Disclaimer: I do not own KOTOR, Star Wars, the Franchise, George Lucas or the Actors... as cool as it would sound. Imagine having a Jedi guard your house 24-7... no one would ever dare to break in and steal your lightsaber because you'd be totally protected O.o *note to self... find a Jedi*...
Ok, so I'm so happy with myself for updating earlier than I normally do (and this is a rather long chapter as well. I made it to 21 pages this time so its a pretty decently long chapter and I hope it doesn't move too fast for you guys.) I tried to get as far as I could and incorporated as much as I could without dragging it along so hopefully I did a good job with that. So please enjoy the story and don't forget to visit my profile: I'm adding a new pole (putting it there now instead of later on in the story) so that you guys can decide what planet to visit after Kashyyyk! Figured I'd go ahead and put it up now so you have plenty of time to decide :)
I wont delay you any longer with my rambles now, so please enjoy the story!
Thanks!
Hostility
"The universe seems neither benign nor hostile, merely indifferent."
Samirah pinched the bridge of her nose, her eyes closed as she tried to remain calm while the Ithorian in front of her panicked. Zaalbar was in the process of roaring and causing a stir within the Czerka building and the Ithorian was pleading with her to calm him down. He feared for his life and figured Samirah was his best chance at survival.
"Please, control your beast." He whimpered, enraging Zaalbar even more.
"I told you. He isn't my slave. He isn't my beast. He has a name." She stated firmly, agitated already by the planet. "...and you wonder why he wants to break your legs off and beat you to death with them…" The thought made the Ithorian freeze as Zaalbar roared again, in an agreeable tone.
"No, please! Call him off!" He cowered behind his arms and Samirah had to put a reassuring hand on Zaalbar, just to make sure he wouldn't do anything. If he killed the Ithorian, Samirah was sure it would cause problems but she couldn't help that he was angry and for good reason too.
Czerka had taken over. The planet was under their control—they had even renamed the planet G5-623 as the "numerical designation" or for the stockholders, they call it Edean. Pretty much, Czerka employees were crawling over Kashyyyk and were finding the healthiest Wookiee they could and selling them into slavery. According to Janos Wertka, the Czerka representative who was cowering in fear in front of her, there was an arrangement that had been made between the company and… she thought with a sigh… a Wookiee.
A Wookiee whose very name infuriated Zaalbar but he insisted on not talking about it yet. Said it was something he wouldn't talk about. Someone name Chuundar didn't make Zaalbar too happy and he was about to take his anger out on this Czerka representative. Then again, it was his fault for continually referring to Zaalbar as a beast and a slave.
A mistake that obviously was about to prove fatal.
"Samirah, restrain him. We can't afford any disruptions or being a target for these people either." Bastila whispered into Samirah's ear. Janos was now behind his desk, ducking below it as Zaalbar roared at the Ithorian angrily. The disrespect he had been shown should not be tolerated in his eyes. The disrespect for his people.
"Zaalbar, sweetie, would you mind calming down a bit? I can't have you killing the poor, miserable Ithorian just yet. We'll fix this." Samirah soothed, making Bastila roll her eyes before clamping her hand on her forehead.
Bastila didn't like it when she made promises like that.
"Fine, but his disrespect for my people will only be tolerated by so much. It is barely tolerated now." Zaalbar warned and Samirah made a mental note to remember that.
Ever since they had landed on Kashyyyk, Zaalbar had been on edge. They hadn't made it very far from the ship before Zaalbar decided it was time to make Samirah aware of the situation. Apparently he had been banished by his clan for fighting his brother and using his claws to do so. Something that was worse than taboo to his people and now he was not to be trusted. He was an outcast and had no hope of it ever being fixed. He was almost positive that he was most unwelcomed and Samirah wanted to see what she could do to fix it.
"Thank you, Janos, for your time. We'll be going now." She said brusquely and slightly agitated at the recent events. Janos nodded his head quickly and waited behind the desk as Samirah ushered Bastila and Zaalbar out the door.
The Wookiee roared, making the nearby Czerka employees stammer around, trying to avoid eye contact. He clenched his fists as they passed a cage with a Wookiee lying on the floor, tranquilized as they waited to ship him out. Zaalbar roared as Samirah patted his back once they stepped outside of the Czerka building and away from the peering eyes of Czerka.
"It's not right. Things have changed. It has indeed been a long time since I've been away. Things have gotten worse." He said, the sadness somehow transparent and easily heard in his voice.
"It's ok, we'll—" Zaalbar roared, slamming his fist into a nearby tree.
"IT IS NOT OK! THEY—THEY ARE SELLING MY PEOPLE INTO SLAVERY AND IT IS DONE WITH CONSENT!" He argued, trying to keep control of himself but so angry he wished he could bash into every one of these puny workers.
"Hey!" Samirah shouted at him, turning to face him directly. "Calm down. I understand that you're upset—it's a bad situation but we'll fix it. We'll get to the bottom of this and we'll set things straight, I promise. You have to trust me, though. Zaalbar, do you trust me?" She asked, pleading with him to place his trust in her.
He stared at her for what seemed like ages—neither one moving, neither one breaking eye contact. Czerka employees who passed by did so with unease and nervous glances in their direction. Finally, Zaalbar looked away and roared quietly to himself. It was an unintelligible roar before he answered her.
"I do, Samirah Alda.I would not have pledged a life debt to someone I did not trust. I must inform you of my doubt though… it is something not easily changed."She nodded, a small smile on her face.
"Oh come on big Z, when is anything ever easy? It may not be trouble-free, but it's going to be worth it. Promise." He nodded before backing down, allowing Samirah to take the lead once again. "Thanks Zaalbar." She smiled at him as he just nodded in return, looking away.
"Well, if all the theatrics are done and over with, I'd like to get started on this Star Map. We can't waste much more time." Bastila said with her arms crossed. Samirah nodded.
"Well, Janos didn't know anything about a Star Map and I doubt Czerka knows of it. If it was on the forest floor, our best chance is probably in asking the Wookiees." Zaalbar roared to himself, not liking the idea but it was their only choice.
"Alright, it seems as if that's our only other option. If we're to get to the forest floor, the Wookiees will be the way to go." She surmised.
No one argued it. Zaalbar may be disagreeable about going anywhere near his people because of his banishment but after the first time… he hadn't voiced it. Zaalbar was going where Samirah did and right now, she was going to find them to find the Star Map. His duty was to make sure nothing bad happened to her in the process even if it meant going against his people's laws.
"I'm sorry, I can't help you sir." The lady said for the final time, agitated by Carth's questioning. "If you're looking for these people, I can't help you. I help a lot of people in my line of work and monitoring any individual is not in my job description. You want to find someone, go ask one of the patrol or someone else! So if you'll excuse me!" She nearly yelled before pushing past him.
Carth took a deep breath to prevent himself from lashing back at her. It wasn't her fault, he tried to remind himself. You would just think that it would be hard to miss two Jedi and a free roaming Wookiee in this place so either that woman was just being a pain in the neck for no reason or Samirah hadn't come this way. He rubbed his neck as he left the Czerka building and wondered around the encampment. Most of the employees minded their own business, going about their tasks and transporting Wookiees from one building to the next before loading them onto a ship, ready to sell them into slavery.
They were all tranquilized of course.
It was sickening, really. He never agreed with slavery but there was only so much the Republic could control. This was something that was beyond their influence as was much of the galaxy. That's how Czerka was able to get away with much of their business. If it was in his power he would change it but as it was, one could only do so much and right now he just needed to catch up with Samirah. Canderous had told him that they had already taken off by time he had finished his business with the welcoming party at the landing—running the ship ID, going over rules and regulations and the like. Canderous then took off without a word and Mission had mysteriously vanished along with T3-M4, leaving Carth to his own devices. Figures.
He reached a gate where two guards were stationed and decided he'd try his luck with them. He didn't even have to say a word before the older guard stopped him.
"All right, all right, that's far enough. Do you have business beyond this gate? It's a little bit dangerous and not that I doubt you're fighting… capabilities…" He said, eyeing the small blaster on Carth's belt with a smug smile, "We can't protect you. Our duty is to the employee's of Czerka Corporation. Not you." He clarified.
"Look, I'm just looking for my friend and I think she—" This made the old man roll his eyes, crossing his arms as he did so. The other guardsman snorted in response, going back to admiring his blaster rifle.
"Oh. You're friends with the Wookiee-lover. Yeah, they went this way. Just recently too. Had an attitude on her… the both of them did." He grumbled, making Carth smile for a moment at the thought of them giving him a hard time. Sounded like them. "If you want to go after them, don't let me stop you. Probably being eaten by Kinrath by now." He mused.
"Kinrath?" Carth questioned quickly, making the old man smile.
"Yeah, Kinrath. They're crawling all over the place now. Usually they're numbers are kept down but lately the Wookiees haven't been doing such a great job at it. Probably hoping one of us accidentally walk into them."
"Let me through." Carth demanded. The last thing he needed was them being eaten by Kinrath—did he doubt their fighting capabilities? No, of course not. He just didn't like taking chances on that matter. The old man just smiled before turning to open the gate for him.
"Good luck out there…" The old man spoke in a disinterested tone as he pushed the gate open. "I'd tell you how I hope you find your friend… but I really don't care what happens to them." He shrugged, backing out of the way.
Carth glared at him before walking down past him and leaving the encampment. The gates closed behind him with a loud click, the murmurs of the guards barely audible. He did, however, hear their malicious laughter and that didn't put him at ease. He hated Czerka. He really did. The walkways were littered with broken branches and—was that blood? It had to be, there were slashes of blood across the walk way, some old, some still fresh. He took a few hesitant steps down the walkway, feeling the ominous breeze that shifted the Wroshyr branches. The sky was gloomy, showing that the time of day was on the cusp of night time… or perhaps that was just the constant shade that the branches presented him with.
Three Czerka employees were passing him by, heading back to the encampment, the one in charge obvious to him as he muttered to his lackeys behind him.
"Neither one of you will say a word when we return. Let me do the talking before we request our transfer." He stated harshly, making them wince at his stern voice. They paid Carth no mind as they kept walking.
"Are you sure? Surely that Jedi—"The captain shot him an angry glare, silencing him.
"Not. Another. Word." They nodded, they're quiet muttering now beyond Carth's ears.
He assumed that by Jedi, they were referring to Samirah. The only other possibility would be that another Jedi was on Kashyyyk but Carth highly doubted that. He didn't see very many Jedi outside of their enclaves very often, not unless they were Dark Jedi.
He hadn't walked far before he found a source of the blood. A broken Wookiee was laid out before him, lifeless and slaughtered. He couldn't suppress his feeling of horror at the image. It was ruthlessly killed, so close to the encampment as well. Footprints in the blood went in several directions—one of which led back to the encampment and was still fresh before slowly dissipating. He was willing to bet those Czerka patrolmen were the cause of this and that idea made him sick. That's what the talk about transfers was. They killed a Wookiee. It's a wonder Zaalbar didn't destroy them where they stood.
Then again, he was sure Samirah wouldn't allow it.
He tried to look away as he kept walking, his blaster on hand and ready to use in the event he came across something that wanted a fight. Mostly what he came across were dead Kinrath, either shot or dead from lightsaber wounds. He was sure if he followed the trail, he'd eventually run into Samirah and the others. He hurried down the walkway, trying to make sure it wasn't too late to catch up with them or to help out if the moment arose.
His feet pounded against the wooden floor of the walkway as he hurried, the sound drowned out by the native creatures in the forest—their loud cries covering his stomping feet. He didn't have time for tact. If what the guard said was true, Samirah could find herself walking into a nest of Kinrath and he wanted to make sure that didn't happen. Not if he could help it. She may be a Jedi but even Jedi had limits.
A sound further down the walkway caught his attention. It sounded like voices, conversing. A man? The conversation didn't last long before he saw a glow—the glow of a lightsaber being ignited. He hurried as the sound of lightsabers clashed, not liking the image it brought to his head. When he rounded the corner he came to a halt when he found that they were facing off against three Dark Jedi. Zaalbar was roaring as he tried to shoot from afar, Bastila fighting one and Samirah fighting another. Her attention was focused on her Dark Jedi while she occasionally would try and force push him away to help defend Zaalbar from the third.
She seemed weary already.
Bastila thrusted her lightsaber through the abdomen of her opponent, not even waiting for the body to fall before spinning and sending a force wave at one of the other two. It caught one who tumbled and rolled into a nearby Wroshyr tree, struggling to get back up again. Bastila was upon him in seconds as Zaalbar shot at him from afar, aware that his bowcaster did barely a thing against a lightsaber in close combat. Samirah struggled with her opponent on the other hand. Their weapons clashed, sparks flying with each contact, the Dark Jedi laughing as they did so. Samirah grunted when their weapons locked and it became a battle of strength.
"Give in…" The Dark Jedi cooed, a sinister smile decorating his face as he pushed, seemingly winning against Samirah. She was pushed down to her knee, the other still up as she tried to not give him too much ground. "Lord Malak will see you dead, one way… or another…" He laughed.
Bastila and the other Dark Jedi were still playing whack a mole as he dodged each blow she attempted, jumping around like a Cracian Thumper. She cried out in frustration when she attempted another blow, missing as he twisted to the side and jabbing at her with his lightsaber. It was a game of hit or miss—both of them missing. Bastila, finally irritated, used her free hand to land a delicate blow on his chest and shot a burst of the Force. He flew back and not giving him the chance to recover, she leapt over him and made a quick, clean swipe through his chest. He cried out for only a moment before Zaalbar blasted him several times in the chest.
He wanted to be certain.
Samirah and the remaining Dark Jedi were still pushing at one another. The Dark Jedi cackled as his finger tips sparked with what could only be sparks of lightning. As he pushed, nearly ready to release his attack, Samirah slid her lightsaber free and rolled to side just as he released his attack. With her off-hand, she reached out for the lightsaber of a fallen Dark Jedi and called it to her hand. Just as it reached her hand, the Dark Jedi was upon her with his off-hand charged with more lightning produced through the Force. She guarded herself from his lightsaber with her own in one hand and caught the lighting in the blade of the other lightsaber. She disengaged her lightsaber from his, with a quick push of her blade and with just as much speed, brought it down against the Dark Jedi while he tried to rebalance himself. He cried out in pain before crumpling to the ground, Samirah panting from the exertion.
She dropped the spare blade, falling into a sitting position to take a breather. Bastila walked over to her, her breathing also ragged, before placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you alright?" She asked, Samirah nodding in response. She attempted a tired smile, laughing in between breaths.
"Yeah, course I am! Nothing beats being attacked by Dark Jedi whose only purpose is to make sure you're dead. I guess we can take this as an indication that Malak is on to us?" She asked, looking at Bastila for confirmation.
"It would seem—"A cry from above hardly gave them any time to react as several Kinrath descended upon them. One had landed mere inches away from Samirah, its legs immediately out in mid attack, its poisonous mouth dripping with venom and aimed at Samirah. She froze for a moment from shock as Bastila tried to quickly attack, igniting her lightsaber to fight when a blaster sounded several times. The Kinrath screamed before falling in a heap beside Samirah.
Bastila didn't hesitate before fighting the others, quickly dispatching them with the help of Zaalbar and—as it would turn out—Carth. By time Samirah grabbed her lightsaber, the Kinrath were dead and Bastila was glaring at Carth.
"I thought we told you to wait on the Ebon Hawk." She hissed, annoyed that he hadn't listened. He merely shrugged it off, looking quickly at Samirah who was now frowning as she poked the dead Kinrath with the hilt of her lightsaber.
"… I hate these things… four legged creatures with poisonous mouths. " She muttered, her frown deepening. She looked at Bastila who was now frowning at her in return. "Ever seen an energy spider? Creepiest things you'll ever see. Pray you never see one. These are like a similar version—and I hate spiders!" She declared.
"You what?" Carth and Bastila asked at the same time, shooting each other a glare before looking back at Samirah. She just nodded, oblivious to their guest.
"I don't like thunder and I don't like spiders. Kinrath are close enough to spiders—they might as well be their bloody cousin… energy spiders could eat you in moments, their webs holding you in place without any chance of ever moving again…" She finished, kicking the carcass away with a cringe. The venom was leaking from its mouth, the poison that had moments ago been too close to her. Then something clicked in to place, her mind catching up.
"Carth? What are you doing here?" She said, her head snapping up to gape at him.
Bastila rolled her eyes at Samirah's attention to detail. At the rate they were going, they were never going to find the Star Maps.
"Looking for you guys. I thought you could use an extra hand." Samirah glanced at Zaalbar who was trying his best not to pay attention to them. He was admiring the Wroshyr trees, his ears listening for any signs of intruders. He didn't seem to want to involve himself with them but Samirah wanted to at least know that he was alright. He looked like he was uncomfortable with the confrontations that occasionally happened between Carth and Samirah.
She shook her head at Carth.
"Go back." When Carth didn't move, she turned around. "Go back to the ship Carth. We're fine." She was checking the bodies of the Dark Jedi for anything of use, ignoring Carth. She took their lightsabers, credits and whatever seemed like it could be beneficial; placing them in her pack—she was sure she could find a good use for them.
"Go back? Are you serious?" He complained, her arms crossed over his chest.
"Yes, go back." She said, standing and turning to look at him. "I don't think it's a good idea for you to be here. Or do you just not trust me enough to get the job done?" She argued. Bastila stepped up to her and put a hand on her shoulder, leaning in to talk quietly with her.
"Samirah, this isn't the time or the place." She chided, giving Samirah a stern look. Samirah looked down and nodded. Before she could respond and try to tell Carth to go back in a civilized tone, they were interrupted by a roar from behind them.
They all spun around to find Zaalbar and another Wookiee roaring at each other, a confrontation that looked like it would end badly.
"You are trespassing in the domain of Chuundar, Chieftain and leader!" The Wookiee roared, his words directed at them all but his eyes on Zaalbar who stood up tall.
"Stand aside! This Human is with me and I want access to the home of my people!" The Wookiee growled at Zaalbar, leaning forward at him as he tried to impose fear.
"You have no rights here, mad-claw! This human should not have brought this taint upon our land! You must answer to Chuundar!" He bellowed as Samirah hurried over to Zaalbar's side, Carth now forgotten. Zaalbar had become her priority now.
"Taint? What taint? If it's Czerka you're talking about, I had no part—"The Wookiee growled at her, making her stumble back as he screamed at her angrily. Zaalbar put himself between Samirah and the other Wookiee, growling back. He didn't like her being threatened.
"He speaks of me, Samirah Alda… I am the taint that you have brought back. Back down! Leave this human be!" He roared but the guard wouldn't have it. He shook his weapon in the air as his eyes bore holes into Zaalbar.
"Shut up!" He angrily yelled. Clearly, Zaalbar was no longer welcomed home. He had yet to do anything and they were already angry by his mere presence among them. Angry that he even stepped foot on Kashyyyk. "You are nameless with dishonor, mad-claw! Yours is a foulness that disgusts me! We shall talk no more of this! You and the outcast mad-claw will be taken to Chuundar now!" This time, he turned to stare at Samirah.
They hardly had a chance to say a word before several more Wookiee guards dropped down next to them, two of which grabbed Zaalbar. He hardly resisted but his eyes followed Samirah as she, along with Carth and Bastila, were surrounded by a group of guards. Their weapons pointed at them as they were surrounded, unable to flee and too far outnumbered to hope for an escape plan. They were given no choice before being pushed forward and herded away to where the village was. Samirah kept her hand closed to her lightsaber, hoping this wouldn't lead to a fight but preparing for it if need be. She didn't want to harm anyone and she definitely didn't want to anyone of them to be harmed—especially Zaalbar. She looked over at him and felt a wave a sympathy wash over her to see his distressed face. His eyes were darting around, examining the surrounding before his eyes rested on Samirah.
He wasn't happy.
He was tense and angry.
He was worried.
That troubled Samirah the most.
The meeting went as poorly as any could get. Zaalbar was bound in chains, guarded by other Wookiees to ensure they had no trouble from him. He was defeated, utterly at their mercy unless Samirah did as she was asked.
"You can't be serious, please, be reasonable!" She protested but the high chieftain of the Rwookrrorro village stood his ground. Chuundar. The brother of Zaalbar. His face was hard and set as he eyed Samirah with disdain.
"The Chieftain has spoken. I care not for what you want or for what will make things easier for you. No more words, outsider." He roared. "I've given my orders. I can't hold you here, but Zaalbar will stay until you kill the mad-claw in the Shadowlands. Now leave! You're presence here is an eyesore." He flicked his wrist and immediately the guards were upon them yet again.
They seized Samirah by the arms before she could attempt to fight back and argue with Chuundar about the release of Zaalbar. She, along with Carth and Bastila, were dragged away from the hut as Zaalbar was left to roar for their release. Samirah tried to jerk away but when the Wookiees firm hold of her forearm tightened she flinched and realized that it was futile.
They were being forced to abandon Zaalbar.
"Don't worry Big Z! We'll be back, I promise!" She screamed before they were literally tossed out from the hut, collapsing on the wooden floor outside. The Wookiees took up their post around the hut, one of which staring straight at them with an angry expression.
"Go northwest and follow the platform to the south and then the east. Gorwooken awaits you and will lower you to the forest floor—thought I am disgusted at the idea of an outsider running freely, it is the will of Chuundar. Leave our sights and I hope you do not return."He snarled, making Samirah flinch.
They weren't welcomed.
Carth helped Samirah up, her attention too focused on the Wookiees to notice who it was that was helping her. He was pretty sure that if she realized who was holding on to her arms now, that she would begin a tirade of how he should leave and that they were fine without him. He needed to talk to her about that, he needed to straighten things out but he had this gut feeling that he shouldn't say a word to her. Not yet at least.
"At least we've gained access to the forest floor…" Bastila attempted to find the lighter side of it but couldn't help but feel Samirah's worry without the help of the bond. "It is, however, a horrible time for the Chieftain to hold our Wookiee friend. It would be most helpful if we were allowed his guidance while exploring." Samirah shook her head, finally pulling her eyes away from the Wookiee guard who was now ignoring her.
"You're telling me… I don't like leaving Zaalbar in there; I don't like him being held a prisoner. If Mission ever found out…." They all went silent at the idea of Mission trying to fight through the entire village to reach Zaalbar. If at all possible, she couldn't be allowed to know.
"It seems all that's left to do is get down there and take care of what needs to be done before we can free him." Carth suggested. Samirah nodded before she blinked quickly as the realization hit her… again. She turned to look at him, opened her mouth to remark before clamping it shut.
Bastila and Carth both watched as several emotions crossed her face and the few times that she opened her mouth to say something before closing it and shaking her head. After a moment more, she pinched the bridge of her nose again, turned and walked away, leaving Carth and Bastila to follow after her. The two quietly followed, leaving space between them and Samirah so that she couldn't hear their hushed whispers—not that she was paying them any mind since she was forcing her mind to think about other things.
"Carth, you shouldn't be here…" Bastila whispered, a firm frown set into place. Carth just shook his head.
"What would you have me do on the ship? I can't just let you guys go by yourselves either, it's dangerous out here—"Bastila just quietly laughed in disbelief.
"You think we need help? Carth, I don't think you remember but we are Jedi and we are very capable of handling ourselves, don't you think?" She argued. He looked away, trying not to pay her any attention as they neared the guard who would let them out onto the great walkway.
He did so with a smug smile, happy to get them out of his village and they were fairly sure he would try to keep them out if at all possible. Samirah walked past him, trying desperately to keep her thoughts organized. She knew Carth and Bastila were whispering to themselves behind her but she really didn't care much to listen in on what they were saying. Her mind was already preoccupied with the things at hand: The star map, Zaalbar, Kashyyyk, Carth—her mind felt so overwhelmed that it was taking considerable strength not to just whip the Force out like a weapon and smash everything in sight. Destroy a house if it would relieve her of this tension but she already knew that she could not give way to her stress.
She had to remain disciplined. She could feel Bastila's eyes on her, watching her carefully as she felt Samirah's tense body through the force. It was like a crackling spark of lightning, only coming out in quick spurts but retreating as she fought to keep it under control. While they had meditated on the ship, Bastila had told her that she was here to help, that if Samirah required help, Bastila would offer what little guidance she could. Bastila's words still echoed through her head like a constant hum.
I only hope I will have the wisdom to help you through the dark times…
Samirah hoped so too.
"Outsider, leave now before I am forced to report an accident!" Samirah's feet stopped as she finally paid attention to her surroundings. They had weaved through the walkway, quietly and quickly following the directions that were so roughly given to them. When Samirah looked up, she saw a familiar person standing in front of them.
"And I said I don't care what you say, I'm—"
"Canderous?" Samirah questioned as the Mandalorian turned around. His mouth tugged up in one corner, revealing his infamous smirk before crossing his arms.
"There you are, kid." The Wookiee behind him roared in frustration.
"Yes. Take him with you. Rid me of his insistent pestering before he becomes food for the Kinrath!" The guard cried, waving Canderous off as he walked away. "I have no time to deal with his insistent questioning and impulsiveness. You want to go the Shadowlands? Fine. But take this senseless outsider with you and perhaps he can be your bargaining chip with the creatures. Gorwooken waits for you."
He walked away, perhaps going elsewhere to guard so that Canderous didn't pester him anymore. Samirah just raised a suspicious eyebrow at him as he shrugged.
"The fur ball was already on edge when I got here. I caused him no more trouble than I cause soldier boy there." He said with a smug grin at Carth.
"…well that explains everything then…" Carth muttered. Samirah chose to ignore his comment with a sigh. She didn't feel like dealing with this.
"Does nobody want to stay on the ship or something?" She pinched the bridge of her nose again, attempting to fight off her stress and closing her eyes briefly before a thought occurred to her. "Wait. You didn't leave Mission alone did you?" She said, looking at him with a fearful expression. She wouldn't be able to deal with things if Mission found out about Zaalbar.
Canderous shook his head.
"She stayed behind to play Pazaak with that bucket of bolts. That droid seems to give her a challenge whenever they play so she opted to try and beat him." He explained, letting Samirah breathe out a sigh of relief. If she had found out about Zaalbar…
"Speaking of Wookiees, where's ours? Wasn't he with you instead of soldier boy?" This only caused Samirah to sigh again. This was going to be a long trip.
"Was, being the key word. Come on."
As they walked down the pathway, she explained to Canderous the situation as Bastila and Carth listened on the way. The situation didn't seem to faze him but he did express his appreciation for the way Chuundar did things. A warrior who made the enemy work hard to earn their rights among his people—that was something Canderous could appreciate. Samirah, on the other hand, didn't really care for it at all. It was putting Zaalbar at risk and in an unpleasant situation that Samirah would very much like to fix and fix quickly.
She could only pray that the Force would protect him and guide her to her goal as swiftly as it could.
Or, you know, guide her to a group of angry Wookiees too.
Because that made everything better.
They had just rounded a corner to find a few Wookiees, angrily hacking at Kinrath. She thought about intervening but thought twice about it when she figured their angry fight could be easily turned in her direction. So far, she hadn't met any Wookiees that were even slightly happy to see. Forget happy, they could barely tolerate her presence at all and she wanted to try to placate them as much as possible. As soon as the last Kinrath was struck down, the Wookiees charged forward except for one. He had noticed their gazing eyes and spun around on them, his weapon raised and poised for attack.
"What do you want, outsider? I won't let you follow us on our hunt. Chorrawl is not here for your amusement!" He shouted. Samirah flinched, her hand twitching for her lightsaber but trying not to show that she was ready to fight. She was tired of fighting them—verbally or physically.
"I don't mean you any harm—I'm just looking to do what I can." The Wookiee snarled in response.
"Feh! I'll believe that when our planet is free of you. Your kind is here only to take or destroy. I won't be your trophy, dead or as a slave. Leave me. You have no place here." Samirah dropped her hand away from her waist, rubbing her face with her other hand instead.
"All I want to do is find the star map and I guess this crazy Wookiee in the Shadowlands and I'll be gone. I won't bother your people anymore, I just need to finish this task. I promise that I'm no enemy of yours." The Wookiee dropped his hands, lowering his stance as he gave her a puzzled expression.
"The only crazed creature I know of is one of your kind, outsider, not mine." Samirah looked at him with her eyebrows knitted. One of her kind? "We see him from time to time. We leave him alone. He has our respect because he has braved the lands alone. Sometimes he helps lone travelers. He is crazy, though. Our finest warriors hunt the Shadowlands in groups, yet he lives there alone. Avoid him. Madness is to be feared."
This peaked Samirah's interest. A crazy man lived in the Shadowlands? He helps lone travelers? Crazy or not, he may know about the star map and if that meant deciphering riddles, then decipher them she would do. She would accept any help right now; any help, in any form.
"How long has he been down there?" She asked the Wookiee curiously. He seemed irritated to find that he had intrigued her by any amount.
"Many years. It is impossible to know how many. A decade? Two? Perhaps he can answer your questions. Or kill you." When she frowned, the Wookiee gave what she suspected was a smile and a happy little grumble at the thought.
A crazy man who lived among the toughest of Wookiees sounded like a potential hazard. She didn't like the idea of having to confront anyone who would attack on sight but the chance that he might have answers was too good to pass up.
"If he has been there for years…" Bastila mused, her mind following the same track that Samirah's was.
"Are you out of your mind? He just said that he was crazy and dangerous." Carth pointed out making Canderous grunt. Bastila turned to look at Carth, her expression serious rather than irritated at his constant concern for their safety.
"Perhaps not as crazy as he would have the Wookiees believe. Whatever his state of mind though, he could prove useful in finding the star map." Samirah nodded and agreed.
"Thank you, Chorrawl. It seems we have yet another task to complete." She said the last part more to herself but never the less, the Wookiee was grateful to be rid of her questions.
"Yes, go, and don't expect a friendly welcome if you return. This world is my home, not yours." He snarled before walking away to chase after the rest of his hunting party who had already cleared the way for them. He cared not for the affairs of the humans so long as they stayed out of his way.
Obviously, that wasn't their intention but it did prove useful to Samirah and the rest of them. They walked carefully down the walkway, making sure that nothing was waiting to surprise them—no more Dark Jedi would be a pleasing thought to Samirah. How they had managed to find them on Kashyyyk was still a wonder to Samirah. Malak had to be hot on their heels if he knew where they were going. That thought troubled Samirah.
The distance left was short as they neared the basket that would lower them down to the Shadowlands. Samirah could see what looked like a Wookiee, pacing back and forth, the look of aggravation clear in his stance and posture. The moment he noticed their presence, he immediately gave them what could only be described as a Wookiee version of a scowl. He kept that scowl on his face as they neared.
"Chuundar has commanded that I grant you access to the Shadowlands. Gorwooken is what I am called. Walk with care, outsiders… Only our bravest return from these lands. Your soft feet are a barely tolerated insult." He squeezed his hands into tight balls, hating the very idea of allowing them to the floor of his planet. Samirah felt a wave of sympathy and exhaustion. The Czerka Corporation were just making things worse here—for everyone. She was just mentally tired.
"I understand. If you wouldn't care to permit it... I wanted to ask who else was down there?" She said quietly but that seemed to only aggravate Gorwooken more.
"Chuundar said nothing about answering your questions. A few like you are in the Shadowlands, given permission by Chuundar. I don't know why. Only Wookiees should be allowed. The journeys of my people, however, are very personal. I won't speak of them to an outsider." Samirah nodded, not wanting to push him too far over the edge.
"Then I'll only ask about the ones like me if you wish not to speak of them. I will not force it from you." She offered and this seemed to appease him.
"You ask very respectfully. Outsiders never do that. I suppose I can mention some. Rorworr was latest to enter but has not returned for several day. He was strong and able so it would be a surprise if he has perished. Chuundar believes one of us is below—mad, crazed, killing all but I do not know. Chuundar also allows those of the Czerka to move in the Shadowlands. They kill much." He paused for a moment, letting his thoughts formulate for a moment before continuing.
"And there is another, but he has earned our respect. He does not disturb our lives or customs. And he gets angry like a Wookiee sometimes." Samirah's was taken back for a second at the thought of a human being compared to a Wookiee. She figured he had to be talking about the crazy man that was mentioned earlier. Gorwooken's face scrunched up for a moment before roaring in distaste. "Urgh… his name hurts my tongue. He had lived alone in the Shadowlands for many years now… I cannot recall how long but long enough to know it." He finished.
Samirah nodded, looking at the basket as she rubbed her hands together in self-comfort. She felt something tingling from the Shadowlands and the thought of entering it didn't seem so appealing anymore. Unfortunately, it was too late to turn back now.
"Gorwooken, if you are ready—I'd like to enter the Shadowlands now." The Wookiee nodded, moving to the basket to open the gate for them.
The basket was a simple woken platform with four posts on the ends that shed a faint light with a wooden bar running across the back to provide support. An arch ran from the middle of one side to the other which is what was held by the rope that lowered them down. It seemed to run on a pulley system; somewhere, something was regulating the rope and helping the mechanism work when it was required. They all entered the basket quietly before Gorwooken closed the gate and looked at them all.
"The descent is long. Be still, or we will attract… unwelcome visitors." He warned. When no one answered him, he took that as their acknowledgement to their request before beginning the descent down.
The basket started with a shake, unbalancing everyone for a moment before the descent began, smoothly moving down the length of the trees. The lights on the walkway, slowly disappearing, as they were lowered into the depths far below the Wookiee Village and massive walkway. For a while, it was a comfortable silence as Samirah gazed up to watch the lights disappear, the darkness engulfing them but it felt peaceful for a moment. Samirah felt this peace wash over her and she managed a small smile as her lips separated to gape. It wasn't a spooky darkness, the little bit of light that trickled down through the leaves provided enough light to faintly see their surroundings. Whatever had made her fear the basket had slowly dissipated, being replaced with a tranquility.
She'd been to Kashyyyk once or twice before on her travels, meeting contacts at the Czerka docking but she had never ventured past the docks. She knew the tension between the Wookiees and any outsiders was bad and had been advised several times not to go beyond the docks. She'd always taken them at their word, thinking she had no reason to stay any longer. She wanted to help, but she was only a scout and she doubted any one person could end a struggle between two opposing groups. What could she do?
The smell of the rainforest soothed her, as did the sound of the breeze that drifted past them, rustling the leaves that adorned the long branches.
Gorwooken hadn't been kidding. The descent was long but far from tedious; it was just quiet and dark—mysterious even. Not very many people ever got to be lowered into the depths of Kashyyyk, the Wookiees rarely allowed such things. At least, that was the impression Samirah got but then she quickly realized that it couldn't be true. The star map was down there. Someone had to have put it there and Revan had to have discovered it. Not to mention the man the Wookiees spoke of who was still down there, better left alone than to be confronted. So why had so many outsiders been allowed before? Are they the reason none are allowed now?
Curious.
The descent felt like it was taking hours but perhaps it had only been several minutes. Carth and Canderous tried to stay far apart but they could almost hear each other's breathing. Canderous may not have anything against Carth but Carth seemed to not be too fond of the Mandalorian and his far but close proximity. No length would be great enough for him. Bastila was taking in the calming air, trying to block out the tension that was easily felt from the two men that traveled with them. She almost wished Samirah had been more forceful with Carth and made him return back to the ship. He really didn't have a part here and she felt that he was only currently presenting problems for Samirah.
Their companions were a mess of emotions—emotions that would mingle and taint them all if they weren't careful. The Force would draw from their emotions and that influence could affect Samirah and Bastila if they were not careful.
The basket gave way to another shake—more forceful than the first that had set the basket in motion, knocking everyone from their thoughts as they each grabbed for a railing to prevent themselves from falling. Gorwooken growled to himself as he inspected the mechanism up top, trying to see the unforeseen problem in their travels.
"Gorwooken?" Samirah started, puzzled and slightly worried at their sudden stop. She moved from the railing, stopping a few inches away from the Wookiee who seemed suddenly aggravated again as he climbed up to inspect the top of the basket. Something was off.
"Something… something stopped the basket." He pondered out loud before the basket tipped and wobbled, throwing the passengers to the floor. Samirah was thrown back and rolled down to the open edge where there was nothing to stop her from falling through the railing.
She gasped before she managed to grab a post in one of the corners, hugging it tightly as the basket continued to tip as if something was throwing it off balance. The way the basket was made, any small thing could set it off balance—but it had to be deliberate. The rope was struggling to keep moving, moving back and forth like a saw as the mechanism tried to continue its function but being thwarted. The struggle was causing the basket to shift and shake when it usually was as still as air. Carth and Canderous were both holding on to posts on the other side of the basket, nowhere near Samirah as her feet dangled from the basket away from them. They both watched her intensely as Bastila wrapped an arm around the wooden railing that kept her secure and held her hand out to Samirah. With concentration, she tugged and yanked Samirah with the Force and back on to the platform, her body landing in the middle with a thud.
With nothing to grab onto, she pulled her lightsaber out and with a quick motion—ignited it and pierced the floor with it to keep her from sliding left and right or worse, right off the platform. She held with both hands tightly on the hilt of her lightsaber, the basket at a forty-five degree angle. The rope that had been hooked at one of the corners that kept the basket level, snapped, which kept the basket at an angle. Gorwooken growled in frustration as he tried to keep the rest of the basket from snapping. Samirah whimpered quietly. She had no idea how close to the floor they were or if they were even close at all. The basket stuttered and shook them again, Gorwooken fastened tightly to the top as he tried to prevent the basket from plunging them to their deaths. He was working to fix the kink in the rope. He quickly found the problem and grumbled as he repaired it. Samirah felt as her lightsaber moved—tilted—and sliding slowly through the wooden floor of the basket as it wobbled loosely in the air.
"It seems to be stuck… this has never happened before." Gorwooken responded, an attempt to ease their minds but to no avail. It was sabotage. His people would never do such a thing but he knew who would and that infuriated him. Samirah's blade moved again and her eyes flew up to where Gorwooken spoke.
"If at all possible… It would be very much appreciated… if you could hurry to fix it… soon…" She spoke in a small voice, her uneasy smile strained as she tried to not let show how tense she felt as her weapon moved. Gorwooken seemed oblivious to her anxiety as he just growled in response.
The basket jerked again as it was being forced to try and reposition itself to Gorwooken's command. It shuttered as he tried to pull the snag that was causing the unbalance in the platform and move to restore the broken rope. Once that was repaired he could try to reposition the basket as it was meant to be—lucky that the basket had excess rope. Samirah gripped the hilt of her lightsaber, her feet dangling as she tried to get some traction on the soles of her shoes. All she got from her efforts were her feet sliding down and getting her nowhere as her lightsaber tilted again. The movement was only easing the lightsaber out more.
Gorwooken fastened the rope on the corner and climbed back through the basket to find the mechanism that started and stopped the decent, ready to reposition the basket if everything was in place.
"Samirah…" Bastila warned, causing everyone's eyes to move to her lightsaber. Samirah looked up to see the blade sputter and spit before it disengaged all together, shutting off. Her body immediately sliding down the length of the basket and her lightsaber slipping from her hands as she frantically tried to grab something to hold on too.
She panicked as her hands felt nothing except for the few splinters that slid into her palms and fingers. She felt as her feet left the platform, her waist and finally her torso before her hands caught the ledge of it, leaving her dangling by the mere tips of her fingers. A small cry escaped her lips at the pain of forcing her fingers to hold her up as she griped the edge as tightly as she was able, her lightsaber rolling right past her and falling off the platform. Instead of panicking about her lightsaber falling, she listened intently to see if she could hear the sound of its impact—anything that would reveal how much further they had left.
She heard nothing.
"H-hold on!" Bastila cried, the creaking of wood as Gorwooken fixed the last broken section of the basket in a final attempt to restore it to its former glory. The baskets fallen end was abruptly forced upright as it was repositioned in a harsh manner. In doing so, lifting Samirah's end and snapping it back into place with a powerful bounce—jolting her enough to force her to let go.
She felt as her hands were forced off and her fingers brushing against the edge of the basket, unable to catch it. Her stomach felt like it had leapt up into her throat as that weightless feeling hit her but it was far from reassuring. Her eyes widened as she uselessly clawed at the air hoping that her hands could find something but she only felt the air.
"Samirah!" She wasn't sure who yelled, perhaps it was everyone or just her own mind but it was more than likely the last thing she would hear. Her voice had frozen, unable to release a scream that would reach anyone's ears. So she fell silently, fear gripping her body.
"Samirah!" The moment Bastila saw her disappear, she let go of the post and hurried to the edge. She dove on to her stomach and threw her hand out hoping that maybe, just maybe Samirah wasn't too far away to see it or even reach it—maybe she could move quickly enough to her but when Bastila looked over the edge, she saw no one. She shook her head, searching the force through the bond.
Samirah… Samirah... Answer me!
It went quiet. She didn't feel anything through the force, it was silent—numb.
The basket started again with a slight lurch before the Wookiee dropped down again and surveyed the platform. When he noticed Samirah's absence, he grumbled something to himself but no one paid him any attention. Canderous and Carth just stared with wide eyes at the spot where she used to be… the spot where she fell. There was silence.
"No…" Carth managed to say, barely above a whisper. Canderous' face remained neutral, his jaw firm as he tried to not think of what the others were thinking. "No, that didn't happen. Bastila, you can still feel her right?"
Bastila moved into a seated position, her legs tucked to the side of her as her hand rested in her lap. Her back was facing the two men but she refused to look at them, to even speak. She was still searching the force. She had to be there. This wasn't what was supposed to happen, it couldn't. She was essential, she was needed, she was wanted—she was important to them. The Force would not just simply take her away from them. The Force could not let her go like that. It couldn't.
"Bastila!" Carth demanded and she spun her head around to glare at him, her eyes tinged a red color but no tears. Jedi never cried. That was a part of the rules.
"I'm looking! Do not turn your anger on me, Carth. I-I'm looking, I just… I just can't find her…!" She replied furiously.
"She has to be there!" He shot back, his hands balled into tight fists. Gorwooken remained silent, not bothering to involve himself in human affairs. Respectful she may have been but one less human in the world didn't seem like such a problem to him.
"The kid wouldn't die that easily…" Canderous responded with an absolute certainty to annoyed Carth. How would he know? "Give the kid more credit than that, she's not one to give up without a fight." Carth looked away, everyone remaining silent as the basket continued its decent for a few minutes more before it slowed down.
The moment they all felt the deceleration, they were scanning the area, the only light illuminating the area being the small lit lanterns and the patches of moonlight that shone through. Bastila kept her mind opened to the Force, hoping to find some sign of Samirah; a thought, a feeling, a fleeting touch of her through the bond. The basket slowed even more before coming to a complete stop. Gorwooken secured the basket as Bastila jumped from it and scanned the area for Samirah, for anything.
"Samirah!" Her feet felt the grass and she frantically searched the area, her eyes adjusting to the scenery rather quickly. "Samirah, if you can hear me, respond now! If this is a game it is in poor taste!" She challenged but heard nothing in response. Something from the corner of her eye caught her attention—something that glinted.
Her… lightsaber? If it was here… where was she?
"Missing someone?" Bastila spun to see a face she remembered but unsure from where. It didn't matter because Canderous stepped up, his blaster rifle already out and ready, a pleasant grin in place. A grin that worried even Bastila.
"Calo Nord." He said with pleasure. "I knew you couldn't be killed so easily. We have a rematch to settle, you and I."
Calo's face remained as expressionless as ever, cold and calculating as two Wookiees emerged from the shadows of the forest floor. Something Bastila hadn't sensed because her focus was on Samirah—a mistake that could have proved fatal to them all had Calo not felt the need to speak to them.
"I have to give you credit… you've led me on quite a chase. But nobody gets away from Calo Nord in the end. Not even a Mandalorian such as yourself, Canderous. Seems I may not have gotten you all in my little trap but I managed one of you by the looks of it." Bastila's face hardened.
Of course! It was no accident; it was an attempt to kill them all at once had Gorwooken not fixed it. Calo didn't like to play fair. Bounty hunters only cared about the prize and reaching it by any means necessary.
"I see you brought some back up, Calo. Realized we were a bit much to handle on your own, eh?" Canderous taunted but Calo shrugged it off.
"No, Canderous. Just wanting to make sure I only have to do the job once. You got lucky on Taris; the Sith attack saved you from a quick and gruesome death. But I promise you, the Sith won't be getting in my way this time. It'll just be you and me." He mused, a smirk curling the corner of his mouth.
"You'll regret this, Calo." Bastila warned, her double-bladed lightsaber already unbuckled and ignited but it hardly worried Calo. He seemed more intrigued by it than anything else. "You'll regret ever stepping on Kashyyyk." He only smirked.
"We'll see about that. Let's go, boys… It's show time!"
The fight begun, their focus now on Calo.
Samirah moaned as she stirred, feeling the bruising all over her back and her sides. She coughed as she felt the after effects of air being knocked from her while she struggled to breathe. If those were the only wounds she would suffer, she could handle that. She could handle it so long as it meant she was still alive. She had been lucky. The Force was truly looking out for her. She had fallen into a net of vines or maybe they were webs? They were sturdy enough to break her fall and held her long enough for her hands to grab on before snapping and swinging her over a hill, rolling down its side. She had been thrown away from where the basket was supposed to land. The impact had knocked her unconscious but for how long… she wasn't sure. She struggled to move but found it hard as the pain burned through her limbs.
Where was Bastila and Canderous… and Carth? Were they still stuck in the air on the basket? Did they land? Her head ached and she moaned in response. Her legs feeling like jelly, her hands soar from splinters and the bruises that dotted her body only made her feel tired. She was always getting battered by something. Better herself than the others, she supposed.
The crunching of grass made her head snap over in the direction the sound originated from. She opened her mouth, ready to speak thinking that Bastila or someone had found her but before she could utter a sound, a Katarn stepped out. Its nostrils flaring as it sniffed the air, its eyes following Samirah. She froze as she groped the grass, looking for some kind of protection—idealistically, her lightsaber but found that it had landed nowhere near her. Damn. The Katarn pawed at the ground, shaking its head before readying its horns.
Maybe luck wasn't on her side.
As the Katarn started to move, something caught its attention, making it roar. A green light cut through the darkness and swung in all directions, someone letting loose a battle cry as the weapon cut through the Katarn with hardly any effort at all. The creature snarled before stumbling about as another swipe of the weapon sent it crashing against the floor with a small growl. And just like that the green light extinguished itself and at first, she wondered if one of the Masters had followed them into Kashyyyk… would they leave the enclave just to watch out for them?
"Ah, the damnable racket of battle…" The unknown visitor mumbled. "If you aren't careful, these beasts will jump up out at you from their little hidey holes in the underbrush."
Samirah blinked as she realized she didn't recognize the voice. She had no idea who it was. A Jedi she had yet to meet? Why were they so far from Dantooine? From Coruscant?
"Well, well, what do we have here?" He stepped closer, Samirah's eyes finally adjusting to reveal a man—an older man with a darkish caramel skin tone that was adorned with what looked like Jedi robes. He was bald with a graying beard and eyebrows that were arched up as he inspected her.
"W-who are you?" She managed in a hoarse voice as he knelt down in front of her.
"I'm Jolee. Jolee Bindo. Seems you've got yourself into a bit of trouble now haven't you, lass?" He said as he placed a hand on her arm, making her flinch for a moment before she felt the strength of the Force flow through her. He closed his eyes and scrunched his face up a bit as he concentrated on her wounds.
He was healing her. The aches melted away, the bruises fading away as if they were never there. When he had finished, he let out a breath he had been holding in before offering her his hand. He helped her into a sitting position before helping her to stand up, her mind a bit flabbergasted at everything. He helped her. He couldn't possibly be the crazy man… could he?
"Y-you used the force? You use a lightsaber? Are you a Jedi?" She questioned quickly. Was this the old man the Wookiees talked about? They never even mentioned that he could possibly be a Jedi. How did they miss that small piece of detail?
Jolee just rolled his eyes at her comment.
"Ah, don't start fawning just yet. I'm too old for it." He said with a sigh and a shake of his head, keeping a relaxed hold on her forearm. "I...I might know a few things, but let's save that for another time, hm? Let's get you to my camp first where it's safe and snug too. It's nearby, under a log."
They both paused.
"A log?" She questioned slowly which made him look at her sharply.
"Yeah, I live like some burrowing rodent. I fought the Sith… now look at me. Hmph!" He said with disdain, his nose scrunched up as he wiggled it.
"I-I wasn't judging." She quickly amended, earning a rueful smile from the old Jedi.
"I wasn't born yesterday lass." He said as he directed her in the right way to his little hut. "Keep close. Don't want you being eaten when I'm not looking—would be a most unfortunate fate if you ask me. There are far worse fates though, believe me, but a fate we don't want just yet." He said with what sounded like… amusement?
Perhaps this old man was crazy after all. Samirah could only but trust him for now, at least until she found the others. She knew they were alright, she could faintly feel Bastila… but her thoughts were focused on something else. Whatever it was, it required her full attention and kept Samirah from fully checking in on them. All she could do was pray they were alright and that the Force was with them, keeping them safe.
And that they wouldn't kill each other either.
Whichever came first.
And done!
How did you like it? Bad? Good? Leave me a comment/review and tell me what you thought, even if you just wanted to remark on a certain scene or make an edit to it- I appreciate any feedback from you guys! I love hearing from you! I hope you guys liked it and I can't wait to keep going, I get the feeling i'm going to really enjoy writing the following chapters with Jolee in the mix... hehe, he makes me smile. Thank so much for reading guys and for sticking with me! You are the best there ever was! Until next time (which should be soon since- as in before christmas but don't quote me on that. Since I don't have school it should be quicker than a month, no doubt.) don't forget to cast your vote either! Personally, I'm thinking Tatooine to go get HK but its ultimately up to you guys ;) i'll write whatever chapter you guys choose! Thanks again, and I hope to hear from you!
~~SilverShards~~