The Old Republic: Beyond Light and Darkness ch. 2
Chapter 2
Unexpected complications.
In a corner in Hangar A, Rex was kneeling over an eviscerated hyperdrive, whose owner apparently pried it open with a plasma torch and tried to make ad hoc repairs while in flight.
_Just the motivator..._Rex thought to himself.
The hot, thick air of the hangar, reeking of thruster exhaust and reactor coolant, made any work irritating in the extreme. Especially ones as complicated as putting together what looked like something a Rancor chewed up, swallowed and threw up. Rex nudged the contents of the tormented machine with a hydrospanner, scratched his head and fell back limply against the wall, defeated. He was a gifted mechanic, sure, but reviving scrap junk was a bit beyond his ability.
He was fed up with this assignment. At first he thought that a punishment involving putting machines together would be relaxing, but he soon realised that surprisingly many ship owners don't have the slightest idea about proper maintenance of their property. He was tired of pulling out dead mynocks from between wiring, draining waste from refreshers and recalibrating navicomputers. Sometimes he even thought of it as demeaning. He definitely didn't imagine his Jedi life in this way.
Rex closed his eyes. He'd often do that during work to catch a breath and think about something nice. He looked back to earlier this afternoon, when he met Kaidan after so long. It was almost like back when they were kids.
„Rex! Reeeeex! Rex, come on, this isn't funny! We should be coming back, it's getting dark!" Kaidan shouted out into the woods, visibly nervous. They weren't supposed to be here, not this late.
Rex sat hidden on a tall tree, not far from his friend, observing, waiting. Holding a stick in his hands, he was biding his time, for an opportunity to surprise his friend with an attack, like a true Sith assasin would. Besides, Kaidan was always fun to scare.
„Rex, this isn't funny anymore! I swear, if you scare me I'll beat you up so hard! Come out and let's head home!" Kaidan pleaded with his friend, more and more distressed. The wilds outside the Temple grounds were dangerous and younglings were not supposed to venture so far away.
Rex dismissed the wolf's concerns and quietly slid down the tree's trunk onto the ground. Still holding his weapon, he slowly tiptoed towards Kaidan, trying to sneak behind him. Suddenly, a loud, roaring sound coming from distance startled the fox just as he was about to ambush his friend. Rex shouted in genuine terror and felt an enormous pressure on his face that knocked him off his feet.
„Oh gee, Rex I'm so sorry! You startled me, you jerk!" Kaidan was standing over his fallen friend, nervously grasping his stick „Are you okay?" He asked, as he extended his hand to help the fox up.
„Yeah, I'm fine," muttered Rex while standing up „Did you hear that?"
„I did, please, let's just go back home," Kaidan urged Rex.
„Uh-huh," Rex nodded, rubbing his muzzle „Which way is the Temple though?"
The sun had already set and the two younglings realised they were lost. The woods looked diffirently during the night and in the frenzy of their games, they didn't look which way they went. And worst of all, the ominous sounds were getting closer to them.
„Let's go this way," Said Rex, pointing to the direction opposite of the sound.
„Are you sure? Maybe we should hide somewhere nearby, stay put and wait for rescue?" Kaidan asked.
Rex didn't have time to answer, as an animalistic growl startled them both and they saw a dozen massive sillhouettes just a few metres from them, holding torches, blasters and vibroblades. The two younglings screamed and started running away from the monsters, with the figures following close. Rex's heart beat furiously and he could almost hear Kaidan's doing the same, as they ran head to head, as fast as they could, jumping over fallen trees, taking turns behind cliffs.
Rex turned his head to look behind - there was no sign of their pursuers.
„Kay, I think were cle-" He shouted to Kaidan and his voice was suddenly cut off as he felt his body jerked upwards by his leg. Loud ringing filled his ears, followed by the same loud growl and the light of burning torches on the horizon.
Trap! Rex was dangling helplessly from a tree, a rope tightly bound around his ankle.
„Help!" He screamed.
Kaiden abruptly stopped and turned around, hearing his friend's call. He quickly approached the tree and nervously paced in place for a moment, helpless. Then, he calmed himself and took a few steps back from the tree. He bent his knees, swung his arms backwards, focused and leaped five metres upwards, narrowly missing the branch to which the trap was attached. He grabbed the branch in flight and frantically climbed on top of it.
„I'm here, hang on!" Kaidan shouted down to his friend in a futile attempt to comfort him.
„Hurry!" Rex cried out desperately.
Kaidan fumbled with the tight knot on the rope, hands shaking nervously. The creatures were closing in with every passing moment. Kaidan's frustration grew as the growling sounds became louder and louder. The rope was unyielding however, and Rex's panicked flailing didn't make it any easier.
„Do something Kay, they're almost here!" He yelled desperately at his friend, mortified.
Furious, Kaidan grasped the rope, tugging at it and screaming in rage. Suddenly, Rex saw a flash of light coming from the branch as the rope disintegrated and the branch was severed in half. The next thing Rex felt was the uneven surface of the ground against his back and the weight of a black wolf pup nearly crushing his chest. The fall knocked the wind out of him, but Kaidan was already up, pulling the fox back on his legs.
„Run!" Rex was still recovering from the hanging and the fall, but he instinctively followed Kaidan when he shouted at him to move, stumbling over his legs.
His head was spinning and his lungs were burning, but he could almost feel the breath of the monsters on his neck.
Out of thin air, five more creatures appeared, as if they materialised on their way, surrounding them. Rex and Kaidan stopped, frantically looking for a way out, but the monsters were everywhere. Rex hugged Kaidan tightly, and the two stood huddled, eyeing the monsters as they approached them slowly.
„Tiny meat! No run! We got you now," Spoke the biggest of the group, presumably the leader, as he waled towards the two. It's at this moment that the boys could clearly see their pursuers. Large, pink, barrel-shaped bodies, covered in rags. Flat, broad heads with eyes on stalks. Scavenged, degraded blasters and vibroblades. Flesh Raiders. Every youngling was warned about the indigineous species, but most bielieved them to be only fairytales to keep children close to the Temple. Rex couldn't believe how wrong they were. The monstrous figure reached with his massive hand towards the children and they hugged eachother more tightly.
The monster stopped just inches from Kaidan's throat, as a beam of green light poked out of his sternum. The hulking creature fell to the ground and Rex followed the green light retreating from it's body with his eyes, straight towards the waiting hand of another silhouette. Behind the cordon of the massive pursuers stood a small group of people, armed with lightsabers. The figures immediatelly dispersed, circling the monsters, their sabers leaving colourful trails in the air, as creature after creature fell under the blades of the attackers. For a moment, Rex and Kaidan forgot what had transpired, and watched what looked like a dance, in awe, hypnotised by the colours and sounds.
As the last monster fell, one of the remaining men reported about finding their targets into his commlink while a large figure put it's lightsaber away, switched on a lamp and approached the two younglings. It knelt, rised the lamp to it's face and the boys recognised their mentor Master Forzan.
„It's allright boys, you're safe now," Forzan said in a calming, soothing voice, while hugging the children affectionately.
Rex burst into tears and dug his face into his master's shoulder, while Kaidan remained stoic and simply rested his head on the other shoulder. Rex could hear the huge bear sob a little and Forzan picked them up. Jedi are not supposed to make attachment. But without love there would be no compassion. Rex guessed that's why their Master was so shocked about the ordeal. Never before or even after had he seen his mentor act so affectionately about anything, but he and Kaidan knew he loved them like sons, from the moment the took them as apprentices when they were only a few years old, and they felt the same about him.
„We're coming home." He said quietly as he and the rest of the Jedi started walking towards the Temple.
Rex could feel a tear welling up in his eye as he recounted the events to himself. As time went on, he often thought back to these events, and realised many things. That night Kaidan saved his life and they were still but children back then. What 8-year-old would choose to go back for his hopelessly trapped friend while chased by monsters? Even most adults would choose to flee. Up to that moment he always felt like the older, more mature one, even though they were the same age. Rex was always the more adventurous and reckless, but he looked up to Kaidan as a protector, even if he wouldn't admit it, especially when he started to be able to stand up for himself in a fight. But Kaidan was the stronger one, despite all of his superficial timidness and restraint. And that jump and the burned rope. Kaidan always had very deep connection to the Force, even if he wasn't a model student. For a youngling to be able to use the Force to such extent, even if only under stress, was remarkable.
No time for nostalgia though. Rex still had the case of hyperdrive murder to solve, and progress was slow.
Damn it, I wish Kay was here. He thought to himself and got back to work.
He started working his tools in the massacrated insides of the hyperdrive, when a sudden spark and puff of dense smoke forced him away from the device. Rex stood up, coughing, his facial expression turned to a troubled frown and he shaked his head.
Manifold fried. Great. He knew he had to go to the other hangar and look for a replacement. And also face the Head Mechanic, a Gran with the worst attitude. He left Hangar A and walked in the direction of Hangar B. On the way there he noticed a small crowd gathering outside the Council chambers. Curious, he approached a familiar Nautolan standing in the crowd.
„Hey Sai, what's the commotion?" He asked.
„Someone said they overheard the Council putting some traitor on trial." The Jedi replied.
Rex felt cold sweat run down his body. His heart nearly skipped a beat. That was Kaidan inside the chambers. Only one thought ran through his mind.
By the Force Kay, what have you done?
„What?"
That question was the only thing Kaidan could think of saying, breaking a long moment of awkward silence. While he had come here expecting bad news, he certainly hadn't imagined it to be nearly that bad.
„Uh, I mean... Treason, Master?" He added. „What do you mean? What did I do?"
„This is outrageous!" Forzan yelled furiously. „Kaidan is the best Jedi I've ever trained! Best I've ever known! How can you-"
„Master Forzan, please, restrain yourself. Allow us to explain," The Barsen'thor calmly cut out the angered Master's rant. „The Council would never make such an accusation without solid evidence."
Kaidan looked at his Master and noticed he seemed like he was about to kill the Councillor for telling him to calm down, but he nonetheless regained his composure, and Kaidan could hear him uttering There is no emotion, there is peace.
„What... What is my crime?" Kaidan asked hesitantly, fearing the answer.
„The SIS informed us that one of their agents has been killed. They had recovered a holofootage of the agent's final moments" Explained Kiwiiks.
Satele tapped the console at her seat a few times and a hologram appeared above the table.
„The recording shows Jedi Knight Kaidan Sarek accompanied by Imperial soldiers and known Intelligence assets interrogating, torturing and executing a Republic agent involved in an important, classified operation against the Empire," Satele said, continuing Kiwiiks' thought.
To the horror of both Kaidan and his master, the hologram sprung to life, showing exactly that. It was Kaidan, with some Imperials, standing over a restrained lizard, beaten, bleeding, begging to be released.
The agent's pleas went unheard however, as the Kaidan figure blasted the poor man with lightning, shouting questions at the barely conscious, spazoid body of the agent.
The agonised screams and crackling of lighting drowned out most of the recording. Kaidan winced, it was painful to watch. He saw Master Shan painful expression, eyes closed.
The scene fast forwarded to a moment where soldiers released the tormented man from the harness, while Kaidan faced someone behind him, talking to them. Then, in the blink of an eye, he drew his lightsaber and struck the agent. And then he walked away, like nothing's happened.
„No. No, no, no, no, that's not possible. That is not me!" Kaidan was shocked. It wasn't him. It couldn't have been him. He'd never do something like that to a man. Any man. Let alone an ally.
„Then how do you explain this?" Kiwiiks asked sternly. „You were the only Jedi aware of this man and his assignment and the person in the recording looks like you."
„I'm sorry Kaidan, but what little evidence we have is very damning." Satele said sorrowfully. „The Order and SIS are conducting separate investigations in this matter, but I'm afraid your situation for the time being is very dire. We're forced to detain you in the Temple untill the matter is resolved."
„Surely, you cannot believe this! This must be a forgery, a trick!" Forzan lost his temper once more.
„Be that as it may, untill the investigation is complete, he must remain under guard" Kiwiiks said.
„Don't worry Master Forzan, with the Force at our side, I'm sure we'll know the truth soon enough" Parasia reassured him.
Kaidan didn't know what else to say. For a moment, he began to doubt himself. Could it be that he had done all those monstrous things and simply couldn't remember it? Don't be ridiculous Kay, I'm sure I'd remember a Sunday torture session.
He didn't know what to think anymore.
„You'll be escorted to the holding cells now, Kaidan" Satele said as two Knights entered the chambers and stood beside him. „And... May the Force be with you"
Kaidan could only nod in response, fear and hopelessness painted on his face.
The guards, a Nikto and a Cathar, led him out of the chamber. He heard his master shout.
„Don't worry about anything, I'll get you out of this son!"
Outside the chamber door was a large crowd of people, whispering. Kaidan pretended he didn't hear them, but they spoke of him as a traitor. He noticed Rex in the crowd, who pushed past the congregated people, trying to reach his friend.
„Kay! Kay, what's going on?! Where are they taking you?!" Rex shouted after his friend, still held back by the crowd.
Kaidan didn't have the strength to reply. He was ashamed. And confused. When he thought things can't get any worse, he caught Lilian's look on the way to the cells. She was disappointed, afraid of him. That look was the worst thing that has ever happened to him. He walked past her, without a word, and towards the holding cells.
It was an unremarkable room with a couple of small compartments closed by energy fields. The Nikto took Kaidan's lightsabers from him and urged him inside. Kaidan complied, defeated. The guards engaged the energy field and left the room.
Kaidan sat down on a metal bench and buried his face in his palms. From spymaster to traitor. How low have you fallen Kay._But it wasn't his fault. He was sure of it. He just had to wait for the results. They'll let him go, clear of all charges. _You think those paper pushers will do anything about you? Well, it's not like he had any other choice.
Screw freedom, that wasn't the most important thing about this whole situation. It was how Rex and Lilian looked at him. How Forzan tried his best to convince himself it wasn't true. Will they ever trust him again?
Self-confidence had been a great problem for Kaidan his whole life. He relied on Rex to do the talking and take all the risks for him. That ended when he was inducted into the SIS. Spy life taught him not to doubt in oneself. And he used those teaching to the fullest, one successful assignment after another.
And then one accusation shattered all his hard-earned confidence, all the turst he has in his abilities.
He didn't know what to think anymore.
Soon nighttime came and Kaidan took off his cloak and prepared for a sleepless night in full clothing. He sat on the edge of his bed, mind still filled with doubt and pain.
He heard someone knock on the metal frame of his cage. He turned his head to the entrance and saw a small, lean Twi'lek standing there. He wasn't a Jedi, Kaidan could tell that much. The casual attire was a dead giveaway, naturally, but Kaidan could also feel that the man had a weak connection to the Force.
He was disappointed it wasn't Rex or Lilian coming to visit him.
„Wake up princess, your prince came to break you out" The man said.
„Who are you?" Kaidan asked.
„Like I'm gonna tell you" The Twi'lek rolled his eyes. „Now pay attention, cause I'm not gonna say it twice. This whole action is suspicious and you know it. Which is why you're gonna get out of this hole and get to the bottom of it."
„Well, isn't that convenient. I was just wondering how am I getting out of here" Kaidan said snarkily. „So, how do I do this? Cut down an army of guards, save a couple of hot chicks, blow up the Temple and ride a flying Rancor out of here?
„Aren't you chipper. You're an agent, figure something out. In ten minutes this cage will magically deactive, just in time for shift change." The stranger continued. „Your sabers are over there. You'll need to slip on a supply transport which takes off in forty minutes from just outside the Temple, straight for the orbital station. Your ship is impounded, so you'll have to find an alternative transport and get to Nar Shaddaa. Details are on this datapad. Goodluck! Don't screw this up or they'll blame this on me."
„Thanks?" Kaidan said hesitantly, as the Twi'lek hurriedly left the room.
Stunned, Kaidan stad down on the bed for a moment, trying to piece things together. Is this the right course of action? Running? Only guilty people run. The man did say that there's something fundamentally wrong with this case. He must get to the bottom of it. Even if it means leaveing his life behind.
It ended with the accusations of treason anyway.
He didn't have much more time for thinking though, as the snap of deactivating force field brought him out of his thoughts.
_Showtime._He thought as he stood up, donned his cloak, picked up his lightsabers and datapad and headed out, into the dim halls of the Temple.