Chapter 2

Hunt

Heins'ik Barrone waited in the tall grass. Heins'ik was not the most intelligent creature ever created, but his instincts could not be matched. He was a Species One, named by his creator Vice Chairman Roland. Sent to the Wandering Planet by Tyu himself, Heins'ik and the rest of Species One's job were to hunt the natives of the planet, while remaining in secret about what they were. At least that was their job until Species Two arrived. Then these creatures were to serve as saddles and the saddled animal to the Species Two. Heins'ik's species were shaped like huge beetles with grayish-blue shells covering their backs. When the second Species mounted them, their shells would open just enough for the Species Two to fit in, then close around their torso, to make sure they did not fly off when Heins'ik and his companions raced at their breakneck speeds.

Suddenly, Heins'ik's nose went up. Beings were approaching! Two of them! One was a native and the other…he could not recognize the other's scent. But it mattered not. Heins'ik would feast tonight, without having to share with the other One's. The hunt began!!

Jinn loved the feel of the breeze rushing through his hair as he swung through the trees of Zonama Sekot. Glito had taught him how to swing on the larger vines. These vines stretched far from their original trees, and when they approached others, they would snap off the old trees and latch on to the new ones, meaning anyone could travel for miles on these things! Glito and he were out searching for abandoned ship parts. The Serenity had been badly damaged from the attack and the Ferroans said that small pods had crashed on their planet a few months ago and they probably had some useful parts. As Jinn and Glito swung from tree to tree, Jinn explained about who he and Arkan really were, and about the Jedi versus Sith struggle. It surprised him to see that Glito knew very little about any of it. About an hour later, the two came across some wreckage below the trees.

"I'll check it out," Jinn told Glito.

When he landed on the ground, he sensed that something wasn't right. Out of nowhere, a huge beetle-like creature exploded out of the forest floor.

"Jinn, get away from that thing! It is one of the creatures that has been reappearing for about a month and killing our citizens!" Glito exclaimed.

"Is it from the pods?" Jinn asked.

"We don't know, but it could be. Just climb back up here fast!"

"Been killing your friends, eh? I'll take care of this little bugger!"

Jinn reached into his brown cloak and snatched his training saber. Although it wasn't as powerful as a regular saber was, it would do the job against some silly bug. He ignited the yellow blade and drew it over his shoulder, ready to do battle! The bug leaped forward, but Jinn blocked it with a swing of his blade. Jinn's jaw dropped when he saw that the creature had not been thoroughly cut in half. It was as if the blade was nothing to the creature. After deflecting a few more roll bys by the bug, Jinn took the blade above his head, and charged!

When it struck, it cut through the shell, but only by a little. Jinn continued the strategy until he withered away at the tough covering. Finally, the badly injured creature took off toward the other side of the jungle. Glito shook his head, and was about to throw Jinn a vine, but then a huge, silver, blade-shaped pod crashed into the wide open field to the west.

"Glito, let's check it out!" Jinn called up to his friend.

Glito followed reluctantly, and as the pair entered the field, another pod landed.

"Alright Glito, I'll check the first pod, you check the second!"

Jinn trudged through the grass towards the first pod. As he scanned it for openings or entrances, it melted down into a puddle and a humanoid, primate-like, gray furred creature tumbled out. After a second, it got to its feet and growled-well, it was more of a moan. Jinn heard Glito scream. He dashed around the first pod to see his friend backing away from another one of the creatures, obviously from the second puddle-pod. The second creature ran towards Glito (as he ran, the being keep tripping over its own feet, making it look like he was tumbling towards the petrified Glito) picked him up, and thoroughly tore him in half. Jinn's face paled, and didn't realize the beast behind him, about to do the same exact thing. Jinn turned just in time, dodged the attack and Force-rolled (rolling with a speed push from the Living Force) towards the jungle canopy. When he reached the giant trees, a faint growl sounded behind him. It was the injured beetle. But this time…he had a friend!

Chairman Vericoloro paced around the King's Council chamber. The Aduurin King's Council had called a meeting, pondering over the absence of the Republic diplomats. The king had grown worried that they might have been in the so far unidentified ship the Council Cruisers had shot down. As the council members continued to question the disappearance by interviewing the pilots, the captains, the commanders…yet no one claimed that the ship was of Republic marking! Vericoloro stepped towards the center of the chamber and cleared his throat.

"We have been brought here today to question the absence of the Republic diplomats…," Vericoloro began, and started his well-rehearsed speech over what they would do if nobody ever showed. But his mind drifted elsewhere. After a minute, he was interrupted by the opening of the chamber door. In walked Vice Chairman Roland.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Roland announced. "I have been contacted by the Republic!"

Everyone in the room gasped (except for Vericoloro) and it grew silent.

"They would like to say that if we ever try to contact them again, war will be declared upon us!"

Scowls grew like grass on the faces of everyone there (again, except Vericoloro). All of the council members gathered around Roland, to hear his tale.

"Pssh!" Vericoloro blew out. Like children on a playground! I'm going to find out the truth behind this. Maybe it's true, but if it is, it is probably because we shot down that ship. Maybe I should trek to Zonama Sekot…or maybe… "Roland!" Vericoloro called. "Before we get ahead of ourselves, why don't we send a team to Zonama Sekot to investigate for that downed ship. Maybe that is why the Republic is angry at us."

Roland put on a put-on smile. "But I am probably the only one on this planet who knows enough about Sekot to actually go there!" Roland said, thinking he had won.

"Fine then," Vericoloro replied. "That's a great idea!"

With that Grand Chairman Vericoloro left in personal triumph, leaving a wounded look on Roland's face.