Bastila woke with a start, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. She reached over for Revan, but he wasn't there. More fully awake, she felt for him through their bond, but met only the solid walls that told her he was blocking her out. She frowned and got up, dressed, and headed into the main part of the house.

Sharra greeted her, a sadness in her warm brown eyes. "Revan's gone, my dear. I'm sorry. He left this for you." She held out a small holocron.

Bastila stared, "How...?"

"Since it seems he's intrusted me with you, he decided to tell me the truth of who he really was, though I had my suspicions."

Bastila nodded, and took the holocron before returning to her bedroom. She sat down on the bed and activated the holocron. A small holographic Revan appeared as the message began playing.

"Bastila, I am sorry I had to leave you behind. I know right now you're probably hurt, and if not already, soon will be mad at me. I just hope that you can forgive me, and understand that I had to. What's coming is going to be too dangerous and I don't want you, and our child, to be in any danger. Where you are right now is the best place for you to be. I have a lot of work to do before the True Sith get here. I know they are on the way. I don't know how much time I have, so I'm just going to do the best I can. I promise you, I will do everything I can to come back to you, please believe that. I love you, Bas, and I always will."

"Oh, Revan..." She buried her face in her hands, trying to fight back the tears that had already begun to fall.

Sharra slipped in and quietly sat down beside her, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry dear. I don't agree with how he left without saying anything, but if he's going off to do something really dangerous, then maybe staying here is better for you."

Bastila looked over, rubbing the back of her hand across one tear streaked cheek. "I understand why he did it the way he did. I'd have probably argued with him to let me go with him. But he's right, it's not just me now is it? If I'm pregnant, I have to think about that too, to do what's best for the child as well. I'm just worried, he's blocking me and I don't like not knowing what's going on with him."

The old woman nodded, "Has he ever left you before?"

Bastila sighed, and nodded, "When he went away to fight in the Mandalorian war. He left me on Dantooine because I still needed to finish my training, and he felt it would be safer for me."

"Yet you found each other again, yes?"

Bastila nodded, "Yes."

"Then trust in that. Believe in your love, and I'm sure things will work out."

Bastila smiled weakly, "Thank you."

Revan paced the silent bridge of his new flagship, the Phoenix. The ship's crew hadn't been called to duty yet, while last minute preparations were being made for the upcoming battle. He heard footsteps and turned to see Canderous approaching.

The Captain tilted his head, "Revan, are you alright?"

Revan shook his head, "No."

"You've got your connection to the Force back though, right? So what's wrong?"

He sighed, "Canderous, have you any idea what it feels like to have a bond with someone so strongly that you can feel each others emotions and thoughts halfway across the galaxy?"

"Nope. Have you talked to her since you left her on Talravin?"

Revan frowned, "No, and its been difficult to keep blocking her for this long."

The Mandalorian shook his head, "So you leave your woman carrying your child, and don't talk to her for six months? Stop being an idiot, Revan. Go talk to her. With the fight ahead of us, you can't afford to be distracted by wishing you'd said something to her. You're going to need to be focused."

Revan sighed, "You're right, thanks."

"Anytime."

Canderous turned and left the Dark Lord to his own thoughts. Revan stood looking out the forward view port at the stars. Tentatively, he felt along his bond to Bastila.

Bastila?

Revan!? Where are you? Why have you been blocking me all this time?

I am sorry, Bas. I thought it might be easier that way, but I miss you. Aside from being angry with me, are you alright?

I'm fine, mostly. Had a few rough weeks of being sick, but its getting better now. Sometimes I think you did it on purpose just to have an excuse to leave me behind.

He chuckled. I didn't do it on purpose, Bas, but it was somewhat inevitable given our activities.

Don't give me that excuse, Revan, considering how long we've been together.

Yes, but I had my connection to the Force up until recently, Bastila. I realize it's not something we talked about, but I figured until things were a little more settled it would be easier without children. Without the Force, well, nature had its own ideas, I'm sorry. Honestly, love, I would have insisted on you staying behind regardless. I can face what I have to a lot easier knowing that you are somewhere safe.

I miss you, Revan. Please promise me that you're coming back.

He sighed. I don't make promises I can't keep, Bas, and this one isn't something I can guarantee. I will promise you that I do not plan on dying, and I will do what I can to be able to come back to you; but I hope you'll be able to forgive me if something doesn't work out.

I don't want to have to forgive you, Revan. Come back safely. I... we need you.

I love you, Bastila, and I'll try. I need to go. Try not to worry.

He sighed deeply as he tightened his mental shields, blocking her out again. He glanced at the stars again, and prayed his plans would work.

Bastila broke down in tears as she felt the barriers go up as he shut her out once more. Sharra came in, worry evident in her expression.

"What's wrong, dear?"

Bastila took a deep breath and looked up. "Revan contacted me through our bond for a little bit, but he's blocked me out again. I don't think he meant for me to pick up on it, but I got a hint of what he's planning and what he's facing, and it terrifies me."

Sharra sighed and sat down beside her, "What did he say?"

"Just that he missed me, and he's sorry about having to leave the way he did, and that he's glad he can focus on the battle knowing we're safe here." She squeezed her eyes shut, "But what he's planning, Sharra..." She swallowed hard. "He's playing a dangerous game and gambling it all on one move. If he misses, if he loses..." She hugged her Aunt. "I don't want our child to not be able to know their father."

The old woman patted her shoulder. "Well then my dear, we just hope that the Force guides him and that he doesn't miss his gamble."

Bastila nodded, "I have to believe he can and will win. I can't lose him."

Revan knelt on the bridge of the Phoenix. His senses stretched out as he wove the Force around his fleet. All the crews had been evacuated, and he'd shielded the retreat of the transports from the oncoming Sith fleet. The entire fleet was synched with the Phoenix's controls, and only Revan remained behind to direct the ship.

It was a risky gamble, he had to make the Sith believe his ships were still fully crewed. If they suspected anything unusual about the fleet approaching them the gambit would fail. It was also risky because the sheer amount of focus and energy he was expending to maintain the illusions and control of the fleet could exhaust him too much to escape if he made any mistakes.

The Sith fleet began to fire on his ships, and he set the auto targeting systems in place and began to return fire. He aimed for the heart of the enemy fleet, the massive dreadnaught that he guessed to be their flagship. He knew he might not get them all, but he'd take most of their fleet out with his. Sweat beaded across his forehead, both from the effort of keeping control and the worry that he might misjudge the timing. Finally as his fleet drove into the middle of the enemy ships, he let the illusions drop and stood. Shaking off as much of the fatigue as he could, Revan bolted for the smaller forward hangar where his ship waited.

The Phoenix was bombarded by a ferocious barrage, causing the flagship to lurch violently to port. Revan was knocked off balance, and winced as he slammed into the wall. He whispered another quick prayer and hoped that the ship would hold together long enough for him to reach the relative safety of his personal ship. Even if he managed to escape the destruction of the Phoenix, he realized escaping the Sith fleet would still be difficult. The Phoenix shuddered again and Revan cursed as the alarms told of more significant damage. He paused, and stilled his thoughts. He swallowed hard as he made the most difficult choice of his life. Please forgive me, Bas.

Bastila barely stifled a cry as she leaned against the wall, staggering as she felt the bond between her and Revan snap, leaving only emptiness in its wake. Sharra rushed over to her.

"What's happened?"

Bastila slid down the wall to sit on the floor, trembling with the realization that she couldn't feel Revan anymore. She looked up at her Aunt, grey eyes clouded by fear and sorrow.

"Something's severed the bond I had with Revan. I can't feel him at all now. There's just... nothing."

Sharra frowned, taking Bastila in her arms. "Shh. It may not be as bad as all that. Maybe something's happened, but it doesn't necessarily mean the worst. Don't give up just yet."

Bastila sat on the small bench in the middle of the flower garden, trying desperately to calm her mind. It had become increasingly difficult to do in the month since she'd lost the bond with Revan. The baby kept moving and kicking, which only aggravated her restless mind even more. It seemed impossible to find the calm peace that she'd always known before.

"Bastila, dear, there are some people here to see you."

Her Aunt's voice pulled her out of her attempted contemplation and she turned, feeling a sudden wave of uneasiness. Sharra stopped and two men bowed, stepped past her, and approached Bastila.

Bastila stood, recognizing Ethan and Corin. "Forgive me if I don't seem more delighted to see both of you, but something tells me you aren't here with good news."

They looked at each other and Ethan nodded sadly, "I'm afraid not, my Lady."

He motioned for her to sit again, and the two of them settled on the bench across from her. Bastila felt her stomach twist itself in knots as her throat went dry. She sat down and took a deep breath.

"What happened."

Ethan sighed, "The Phoenix, Revan's new flagship, was lost, along with most of his fleet in the battle against the Sith. He made a bold move, taking a nearly empty fleet against the Sith fleet, hoping to use our ships to destroy theirs, with a minimal loss of life." He swallowed hard, "We searched after the battle was over, but we couldn't find any sign of Revan. He stayed behind, letting everyone else escape the ships before he sent them into the midst of the enemy fleet. I know he had mentioned having a plan to get out of it, but..." He lowered his head, unable to continue.

Corin put a hand on Ethan's shoulder, and then reached over to take Bastila's hand. "Revan has been known to pull off some incredible things against ridiculous odds. If anyone could possibly have survived that, it would be him. We just haven't found any trace of him, but it's hard for me to completely give up hope."

Bastila blinked away the tears, her mind still struggling to accept what she'd been told. "I've lost the bond I had with Revan." They both looked at her, eyes widening.

"Almost a month ago now, I felt the bond snap, like it had been forcefully severed, and then nothing. I've often wondered if Revan might have done it himself. If something went wrong with his plan, maybe he severed our bond to keep the worst from me." She choked up and barely managed more than a whisper, "He wouldn't have wanted me to feel him die."

They both moved over to hug her gently. "I'm so sorry Bastila. I wish we could have brought better news."

She looked over and smiled weakly. "I appreciate that you came, Ethan. I know how much the two of you meant to him. I am glad you're both safe." The baby kicked sharply again and she winced.

Ethan glanced at her, "How far along are you? Seems like the little one's getting restless."

She nodded, placing one hand over her belly. "Seven months now. The baby's almost as..." She trailed off as fresh tears ran down her cheeks. "almost as active as their father was." she finished.

Ethan nodded, "I must admit, it has been a very long time since I've been called on to deliver a child."

"Just as well that is my area of expertise then, doctor." Sharra chimed in.

He bowed to her, "Then I will gladly leave the task to your far more capable hands, my lady. However, should any other need arise, I am happily at your service."

Corin stood, "Perhaps, if I may be so bold, I could offer my services to prepare a meal? While I wouldn't dream of questioning our gracious hostess' talents in that regard, I would be most delighted to relieve you of the burdensome task for tonight."

Sharra chuckled, but smiled warmly, "How could I refuse such a polite request? I'll show you to the kitchen."

As they walked off, Ethan turned back to Bastila, "Aside from the obvious, are you alright?"

She nodded, "I tire easily, and I'm having a harder time sleeping, but I'm doing as well as I can I think. Hopefully it isn't affecting the baby."

He nodded, "I'm sure the baby's doing fine, as active as it is. If there is anything I can do..."

"Thank you Ethan."

Two days later, the four of them were gathered in the living room when a heavy knock pounded at the door. Sharra opened it, and Canderous stepped in.

"Captain!" Bastila stood.

He nodded to her, "Bastila." Then looked at Ethan, "You're needed doc, found Revan but he's in bad shape."

Bastila gasped and stepped forward, "He's...?"

"He's still alive, but not sure for how long."

Ethan nodded and stood. "Corin, please stay with Bastila. Bastila, please stay here, I'll notify you as soon as possible once I can better assess his condition."

She nodded, "Please hurry."

He followed the big Mandalorian out the door, and Bastila sank back down to her seat.

Please hold on, Revan.She prayed.

By the time Ethan finally called, and said he'd gotten Revan to the local medical facility and fairly stable, Bastila had nearly worried herself sick. When she arrived, with Corin and Sharra accompanying her, she wasn't sure what to expect.

Ethan met them at the door to Revan's room, with a wry smile. "He's not going to be happy when he wakes up. They'd sedated him before I could tell them not to. I've since made it perfectly clear that I'm the only one that's supposed to treat him, so hopefully that won't happen again. It did give me time to work though without him fussing."

Bastila smiled in spite of her worry. "How is he?"

"Pretty well beaten up, looks like he tried wrestling a Krayt dragon and almost lost." He chuckled, "I have him stable, and most of the immediate damage dealt with. I still need to do some more work to start patching some of the less critical injuries though, and there's a lot of them."

She nodded and moved over to the bed where Revan lay. She gently ran her fingers through his shaggy mane, and leaned over to kiss him lightly. "You better get well, I'm not having this child alone."

He groaned and opened his eyes. "Told you not to worry so much."

She shook her head, "Just rest, I'm glad you made it back."

He nodded, "Me too. Though whoever tried sedating me is going to get their ass kicked when I get well."

"For once, don't fight it, and just focus on resting and healing."

He closed his eyes. I love you, Bas, and I'm sorry.

She smiled and fought back tears of joy as she felt their bond reforming. It's alright. I know you did what you had to do, just don't do it again.

I'll try not to. I just hope it really worked. He exhaled sharply. Damn sedatives make things too hazy, that's why I don't like them.

Just go with it this one time, you really do need to rest so you'll heal. Ethan's here now so it wont happen again.

How are you doing?

We're both fine, love. The baby is getting pretty active.

He looked up at her again and smiled. Good. Alright, I promise, I'll rest.

Corin and Sharra both had worked hard on preparing a huge dinner to properly celebrate Revan's return once he was released from the hospital. Revan, Bastila, Ethan, and Canderous were settled at the table on the patio. The food was brought out and Sharra made sure everyone got their plates filled before sitting down herself. Canderous stood up and grinned.

"The doc here might prefer wine, but Revan, I thought you at least might appreciate this." He handed Revan a bottle of Corellian whiskey.

Revan laughed, "Trust the Mandalorian to remember the good stuff."

Bastila made a face over her cup of tea. "Good is a matter of opinion."

He chuckled as he poured himself a glass and passed it back to Canderous. "Fair point, love." He raised his glass. "As most of you know I'm not one for speeches, but I would like to thank you all for being here. To Bastila especially," He smiled at her, "Thank you for putting up with me and loving me, even with my flaws and faults."

"You're just lucky you do have a few good points that make you worth keeping." She teased.

He grinned, and they fell into a comfortable silence as everyone focused on eating.

After dinner, Revan and Bastila took a walk, coming to a stop under a large flowering tree.

"Revan, I think you owe me some answers."

He sighed, and tilted his head, "Yes, I do. Where do you want me to start?"

She leaned her back against the fence, "How did you get those Sith bands off? I thought you'd said they were permanent."

He grinned, "They are, usually. I had a trick up my sleeve, but since I'd never actually tried it, I didn't want to tell you, in case it didn't work out. There's another metal that when put in contact with the black metal, renders it inert. Once it lost its power, I was able to get the bands off easily enough. I don't recommend the experience, either way. Having my connection to the Force severed was bad enough, but having it return full force like it did felt like being hit by a strike cruiser."

She shook her head, "So you really did lie to the Council."

He chuckled, "Not really. I just omitted a detail they didn't need to know. Considering the other alternatives they'd have insisted on, even if my plan hadn't fully worked, I'd have still preferred my solution to theirs."

She nodded, "I suppose. It shouldn't have been necessary at all, but I agree, it probably was the better option." She turned and looked out over the fields. "How did you sever our bond, and why?"

Revan sighed, leaning against the fence beside her. "I didn't want to, but not knowing what would really have happened if..." He cleared his throat, "Bas, I was on the Phoenix with it being shot to bits around me by the entire Sith fleet. For a moment, I truly wasn't sure I'd make it off my flagship in one piece, much less make it through the enemy fleet in a small freighter without getting killed. I made the difficult choice to sever the bond while I could, and hope to spare you something worse if I wasn't able to escape as planned."

She turned and hugged him, burying her face against his chest. "Don't ever do that again. The emptiness left behind, not being able to feel you at all... I think it nearly drove me mad."

He frowned, "I'm sorry, Bas. Hopefully I'll never have to again."

"No, Revan, I'm serious. Don't. Ever. For any reason. Don't cut me off like that. Please."

He nodded, "Alright."

Later, after everyone else was likely sleeping, Revan lay beside Bastila, propping himself up on one elbow as he watched her.

She turned her head to meet his gaze. "What are you thinking, Revan?"

He smiled, "Just realizing how lucky I truly am."

She winced as the baby moved, and she took his hand and placed it on her belly with hers. She noticed his eyes brighten as he felt it too. "I think the baby's getting more active."

Revan nodded, and leaned over to kiss her. "I hope he takes more after his mother."

"You think its a boy?"

He shrugged, "That's the sense I got when I felt him."

She smiled, "Him taking after his father wouldn't be all that bad. After all, his father is rather handsome, and quite talented."

He chuckled, "Talented at getting himself in trouble, perhaps."

Bastila winked at him, "You actually do have other talents."

She shifted to rest her head against his shoulder, and he held her close. "Thank you."

"I'm just glad you'll be here when he's born."

Revan nodded, "So am I, love."

Bastila lay with her back against Revan's chest. He smoothed a sweat dampened strand of her hair back into place while she cradled their newborn son.

"See, I think he takes after you." He whispered as he leaned into nuzzle her.

She smiled, "Maybe, but I think he's going to have your eyes." Already as she looked into the deep baby blue eyes, she felt she could see the hint of hidden gold.

"Maybe. I just hope he doesn't pick up my talent for trouble."

She leaned her head back against his shoulder. "At least he has one advantage you never got."

He tilted his head and quirked an eyebrow upward.

"He'll have the chance to be a child, with two parents that love him."

Revan smiled and nodded, "Very true. Though we will still need to think about how to handle his gifts. With both of us being pretty strong in the Force, he's bound to get some measure of Force ability as well."

"I'm sure he will, but that decision can wait. We can teach him basic things if he really starts to develop it early. I want to enjoy him for a few years before we think about sending him off."

He looked down at his son. "Of course."

Revan was out in the garden working through his usual training routine, while Bastila and Sharra sat on the bench watching. Sharra looked over and smiled.

"I can see why he caught your eye."

Bastila smiled, "It's more than just his looks, truly. I just enjoy watching him because it's like poetry in motion. He's been my truest and best friend since I joined the Order at six. I suppose it was only a matter of time before our friendship grew into love as well."

Sharra nodded, "That's understandable. My husband was like that too. We'd met as children and just sort of stayed close. I still miss him."

Bastila frowned and looked over. "What happened, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Oh, it's alright. It's been several years now. He just got sick, something the doctors couldn't seem to treat. As much as it broke my heart, I honestly was almost glad when he finally passed, because at least then he wasn't suffering any longer."

"I'm sorry I never got to know him. I think that's the biggest thing about going away to the Order that bothers me sometimes. I missed out so much on knowing my family."

The older woman nodded, "At least we can enjoy things now."

Bastila smiled, "Very true."

Revan spun, igniting his twin sabers as he flowed into one of the more aggressive and active lightsaber forms. His eyes were closed as he focused purely on feeling the world around him through the Force. Every motion, every action was carefully and tightly controlled, wasting no effort.

Suddenly Canderous entered the garden. "Sorry to interrupt, Revan." He nodded to both Bastila and Sharra, "Ladies." Then turned back to Revan, "Got a message from Dural you might want to hear."

Revan extinguished the sabers and clipped them back to his belt and reached for the towel he'd draped over the branch of a nearby tree. "What is it?"

He wiped the sweat from his face and walked over to the small table where Canderous had sat down. The Mandalorian put a holorecorder on the table and activated it.

"Lord Revan, I felt it important that you know that the True Sith are making another move. This time they are headed for Coruscant. Estimate that they'll reach it within the week if they continue on the same course."

Revan growled, and Bastila walked over and put her hands on his shoulders. "What are you going to do?"

He looked over at her, "What should I do?" He frowned. "If I do nothing and allow them to take Coruscant, there won't be any safe place left in this galaxy for anyone. I don't want my son, or you, or any one else being forced to serve the Empire or be killed if they take over."

She chewed her lip, "Do you think you can really stop them? Think of what happened last time. I don't want to lose you, Revan."

He stood and put his arms around her, meeting her worried gaze. "I don't want to be lost, but Bastila, there's more at stake here than just us. If the Empire takes over, this galaxy will be plunged into an age of darkness unlike anything in its history. I don't know if I can stop them, but I have to try. The Republic is flawed, the Order is flawed, but the alternative is far worse. I've seen how the Empire treats people, and I know what the Emperor has planned. I can't allow that to happen if there's any chance at all that I can stop it."

She leaned her head against his chest and sighed, "Promise me you'll be careful? Don't take risks you don't have to, please?"

He nodded, "I'll do my best, love."

Revan let go of her and stepped back, "Canderous, tell Ethan and Corin that we're leaving. I want them to stay here with Bastila. I'll get changed and meet you at the ship."

Canderous nodded and headed off.

Bastila watched them go, feeling a knot of fear settle in the pit of her stomach as she said a prayer that he'd come through safely.