The Final Moments

Winter and Carth quickly strode up the steps to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. This trip to the capital of the Republic was the first stop for the crew after returning from the unnamed planet in the Star Forge system. Everyone had quickly scattered, to pick up the pieces of their lives and begin anew. Winter and Carth left T3 in charge of the Hawk, and gave HK his freedom. Now they were alone together for the first time since Taris.

Winter had been relieved to find out the Republic Senate did not intend to try her for her crimes as Darth Revan, but she was required to appear before the remains of the Jedi Council here on Coruscant. She would have a lot of explaining to do, both about her actions since she left for the Mandalorian Wars, and for her current status as the wife of a Republic soldier. Admiral, she reminded herself. They'd only heard about that this morning. Carth was actually relieved-- it was a big job, but it was mostly administrative. Instead of cruising all over space as a pilot or officer, being an Admiral required that he choose one of three open posts, and stay put there. That suited Carth, and Winter, very well.

The Jedi Temple was huge, and they were already late for her meeting with the Council. They'd run into Dustil as they'd passed the training rooms, and Carth had had a good talk with his son. Carth was glad Dustil wanted to train in the ways of the Jedi, it might give him the strength he needed to confront his past. They agreed to keep in touch, but keep a little distance, as well. Dustil was still wary around his father, and obviously not very fond of his new step-mom.

The council room was less than a third full, testament to the loss of Jedi to death and darkness that had happened during the recent wars. The Council members stood as they entered, and the senior Jedi Master asked Carth to take a seat in the corner. Winter was offered no chair, and remained standing in the center of the chamber.

::Jedi Knight Revan, it is good to see you alive and prospering in light of recent events,:: an Ithorian Jedi Master began the meeting. ::Master Vandar has made us aware of what has transpired over the last year, so we will not need to be rebriefed. Instead, we would like an accounting of what caused your fall to the Dark Side, in your own words.::

Winter cleared her throat uncomfortably. The set of events the Masters were asking her to relate were locked away in a part of her mind the Dantooine Council had done its best to erase. Accessing these memories would take hours of meditation. She told them as much, hoping they would not hear her words as defiance of their wishes.

The senior Jedi Master, a sentient of a leonine species Winter did not recognize, stood and came over to where she was standing. "I am skilled in the science of retrieving that which is locked away in the mind," the Master said in a soothing feminine voice. "If you would allow it, I will assist you in your meditations." Winter nodded, relieved. The senior Master dismissed the rest of the Council, and asked that they return in two hours.

"My name is Master Kym'dae," the softly furred Jedi Master began, as they sat in the center of the Council chambers facing each other, knees touching. "How may I address you? You have been through many identities over the last 10 years." Her words were quietly amused and her whole manner was accepting. Winter was glad for legendary Jedi mercifulness.

"The Council on Dantooine named me Winter, when they cleared my mind," she replied. "I am unsure if it was because my mind was as pure as new fallen snow, or if it was in reference to Darth Revan's icy demeanor." Master Kym'dae chuckled mildly, whiskers on her cheeks twitching. "I have kept the name Winter, and added the name of my husband's family, Onasi." A note of pride and love entered her voice, and she blushed.

"It would seem that not one of your personalities wishes to mind all of the rules of the Order," Master Kym'dae observed, without malice.

Winter swallowed uncomfortably. "I have no wish to sound ungrateful, Master Kym'dae. The Academy on Dantooine was my home after the first four years of my life, and the Council there gave me an unearned chance at redemption after my fall. But-- I--" she broke off, not knowing how to put her feelings in words. Master Kym'dae looked at her with large, unblinking grey eyes. Seeing no judgement in those eyes, Winter continued. "I realize that I have a responsibility to use my power for the greater good. But I no longer wish to walk the path of the Jedi Order. I did not choose to do so as a child, nor as an adult. Others made that decision for me. I want to exercise my own free will, and walk my own path."

Master Kym'dae nodded, her tawny mane bouncing as she did so. "As a Council, we have foreseen this. We merely wish to retrieve information from your mind, and then our hold on you will be loosened. There has been much debate, and worry that letting you go would unleash a great and terrible power on the galaxy. But, ultimately, we cannot choose for you, and you have certainly walked in the path of the light over the last year. The Council asks only that you do your best to remain on the side of the Light." Winter sensed no deception or half-truth in her words, only a sincere desire for Winter to make the best choice. She gave the Master a small, grateful smile.

With that out of the way, they began to unlock her memories, using techniques Jolee had once taught her during their journeying. Master Kym'dae was indeed skilled, and with her help, the process was not nearly as scary or as time-consuming as Winter had believed it would be. They walked the halls of her mind, examining the locks on forgotten doors, opening things to the light. Master Kym'dae also guided Winter through the halls of her heart, examining her motivations and choices she had made in her past. The results of the process, however, were not only frightening, but devastating and imminent. Memories from her time as Darth Revan, between the Mandalorian Wars and the war with Malak, flooded her mind, filling the holes left by the Dantooine Council.

Master Kym'dae, using talents few other Masters possessed, also sensed something deep inside Winter that she kept to herself. It was not a surprise, but it changed everything. Winter would not be the one to address the imminent threat. Another must be found.

The gentle Jedi Master sent a youngling as a runner to reconvene the Council immediately, her calm demeanor never cracking. The only evidence of the severity of their discovery was in her large round eyes.

Carth had remained quiet during the entire process, but watching the face of his bride grow cold and hard with fear, he began to pace in his corner. What could have caused her to become Darth Revan? What could be causing this fear to return? It was all he could do not to grab her and run.

As the Council members returned one by one, Winter finally came over to Carth and let him gather her in the shelter of his strong arms. She was shaking. Not the light tremors of cold, or nerves, but a deep quake that caused her muscles to tense all over and her hands to grip his shoulders painfully. "Shhhh. It's going to be okay, shhhh." He tried to soothe her, but Winter could not be soothed.

"It may never be okay again," she said in the smallest voice Carth had ever heard her use. More than the look on her face, more than her death grip on his shoulders, that tiny little sound rocked Carth's soul. Before he could ask her to explain, the Council reconvened and called her to the center of the chamber again.

"I have examined the mind of Winter Onasi with her willing co-operation," Master Kym'dae began. "What we have found begs immediate review by the Council, and possibly a need to gather as many Jedi Knights and Masters as we can to face an urgent threat." Murmurs flew around the room, about Winter's new name and what could be such a threat, and Master Kym'dae held out a slender, furred hand for silence. "I would ask you to address us, now," she said with quiet authority. The eyes of every sentient in the room turned to Winter, and with a momentary pang she wished for Bastila. Her bondmate had always been better at addressing Jedi Masters.

"Immediately after the Mandalorian Wars, I received a, uh, Force vision. I saw, beyond the Outer Rim, in an unexplored area of space, the gathering of a large army controlled by a dark, evil being. In my vision, I realized that this being was a Sith, but not the human or humanoid type of Sith that we've seen. Not those that encompass modern Sith Lords and fallen Jedi, but a True Sith of the original Sith race. The True Sith's power lay not in the army that it commands, but in it's ability to wield the Dark Side of the Force with unprecedented skill." Winter stopped, taking in the faces of her audience. No one moved, or seemed to breathe. Though she was frightened of what she was revealing, she strove not to let it show as she spoke. "In fact, my impression from the vision was that the True Sith could not be fought with the Light Side of the Force, alone. The vision showed me where to find the Dantooine Star Map, and I sought the Star Forge with the intention of building an army with it. I knew that in order to face this threat, I would somehow have to unite Force-users of both persuasions as well as those who could not wield the Force and make them into a cohesive unit."

"How did this cause your fall?" a diminutive male Master asked. "It seems to me you could have better achieved your goals as a Jedi than as a Sith."

Winter shook her head. "I believed, based on my vision, that the True Sith would have no dealings with a Jedi. I hoped to be able to negotiate one on one rather than immediately go to war. The army was for backup purposes only, to be used if negotiations failed."

::Why did you receive this vision, instead of one of us?:: the Ithorian Master asked, sternly. ::The future is always in motion. It may not be true, or it may only be a possible future.::

Master Kym'dae stepped forward again. "The Jedi Knight Revan is not the only one to have received a version of this vision," she stated firmly. Two other Jedi Masters in the room nodded slowly, knowingly. "Her vision is simply the clearest out of those received, and she is the only one who has done anything about it other than speculate. Sometimes, rarely, being a Jedi Master and adherent to the Jedi Code is more of a bondage than a freedom." Angry murmurs met her words, but she silenced them again. "Revan has shown us before that action can be the correct course."

Winter was glad for the support, surprised that others had seen what she had seen. "The True Sith is poised on the edge of the galaxy, waiting for us to be at our weakest. That time is at hand, it is now. My biggest mistake was waiting to share my plans with the Jedi and the Republic. Of being arrogant enough to believe I could begin building the forces alone. Malak saw only that we were grasping for power...I did not explain to him because he followed me regardless of my reasons. When he betrayed me, and my memories were lost, I could no longer warn anyone or share what I knew. I wish-- I wish I had come here first, spoken with others who knew..." Her voice lost it's strength and began to fill with despair. "My arrogance may have cost us the whole galaxy....the war with Malak has weakened us more than ever."

Master Kym'dae again addressed the Council. "Winter Onasi has asked to be released from her oaths as a Jedi Knight, and as this is what we had previously discussed, I have agreed."

A human male Jedi Master stood and addressed them dispassionately. "I'm not sure that is a good idea, now. Knowing what we know today, how can we let her just leave? Someone will have to head the efforts to research and address this threat."

Master Kym'dae shook her head. "For reasons we will discuss in closed Council, Winter Onasi is not the best choice for this mission. Before you leave us," the gentle Jedi Master turned back to Winter, "I have one thing left to ask. Did Darth Revan have a second in command? Someone whom you gave your full trust, other than Malak? Someone competent to take your place?"

Winter thought carefully, sifting through the newly released memories. "Yes..." she answered slowly. "Someone I may actually have discussed my vision with. Seek out...seek out General Ixchel Valor."

A collective gasp was heard throughout the room. Even Master Kym'dae could not hide her surprise. "The Exile?" she asked incredulously. "But..."

"I only remember her as an excellent military mind and a powerful Force-user," Winter said, shrugging. "If she is still alive, you will need her help."

Master Kym'dae gestured for Carth and Winter to leave them. There was much for the Council to discuss.

They left the Jedi Temple and headed over to the Republic Military Base where Admiral Dodonna was waiting for them. Carth carefully steered their rented speeder through the cursed Coruscanti traffic. He didn't dare take his eyes off the lanes, but he desperately wanted to look over at Winter, see if what she was thinking was illuminated on her face. He was trying to hold back his mistrust of the Coruscanti Jedi Council, but this morning's events were burning in his mind, and he really wanted to know if she saw the oddities, too.

Finally, he couldn't stand it any more. "That's it? They just let you go?" he asked, suspicion in his voice. "I don't trust them," he said bluntly. "There's something they're not telling us, something they know, some reason they're not sending you."

Winter turned to gaze at her new husband's profile. Her voice was calm, but inside she was uneasy to the point of nausea. "I have to agree with you, Carth. Before I regained my memories, I expected them to put up a fight about my wish to leave the Order. After I regained them, I was certain they would send me after this, this True Sith." She chuckled uncomfortably. "I usually think you're a tad paranoid about some things, but in this case, you're dead on."

"Paranoid, me?" Carth teased her, trying to lighten the mood. Now that Winter had agreed with him, validated his concerns, he didn't want to think about them for awhile.

"Well, maybe that's a little harsh," Winter said, giving him a smile. She changed the subject, knowing it would be revisited, sharing Carth's need for a happier topic. "Are you excited about your promotion?"

Carth grinned. "Are you kidding? Rest my old bones at a desk all day and come home at night to my beautiful bride?" He turned the speeder in at the Republic Military Base, still grinning. "I'm thrilled. It's, uh, not quite what I was expecting, but that's a good thing. I couldn't be happier." Winter grinned back; his enthusiasm was contagious.

They got out and went into the base to receive Carth's assignment from Admiral Dodonna. The older woman had contacted them at their hotel just this morning, giving them the news of Carth's promotion to Admiral. She'd indicated that there were three open postings that Carth would be able to choose from, but Carth and Winter knew the choice would not be difficult. Telos was Carth's homeworld, and had been one of the planets hit hardest by the wars. The opportunity to bring it back to life was too great to pass up.

Admiral Dodonna was not surprised by their choice. She handed them a passkey to an apartment on Citadel Station, a datapad with info about the restoration efforts, and a hangar code for the Ebon Hawk. "May the Force be with you," were the fitting words she spoke as she sent them off to their future.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nine weeks later, after settling into their new place on Citadel Station, Carth came home from his makeshift office at the TSF station a couple of hours early, eager to be alone with Winter for a whole weekend. He could hear voices coming from inside the apartment, and wondered if Juhani or Mission were visiting. When he walked into the apartment, he found his wife chatting with a woman he only vaguely recognized. Standing next to each other, the women were alike enough to be sisters, or cousins at least. Fair skin, green eyes, and dark hair were echoed between Winter and the unfamiliar woman, although their guest was all hard lines and muscles, and Winter was softening.

The women rose to their feet, and Winter introduced her companion to Carth. "This is General Ixchel Valor. General, this is Admiral Carth Onasi." General Valor inclined her dark head to him, and he returned the gesture.

"I remember you as Captain Onasi," General Valor said in a warm alto voice. "For a time, I was close with your superior Saul Karath. When he turned, it was the last straw for me. I went back to the Jedi Council, and they exiled me." General Valor's slanted green eyes went distant, remembering.

They all sat down, and Carth asked, "So you didn't turn, with the others? I didn't realize any were able to resist Darth Revan's orders to train in the ways of the Sith." He spoke as if Revan were not in the room, were another person entirely from his wife. It was not far from the truth.

"No," General Valor replied. "I did not agree with Revan's plan for facing the True Sith, or her determination to keep this threat hidden. I would have told the Jedi Council what was really going on, but they would not have listened." She shrugged. "I have used my exile to gather information about the True Sith and to locate allies who are prepared to deal with it. When the council summoned me last month, they were surprised at how far ahead of them I was." The general smiled, slightly, and Carth could feel quiet strength emanating from her. He felt immense relief that Ixchel Valor was handling the threat of the True Sith, and not Winter. It was the best of both worlds, really; a competent leader to face what was threatening the galaxy, and his wife at home with him, safe.

Winter turned to General Valor and offered their assistance. "If there's anything you need us, need me, to do," she said with quiet confidence, "please don't hesitate to ask."

The general looked at Winter thoughtfully. "Is it difficult for you to allow me to go on this assignment in your place? There is something in your feelings I cannot place."

Winter glanced at Carth, and then looked back at General Valor. "I admit, I am torn. I want to use my power for the greatest possible good, and it seems the Jedi Council does not trust me for this mission. That puzzles me, and hurts me, as well. On the other hand, we're making incredible progress here on Telos, and I'm finally having the quiet life of love and family I've always longed for." Winter shrugged. "You are the best possible choice. You have proven-- incorruptible, in the past. I also cannot fault your skill."

Ixchel Valor inclined her head in acknowledgement of the compliment. "You are most needed here, Winter. This restoration project is the hope of all the Republic. Rebuilding and keeping the Republic strong is every bit as important as defending it. I'm sure this is one of the Council's many reasons for sending me instead." The stoic general's face lit momentarily. "By the way, I ran into an old friend here on Citadel. Bao-Dur said you were instrumental in hiring him for the restoration zoning."

"Yes, he's a genius with the sheilding, and truly cares about Telos being restored. It was all we could do to keep Czerka out, but somehow we managed, and Bao-Dur has been a big help with that and many other things." Winter's smile faded as she thought about where she'd remembered Bao-Dur from. "He served under you during the war with the Mandalorians, right?"

Ixchel sighed. "Yes. I have always hoped Bao-Dur could find something constructive to do with his skills, something that didn't involve destroying planets. This job will go a long way in helping him rebuild his life." Shaking her head, she went back to the task at hand. "There is only one thing I have to ask you, now. Do you know where I can get a fast ship?"

Carth and Winter looked at each other, the same idea forming in their minds. Losing the Ebon Hawk would be sad, but it would be for a good cause. "Here ya go. Hangar C down at the docking bay," Carth said, with only a trace of regret in his voice, as he handed General Valor the ignition codes for the Hawk. "Take good care of her, General Valor. She's taken good care of us."

Winter added, "There's a little astromech droid on board the ship. His name is T3-M4, and he's saved our butts lots of times. If he'll consent to go with you, he'd be a great asset to your mission." Winter didn't like to give up T3, but she knew he'd rather stay with the Hawk, and be in action, than sit around at Citadel.

Ixchel Valor thanked them and left, and Carth turned to Winter as she busied herself in the kitchen. "I am so glad she's going on this mission instead of you, Beautiful. I uh, can't express how-- how relieved I am." He moved around behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. This region of her body had been expanding since they'd moved here to Citadel. They'd have to take up sparring again, get back in shape.

Winter began chopping vegetables for dinner, enjoying the contact with Carth and the warmth of their little domestic scene. "I am, too, Carth. But, I still don't understand why the Jedi Council wanted someone other than me." Moving away from him to put the vegetables in to cook, she added, "I guess I should just count my blessings, instead of questioning the will of the Force."

Carth led Winter back over to their couch while they waited for the timer to ring. She looked exhausted. "What else did you do today?" he asked, wondering what could have made her so tired.

"I cleaned a little, but then I had to lay down for a nap," she admitted, a little embarassed. "I used to fight evil creatures and Sith Lords with a measure of fortitude, but a little housework really does me in." Winter gave a rueful laugh.

Carth put his arm around her waist and drew her to him, saying nothing, although he found her words a little odd. She settled in against him with a contented sigh, his hands on her abdomen, her arms crossed over them. Carth kissed the top of her silky head and just sat quietly, thinking. All of a sudden, the air around them shimmered in what Winter recognized as a Force vision, and they both stiffened in surprise.

A young auburn-haired boy with a crooked back and scrawny legs sat in a hoverchair in the corner of a simply furnished home. His intelligent eyes were hazel, green and brown, and they were hidden behind a pair of old-fashioned glasses. He lovingly watched two smaller children wrestle on the floor. The dark haired pair on the floor were not twins, but were obviously siblings, a boy and a girl. The little girl pinned the smaller boy to the ground and crowed triumphantly. The older boy patted her shoulder with pride, and the younger boy pouted and walked off. His face was a mirror of Winter's when she didn't get her own way.

Carth's heart tugged at the sight of the quiet boy in the hoverchair, and he and Winter realized the truth at the same time. Her fatigue, her softening shape, the mysterious actions of the Council; the Force vision answered all their questions at once. They were going to have a baby. Maybe more than one, over time.

Winter turned to look Carth full in the face, searching his features for signs of a reaction. She was pleased with the surprise and happiness she saw there. "I, uh, I can't believe it," Carth said quietly, rubbing his eyes incredulously. If he hadn't been sitting before, he sure would be now. "Wow."

"I concur with that articulate response, Carth," she teased happily. "Wow."

"It's just-- in my experience, that's not the normal way to find out you're expecting," Carth chuckled. "I guess we've been ignoring some signs, or something."

Winter laughed. "I'm glad I'm tired for a reason other than poor health or physical shape! I was starting to get worried about my energy level and my waistline," she admitted.

Carth hugged her tight. "It's a scary time to be bringing children into the galaxy," he said, a little worry creeping into his voice. "But, I uh, wouldn't change it for anything." Winter hugged him back. This was more than she'd ever hoped for; a happy ending, beginning, she'd never forseen.

"It appears that this won't be easy," she said, referring to the physical state of the boy in their vision. "I'm glad we'll be doing this together."

Carth nodded. "I never dreamed I'd get a second chance at being a father," he said, with a little hitch in his voice. "I hope I do a better job this time."

Winter squeezed his hand reassuringly. "You'll be a wonderful daddy, Carth. And over time, you'll be able to reconcile more with Dustil."

"Well, we've got a lot to do to get ready for the baby." Carth stood and helped her up off the couch, feeling the need all of a sudden to treat her delicately. "Let's call Chodo Habat, see if he knows any good Ithorian medics. I remember, from before, they're the best."

Winter smiled. Carth was taking charge of the situation admirably. Her only hope now was that General Valor and the Jedi Council would keep the galaxy safe, for her children's sake.

"I wonder what caused it," Winter said absently, thinking about the Force vision.

Carth grinned, and swept her delicately up into his arms and carried her toward their room. "Allow me to demonstrate," he said between kissing her and opening their door. Desire was written all over his face, and he seemed torn between treating her gently and giving in to his passion.

Winter punched him on the arm. "I meant the vision, Gamorrean pig-man," she said, laughing as he laid her down on their bed. Dinner was completely forgotten, and would remain so for many hours.

"You'd better hope I'm not part Gamorrean, Winter," Carth teased as he took off his own clothes, and then deftly started working on hers. "Your kids are gonna look an awful lot like me."

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

An annoying buzz sounded from the front door, and Winter put down the mini datapad with the letter from Mission and Zaalbar, who had gone back to Kashyyyk. She debated whether or not to get off the couch. She only had a month of pregnancy left, and her dexterity had taken quite a hit as her abdomen grew straight out in a huge half-sphere. She couldn't even see her feet, and she decided not to get up. "Carth? Would you get that?" There was no reply.

They'd been in their new house for only a month, and there were boxes everywhere. Native Telosians, Republic military officers and TSF directors were each given a parcel of land in the first successfully restored zone of Telos, and they now lived in a neighborhood much like the one Carth had shared with his first family years ago. The buzzer sounded again. Grumbling as she hauled herself off the couch and clumslily weaving through the boxes, Winter finally reached the door after about six buzzes. She almost tripped on the hem of the modified Jedi robes she was wearing to hide her bulk.

"Who is it?" she asked, without opening the door. They didn't get many visitors, you still had to get a special pass to go to the surface of Telos. The only people who could be at the door were neighbors, and Winter didn't want to see any of the other military wives, right now. They were all currently skinny and in shape, and she felt like a giant mama firaxa.

Carth poked his auburn head in the door. "Are you coming? I wanted to show you something." Now extremely annoyed, Winter threw the door wide open and opened her mouth to chew Carth out for making her get up. Her mouth stayed open, but nothing came out, and the fury left her emerald eyes. There, in the front yard of their new house, was a large part of the old crew of the Ebon Hawk.

"Congratulations!" they cried, as she stood there, gaping. Carth helped her down the porch steps, and led her to the garden bench so she could enjoy her visitors while sitting. Awkwardly she plopped down on the cushioned seat, grinning at each of her friends, in turn.

"Juhani, Jolee, I thought you were on Coruscant, at the Jedi Temple!" Winter exclaimed as she hugged her Cathar friend to her tightly. Juhani purred softly and sat down on the bench next to her friend.

"Jolee has been training younglings, and I have a Padawan!" Juhani exclaimed proudly, golden eyes gleaming with happiness.

"But we had to throw a celebration when we got the news. Couldn't let the event go without a party, could we?" Jolee said, patting her shoulder. "Not every day a Jedi has a baby shower." His balding head shone in the lovely Telos sunshine.

Winter chuckled. "I'm not really a Jedi, anymore, Jolee."

"Me either. Who's keeping track?" the old man scoffed. He moved back to let the others in for their turns.

Mission jumped forward with delight on her lovely blue face. Winter noticed how much she'd grown since she'd seen her heartsister last. "I've been living in the coolest treehouse, Winter! The wookiees are really great. Zaalbar's the cheiftan now and everything! That's why he's not here, too."

"I know," Winter smiled, "I was just reading your letter." Mission handed her a gift bag, with a little stuffed wookiee poking out of the top. "Oooh!" Winter squealed, her eyes lighting up, as she took the adorable gift, "this has to be the cutest thing I've ever seen!"

Canderous rolled his eyes and came to Winter for a gruff hug. Turning to Carth, he shook his hand firmly. "First time I've ever been impressed with your shooting, Republic," he drawled, gesturing toward Winter's rounding frame. Carth laughed with everyone else, in spite of the thinly veiled insult.

Canderous handed Carth a long rifle case. "Heard you're havin' a boy," he said. "When he's old enough, Uncle Candy'll come for a visit, teach him how to shoot properly."

Carth and Winter exchanged glances, and she shook her head slightly. No need to put a damper on the celebration by telling everyone that it was unlikely their first child would ever handle a weapon.

"Uncle Candy, huh?" Winter said in a teasing tone. "I thought you were going to make us all call you Mandalore. Aren't you busy gathering the clans, or something?" she asked.

"I am," Canderous replied. "They're scattered all over the galaxy though," he said with a shrug. "Not too far-fetched, to look around Citadel Station for a few, while I'm here." He went on to tell the group more about his Mandalorian training camp, while Juhani and Mission set up food on a picnic table in the beautiful green yard.

As Canderous spoke, a tickling feeling came into Winter's mind, in the spot she used to feel her bond with Bastila Shan. Tuning out the chattering of her friends, Winter concentrated on it, stretching out her Force senses to feel the new-old sensation.

It seemed she could see her bondmate out of the corner of her eye, blue and faint but very real. A ghostly echo of their bond shimmered, and she heard Bastila speaking in her mind. "You have given us each a second chance, like the one given you by the Dantooine Jedi Council. Despite the frightening possiblities of the future, what you are all building is a better galaxy, each in your own way. That is the true mark of your redemption, not the defeat of Malak. You have atoned for the pain you caused as Revan with the love you give as Winter Onasi. Your life has come full circle." Bastila's soft voice faded away, and a tear ran down Winter's cheek.

Brushing the tear away, she looked around at her friends, and thought about how each of them was making a difference. One family, one village, one clan, one Padawan at a time. Between their efforts and those of Ixchel Valor, the future of the Republic, and the galaxy, would be secure. Finally feeling like she deserved her happiness, Winter got up carefully and joined her friends as they ate cake and laughed about old times. Winter hugged Carth close to her as she listened to the conversations, hoping for thousands more such happy moments in their future.