Second Chances - Chapter 1: Capture

CHAPTER 1 – Capture

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I suppose it all began on an early morning on Dantooine, nearly a year and a half ago.

I was awoken from slumber by a loud knock at my door. I bolted out of bed. "Just a moment!"

I scrambled to wrap a robe around myself, and opened the door to my quarters. Master Vrook greeted me, his face solemn.

"I am sorry to disturb you so early, Padawan. A situation has arisen that requires your immediate departure."

"Departure?" My hand unconsciously rubbed against my eye to wipe the sleep from it.

"Yes. Please dress and pack your things quickly. Come to the Council chambers when you are ready."

I nodded as he turned and briskly walked away down the dormitory hall. I closed the door and leaned against it, still groggy. My eyes drifted to the clock on the nightstand. 0400. I had only arrived back on Dantooine late the prior night after a three-month run with the Republic fleet. As always, I was called upon to use my Battle Mediation at the front lines. I had been called back to Dantooine for a few days of respite, and to continue to sharpen my training with the Masters. In the few hours since I had returned, sleep had eluded me, mostly due to space lag. I had finally fallen asleep a mere hour before.

I dressed quickly and grabbed my travel bag, which fortunately was still packed. Making my way to the Council Chambers, I found Master Vrook waiting for me, along with Master Vandar. Apparently no one else was awake at such an early hour. I gave them a quick bow.

"Thank you for coming, Padawan Bastila," Master Vandar began. "A Republic ship has arrived with an urgent message from Admiral Dodonna. The Republic has received intelligence indicating that the Sith are about to attack Iridonia yet again in two weeks' time. We need you to depart immediately to rendezvous with the Republic fleet."

As you well know, Masters, Iridonia had changed hands many times already between the Republic and the Sith, due to being situated at vital hyperspace lanes connecting the outer rim with the inner rim. We held it for now, but barely. The planet was key to Revan's ability to push the war into the core worlds of the Republic.

"Yes, Master," I said. "I will do all I can."

"A shuttle will be landing soon to take you to the ship," Master Vandar said. "Go, and may the Force be with you."

I bowed to Master Vandar. Master Vrook stepped toward me. "Come, Padawan."

As we walked toward the landing bay, he began briefing me further. "I'm afraid we do not have a Jedi escort available for you on such short notice, but I trust that the protection of the ship's crew will be enough until you arrive at the fleet. There are Jedi there who can assist you."

I nodded. "Of course, Master."

We arrived at the landing bay. The shuttle had not yet arrived, so we waited quietly for a while.

Vrook broke the silence. "I must warn you, Padawan. You well know that Revan has a seemingly endless supply of ships. Our intelligence indicates that he is amassing nearly his entire fleet for this attack. He seems determined to invade the core worlds."

I swallowed hard.

"Padawan, you must keep your focus for the battle ahead. Remember all that I have taught you, and you will no doubt succeed."

"Thank you, Master. May I ask which Jedi Master will accompany me on this mission?"

Master Vrook shook his head in disapproval. "Surely by now you can manage without one, yes?"

I gaped at him dumbly. I was accustomed to Master Vrook assigning a Jedi Master to guide me for each mission, since I was a mere Padawan learner. That he thought I was ready to have such free reign surprised me. While it would not be my place to directly command the Republic soldiers, it would be my responsibility to wisely employ my Battle Meditation as I saw fit. To be given so much responsibility as a Padawan filled me with determination. I would not let Master Vrook down.

"Padawan?" Master Vrook awakened me from my surprised stupor.

"Y-yes, Master. I will try my best."

"Do, or do not. There is no try, Padawan."

"Yes, Master!" I remember being very pleased with myself for keeping my emotions under check enough to not break into a smile.

The shuttle arrived then, hovering onto the landing pad. I slung my travel bag over my shoulder, and habitually double-checked that my lightsaber still hung from my belt. Bowing to Master Vrook, I turned and walked toward the shuttle as its boarding ramp lowered.

Master Vrook called out to me. "Padawan Shan?"

I turned around to face him.

"May the Force be with you," he said with a small bow of the head.

"Thank you, Master. And with you as well."

.:.

The trip to Iridonia was several days. More than enough time to reach the Republic fleet before Revan did. There is not much to be said about the journey itself. The Maelstrom was a Hammerhead-class cruiser. It was quite sizable, with a considerable crew to match. Admiral Dodonna had spared no expense at making sure I would be well protected. While she did not fully understand my Battle Meditation, she had seen its effects and was no fool when it came to protecting one of her assets. As soon as I boarded the ship, the first thing on my mind was recovering from space lag as soon as possible. With that thought in mind, I was shown my quarters, where my head promptly hit the pillow.

I kept to myself for the entire journey. Not that I did not leave my quarters. Only that I did not see any reason to fraternize with the crew. Of course, they didn't exactly have any inclination to fraternize with me. I suppose Jedi tend to have an air of mystery about them. It tends to unsettle the average citizen of the Republic. And the men and women of the Maelstrom did indeed appear unsettled around me. Of course, it did not help that I was the Bastila Shan. I got quite a few stares.

The first day of my time aboard the Maelstrom, after I had caught up on much needed sleep, I set out to explore the ship. Perhaps explore is not the proper word for it. My sole intention was to make note of the locations of the escape pods, the bridge, the med bay, the armory, and anywhere else of importance should the worst happen. I knew it was unlikely that we would fall under attack before reaching the fleet, but it was a ritual for me whenever I came aboard a ship for the first time.

I found the escape pods on the command deck, accessible through one of the corridors, as well as through the bridge. I did make a mental note of the optimal route from my quarters to the escape pods, just in case. Not that I was a coward, but I knew I could never let myself fall into Revan's hands. It would certainly spell death for the Republic.

I feel I should mention something of the crew, for they were very valiant men and women. I have never spoken of these events in such detail before. It is difficult to relive these moments. Not that I have formed attachments to those who have passed. However, it is sometimes difficult to understand why some have to die that others might live. It seems so meaningless at times. Yet I hope by remembering their sacrifice in both word and deed that I might myself attribute meaning to their deaths. I regret to say that I never learned anyone's name. I wish I had taken the time to get to know the crew. I'm afraid I'm still learning how to stay properly detached while still remaining compassionate.

When we were due to arrive at Iridonia, I was on the ship's bridge ready to open a comm channel to speak with Admiral Dodonna. We were right on schedule, and more than ahead of Revan's fleet.

Or so we thought.

The ship dropped out of hyperspace with a lurch. It shook with the sudden impact of cannon fire. I fell from my chair by the comms. An ensign helped me up.

"Captain, what's happening?" I exclaimed.

"We're under attack! The Republic fleet...it's...it's gone!"

"What do you mean, gone?" I asked.

"Look outside. See for yourself."

I gazed out the viewport and felt my mouth drop open. The Maelstrom had apparently dropped right into the middle of the Sith fleet, just out of orbit of Iridonia. The various Sith ships blockaded the planet—and us with it—with a few scattered and badly damaged Republic ships drifting into orbit. The Sith were finishing off whatever Republic vessels that hadn't managed to retreat. I could see Sith fighters outside the viewport, circling the Maelstrom and dodging fire from our own cannons. But one ship stood out among the others. It was none other than Revan's own flagship.

"How...how can this be?" I was dazed. We had been sorely misinformed of Revan's arrival time. The Republic fleet could not have had enough time to fully group before Revan's surprise attack. The number of ships outside the viewport, though significant, did not seem to be Revan's full fleet. And with so little notice, I doubt he needed such a show of force to take the planet. It was the perfect setup. Yet I wondered then why he would even leak word of a planned attack on Iridonia at all.

My thoughts were interrupted by one of the ensigns. "Captain, they've boarded the ship!"

A hand roughly grabbed my arm. "Come on, you have to go, now!" The captain dragged me toward the door leading to the escape pods. Another blast rocked the ship. Sparks flew out of the computers on the bridge. A support beam fell. There was screaming.

Then the lights went out. Suddenly all was quiet, but for a deep metallic groan coming from the bowels of the ship. I heard a female voice. "We've lost all power to the bridge, sir. I can't route power from the backup generator."

I could hear the captain grappling to find something, and then saw a beam of light. He held the torch high. Support beams and portions of the ceiling had caved in around the door leading to the escape pods. The door itself was warped with the weight of the ceiling. I could see several limbs of soldiers amid the debris around the door and by the adjacent consoles. I was a hair away from being buried myself.

I closed my eyes to block out the sight and tried using the Force to open the door. The ceiling objected with a shrill creak.

I stopped, opening my eyes again. "Captain, I cannot open the door without bringing this side of the ceiling down on us."

"Then we'll have to reach the escape pods the long way around."

He turned to face the rest of the crew on the bridge, who by now had found torches of their own. "Listen up! We are all going to escort Commander Shan to the other escape pod door. With any luck, it's still intact. Her protection is our number one priority. Let's move out."

I drew my lightsaber. It snapped alive with a yellow glow. I kept only one side ignited for the light it provided. Fortunately, the main door to the bridge had been opened already when the Sith attacked. The archway was still intact by some miracle. We at least would not be trapped inside the bridge. The lights down the corridor leading from the bridge flickered. It was a positive sign that there was power in some places still. The captain and an ensign went ahead of me, with two others guarding my flank.

As we pressed on, we rounded a corner to see a group of Sith making their way to the bridge. All were either Sith Masters or apprentices. Revan had not sent mere soldiers to subdue the ship. A chill thought clawed at my mind. Was this entire ambush to capture me? Did he know that I was on board? I had no time to reflect on this further. The Sith attacked.

Blaster fire from the Republic troops rang in my ears. I saw several of the crew shot down by their own fire, the Sith's lightsabers having reflected the shots back to them. I ignited the other end of my lightsaber and charged ahead. The first Sith fell with a cut to his legs. I quickly parried a blow from his fellow, swinging the other end of my lightsaber up to cut through his stomach.

The Republic soldiers dropped their guns and drew their vibroblades. We rallied together and tore through the Sith apprentices quickly. I was impressed by the soldiers' abilities with their blades against these Sith. But it was not enough to take down the Masters. Two of our soldiers were cut down. The Sith were making quick work of us.

I struck at a Sith Master, only to have him paralyze me into stasis with the Force before I could mentally put up a defense. Suddenly, his eyes widened in shock. A metal blade protruded from his chest. The captain had run him through from behind. He slumped to the ground, dead.

The captain grabbed my arm, shaking me out of my paralysis. "Commander Shan, get out of here! We'll hold them off!"

"You won't stand a chance!"

He pushed me in the direction of the next section's door. "A captain always goes down with his ship." His dedication stunned me, to give his life so. "What is it you Jedi say? May the Force be with you."

"And...with you as well, Captain."

Two Sith Masters finished killing the remaining Republic soldier, and started toward us.

"Go!" the captain shouted. He lifted something metal out of a pouch. A thermal detonator. I turned and ran with all my might toward the door. I used the Force to open it as I ran, and closed it the same way behind me. The blast knocked me off my feet.

.:.

When I came to moments later, my face was lying on the cold floor. I rolled onto my back. My head ached. My eyes shut as I tried to focus, using the Force to sooth my head. The ache slowly subsided.

I arose and surveyed my surroundings. I could see the bodies of the crew lying throughout the corridor. The Sith had gone on a killing spree before reaching my entourage. The door behind me was severely damaged by the thermal detonator blast. I highly doubted anyone had survived that. I peered into the dark corridor ahead of me, the lights still flickering on and off. Once again, I made sure to ignite one end of my lightsaber as a lamp. And for protection. I cautiously ventured into the winding corridor ahead.

After several minutes, I finally came to a large blast door. I knew from my prior explorations that a large room lay behind it, with another corridor leading to the escape pods. As my hand reached for the controls to open the door, the hair on the back of my neck rose. I should have listened to my instincts, but what choice did I have? I had to press on. I took a deep breath to steady myself. The door opened.

The room was dark. I stepped forward cautiously. But not cautiously enough. Out of the shadows stepped Darth Revan himself—robe, mask, and all. With a wave of his hand the blast door behind me slammed shut. Yet he had not drawn his lightsaber. He did not need to, for ten Sith Masters followed him out of the shadows.

I was a cornered beast. There was no way out. And there was no doubt that if Revan himself had boarded the ship, then all this was for me. If he thought I would surrender, he was sorely mistaken.

I ignited the other end of my lightsaber and dropped into a defensive position. I would fight to the death and take down as many as I could before I died. The Sith circled around me. I kept my backside to the blast door to keep at least one side of me protected.

Still, the Sith did not strike, as though they were waiting for something. I used the delay to recite the Jedi Code in my head. There is no emotion, there is peace. I felt my heart rate slow. I would face my death with the calm of a true Jedi.

The Sith finally got what they were waiting for. At an almost imperceptible nod from the masked figure that was Revan, they closed in.

I swung my blade at my attackers with all the ferocity of a trapped Kath hound. Everything became a blur of strikes, blocks, and parries. Yet throughout it all I felt calm, almost invincible. One Sith after another fell to my blade. Masters, you would have been proud of me then. There was no fear in me. There was only an intense focus, my mind solely thinking of the next move. I felt nothing save the Force flowing through me and strengthening me.

But it was not enough to keep me from growing tired. My limbs soon felt like lead. It would only be a matter of time before I made a mistake. Still I did not give up. The remaining four Sith were circling me like Firaxan sharks, waiting for an opening. My breathing came in heavy gasps.

Two charged me from different angles. I swung my blade up to block one blow, and parried the other. I made to pivot on my foot and strike one of them, but it was then that my body gave into its weariness. My ankle twisted on itself. I stumbled, and caught myself with my other foot. But it was too late. One of the Sith took advantage of my imbalance. I quickly raised my blade to parry the rain of heavy blows he gave me, only to have the other Sith sweep his leg under mine. I once again lost my balance, and fell. As I went down, I wildly swept my blade under the legs of the Sith in front of me. He fell screaming. I lifted myself back up, ready to strike at the other Sith, only to have his foot strike me in my back, sending me face-down into the ground. I rolled quickly away and leapt to my feet, swinging my lightsaber up to block.

The Sith backed away, and began circling me again. I limped trying to stay facing them. I caught Revan out of the corner of my eye. He just stood there, as though studying me. It sickened me to see Revan so aloof, so untouchable. As though all this were just a form of entertainment for him. As though he just wanted to toy with me and see how long I could last before I was finally struck down. I could feel a deep rage build inside of me. It took all I had to calm myself. Forgive me, Masters.

It was then that Revan raised his hand. The Sith Masters stopped circling me, and backed away. Revan drew his red lightsaber with a snap, and walked toward me. The cat himself now wanted to play with his little mouse. Perhaps he sensed my rage and wanted to send me over the edge. I faced him, my lightsaber raised defensively. I refused to be the first to strike. I would not give into anger.

He stood mere feet away from me, dropping into an offensive Juyo stance. But he did not make the first move. He patiently waited, his cold mask staring me down. If it was a patience game he wanted to play, it was a patience game he'd get. I used the time to recover my strength. The moments passed. My breathing slowed once again. Calm filled me.

And Revan struck. I lifted my saber to deflect his strike just in time. Blow after blow rained down on my blade. Each blow was filled with fury. It was all I could do to keep up. I don't know how to describe it. It was as though I were fighting all ten of his Sith Masters in the form of one person. Even when I was fighting them, only a few at a time could attack me in such a closed space. To have so much come from one man!

My muscles were on fire again. I had to go on the offensive, or I would soon lose. I feigned a strike to his head, but swung the other end of my blade at the last minute to slice his torso. He deflected the blow with ease. I was back on the defensive.

My foot caught on the floor. I fell to one knee. But Revan gave me space to recover. A form of mockery, I suppose. His mockery angered me, I must confess, but I kept my anger under control. I would not give in. I lifted myself back up and charged forward, our blades clashing. His boot met my stomach. I staggered back. Still, he gave me room to recover. Our blades locked once more. We pushed against each other, neither willing to give ground. Suddenly I felt myself slammed back several feet into the blast door. I slumped to the ground, my lightsaber in a death grip. Every muscle ached. But I forced myself to my feet.

I staggered forward defiantly, and lunged to strike. His blows came in a torrent. My foot slipped, and I fell to the ground once again. I was now on my hands and knees, my lightsaber having been knocked out of my hand. Exhausted but still defiant, I raised myself to sit on my knees, breathing heavily, drenched with sweat. I did not have the strength to rise to my feet again.

I waited for him to strike me down. He just stood there, his lightsaber raised over his head, poised to strike. The moments passed. The mask peering down at me was cold and heartless.

Defiantly, I forced my gaze to meet where his eyes would be behind the mask. "There is no death," I whispered calmly.

Revan lowered his blade, turning it off. He slowly knelt down on one knee, his face a mere inch away from my ear. I could hear his breathing behind the mask.

"My dear Bastila," he coldly whispered back, "whoever said I wanted to kill you?"

Horror gripped me just before I felt the hard butt of his lightsaber on my brow. Darkness washed over me. His darkness.