KOTOR Version 2-Chapter 8-retrieving the accelerator

22 ABY

'There's something I don't understand, Master Revan.' Tionne asked, shifting her weight. The ground under her was slightly uncomfortable, and she needed to move every so often so her butt didn't start throbbing.

'And what's that?' Revan asked.

'Well, from the way you've been telling the story, you seem out of character early on. Specifically; when you were talking to Carth after crashing on the Tarisian Upper City. After Trask Ulgo died.' Tionne said, standing up to stretch. 'That situation also clashes with what I've found out about you from earlier as well.'

'When I woke up on Dantooine, I found out that not only did I lose six years of my life, I spend a good number of them as Dark Lord of the Sith. When I heard this, my convictions were shaken. I doubted my training, I doubted my decisions, and I doubted myself.' Revan said. 'The conversation with Carth reminded me that, whether the Council was right or wrong, whether I was right or wrong, I had a job to do. There was still a war going on, and I still needed to fight it.'

'That makes sense, I guess.' Tionne said, sitting back down. 'I apologize for interrupting. Please continue.'

'By all means, Tionne, ask questions. If something doesn't make sense, I will do my best to explain it.' Revan said.

3956 BBY

'You've returned upworlder!' Rukil said, his eyes filling with excitement upon seeing Revan and his crew. 'How goes your search?'

Revan handed the datachips that held the journals to Rukil. 'I think you'll find these interesting.' Revan said, with a slight grin on his face.

'Can it be true? Is it possible that at long last the dream of my father and grandfather before him will be fulfilled?' Rukil said as he took the datachips from Revan. 'I... I can hardly bear to look.' He said as he put the chips into his datapad. 'Hmmm... yes. Yes! Of course! Now I understand - it all makes sense! Now I see why the Promised Land has been so hard to find! It is so obvious!'

Rukil looked up at Revan with a smile going from ear to ear. 'You have done a great thing, up-worlder - a selfless act that will bring great joy to all the people of this village! I must take this to Gendar right away!'

Gendar was tired, as he always was. He was beginning to see just why his father looked like he did while Gendar was growing up; leading people with no hope was tiring. Dealing with the problems of the Outcasts, knowing that no matter what he did, was disheartening.

'Rukil? What do you want now?' Gendar said to the old man. 'Have you more fables of a hidden paradise just waiting for us to find it?'

'You may not think these are fables after you see what I have brought you, Gendar! Look at these journals!' Rukil said, thrusting his datapad at Gendar.

Gendar took the datapad to humor Rukil, as he always did, but when he saw what was on the datapad...'What... no. It can't be! Are these real, Rukil? Is this information accurate?' Gendar asked Rukil. This information was too good to be true.

'I swear to you everything in these journals is true, Gendar.' Rukil said, still smiling. 'The Promised Land - I told you I would find it!'

Gendar, however, had the well being of those under his charge to worry about as well. 'The entrance is far from here, Rukil. It will take us weeks to get there... perhaps even months.' Gendar said. 'And we will have to cross many rakghoul infested areas.'

Rukil, however, remained steadfast. 'I do not deny the journey will be hard, Gendar. But surely it is better than the miserable life we have here!'

Gendar was finally convinced. Anything was better than this hellhole. 'Wise words, Rukil. Our supplies are high right now - we could leave by nightfall!' Gendar said, thinking of what was needed. 'I will tell the others to prepare for the journey.'

Rukil turned to Revan, still smiling. 'Thank you once again, up-worlder. I will say a final goodbye, for where we are going I fear you cannot come.' Rukil said, beaming.

'That's fine. We have things to do anyway.' Revan said, reaching out his hand to Rukil. Seeing this, Rukil grabbed Revan's hand, and began shaking it. 'Good luck Rukil, and may the Force be with you.'

Rukil smiled again before turning back to Gendar, to discuss the logistics of such a journey.

'That was a good thing you did, Jake Katarn.' Zaalbar said as they left the village. 'I've never seen a human do so much to help another.'

'Yeah, but what about that 'may the Force be with you' line?' Mission asked. 'Isn't that a Jedi saying?'

Carth kept an eye of Revan, wondering how he was going to get out of this one. Carth would help him out of a bind, if said bind was a threat to their lives. However, since slipping up around a teenage girl was not a threat, yet, Carth felt no need to help Revan out of this.

Fortunately, Revan didn't need any help. 'Not always. You hear that a lot among the military, and around worlds that Jedi operate out of.' Revan said. 'It's just more common to the Jedi than anyone else.'

Carth was happy to see that Mission was placated, and agreed with Revan for once. The first time he went out into battle in his fighter during the Mandalorian Wars, Carth's commander had said that to his squadron. As Revan explained earlier, the Force was not just something that the Jedi drew on, it was everything. If the Force was your ally, you had a powerful ally indeed.

The trip back to the sewer was uneventful, and when they got to the force shield, Mission immediately ran to the computer console.

'Here we go.' Mission said, getting to work immediately. Typing quickly, Mission got the force shield down, and grinned when she looked over at Carth, Revan and Zaalbar. 'Gotta be careful from here on. This area's got that force shield for a reason.'

The trip to the door was a blur of prolonged sneaking and quick bursts of extreme violence. The only notable thing was what happened to Zaalbar when he saw a gamorrean. Zaalbar flew into frenzy and went after the gamorrean head on. And seeing a raging wookiee charging anything full speed, holding a weapon meant for gamorrean hands one handed was frightening for even the most battle hardened, like Revan and Carth. Seeing the things Zaalbar did to the gamorreans was horrifying to those that weren't used to it.

But Mission was taking what she saw the worst. She never knew her best friend was capable of such savageness. The fact that he violently tore the gamorreans apart was unnerving. She wanted to help him, but she didn't know where to start.

Carth, who stood in the back of the combat formation as well, put his hand on Mission's shoulder. Mission looked up at him, she saw a strange look in Carth's eyes. If she could categorize it, she would say it was a look of fatherly concern in his eyes.

'It's okay Mission.' Carth said. 'No matter what happens, Zaalbar is still Zaalbar. He's still the wookiee you first met, however long ago you met him. This is just a side of him that doesn't come out that often.'

'He's right Mission.' Zaalbar said, looking back at his friend. 'Most of the time, our violent nature only comes out during the hunt, or when defending our families. I'm sorry you had to see that come out because of hate, but as you know, I have issues with slavers.'

Mission nodded knowingly. While she didn't know much about Zaalbar's past, she did know that he was fleeing slavers. 'I know. And I know that you're a caring individual. It's going to take me some time to accept this part of you, I guess.'

All this conversation was cut short when they reached the last door before the rancor.

'This is it.' Mission said, walking up to the door. 'This is where the rancor makes its home. We can still back out now, if you guys want to.'

'Not an option.' Revan said, walking up to the door. He pressed the pressure plate that released the lock, and the door flew wide open, allowing Revan to get a good view of the room. Across the room was a large pile of corpses; though the rancor wasn't anywhere is sight. 'Anyone got a stealth field generator?' Revan asked.

Both Carth and Zaalbar shook their heads, letting Revan know that neither one had one.

'I do.' Mission said, sheepishly. 'I'm wearing my stealth belt right now.' She figured that she would have to surrender it to Revan, because he was the one who had been putting himself in direct danger first, which was fine with her, but she really wanted to show what she was capable of.

Revan slid his pack off his shoulders and started digging through it. He pulled out a thermal detonator, and handed it to Mission. 'You think you can figure out a way to make the rancor eat this?'

Mission looked at Revan, her eyes as wide as dinner plates. 'You want me to do this?' She asked.

'Yes. You are the only one with the stealth field generator.' Revan said.

Mission looked at Revan for a minute, with a slight smile on her face. He's giving me the chance to prove myself! I can't waste it! Mission thought, taking the grenade out or Revan's hand. 'I'll figure something out.' She said. She turned on her stealth belt, and disappeared from sight.

When Carth was sure that Mission was gone, he glared at Revan. 'Care to explain why you're putting a child in danger?'

'First off, she's not a child. She's a young woman who's lived the majority of her life in a violent slum in the Lower city. As you've seen, the immaturity she shows is just a façade.' Revan said. 'Second, she's the most likely of us to succeed with this. The fact that she has a stealth belt on her tells me she knows how to use it properly.'

'Your reasoning is sound, Jake Katarn, but I agree with Carth. I don't like having Mission go off on her own.' Zaalbar said.

'I don't like sending anyone into danger all alone, but none of us have stealth belts. Besides, it's not like any of us can protect her in stealth mode if we had stealth belts, because that would compromise our own stealth field. Like it or not, Mission's all alone.' Revan said.

Mission slowly crept toward the corpses, and when she had seen the rancor to the left of her, practically guarding the door, she was nearly paralyzed with fear. Oh, sure, she had gotten past it before, but she was smaller then, and was less likely to be seen and heard. How in then hell am I going to get this grenade into that rancor without getting eaten? She thought, and the prospect of getting eaten sent a shiver down her spine. She continued over to the corpse pile, and noticed the body of one of the Hidden Beks. She saw a broken spray bottle, a spray bottle with a strange liquid in it, and a datapad. Mission looked through the last few entries on the datapad, and found out that this liquid smelled like one of the rancor's favored prey. That's it! Mission thought, as she picked up the spray bottle. That's how I can do this safely!

Once at the corpse pile, Mission scanned the pile, looking for a body that could hold the grenade without it falling out when the rancor picked it up. She found a body with the mouth and throat intact, and rammed the grenade down its throat, and armed it. I hope this works! Mission thought as she sprayed the contents of the spray bottle on the body. Once she finished, the rancor came running.

Back at the doorway, Carth, Revan and Zaalbar saw the rancor lumber over, grab a corpse, and threw it in its mouth. Then they heard the explosion, and saw the rancor fall over, dead. Everyone was worried about Mission, until she turned off her stealth belt in front of them.

'Mission!' Zaalbar shouted, scooping up the young twi'lek into his arms.

'Big Z, you're crushing me.' Mission said, her head pressed into Zaalbar's chest. The wookiee immediately loosened his grip, but continued hugging his friend.

'Nice job Mission. I was confident you would be able to take care of that, and you pulled through.' Revan said, peering around the corner, to make sure there was nothing in the immediate area that was a threat to them.

'You know, I was a little worried about you, Mission,' Carth said. 'But I'm glad to see you're okay.'

Mission blushed, her skin turning a deeper shade of blue, both at Carth's concern and what she'd said to him earlier.

'Uh, hey Carth. Can I... can I talk to you for a second?' Mission said sheepishly, as the group made their way to the other door.

Carth just rolled his eyes. 'Are you ready to have a civil chat? Or is this going to be another childish tantrum?'

That set Mission off. 'Tantrum? I'm trying to apologize, you nerf-herder!' She wanted to tear into Carth for saying that, before she stopped, realizing what she was about to do. 'Uh... I mean... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get mad at you. It's just that I'm sick of everyone treating me like I'm a helpless kid.'

Carth just sighed with relief. 'Yeah, I know. And I'm sorry about what I said, too. I'm just a little on edge lately.' Carth said. 'Not surprising considering all we've been through. But I shouldn't take it out on you.' Carth once again put his hand on her shoulder. 'Mission, you have to know that we don't think you're helpless. Look where we are; look at what we're doing. You're not just along for the ride. We need you.'

Mission's face just lit up from Carth's comment. 'You really mean it, don't you? Nobody's ever said anything like that to me before, not even Big Z.' Mission said. She looked up at Zaalbar. 'I know you think it buddy, but you're not really one for words.' Mission looked back up at Carth. 'Thanks, Carth.'

Carth smiled. 'Ah, it's no big deal. I know how it is. Sometimes you just need to hear a few words of encouragement.' Carth said. 'Kids are like that.'

And Mission reacted exactly as Carth suspected. 'Kids are like that?? Listen you...' Mission said, before noticing the smile on Carth's face. 'Oh, I get it. Okay, you got me. You're pretty funny, Carth.' Mission said, with a smile of her own. 'For an old guy. Come on, geezer - let's get back to what we were doing.'

The group laughed as they headed toward the only other door. When they got there, Revan raised his hands to silence the group. Everyone knew that play time was over, and drew their weapons. Revan pushed the pressure plate, and as the others did, the door flew open. And the two Vulkars that were guarding the door saw them immediately.

---

Carth, Mission, Revan and Zaalbar dove to the sides of the door to get away from the incoming blaster fire, Mission and Zaalbar on side, Carth and Revan on the other. The Vulkars started walking slowly toward them, when Revan had an idea. He slid his pack off his shoulders, and pulled out two flash grenades. He rolled one over to Zaalbar, and when Zaalbar picked it up, he let him in on his plan.

'Zaalbar, when I give you the signal, I what you to throw that grenade as hard as you can. Once the flash clears, we rush in and take down anyone we see.' Revan said.

'And what will your signal be?' Zaalbar asked, preparing himself for action.

'Nodding my head like this,' Revan said, jerking his head up and down quickly. He looked over at Carth, and then at Mission, and then spoke again. 'Once Zaalbar and I start running, I want you two to slide over to where we are, and pick off anyone we miss. Understood?'

Carth nodded, ready to move at a moment's notice. Mission nodded as well, but everyone could see that she was frightened. Every time Revan started barking out commands, Mission felt out of place. She was smart enough to trust his instincts and orders, because every time she had, they all made it out of the situation, and no one had been hurt. But Revan acted like a military officer and military operations were something she didn't understand.

'Mission!' Revan said, snapping Mission out of her reverie. Mission nodded again, raising her blaster into ready position.

Revan closed his eyes, reaching out to the Force to get a bead on how many Vulkar guards there were, where they were, and where to throw his grenade for maximum effect. Once he had all that information, he snapped his eyes open, gave the signal, and threw his grenade around the corner.

Zaalbar threw his grenade as well, but no where near as accurately as Revan. He pivoted on his right foot, and started running toward the Vulkars with his axe drawn, but he saw that he was no where near as fast as Revan. Revan had covered half the distance to the blinded Vulkars in the time it Zaalbar to pivot and get his entire body through the door. And by the time Zaalbar got to the Vulkars, Revan had decapitated one, and thrust his sword through the heart of another. To speed things up, Zaalbar threw his axe at the furthest Vulkar, which embedded itself in the Vulkar's head. And once Zaalbar closed the distance to the last of the original four that were guarding the door, Zaalbar wrapped his massive hands around the neck of the last Vulkar, and began crushing his throat.

Carth and Mission took that opportunity to make their moves, pivoting around the doorway, only to see Zaalbar crushing the throat of one of the Vulkars. The Vulkar's eyes began to bulge out, and his skin started turning pale, from the lack of oxygen to his brain. The Vulkar tried gasping for air, but to no avail; Zaalbar was too strong. Eventually, the Vulkar couldn't hold on any longer, and his extremities went limp. Zaalbar dropped the body, and started wiping the blood off his body. Upon completing that, Zaalbar picked up two vibroblades off the Vulkar guards, so he could use his more effective two sword fighting style.

Mission stared at the carnage with her eyes wide open. Carth placed his hand on her shoulder, attempting to comfort her. 'If you think this is disturbing, be glad you didn't fight in the Mandalorian Wars.' Carth said. 'Even though I was a pilot, I saw some pretty fracked up stuff.' Carth shook his head, trying to suppress the memories those words brought up. As a soldier, he knew that atrocities were part of war, but that didn't make seeing them any easier.

Mission just looked up at Carth, seeing a partially blank look on his face. Revan noticed it too, but wasn't going to say anything. He didn't remember much of the Mandalorian Wars, but what he did remember stuck with him. The look in Carth's eyes screamed 'shell shock' to Revan, and he knew the best thing to do was to leave Carth alone, and let him deal with his own memories.

Mission, on the other hand, didn't understand where Carth was going with what he said. 'Are you saying I should get used to this kind of thing?' She asked.

That brought Carth completely back to reality. 'Not at all,' He said. 'I'm saying this kind of thing never gets easier.'

'Well, if we're done bringing up painful memories,' Revan said, wiping the last of the blood off his sword. 'We need to get into the Vulkar Base and get that swoop accelerator.'

Carth agreed, completely willing to get going. Mission was still confused, but followed as Carth headed toward the door to the turbolift. She watched Revan open the door, and filed in the turbolift that would take them to the Vulkar base.

As they entered, Revan reached out with the Force to see how many guards, both organic and droid, there were in the facility. He got a bead on a dozen guards throughout the base, and half as many droids wandering the base.

'Mission, you think you can sneak through the base and turn off the security cameras?" Revan asked.

'Of course,' Mission said, slightly smug.

'Then do so. A small skirmish is one thing, but I'd rather not fight the entire base at once.' Revan said.

Mission nodded, and turned on her stealth belt. Once the door opened, Revan took a sound dampener out of a pouch on his belt, turned it on, and set it on a box next to him.

'Go ahead and say it. You don't like it when I put Mission in danger like this.' Revan said, waiting for the bombardment of disapproval.

'You've already said your piece, Jake Katarn, and while I want to protect her, I understand what she's capable of.' Zaalbar said.

Carth just sighed. 'We have got to get me a translator, or something that'll help me understand Zaalbar. It's frustrating to understand only half the conversation.'

'Well, I don't have the tools to do it here, or back at the apartment. And creating a translator for Shyriiwook is quite involved, considering that their sounds are drastically different than the sounds for Basic.' Revan said.

'I could help you there, if you wish.' Zaalbar said. 'I learned a little programming from Mission a while back, and, being a wookiee, I can understand our three main languages.'

That surprised Revan. 'Shyriiwook's not your only language?'

Zaalbar grinned slightly. 'No. While Shyriiwook is our main trade language, we have a few common languages. There's Xaczik, a language spoken on the Wartaki Islands, which is used as a secret code between the wookiees, and Thykarann, a dialect of Shyriiwook used for technical speak. But, I doubt you'd have problems with Thykarann Jake Katarn, because you seem fluent in Shyriiwook.'

Revan just shrugged. 'Learn something new everyday.'

A few moments later, Mission turned off her stealth belt, and began recounting what she saw to Revan.

'I got the cameras shut down, but I was also able to do something a little unexpected.' Mission said.

'Which was?' Carth asked as he stood up.

'Well, I found a file on the droids, and I was able to slice it and reprogrammed the droids to see everyone as an intruder.' Mission said. 'I would have made it so that we were the only ones that were 'friendlies', but I didn't have the time.'

'Nicely done,' Revan said as he stood up. 'While I'm sure that the Vulkars know there are intruders now, but having to battle their own droids will thin their numbers a bit.'

'Then I guess it's time to go.' Carth said, drawing his blasters from his holsters. 'While I'm sure that combat will happen less often, I know it will happen, and ambush tactics are our only chance of surviving this place, so we need to move, and now!'

'I agree, Carth,' Revan said, drawing his vibrosword. 'All right troops, let's move out.'

The group slowly crept out of the room, and made their way through the base, dispatching anyone who saw them. Finally, they found the security room. Revan opened the door to find a Black Vulkar sitting behind a security desk. The Vulkar's eyes grew as wide as dinner plates when Revan opened the door, knowing full well that these were the people who had been wrecking havoc on the Vulkar base. When the cameras went out and the droids started attacking the guards, he knew something was wrong, but when he heard more than blaster fire, the Vulkar knew that there intruders in the base. And with the base quiet now, he could reasonably assume that these intruders had killed or destroyed all of the guards.

The group glared at the guard, but Revan was the one who notice the Vulkar was reaching into the desk for something.

'If that's an alarm or weapon you're reaching for, my Wookiee friend is going to very upset.' Revan said, with a sly grin. Zaalbar caught the hint and growled at the Vulkar. The Vulkar, knowing what Zaalbar was capable of, immediately threw up his hands.

'Okay, okay, I surrender.' The Vulkar said. 'It's not like I want to give my life for Brejik.'

'If you want to walk away from this, then tell me what I want to know.' Revan said.

'Sure, I'll tell you anything.' The Vulkar said.

'Where is the prototype accelerator that you stole?' Revan said. He would have asked about Bastila, but he doubted that Brejik would have told this low level grunt that kind of information.

'Right - that gadget Brejik stole from the Beks. He's got the accelerator in the basement garage. The only way down is by using the security elevator in the back of the base.' The Vulkar said. 'But the security elevator is protected by auto-targeting laser cannons. You'll be vaporized before you ever get near it, unless you get your hands on a pass card.'

'Could you slice it Mission?' Revan asked. Mission, however, never got the chance to answer.

'It might be possible to slice into the main computer bank near the front of the base and override the security system, but I sure wouldn't be able to do it. That terminal is a stand alone, with tight security and heavy encryption. The best way is to get your hands on a pass card.'

'I don't suppose you have one...' Revan said.

'If I had one myself, I'd give it to you. But Brejik only gives them to his lieutenants. You'd have to get a pass card from one of them, but I doubt they'd just hand it over to you.' The Vulkar said.

'Great. Where are Brejik's lieutenants?' Revan asked.

'Some of them are having dinner right now, in the cafeteria. That's the next room over.' The Vulkar said.

'All right, you can go now. Leave this base, and never return.' Revan said.

The Vulkar was surprised at this intruder's words, but he wasn't going to look a free ronto in the mouth. 'Thanks. Thanks a lot. And don't worry, I won't cause any trouble for you on the way out. In fact, I hope you take Brejik and his Vulkars down!'

As the Vulkar ran out of the base, Carth pondered what had just seen. He remembered the words of a Sith solider that some of his troops had captured had said during an interrogation; That mercy and compassion were Jedi weaknesses, and not worthy of the Sith. And here Revan was, showing mercy and compassion to his enemies. He was starting to realize that Revan wasn't lying; he was not the Dark Lord of the Sith; at least, not any more. Oh sure, he was still powerful, manipulative and one hell of a fighter, but Revan was showing many of the traits he admired in the Jedi. But he still didn't trust him completely. For all Carth knew, this 'compassionate Revan' was only temporary, and the Dark Lord could return once Revan's memories started returning. He would continue watching Revan closely, and hope that his fears didn't become a reality.

Revan sat down at the security desk, and brought up the layout of the base. The next room had two entrances, one right next to them, and one down the hall. Revan studied the layout for a second, and came up with an idea.

'All right, here's the plan. Carth, you and Zaalbar will go over to the other entrance, while Mission and I enter through the closest entrance. I'll count down from 3, and then Zaalbar and I will rush in with our swords brandished, while you and Mission will provide cover fire.' Revan said.

'Wait a minute, how are Carth and Zaalbar going to know when you hit one?' Mission asked.

'Carth and I have communicators.' Revan said, lying slightly. They had A communicator, not two. 'I'd give you and Zaalbar each a communicator, but we only had so much time before getting to the escape pods.'

Mission was placated, and Carth and Zaalbar got into position. Revan began his countdown, and once he reached one, he and Zaalbar open the doors.

The battle was swift, though Carth would have been surprised if it had been otherwise. Six Vulkars against a Republic soldier, a Wookiee hunter and a street urchin was an even match, but having a Jedi in the mix tipped the odds in their favor. Revan barely used any of his power in that skirmish, and he still took down the lieutenant and two of his bodyguards by himself. Carth wondered how Revan would do against someone like a dark Jedi, but he quickly pushed those thoughts out of his mind. Be careful what you wish for... Carth thought as he started searching the bodies.

After finding the pass card, the group made their way down the into the swoop bay, and after some quick computer slicing to find its location, made their way to the accelerator. Unfortunately, it was guarded. There were eight Vulkars standing around the room, all carrying blaster rifles, vibroweapons and grenades.

'Looks like we have visitors!' The guard said. 'Lackeys conned by Gadon Thek into trying to steal Brejik's swoop engine accelerator, I bet!'

'Brejik stole that engine from Gadon! It was never yours to begin with!' Mission shot back at the guard.

But the guard didn't bat an eyelash at Mission's comment. 'Well I didn't go to all the trouble of acquiring this prototype just so you could steal it back for that old fool!'

'Would you like me to dispose of these Bek spies, Kandon?' A female Twi'lek guard standing next to Kandon said.

'No,' Kandon said, looking at his bodyguard. 'Hold on a second.' He turned to Revan and his group. 'I see you aren't wearing the Hidden Bek colors, so I'm guessing you aren't part of that feeble old man's gang. You must be a freelance mercenary. Instead of stealing the prototype for the Beks, why don't you come work for us? The Black Vulkars could use someone like you.'

'I don't work with slavers Kandon.' Revan said, raising his sword. 'Hand over the accelerator, or things will get messy.'

Kandon just shook his head. 'I can see there's not much chance of convincing you to come work for us after all. Fools.'

'Now can I kill them, Kandon?' The bodyguard said.

'Yes, darling. Kill them. Kill them all.' Kandon said, with a grin. And then, each of the eight Vulkars threw a grenade at Revan's group.

Carth, Mission and Zaalbar dove back to get away from the blast, and when they turned around to start shooting at the Vulkars, they saw the grenades floating in midair.

'Not smart.' Revan said. Then, using the Force, he sent the grenades right back at the Vulkars. The force of the blast, in addition to the fact that Revan made sure that the grenades hit the Vulkars in the head, killed them all, and Mission and Zaalbar looked on in awe. Carth just shook his head. Great, he blew our cover.

Mission was the first to speak up. 'What...How did you do that?'

Aw crap. Revan thought, trying to come up with a reasonable explanation. He realized that he couldn't think of one, and had to tell the truth.

'I haven't exactly been truthful with you Mission.' Revan said. 'I'm not just some spacer hired by the Republic; I'm a Jedi Knight. And the reason I'm not carrying a lightsaber is that I'm incognito.'

'Well, why didn't you tell me earlier?' Mission asked.

'Taris is a dangerous place for Jedi right now, with the Sith occupation, and I wasn't about to risk your lives with the knowledge that I am a Jedi until after we got off the planet. Unfortunately, those grenades forced my hand.' Revan said.

'I guess that makes sense.' Mission said.

'So what happens now? Are you going to turn me in to the Sith? Or are you going to keep my secret?' Revan asked.

'I'll keep your secret. I'm not exactly a big fan of the Sith, you know?' Mission said.

'What about you Zaalbar?' Revan asked.

'Even if the Sith listened to me, I still wouldn't sell you out to them.' Zaalbar said.

Revan sighs with relief. 'Good. Until we get off this planet, we've got a job to do, so let's do it. Let's find that swoop accelerator and get out of here.'

The group entered the room, and around the corner, they found the swoop accelerator. Zaalbar picked up the heavy accelerator with one hand, and they made their way out of the Vulkar base, and headed back to Gadon's base. After a few minor firefights, the group entered his base.

As soon as the group made it within his ocular implants' range, Gadon smiled when he saw Revan's group.

'You have returned, and with the accelerator. I honestly didn't think you'd be able to do it.' Gadon said.

'You'll find I'm full of surprises, Gadon.' Revan said with a grin.

'I'll bet.' Gadon said, motioning for someone to pick up the accelerator. 'Now, I would bet that you still want to ride in the swoop race, right?'

'That'd be nice.' Revan said.

'Well, I'll do you one better than that.' Gadon said as one of his gang members picked up the accelerator. 'I'm going to let you ride on the bike with the accelerator in it.'

'Gadon! You can't be serious!' Zaerdra said. 'We need one of our best riders on that bike! We can't let some rookie take the prototype engine into the race!'

'I'm no rookie Zaerdra. I may be out of practice, but I've ridden and won on tougher tracks than Taris.' Revan retorted.

'And we have no proof of your supposed skill!' Zaerdra said to Revan. She turned to Gadon. 'I'm telling you Gadon, this is a bad idea.'

Gadon just shrugged. 'I have to be honest with you, there's a reason I'm letting you take the prototype engine. The accelerator isn't stable; it runs extremely hot, and there's a good chance it could explode during the race.'

Zaerdra stopped objecting once she heard that accelerator wasn't stable, but that didn't stop Carth. 'Explode? And you think this is something we should use?'

'I can't ask one of my own riders to take the risk; they'll be running unmodified swoops in the race. You'll be the only one using the prototype.' Gadon said.

'This is crazy Re...Jake!' Carth said, catching himself before finishing Revan's name.

'We don't have a choice, Carth. The only way to free Bastila is to win that swoop race, and this is the only way to guarantee victory.' Revan said.

Gadon grinned again. 'Good. You'll stay here tonight, and in the morning we'll take you to the swoop track.'

Revan turned to Carth, Mission and Zaalbar. 'Why don't you guys head back to the apartment? With any luck, I'll return tomorrow with Bastila.' He said.

Carth just glared at Revan, but he knew that this was best for everyone. He was about to leave, when Gadon spoke up.

'Don't worry, you can watch your friend at any cantina on the planet. The swoop race is broadcast across the planet.'

Carth just sighed. 'You be careful Jake. And may the Force be with you.'