Six months had past since Cal and Kara meeting the Bendu, the two of them had grown in experience and strength in the force.
Kara learned how to better hone her visions and has grown in instinctual skill while Cal has constructed a prototype Lightsaber, khyber knife and even a transmission interceptor. By day he practiced for hours in Lightsaber combat honing his dulled skills while by night when not living with the tribe he would monitor Imperial transmissions searching for a target Before long with Kara and her tribe's help he had honed his abilities to what they were so many years ago and had learned to break the Imperials code.
Cal bit his lip as he surfed through the usual channels for chatter. Kara freshly cleaned but hair matted as ever bounded in. Cal barely spared her a glance. Over the last few months he had ceased noticing either her or his own nudity. He had felt such a sense of peace and belonging that it no longer troubled him.
"Find anything?" Kara inquired flopping on the bed.
Cal brow furrowed as he took his time responding. "Maybe… if I just… ah ha! There it is."
In meres seconds Kara was glued to his back desperately trying to hear. Cal shot her a reproaching glare before he wrote down the message. The two studied it for a moment.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Well if my codes are right…I've found the place where the rest of the Wookiees held being captive are." Replied Cal as he turned off his transmission inceptor.
"We need to tell the others!" Declared Kara running from their shared hut. Cal chuckled at her passion before following more sedately in her footsteps.
Cal sat at the back of the war room as the Wookiees and Kara conferred in a series of growls and roars over the course of the next few hours. Eventually the chief, the large grey Wookiee known as Garook, pounded his arm to his chest and let loose a warbling cry. The other Wookiees joined him in eerie, nut beautiful melody. Kara bounced over to Cal with a happy smile.
"It's decided! We're going to rescue them!"
Cal swallowed. "Are you sure were ready?"
"Bendu said when 'Your moment comes you will know it.' This is it Cal."
For the first time in months Cal became aware of his nudity.
"Shouldn't we… I don't know put something on for this?"
Kara blew an exasperated raspberry. "Silly Cal! They are Wookiee's! I am a Wookiee and you know something? You're a Wookiee to now! What need of we of clothes?"
Cal smiled. "You really mean that." A big furry arm clasped his shoulder. Cal looked up into the kindly face of Garook. He tapped his free harm to his heart then pointed to Cal's own hairless chest nodding solemnly.
"Thank you." Cal muttered wiping some moisture from his eyes. The big Wookiee nodded and grabbed a bowcaster and joined the gathering crowd of warriors outside the war room. Gripping each other's hand tightly the two human Wookiees strode forth to join them.
Cal, Kara and the strike team of Wookiees enter the prison freighter that they previously took from the Empire and made their way to the spice mines of Kessel.
The team arrives on Kessel. Due to the Wookiees skillful piloting they land just out of sight of the prison walls. After their tribe wishes them luck Cal and Kara move stealthily towards the compound almost like shadows.
The two ceased their approach just after they cleared the wall. As Cal intently studied the guards patterns Kara's eyes roamed landing by chance on a familiar looking officer. Suddenly flashes of seeing her father talking with him when she was very young flashed before her eyes, The two seemed to be arguing and an unknown but familiar woman pressed Kara to her breast. She shook her head dizzy after the sudden input.
"Hey, are you alright?" said Cal laying a hand on her back.
"I... I think I've seen that man before." Kara said slowly.
"Where?" asked Cal.
"A long time ago, before my parents-... before... before I came to Kashyyyk." replied Kara dully.
Cal worked his mouth about to say something to his usually vibrant friend before simply saying "I see." The two sat in silence for a moment before Cal broke it.
"Well, anyway we need to swipe some key cards to free the rest of the Wookiees, do you think you can do that?"
"Leave it to me." said Kara brightening at the prospect of moving on.
The tiny girl slunk like a cat up behind a patrolling officer and with a quick grab purloined his card. The two of them then split up, as Cal had also taken a key card from another one of the guards. Quietly and methodically the two then set to work unlocking cell after cell.
As Cal unlocked the final cell a shout came from behind him.
"You there! Stop." Cal turned to behold a familiar albeit mangled
face. The Portly Warden nose now flat to his face growled as he took in the identify of the young rebel. He drew his pistol. "YOU! "
Cal drew his lightsaber blue light drawing immediate attention across the compound.
"Kara! Now!"
The little Wookiee raised girl let out a warble that would do a Wookiee thrice her height proud. The newly freed prisoners soon joined in and began rioting. Garook and the rest of the war party swarmed over the walls cutting down many of the surprised troopers.
The Warden started firing at Cal who skilfully deflected his blaster bolts right back at him. The Warden cursed as he grabbed his smoking arm as Cal darted away into the riot.
"A Jedi… a naked Jedi? I must alert the inquisitors." He growled staggering away. Cal cut his way to Kara who was skilfully disabling troopers with nothing more then her trusty spear. Cal nodded at her before yelling.
"Garook time to go I think!"
The big Wookie warbled agreement and signaled with a flare for the transport to come pick them up. The ship flew up above the courtyard firing at the remains of the Imperial forces. The ramp lowered as liberated Wookies started to flood aboard.
Cal, Kara and the rest of the Wookiees escaped aboard the ship. Kara lets out a victorious roar. Firing a few parting shots the ship peeled away up into the atmosphere then jumped to light speed.
The Warden scowled after it before limping to the smoking coms room. Straightening his hat he did his best to come to attention as he sent out an urgent alert. After being shunted through the channels he finally reached his goal.
In front of him a flickering holo appeared of a woman clad all in black. Over her face she wore a featureless black mask. Impassionedly she started at the injured officer.
"Speak."
"Inquisitor this is Warden Darik Sandorn of Imperial Detention Facility A5 019. We have had some… complications."
"Indeed you have Warden." The Inquisitor said coldly. "Why do you disturb me?"
"We were attacked my lady by a band of Wookiees led by… a young naked Jedi."
"Naked you say? Describe this Jedi."
"He was young inquisitor no more then fourteen years of age. He seemed to be some hybrid of some sort grey skin, brown hair tattoos across his face."
The Warden abruptly felt tightness around his throat as the Inquisitor leaned towards him. "Did you harm him?!"
Gasping for air the portly Warden managed. "No! He escaped!" The Inquisitors posture relaxed.
"Good. You were right to call me Sandorn." She seemed lost in thought for a moment. "Finally I will find you Cal Pyso."
"Do you… know him Inquisitor" Sandorn ventured rubbing his throat.
"That is of no concern of yours Warden. You will send me all the security footage you have in addition to a full report on his likely trajectory. Do you understand."
"Yes, Inquisitor."
"Oh an Sandron?"
"My lady."
A touch of humor colored the imposing figures voice. "You should really get your nose fixed. It makes you look like a Gamorran."
The transmission cut out leaving the Warden with nothing but his own pain and the smell of his burning prison.
"Damn force users."
A week later Cal and Kara were watching the state run holo news. Cal snorted at many of the obvious false facts before they came to a telecast of Kessel. The anchor a grey haired stern human intoned.
"The shocking assault against an Imperial Rehabilitation camp on Kessel has been attributed to a duo exhibitionist terrorists." Cal snorted aloud at that crossing his arms. "This duo of naked savages infiltrated the Rehabilitation Centers compound and preceded to abduct many of the inmates interred there." The screen switched to an Image of happy Wookiees in jump suits working side by side with storm troopers to mine spice. Cal remembered the tight cramped cage conditions and the often filthy and haggard Wookiees. "When they were discovered by the Warden, the brave Darik Sandorn the two shameful rebels and their conspirators preceded to butcher most of the facilities staff before fleeing in a stolen ship." Cal noticed Kara sinking in her seat beside him. The anchor continued their faces now shown prominently in the screen. "These two… malcontents are considered armed and dangerous and should be reported to you're nearest military member immediately. In other news prominent non humans right activist Jaka-Nolsen was found dead today in an apparent murder suicide. We now go to-"
Cal turned the telecast off and turned to his dejected friend.
"What's an exhibitionist?" asked Kara quietly.
"It's someone who exposes themselves in public." Explained Cal.
"Like how?" replied Kara.
"By being naked in front of others."
"I don't understand those words." said Kara. "They're not true."
Cal nodded his head before rubbing a hand through his hair with a sigh.
"Well, anyway we are officially fugitives from the Empire." Cal declared sadly. "We might have to… leave Kashyyyk."
"l-leave Kashyyyk? For how long?" Exclaimed Kara fearfully.
"Forever, perhaps so long as the Empire remains." Cal intoned sadly.
"But... this place has been my home for most of my life." said Kara.
"But the rest of your tribe would be endangered if we stayed!" Cal argued reaching an arm around her shaking shoulders.
The young girl leaned into his hug and said in a small voice. "C-can I at least say good bye?"
"Of course" said Cal tenderly stroking her hair.
The next day the two gathered their few possessions. The tribe was visibly distressed Garook most of all. The big chief hugged the little girl close tears welling in his eyes. Cal for his part received countless embraces from Wookiees he'd gotten to know in the last few months. He stayed silent throughout not trusting himself to speak.
Kara said a tearful good-bye to her tribe, promising to return. She hefted her pack containing her spear, slingshot, and holographic image of her parents. Cal meanwhile had only his toolbelt, a lightsaber and a carved totem to take with him. The two left the village and returned to the secret airbase where they paused looking out across the world that was their home.
"What now Cal" Asked hoarsely rubbing some tears from his eyes.
Suddenly a YT-1300 freighter appears from the sky then lands on the base s landing pad. The young ones look at each other shock before bounding down the hill towards the star ship. As they arrived the ramp extended and two f=infamous figures emerged.
The first was a human clothed in roughish space farer clothes walking with an easy cocky stride. Beside him a tan colored Wookiee attired only in a bandolier trudged
Kara looked on with awe as the two rugged figures approached her and Cal. Cal recognized both of them from his years with pirates and the other cast offs of the galaxy.
Cal stuttered in disbelief. "You're Han Solo, the legend!"
Kara glanced at him, but quickly returned her gaze to the two visitors.
Han chuckled roughly. "Looks like the rumours were right, Chewie!" Chewbacca gave a low growl, as if affirming Han's observation.
Kara raised her head to look up at Chewie, eyes beaming. "Y-you're Chewbacca?"
He answered with a smile and a simple nod.
"Wow…"
Han crossed his arms, grinning. "I'll admit, never thought I'd see any human dress the same way as a Wookiee."
Cal blushed and looked away slightly the dregs of his 'modesty' stirring once more.
Kara sprang up to address Han. "I'm Kara!"
Cal meekly chimed in – "My name is Cal… this is so embarrassing…" He continued to avert his gaze. Kara giggled at the sight of him so flustered.
Han nodded in his direction. "I've seen a lot of strange stuff kid, this doesn't even come close. You can rest easy."
Cal's blush receded a little, and he turned back around.
Han shrugged, and shook his head. "Let's get down to business. You two made quite the ruckus on Kessel – it won't be long before the Empire is out for your heads."
Cal nodded nervously. "They are already putting up our mug shots on the Holonet."
"And saying some really mean things to!" Kara chimed in face screwed up with anger.
"That quick huh? Well it's a good thing the alliance sent us here to bring you two back to their base."
Kara looked confused. "Where's that?"
Han frowned, and tapped his nose at her. "That's secret information, kid."
She fumed at him.
The smuggler turned to address both of them. "You've attracted way too much attention to yourselves, what with the Lightsaber and all. We need to leave."
Kara looked down at the ground. "I'll have to think about this…" She kicked at the ground softly, lost in thought.
"Well, don't take too long… the Empire could show up any minute now. Doesn't take a genius to guess where a war party of Wookiees would be operating from."
Chewbacca roared his agreement as he scanned the sky.
Kara looked up at him, worried. "What about my tribe?"
"They'll be endangered if you both stay here." The smuggler observed.
Chewie growled crossly at Han.
Han glanced at his old friend throwing up his hands defensively. "No pun intended, Chewie."
Kara nodded. "A-alright."
Kara and Cal followed Han and Chewbacca into the Millennium Falcon. Kara could only stare at it in childlike wonder and curiosity as they approached the entrance.
Han and Chewie took their seats in the cockpit and quickly entered in the flight protocols. With a rumbling whine the Falcon took off into the sky, leaving the wilds of Kashyyyk behind.
Later, when the ship was in warp, Kara was rummaging through the ship's stock. Han watched her from the Sabbacc table, visibly annoyed. "Don't touch anything over there." He rubbed his temple ruefully as he groused to his co-pilot. "Baby sitting kids. Her Highness has got a lot of nerve…"
Chewie looked up from cleaning his bow caster and gave a low moan. Han scowled.
"What'd ya mean we weren't doing anything important? You're telling me that Corellian Whiskey wasn't important?"
Chewie shrugged and whined lowly. Han growled and headed for the cockpit.
Kara meanwhile clumsily picked up a blast-shield helmet and put it on her head. Clearly too large for her, she stumbled around blindly around the room wearing it.
She walked a little further, but tripped up and fell. She landed in Cal's waiting arms. Kara chuckled playfully as Cal shook his head in exasperation. The low barking laugh of Chewie could be heard as the ship came out of hyperspace.
Han shouted down the corridor from the bridge. "We're nearing the base – you should probably put something on."
Kara replied back politely. "No thanks!"
Han rolled his eyes at Chewie as the big Wookiee took his seat. "Alright, but try not to attract too much attention to yourselves."
They arrived at the rebel base and landed in the main hanger. Cal and Kara gazed in awe at the vast array of star fighters and transports. Everywhere beings of all ages, races and creeds moved about their business as the Falcon taxied into a clear space.
Han put a hand on the controls to the ships ramp before turning to the young duo.
"Last call for clothes."
Cal was sweating nervously. Being naked on Kashyyyk was one thing, but here now. He raised hand to request a poncho or something but before he could Kara took said hand and chirped.
"Nope!" Han shook his head as he engaged the ramp. With a sinking feeling Cal was pulled in the enthusiastic girls wake straight into the Rebel Base.
Kara and Cal attracted stares from numerous people. Kara was blissfully unaware of them, jokingly remarking to Han. "I'm really good at stealth!"
Han chuckled sarcastically. "I can see that." Chewie gave a slight growl of amusement.
Cal tried to ignore the hangar personnel, feeling self-conscious about his state of dress.
The four eventually arrived at the bases War Room. Princess Leia Organa, Mon Mothma, Admiral Ackbar and C-3PO all stood around the table in a circle.
Kara looked around the room happily, intrigued by the holograms and lights.
Leia addressed the group. "I'm glad you two have decided to help the Alliance."
Kara nodded with gusto. "Anything I can do to help protect my kind!"
Leia stifled a laugh, taken aback by Kara's energy and presence.
Cal blushed even harder, standing next to her.
Kara continued. "It's true! I've lived with Wookiees since I was 3 years old."
Leia nodded, looking her over. "Clearly."
Cal piped in, curiously. "Where is Luke Skywalker? Shouldn't he be here with you?"
Leia shook her head. "He is off on a mission for the Alliance; he has not returned yet."
Mon Mothma interjected. "We have brought you into this war chamber for a certain mission. From what we've heard about your feats, you should be more than capable of accomplishing it."
Kara perked up. Admiral Ackbar activated the room's holotable. A lush tropical word took shape.
"We have reason to believe the empire has a labour camp on Felucia. I would like to send you two to infiltrate, and if possible, liberate it." Mon Mothma
Kara nodded. "I see."
Admiral Ackbar interjected in his gravely voice. "There are also reports that Captain Keyla and her crew may still be alive there."
"Captain Keyla?"
"Yes. She is a captain who was on a previous mission, who went missing a month ago. You are to find and liberate her and her crew as well, if possible. Every resistance fighter counts." The Admiral growled hitting the table for emphasis.
Leia nodded solemnly. "They were sent to extract a spy from the camp. Clearly something has gone very wrong."
"Oh dear…" Kara muttered.
Leia smiled. "Take heart. Keyla is one of the best soldiers we have. If anyone could survive it'd be her. You may set out whenever you are ready. Dismissed."
Han gave the kids a cocky half smirk. "Good luck."
Kara and Cal exited the war room. They two shared a nervous glance before continuing towards the hanger. The two stood almost lost for a moment before a shuffling purple droid approached them.
"May I help you?"
"Ahh Alliance Command told us we could get a ship here?" Cal asked nervously. The droid made a bad tempered noise before consulting his manifest.
"Ahh yes I see, the nude ones. Is this the extent of your crew?"
"Yeah I'm Kara and he's Cal! What's your name?" Kara bounced in front of him excitedly. The droid simply stared at the two of them silently.
"The Empire was so much more…professional. I am AP5. You ship is this way. You are sure you can fly it, yes?"
"Uhhuh I'm a Wookiee! Natural born pilot!"
AP5 gave a long-suffering sigh. "No you are a naked prepubescent human child. If you're going to crash please do it out of my sight." The droid waddled on till he reached the end of the line of ships. "Here we are. You have the Defender Light Class Corvette. It is equipped with two front facing batteries, adequate living space for a standard squad and is capable of reaching twenty parsecs. It is an antique and an old one at that. Please take care of it."
The two kids stood in awe at the size of the vessel gifted to them. Slightly larger then the Falcon the Defenders hammerhead like design gleamed in the hangers lights. Two large engines occupied the back while a ramp extended down from it's middle.
"Does it have a name?" Cal asked in awe. AP shrugged.
"No."
"Well I'll guess we'll have to think of one huh Cal? I call pilots chair!" So saying the little girl sprinted up the ramp.
"Umm thank you AP." Cal managed before running after her. AP5 gazed after them for a while.
"This rebellion is doomed." The cranky droid muttered before returning to his business.
Cal found Kara in the pilot's chair humming happily to herself. She had produced a towel to sit on as she powered up the old ship. Cal grabbed one of the towels himself before sitting in the co pilots chair. "You do know how to fly right?" He asked reluctantly.
"Does a Wookiee roar?"
"Yes?"
"Exactly!"
The comms crackled to life with Leia's caring voice as the ship started to rise off the ground.
"Rescue party Bravo are your prepared for take off?"
"All green here Princess!" Kara chirped as Cal methodically belted himself in.
"You are clear to depart. May the force be with you young ones." Skimming the ceiling much to Cal's horror Kara took them out of the base and into space. After plotting Felucia's coordinates in the two took off into light speed.
Several hours later they arrived over the arid jungle planet. Skillfully Kara took them in low towards the base coordinates staying well below the Imperials radar with her force powers. Cal meanwhile scrolled through a list of possible distress beacons before finally picking one up not far from their target.
"But it down here Kara, I think this is where…" He quieted as a crash site came into view. "Keyla's unit is." He finished quietly.
Kara quickly put the ship down a few hundred meters from the crash site. The girl leapt from her seat and pelted into the hold. Grabbing his lightsaber Cal followed
Kara descended the boarding lock, and broke out in a dash towards the crash site. At Cal's urging she slowed as they approached warily gazing around.
It was clear the ship had never managed to land. Giant holes had been torn out of it's side while it lay at the end of a long scorched furrow that already was starting to be covered by vegetation. Not far from the crash site ten fresh looking mounds rested.
Kara swallowed tears prickling her eyes. "Did nobody survive?" Cal meanwhile was studying the ship.
"Don't be so sure. Look!" Near what had once been the cockpit of the drop ship a group of coals glowed. On the ground a simple spit with a small lizard on it had been knocked carelessly to the ground.
Kara looked inside. "Is anyone there?"
A figure moved in the darkness before slowly stepping forward to reveal a female Togruta. She held her hands in front of her as she spoke. "Now there is an entirely good reason why I am-huh." The Tortuga stopped as she beheld the two dropping her arms to her sides revealing herself to be completely nude, looking to be about 30 years old.
The Tortuga was a pale yellowish orange with white stripes encircling her body. In addition to this natural camouflage the woman had daubed her body with ash from the fire and some form of green body paint.
Kara looked surprised. "Hello!"
The Togruta studied both of them wariness in her piercing green eyes, before she smiled softly. "How strange. You two are just as naked as I am."
Kara cocked her head, confused. "Naked? What's that?"
The woman chuckled. "Not wearing any clothing."
Kara had a look of realization, and nodded. "Ah! I'm a Wookiee, so I don't wear any clothes."
The Togruta stalked closer to them visibly struggling to hold back a full-blown grin. "You look pretty human to me, and pretty cute, at that." She abruptly leapt forward and pinched Kara's cheek playfully. "Good, you're real!"
Kara laughed. "Hey, stop it!" She pulled away, rubbing her cheek. "I've lived on Kashyyyk for most of my life."
Cal interrupted, addressing the Togruta. "We hail from the Alliance, and we came to liberate the nearby labour camp. We were told we might find the remains of a rebel squad are you… all that's left?"
The Togruta started a little her smile leaving her face as she turned to address Cal. "I am Captain Keyla of the 7th Rebel Squadron. Or, at least, I was…"
She looked back on her destroyed ship with a visible sadness before gazing at what could now only be graves.
"As best I can gather our spy was discovered. He turned on us. The moment we arrived we were shot down. I was the only survivor, and as I escaped the fire scorched my clothing to ashes. I was left with nothing but myself. I've been alone here ever since."
Kara looked concerned. "I'm sorry… I lost both my parents when I was very young…"
"I am sorry for that. Are you all the Alliance sent?"
Cal nodded. "We are."
Keyla shook her head montrails waving. "No offense young ones but you're a good deal younger and more nude then I was hoping for."
The two shared a glance before Kara remarked. "Well we are both force sensitive and jailbreaks are kind of our thing. We broke into a Kessel Spice Mine!"
The feral looking captain sized them up with eagerness before striding towards the distant camp.
"Force sensitive huh?" She muttered. "Yes… yes this could work!"
Keyla looked back at the two young rebels and straightened up. "This is war. We give, and we take. This is life for us." Her expression turned to steely determination. "But now that you two are here, I have a plan. I hope you two are as ready as you claim you are."
Kara and Cal nodded giving sloppy salutes.
Keyla rummaged through the remains of her ship, taking out an energy bow. She grinned as she twirled it.
"It was the one thing salvageable. It was very useful as I got back to my roots as it were."
Cal raised a hand. "Roots Captain?"
Keyla gave the two a sharp tooth grin. "Keyla is fine. As for my roots well my people were hunters in ancient times. I'll admit I've rather to grown to like my nude state. Things have been very… simple here. Freeing even. But I digress." Her shark grin grew wider as she walked in between them. "Let's do this."
The three running like predators started out towards the labour camp.