CHAPTER 11
As Revan went about his increasingly monotonous daily routine aboard the Ebon Hawk in hyperspace, he had begun noticing the more unique eccentricities of his tiny crew. He'd always done it, observing others around him, just not consciously. Every person wore a mask, hiding who they really were to an extent, so others couldn't see their true selves. The universe was a cruel place, a fact Revan knew all too well. Every man, every woman, no matter how self-confidant and sure of themselves, had vulnerabilities that they hid. In the close confines of a ship though, especially one as small as this one, and packed in close proximity with others, cracks would eventually appear in a person's shell. And so Revan had noticed the cracks, cracks in one of his crewmates in particular.
Though they'd been traveling together since Taris, several weeks ago, he knew next to nothing about Zaalbar and he suspected that was what the Wookiee intended.
It is unwise to travel with companions of whom one knows so little of.
Revan shook his head. He actually didn't know much about any of the crew, besides Bastila. But Zaalbar was just an enormous, eight-foot-tall, bowcaster-wielding, fur-covered question mark. What he knew of the Wookiee he had learned from Mission, who admittedly, didn't know all that much about her best friend's past. A skilled reader of emotions and thoughts, Revan was surprised at how difficult he found reading Zaalbar's, or Big Z, as Mission liked to call him, mind. The Wookiee was running from something, something in his past. Though he could discern little, Revan could see it in his companion's eyes. There was regret in those eyes… and longing… mixed with a tinge of… sadness?
The Ebon Hawk was on its way to Kashyyyk, the second of the Star Map worlds and home to the Wookiees. Since learning of their destination, Zaalbar had seemed restless, pacing the ship endlessly. If he had been quiet before, now he was almost completely silent, speaking only when he needed to. Trying to meditate cross-legged on the floor of the crew dormitories, Revan opened one eye as he heard Zaalbar clump past for what seemed like the millionth time that hour.
"Is something wrong?"
Zaalbar continued on for a moment, seemingly completely oblivious to his surroundings until Revan called his name.
"I… I'm sorry. I have been… distracted of late."
"Kashyyyk. Your homeworld. You are returning home after what I understand to be a somewhat long hiatus. It's normal to feel apprehensive under such circumstances," Revan said with a smile, which Zaalbar politely returned.
"No, it… it isn't that. I did not exactly leave Kashyyyk under the best of circumstances… I…"
"Yes?"
"I would rather not talk about it, if that is acceptable to you. I have pledged a life debt to you, but there are things I would rather keep to myself, away from even you."
Revan nodded. As the Wookiee walked off to continue his endless circuit around the ship, Revan couldn't help but feel a touch of apprehension himself. Zaalbar had demons he either refused to, or couldn't, face. Whatever the demons were, something told Revan they would all be facing them soon as they made their way to Kashyyyk.
Bastila moaned in her sleep as she thrashed about, kicking her thin bedsheets to the floor.
"Bastila! Wake up! You're having a nightmare!"
Mission's voice echoed through the shadowy edges of her dream, sounding like her words were coming from a great distance. Bastila's eyes flew open and she sat up in her bunk.
"Rev… Qel, where is Qel?"
Mission shrugged.
"T3, where's Qel?"
The little droid beeped and booped a response. The can-shaped T3 seemed to have taken a liking to Mission, though it was unknown whether droids could ever really get 'attached' to somebody. Since they'd acquired him on Taris, Mission had been doing a great deal tinkering with the droid. Though she didn't have much technical experience, she was a quick study and her knowledge of computer slicing and lock picking came in handy. Nobody really knew exactly where T3 went when he wasn't being operated on by Mission. He, Mission had decided the droid's personality was definitely a 'he', seemed to wander the ship endlessly, his utility arm out, fixing this and that, seemingly without any method to the madness. All any of them knew though, was that the droid somehow had developed an ability to sense problems in the ship and fix them before they got out of hand.
"Meditating in the cargo hold, as usual. He seems to take this Jedi thing really seriously."
"As he should. A Jedi's life is discipline!" Bastila snapped unthinkingly. Mission didn't seem to notice the jab though, as she left the room, T3 following closely. Sighing, Bastila pulled a robe over her skimpy nightie and padded across the cool metal floor to the refresher. She made a mental note she had to get more modest sleepwear if Revan picked up any more shipmates, which he seemed to have developed an unsettling propensity for. He was charismatic and others flocked to him like a beacon. Looking in the mirror, she blushed at how revealing her gown really was. She liked feeling comfortable and like Revan, had never taken well with the traditional clothing of the Jedi; simple, unattractive, and made of unflattering, uncomfortable materials.
What does Revan see in me?
She knew she was pretty, but like most beautiful women, didn't realize how truly attractive she really was. All she saw whenever she looked in the mirror was the skinny little waif from her childhood.
"I see the most beautiful woman in the universe."
Bastila spun around. Revan leaned against the doorframe, a smirk on his face. Reading thoughts was easier than reading a holonovel for him.
"But would the most beautiful woman in the universe please hurry up? And don't use up all the hot water – I need to take a shower," he said chauvinistically with a smile as he slipped off his shirt and snapped it at her. Bastila yelped as he stung her.
"Revan! Grow up! You act like such a child sometimes!"
"You know you love it," Revan chuckled, stepping into the cramped space and easing the door closed behind him. As soon as it clicked shut, his smile slowly disappeared.
"We won't have long before the others start wondering where we disappeared. The vision, you saw it… didn't you?"
Bastila nodded.
"The Star Map was surrounded by trees…"
Revan rolled his eyes.
"My dear, in case you hadn't heard, Kashyyyk is all trees."
"Oh shut up!" Bastila laughed, hitting him on the arm, "Now can't you be serious, for just one moment? It was dark… I think it might have been in the lower canopies… maybe even the Shadowlands."
"Yes… that could make our search more… interesting, to say the least. Carth says we should be arriving on Kashyyyk within the hour. I should check up on him."
As he moved towards the door, the two of them realized how tight a space the refresher really was. Smiling uncomfortably, they tried to squeeze by each other. As Revan brushed against her though, Bastila felt sparks running through her and she flushed. Finally managing to reach the door, Revan frowned and took in a deep breath.
"Is it just me, or is the refresher smelling more and more like woman?"
Bastila narrowed her eyes at him.
"And what exactly, might the 'smell of a woman' be?"
Revan, suddenly realizing he was on very thin ice, shook his head and laughed at his own stupidity.
"Why it's the sweetest scent a man could ever hope to breath, my dear. But… is that a bowl of bath salts and… an aromatherapy kit?"
"I do like to keep myself looking presentable, Revan and I get the sense this ship will be our home for the next little while. Do you have a problem with the state in which you find the refresher?"
Revan just threw up his arms, not wanting to answer a loaded question.
"I don't but… Canderous might when he discovers you used his concussion shell casings to hold bath oils."
"YOU WHAT?!" a voice roared. Revan gave Bastila a wink and left, leaving her to think about the best way to deal with an enraged Mandalorian alone.
"YOU WEREN'T USING THEM FOR ANYTHING ELSE, MANDALORIAN!"
"Czerka Corporation welcomes you to Edean. Before I can extend to you any of our services however, there is the small matter of the docking fee we must discuss first, as your ship is not on the list of registered arrivals."
"Edean? I thought this planet was called Kashyyyk! Big Z…?" Mission asked, puzzled. Zaalbar snarled, a deep-throated, threatening growl that made the Czerka rep cower.
"Please, keep your beast restrained. You will be held responsible for any damage he causes!"
Revan shook his head but turned to Zaalbar, putting a hand up to the shoulder of the agitated Wookiee.
"Let me handle this, Zaalbar."
"These… these Czerka are slavers… without honor. They come to the home of my people and drag us from our homes, savaging the planet and leaving scars in the land that will take many long years to heal!" Zaalbar growled lowly, calming slightly but massive shoulders still heaving up and down menacingly. Mission looked around, noticing for the first time what the others, soldiers and Jedi, had noted immediately upon landing. The landing pad was ringed with defense cannons, not the ion cannons meant to protect again raiders and apprehend fleeing criminals, but antipersonnel cannons, meant to drill through the flesh of living beings. Guards dressed in military-style uniforms emblazoned with "CZERKA CORPORATION" badges patrolled the area, wielding heavy blaster rifles.
"Czerka Corporation took control of Kashyyyk some time ago, shortly after the Republic pulled back its forces in this sector to fight the Sith. The planet was renamed Edean to make it sound more attractive to potential investors and 'customers'," Bastila whispered to Mission.
"Customers? Buying what? Kashyyyk is all trees and nothing else!"
While Revan talked to the Czerka rep, Bastila gestured towards a speeder pulling a trailer, moving slowly towards a large transport vessel. Sitting atop the trailer were several cages, each holding a sedated Wookiee, with barely enough room to even breathe.
"Slaves. Czerka uses the Wookiees as forced labor."
Mission put her hand to her mouth.
"We have to do something! Why haven't the Jedi done anything? Isn't slavery illegal in the Republic?"
"The Republic is overstretched. We don't even have the strength needed to defend ourselves against Malak. There isn't anybody to enforce the law out here," Carth said lowly, his jaw visibly tightening and his hands subconsciously flexing towards his blasters, "Even if we wanted to do something, we'd be blasted before we could even draw our weapons."
Revan finished with the Czerka rep and turned to his crew.
"Come, there is much to be done here. Zaalbar, is there somewhere we can find lodging, other than here in the Czerka facilities? Czerka's connections to the Sith may make things… difficult in our quest and I get the sense we could be here for a while."
Zaalbar took a deep breath and nodded.
"There is. Rwookrrorro, the city of my birth, is not far from here, perhaps a day's walk, no more. However, I have a… troubled relationship with the village chieftain."
"What kind of trouble," Canderous growled, menacingly pulling his heavy repeater from his shoulder, startling several of the Czerka guards who leveled their weapons in the Mandalorian's direction momentarily, until they were satisfied he had no intention to open fire. Zaalbar sighed.
"I would rather not say. But we had best reach Rwookrrorro by nightfall. The forests hold many dangers and predators hunt mostly at night."
Zaalbar didn't speak at all as he guided them to the city. Although it had been years since he'd walked the interwoven wroshyr branch walkways of his homeworld, he moved swiftly, moving along the paths by memory. Other than Revan, none of the crew had ever even seen Kashyyyk from orbit, much less walked among the massive boughs of its famous wroshyr trees. Her eyes wide in wonderment, Bastila stared out over the wooden railing along the edge of the walkway, taking in everything from the depths from which the wroshyr trunks grew, all the way to the beautifully clear night sky they reached out to like hands, grasping for the stars.
"This planet is so wonderful. It has a mystery about it that is… alluring, almost…"
Revan smiled as he completed Bastila's sentence for her.
"Romantic?"
Bastila took his hand and squeezed it softly.
"That wasn't exactly the word I was looking for but now that you mention it… yes, romantic."
She smiled softly at him for a moment before letting go of his hand and walking ahead to catch up with Zaalbar. Revan's eyes met Carth's and he thought he saw the soldier wink. Canderous snickered and Revan shot him a glare.
"Statement: Master, a matter has come to my attention of which I wish to make you aware."
"What is it, HK?" Revan asked warily, already deciding he wasn't going to like what the droid was going to say.
"Statement: It has been seventeen days, twenty-one hours, forty-seven minutes, and thirteen seconds since I last utilized my combat protocols. Such long periods of inactivity may result in a noticeable degrading of my combat capabilities. I currently detect thirty-nine nonsentient lifeforms that I believe would be suitable for the purpose of exercising these protocols and prevent them from becoming corrupted."
"You need practice? Heh, I never though a war droid could get rusty. Well, not like that, anyways," Mission giggled.
"Threat: One word from the Master and I will terminate your annoyingly infuriating chortling, meatbag!"
"If you recall HK, I installed a program in you, directly instructing you to protect a select group of individuals. If you will retrieve that program, you will discover this 'meatbag' is one of those individuals. Power down your weapons HK, I don't want any accidents," Revan warned.
"Statement: As you wish, Master. Complying with your order now. Master?"
Revan sighed.
"Yes, HK?"
"I have detected fifty-seven lifeforms, sentient and otherwise, that could pose a possible threat to individuals listed in my DO NOT TERMINATE program. I request permission to terminate these lifeforms as a precaution."
"Shut up, HK."
"Bastila, may I ask you something?"
Bastila turned and smiled at Juhani. Revan seemed to trust the Cathar but Bastila wasn't yet convinced Juhani wasn't just a spy sent by the Jedi Council to report on them. Though she didn't think the Council would resort to that, she had become fiercely protective of Revan lately, always afraid somehow his true identity would slip out and something… terrible would happen to him. There was also the matter of having to 'share' Revan with Juhani. Juhani largely kept to herself, opening up only to Revan, the same way she was. Revan had a way with people that naturally made them trust him. Maybe it was his eyes… or the way dimples formed in his cheeks when he smiled… or perhaps it was his voice, so rich and warm… Bastila shook out of her daydream. In any case, Revan clearly enjoyed the time he spent with Juhani, meditating with her and teaching her the ways of the Force, just as he did with her. She didn't suspect Revan of being unfaithful… Bastila laughed inwardly to herself.
Revan doesn't belong to me. We're just 'friends'. How can he be 'unfaithful' when we share nothing more? Possession leads to the dark side… but what if…
Revan loved her, of that she had no doubt. The way he looked at her always felt so comforting, so wonderful and she wanted nothing more than to return the feelings she felt from him. No, it was Juhani she didn't entirely trust. Juhani had fallen from the light. This, combined with her fierce innate passions, running just under her smooth skin… what if she was willing to give Revan what she, Bastila, wasn't?
I mustn't be thinking these thoughts. If I am a true Jedi, whatever Juhani feels about Revan should not matter to me.
"Bastila?"
Bastila was shaken from her thoughts by Juhani's voice, calling her again.
"I'm sorry, my mind must have been wandering. Yes?"
"You are such a strong Jedi, so true to the tenets of the Order. How do you do it? It has always been so… hard for me, to live by the ways of the Jedi."
"Well, I am not always as strong as you say, I…" Bastila flushed slightly, flattered by Juhani's words, "I have had much training. I simply try my best to live my life as the Order dictates."
From the look on Juhani's face, she knew how lame that had sounded.
"I… that is difficult for me. Perhaps I am simply weaker than you."
"No," Bastila said quickly, "No, I am no stronger than you. The Jedi Code is not always easy to follow. There was another Jedi I looked up to, when I was still but an apprentice. When I feel myself falling, I close my eyes and think of that Jedi, what he would have done."
Juhani smiled strangely.
"Revan."
Bastila blushed.
"Y-yes… how did you know?"
"Many Jedi idolized Revan before his fall… including me. He was what we all aspired to become. And there was always that… smile. He was… is… quite handsome… Oh, I am sorry, I didn't mean…"
Bastila laughed lightly, looking up at Revan, who'd moved to join Zaalbar ahead of them. He winked at her.
"Yes, he is quite easy to fall in love with… not me, of course."
Bastila couldn't help but break into a fit of girlish giggles as she saw the skeptical expression on Juhani's face. Unable to maintain her stoicism, Juhani found herself joining Bastila and for the first time, Bastila felt the ice breaking between them.
Revan suddenly stopped, grabbing Zaalbar's arm and holding a finger to his lips. His hand immediately went to his lightsaber and Bastila's laughter was cut short as she too, reached for her weapon out of instinct.
"Stop human! You have intruded upon the lands of Chieftain Chuundar! He demands to know why you have brought this… this taint to the gates Rwookrrorro!"
The hulking Wookiee warriors appeared from nowhere, surrounding them before they could move, bowcasters brandished threateningly. Revan went from good-natured, lighthearted crewmate to the deadly-cold, ruthless warrior who'd made the galaxy tremble in fear just a few short months ago. Though his lightsaber remained at his side, his chilling stare was enough to bring fear to the hearts of even the most stout-hearted of enemies, even a Wookiee. The Wookiee leader, who'd sounded so confidant just moments earlier, began to look much less sure of himself as he backed away slightly, tightening his grip on his bowcaster.
"Of what taint do you speak?"
"He speaks of me."
"Zaalbar?"
"Please, not now. All will be made clear soon, I fear," Zaalbar whined lowly.
"Enough! You will be taken before the mighty Chuundar! He alone will decide your fate, madclaw! You and your companions will relinquish your arms or face the wrath of the warriors of Rwookrrorro!"
Seeing they were outnumbered, the others reluctantly gave up their arms, even Canderous, who couldn't resist making one of the Wookiees jump by 'accidentally' discharging a few blasts from his repeater through the wooden walkway as he removed it from his shoulder. But Revan stared down the Wookiee who'd challenged him for a moment before unclipping his lightsaber.
"You are unwise to anger me, Wookiee. The 'wrath' of your 'warriors' is of little consequence compared to the power of the one whom you insult."
He extended his lightsaber as if to hand it over, but then stopped.
"I expect this back in the same condition I leave it with you. If I find you have tampered with it…"
Bastila felt a chill run up her spine at Revan's tone. It wasn't Darth Revan's voice, it was Revan's. Slow to anger and always in control, nonetheless, Revan had never taken kindly to being spoken down to. She had never seen it, but it was said that when pushed too far, Revan's wrath could match and exceed even Malak's infamous, god-like anger.
"Uh… very well… you will follow us to face Chieftain Chuundar…"
The treetop city of Rwookrrorro would have been pretty if not for all the heavily armed, grim faced Wookiees. Though Revan, Bastila, and Juhani felt the distrust, resentment, and hatred through the Force, it didn't take Force sensitivity for the others to tell many of the city's inhabitants would have liked nothing better than to gut them alive and throw them off the walkway into the depths of the Shadowlands below. The guards, who were keeping a safe distance away from Revan, led them to a breathtaking structure delicately carved from the trunk of a wroshyr tree, towering high above the rest of the city.
"The Chieftain's hall," Zaalbar growled lowly. Revan nodded.
"There is much fear and apprehension here… I can sense it," Bastila noted.
"What's going on, Big Z? What's with all the long faces? I'd have thought everybody would be happy to see you again!" Mission whispered. Zaalbar sighed.
"I did not leave Kashyyyk voluntarily. I told you I was fleeing slavers when we met, Mission… but there was more."
His dark eyes looking around warily as they were marched towards the Chieftain's Hall, Zaalbar continued.
"I am an exile. The slavers on Kashyyyk only took me after I was forced to leave, twenty years ago."
"You were forced to leave? Why?"
"My brother made deals with the Czerka slavers and allowed them to get a foothold. That is how they came to be on Kashyyyk. I found out and attacked him, my brother. The fight was stopped but… my father, the chieftain, did not believe me when I told him of my brother's crimes. I was made an exile, disowned by my home and people. I should not be here… they will not accept me back."
"It was your word against your brother's. Your dad didn't even listen to you?" Mission asked, crinkling up her nose in puzzlement.
"When I attacked my brother I lost control of my anger… I used my claws."
"And for a Wookiee to use the climbing claws in anger is taboo. Forbidden," Revan finished for him, understanding now the hostility with which they'd been greeted. Zaalbar nodded.
"Our claws are tools, not weapons. To use them in battle is to become like an animal. It is madness without honor. I am forever a madclaw in the eyes of my people. Nothing I say is to be trusted. They were right to cast me out."
As they passed through a pair of massive ironwood doors, a Wookiee with dark, almost ebony, fur rose from a throne-like chair at the end of the long hall. Though it was difficult for non-Wookiees to distinguish between individual Wookiees, the family resemblance between the dark-furred Wookiee and Zaalbar was striking.
"You have been summoned before the mighty and wise Chuundar, Chieftain of Rwookrrorro! Speak quickly, I do not often tolerate your kind in my court!"
Revan, slowly and deliberately surveying the room, smiled thinly and gestured to the uniformed Czerka guards arrayed around the room.
"My 'kind'? I had assumed you meant outsiders by that but…"
Chuundar snarled but Revan didn't even flinch.
"You are brave but foolish to speak to me in such a tone. You are in my domain now and I think Czerka will be able to overlook any 'incidents' that may befall you."
Revan felt dark impulses racing through him. His composure was that of a man in complete control of himself, but just underneath the skin his anger was boiling. Being threatened triggered something in him, wounding the pride of a man who'd survived everything fate could throw at him… and more.
"A fool is one who underestimates his foe without truly knowing him first."
"Revan, please… you are just making things worse!"
Revan took a deep breath. He knew Bastila was right. But lately, he'd been having a far harder time keeping his emotions under control. His always-polished composure was showing signs of weakening.
"Yes, I know. It has been quite some time since someone spoke to me in such a manner and I… I'm not used to it."
"You are surrounded by these… these Czerka slavers. Have you no honor?" Zaalbar roared.
Chuundar turned, as if noticing Zaalbar for the first time, though he had been keeping one eye on him the whole time.
"You should not be so quick to judge me, brother. I did what was necessary to preserve our way of life, the future of our people…"
"By selling all of Kashyyyk to outsiders! You sold our people into servitude, as property! We are all slaves because of you!"
"Say what you please. No one will listen to you. You are an exile, an outcast without honor."
"If you sold your people as slaves, the truth will eventually surface," Bastila said, beginning to feel angry herself. Having lived a relatively shielded life in the Order, slavery was something she'd grown to consider as an abomination, a crime akin to murder, or rape.
"You may talk, but no one will believe you. I have had a long time to guide what my people think. They trust me, the mighty Chuundar. Even with my brother insane and my father enslaved, I rose to protect my people despite it all."
Never taking his eyes off Chuundar, Zaalbar roared.
"Father was enslaved?! And you? The 'Mighty Chuundar'?! You were the runt!"
A nervousness filled the room as Chuundar rose from his throne and the two brothers glared at each other.
"I am no runt! Much has changed in your years away, brother. We will discuss this later. For now, I have a task for your companions."
Canderous snarled at the Wookiee.
"I will not be your errand boy, Wookiee! Test me and I will break you!"
Feeling himself beginning to lose himself once more, and sensing the situation very quickly deteriorating, pulled Canderous, taking one arm as Carth took the other.
"Stop playing games. What do you want?" Revan hissed. Chuundar kept an eye on Zaalbar as he spoke.
"I haven't killed Zaalbar because he is my blood, and I had hoped he and I could someday see eye to eye. You however, are irrelevant. My task for you is this. Another Wookiee has suffered the same fate as Zaalbar, gone mad and been exiled. He now lurks the Shadowlands."
"I could snuff out the life of this insolent brute with but a single thought!"
"Please, Revan… you mustn't do anything rash!"
"More importantly, he's pestering my Czerka allies during their Shadowland expeditions. It is not good for… business."
"Bastila… I can't do this anymore. I'm losing control of my emotions… I…"
"I can handle this, Revan."
"I… thank you."
"He is resisting you. The first of many, perhaps?" Bastila asked, her face displaying the perfect serenity of a Jedi.
Chuundar, clearly unused to being challenged by a female, gave Bastila disdainful look.
"No one will follow a madclaw. He is merely a nuisance. Besides, he slinks about in the Shadowlands like a beast. My people know little of him. He has managed to linger a number of years, cowering in his madness and shame. You are expendable. You will remove him."
"You wish to see him murdered. We won't participate in this."
"You let this… female speak for you? You outsiders truly are worthy of contempt," Chuundar baited Revan.
"Revan don't."
He returned the Wookiee's stare but bit his tongue.
"Yes, I want him killed. You may flee if you wish, Czerka will never let me hold you, but Zaalbar will stay behind with me."
"Hey! You can't do that! He can't do this, can he, Bastila? He can't hold Zaalbar prisoner!" Mission cried.
Bastila decided to take a gamble.
"The Shadowlands are unfamiliar to us. We will need Zaalbar with us as a guide."
The gamble failed.
"No, you won't be needing him. I have already dispatched scouts to show you the way into the Shadowlands. Besides, I have had my people trained to understand galactic Basic. I tell them it's to better understand the enemy. They think it will make it easier to fight Czerka. Actually, it makes them easier to obey. Remember, you can't beat me here. No one would dare oppose me to join with an outsider or an exile."
Zaalbar growled lowly.
"You're wrong. Someone would."
Chuundar laughed.
"You speak of our father, Freyyr. Heh, he was the one who ordered you into exile when you attacked me. The irony is, he went as mad as you when he finally discovered the slavers. He dared challenge them alone and has not been seen since. That was years ago, Zaalbar. I rule now. I will take our people forward, but there are prices to pay. As for you, outsiders, I've given my orders. I can't hold you here, but Zaalbar will stay until you kill the madclaw in the Shadowlands."
Bastila sighed.
"Then I suppose we have little choice. We should proceed with caution, however."
"I'm staying here with Big Z! There's no way I'm leaving you behind, buddy!"
"I don't like this. I will not have the blood of two more on my hands!"
"Query: Shall I begin blasting, master? We could have your hirsute companion free in no time."
For once, Revan had to smile at the droid's bloodlust.
"I'm getting sick of this. Let's just go kill something and get your Wookiee out of this," Canderous growled.
Chuundar ignored him.
"The guards will let you pass into the wild. Follow the platform to the southeast. Gorwooken will meet you and lower you to the forest floor. When you return with the madclaw's pelt, perhaps I will consider releasing my brother back to you."
The altercation with Chuundar had left everyone in a foul mood as they were ushered rudely out of the Chieftain's Hall.
"A Mandalorian does not leave his own behind! Our allies are not to be used as hostages for barter! I'm going back for them!" Canderous snarled.
"I've got to agree with Canderous for once. I don't feel good about leaving Mission and Zaalbar back there. I don't trust that Chuundar… he's planning something and I'm telling you right now… it's not going to be pleasant," Carth added.
Revan sighed.
"And what would you have us do? The Wookiees outnumber us several thousand to one. Despite what you might think, smashing your head against a wall isn't usually the best way to solve a problem. Let's just go and get this over with."
"We should split up. Two smaller parties will do much better in our search than one," Bastila said, looking at Revan. Revan nodded but Juhani shook her head.
"That may be unwise. The Shadowlands are rife with peril and the Wookiee chieftain mentioned that this Wookiee we hunt may be insane. We should stay as one."
"Why? Are you scared? What happened to that famed Cathar blood supposedly boiling through your veins?" Canderous sneered. Juhani hissed back at him before Revan quickly stepped between them.
"Enough! Your advice is noted Juhani, but our weapons are enough to withstand whatever the Shadowlands has to throw at us, at least for long enough until one group can assist the other. Carth, you lead Juhani, Canderous, and HK south. Bastila and I will take T3 and go north."
"There's no way I'm following Flyboy around! Put me in charge, I know what needs to be done!" Canderous growled.
"Affirmative: The Mandalorian would make a much more suitable patrol leader, given his natural propensity in the past towards violence."
"Carth is the only one who knows how to use the communications scrambler, besides myself. So unless you'd like to either shout to each other or have Chuundar's spies following our frequencies all over the Shadowlands, Carth is in charge."
Carth nodded.
"We should get going. I really don't want to spend too many nights in the Shadowlands, crazed Wookiees or not."
Bastila looked out nervously over the primitive wooden elevator Gorwooken, one of Chuundar's warriors, was using to lower them into the Shadowlands. Kashyyyk had looked so serene and romantic on the upper levels where they'd first landed, but as they descended through the forest canopy, and the light began to fade into darkness, she felt a shiver run up her spine.
"Revan, when will T3 be joining us?" she asked, trying to break the silence. Revan had been standing across the wide wooden platform, just staring off into the darkness. Revan sighed.
"He's not."
"What?"
"His wheels would get fouled in the underbrush the moment we reached the Shadowlands and he doesn't walk all that well."
Hearing this only made Bastila's apprehension increase. It wasn't that T3 was a mechanical construct of destruction like HK-47. Other than being able to wield a small blaster and use a few basic stun rays, the little droid wasn't actually of much use in a firefight. He was brave, but he certainly wouldn't scare anyone. It was the reassuring beeps and boops T3 made that she missed. She'd found them annoying at first, but she'd since gotten used to them and actually missed the sounds the droid made, despite her not being able to under him.
"Then it's just you and I?"
Revan took a deep breath as the elevator touched down. Helping her down, he finally nodded.
"Yes, in a way."
Bastila frowned.
"I don't understand."
Revan lit a flare and strode into the underbrush.
"You're waiting here for the others."
Bastila ran to catch up with him and grabbed his arm.
"You're going off alone? Are you mad?"
He laughed lightly.
"No… it's just… Something's not right with me."
"Revan?"
"As I told you before, I fear the mind wipe did far more damage than I'd previously believed. I… I've been reduced to a shadow of what I once was."
A shadow of what you once were? Why must you doubt yourself, Revan?
Revan's abilities and power were so far advanced compared to hers that Bastila still had trouble believing what he was saying, despite what he'd told her before. His skill with a lightsaber was beyond anything she would ever be able to do, even with a hundred lifetimes of practice and he played and manipulated the Force almost effortlessly, his ability to draw upon it seemingly endless. Bastila knew she had a connection to the Force far greater than most Jedi, but compared to Revan, she must as well have been Force blind. Reading her mind, Revan shook his head.
"I have been given instruction and training, both through the teachings of others and through the study of holocrons, that you never received. Compared to Jedi you have seen, I have power beyond their ability to comprehend but… compared to what I once was… compared to what I was trained to be… I am nothing but an empty shell. I don't know how much I lost – I don't know if I ever will."
He sighed but smiled to reassure her when she looked at him quizzically.
"You've been an unbelievable teacher. You will be a fine master for a very lucky Padawan someday, Bastila. Even so, there are some things I can only relearn on my own. I sense an opportunity here that may help me in that respect."
"An opportunity?"
Revan's eyes had a strange glimmer in them, is if she was seeing his reflection in a pond.
"Bastila, do you remember the tales of the Great Hunt?"
Bastila shuddered.
"The terentatek are extinct, Revan. There is nothing more to be said," she said quickly. Revan shook his head.
"No, they're not."
"But the Great Hunt… the Jedi hunted down the last of the terentatek and killed them, they're gone… aren't they?"
Revan closed his eyes.
"So you've been led to believe. The secrets of the Jedi are many. If you look hard enough, you will find them. The terentatek is one of these secrets. The Jedi killed many of them after the defeat of Exar Kun, yes, but a creature with a lifespan of hundreds of years and that feeds on the blood of Force-sensitives is not easy prey. Shortly after the Council declared the Great Hunt over, rumors began to trickle in of terentatek on other worlds, Korriban in particular."
"But Korriban is a Sith world!"
"Yes, and it has been theorized by many a Jedi that it was the Sith who created the terentatek – to hunt the Jedi and weaken the Order. But at the time, the Sith had been defeated. All that remained on Korriban was their empty tombs and cursed spirits. When sightings of the terentatek became more and more frequent, the Council sent three of its brightest pupils to Korriban to investigate: Duron Qel-Droma, Shaela Nuur and Guun Han Saresh. They had hoped together, they would be able to stand against the darkness permeating Korriban and find the terentatek and kill it."
"It's just a legend, Revan! They disappeared on a survey mission!" Bastila said, more to convince herself than anything. Revan smiled sadly.
"No. The trio was split asunder when Guun Han discovered Duron and Shaela were in love. There was some sort of an argument, a disagreement, and Guun Han went his separate way, here, to Kashyyyk, to investigate more rumors of the terentatek. No one heard from any of them again and their bodies were never recovered."
He closed his eyes.
"I felt the presence of the terentatek when we first landed and I sense it has felt us as well. I know it is near. That is why I am sending Juhani with the others north, off its trail. I want you to follow them. I will follow Guun Han's path and track it. It's too dangerous for us to go searching for the Star Map down here while that… thing is lurking around…"
"Revan no! The terentatek preys on Jedi! It will kill you!"
Revan pulled her close and squeezed her for a moment before letting go.
"I'm no Jedi, Bastila. And if I cannot face the terentatek and win… then what chance do I stand when I must face Malak?"
He tried to leave but Bastila held onto his arm.
"I'm coming with you, Revan. My Battle Meditation will…"
"You will not use your Battle Meditation. The terentatek is immune to the Force. You will only weaken yourself and if I fall… you will need all your strength to flee," Revan cracked a smile to lighten the mood, "And the terentatek is fast. It won't take it long to finish feasting on me before it goes looking for something… more tender."
"How can you even think of joking about this?! I'm coming to help you!"
Revan was about to say something but one glimpse into her deep blue eyes told him it was pointless. When she had that look in her eyes, there was no arguing with her. Revan sighed. It reminded him of the time he and Malak had played hooky from the Academy and gone fishing. Bastila had somehow found out and demanded Revan take her along. He'd protested but she had given him 'the look'. In a series of events involving a monster goa fish, a broken oar, and two Jedi Padawans cursing like drunken sailors on shore leave, they had all ended up in the water. Much to Revan's horror, he'd discovered Bastila didn't know how to swim. A much shaken and very cold little apprentice later looked up at him with her adorable blue eyes and promised she'd never argue with him again. The promise had lasted less than a week. Revan sighed.
"I see there's no dissuading you, is there? You can come with me, but only as an observer. Your skill with a lightsaber is developing, but the teterentatek is no ordinary predator. The instant you see me in trouble, I want you to run. Don't look back, promise?"
"Revan…"
It was Revan's turn to stand his ground and force her to look into his eyes.
"Promise me you won't try to save me."
"I… but…"
"You're not questioning me on this, I'm sorry. If I am fool enough to attempt to fight a terentatek alone, that is my choice. I'm not losing you for my decisions."
"I… I promise."
Revan smiled and kissed her on the cheek.
"Then we should go. Time is not a commodity we have in great supply."
"There is darkness in this place one can feel. It would be prudent for us to spend as little time in the Shadowlands as is possible."
"Warning: The Master's orders were clear, meatbag. We are to find the furry, insane meatbag and terminate it. Until that goal is accomplished, any attempt to return to the surface will be met with deadly force!"
The small party, with Canderous taking the point, Carth following closely, and Juhani and HK taking up the rear, advanced cautiously through the darkness.
"Would somebody shut that rustbucket up! I swear, if I hear one more word from that thing…"
"Mockery: I…"
HK's voice faded as Carth flicked a switch on a remote control Revan had given him, shutting off the droid's vocabulator.
"Thank you! Now maybe we can get on with this mission!"
Juhani froze, her lightsaber igniting in her hand.
"Wait! I hear the sounds of battle ahead."
"I didn't hear anything. Your imagination's playing tricks with you kid let's…"
Carth frowned and subconsciously gripped his blasters tighter.
"No, I heard it too… it sounds like… weapons fire?"
"Qel and Bastila! We have to help them!" Juhani exclaimed, rising from her crouching position. Before she could move though, Carth grabbed her arm.
"No, Qel's signal is coming from behind us and… wait… did you see that? What the… it's gone!"
"What?" Canderous asked impatiently. A patch of space not more than a few steps away shimmered for a moment, as if the air itself was rippling in the wind.
"There it was! Again!"
Suddenly, the sharp discharge of HK-47's disruptor rifle made them all jump as the heavy bolts cut through the air and into the trees. There was a cry and a figure dressed from head to toe in blue armor tumbled from a small embankment. Frowning, Canderous quickly ran over and kneeled beside the body. Carth felt his blood run cold. He recognized the armor well.
"A Mandalorian assault soldier! What the hell are Mandalorians doing out here?!"
Juhani closed her eyes for a moment. The weapons fire from ahead had abruptly stopped and she felt her sixth sense, the heightened awareness all Cathar possessed, tingling.
"Ambush! Defend yourselves!"
Her lightsaber was up and ignited in a flash, deflecting two bolts that seemed to come from nowhere. All around them, the air began to shimmer and armor-clad Mandalorian warriors stepped out of nowhere, opening fire with their weapons. Snarling, Canderous pulled the trigger of his heavy repeater and held it down, sweeping it from his hip. Diving for cover, Carth popped his head up momentarily, sighted on a pair of targets, and promptly dropped them with a quick flurry from his twin blasters.
"Wow, déjà vu. This brings back more than a few bad memories," he muttered as a grenade sailed over his head. Closing to melee range, the Mandalorian soldiers drew wickedly sharp vibroswords and resumed their attacks. Ducking a swing that narrowly missed decapitating him, Carth kneed an assailant in the stomach and dispatched him with a quick blaster shot. Remembering HK, he punched a switch on his remote and grimaced as he heard the bloodthirsty droid's warcries.
"Exclamation: Die meatbags! This will be fun!"
For the moment, all of the attacking Mandalorians had forgotten about him, and were closing the others in, herding them into a ring. Carth cursed. Forced into a tight group, one or two well-placed grenades could take down all three of his crewmates in a single blinding flash. Juhani, her blue lightsaber flashing, hissed as she extended a hand and Force pushed several of her attackers backwards and pounced on them. Growling, Canderous blocked a blow with his repeater, then swung it like a club, smashing it right through the chin guard of a Mandalorian.
"For Mandalore! For Clan Ordo!"
The fighting stopped. The Mandalorians drew back, still encircling them but now just watching as one of their own stepped forward.
"What did you say? You called upon the name of Mandalore… you're a Mandalorian!"
Mandalorians were near-humans, close in physiology, but slightly larger than their weaker genetic cousins. The Mandalorian soldier who'd addressed Canderous was over two meters in height in his armor, but as Canderous stepped up to face him, he still towered over the soldier by almost half a head.
"I'd say the same about you but Mandalorian warriors fight as men, not cowards striking from the shadows. Now explain yourself soldier! What clan do you fight for and what the hell are you doing in the middle of nowhere?!"
The soldier chuckled.
"I don't take my orders from you."
Canderous looked like he was going to explode. His nostrils flared and his face and neck turned a bright red.
"What did you just say, private?! My name is Canderous of the Ordo Clan, Captain of Mandalore's Elite House Guard! You will answer my question or I will break you!"
The soldier laughed again, this time with a sinister air.
"You speak like a Mandalorian. You are an excellent actor, stranger. For a moment, you almost fooled me into thinking you were actually the mighty Canderous. But Clan Ordo was wiped out at Malachor. Nothing remains. Canderous himself died by the side of our leader, the mighty Mandalore. You are nothing but an imposter! Men, attack!"
Growling, Canderous clamped a fist around the soldier's throat and snapped his neck as red blaster bolts whistled through the air once more. Gritting his teeth, Carth crept slowly through the trees, trying to catch the Mandalorians from behind as they concentrated their fire on the others.
"What the…"
From nowhere, HK pulled out a flamethrower and spewed liquid fire in an arc around himself, setting the entire tree line on fire.
"Taunting Threat: Come closer, meatbags, I won't hurt you!"
Seeing he was close enough, Carth leapt from behind a small tree and threw himself onto a Mandalorian. Cracking him in the back of the skull with the butt of a blaster, he opened fire on the surprised Mandalorians. Seizing on the distraction provided by Carth, Juhani leapt into the midst of the Mandalorians with him and in seconds, had cut the remainder of them down.
"Do you want to explain what just happened, Canderous?"
"What does it look like? We got ambushed by a bunch of Mandalorians!"
Carth looked at Juhani. Juhani shrugged helplessly.
"Could be a little more… helpful?"
Canderous growled lowly but his tone softened slightly.
"Everyone thinks I'm dead. When Revan killed the Mandalore, I was there. Revan left us alive, refusing to finish us and give us the warrior's end we all sought. The shame of living in defeat was our punishment. But some bright kid in the engine room got an idea and decided we could all still go out with a bang. So when Revan's shuttle was departing, he overloaded the primary reactors. Heh… you can probably guess the rest."
"Then how did you survive…" Juhani began. Canderous shook his head.
"Long story, not enough time. Those kids out there are more important. You fought in the Mandalorian Wars Carth, notice anything different about their armor?"
Carth frowned, thinking back, but all he could see were misty battlefields with hulking Mandalorians in scarred and pockmarked battle armor coming at him in relentless waves…
"The armor – it was brand new!"
Canderous chuckled.
"You're not as dumb as you look. We Mandalorians pride ourselves on being always ready for battle. Even in times of 'peace' we train and drill nonstop in full armor, not like you Republic patsies dancing around in your underwear. The armor takes a beating. The only Mandalorians with unblemished armor are trainees. I suspect this was their final test."
"Final test?"
"We're given lethal weapons and sent off to find worthy enemies to vanquish in battle. Well, seeing as the Clans are broken and all, and it could be a little difficult to gather a bunch of trainees and have them ride Basilisks to the surface of some unsuspecting planet, these Mandalorians have likely come here to use the beasts of the Shadowlands as a substitute. We just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time…"
Canderous walked forward into the clearing where they'd first heard the fighting. Juhani and Carth were immediately taken aback by the foul stench of scorched and torn flesh. Canderous smiled thinly as he gestured to a virtual carpet of dead Wookiees, caught by surprise and slaughtered where they'd stood.
"… as were these Wookiee hunters."
"So what now?" Carth asked, crinkling up his face at the smell hanging in the air. Canderous smiled, going back to the days of his youth.
"We strip the bodies, go back to the surface and start making plans for tomorrow to hunt down the rest of them. Mandalorians never get caught in one group. Dispersion into small units is the best strategy for survival in hostile territory. But for now, we should get back up to the surface before it gets any darker. It's not smart to be wandering around the Shadowlands at night. That's when the predators start stirring."
"You mean to kill them?! Why can you not negotiate with them? They will talk to you, you are a Mandalorian!"
The smile disappeared from Canderous' face and he looked at Juhani strangely.
"Do you need to clean out your ears or something, Cathar? Canderous Ordo is dead to them! Besides, attacking a fellow Mandalorian while cloaked is considered a grave crime amongst my people, even if it is done by mistake. The severity of the crime is only exceeded by one other… calling a Mandalorian a liar. No, these children have picked the wrong Mandalorian House Guard to mess with. Now come on! Unless you want to sleep down here tonight, we should get going."
"Statement: It is a pleasure to work with a meatbag with your incredible disregard for life and propensity for violence, esteemed companion of the Master!"
"Shut up, droid."
Some distance away, Revan and Bastila's trek through the Shadowlands had been considerably less eventful, with an occasional kinrath or katarn the only distraction from what had become just an afternoon hike.
"It's getting late. We should make camp before it gets any darker."
"Shouldn't we get back to the surface?"
They had been traveling for hours and although she was trying to put on a brave face, Revan could tell Bastila was drained. He had been moving quickly, hoping to catch up to the terentatek before the day was out, but it had wandered far. The hunt would have to continue tomorrow. Helping Bastila up onto an outcropping formed by a massive, fallen tree trunk he set his pack down.
"It's too far. The Shadowlands will get even darker than this before too long. We could get lost."
Walking over the mossy 'ground' was hard, as with each step, the canopy floor seemed to suck them in.
"But Revan, we didn't bring anything for shelter!"
Revan chuckled lightly as he pulled a small collapsible shelter from his pack. It was a standard, military issue tent, constructed of a tough, waterproof synthetic material.
"Some of us came prepared. Why don't you set this up while I go look for some kindling."
Revan didn't go far, keeping in sight of Bastila, partly so he didn't get lost, mostly so he could look out for her. He didn't know why. She wasn't yet a Knight, but she was a fully trained Jedi, perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
She's a big girl now, she doesn't need you… but I can't help it… I can't stop worrying about her…
"Revan, you only have one cot in your pack!"
Revan laughed as he returned with an armful of kindling and began setting up a small fire pit.
"It's a big cot. Which side do you want?"
She blushed.
"I… you know how much I care for you, Revan… as a friend… but are you sure we should be sleeping together…?"
Revan didn't know why, but here, in the depths of the Shadowlands, a place so dangerous even the bravest of Wookiee warriors wouldn't venture without good reason, he felt happy. It reminded him of the camping trips he used to take in the sparsely wooded groves of Dantooine, sometimes by himself, sometimes with Bastila or Malak. He smiled and shook his head.
"I was kidding, Bastila. You take it."
"But what about you?"
"Just toss me a blanket and I'll be fine. If you're hungry, there should be a few rations in one of the outer pockets of my pack."
Sprinkling a small box of magnesium casings over the kindling, Revan threw in a match and before long, he had a blazing fire going. Bastila came over and handed him a small mess tin of Republic rations. She made a face as she took a small bite and Revan chuckled. He may have been a Jedi, and later on, a Sith Lord, but in war, every man was a soldier. And soldiers learned to eat whenever they had time, and whatever was at hand, no matter how it tasted or looked.
"I never realized we would have to spend the night in this place. If I'd known, I would have brought a survival pack like yours, instead of stealing your cot," Bastila said apologetically.
"It's alright. I didn't expect we would have to spend the night either. I just prefer to be prepared, in case things don't go as planned."
Unexpectedly, Bastila snuggled up to him and threw a blanket over both their shoulders. Revan smiled and she smiled back at him. The two of them stayed in that position for a while, neither saying a word, just enjoying the warmth of the fire and each other's company. Revan could hardly believe how beautiful she looked, the flickering of the fire illuminating her lovely face in its light.
"Mmmm, I wish we could stay like this forever," Bastila sighed. Revan just closed his eyes and nodded. The last few months… actually, the last few years, had gone by at such a hectic pace, fighting one battle and then frantically making plans for the next, barely enough time between each lull in the fighting to even lick his wounds. The nightmares would still plague him. The specter of the Sith still hung over the galaxy like a dark cloud. But for the moment, deep in the Shadowlands, all was right in the universe. He was alone with the woman he loved. She might not have been able to return his affections, but it didn't make the moment any less beautiful.
"Revan, if you could be anywhere in the universe, where would it be?"
"I would be wherever you are," he answered. He knew it sounded lame, but in his heart, he knew it to be true. Bastila laughed lightly, knowing she should have expected that answer. But it still felt good to hear it from him.
"What if you could take me with you? Where would you go?"
Revan thought for a moment.
"Naboo."
"Where?"
He had only been there once, but the lush green, rolling plains of the peaceful, idyllic world had left a lasting impression on him.
"A mid-Rim world. It's largely unsettled, much like Dantooine, only even less populated. A man can lose himself there, a place completely untouched by the curses of modern society and technology. The water there is so pure it almost tastes… sweet. And the sunset… such a sunset you have never seen before. The colors are so vibrant… so alive…"
"It… it sounds beautiful. But what would you do there?"
"I would do nothing. There have been precious few occasions in my life where I have been able to do nothing, just relax and savor life. Perhaps I would write… or paint… or learn how to cook…"
"You would be bored, Revan."
Revan laughed.
"Yes, I suppose I would, after a while. In any case, I would still like to experience such a life, if only for just a little while. It would certainly be better than being a Jedi."
Bastila took her head off his chest and looked at him indignantly.
"You make it sound like a prison sentence! I am a Jedi, as were you!"
He chuckled.
"I apologize. There was a time when I thought as you do now, that becoming a great Jedi was all I ever wanted. But now… now that I've had a chance to look back… I never wanted to be a Jedi at all."
"You wanted to become a Sith?"
"No. I didn't want any of it. The power, the position, the authority, the responsibilities… I would give it all up in the blink of an eye, just to be normal. To be someone else, someone not named Revan."
"But you were everything every Jedi in the Order aspired to be! How could you not want to be a Jedi? Many would give anything to have even a fraction of your strength in the Force!"
"Bastila… Life is too short to be bound by codes and creeds. People think power can be a vehicle to their dreams, a way to realize all of their hopes and aspirations. No, power is a prison. You get a taste for it and… you'll always want more. You will fear losing it and eventually, you will no longer remember why you first pursued it. You become a slave to who you are, not who you want to be. I want to be free. Free to do whatever I want, be whoever I want to be," he looked right into her eyes and smiled softly, "… and love whoever I wish."
"You once told me it is not our place to speculate about what things could be, but to focus on what is, never what if. We cannot change our place in the universe, Revan. We have been given power so we can help save the galaxy, to stop Malak and the Sith."
"I know. I just don't want to think about it right now."
Bastila yawned as she felt her eyelids getting heavy.
"We should be getting our rest. Only fate knows what tomorrow holds in store."
Revan nodded, kissing her lightly on the top of the head and reluctantly letting her go. Watching her walk sleepily to the shelter, Revan finally rose to his feet and followed her, retrieving his battle rifle from his pack. If any predators lurked in the shadows, he didn't want to have to fight them at close range.
"Where are you going with that?"
Revan turned.
"The Shadowlands are dangerous, especially at night. I'll keep watch. Just go to sleep, Bastila, I'll be here if you need anything."
"But what about you?"
"I don't need much sleep. I'll be fine. Goodnight, Bastila."
Pulling his flowing robes a little tighter around his shoulders, he went back over to the fire and sat down, laying the rifle across his knees, staring into the flames.
If I could have one wish…
"I don't trust that Gorororwowhateverthehellhisnameis elevator attendant," Canderous said lowly as they left Gorwooken, Chuundar's guide, behind at the lift that took them up and down from the Shadowlands.
"He's watching us, that's for sure…"
Out of nowhere, a heavy metal object struck Canderous in the head knocking him to the ground unconscious. Before Carth, Juhani, or HK-47 could move, Wookiee warriors materialized all around them, bowcasters at the ready.
"How do they do that?"
"Silence outsider! Where have you taken your captives?" a youthful looking Wookiee, apparently the leader, asked.
"Captives? What are you talking about?" Carth asked incredulously.
"Request: Permission to start blasting…"
"Do you seek to insult my intelligence human? You Czerka slavers lie in wait in the Shadowlands for our hunters and ambush them, taking them as slaves to be shipped off and to do your hard labor! You have made a mistake today in taking one who is dear to us… Rorwoor!"
Canderous, his implants having kicked in, rubbed his head and slowly picked himself up from the wooden walkway.
"Are you blind furball? Do we look like Czerka to you?!"
The Wookiee looked them over and suddenly became much less sure of himself.
"Uh… I… I suppose not. Please… please do not tell Chuundar of this, human… It was a mistake…"
"Oh I'll tell him alright… after I rip off your head and use you for a rug you…"
Juhani put up her hand to interrupt Canderous.
"What is your name, young one?"
"My… my name is Woorwill. I… aargh… what am I doing, throwing myself upon the mercy of outsiders? Rorwoor would be ashamed! Bacca help me!"
"Who is this Rorwoor you speak of," Juhani asked gently, showing a side of herself the others had never seen before.
"I have already said too much. You will get nothing more from me, outsider!"
"Perhaps we may be of assistance. We are no great friends of Czerka."
The Wookiee sighed.
"I… I suppose there is no harm in telling you. He has probably already been taken offworld by now… Rorwoor was the greatest, a hero we all looked up to. He fought back against the slavers… slavers probably like you…"
Woorwill grimaced.
"I'm sorry… I'm just so tired… Rorwoor disappeared several days ago. He went into the Shadowlands to hunt, alone, a sign of great bravery and courage amongst our people. He… he hasn't been seen since."
Carth shrugged.
"Maybe we can help. We'll be heading back down to the Shadowlands tomorrow anyways. We can always take a look."
Woorwill gave what seemed like a laugh.
"Aid from an outsider? I will believe it when I have seen it with my own eyes. But… if you truly seek to help, Rorwoor was last seen going south. Beyond that, there is little more I can tell you. But I should be leaving," the Wookiee looked around nervously, "I shouldn't be seen consorting with outsiders. If you find Rorwoor though, which I doubt you will, tell him Woorwill sent you. Perhaps he will spare your pitiful lives… I… I'm sorry… I should be leaving… Come, my brothers, before I say anything else that could damn us…"
As the Wookiees ran off, Canderous glared at Carth and Juhani.
"What makes you think we have time for playing hide and seek with a missing Wookiee? We've got to find that other insane Wookiee or Zaalbar and Mission are DEAD!"
"I didn't know you cared. Are you getting soft, Mandalorian?" Carth asked sarcastically.
"I don't. But I'm a mercenary and I get paid to do a job. That job right now means getting the Carpet and the Blue Terror free. Business is business."
Juhani sighed.
"We should help this Woorwill if we can. His impression of outsiders has been poisoned, as has that of all of the inhabitants of this world. If we were to assist him, it would go far in helping him see that not all outsiders seek to bring pain and misery to his home."
Canderous rolled his eyes.
"Right. We'll talk about this again later. For now, somebody help me get all this loot I stripped back to the ship. I'm not carrying it by myself!"
"What are you going to do with it?" asked Carth curiously.
"Sell it. What else?"
"I thought being a Mandalorian… you'd… I don't know… wear it?"
Canderous laughed.
"How many suits of armor do I need? Besides, Mandalorian equipment fetches a premium with weapons merchants. We might be able to use the credits later."
"Good morning, sweetheart."
Bastila's eyes fluttered open and she quickly pulled her covers over herself, instinctively reaching for her lightsaber. Revan chuckled and held it up in his hand.
"I knew you would go for your lightsaber so I removed it from your side. You were always one to get cranky when I woke you up too early."
Revan tossed her lightsaber to her and got up from where he'd been kneeling by her cot.
"Had enough sleep? I was going to wake you an hour ago, but you looked so cute curled up like that, I thought I'd let you sleep in. Caffa?"
Bastila yawned as Revan handed her a tin cup. Closing her eyes momentarily, Bastila savored the fresh aroma of freshly brewed caffa.
"What time is it?"
Revan glanced at his chrono.
"0500 Coruscant Standard Time… not sure about local."
"Five' o'clock?! Let me go back to sleep, Revan, just a few more minutes," Bastila groaned. Revan grinned.
"You sound exactly as you did when I had to wake you each morning at the Academy. Come, you sluggard, there's work to be done. Finish your caffa and we'll be off."
Catching the pillow she threw at him, Revan just shook his head and left the tent so she could get dressed. 'Morning' in the Shadowlands looked almost exactly the same as 'Night'. It was dark, making it difficult to see further than a few steps ahead. Turning as Bastila emerged from the tent, Revan smiled and tossed her pack to her.
"Did you get any sleep at all?" Bastila asked as Revan disassembled the tent and folded it back up to fit in his pack.
"Life is too short to waste sleeping. As I said, I don't require much rest anymore. Come on, let's go before the terentatek's trail grows cold."
Bastila frowned.
"What's that?"
Revan looked up from assembling the long barrel of a projectile rifle.
"A Battletech BR-81Z sniper rifle, why? I had it specially ordered before I boarded the Endar Spire. I customized it myself," he said proudly.
"Well… I just… I just thought your lightsaber…"
Revan smiled and finished her sentence.
"… is the weapon I'm most comfortable with. Yes, but you must choose the right tool for the task at hand. Most of the creatures you will encounter in the Shadowlands are best dispatched at range. Closing to hand-to-hand distance with a terentatek is foolhardy at best, a fatal mistake made by far too many Jedi who are too overconfident in their own abilities with a blade. The terentatek's hide is far too tough to penetrate with anything a standard blaster weapon can fire. A projectile-based weapon such as this one however, fitted with the proper ammunition, may have more success."
Bastila frowned and Revan read her thoughts.
"I'll be fine, Bastila. You worry about me too much."
As he strode off, Bastila sighed.
I worry because you don't seem to worry enough.