The Old Republic: Beyond Light and Darkness ch. 1
by Kaspian
STAR WARS
THE OLD REPUBLIC
BEYOND LIGHT AND DARKNESS
It is a time of great unrest. After the disaster
at Makeb, the GREAT GALACTIC WAR came to a stalemate.
The forces of SITH EMPIRE , armed with Isotope-5 weaponry,
viciously fight a loosing war for domination in the galaxy against the GALACTIC REPUBLIC.
Aided by great heroes of their own, the two factions clash in a
fight between light and darkness.
In the dark corners of the galaxy, a third power manipulates galactic
events from behind the scenes, hellbent on bringing destruction and death.
On the Jedi world of TYTHON , a young Jedi spymaster is about
to play an important role that will shape events to come, unaware of his destiny.
Soon, the balance in the Force will once more be shaken and neither
_ JEDI nor SITH will find their teaching able to save_
them from the coming darkness...
Chapter 1
Homecoming
Summer on Tython was as lovely as always. It was everybody's favourite time of the planet's orbital cycle. Padawans sitting on grass, rocks and finely-chiseled stone benches, basking in sunlight while meditating or reading up on galactic history or Jedi philosophy. The sound of water sprinkling against fountain pools, the training blades of students clashing, the shuttles flying in and out of the temple. Tree-covered cliffs surrounded the enormous building and a waterfall was flowing down into a creek that ran by.
A lean, black wolf with simple robes clumsily thrown over lightly armoured civillian attire, a brown synthleather vest over a white shirt and brown leggings, walked down the main alley towards the Temple, having just disembarked from a taxi from the Gnarls. On either side of his belt was attached a lightsaber, matted black in colour with simple red and blue patterns. Two empty blaster holsters hanged down his legs.
Kaidan would have loved to do nothing more than slip into some casual robes, go someplace further from the Temple, sit under a tree and browse the archive idly on his datapad, passively absorbing the wisdom collected by generations of Jedi.
But the black wolf had something else on his mind. The Council has requested his presence on Tython on a very short notice. It was very unusual considering the specifics of his assignment.
While knighted Jedi normally leave for the galaxy with a specific assignment or long term goal requiring their skills as combatants or diplomats, helping the helpless and keeping the peace as model Knights should, Kaidan had received a rather surprising offer shortly after becoming a Jedi Knight. Someone in the Republic's Strategic Information Service had become interested in the young Jedi's specific set of skills. Kaidan showed great skill in techniques rarely used (or even mastered) by Jedi, such as camouflage, illusions, influencing the mind and even precognition. Something that marks a perfect spy in the eyes of SIS and something that suits a Sith more than a Jedi in the eyes of the Council.
„Jedi do not resort to deception," his master would say „Our strength comes from the Light, and only while standing in the Light can we fight the evils of the Dark Side."
He would not argue, if only to avoid getting into trouble, but he still worked to develop these skills, along his swordfighting and more neutral techniques, such as telekinesis, healing or even the spectacular energy conversion powers like Tutaminis - nothing scares the crap out of a Sith like grabbing their lightsaber by the blade and pushing it down to the hilt.
So why would the Jedi Council break him away from his spy duties so urgently? Frankly, there were many reasons why. His work had become very un-Jedi like and he was worried someone in the Temple found out about his liberal interpretation of the Jedi tenets.
He'd never done anything bad. Never struck anyone who did not deserve it. Never manipulated another for his own profit. Everything he'd done was to keep the Republic safe.
He didn't drag that train of thought further, as a foreboding feeling suddenly overwhelmed him. Without a moment's hesitation, he drew his lightsabers and swung them over his head, behind his back, blades leaving arcing red and blue trails, narrowly blocking a blow from a training saber.
He quickly spun around and took a step back to face his assailant, ready for battle.
Seeing the gleeful, familiar face of a fox, his combat stance relaxed, lightsabers off, as his lips parted in a wide smile.
The fox was just about the same height and build as Kaidan. Instead of traditional Jedi robes he was wearing an orange two-part jumpsuit, with the upper half tied around his waist, exposing his once white shirt, stained with a multitude of liquids normally found in starships. Burn marks covered his leggings and a lightsaber was hanging loosely from his belt.
„Rex you son of a Hutt! I should've known you're the only one dumb enough to try and backstab someone right in front of the Temple," he said, chuckling as he did.
„I was wondering if what they say about the Great Spymaster of the Jedi Order is true," said Rex in, accenting the accolade with a ridiculously pompous tone.
„Stop calling me these names," said Kaidan „Everyone here already thinks I act like I'm a venerable Master who's beyond Jedi rules."
„Well, you could visit more often for starters" Rex replied, in an accusatory but playful tone „Ever since you went with the secret service we hardly see eachother. You don't even call!"
„Aw c'mon, you know how it works," said Kaidan.
„I know, I know, classified-slash-top secret code Victor-Alpha-Schutta-Bravo," his friend recited, having heard the same excuse hundreds of times.
„Good grief, who taught you to swear so hideously?" Kaidan asked jokingly,
„You did!" said the fox.
„Damn right I did!" Kaidan and Rex bursted into laughter as they walked towards the Temple entryway.
They hadn't seen eachother for a couple of months. Kaidan had often to stay under cover or radio silence while in the field. And he was constantly in the field. You don't hire someone who can become invisible or interrogate people with his mind to put them behind a desk. He loved his assignment, but he also missed his friends and often wondered where are they now and if they miss him as much as he misses them. He had so much to talk about with Rex and so little time. They walked as slowly as possible, with every step taking them painfully closer to the Council chambers.
The Temple was an austere and spacious, but majestic building. Visitors were greeted by the legendary Great Holocron, suspended in the center of the huge atrium between staircases leading to Council chambers, holocron storage, archives and meditation rooms. Robed figures moved back and forth, heatedly discussing the secrets of the force or the bland food choice in the cafeteria.
And then he saw the one robed figure he missed more than Rex.
The white hawkess was standing in one of the hallways, talking to one of the Padawans, when she noticed the familiar look on the face of her favourite wolf.
Clad in heavy, black, hooded robes covered in intricate, brown patterns. A sleek, turquoise lightsaber adhered to the belt.
Kaidan smiled as in one moment her friend turned from a respected Knight and Consular of the Order to a youngling as she sprinted towards him, almost tripping over her robes, pouncing as she reached him.
Kaidan caught her and they embraced, spinning around, getting surprised stares from passersby and even vicious ones from some of the more conservative Masters.
„You're heavier than I remember," he said playfully.
„You're wimpier than I remember," Lilian retorted.
„Ouch, touché." he said as he set her down. They haven't seen eachother since Lilian was knighted. She left the Temple with her master to settle some political disputes in the Outer Rim and they didn't have time to return to Tython for years. Every time he'd report personally to the Council, she wasn't there. And when they finally meet, he has so little time to spare.
„The gang's back together. I'm glad we're all still alive. Well, at least those who actually work on the frontlines," she said with a playfully smug expression, as she looked at Rex.
„Hey! My work is dangerous too! Or, well was-" Rex began but was cut off by Kaidan „-untill you rammed a cruiser into a moon and nearly killed three Republic Navy Admirals and a Jedi Master?"
„Oh, I forgot to ask about that, how are you liking your punishment assignment foxy? Is cleaning thruster exhaust and fixing on-board refreshers everything you dreamed out?" asked Lilian.
„Aw come on guys, you promised you wouldn't..." said Rex, his expression changing to one of irritation.
„Don't worry, I'll talk to Master Forzan, I'm sure I can get him to ease off" Kaidan reassured his friend.
„Soo... What brings you here? You did something bad too wolfy?" inquired Lilian.
„Actually, I don't know. I'm on my way to find out. And frankly, I'm a little concerned" - said Kaidan, anxiety audible in his voice „I may not have been a model Jedi lately. Geez, Forzan would give me the talk of century if he'd known about the half of the things..."
„Oh. I shouldn't keep you then. Go, the Masters have been impatient lately. It's best you don't keep them waiting. Besides, I'm late to a class," - Lilian said.
„Wait, what classes? You're still going to classes?" - Rex was confused.
„Yes. As an instructor. I'm a responsible adult and I can be trusted with that," Lilian replied sternly.
„Oookay Ma'am, sorry for taking your precious time, carry on. I'll walk Kay to the chambers. Come, you're already late I bet," Said Rex, tugging on Kaidan's cloak.
„Don't think that's the last you see of me, young lady! I'll find you!" Kaidan shouted to Lilian as she walked towards her destination. The hawkess waved in response and disappeared behind a corner.
It was then when the adrenaline of meeting his friends after a long time dissipated and he realised he's going to have to face the most revered Masters of the order for reason unknown. Rex must have noticed his nervousness, because he put a hand on his shoulder to try and comfort him, as they stood before the stairs leading to the chamber door. Kaidan smiled at his friend and they climbed up the stairs.
When they reached the top, someone was already waiting for them. A large, brown bear in his forties, dressed in silver, durasteel battle armour with a plain, dark green cloak, characteristic of Corellian Green Jedi. It was Master Greiz Forzan, who mentored Kaidan and Rex ever since they were younglings.
His facial expression was one of irritation and concern, but Kaidan thought he could notice a glimpse of relief,as if he was glad to see him. Kaidan missed his Master very much. He was like a father to him, just how Lilian and Rex were like siblings to him, neither of which he'd ever had.
He'd prefer meeting him under more pleasant circumstances.
„There you are Kaidan! The Council has been waiting for almost an hour now!" Master Forzan almost shouted, in his deep voice. „Rex, there's a hyperdrive that needs it's motivator replaced, in Hangar A, go!"
„Aye-aye, Cap'n!" - Rex saluted his Master irreverently, getting only a dismissive wave in return.
„Master, I'm very sorry for being late, I came here straight from Nar Shaddaa, I had trouble getting my ship cleared for takeoff and-" Kaidan started to explain himself nervously, but Forzan interrupted him. „It doesn't matter, you're here and that's good. Now come on son, let's face the music"
He turned towards the doors as he spoke, swung them open and they both walked in. Around the table, facing the door sat three members of the Council. He recognised them from his days in the Temple. They were ones with the longest tenure on the Council who were also still alive.
The person who got his attention immediately was the Grand Master herself, Satele Shan, descendant to the legendary Jedi Bastila Shan and Revan. The gray wolfess' expression was the same neutral as always, not negative but not positive either. She was difficult to read, but he knew Master Satele was a kind, reasonable person above everything. But that didn't mean she was a someone you could screw with.
To the left of the Grand Master sat the Togruta Master Bela Kiwiiks. She was known as being a strict master, at least according to the gossip around the Temple, and for that reason she often took on the most difficult and troublesome students in the Order. Kaidan began to wonder if they had picked the most badass Masters on the Council to deal with him. Or if they had run out of Jedi.
The Master on the right filled Kaidan with some confidence. He recognised the Miraluka bird-woman as the great Republic war hero and Warden of the Jedi Order, Barsen'thor, Master Parasia who single-handedly defeated and redeemed four Jedi Masters, a Sith Lord and a Jedi Council member, whom seat she'd been offered for her deeds. Her obscured empty eye sockets and stoic expression made her impossible to read. She was said to be a true paragon of the Light Side, a font of wisdom and kindness and many more nauseating accolades. She didn't like them, and always said it was her duty as a Jedi to do what she did.
Kaidan and his Master approached the table, Forzan urging his former Padawan to step forward. Kaidan complied, cleared his throat and spoke.
„Grand Master Shan. Master Kiwiiks. Master Barsen'thor. I apologise for the delay." he excused himself.
„It's quite allright Kaidan. We're glad that you came, though I wish we met under diffirent circumstances," Said Satele.
„Forgive me Master, but I'm still not sure what the circumstances exactly are." said Kaidan.
„I'm afraid we have bad news Kaidan. Your situation is rather dire." Kiwiiks explained.
„What do you mean?" asked Kaidan, visibly nervous. He wished they'd get straight to buisness. Jedi do like to stretch things out.
„Jedi Kaidan Sarek," Satele said with a pang of disappointment in her voice, „You are accused of treason."