Disclaimer: I own none of it. Except Damien - he's mine. This fanfic was constructed from my memory of playing the XBox version of the game, and the dialog.tlk file from the PC version. It may have some mistakes... probably got continuity errors too... but add the fact the character's not acting like he should anyway, and it doesn't really matter, does it?

Author's note: What can I say without giving away the plot here? I like the evil creep, and wanted to give him a second chance. Of course, try telling him that ^_^

Feza's Twin: Yuthura was the most powerful person left at the academy after Uthar's death. And Damien/Revan is very charismatic. I wouldn't be so surprised that the two of them could convince a bunch of snot-nosed students to make themselves elsewhere. Especially with Damien's skill at Force persuasion.

Master o Randomness: Your wish is my command. Here be Jolee. Oh... I have the X-Box version. I never played Yavin Station *grumbled about stupid X-Box Live being too much trouble otherwise I would* so it shall not be in this fic.

_Data_: Thanks.

Majin Trunks: Thank you. I have to say that causing someone to go back and play the game again is the best compliment I think I could get for this fic ^_^

Shadow39: Here you go.

Xan: ^_^ glad you like.

arrow maker: Thanks. I hope it's temporary, too. I like your fic.

NathanPostmark: Thanks. Glad you like.

Luthos: Thank you.

Ozziegrl: Glad you liked it. You should try the male version of the game; some of the lines you can say to Bastila are priceless. I tried to get most of them in here, but I couldn't get them all.

The Holy Beergut: You can convert everyone I specifically named converting. But the bit where Damien conspired with Yuthura to turn the rest of them away from the dark side was my own invention because I didn't feel like a bloodbath. I apologise for the lack of HK-47 in this chapter... but he is here, just not a lot.

* * *

Chapter 5 - Shadows And Shades Of Grey

We spent the night in Dantooine's spaceport. I sat awake in the common area, while Carth's snoring could be heard from the sleeping quarters. I was reading over the copy of Uthar's notes. I'd decrypted several more entries, and was beginning to get bored of it, when I came across an entry that I was eternally grateful for finding.

'A new student, by the name of Kira Sevel - a fallen Jedi - has recently informed me of some interesting information. Several of the highest-ranking Jedi Masters have set up an academy on the remote planet of Dantooine. This academy appears to have been functioning for several years. Many Jedi students are reported to study at this location. A strike on this planet could eliminate a significant number of our enemies. I shall inform Lord Malak of this in my report, next week.'

This entry was dated two weeks ago. I killed Uthar four days ago. Damn!

I quickly left the ship, headed straight for the Jedi Council chambers.

When I got the Council chambers, I was surprised to find Vrook there. I hadn't expected to find anyone awake at this hour, really. I don't know why I rushed here.

"Is there a problem, Padawan?" Vrook asked.

"Yes." I said, walking over to him. "As I think Yuthura told you, I've just come here from Korriban."

"Yes." he said warily.

"I... um... stole some encrypted data from the Sith master there. It was for a good cause. I used some of it to convince one of the kids there to leave the Sith."

"And why do you tell me of this?" he asked.

"Well... I was going over the datapad... and..." I showed him the entry.

His eyes widened, "This is not good news." he said.

"No kidding." I muttered. He shot me a glare, "Look, Master Vrook, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's probably a good idea for you to evacuate this settlement." I said.

"I agree. I shall inform the rest of the Council first thing in the morning." he said, nodding.

"We'll be gone by then." I muttered, "I'll be on my way to Kashyyyk tomorrow." I smiled, "May the Force be with you, Master Vrook. I hope my fears are unfounded... but it's better safe than sorry, right?"

"That is indeed correct." he agreed.

The Hawk flew out for Kashyyk before sunrise, that morning.

* * *

"What do you know about Revan and Malak?" I asked, as I sat next to Carth in the common area of the Hawk. I had nothing better to do at the time, and conversation beats Jedi meditation, any day.

He snorted slightly, "To think that I once looked up to those two as the best that humanity had to offer. Now I'd like nothing more than to put a blaster to both their heads." he said viciously. I winced. "Although I suppose only Malak is left, isn't he? Turned on his own master, not that Revan didn't have it coming. Heh. Typical for their kind, I guess."

"Did you know them?" I asked.

"No, not personally." he said, shaking his head, "They aided the Republic during the Mandalorian wars. They were heroes. Without them the Mandaloreans would have finished us for certain. In the fleet, we didn't see much of the Jedi. I only met Malak once, but I was impressed by him. I guess that just shows how much the dark side can change someone."

"What do you know about the dark side?" I asked.

"I, uh... used to think that it was a fancy name for something that I see every day. Corruption is everywhere." he said, scowling, "People are greedy and stupid and do horrible things. I'm starting to think it's different for the Jedi, however. That there's this evil watching them, waiting for its chance. You have so much courage and strength in you... yet, somehow, I have no trouble imagining it differently. Like the flip side of a coin."

"Want the truth?" I asked. He gave me a wary look, but then nodded, "You're right. There is something in the dark side that seems to be conscious. But the dark side isn't entirely evil, it's just where evil happens to live. It does apply to normal people, too, though. It affects Jedi more strongly because of our connection to the Force, but even the most Force-blind person can fall under its sway if they're not careful."

"You seem to know a lot about it." he said.

"Well, hang around Korriban's academy long enough, and you learn a few things." I smirked darkly, "If you know how to look at their lessons, anyway. I doubt anyone studying the Sith teachings at face value would be able to tell you what I just told you."

"I see." he grumbled. Then he sighed, "You know, sometimes I get the feeling you're falling to the dark side - I mean, I'm no Jedi, but still - then you turn right around and do the right thing. You confuse me." he smirked, "You could at least make up your mind which side you're on."

"Actually, I like to think I'm not on either side." I said, smirking, "I've seen the Jedi on Dantooine, and it makes me ill to think of living like that - emotionless, cold. It doesn't seem right to me. Then I take a look at the Sith - heartless and cold. There's got to be somewhere in between that isn't so bloody cold!"

He laughed, "I see what you mean." he said, nodding.

"Believe me, I see the risk in the dark side." I sighed, "I see it clear as day. What worries me is how easy it is to think it won't happen to you. Bastila thinks that, you know - thinks that she's immune. Juhani is much safer for the very fact she fell once and knows the risks."

Carth smirked, "What about you?"

"Oh, I've been to dark places." I said, "Very dark. I know the risks well enough, I think. I just hope I'm strong enough to stay in the light. I don't have any intention of being a cold unfeeling drone of the Jedi Order, but I don't want to fall to the dark side, either." I gave Carth a calculating look, "You know more than you let on, Onasi."

"What are you implying?" he asked defensively.

"That you're a weak Force-sensitive. Very weak, but enough to sense some things. I mean, Mission couldn't sense the darkness in me, but you can." I smirked, "Canderous can though, but that's only because I told him I liked to listen to his war stories."

Carth snorted, "If I'm in any way Force-sensitive, surely the Jedi Masters would have noticed."

"Not necessarily." I said, smirking, "They might have decided you weren't strong enough in the Force to bother training. Plus the fact you're too old. Hell, in theory I'm too old."

Carth gave me a mock glare, "So you're saying because I'm perceptive, I could be Force-sensitive?"

"Very weakly, yes." I said, nodding, "It wouldn't surprise me. That's what the weaker variants of Force-sensitivity are - being more perceptive than a normal person. Slightly more in tune with your surroundings. Can usually predict an enemy's move as if someone was using Battle Meditation on you all the time. That sort of thing."

"I guess... you could be right. But I'm still not a Jedi!" he said, most defensively.

"Of course not." I said, "I'd definitely be able to tell if you were that strong in the Force. I just have a suspicion that you're slightly more sensitive to it than average."

"Right." Carth scowled and turned his attention to the datapad he had in his hand. I took that as my cue to leave.

* * *

And true to form, as we flew towards Kashyyyk, I shared another 'vision' with the Jedi Princess.

"You felt it, yes? Another vision?" she said, as soon as I walked into the common area of the ship, "The Force continues to work through us; showing us the Star Maps unearthed by Revan and Malak. Kashyyyk is a lush but simple and undeveloped world. I would not have expected to find the alien technology of a Star Map here."

"Probably pre-dates the Wookiees." I said flatly, "It looked like the Star Map was on the forest floor."

"The Wookiees of Kashyyyk make their home high among the wroshyr branches; only their bravest warriors dare to descend into the forbidding depths of the forest." she said, "If the Star Map is located far beneath us on the planet's surface, as our vision seems to suggest, it is unlikely the Wookiees even know of its existence."

"Well, care to go for a walk in the creepy woods, Princess?" I asked, offering her my arm.

She raised an eyebrow at me, "Very well." she said, but she didn't take my arm. She walked off the ship ahead of me.

"Zaalbar?" I asked warily. The Wookiee seemed to be very uncomfortable, "You know this planet better than the rest of us. I would appreciate your company, as a guide... if you don't mind?"

[I have been away from Kashyyyk a long time. I should have prepared you for coming here... but I don't know if I've prepared myself.] he growled irritably.

"Prepared me? What do you mean?" I asked.

[I didn't leave Kashyyyk voluntarily.] he growled, [Mission must have told you how I was fleeing slavers... but there was more. I am an exile. The slavers on Kashyyyk only took me after I was forced to leave my village home, twenty years ago.]

I frowned, "Why were you forced to leave?" I asked.

[My brother made deals with the slavers and allowed them to get a foothold. I found out and attacked him.] he explained. It's not easy to read a Wookiee's tone of voice, but he was clearly more than just angry at his brother. [The fight was stopped, but my father did not believe me when I told him about my brother's actions. I was made an exile, disowned by my home and people. I should not be here. They will not accept me back.]

"Why didn't your father believe you?" I asked.

[When I attacked my brother I was so mad... I used my claws. You don't understand what that means to a Wookiee. Our claws are tools, not weapons. To use them in battle is to become an animal. It is madness without honour.] he made a whining sound that, translated from Wookiee, means the same as a sigh, [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.]

"Time has passed. Things will have changed." I said hopefully. Though to be honest, Wookiees have long memories, I doubted they would have forgotten.

[The slavers are still here... this dock is theirs.] Zaalbar said, his tone bordering on a snarl, [I doubt anyone has risen to try and fight. Nothing has changed.] his growl softened then, [I just hope I can prove myself to my people. It will be difficult to make them listen. I just don't know.]

"We'll deal with that if we have to." I said, "Do you wish to come with me?"

[I don't have much hope.] he said sadly, [I would rather stay away from my village.]

"That's your choice." I said, shrugging, "But you can't hide from your past forever." I turned, and left the ship, ordering HK-47 to, "Threaten any meatbag that doesn't belong on this ship with grievous bodily harm if they try to go onboard, maybe break a few arms if they don't listen, but nothing fatal." I don't trust those Czerka morons around my vessel.

Bastila was waiting at the foot of the embarkation ramp, tapping her foot impatiently, "This is what I get for giving my mother all my credits." she muttered, "You have to pay our docking fee."

I looked at the Ithorian Czerka rep who had apparently already quoted his greeting spiel to Bastila. I decided I didn't like him. He works for Czerka, what do you expect? "We don't need to pay any docking fee." I said, with a fair dose of Force persuasion.

[Perhaps you don't need to pay the docking fee. Any services you need will more than make up for it.] he said, nodding. I love doing that. It's fun to fool these idiots so easily.

Bastila hissed in my ear, "The Force should not be used for profit and personal gain. As Jedi we should be above such things."

"Lighten up." I whispered back to her, "Who cares if the company in bed with the Sith is out a few credits?" She sulked.

Oblivious to our little discussion, the Cerka rep continued to speak, [You are welcome on Edean, trade designation G5-623. Czerka Corporation welcomes your business. We should discuss your interests in my office. We will also arrange for translation services, for a nominal fee, of course. You'll be encountering a number of Wookiees while here.]

[I can speak-] I said in Twi'leki, [-over fifty-] that was Rodian, [-different languages-] Selkath - hurts your throat something awful to speak that language, [-fluently-] Mandalorian, [-thank you very much.] I finished in Shyriiwook.

Bastila sniggered. The Ithorian stared blankly at me, [I do not speak Rodian or... Mandalorian?... so you will excuse me if I did not follow that entire sentence. But I do get your point... you do not require a translator.]

"Could I get some information about the planet? I thought this was Kashyyyk." I asked, rudely reverting to Basic, partly because I dislike Czerka, and partly because Ithorian is not in the list of languages I can speak, even though I can understand it.

[That is what the dominant indigenous species calls this world, but maintaining this outpost grants Czerka Corporation naming rights in the trade guides. G5-623 is the numerical designation. The galactic Basic name is 'Edean', chosen by corporate ballot among stockholders. At any rate, 'Edean' is more pleasing than 'Kashyyyk'. The language of the dominant indigenous species is quite crude.]

"Actually, Shyriiwook is a more complex language than Basic, which is why so few humans can understand it." I said, smirking, "Of course, anything that grunts and growls must be an uncivilized beast, mustn't it?" I snapped at him, sarcastically.

The Ithorian winced at my angry tone, [Whatever you say.] he said, in a tone I'm sure implied he didn't give a damn what I said, [Now then, please follow me to our information centre. I will answer any further questions there.]

"To hell with this." I muttered, wandering in the direction of the gate out of the spaceport.

"Language, Damien!" Bastila snapped.

[To hell with this.] I repeated in Mandalorian.

"That was not what I meant, and you know it!" she hissed, as she rushed to catch up with me, "Should we not follow him?"

"No. I'm going to find my way down to the forest floor and get the Star Map without Czerka's help." I said flatly.

Bastila sighed and tagged along behind me.

* * *

We eventually ran into a Wookiee who refused to let us pass into the lower levels of the forest unless we had his chieftain's permission. Not wanting to upset the Wookiees, I made my way back up towards the village.

As we walked, I decided to speak to Bastila, "You look like you have something to say." I said calmly.

She frowned, "I do." she said, clearly showing the fact she disliked that I could tell so easily. "I have been trying to come up with the best way to say this for some time, but I suppose I should just come out and say it." after a brief pause, she sighed and continued, "The truth is, I have come to depend on you. Not just for the sake of the mission, but for my own sake as well. I am... I am glad you are with us."

"Is that a compliment?" I asked, smirking, "From you?"

She shot me a mild glare, "Well, yes." she said, her tone wavering slightly - trying not to get mad at me, "Surely that's not so surprising?"

"It's just that it sounded like it hurt for you to say it." I said, still smirking.

"Did it?" she asked, frowning, "I am trying to be sincere, here. It occurred to me that I may have been too critical of you. Too demanding, at times."

"May have been?" I asked, grinning.

She raised an eyebrow at me. I think she was learning my game. "I am trying my best." she said, stopping walking and folding her arms, "You are not making this easy for me, you know."

"And when have you ever made things easy for me?" I asked.

"I see." she said, frowning at the ground for a second. Then when she looked up at me, the genuine pleading in her eyes caught me off guard, "Is there nothing I can do to make it up to you? I would rather we... be friends."

"Oh." I blinked a few times, then resorted to my usual attitude, "How close a friend would you like to be?"

She folded her arms defensively, "I... you know I can't feel that way about you. About any man. It isn't permitted. I am a Jedi, I must resist these temptations."

As she said that, I frowned. Was she admitting she had feelings for me? Yes, I think she was. That really surprised me. I didn't know what to say to that - my 'come-ons' had been a game to tease her, I hadn't realised she had real feelings for me. I thought I was just taunting the prudish Jedi Princess. This changes everything.

"But I still want to consider you a friend." she continued, looking at the ground, embarrassed, "We could... we could never be anything more, though. That... that isn't allowed."

I half-laughed, shaking my head, "I can live with that, Princess." I said, smiling.

She sighed slightly, "I know my manner can be a bit taciturn. I know you must be sick of my lectures about the dark side -"

"No kidding." I muttered.

She smiled slightly, "- and everything else." she finished pointedly, "I spent all my years being hounded by my instructors. Being told so often how gifted and important I was until I was sick of it. I remember when I was younger, I used to swear that I would never become as self-absorbed and stodgy as the Jedi Masters. It's ironic, really."

"Don't forget edgy, critical and overly-secretive." I noted, smirking.

"Yes, well." she said, her forehead creased as if she were scowling, but her eyes were alight and her mouth was smirking, "There's no need to agree so whole-heartedly." she said. I sniggered, and she rolled her eyes - I think she's getting used to my 'dark' sense of humour. "Being controlled has kept everyone around me at an arm's length; even those like yourself who are most in need of my understanding and compassion. But maybe it's time to change that. You deserve to know how much I respect and admire you. I have to tell you how much I care for you." then after a second's pause she quickly added, "As a friend, of course."

"Of course." I muttered sarcastically. I thought about it for a second - I wasn't going to tease her about it anymore, but... "We could be more than friends, Princess." I said, a note of honesty in my words that my previous come-ons had lacked.

"Please, it's... it's not allowed." she said, taking a step back from me, still defensive. I wondered if she was trying to defend herself from me, or her own feelings. I kind of hoped it was the latter - I didn't want to think she was afraid of me. "I have to remain true to the Jedi ideal. If this is going to cause a problem maybe... maybe I shouldn't have said anything."

"No." I said quickly, "I'm glad you did." I smirked slightly, "Wouldn't want to keep teasing you if you're afraid of it."

Her eyes flashed with indignation for a second, before she controlled it, "I am not afraid of you!" she snapped, "And I most certainly am not afraid of you perverse sense of humour. I am simply informing you that nothing can come of it."

"I'll take that as permission to continue mercilessly teasing you, then, Princess." I said, grinning.

She couldn't seem to decide between laughing or glaring. The laugh that eventually resulted was... a very beautiful sound. Why am I sounding like a sappy poet? Damn, this is... it's demeaning is what it is. I should feel nauseous at the concept of 'romance'... why don't I?

Suddenly, I dropped the grin, "On a serious note, though. I really do care for you too, Bastila. To be honest, I never considered the possibility of us being friends - we were working together on this mission, that was it. But I guess I've kind of grown to like you." I smiled, "As a friend."

She sighed, relieved, "Well, that was not nearly so difficult as I feared. Thank you for hearing me out. I feel... I feel much better. But enough soul searching for now. We should probably continue on with our mission." she turned and marched off in the direction of the Wookiee village. I caught up with her just as we reached the gates.

* * *

We were escorted to the Hall of the Chieftain, where we encountered... Zaalbar?

"What the-?" I asked, "Zaalbar? What are you doing here?"

[Step forward and address mighty and wise Chuundar, outsider.] a black-furred Wookiee growled, [I don't often allow visitors of your kind. As you can see, Damien Nox, I have brought Zaalbar from your ship. Don't worry, Janos was very helpful. There was no damage done... yet.]

My eyes narrowed, "No damage, eh?" I asked, "Well I know a certain droid's going to be damaged when I get back." I muttered.

[I left the ship voluntarily.] Zaalbar said quickly, [Rather than cause trouble.]

I rolled my eyes, "And the bucket of bolts was just told to keep people off the ship. I get it." I said, sighing slightly. Then I turned my attention to the black Wookiee. "How do you know my name?" I asked coldly.

[Did you think you could walk the upper boughs of Kashyyyk and not be observed? I've had climbers watching you, and your ship.] the black Wookiee said smugly.

"And why did you feel you had to do this behind my back?" I persisted.

[He has become like the slavers. He takes without care.] Zaalbar snarled.

[Ah, brother Zaalbar.] the black Wookiee chided, shaking his head, [You've been exiled a long time. You shouldn't speak in that tone. Things are different now. You are a mad-claw without honour. You have no voice among your own people. I, on the other hand, am Chieftain.]

I smiled a shark's smile, "I think I like you as much as I like Czerka, Chuundar." I said in a faux-sweet tone. The twitch in Bastila's lip, and the glint in Zaalbar's eyes was all the proof they recognised the meaning in that. Chuundar seemed to believe this was a compliment.

[It is good to see you understand the situation.] Chuundar said smugly, [Of course I, the mighty Chuundar, lead my people the best way I know how. Even with my brother insane and father enslaved, I rose to protect my people despite it all.]

[Father was enslaved?] Zaalbar asked, horrified... then his tone turned incredulous, ["Mighty Chuundar?" What are you talking about? You were the runt!]

[I am no runt!] Chuundar snapped. Then he snorted slightly - a Wookiee equivalent of coughing to cover up embarrassment, [Like I said, Zaalbar, a lot has changed in your years away. We will discuss this soon enough.]

"What do you want with us?" I asked.

[I haven't killed Zaalbar because he is my brother, and I hoped he and I could come to an agreement. You are irrelevant.] Chuundar said calmly.

"Watch who you call irrelevant, hair ball." I snapped.

Chuundar just regarded me calmly, [I may be able to put you to use on a menial task. Zaalbar will have to stay here, of course.]

"I'm nobody's errand runner." I said coldly, "Well, except the Jedi Council... and there was that woman on Tatooine... and on Korriban, Yuthura had me running in circles... and you, of course, Bastila." She gave me an indignant look. I smirked, and looked at the black Wookiee, "Depends what this 'menial task' is, really." I said, shrugging.

[A simple thing.] he said, shrugging, [Another Wookiee has suffered the same fate as Zaalbar, gone mad and been exiled. He now lurks the Shadowlands. More importantly, he's pestering my Czerka allies during their Shadowland expeditions. It is not good for business.]

Business. Business! Bloody Czerka - just because he's of the species they enslave does not make him any less of a slime ball than them. Just a hairy slime ball. Or a slimy hair ball? Either way.

"What happened with you and Zaalbar? Give me your version." I asked. He may reek the same aura as the Czerka, but I was going to TRY not to judge him until I heard the whole story.

[Zaalbar didn't tell you?] Chuundar asked in faux-innocence, [He took offence to my trading a few of our people for favours and weapons.] I think any sane person would take offence at that. [I didn't understand his objection. Imagine the destruction if Czerka Corporation had come in with blasters firing. I saved many lives. Of course, I also gained weapons, and arranged for certain rivals to be taken. I protected my allies, and my power grew.]

"You've a complete lack of remorse for your actions. Like a big hairy Hutt." I said flatly.

[I've heard of these Hutt creatures. They sound like smart traders.] Chuundar said, nodding as if I had just complimented him. [They would understand what your exiled companion could not. Young Zaalbar had no foresight. He couldn't control his outrage. He attacked me with his claws and damned himself doing it. A few careful stories and everyone called him mad-claw. Even father Freyyr. I easily had him exiled.]

"I think I understand now." I said, barely containing my anger. Force choke would be so much fun right about now. Or maybe Force lightening - as Shaardan said, it is a most impressive display. "So if you'll let me go down to the Shadowlands, I'll investigate this 'madclaw' for you." I said, deliberately not saying I'd probably make friends with said 'madclaw', rather than kill him. Same attitude as I took with the Czerka/Sandpeople conflict on Tatooine. Have I mentioned, lately, how much I don't like Czerka?

[I'll allow you access to the Shadowlands. You will track and kill this insane Wookiee, and maybe then you will earn my favour.] Chuundar said, supreme in his smugness. That sort of overconfidence is what felled the Hutt Dominion, you know. And the original Sith Empire, for that matter. [Zaalbar stays here to ensure your loyalty. The Czerka would never let me hold you, but they don't care what I do with fellow Wookiees.]

"Fine, then." I said flatly. Bastila gave me a look - I recognised it easily enough - disapproval.

[The guards will let you pass now.] Chuundar said, still too smug for his own good. That sort of tone gets most people a punch in the face. As for this Wookiee, I tend to hope it'll get him a lot worse. [Leave the village through the northwest and follow the platform to the south and then east. You'll eventually see where Gorwooken waits for you. He'll lower you to the forest floor. Go.]

* * *

I returned rapidly to the Hawk, "HK-47, you useless tin can!" I snarled.

"Query: Is there something wrong, master?" HK-47 asked innocently.

"I told you to guard the bloody ship!" I said coldly.

"Retort: I did as I was ordered, master. I assume you are referring to your Wookiee? He left of his own volition, master."

"Since when were you programmed to 'retort'?" I snapped.

"Explanation: It has been in my capability for some time, master." the droid said innocently.

"You're annoying me." I hissed.

"Apology: It was not my intention to upset you, master."

"To hell with you." I growled at it.

Juhani poked her head out of the ship, "May I ask what is wrong?"

"This stupid droid let the local Hutt-wannabie kidnap Zaalbar." I said coldly.

Juhani frowned, confused, "'Hutt-wannabie'?" she asked, with genuine naiveté.

"Zaalbar's brother. Has the mentality of a Hutt." I said flatly.

"Oh." Juhani frowned, "And what are we to do about it?" she asked, stepping off the ship - her tone implied she wanted to do something about it as soon as possible.

"We're going to have to jump through hoops for Zaalbar's brother, to get him to give Zaalbar back." I said, frowning.

"I see." Juhani also scowled, "I shall assist you. I do not wish our Wookiee friend to be held prisoner any longer than necessary. I understand his opinion of captivity."

I nodded. Juhani hadn't taken kindly to the 'slavegirl' masquerade on Korriban - obviously she had some dark past I didn't know about, involving slavers. "Of course. I would be grateful for your help."

Together, the three of us made our way through the upper boughs to the Wookiee Chuundar had told us of. He lowered us down to the forest floor in a basket.

The trip down took almost half an hour.

On the way down, Juhani leaned on the rail of the basket, and seemed immersed in watching the wildlife that passed us by. Bastila, on the other hand, fidgeted and kept looking at me then quickly looking away again. I was learning more how to sense her emotions. "You're curious about something?" I asked.

"Am I so transparent?" she asked, glancing up at me nervously, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, considering our bond. Yes, there is something I would like to ask, if you'll permit it."

"Sure thing, Princess." I said, smiling.

"In our time together I've been watching you." she said, giving me a calculating look. "You are confusing at times, but overall you seem to be a servant of the light, you are kind and compassionate... underneath that attitude problem of yours, anyway." I grinned as she said that, and she almost laughed, "You remain true to many of the ideals the Jedi follow, despite the lure of the dark side. And with so little training. For me it has always been a constant battle. Don't you find it difficult at all? You make it seem so easy. Or is that only an illusion?"

"Oh, it's an illusion, all right." I said, smirking slightly, "There have been a lot of times when I've considered doing the wrong thing... wanted to, even." I said, leaning back against the rail and watching Bastila's reaction carefully, "I often think the look on someone's face when I tell them I'm going to damn them rather than save them would be fun. You've noticed how fond I am of Czerka - Force choke or Force lightening would be great toys to play with in their central offices. But I don't do it. I'm not entirely sure why I don't, sometimes. It is very difficult for me to keep to the light."

She nodded, "That's a relief to hear - in a way, I mean I'm not relieved to hear you consider using such dark arts on a regular basis - but I have never found the Jedi path an easy one to walk, and it's good to know I'm not alone." she said, smiling slightly. "I've always been too quick to anger, too quick to get involved. My instructors constantly berated me for it. I've often dreamed that I might be able to confront Darth Malak myself. I dream I can use all this power I have to kill him and stop all the death and destruction. I just think about all the evil that the Sith have caused and I... I get so furious. Yet we are told that these feelings are the path to the dark side."

"You know, the worst type of anger is righteous anger." I said calmly, "Because it seems like the right thing until it's too late. If anger and hatred - blatant as they are - are the path to the dark side, then righteous anger - so much more insidious - is the shortcut."

She raised an eyebrow at me for that, "You make a good point." she said, in a tone of voice that says she's just been told something she'd never heard before.

I smiled slightly, "It looks like you have your own demons to face, Princess." I said.

"I suppose I do." she agreed, nodding, "Part of me thinks that it would be worth anything to vanquish evil, even if it meant giving in to my base emotions." she shook her head, and sighed, "The very thought that I could become as evil as Malak; I just can't fathom it. It just doesn't seem possible. How could I... no, wait. I'm sorry."

"Don't be." I said quickly, "I understand how you feel." I barely contained the smirk I wanted to show at the irony of what I was about to say, "When I was young, I read about Exar Kun. I always wondered how anyone could want to kill so many innocent people. Didn't make sense. I couldn't imagine doing something like that. I figured Exar Kun was a freak, or something."

She blinked at me, "I... do you still believe that?" she asked.

"Of course not." I said flatly, "I've learned that anyone can change. I know everyone has darkness in them, even you Princess. Even Master Vrook, I'm sure." I smirked, "And everyone has some light in them. You need to remember that as well, when you're dreaming of killing people."

She blinked again, "I didn't mean dreaming of killing people!" then she thought about what she'd said to me, and rephrased, "Well, only Malak." she muttered.

I smirked, "Malak is a person, too." I said flatly, "Everyone deserves a second chance, Princess. Everyone." I tilted my head to the side, "If you turned to the dark side, would you want me to kill you or redeem you?"

"I'm sure that would never happen." she said haughtily.

"That very certainty would ensure that it does happen." I said coldly.

She winced, "Since when were you the one giving the lectures?"

"Since you were the one needing them." I said, smirking. "Pride comes before a fall, Princess. Whether you're the Jedi who thinks she's immune to the dark side, or the Sith who thinks his apprentice isn't brave enough to shoot him the second his back is turned. Pride is what will make you fall, one way or the other."

She looked at the floor of the basket, and sighed, "I suppose you're right." she muttered. She sighed dramatically, "Part of my purpose on this mission was to guide you in the way of the light; to help you avoid the temptations of the dark side. But I fear I have failed in that task. I don't think I'm the proper Jedi to guide you. I am no Master. You should have remained with the Council."

"I'm glad I didn't, Princess. You may not be the best Jedi for the job of preaching the Jedi ideals to me, but you're definitely the best for keeping my spirits up." I smiled, "You've even learned to take my jokes without scowling too much." I said brightly.

She laughed, "Yes, I think I am growing to like this thing you call a sense of humour." she agreed.

"And not long ago you said my sense of humour could define 'dark side'." I said, raising an eyebrow, "Princess, you need to learn something - no one's infallible. Not even the Jedi Masters. And we couldn't stay with the Council - we certainly couldn't bring a Master with us. And even if we could, I most definitely prefer your company to theirs." I smiled brightly, "So what if you're not perfect? Who is? Be the best you can for what you are, and you should be ok."

She smiled, "I never thought you one for such wise words."

"Yeah, well there's a lot of things about me I doubt you're expecting." I said, smirking. "Maybe we can help each other?"

She laughed lightly, "That is a kinder response than I deserve." she said, "You continue to be there for me, don't you? Even after I keep pushing you away, you're still around when I need you most."

"Someone once told me: 'friends are there when you need them... they're even there when you don't'." I said, smirking. She laughed. My smirk, though, was forced. It was Malak who had told me that.

"You're like no man I've known before." she said, still smiling, "And you're nothing like I expected you to be after... after the Council sent us on this mission together."

I noticed the hesitation there. It was obvious. I'm guessing she was referring to my time as Sith Lord, but caught herself before she said it out loud. That's just a guess, though. "How did you expect me to be?" I asked.

"Well, just... different, I suppose." she said defensively, "Things are not going as I thought they would. I... I need time to think about all this." she said, turning to look out at the forest around us, "We should... we should focus on our mission, for now."

I sighed and at that exact moment, the basket came to a jarring halt on the forest floor.

* * *

We walked slowly away from the Wookiee who operated the basket. No sooner were we out of sight of him than we heard a voice in the shadows.

"At last, my search is over!" a drawling eerie voice. Yet definitely familiar. "I was beginning to fear someone else had killed you and deprived me of the pleasure."

The man stepped out of the shadows. He was wearing black armour and a black cloaked robe with the hood lowered. His bald head bore none of the trademark tattoos, but the Sith golden eyes and the pale sneering face were clear.

"You may have defeated the pathetic bounty hunter my Master sent after you, but you are no match for me!" he said proudly, "I have studied at the foot of the Dark Lord himself!"

"Oh, so you're Malak's apprentice? Can't say I'm impressed." I said flatly.

"Your words mean nothing to me... unless you wish to beg for your life." he paused.

I raised an eyebrow as if to say 'you don't really expect me to dignify that with a response, do you?'

"No? Then I shall try to make this both quick and painful!" he said, smirking.

"Hey, wait a second. What's your name, anyway?" I asked.

The Sith apprentice hesitated, "I am Darth Bandon." he said proudly, "I thought my identity was well known?"

I snorted, "I asked for your name, not some trumped up title you think you need to compensate for other inadequacies." I said flatly. Both Juhani and Bastila sniggered.

"That's rich." Bandon snarled, "Considering-" Bastila lunged at him, before he could continue to speak. Nice interruption, Princess. Force forbid that I find out my true identity.

Two other Sith appeared from the shadows, and attacked Bastila. Juhani joined the fray, but Bandon backed out, and circled round to me. "Not up for a fight?" he asked me. "Afraid you'll lose?"

I laughed, "I am not afraid of you, Bandon." I said, smiling.

"We'll see about that." he lunged at me with his double-bladed lightsaber drawn. I dodged the first swing, ducked the second, and then drew my own blade to block the third.

"You don't really think you can take me, do you?" I asked, smirking. I pushed him back, and spun around to swing my own blade at him. He blocked that, and I kicked at him. He dodged. He was an excellent fighter, I have to admit. The battle lasted for a few minutes, and I could hear Bastila and Juhani fighting the other two Sith in the background - could sense they were not making much progress.

Eventually, I managed to disarm Bandon, by casting Force lightening on his lightsaber - it conducted the electricity and he had to drop it. I spun and kicked him - he almost blocked it, but not quite. While he was off balance, I grabbed his right arm.

In the background, I heard the death cry of one of the Sith and smelt the sear of flesh from a lightsaber.

I twisted Bandon's arm painfully behind his back and shoved him face-first into a tree.

I heard the slice of a lightsaber through metal, and the remaining Sith pleading for mercy. Then the kick of a boot on a body and Juhani's voice, "Go before we change our minds." then rapidly retreating footsteps.

Then a whimper - Bastila - and the sound of her body collapsing. I glanced at her, holding Bandon against the tree. "What happened?" I asked.

"She - she has been injured." Juhani said, worried.

"Is she stable?" I asked.

"She will live. But she needs medical attention." Juhani informed me.

"I'll heal her as soon as I deal with this." I shoved Bandon's face into the bark of the tree.

His muffled voice spoke, "Kill me now, Jedi." the word Jedi said with such sarcasm it wasn't funny. "While you have the chance."

"Why should I?" I asked too-innocently.

Bandon shuddered slightly, "Just kill me or let me go. You've won. I didn't think Jedi tortured their prisoners?"

"But Sith do." I said calmly, "They torture their apprentices to, sometimes. What did Malak do to you?" I asked.

"I... I don't want to talk about it." he hissed.

"Must have been bad, then." I said calmly, turning him to face me and pinning him with my forearm below his throat. I looked into his eyes... and saw into his soul - saw what Malak did to turn him to the dark side. I looked away quickly. I hadn't thought even Malak had sunk to those levels. "I'm sorry." I whispered.

Bandon snorted, "Unless you plan to talk me to death, I think your lightsaber's still in your hand." he said acidly.

"It's not too late, you know." I said calmly, "You shouldn't let him win."

"What do you mean?" Bandon hissed.

"If you let what he did to you fuel that burning hatred inside you - that darkness - he's won. He's turned you into what he wants you to be." I said coldly.

Bandon frowned, "You're just trying to trick me." he hissed.

"But you know it's true." I said calmly - no Force persuasion was needed in it. I could already tell he knew.

He looked away from me, "But you're wrong. Of course it's too late."

"How is it?" I asked quietly.

"Because - like you said - he's won." he smirked darkly at me, "I like what he's turned me into. I embraced the dark side fully, and I don't want to go back."

"You're lying." I said flatly. It was true - I could see it in his eyes. He was lying to himself, but he was still lying.

He scowled, "He told me you'd know if I lied."

"I've always been able to, yes." I said, smirking.

"Damn you." Bandon hissed, "Damn you to hell."

"Been there, done that." I said calmly, "But seriously. I'm not going to kill you if I can avoid it. Everyone deserves a second chance."

"Hmmm. You would think that, wouldn't you?" he asked, smirking.

"Of course." I said, also smirking. I could see his eyes shift colour - they weren't completely natural-coloured, but the metallic gold had faded slightly. Only slightly, though.

He rolled his eyes, "I... don't know how to turn back."

"Just be calm. Don't let that hatred control you." I said calmly, "Don't let your anger rule you."

He frowned, and I could sense some of the anger leave him. Not all - not by a long shot - but it was an improvement. I smiled, and took a step back. He didn't lash out at me.

Keeping my eyes on him, I walked over and picked up his lightsaber. "Can I trust you with this?" I asked.

"Of course not." he said flatly.

I threw it to him and he caught it. I smirked, "I believe you."

He blinked a few times, "That didn't make sense." he said, staring at me.

"I'm giving you a second chance, Bandon. Don't waste it." I said pointedly.

He smirked, "I won't." and pocketed his lightsaber.

I walked over to Bastila and Juhani, and knelt next to Bastila - Juhani was already kneeling at her other side. "You are taking a great risk with that one." she whispered to me.

"I took a risk with you. Life is about risks - 'no risk, no honour' -" that is actually a Mandalorian oath, "-and everyone deserves a chance." I said calmly.

"But I was willing to change, he seems... determined in his darkness." she said, watching Bandon warily.

I looked at Bastila's wound - it was serious. A lightsaber had passed through her shoulder, dangerously close to either severing her arm or opening a major blood vessel. I rested my hand on the wound, and called upon the Force to heal it. Not that it would fully heal her - the wound was poisoned, and I couldn't cure that.

When I had done all I could to help her, I looked up at Juhani, "Take her back to the ship." I said, "There's antidote packs there that should help. I'll be all right down here on my own."

"Are you certain?" Juhani asked warily, "Perhaps we should both return to the ship with her?"

"No, someone needs to keep an eye on our evil apprentice." I said calmly, "And I can take him down if need be. No offence intended, but I doubt you could."

Bastila started shivering - probably a side effect of the poison. I took off my coat and wrapped it around her gently.

Juhani nodded, "Very well." she said, resigned. She picked up Bastila with surprising ease. I found myself reluctant to let the Jedi Princess leave my sight in her condition. I was worried for her. But eventually, I let go of her hand and watched as Juhani walked back to the basket and ascended out of sight.

* * *

I turned to face Bandon, "Looks like it's just you and me, baldy." I said brightly.

"'Baldy'?" he asked sceptically.

"Hey, I made fun of Malak's lack of hair, I'm damned well gonna make fun of yours." I said cheerfully, "I do not get why so many Sith feel the need to shave their heads. It's pointless."

Bandon rolled his eyes, "Why did you turn back?" he asked.

"The Jedi tried to screw with my mind. They think it worked." I said flatly, "But... it did have the side-effect of resurrecting my conscience."

"Then it did work." Bandon said coldly, "They won."

"No. They didn't." I said, smirking, "You see, I know who I am. They wanted me to forget."

"I see." I said, scowling. I led him deeper into the Shadowlands.

"So why are you here... Revan?" he asked as we walked.

I smirked. So he'd finally said my name out loud. Feels good to hear it from someone else, actually. "I don't remember the exact co-ordinates of the Star Forge. They were recorded on a datapad. So the Jedi attempts at slicing into my mind didn't find what they were looking for. They sent me on this mission."

"And you jump through hoops for the Jedi, again?" Bandon asked snidely.

"I do it for my own good. Not theirs." I said calmly.

"And how is it in your best interests to 'redeem' Sith?" he asked.

"Fixing my own mistakes." I said flatly, "I still don't fully recall the events that caused me to turn to the dark side... but I do know I shouldn't have done it."

"You may think so. Many wouldn't." Bandon said coldly.

I shrugged. We walked a little further in silence. Then we heard the sound of a lightsaber slicing through flesh, ahead of us. We exchanged a 'what the hell?' look, then both broke into a run. He matched my stride, even with Force speed, and we quickly came to a clearing, where we saw an old man with a green lightsaber fighting off a half-dozen Katarn - the local four-legged predators.

"What the hell?" Bandon asked out loud.

"Quit your yapping for now." the old man snapped, felling another of the creatures, "We'll talk when the company is better. Get to fightin'!"

By the evil smirk that flickered across Bandon's face, I knew what he was thinking, "He meant fight the Katarn, not him." I said coldly. Bandon rolled his eyes and threw his lightsaber at the beasts - two of them were sliced in half at very odd angles. I shrugged and picked up one of the Katarn with Force wave and sent it flying into a tree.

After the creatures had all been dispatched, the old man put his lightsaber away on his belt and turned to face us. After a sharp nudge, Bandon also deactivated his lightsaber, but refused to put it away.

"Well, that was acceptable." the old man said, taking a step towards me, "You're not quite the commander I'd have accompanied in my youth, but you managed to walk away. I'm Jolee. Jolee Bindo. Follow me to my camp and we'll talk a bit."

"Who are you to give us orders, old man?" Bandon snapped, "Don't you know who y-?" I elbowed him in the stomach.

"It's called tact." I hissed at him, "Learn the definition, at least." Bandon glared at me, but then folded his arms and shut up.

"Look, you can follow now or stumble around on your own, but I'm too old to care whether you think I'm babysitting you. Keep close. It's nearby, under a log. Yeah, I live like some burrowing rodent. I fought the Sith... now look at me. Hmph!" Jolee snapped, before turning and walking briskly away from us. I liked this old man's attitude already.

I glanced at Bandon who seemed to be sulking, then I shrugged and followed the old man. Bandon quickly decided to follow, too. When we got to the... 'camp'... we found the old man sitting on a small (well, by Kashyyyk's standards) tree stump waiting for us.

"Well, welcome to my home, such as it is. Pull up a stump and be comfortable. We should discuss a few things." Jolee said calmly, looking up at us.

I sat down on another small tree stump, and glared pointedly at Bandon until he did the same. "I'm listening." I said calmly, "Don't know about him though." I added, smirking. Bandon glared at me. I simply smirked at him.

"Yes. The company you keep leaves something to be desired. But who am I to judge, eh?" Jolee asked, shrugging. He seemed to genuinely not mind that Bandon had been a Sith apprentice... that it was clear I didn't know myself if the younger man had been redeemed at all, or not.

Bandon growled, but I glared pointedly at him and he shut up again. "I think I've got him on a short enough leash to keep him from biting you." I said, smiling at the old man.

"Indeed." Jolee smirked darkly, "Well, tell me why two... Force users... are down here in the Shadowlands. Hmm?"

"Tell us why the third is asking." Bandon said coldly.

"You want to learn to respect your elders, sonny." Jolee said, smirking. Bandon made a move for his lightsaber.

His lightsaber neglected to be on his belt when his hand got there. I was holding the deactivated weapon calmly, twirling it between my fingers. "Wouldn't do that if I were you... sonny." I said, cheerfully adopting the name the old man had used for Bandon.

Bandon sulked.

I smirked, "Well, we're here looking for a couple of things. A certain Wookiee, and a Star Map. Seen either of them?" I asked innocently.

"Live in the Shadowlands long enough, you'll see a lot of Wookiees. You'd need to be more specific." the old man said, shrugging.

"He was described to me as 'gone mad and been exiled'... apparently he's been pestering Czerka... I wouldn't mind helping him, really. I never liked Czerka." I said, smirking.

Jolee chuckled slightly, "Maddened with grief, perhaps, but not crazed." he said calmly, "I helped him pass to the lower forests where only a Wookiee could follow. Some other matters will determine if you can follow. There is a barrier that... well, we'll talk of that more in a moment."

"What can you tell me about the current Wookiee chieftain?" I asked.

The old man snorted contemptuously, "Czerka Corporation was smart to put him in power." he said flatly, "He's as good at destroying Wookiee culture as dropping corpses full of Ardroxian Flu." Bandon raised an eyebrow, and I'm sure he was making mental notes that 'corpses full of Ardroxian Flu' would make a really good bio-weapon. "Will you work for him or against him, I wonder?" Jolee clearly saw Bandon's mental process as well as I did, but ignored it, "I will be interested to see."

"You don't have a recommendation?" I asked innocently.

"Uh, sure, how's this: think for yourself." he said, smiling faintly, "I don't care for politics, and I'm big on letting people figure things out for themselves."

"Hmmm." I also smiled, "That's fine by me, I prefer to work things out myself. I've actually been getting sick of all my friends offering advice I either already knew or disagreed with. I just expected it, I guess." The old man chuckled again. "So tell me about yourself, old man." I said in as polite a tone as I could.

"Ah, what is there to tell?" he asked, shrugging, "Jolee Bindo is the crazy old man in the dangerous woods. I'm content with the impression I give."

Bandon rolled his eyes, "Crazy old coot." he muttered.

"Is there a problem with that?" I asked him. He scowled. Jolee snickered. I turned my attention back to the old man, "You muttered something about fighting Sith?" it wasn't a question, even though I made it sound like one.

"Did I?" Jolee asked innocently, "You have annoyingly good ears. It doesn't matter. Those days are gone. Leave them in their graves." he said dismissively.

"But you use a lightsaber in battle. Are you a Jedi?" I asked.

"I follow the Jedi Way and I command the Force, yes, and I suppose that makes me as much a Jedi as anyone... but what of it?" he asked defensively. Bandon rolled his eyes, but seemed to have the sense not to say something rude. Jolee continued to speak. "I've seen my share of the dark and the light. And frankly, both extremes annoy me. Of course... I have felt the rumblings of change..."

I smirked, "I agree with your opinion of the extremes. Unfortunately, the girls I'm travelling with seem to think emotionless light side drivel is the way to go, and this moron thinks the dark side is the next great thing."

"I am not a moron!" Bandon snapped.

"Yes you are." I said, with mild Force persuasion.

"Uh... maybe you're right." Bandon muttered.

I smirked and glanced at Jolee, and saw that he was fighting not to laugh. "Perhaps you will be of some assistance to me after all." the old man said calmly, "Let us discuss what you came here for."

"Yes, let's." I said.

"We both know why you have come here." he said flatly, "The Star Map. That has to be it. There is nothing else here. The problems of a few Wookiees don't amount to anything before the concerns of the Jedi. No, you are here for the map."

"Mmhm." was all I said, prompting him to continue.

"Kashyyyk is an interesting place, more so than anyone suspects." he continued, "If Czerka Corporation knew, heh, the planet would be a strip mine. The Wookiees have their legends that they were not always here, but it is more than that. The trees themselves are strangers."

"Mmhm." I repeated, a little less patiently.

"What I'm saying is that there are literally walls in your way, and you won't find what you need without my help... and my help has a price."

"I knew we'd get to that eventually." I said, "What do you want me to do for you, old man?" Bandon rolled his eyes, and scowled into the distance somewhere.

"You must do a task for me, and then allow me to join with you. I will then remove certain barriers in your path." Jolee explained.

"Barriers... right." I muttered, "So... what's the task?"

"Since they began expanding in the Shadowlands, the Czerka have left me alone, for the most part." he said, "Until recently, anyway. A group of them set up camp not far from here. Poachers is all they are. I'd like them removed from this place."

"Why not do it yourself, old fart." Bandon snapped.

"Don't talk back to your elders, child." Jolee retorted flatly, "Look, they know me quite well, and are always on alert when I approach. The only way I could get rid of them would be violence, which would eventually lead to trouble for the Wookiees. I want them gone, but with as little fuss as possible. They have already caused enough trouble as it is."

"Why do you want to join us?" I asked, "I mean, take a look at the company I'm keeping. You want to hang around with him? I barely do."

"Hey." Bandon snapped, "I thought you said-"

"I said you had a chance to turn away from the dark side. If you're taking it, you're taking your sweet time about it." I said flatly.

Jolee sniggered, "You presumably have a ship. I've seen all I wish to here. Isn't that enough? I mean, I'm really sick of the trees. And perhaps your destiny might show me something new. You never know."

"What do you know about my destiny?" I asked.

"Enough." he said. That's it? He's been prattling on about everything else, and for my destiny he says one word? Strange old man.

"Well, why do you want rid of these Czerka?" I asked, "I mean, I'm only too glad to mess with them, but I just wondered why."

"The Captain of the lot is the one that earned my ire. Mishandle my garden, will he? Hmph!" Jolee said grumpily. "They don't respect this place. They are butchering wildlife and threatening entire species. It's getting under my skin. The Wookiees could take care of themselves if they wished, but the animals are truly helpless victims."

"I see. So the aged semi-Jedi wants me to get some kids off his lawn." I said, smirking.

"Yes, yes, I'm an old man that's getting fussy. Call me foolish if you will, I don't care. You still have to do it." he snapped. "Their camp is in the far northeast. Now remember, if I wanted them dead, I'd have done it myself. Find a better way."

I sniggered, "All right, I'll do it."

"Good. Return to me here and we will see how you have done. Shoo. Shoo!"

* * *

We found the Czerka outpost without too much trouble.

"Who are you, another civil merchant like that coro-slime up on the docking ring? This is my territory." the Czerka team leader snapped as we approached. I was lucky I still had Bandon's lightsaber in my hand, because I could sense the young Sith's hand going to his belt where the weapon should be.

"I paid the docking fee. Who cares where I go?" I asked innocently.

"Look, I don't care if you want to play tourist down here, but you behave yourself or we'll have a problem." the Czerka snapped.

"You're just a Czerka slaver. Nothing special." Bandon said coolly.

"I don't need this kind of garbage from you." the Czerka snapped at him, "Watch your mouth. I'm the only law there is down here."

Bandon laughed, "I should just kill you. No one will ever know."

"All right, I'm done talking with you. You've got under my skin one too many times! I'll bury you down here!" he snapped at us, pulling out a blaster and taking aim.

"Now look what you've done." I muttered to Bandon. Then to the Czerka, I said, "He did not insult you." with a heavy dose of Force persuasion, "We are not your enemies, we simply wish to ask you a few questions."

He frowned and lowered his blaster, "Sure, I guess. A few questions wouldn't hurt."

"Why are you down in the Shadowlands?" I asked.

"I'm in the business of harvesting animals. Some of the more exotic species have organs that can be removed and put to some surprising applications." he explained.

"There's a lot of big predators down here. How do you keep this operation from being attacked?" I asked, just as innocently.

He explained how their defence system worked, and - keeping an eye on Bandon to make sure he didn't try to kill anyone, that man's worse than HK-47, because at least the droid obeys orders - I set about deactivating said defence system. Took me a few minutes - no big deal. The Czerka realised something was wrong when a Terentatek chased them away. Why the creature ignored Bandon and myself, I am unsure, but I could assume it smelled blood on the Czerka and not on us.

We returned to Jolee.

"Welcome back. I wonder, have you had much luck? Have you done as I asked?" he asked calmly, looking up at us.

This time I didn't sit down, "Yes, they ran away with their tails between their legs." I said brightly.

"Yes, I could feel it as you walked near. And I don't sense the smell of death on you. You spared them? Interesting." he said in that odd tone that makes you unsure if he's testing/judging you or if he doesn't give a damn.

"Should have just killed them." Bandon muttered, "Would have saved time and effort."

Jolee snorted at him, "I see. You are completely detached." he said, giving Bandon an evaluating look, "Are you sure you're not a droid? It doesn't matter. A trivial thing like this is no measure of anyone."

Bandon snorted, "We've played your little game, old man. Now you play ours." he said coldly.

I rolled my eyes, "Do I have to get a choke chain to go with that leash?" I asked Bandon coldly, "You need to work on that attitude of yours."

Bandon glared at me. Jolee, on the other hand, thought this was quite amusing, "I know where you want to go. I can get you through to the old paths. This forest hides some strange things." he said, standing up and picking up a small bag. "There's also a Czerka repulsor field blocking the way, past the poacher camp in the east. I saw it when it was installed, so I know how to pass it. And on the other side... ancient answers. And perhaps a Wookiee you were seeking. I hope he's in the mood for visitors."

"What side are you on, old man?" Bandon asked flatly. I blinked at him as if he was insane.

Jolee just sniggered, "Can't tell, can you?" he asked, smirking, "Well, I assure you, I see more grey than dark or light. I'm just a stubborn old man, tired of the foolishness of others."

I smirked, "To answer your question, Bandon: neither and both. I think he's a lighter shade of grey, but definitely not pure light." I looked at the young Sith, "I'm surprised you can't sense it."

"Sensing someone's soul is a skill of the light side." he said coldly.

"Then I was never pure evil, was I?" I asked smirking, "I always could sense a person's feelings, even when I was at my darkest. Go figure."

Jolee gave me a puzzled look, but I couldn't tell if he was really puzzled of faking it. "Well, are we going to get moving one of these days? Or would you like to spend twenty years down here, too?" he asked.

* * *

Jolee led us deeper into the Shadowlands, and I made straight for the ancient computer system I had found down here before (incidentally killing a few Mandalorians, and helping a Wookiee warrior in distress, on the way).

"Yes, there's the thing." Jolee grumbled as we approached it, "Obstinate machine. I've no doubt it holds what you seek, but good luck getting it operational."

"Life forms detected. Determining parameters. Initiating neural recognition." it spoke Basic now - that was my work, by the way. It hadn't been capable of speaking Basic before I tampered with its interface last time I was here. "Primary neural recognition complete. Preliminary match found."

"Match found...? What the... it always muttered something about 'rejected patterns' for me." Jolee muttered.

"Begin socialized interface. Neural scan indicates positive identification of subject 'Revan'. No further testing of the subject is required."

I glared at the computer. "So much for tact." Bandon muttered, smirking.

Jolee just shrugged. He hadn't even batted an eye at hearing who I am. For all I know, he already knew. He probably didn't care. He seems the type not to care who he's talking to as long as they're not too rude to him.

"I will brief you as programmed. You are Lord Revan. I am waiting for your request to begin transfer of the Star Map." the computer stated.

"Has anyone else tried to access the Star Map data?" I asked it.

"Sorting by identity. Three attempts by the Wookiee Freyyr, all denied. one hundred fifty-two attempts by human Jolee Bindo, all denied."

I gave the old man an amused look, "Persistent, aren't you?" I asked. He shrugged, smirking slightly. I turned back to the computer, "Ok, let me see the Star Map." I said.

When the map opened, Bandon approached it, in awe. Jolee kept a good distance. I walked over to the map, feeling the waves of darkness emanating from it. I recorded the data, quickly, and deactivated it. Bandon scowled as the dark energy of the map faded around us. "The dark side is not a toy, Bandon." I said flatly, "Much as I'm sure you've been let play with it." I turned and walked away from the map. "Worse than giving a caffeinated two-year-old a fully charged blaster." I muttered as I walked past Jolee. The old man smirked as he fell into step with me. Bandon followed a fair distance behind.

I found the Wookiee. It turned out to be Zaalbar's father. I helped him, more to spite Chuundar than from any sense of right or wrong. Killed another Terentatek, and got a vibrosword's blade from its hide - fun. I think Bandon may have been petrified of the beast, though... and I'm certain this Sith can't speak Wookiee. I gave Freyyr the blade, and he climbed up to the village. Bandon took great glee in the fact we had to kill the Wookiee who operated the basket, because said Wookiee had discovered we had betrayed Chuundar.

Eventually the whole Wookiee problem was dealt with. Chuundar ended up as a throw-rug in the Chieftain's Hall, and Freyyr was in charge again. Czerka rapidly left the premises - mostly in finely diced pieces. Zaalbar went ahead with the Wookiee climbers, to secure the spaceport.

Czerka would not be coming back to this planet in a hurry.

* * *

As we walked back to the spaceport, Bandon kept tapping Jolee on the shoulder... from several feet away, using the Force. The third time, he was caught in the act, "Oh, I get it." Jolee snapped, "Let's play with the old man's head, is it? He's half-senile, he'll forget anything happened in a minute! Wait uh, what was this about, anyway?"

Bandon sniggered, and I snorted, "Well, I got the kids off your lawn, for you." I noted.

"That you did." Jolee agreed, as we reached the spaceport. Wookiees were shooting Czerka everywhere.

I spotted HK-47 at the Hawk, "Provocation: Eat blaster fire, insignificant organic meatbags!" it yelled, as it fired on any Czerka entering the docking area the Hawk was stationed in. It seemed not to mind the Wookiees taking refuge in the area it had de-Czerka-ed.

I sniggered and wandered into the Czerka office to see if there was anything good to steal. I got there just in time to see a Wookiee holding a crate in the air, about to smash it, "No!" I shouted.

The Wookiee turned to me and grunted, [No, what? Is this crate of value to you?]

"Yes." I said, quickly stepping closer, "If it is what the label says."

[I do not read every language of your species. There are too many of them to learn, and it is not your Basic language.] the Wookie said, [Therefore I do not know what the label signifies. I simply believed it to be Czerka trash.]

"It... it says it's Tarisian ale." I said.

The Wookiee snorted, [You may take your outsider poisons away, if you wish.]

I smiled, "Thank you." I said, "I'll send HK to get it. It looks too heavy for me."

As I walked towards the ship, I yelled to HK-47 to fetch the crate. Jolee had just disappeared onto the Hawk and HK-47 was just out of sight as Bastila appeared at the top of the embarkation ramp. Bandon and I were still a fair distance away from the ship. The fight between Czerka and the Wookiees was far enough away that it wasn't bothering us now.

Bastila walked down the embarkation ramp, wearing my coat over her shoulders, but she didn't have her arms in it, so it looked like a cape. Bandon fell back a few steps behind me.

Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my back.

I looked down to see the red blade of a lightsaber protruding from the left side of my chest.

I couldn't breath.

I looked up to see the horror on Bastila's face. The blade vanished as the lightsaber was deactivated.

I fell to my knees, coughing up blood.

Bandon's cruel laughter echoed in my ears, as I saw his booted feet circle around to stand in front of me.

"Thank you so much for giving me a second chance. As you can see, I didn't waste it." Bandon crowed triumphantly.

* * *