War changes people. Dacytus Rham had heard that said many times before. He had always assumed that meant normal men and women who went to war. He was a Jedi. Surely, a Jedi would be above such change.

He had not been prepared for how wrong he would turn out to be. Then again, maybe he wasn't as much of a Jedi as he thought he was. The Council had warned against getting involved in the conflict between the Mandolorians and the Republic. Like his Master, he had not been satisfied with that stance and so when Revan had promised a chance to defend the Republic, they answered the call.

Officially, the Jedi Council had renounced all the Jedi that had followed Revan. They were no longer "true Jedi" even though most of the public still called this special detachment as such. Over the course of the war they agreed and decided they no longer wished to be called by the name 'Jedi'. So they called their band of Force-weilding and lightsaber brandishing group of warriors after their leader- Revan.

The Knights of Revan, they called themselves, or Revanites. While many of them still wore robes and garments that resembled the Jedi, they had become something very different. Dacytus, or Dac, as his platoon called him, was no longer a Jedi. He was an avenger or the innocent. A Revanite.

His brown Jedi robes had been replaced by ones of light gray with a maroonish trim. His face had went displaying the smooth charm of a young boy to the rough stubble of a man. He had begun to grown in a beard as well and had shaved his head bald. There was still a youthful quality about his face, though.

The Battle on Dxun had taken place almost three standard years ago now. Three years since his Master's death at the hands of the Mandolorians. In that three years, he had become more devoted to the Revanite cause. Even more so to one of it's leaders, Malak.

After Revan and Malak had heroically rescued their squad on Dxun, Malak had taken him under his wing. He had completed his training with the Force under Malak, and he had been a great teacher. He was now in the inner circle of the Revanite Order.

Dac now stood on Coruscant amidst the Revanite and Republic ranks in Monument Plaza. The large open area served as the location for a much-anticipated public address by Supreme Chancellor Tol Cressa.

The plaza itself was a large square area with four cone-shaped statues near either corner. In the center, sat the planet's only uncovered mountaintop. In front of the mountaintop a large podium had been constructed and atop that a steel lectern had been fastened.

The plaza was jam-packed with people all waiting to hear the update on the war. The crowd was abuzz with excitement eagerly anticipating the words the Chancellor had to say. Along either side of the stage, stood both Republic troopers and Revanite and Jedi generals.

Vrook Lamar stood on one side of the stage, standing guard. On the other side, also standing guard, was Dac's mentor, Malak.

Both men stood at attention with their hands clasped behind their backs. For a moment, they regarded each other with what looked to be mutual disdain. While the Jedi had initially refused to take part in the war, they had stepped in about halfway through the conflict.

The crowd erupted with clapping and cheering as Supreme Chancellor Tol Cressa walked out onto the podium. He was an older human man dressed in a long and elegant flowing red and white robes. The folds of the robe had swirling designs sewn into the fabric with golden lace. His white hair was combed back neatly against his scalp.

He held up his hands as a sign for those gathered to be quiet. The crowd settled down and eagerly waited for what he was about to say.

"I want to start off by thanking everyone for coming out here," he said enthusiastically. "I want to thank each and every person who had a part in bringing us to this point.

"By now many of you have likely heard of our victory against the Mandolorians on Malachor Five. Details of the victory are still currently classified but I will share with you what I can."

Dac looked around at the expressions of anticipation on the faces of those gathered. Some knew what was likely about to be announced, however, most of the public had no idea.

"Our troops performed admirably in both the cockpit and the on the ground," he continued. "While many of you are here with us today, we realize that many... too many... did not make it home." He paused as his solemn words sank into the hearts of those gathered.

"But it is because of their sacrifice!" His voice had a renewed sense of purpose and gusto, "It is because of all of you, that today we can officially mark as the end of the Mandolorian War!"

The crowd erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. This was the moment they had all been waiting for. Years full of literal blood sweat and tears had finally paid off.

Tol Cressa held up his hands for everyone to settle down again. Gradually the crowd died down but the sense of relief and excitement was palpable.

"The Mandolorians have surrendered. Our worlds and our citizens are safe from the butchers that have plagued us for far too long. Their capital planet of Mandalore will be forced to completely disarm. All warrior clans must scatter and disperse." More cheers from the crowd.

"We would like to acknowledge an outstanding individual for their exceptional leadership and tactical prowess that was crucial not only to the conflict on Malachor but throughout the entire war. Please welcome to the stage Commander of the Revanchist detachment, Revan himself!"

The crowd went wild as a tall hooded figure stepped up from behind the stage. His brown robes flowed in the wind and the sun glinted off the metallic edges of his mask. He waved to the crowd respectfully and stood at attention next to Chancellor Tol Cressa.

"It is my great honor to recognize Revan as the Hero of the Republic!" The crowd again erupted with applause. Dac found himself clapping as well. He had served closely with Revan for the past few years and it was the most inspiring time of his life. The man had a charisma and knack for leadership unlike anyone he'd ever met.

"It is to my understanding the Jedi Council also would like to officially make an acknowledgement?" Tol Cressa looked over at Master Vrook and invited him to the podium. Malak looked quizzically at the Jedi Master as he walked to the podium. Dac himself was perturbed. What could the Jedi possibly have to say after denouncing all of them and chastising them for even getting involved in the war?

"The Jedi Council would like to acknowledge both Revan and the entire Revanchist cause for their bravery and commitment to the Galactic Republic," Vrook said. His voice lacked conviction and enthusiasm, leading Dac to believe this was only a formality and an attempt for the Jedi Order to save face for delaying their intervention in the war.

"On behalf of the Jedi Council," Vrook continued," I would like to extend an invitation to the entire Revanchist ranks to officially rejoin the Jedi Order and to serve as brothers and sisters once more. We believe it is time to put aside our differences."

Everything was silent. This was an unexpected development, but one they probably should have seen coming. Dac watched his mentor, Malak, still standing at attention. His face was mostly neutral but Dac could tell he was not enthusiastic about this move by the Jedi.

Revan's demeanor was impossible to read. Yet, all eyes were fixed firmly on him, wondering what his response would be. The disagreement between Revan and his followers and the Jedi had been a very public one. Revan had openly criticized the Jedi for their lack of action and the Jedi had in turn criticized him for being reckless and headstrong.

Revan silently stepped forward to the podium. He looked out on the crowd of people. He stood straight and tall and most couldn't help but be in awe of him. Most only knew him by the mask he wore. It made him seem more than just a man, he was a symbol, a beacon of hope to rally behind.

"We will not rejoin the Jedi Order," Revan said simply. The static of his mask made him sound even less human. "This conflict has raised many questions for us," he continued. "We have found evidence that the Mandalorians were not acting simply on their own interests."

The crowd seemed stunned by this turn of events. Master Vrook looked especially displeased.

"This was not a victory," Revan said. "The real victory would have been preventing the war. A purpose of the Jedi Order, if I'm not mistaken." He looked sideways at Master Vrook. "As Revanchists we stand for action. We aim to actually prevent conflicts like this one from even beginning. This war might be over, but the threat is far from over.

To that end, I am leading an expedition into the Unknown Regions of the galaxy. This is where we believe the true threat to originate. We leave in the morning. So no, we will not rejoin the Jedi. The term 'Jedi' has become synonymous with the inability to act and protect the citizens of the Republic. We want no part of that. I tell you all this here today not to sow discontent and division, but to solidify our stance as protectors and defenders of the people of the Republic. It is my hope that our continued transparency and willingness to be open and honest about the threats we face will instill in you, the people, a confidence and assurance that you are being protected."

His words rang in the ears of those gathered, stirring in them a sense of pride and zeal. Revan grabbed his lightsaber and with a fist held it high in the air and ignited the blue energy blade.

"Long live freedom! Long live prosperity! Long live safety and security! Long live the Republic!"

Revan turned and left the stage, Malak leaving with him. The audience erupted in a deafening roar of applause and cheering. Fighters screamed overhead in the sky trailing colored plumes of smoke in a wide arc.

Dac made his way through the crowd and out of the plaza. He was as shocked as most people in the crowd. It was unexpected for the Jedi to make such a play. He was inspired as ever from Revan's moving and vigorous reply. He was a bit surprised to hear of a new threat and evidence of a secret party funding the Mandalorians. That had never been mentioned at Revanite meetings he had had with Revan and Malak and other leading members of the cause. Revan had claimed transparency, then why weren't those in his own ranks aware of this?

He pondered this as he made his way out and took a taxi car to the Republic Military Base where his shuttle and men were waiting. They had been watching the announcement from the holo. Suddenly, his comm chimed and he pulled it out and tapped it on.

"Dac," came Malak's familiar voice as a hologram of him formed over the comm disc.

"Malak," he responded.

"I take it you're heading to the Military Base?"

"I am."

"Good. I'll see you when you get here. There's a lot we need to fill you in on."

"Sounds good. I'll be there."

"Malak out."

Dac thought about his place in the Revanchists or Revanites as they were beginning to be known by. They were supposed to be different from the Jedi, they were supposed to be transparent and open with the people but also with each other. Then why the secrecy?

Something felt off about this quest. He had to admit something felt off about how the Mandalorians had tried to goad the Jedi into a conflict, and right off the heels of another war. The Mandalorians were all about honor through warfare. Where was the honor in attacking an already weakened enemy?

As far as he'd seen though there hadn't been any real evidence of anyone funding them or supporting them. At least not any information that was shared with him. Perhaps there was another reason for this expedition, one that could not be openly shared with the public.

About fifteen minutes later he arrived in the hangar of the Republic Military Base where his shuttle was. Several mechanics were running about servicing the dozen shuttles docked there awaiting to return back up to the fleet in orbit.

He glanced over at the his shuttle, and several of the soldiers serving under him lounging around until departure. The energy about the room seemed restless and almost on edge.

"The war is finally over, my friend," Malak said walking up behind Dacytus. He turned to regard his mentor. "These men are struggling with emptiness they feel of no longer having to go to battle. For the past ten years that is all they've known. A soldier's true test comes after the war, not during." Dac looked around again at all the soldiers wandering about. Many of them were doing maintenance on their weapons and armor.

"That is the uneasiness you are feeling," Malak explained. "It is a good thing they are about to embark upon a new journey. I sense a different type of uneasiness in you, however."

"How come I didn't know about this supposed threat that funded the Mandalorians?" He asked pointedly.

"Ah, your trust in our cause has been shaken." Malak and Dac began walking along through the hangar as they talked.

"Not exactly," Dac explained. "I just wanna know why I wasn't aware of it. Revan promises transparency and openness but doesn't share this kind of information with his top Generals?"

"I can understand your point of view," Malak reassured him. "It's actually the reason I asked you here. Revan is calling a meeting with all of our top brass. Even Republic Intelligence is involved. There's more to this expedition than we let on."

"I assume we'll be informed this time?"

"Absolutely," Malak promised as he stepped onto his shuttle. He looked back down at Dac. "All I can say is it involves ancient Rakatan tech."

"Like the tech we deployed at Malachor?"

"No. Something much bigger," Malak smiled.

"A weapon?"

"More of a defense system that could be used for the entire Republic."

"How is that possible?"

"Only way you'll find out is if you join us," Malak said. He gave a quick cocky salute and shut the shuttle door.

Dac smiled and shook his head. Malak always knew how to pique his interest. He turned and headed to his shuttle.

------------------------------------------------------------------

"There it is," Bastila said looking out the observation window. They had made their way to an observation room overlooking the construction site.

They could now see the artifact was on the other side of a deep crag jutting out from the main rift. A temporary steel mesh crosswalk had been erected across the crag to the other side. Flood lights had been set up all around the artifact with excavation equipment left lying about. In the distance, firaxan sharks were prowling.

"Getting to it is the issue," Juhani mused.

"There has to be some sort of way to combat these sharks," Venar said thoughtfully. "This base has to be equipped with some sort of defense mechanisms."

"That would make sense," Bastila said. "Perhaps the Selkath simply shut them off during the attack." She walked over to a terminal and began tapping away at the screen.

Venar reached out with the Force as Bastila searched the database. He stared out the window at the dark ocean depths beyond. He reached deep, sensing the constant struggle of life. Everything was alive, from the various plant life swaying with the churning water, to the killer instinct of the firaxan sharks.

He reached his consciousness out to the sharks. He felt the primal hunger, the pure animal instinct ebbing and flowing through them. He reached out, trying to soothe the creatures as he had with the kinrath spiders in the crystal cave back on Dantooine.

To his surprise, he felt the sharks begin to respond to his influence. Their desire to kill began to subside as he used to Force to calm them. It didn't last, however, something began pushing back, fighting his efforts to calm them. There was another presence, reaching out to the sharks, sending them a message: kill.

Venar searched deeper, trying to find the source of the presence. It was powerful, but elusive. It was sophisticated but animalistic. Whatever, it was it wasn't a person. He felt it reaching for him... it was now searching for him, tracing his own probing back to him.

He opened his eyes, and cut himself off from the mysterious presence. Something wasn't right. It was intelligent. And powerful.

"There's something out there..." he said suddenly and turned from the window to face Bastila and Juhani.

"What do you mean?" Juhani asked.

"Something out there can sense us with the Force," Venar said. "It's too driven by instinct to be a person, but it's intelligent."

"I could feel it searching for you," Bastila confirmed.

"You felt it too?"

"Not exactly," Bastila explained, "perhaps if I had been actively trying like you had been. But we are linked. I could feel everything you were feeling."

"Whatever is out there," he continued, "that's the key to these attacks. Whatever it is, I'm telling you, it's behind the sharks' behavior, the Selkath going crazy, everything!"

"Then we better get out there and retrieve the data from that star map before that thing comes around," Bastila said. "The good news is that you were right the station does have shark repellent devices in place. The bad news is that they're completely damaged and there's no way to bring them back online."

"The Selkath were thorough it seems," Juhani said.

"Indeed," Bastila continued. "However, I did uncover blueprints for a specialized sonar gun to combat the sharks. It's supposed to send out a specialized signal that interferes with the sharks' sensory preceptors. Once hit, the sharks won't know right from left or down from up."

"It's something," Venar said.

"I hope. If it works."

"What do you mean... if it works?"

"The scientist's notes say it should work in theory but they hadn't tested the prototype before the attack..."

"So this weapon is completely experimental... And may not work at all..."

"Exactly."

"Great," he said sarcastically. "So one of us needs to get in a scuba suit, and go out there with a special shark gun that may not even work and hope for the best."

"I agree. It's very risky," Bastila said. "This will be extremely dangerous even for a Jedi."

"To make things more complicated," Juhani said, opening a row of lockers behind them, "it seems there's only one functioning scuba suit left."

"I'll do it," Venar said without hesitation.

"What?" Bastila uttered, with an heir of disbelief. "You're good but you're not that good. I think someone with more experience should go, like Juhani."

Both Venar and Juhani looked at Bastila quizzically.

"I can do it," Juhani said, not challenging Bastila. Venar, however, had no such qualms.

"No," he said. "I'll do it. Juhani isn't that much more experienced than I am, and besides you're the most experienced one here. So your logic is flawed. I'm doing it."

"But..."

"I'll be fine," Venar said. "I know you're worried about me."

"What?" Bastila said, rolling her eyes. "Trust me, it's not like that."

"Whatever, I'm doing it." He grabbed the scuba gear and began putting it on.