small group inside the Chapel, only close friends and family knew of the ceremony currently being performed. There were two sets of very happy parents watching as their children spoke the words giving all of themselves to each other for the rest of their lives, and doing so with love in their eyes. Arren and Dralor stood proudly next to their respective charges as Mandalorian Seconds, and holders of this couples' story and history. They were blissfully unaware of what was taking place outside the chapel, as Mandalorian troops and Jedi Knights were converging on the chapel from the Temple and nearby troop encampments that had been set up.
The word had spread like wildfire through the Jedi Temple of Revan and Anja's impending vows, and many chose to attend the ceremony will little or no thought. Almost all the Jedi who had fought with Revan and Anja on Dantooine were present, as were the ones who had heard Revan's speech on board THE VICTORY. It had touched them all to their cores.
Anja wore a simple white gown that hugged her lush figure, her hair freshly braided by Vlaina only hours before. She wore light make-up, mainly around her bright eyes and on her soft lips. Revan wore the Jedi robes his father had worn when he and Bastila were married nearly thirty years before. His hair was tied into a short pony tail, his facial hair neatly trimmed.
They stood facing each other, their hands clasped together as the Holy man spoke several words while wrapping an intricate band of cloth around their hands. He nodded to Revan, who turned back to look at Anja.
"You are the light that burns in my veins and within my being." Revan spoke clearly, yet with some nervousness in his voice. "We will never be apart in our hearts or our minds. We are now one, and we will pass our light to our children."
The Holy man turned to Anja and smiled, nodding his head. "Anja."
"You are the light that burns in my veins and within my being." Anja spoke, the tears coming from her eyes. "Our sons and daughters will be strong of mind and body. And we shall pass on to them our light and our history."
The Holy man smiled and placed his hands over theirs. "I have joined many over my lifetime, but never two whose love for each other was so powerful. With my blessings and those blessings of all of us here today, I present to you Revan and Anja Panlie, husband and wife, joined by love and by the Force." He looked at Revan. "Son, you may kiss your wife now."
Revan smiled. "I was wondering when that part would come." He said, causing those in the chapel to burst out in tearful laughter. He lifted Anja into his arms, feeling her arms encircle his shoulders and they shared a kiss of passion and love.
"Hey Rev," Carth spoke from the front of the small chapel. "Maybe you should take a look at this."
Holding Anja's hand tightly, Revan moved to the front of the chapel and looked out the window. His eyes widened and he heard Anja's surprised gasp. He moved slowly to the door and stepped outside into the night air of Coruscant. Anja joined him, taking his hand, as the eighty or so Mandalorians came to a crisp position of rigid attention and thrust out their Vibroswords to the front, before bringing them back to touch their foreheads, as they bowed their heads slightly. Revan stepped fully into the night sky, the ranks of troops on either side of him. He brought his hand up in the Mandalorian fashion of family, before extending it out over them. He and Anja walked down the twin ranks of Mandalorians slowly, a smile etched onto Anja's face as she held tightly to Revan's arm.
They both stopped when they saw the first Jedi step up into the formation, lift his lightsaber hilt, and activate the blue beam. Revan felt pride surge through him as they watched nearly forty Jedi step into the line, lift their lightsabers, and activate the blades. In a moment, they were walking under a tunnel of blue, green, yellow, and silver lightsaber beams.
It was a sight that Bastila would never forget, as the tears spilled from her eyes. She looked to her husband, and saw his eyes moist.
You didn't know did you?
Revan looked at her. Not this. No. I never suspected this.
Perhaps things are changing my love. Bastila said.
Revan nodded. Perhaps.
The Jedi courtyard was filled to overflowing, with nearly three thousand present and standing in loose formation facing the stage that had been erected near the entrance to the dock area. The traffic around the Jedi Temple was gone, being redirected away from the ceremony for security measures. In orbit around Coruscant were nearly six complete Fleet Units. No chances were going to be taken this night, as the Chancellor himself had returned from where he had gone into temporary hiding, as was expected to give a speech. This night was going to be an unprecedented event in the history of the Republic and the Jedi Order. Holonet cams were zipping around the courtyard recording every moment of this gathering, and broadcasting it live to the entire Republic. Revan senior stood in the second rank with Bastila, Dacen, and Anja. He looked around, trying to find his son.
"Where is he?" He asked.
"He said that Master Vandar wanted to speak with him briefly before the ceremony." Anja replied, also looking around.
"Vandar is up on the stage now!" Dacen said.
"Damn! Leave it to our son to be late!" Revan hissed.
"It's starting!" Bastila spoke, motioning to the stage as the Chancellor came to the podium.
The crowd became quiet as the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic stepped to the podium and let his eyes fall on those in the crowd in front of him, his face being broadcast to every planet within republic space. Every city and town and village that got the holonet would be seeing who their leader was.
"I wish to thank you all for assembling tonight. I will be brief in my remarks, but Jedi Master Vandar wanted me to be here to take part in this unprecedented ceremony. My fellow citizens, we teeter on the edge of the abyss, our forces mustering across the Republic to do battle one more time. Only this time the threat is far greater than any we have ever faced. This threat does not seek our enslavement; this threat wishes to see us destroyed totally. We must now put aside all the discord, all hatred, all mention of our pasts, we must now come together as one united people to insure our survival. We owe this to the lives already lost in this war of survival. Through the efforts of those we once called enemies we were able to save nearly ninety percent of the innocent civilians on the planet before poison missiles were launched. Through the brave and noble sacrifice of four thousand men and women we once called enemy, under the command of an honorable and valuable soldier, we succeeded where the enemy thought they had us beaten. I wish to personally extend my sincere thanks and remorse to the children of Kelborne of the Mandalorian Clan Ordo." His eyes sought out Dralor and Vlaina in the second rank in front of him. "He will be remembered and honored."
Dralor nodded his head to the Chancellor, stunned that the man knew who he was.
"I intend to make the first gesture of solidarity." The Chancellor continued. "I am returning to Coruscant, and here I will stay as Chancellor regardless of the danger it may bring upon me. I ask that everyone come together and we can win this fight. I will now turn the podium over to Jedi Master Atris."
Atris smiled to the Chancellor and bowed her head slightly as he passed before she stepped up to the podium. She let her gaze wander over the gather Jedi, Wookiee and Mandalorians spread out in front of her.
"Master Vandar and the others on the council have asked that I speak on behalf of them all. There are two people who I want to thank personally for the opportunity to be here. Without them, I would be but a memory. Dacen Vorsut and his daughter Hanna. Dacen saved my life many years ago, and his daughter saved it just a few days ago. The Force has given me two chances to insure I complete whatever it is I am called to do." Atris found Dacen's shocked face in the crowd and she nodded to him. Then she found Hanna's smiling face and nodded as well.
Atris took a deep breath and looked out over the crowd again. "The Jedi High Council has some announcements to make, and then we would like to honor some who have proven themselves in trials greater than any we could have devised. The Council has ordered that a monument be built to those who fell defending this Temple. Their names shall be etched into this monument, Jedi, Wookie and Mandalorian alike, as a testament to the sacrifice they so willing gave in our defense.
"The Jedi Order's most sacred edict is the defense of the Republic we all hold so dear. Over time, that edict has not been honored as it should have been. The decision made by this Council to not enter the Mandalorian War in defense of the Republic was the vilest violation this Order could have ever made. It was wrong, and… and so many lives paid for our arrogance. We thought we were right, when in the end, we were so very wrong, and so many of our friends and family paid the price. That is not something we will allow to happen again. The High Council has ordered that our teachings and our code will be reviewed to the fullest, and if changes are deemed necessary, those changes will be implemented."
The murmurs of the gathered Jedi could be heard throughout the courtyard.
Atris's eyes went directly to where Revan, Bastila and Dacen stood. "Many years ago, the High Council made a terrible mistake. We had an opportunity to address our teachings, and we let it pass us by. If we had confronted our arrogance then, we would not have lost three of the most dedicated and honorable members of this Order. We turned our back on them in our ignorance… we exiled them because we did not understand them. The High Council of the Jedi Order is going to insure we never do that again." Atris leaned over to her side and lifted the small silver gavel. She brought it down on the metal plate next to her and looked down at the data pad in her hand as the high pitched chime echoed. "By order of the Jedi High Council, Revan Panlie, Bastila Shan, and Dacen Vorsut are hereby reinstated into the ranks of the Jedi Order. In accordance with our long history and selection processes, due to the enormous acts of compassion and mercy shown to be in service to the Republic and in the ideals of the Jedi Order, Revan Panlie, Bastila Shan, and Dacen Vorsut are hereby granted the rank of Master and have been selected to fill three of the four unoccupied seats on the Jedi High Council."
Atris looked at them with a smile. "Please take your honored positions."
Arren had tears in her eyes as she gave her father a shove, jarring him from his stunned immobilization. Dacen nearly stumbled, but kept his feet as he moved toward the podium with Revan and Bastila, who wore the same expressions, Bastila's eyes clouded by tears. They were greeted by the other Masters with bows and motioning to three of the four empty chairs on the stage. Revan looked at Vandar, his eyes moist.
"My son… my son did this didn't he?" He said.
"The decision had already been made Revan. Your son merely accelerated the process." Vandar replied.
"Where is he Vandar?"
Vandar's ears swept forward a little and his lips curled into a tiny smile. "Watching proudly." He answered. "Watching proudly."
Revan turned and went to stand beside his wife, whose tears were flowing freely.
Atris turned back to the assembled crowd. "I will now read the names of nineteen Padawans who fought in defense of this Temple, and in doing so, as I stated before, passed a trial far greater than any we could have devised. Please step forward when your name is called and fully join the ranks of the Jedi Knights."
Anja was nearly oblivious to what was happening, as she was staring at the small glittering white gem of a wedding ring on her left hand. She had no regrets as she heard the names called, as she had already earned her greatest prize. She toyed with the ring, lifting her head and looking for Revan.
My love?
I am here Anja.
Why aren't you beside me Revan?
This is your time my love. Something for you to enjoy.
Anja's brow furrowed. Revan, what are you saying?
I'm saying I love you Anja Panlie. More than my own life.
Revan, what have you done? You…
"Padawan Anja Tamari!" Atris's voice sounded. "Please step forward!"
Anja's head snapped around at the sound of her name being called. Arren couldn't help but laugh at the expression on her face as she gave her a nudge. Lena clutched Jaspar's arm, tears streaming down her face.
"Go!" Arren said.
Anja slowly moved out of the second rank and made her way to stand in front of Atris. She bowed her head. "Master Atris?"
"Padawan Tamari, with the recommendation of Master Corna and Master Vandar, please step to my left and join the ranks of Knights."
Anja's heart was racing as she stepped to where Vandar stood saying something to each new minted Knight. She knelt before him, a mass of confusion.
"Knight Tamari. It is good you have finally joined us."
"Master Vandar… this… there must be some mistake." Anja spoke. "Earlier tonight… Revan and I were…"
"Married?" Vandar nodded. "This I already know Knight Tamari. A beautiful ceremony too, so I am told. The Will of the Force Anja Tam… Anja Panlie. The Will of the Force." Vandar touched her forehead with a smile and she moved to stand beside the others.
Atris smiled as she turned back to the podium. She leaned forward. "Arren Vorsut, please come forward."
Arren's head snapped to Dralor in shock, her blue eyes wide. His face beamed, but he shrugged his shoulders in innocence. Arren felt light headed as she walked to the front of the podium.
"Arren Vorsut, with the recommendation of Master Vandar and myself, please step to the left and join the ranks of the Knights."
Arren turned slowly and stepped to where Vandar stood, going to one knee and looking at him. "This is Revan's doing isn't it?" She asked softly.
"We will not ask you to change who you are Arren." Vandar spoke quietly so only she could hear him. "I only hope you will give us the chance to show you what you have shown us. What you are Arren, is unique, and you will be a fine Jedi, of that I have little doubt."
Revan stood behind the back rank of Jedi and smiled. His eyes were moist with tears, and he felt a great happiness in his heart. He had changed into his standard Jedi robes, with additional armor and gauntlets, his lightsabers attached to his belt. He smiled one final time before turning and slowly beginning to walk away.
"Not going to stay Rev?" The voice spoke.
Revan turned and saw Carth approach him. "I have accomplished what I set out to this night Uncle Carth. I need not see anywhere."
"You did all this?" Carth asked.
"I had a hand in it yes."
"And why aren't you up there?" Carth asked.
Revan smiled. "That is not my destiny." He replied. "My destiny lies on a different path."
Carth chuckled. "You sure sound like a Jedi. Always so damn cryptic."
Revan joined the small laughter and turned to stand beside the man he had called uncle since he was a child. His eyes fell on those gathered on the stage, their faces proud and some with tears in their eyes. They saw Vandar moving towards the podium.
"Thought you were leaving?" Carth asked.
"Vandar was not scheduled to speak." Revan told him.
"Really? This might be interesting then uhu?"
Revan looked at him. "Perhaps."
Vandar moved slowly to the podium, stepping up onto the crate that had been moved into position for him. The gathered crowd became hushed as the most revered member of their Order began to speak.
"The Jedi have been Guardians of the Republic for millennia. It is our most scared edict and vow. Many of our Order have fallen in defense of that Republic; some have even sought to hurt it. Always have we tried to be vigilant and aware. At times we have failed and grown further apart from those we are sworn to protect. We do not intend to let that happen again. We stand on the cusp of a war we did not want, a war the majority of us did not see coming. Many have already lost their lives in this war, honorable men, and women. We will not let their sacrifice be in vain.
"Throughout our history, our archives tell of a crystal. A crystal that was instrumental in the founding of the Guardian caste of our Order. This crystal has been lost over millennia and returned in times of great turmoil for the Republic and the Jedi, according to our history and legends. It is said, that when this crystal, The Heart of the Guardian, is combined with the Solari crystal, only a Jedi Guardian of pure spirit may wield this blade. Though Solari crystals are extremely rare, only one truly holds the power of the light. It once belonged to Jedi Master Ood Bnar, and when, after a thousand years of service to our Order he became one with the Force, this crystal was passed to his most promising student, a young Knight named Shaela Nuur. Knight Nuur was lost during the time of The Great Hunt, the crystal with her. Master Revan returned this crystal to us after discovering it on Knight Nuur's remains many years ago. We have had this crystal within these walls, and recently a strange and unexplainable event happened. On Dantooine, a man was discovered, the lost son of Cay Qel-Droma." Vandar could see the surprised looks of many of the gather Jedi. "When speaking with him he presented to me a gift. A gift he said he had discovered over the years and kept hidden and safe. A gift he felt it was time to present."
Vandar withdrew the crystal from under his robes and held it up, hearing the gasps from the gathered Jedi. "The Heart of the Guardian has returned to the Jedi Order!"
Vandar reverently handed the crystal to Ki-Van Tar, who stood to his side. He then placed it into the hilt of the lightsaber he held and resealed the hilt. Master Ki-Van Tar was renown with the Order for his skills in creating lightsabers. Once he was finished, he handed the lightsaber back to Vandar and bowed his head before returning to his position among the other Masters.
"Over the past two days, we have summoned all of our Guardian caste to our chambers to see if the legends were indeed true, that only one pure of spirit could use this blade. While we consider all Jedi to be pure in spirit, the crystal will only respond to one. Of all the Jedi who attempted to wield this blade, all failed, save one." Vandar's eyes searched for and found Revan, standing far in the back of the ranks of gathered men and women.
"There was a problem however." Vandar spoke. "The only one able to activate and wield this blade was not a member of this Order. The one able to wield this blade was already the one responsible for saving this order from complete destruction. The only one able to wield this blade adhered to a vow he made when he was only a boy, a vow to never see the Jedi Order fall no matter the cost to him." Vandar could see Revan shaking his head in the distance.
"No… no… Vandar." Revan said softly, his words choked up. Carth looked at him, and saw the moist eyes and the stiff body. Carth also noticed that many heads were turning to look upon Revan from all across the courtyard.
"The High Council deliberated on this information. We had originally intended to ask this young man to fulfill a different kind of role in this coming battle. We saw this would not be the correct path. We all knew the path we had to follow, so we made another decision."
Vandar reached out to where Revan stood in the back. "Will the first born son of Revan Panlie and Bastila Shan approach?"
Carth looked at Revan, who seemed rooted to his spot, unable to move. "Revan?" Carth whispered.
Revan turned to him. "It was not supposed to be like this Uncle Carth."
Carth smiled. "I've found that being around your father and mother; things are never what they are supposed to be. Go."
Revan took a deep breath and began the walk to where Vandar stood. He didn't see his mother on the stage, clasping tightly to his father's arm, tears flowing freely form her eyes. He didn't see Anja, his bond mate and adoring new wife, her hands over her mouth, tears pouring from her eyes. He didn't see the hundreds of heads who watched him as he walked between the many ranks of Jedi and Mandalorians and Wookiee.
Revan finally came to stand before Vandar, and he slowly dropped to his knees in front of him. Vandar moved down the two stairs to stand on the stair above where Revan knelt.
"Young Revan… it is you who have saved this Order. On a scale that can not be imagined. And you did this willingly; always with the impression you would never be what you so coveted. You have a power within you that rivals the greatest Masters of our Order, yet without our teachings and guidance you have remained true to the ideals of this Order, even when we did not. After what we witnessed in our chambers, the decision came to all of us easily.
"Revan Panlie Junior, the Jedi High Council bestows upon you the title to which you aspired but never expected. We ask that you take on the role as The Shield of the Jedi. You are like tempered steel young Revan, forged from purity. Always shall you be a brilliant burning light to your friends and a fiery brand to your enemies. Others will take great joy in the shelter of your shadow, and the peace you will bring to them. Will you accept this role as Jedi Knight and holder of the Heart of the Guardian?"
Revan lifted his face and looked at Vandar. "Master, this was not one of my conditions."
Vandar nodded. "Yes I know young Revan. However, it is one of ours." He held out the lightsaber that Revan had held in the chamber only hours before.
Revan reached out and took the lightsaber from his hand, feeling the power radiating from the blade. "I accept Master Vandar." He said, rising to his feet, and activating the blade with a snap hiss, to the countless gasps from the Jedi gathered.
"Then turn Knight Panlie, and join with those of our Order as we prepare to defend our Republic!" Vandar spoke loudly. "Please… ignite your blades as one and join with your fellow Jedi in salute."
The snap hiss of hundreds of lightsabers igniting in the courtyard could be heard and seen by billions everywhere in the Republic; however, the Jedi could not hear the roars of cheering and clapping that were taking place all across hundreds of planets.
Nor could they see or hear the evil sneers of Natal and the Pure Sith commander as they watched the intercepted transmission on board their ship.
Revan stared into the breathtaking green eyes of his new wife as they lay in bed. They had remained for the small gatherings after the ceremony, each of them only wanting to escape into the bliss of each others arms. When they could wait no longer they snuck away to the knowing smiles of many people.
The sheet covered both their bodies, Anja stretched across the bare chest of her husband as she stroked his shoulders with her fingers. She was staring into his handsome face, her chin resting in the palm of her left hand, her elbow pressed against his chest. They had enjoyed each others attentions for nearly three hours and now were simply content to gaze at each other.
They both rolled their eyes as the com unit began to insistently chime next to their bed.
Revan reached over with his arm and stabbed the panel.
"Speak quickly!" He snapped.
"Revan!" His Uncle Carth's voice caused him to turn his head. Carth looked barely half awake, and Revan's senses came immediately alert.
"Uncle Carth? What is it?"
"Roust your father and Dacen Rev! Meet me in the command center we set up in the lower level. Hurry Rev." Carth said. "Something has happen."
Anja pulled the sheet around her as Revan sprang from the bed, reaching for his clothes. Anja followed quickly.
Father? Revan reached out within the bond.
What is it Revan?
Where are you and mother? Uncle Carth has been trying to contact you.
Are your mother and I not entitled to some time alone? His father's voice held a small amount of anger.
Father. Uncle Carth says something has happen. He wouldn't give me details. Only that I was to find you and Uncle Dacen and meet him in the Command Center as soon as possible.
The senior Revan lifted himself from the soft sheets of the bed in the Senate Hotel. Bastila slept soundly next to him.
I will meet you there.
The Command Center was abuzz with activity when father and son and Dacen entered. All three of them were still showing signs of sleepiness, as they were not all completely dressed.
Carth looked up from the data pads he was reading, the huge holo image of the galaxy before him. Carth's eyes were red from lack of sleep, and constant rubbing. His clothes were haphazardly thrown on. Revan senior came to an abrupt halt when he saw his friend, his face becoming very concerned.
"Carth?" Revan asked softly.
Carth held out the data pad. "The Sith have launched a massive invasion of Republic space. Preliminary reports indicate they are coming in from an additional four routes of advance; through the Kessel sector, through Hutt space, along the Corellian Trade spine and through the Vivenda Sector. Nar Shaddaa has already fallen. Nal Hutta is under massive planetary bombardment, and the Hutts are screaming for aide."
"By the Force!" Revan gasped, reading from the pad. He looked up at Carth. "Five hundred capital ships?"
Carth nodded. "That report was sent by a Republic scout ship near Bespin. He was destroyed minutes later. Gand and Ryloth was only the beginning."
Revan looked at the map. "They are moving into positions to divide the Republic into chunks." He spoke.
"Revan?" Carth spoke softly.
"They will control all the trade routes to the Outer Rim if these attacks succeed. They…" Revan continued talking to no one in particular until Carth shouted.
"Revan!" He snapped.
Revan turned to face him. "What? What is it Carth?"
Carth handed him another data pad and Revan began to read. His eyes grew wider as he read and he stumbled back to the communication station behind him, finally settling into the chair. Rev junior felt the agony ripping through his father and it nearly staggered him as well. He stepped up to him.
"Father?" He asked softly.
Revan looked up at him, his eyes moist. "On… Onderon."
Dacen's eyes came more alert. "What… what about Onderon Revan?"
"Onderon was attacked last night. The Sith overwhelmed it in hours."
"What about Dxun Revan?" Dacen asked; his only thoughts were of his wife. "What about Dxun!"
Revan looked at him as the tears came. "Dxun was attacked with poison missiles. We have no contact with the settlement there. It's gone."
"NO!" Dacen screamed. "NO!" He dropped to his knees, grabbing his head in despair.
Bastila and Anja came into the Command center in time to see Dacen on his knees weeping uncontrollably, Revan sitting in the chair, tears pouring from his eyes, and Rev junior struggling to remain on his feet after the news they had just received.
The three Jedi in the outer corridor suddenly went to their knees as Bastila's scream ripped through their very being.
The Pure Sith War was now fully engaged.