Something had happened in the Temple Archives.
All the inhabitants of the ancient citadel of the Order realized this. A wave of pain and rage, like a Manaan tsunami, swept through the abode of the Light adepts. Younglings, encountering such a disturbance in the Force for the first time, fell into a panic. Inexperienced Padawans grabbed their lightsabers. Knights and Masters looked around anxiously, trying to sense the source of the threat.
Only the most experienced and Force-sensitive immediately determined that something had happened precisely in the Archives.
It took Revan only a few seconds to bring his anger under control. The pain from the disturbed emotional wounds had not disappeared, but now it only fueled him, leaving his mind clear.
The chain of visions, the shock of encountering the phantom of his lost beloved, albeit a fake one, and the attempt to influence Revan's mind, had a sobering effect on the former Sith. For the first time since awakening in this... wrong future, he clearly understood his goal.
He would find those who had started this game. He would find those madmen and fools who decided that they could do anything. And they would know pain... They would know despair... They would understand what revenge from one whose name is Revan means!
And balance... would wait.
He was already being waited for at the exit of the Great Holocron hall.
A worried Miraluka supported the trembling from shock Jocasta Nu by the elbow. On either side of them stood Dooku and Sifo-Dyas, clearly ready for battle, though they had not activated their blades.
But closest to the entrance of the hall of the ancient artifact, the Grand Master floated on his platform. His face was calm, and his posture relaxed. As if he had just emerged from meditation. Only those who knew the green-skinned elder well would be able to discern a slight shadow of sorrow in his tired eyes.
Revan surveyed the Jedi waiting for him with a grim look. It was not easy to hide the Darkness bursting out, but he managed. Only a slight change in the hue of his irises could betray the former Sith's true mood, but none of those present knew him closely enough to notice.
"Grand Master," Revan's voice echoed through the hall, "our meeting will have to be postponed."
Yoda closed his eyes for a moment.
"The artifact has planted disquiet in your heart," the alien rasped. "Something terrible has happened that has stirred the Force."
"Someone decided to contact me in a very unexpected way," Revan replied in a cold voice. "And in doing so, made a mistake."
"You will search for him?"
"Them," the former Sith corrected.
The Grand Master shook his head.
"Anger will lead you into Darkness..."
"Enough!" the former Sith interrupted Yoda. "Everything you are about to tell me, I have heard more than once. And believe me, no one knows better than I all the dangers that emotions carry. My ally is the Force. United and boundless. And everyone chooses its shade for themselves."
The green-skinned elder thoughtfully furrowed his brows, while the other present looked at Revan with surprise, shock, and some with approval.
The former Jedi himself did not want to waste any more time on pointless conversations. The burning anger within still yearned to break out, but it was restrained by the will of the ancient Force-sensitive. However, the presence of convinced Light adepts and, in a sense, radicals among the Order, whose dislike for the outcast Avner Van was strongly felt through the Force, did not contribute to the former Sith's peace of mind. Staying in the Temple any longer made no sense. Moreover, it was dangerous. First and foremost, for the Order.
"Our conversation will not take place today, I see," the Grand Master rasped. "But I believe we will have to do so in the future."
Revan nodded.
He really intended to settle the issues of relationship with the Order. Having the Jedi as an enemy at his side would be quite unpleasant. Although their real strength might not be great, they still had influence on the Senate. Besides, Revan remembered well how any trifle could destroy even the most well-thought-out plan. And the Order of Force-sensitives is certainly not a trifle. So, neutrality at this stage would be preferable to enmity. In the future, however... the Force would tell.
"Farewell, Grand Master, Masters," the former Sith said with a slight bow and turned towards the exit.
However, Luminara called out to him.
"Knight Van," she called him by the name she knew him by.
"Yes?" Revan did not correct the Miraluka, as not everyone in the Order was aware of his true identity.
"I wanted to say that while you were meditating by the Great Holocron, a youngling girl approached me who was very interested in meeting you. I think she would like to become your Padawan."
Revan raised his eyebrows in surprise. The news was unexpected. However, he guessed which girl it was.
"Is it that young Zabrak girl? Rina, I believe?" the former Jedi clarified.
"Yes," Luminara confirmed with a smile, relaxing slightly.
"Hmm," Revan frowned slightly. "I wasn't planning on taking any more Padawans. All my time will now be occupied with Anakin."
"But... you are not even in the Order, as I understand it... What kind of students can you have?" Jocasta, having somewhat recovered, exclaimed.
"It's not about belonging to the Order at all, but rather about what a Knight can pass on to his student," Dooku said with a barely perceptible smile. "This Knight is distinguished by very unconventional beliefs, which at times... diverge from the dogmas of the Order."
Revan chuckled at this statement. The Count had clearly had extensive conversations with his former student. And Qui-Gon had apparently told his mentor about Avner Van's true identity and worldview.
"The Order has not disowned its Knight," Yoda rasped. "And everyone thinks with their own head. Besides, my students were also known for their unconventional thinking, m-m?"
"Ahem," Count Dooku cleared his throat briefly, trying to maintain his composure.
"But, wait," Sifo-Dyas interjected. "In any case, taking a second Padawan is forbidden."
The former Jedi almost snorted at these words. And here he stumbled upon another variation of the "rule of two." The Jedi and Sith of this generation were too much alike. Both had driven themselves into imaginary frameworks, possessing the ability to feel the Force, communicate with it, control it! Boundless power! Absolute control! Just reach out...
Revan pulled himself together. In such a state, it was important to maintain control over his thoughts. The Dark Side is treacherous; if one is careless, it can be contacted. But it was very alluring to dark emotions. And the anger and hatred that the former Sith harbored could hardly be called light.
"I wonder if they would appreciate the irony of the situation if they met at a negotiation table?" Revan thought. "Malak would appreciate it. Master Jar would laugh heartily. But here... times have changed."
The ancient Force-sensitive looked at the representatives of the Order gathered at the entrance to the Great Holocron hall, trying to understand their thoughts and characters. Was the Order so different from the usual?
Jocasta Nu. A typical archivist, deformed by the pursuit of knowledge, but confined by the walls of the Archives. She, like dozens of Keepers of Knowledge before her, had fallen into the trap of the accumulated knowledge of the Temple. After all, at one time, Revan also thought that everything was in the Archives. If something is not there, it simply does not exist. However, with age, he began to notice discrepancies between the descriptions in ancient books and the reality that surrounded him. And the wonders that the galaxy revealed to him when he finally had the opportunity to leave the Temple with his teacher, completely destroyed all confidence in the infallibility of the Archives.
Blind faith is dangerous. Databases can be altered. But the truth will not change because of it.
"It's not forbidden, but merely contradicts tradition," Dooku reminded. "I don't recall any such prohibitions."
Count Dooku. An aristocrat in the truest sense. Stateliness, charisma, confidence in his gaze – everything spoke of his noble origin. Such people do not tolerate restrictions. Perhaps that's why he became interested in the concept of the Unified Force? Qui-Gon spoke of him very flatteringly and warmly. However, these could just be the thoughts of a student about his mentor. Revan still had to form his own opinion about this Jedi. He would make a valuable ally...
Once again, Revan caught the interested gaze of Sifo-Dyas. The Master seemed to be trying to figure out if he knew who was in front of him. Perhaps he had met the previous owner of this body? Or was it just a coincidence? Simple interest in someone who was nothing like a Jedi, but to whom the Grand Master was favorably disposed? Or was he somehow connected to those who had lured Revan to the holocron? Many questions, but so few answers.
However, perhaps something would become clearer in the near future. HK had never let its creator down.
"You are right, my former Padawan," the Grand Master nodded. "In difficult times, one master could take several students to pass on his wisdom. And now, when the Sith have reappeared in the galaxy, the Council could give its permission."
Revan squinted slightly, trying to understand what was going on in the old green-skinned alien's mind. After all, it was clearly not for nothing that he was being pushed to take a second student. Did they want to tie him to the Order? Not just entrust the Chosen One to his upbringing, but also assign responsibility for the young Zabrak girl?
The fact that Yoda was an experienced manipulator became obvious to Revan on the very first day of their acquaintance. A mentor who had trained more than one generation of Light adepts, kept the Order from falling apart, and managed to preserve the Jedi dogmas unchanged, simply could not be anyone else. His achievements commanded respect, but at the same time, they caused apprehension. Revan disliked intrigue, although he often resorted to it. And he disliked intrigues in which he himself was the object even more. And there was no doubt that the Grand Master had certain plans regarding the gifted-beyond-his-years Knight Avner Van.
Returning to the question of mentorship, Revan was not against training Rina, but on his own terms. Moreover, the girl made a good first impression. She had a sharp mind, good preparation, and most importantly, quick learning ability. She had successfully followed Revan's instructions in a duel with that Padawan on the first try, although she herself was not ready for such instructions. And her curiosity? How familiar it was!
However, Revan planned to return to this issue much later. Anakin would need a sparring partner of approximately equal height, otherwise the boy would get used to holding his hands too high. But first, Skywalker had to learn to hold a saber at all. And he had not yet undergone basic training as a youngling. Therefore, pairing him up was pointless. And Revan would not have enough time or strength to lead three age groups in parallel. Anakin and Maul were enough.
"This is if I agree to take her as a student," Revan reminded of his presence. "After all, the decision is made, first and foremost, by the mentor."
At least, that was the case during the Mandalorian Wars. Yes, the Council could try to impose its will. After all, to advance in rank, a Jedi had to train a Padawan, demonstrating wisdom, patience, and responsibility. But it was the mentor who decided whether to take this or that particular youngling as a student. Of course, exceptions exist everywhere. Thus, the will of the Force intervened, forming bonds between teacher and student, linking their destinies, sometimes even before they met.
"The girl is determined to study with you, Knight Van," Luminara said in a slightly apologetic tone. "She stated it directly."
Luminara Unduli. A Mirialan with the characteristic features of her people. Not only in her appearance but also in her demeanor. Revan often encountered natives of Mirial. Calm in everyday life, collected in battle, modest to the point of being secretive, and infinitely religious. It gave the impression that they were born within the walls of the Temple. Even those of this people who were not Jedi. Which, however, did not prevent them from embarking on a criminal path. Among Mirialans, there were slave traders, pirates, thieves, and murderers. Their religion made no distinction between good and evil. What mattered was the life path, the decisions made, the actions taken, and the trials overcome. And each person decided for themselves what to consider a challenge.
As for Luminara, Revan had already formed his own impression, albeit superficial for now. And this Mirialan was smart, cunning in her own way, and reasonably cautious. Back then, in the Council Chamber, she quickly assessed her strengths and compared them to what Revan was demonstrating, after which she chose to step aside. At the same time, Unduli genuinely worried about Rina's fate. The former Jedi could sense the echoes of her anxiety and concern. However, he could not yet trust her. Time would tell if she could be considered an ally or if she should be kept at a distance.
But it was time to return to the conversation, which was already beginning to tire the former Sith.
"Children change their minds three times a day," Revan waved his hand dismissively. "Tomorrow, her opinion might change to the opposite. Especially considering the attitude of some Masters towards me."
The former Jedi recalled the incident in the Council Chamber. Those who had carelessly engaged Revan in combat then surely did not feel warm feelings towards him now.
"But there are no emotions – there is peace, right?" the former Sith thought with a smirk.
"I don't think so," Master Unduli shook her head. "Day by day, her resolve only strengthens. And it doesn't matter what rumors about you circulate in the Temple."
"Enough," Revan cut off the Mirialan in a cold tone. "This conversation is pointless. I will not take a new student for the next three years. Later, we can revisit this matter."
Yoda nodded approvingly, apparently pleased that Revan hadn't completely refused a student.
Luminara shook her head sadly.
"With your permission, I will look after the girl," Dooku said, addressing either the Grand Master or Revan.
The green-skinned elder nodded solemnly, expressing his approval. The former Jedi, meanwhile, mentally noted that he would have an interesting conversation with Count Dooku.
"I would be grateful," Revan replied curtly, noticing that Dooku also expected his consent.
The irritation that still simmered somewhere inside reminded the former Jedi that he was still wasting time in the Temple instead of going in search of those who had the audacity to anger him.
"Well, everything is decided," Revan stated the obvious fact. "And now, I must take my leave."
Without waiting for any response or permission to leave, the former Jedi moved towards the exit of the Archives hall.
"Wait!" Sifo-Dyas called out to him.
"Master?" Revan didn't turn around completely, only turning his head.
"Perhaps my question will seem strange, but have we met before?" the Master asked, peering into the face of his interlocutor.
"No," Revan replied confidently and continued on his way to the exit, leaving the disappointed Council member behind.
And as he almost reached the exit arch, the one person he least wanted to see at that moment entered the hall.
"You?!" Mace Windu almost growled, seeing Revan approaching him.
It wasn't that the former Sith disliked the Korunnai, but a certain degree of dislike was present. This only intensified the storm of negative emotions he was holding back.
Windu himself was annoyed by his defeat at the hands of such a young-looking knight, and in front of the Council, no less.
Perhaps this explained what happened a moment later.
Recognizing his recent opponent, the Korunnai instinctively reached for his blade, preparing for an attack.
"Halt! Don't move!" he roared, extending his hand with the hilt of his sword.
For Revan, this was the last straw, instantly provoking a retaliatory action.
The Order members present in the hall barely noticed as Avner Van's figure lunged forward, blurring in space. A flash and the screech of a lightsaber activating. A gust of air hitting the ears and the sound of a body hitting stone.
Without even having time to ignite his blade, Mace Windu was slammed into the wall behind him by a Force push. And the hilt of his lightsaber split in two, cleanly cut off at the fingers.
"Out of the way," Revan said contemptuously, walking past the defeated opponent with measured steps.
Sifo-Dyas, who tried to rush to his aid, was stopped by Count Dooku's hand. Dooku grabbed his friend by the shoulder and shook his head, urging the Master not to interfere. Jocasta Nu and Luminara Unduli didn't even flinch. One simply didn't have time to react to the former Jedi's lightning-fast lunge. The other, simply showing good sense.
The Grand Master just shook his head wearily.
"Until we meet again, Knight Van," Yoda rasped after Revan, who was leaving, "And may the Force be with you."
No one hindered Revan's return to the Eagle, so the journey back did not take long.
Once on board the ship, the former Jedi, without wasting time, proceeded to the cockpit, calling his apprentice on the way.
"Mol, where are you now?"
"In the left cargo bay, Master," the Zabrak replied immediately.
"Where is Anakin?"
"Resting in his cabin."
"How is he?"
"He is not yet able to continue training, despite all efforts to bring him around. I am sorry, Master, I have failed you."
Revan suppressed the urge to scold his apprentice for excessive zeal. It was unknown how he had tried to wake Skywalker. But the order not to harm the boy was still in effect. So Mol would not have harmed him.
"It's not your fault," the mentor replied. "Come to the cockpit. We have something to do. And quickly."
"Yes, Master."
Mol reached the meeting place almost faster than Revan. Sidious had instilled obedience and punctuality in him well.
"What do you want, Master?" the Zabrak knelt, expressing humility.
"Get up," Revan ordered first. "I don't need demonstrative bowing."
Mol carried out the instruction without further ado.
"Is something bothering you?" the Zabrak sensed his mentor's mood.
"Yes," Revan nodded, gathering his thoughts.
The impulse he had suppressed while in the Temple was gradually fading. The thought of finding and punishing those who dared did not disappear. However, its implementation required certain actions... or rather, a clear plan, which had only just begun to form in the former Jedi's mind.
Part of this plan was set in motion even before the visit to the Great Holocron chamber. HK and Tyra had gone to "gather information" on some matters that had been bothering Revan for some time. And much would depend on the results of their small mission.
Now, the former Sith needed resources. Both financial and human. Power. Influence! Without it, finding his opponents would be difficult. Almost impossible. A strategist without an army is like a musician with tied hands. Where to get them on Coruscant? Without the help of the Jedi, who would not participate in an act of revenge. And without attracting the attention of the Senate.
If Revan had learned anything in his difficult life, it was to find resources where they seemed to be nonexistent.
There was always a way out.
"Mol, tell me about the situation on the lower levels of Coruscant. Criminal organizations, leaders, balance of power?"
"Master?" the Zabrak didn't quite understand the question.
"You studied the 'dark side' of Coruscant? Right?"
"Yes, Master," Mol nodded confidently, assuming it was some kind of cunning test.
"Tell me."
"As you wish, Master. The lower levels are literally teeming with all sorts of scum, murderers, swindlers, and villains. The residential areas are divided among gangs. The locals either pay tribute or work for one of the local kingpins themselves. Law enforcement from the Upper City doesn't venture that deep. Even Jedi don't show up there," Mol began.
"Who is in power? I'm interested not in petty gangs, but in those who are above them."
"Until recently, there were two major forces that controlled all the others. These were the Black Sun Syndicate and the Hutt Cartel."
"Hutts? On Coruscant?"
Revan was surprised that these worms were allowed in the heart of the Republic. However, if four thousand years ago "The Exchange" managed something similar, why shouldn't the Cartel do the same?
"Yes, Master. The local head of the Cartel is Ziro the Hutt. Apparently, a cousin of Jabba the Hutt from Tatooine."
"All Hutts are related in one way or another," Revan waved his hand. "What about the Syndicate?"
Mol grinned predatorily.
"Oh, the situation has changed recently," the Zabrak replied with evident pleasure in his voice. "About a year ago, the entire leadership of the Syndicate was destroyed by order of my... former mentor."
"Your doing?" Revan guessed.
"Yes, Master," Mol confirmed proudly.
"What is the situation now?"
"The Syndicate is fragmented. Cells exist independently. The one on Coruscant was one of the largest, but it was severely battered by the feud with the Cartel. The Hutts, sensing the competitor's weakness, unleashed a full-scale war, seizing territories controlled by the Syndicate. 'Black Sun' is holding on for now, but..."
"Bleed the giant and the crowd will tear it apart," Revan nodded to his own thoughts.
The plan was gaining details and becoming clearer in the former Sith's mind.
"Who is leading Black Sun now?"
"I'm not sure, Master," Mol shook his head. "I haven't followed the situation for several months. In the current circumstances, that's an unforgivably long time. The leadership could have changed three times already."
"And yet?"
"According to my latest information, the head of the Syndicate on Coruscant was a certain Dal Peri. He managed to take control of local small gangs and organize a decent defense against the attacks of the Cartel's thugs. Under protection, they managed to re-establish business and strengthen the Syndicate cell's influence on levels nine hundred and nine to twelve hundred. Not completely, but about forty percent of the territory in these sectors is held by 'Black Sun'."
Revan absorbed the information, analyzing it on the fly and incorporating it into the framework of the plan to strengthen his own influence. If it worked out, he would have an army and significant resources in the central sector of the Republic. If not... Well, there is no death – there is only the Force.
"Master, if I may be so bold, why do you need this information?" Mol couldn't contain his curiosity.
"Because, my apprentice, soon there will be significant changes in the criminal structures of Coruscant," Revan grinned. "And we will help with that."
"Master?"
"You'll find out a little later. And now, get the Eagle airborne. We're flying to the lower levels," the former Sith ordered. "Find a reliable landing pad where our ship won't be immediately dismantled and sold."
"Yes, Master," the Zabrak bowed and headed for the pilot's seat.
"And I have an interesting conversation ahead of me," Revan grinned, leaving the cockpit.
The holocomm had not changed much since Revan's time. So he managed to contact the right... sentient being without outside help.
The hologram of the slug-like figure of Tatooine's crime lord regarded the man in the Mandalorian mask who had summoned him with interest.
"Ho? Is it really my favorite non-Jedi, Vaner Shan," Jabba Desilijic Tiure boomed in Huttese.
"Greetings, Jabba," Revan bowed. "Is everything well in your domain?"
"I can't complain," the Hutt grinned.
"And how are your relatives?"
"Ho? Why such a question, non-Jedi?" the Hutt asked in surprise.
"I encountered your uncle on Coruscant," the former Sith explained. "I thought, how would he react to the fact that Black Sun will soon be replaced by your loyal Blood Claws?"
"Ho? Ha!" Jabba burst out laughing. "I think he'll be pleasantly surprised. But when did you manage to bring your Claws to Coruscant?"
"I didn't bring them. I only have a couple of associates with me."
"And can you handle it?"
"Oh, I have a fistful of claws with me that even a rancor would envy for their sharpness," Revan grinned, eliciting another fit of approving laughter from Jabba.
"Then we have something to talk about."