Arrival
Kashyyyk is a green world covered almost entirely by a forest of trees the Wookiees call wroshyr. The wroshyr stand several kilometers high, their diameter is at least half that count. The Wookiees make their homes in the top branches, only the bravest of their warriors venture to the ground below. The ground below, the shadow lands a dark forbidding place and the location of the Star Map.
Carth sat the Hawk down on a landing pad decorated with Czerka hieroglyphs. Just below the upper canopy. Soon after Pol exited the Hawk flanked by Mission Zaalbar and Canderous, they were greeted by an alien.
"Oh look an Ithorian, maybe he will know where we can get some supplies." Pol hurried towards the loping grey alien. To her surprise Janos Wertka, as he introduced himself, was a Czerka representative.
Mission piped up, "What's an Ithorian doing working for the Czerka Jerks?"
"I don't know but he has come to collect a docking fee." Pol cringed. Credits were tight all round, she had even considered sending Mission off to procure some using her special talents, namely Pazaak and pick pocketing.
"Screw that. Tell him to shove it Pol." Canderous glared at Janos who cowered just a little with true Ithorian timidity.
"My friends and I represent a potential client, you don't need out docking fee." Pol waved her hand gracefully as she subdued the Ithorian with the persuasive effects of the Force.
"While you got that mind trick going on ask him for a few credits." Mission recommended.
"And tell him to forget he saw us." Canderous added.
Pol ignored their suggestions and continued as she began. After a moment Janos Wertka spoke in a monotone Ithorian rabble. "A docking fee will not be necessary."
"What did you call this place? Edean?" Pol asked.
"It is also known as G5-623 but the stock holders prefer Edean. The native species call it Kashyyyk."
"You mean the Wookiees" Pol corrected. "So what are Czerka doing on Kashyyyk?"
Zaalbar roared, (Slaving my people!)
"Your thrall seems less than pleased with the situation; do you always let it speak for you? You must be advised that whilst you are here as its owner you are responsible for any damage it might make."
"Zaalbar is not my thrall or my slave or an 'it'. He is my companion, by life debt."
"It is a difficult thing to stage, but much easier than the chains." Janos Wertka bowed his hammer shaped head in understanding.
Zaalbar roared angrily, (Do not demean the life debt!)
Their welcoming party cowered, "Oh my, please control your slave."
"Quit calling him slave tach for brains!" Mission snapped raising a fist heroically.
"Ok calm down everybody." Pol said holding the peace tenuously. She turned to her crew and said quietly, "I don't like this any more than you do but if I don't understand I can not act. I would love to rip these bastards off and close them down, but I need information to do that so shush!" Pol smiled pleasantly at the Ithorian and resumed her questioning.
"So Janos, how does this slaving operation work, what is Czerka doing here?"
"I am merely a representative of the corporation; the wookiee leadership is in agreement! Harvesting is made as delicate as possible! I really can't tell you any more." The Ithorian demurred.
"What can you tell me about the leadership then? Why would they tolerate such a thing?" Pol asked as calmly as she could. I hate bureaucrats.
"I really can not say I am merely a representative of Czerka…"
Pol signaled to Canderous. "Chief do you remember what I said about being nice to people?"
"Yeah."
"Stuff it."
Canderous dominated the alien with his posture. His hand wrenched to the hilt of his blade he leaned forward pitilessly threatening the alien with his weighty bearing. "Maybe you should start talking or I might decide to get a little…Restless." His eyes lit evilly like grey gleaming demons in the shade of the tree top spaceport.
The Ithorian looked ready to vomit, and Pol wondered if hit species could do that.
"Woo go C-note!" Mission cheered. Zaalbar roared his approval. Canderous gave Pol a wink.
The alien spilled his guts revealing all he knew about the slaving operation including key information about the leaderships 'arrangement' with Czerka. Zaalbar indicated his dismay at the situation but was reluctant to say much else.
"Mish, why do you call Canderous C-note?" Pol inquired as they left the landing.
"Don't tell her." Canderous snapped. Pol saluted him and asked Mission again.
"Ha-ha its cuz he owes me 100 credits. A full C –century- note," She replied glibly.
(I thought the century was indicative of the Mandalorian's advanced years.) Zaalbar groaned.
"What!" Canderous frowned at Zaalbar and looked to the girls for a translation, all he got out of Pol and Mission was a sassy giggle.
Pol shook her head. "I can't believe you were foolish enough to challenge Mission to Pazaak. That is priceless!"
"I was bored." Canderous looked mildly offended and a little shamefaced.
"You were stupid." Pol analyzed.
"She cheats!" Canderous accused pointing to Mission who was laughing hysterically.
"Whatever you say Chief just don't try to win them back ok?" Pol teased.
They wended their way along the tree top boardwalk stopping finally when they reached a merchant. "Ok Mish, you got your bargaining brain on?" Pol asked.
"Always," The Twi'lek answered with an impish smile.
"Well hello! New spacers, always a pleasure," The merchants gaze wandered to Mission's lekku lustily. "How ever may I help you?" He asked with roving eyes. Lead by Canderous Zaalbar and (to a lesser extent-due to her size) Pol employed traditional stand-over tactics and the corrupt merchant became instantly more helpful and significantly better behaved.
Mission gave the order, "You could start by putting your tongue back in your head before one of my friends here cuts it off." Mission said cattily. Frag off you gross old man "First of all we need some new clothing, 9 pairs of pants, three in women's sizes 10 tall, three in 8 short and three in 9 short. Also 12 shirts … 3 dresses… sixteen packs of Hinkler's…"
Mission rattled off what sounded like esoteric gibberish to Canderous, so he tuned out until he heard her say, "Undergarments, you might not have all the colors, but give it your best shot." Under the watchful eye of Missions heavies, the merchant filled the order speedily. "I want the datapad back when you are done and don't even think of shredding us on the credits slime ball!" Mission threatened.
When the transaction was complete Zaalbar spoke up. Maybe you should take these back for the others Mission.
"You are still trying to get rid of me! Fine look Zaalbar if that's what you want I will go!" Mission stomped back along the boardwalk to the Hawk angrily. Pol tried to call her back. She could almost see the Hawk form where they stood, but Missions emotional state left a lot to be desired and Pol worried for her safety. A memory fell into her head from Revan's past. It cane in a familiar voice. Never walk away mad, that's when killers pounce. It floated like a falling leaf, but she couldn't find the tree of context to trace it.
Canderous turned to Zaalbar. "Nice going Zaalbar. We better contact Carth and let him know there is an irrational teenager coming his way." Canderous activated the comlink ignoring Zaalbar and Pol's conversation; he could only understand Pol's half of it anyway.
Carth blinked into view. "Canderous is everything ok?"
"Yeah, Mission had some kind of paroxysm and she's going back to the Hawk, we hope. Keep an eye out for her and let us know if she is not there in five."
"I'll send Juhani to meet her right away." Carth acknowledged.
"You do that." Canderous ended the call without formality, a sign of disrespect he knew Carth would get antsy over. Pol and Zaalbar had finished their discussion by the time Canderous had finished the call. Both were looking anxious. Lemme guess, the wookiee has finally spilt his big dark secret and I missed it. If its important Pol will fill me in. "Lets go, Juhani is going to collect Blue. Let's see who we have to maim to get to the green depths of this hell hole."
"Well you're in a fine mood." Pol observed.
"Something feels wrong." Canderous stated as they followed Zaalbar along the walkway.
"That's because it is. It's not my place to say but we might encounter some resistance from the Wookiees, with Zaalbar at our side. So be ready, but try not to kill any one. Oh scratch that order, kill who needs killing just remember the Wookiees' aren't the bad guys here… Even if they don't want to be friends."
"Ok."
Unwelcome
The fattest wookiee Pol had ever seen stood guard at the gates to the village of Rwookrrorro. He was accompanied by another large specimen who recognized Zaalbar as they had feared. This set them off at deafening decibels. Pol resisted the urge to cover her ears; Canderous resisted the urge to blow them away. Zaalbar was the only one who didn't resist anything, he accepted his arrest graciously.
"Zaalbar, you don't have to do this." Pol said calmly.
Canderous drew his sword. "Yeah you REALLY don't have to do this."
Pol elbowed him. "Canderous we don't pick fights with sentients that can fold durasteel, especially when they have temporary custody of one of our friends. They've asked us to follow them to the village." Canderous remained frowning after the fuzzy abductors. Pol grabbed his arm gave it a yank. "C'mon Chief let's go."
Before meeting the chieftain Canderous and Pol were disarmed and bound with heavy cord their hands tied behind their backs. Pol shushed Canderous before he could protest. In Mandalorian she placated him. "If the need arises I can release our bonds, meanwhile let's see what this is about and try not to provoke the Wookiees."
Chuundar's coat was darker than Zaalbar's more a charcoal than chocolate but he was almost identical in height, build and in the pattern of furring, to his brother. The similarities ended there though he held opposing views on slavery. Chuundar thought slavery was ok providing it wasn't happening him or his friends. His arrangement with Czerka entailed provision of weaponry to the Wookiees in exchange for easy harvesting of slaves.
Chuundar had also been integral to many of the Wookiees learning galactic basic. He told the community it was to help them better understand the enemy, but those in his inner circle knew it made the population at large more desirable for the slave market.
Chuundar sat surrounded by his cohort; they were backed by Czerka guards. Zaalbar was thrust to his knees in chains before the traitorous wretch of a brother that was now leading his people. Canderous whispered to Pol and was backhanded by a gigantic paw for his discourtesy. He took the massive hit like a Mandalorian; spat blood to the floor squared his shoulders and kept his mouth shut.
Pol had the advantage of being able to follow the dialogue, and she wisely waited to be addressed. When she was asked to speak she gave a warning, "If you have made deals with the slavers Chuundar it will get out."
(Zaalbar is a mad-claw as is our father I am chieftain now they will not listen to outsiders.) Chuundar growled.
And yet you are surrounded by Czerka guards no less brother. Zaalbar snarled and five Czerka guards too aim at his head with their blasters.
(The opinions of mad-claws and humans mean nothing to me or my kind. I will keep Zaalbar with me for the time being. He and I have matters to discuss. But I have a task for you, human.) Chuundar rasped the word 'human' with abject hatred.
"I won't leave him with you Chuundar." Pol said firmly.
(You have no choice. Leave, flee to your space craft and don't come back or do my bidding so that you may gain my favor and free your friend.)
"What do you ask of us Chuundar?" Pol queried.
(Kill the mad-claw in the shadow lands. And return with his head.)
"If the wookiee in the shadow lands defies you Chuundar others will follow. Play along Zaalbar I will see what I can do." Pol stated calmly.
Canderous broke his enforced silence as they were released from their binds. "Let's go kill something and get the wookiee out." They collected their weapons and were bundled out of the main hall hastily and into the center of the village. Pol followed the directions given to her and they made their way out of the commune and to the main walkway.
"I should call Bastila. This isn't good."
"No problem we smoke the crazy wookiee and Zaalbar will be freed."
"That crazy Wookiee is Zaalbar's father by the sounds of things; I don't want to 'smoke' any one I don't have to, especially not Zaalbar's kin."
"Then let me." Canderous touched the firearm he had slung over his shoulder.
"Canderous, I don't want you killing on my behest."
"So what you're going to 'Jedi' him into removing his head peacefully?"
"If I thought that would work I would have asked Chuundar for his head. I just hope the crazy wook in the shadowlands understands basic cuz as much Shyriiwook as I know… I can't speak it for nuts."
"Have you tried?" Canderous laughed a little and held his hand to his face. Well that hurts. "Because as charming as you can be; I doubt your feminine wiles will work on this crazy old wookiee. Even I would think twice about removing my head for you."
"Ah but you would think about it! I'm going to take a wait and see approach… In the meanwhile with all those slavers holding Zaalbar we'll need back up."
Pol contacted Bastila. "Bastila we have a slight problem. I need you and Juhani out here as soon as you can. Did Mission make it back ok?"
"Yes she is here… in all her hormonal glory, what's the problem?"
"It's complicated, I don't want anyone to worry unnecessarily, but I need Jedi assistance." By anyone I mean Mission.
"Understood we will be there shortly, Bastila out."
"We're waiting at the basket beyond the village, you should have no trouble getting directions, the Wookiees here understand basic, Pol out." Pol and Canderous made their way to the basket. It was being guarded by a fellow named Gorwooken.
(Do you wish to travel to the shadowlands?)
"Not yet, were waiting for our companions. Can you tell me who has passed this way?"
(I do not deal with outsiders it is only by the Chieftains command that I am aiding you.)
"I didn't like the sound of that last growl; you want me to roll him?"
"No. You are spoiling for a fight aren't you?" Pol teased.
"Yeah." Canderous admitted truthfully. He had seen significantly less action that he would have liked in the last month and the bloodlust was driving him crazy.
"How's your face?"
"Sore, but otherwise ok."
"It looks really bad." Pol said.
"Well I was never going to win best in show." Canderous drawled sarcastically.
"Prettiest Mandalorian? Oh man." Pol lost it and laughed out loud, this earned her a stern look from Gorwooken, who didn't speak Mando'a and had no idea what the humans were on about. Collecting herself she motioned to the tree wall away from the basket. "We should go sit down."
Canderous and Pol took up a seat out of Gorwooken's direct line of sight. "So seriously your face looks a mess. I could heal that up for you." Pol touched his face gingerly; the cheek looked almost as if the bone had been shattered.
"Spare the kolto and save your energy for the beasts below." Canderous shrugged her hand away and smiled with anticipation.
"Oh so you don't want to be pretty is that it?" Pol teased. I wish he would wise up and let me fix this before it swells and messes with his peripheral vision.
"No I'll leave that to you." You're not Force healing me Pol so give up. Hmm this play aught to distract her, even if it doesn't pay off. Canderous took carefully calculated but surreptitious glances at Pol's chest. It didn't take her long to notice.
"Canderous are you staring at my shirt again?"
With shifty eyes Canderous draped his arm about Pol's shoulders. "You know I thought I saw a Dark Jedi back there, yes come to think of it I definitely did."
"Where?" Pol's eyes flew open in alarm her body tensed ready for action.
"He was headed into a cheap motel room near the Czerka offices. Maybe you and I should check it out over a drink or ten while we wait for your friends?" Canderous delivered his suggestion with a sliver tongue.
Pol relaxed when she realized she had been had. "You sly dog!"
Never give up. "So what do you say?" Canderous proposed melodically.
"Bastila is near by." Pol announced.
Canderous shook his head. "Try again, say 'yes' and make it sassy."
"I am serious Bastila is nearly here." Pol chuckled.
"Ah Crap" Oh well.
"But look on the bright side; you'll probably get to tear the head of some poor unfortunate forest mykal within the hour."
"I'll need to after your rejection."
"Bah you'll get over it." Pol scrambled to stand; Canderous threw his hands about her hips and pulled her back for a quick kiss. Pol extracted herself reluctantly, "Ok that's enough Chief unless you want a lecture from Bastila about the perils of the darkside."
"Kiss me like that again and I might go past caring." Canderous said as he helped her to her feet. They stood innocently in the meeting place and waited for the Jedi
Bonds
Bastila rounded the walkway they were nearing the basket when she 'bumped into' Pol's sphere of influence. She halted Juhani in their march. Pol is nervous as hell. She's excited? Oh bugger she's up to something she shouldn't be. I don't want to see this. "So Juhani, how have you been since leaving the enclave fitting in ok?"
"Yes Bastila, Pol and Canderous are waiting, we should continue." Juhani made to resume their brisk walk, but Bastila stopped her again. "Is something wrong Padawan Bastila?" She asked intrigued by Bastila's inexplicable change of pace.
"Yes, actually there is, could you swap bunks with me? I wouldn't normally ask, but since we will be on the Hawk for a while I thought it might be a good idea if I had one closer to the door, in case I am needed as co pilot." Bastila fumbled building weak excuses and stalling for time.
"Certainly. Shall we continue or is there something else of fundamental significance that you wish to discuss?" Juhani smiled amused and perplexed by Bastila's behavior.
Ok Pol has calmed down… Oh dear this bond I really can read her emotional state in close proximity. "No nothing further. I sense Pol up ahead." Pol and Canderous were standing by a large yellowish wookiee who held the cables for the basket.
"Our friends are here, could you let us down now Gorwooken?" Pol asked politely.
(As you wish keep your arms and legs in the basket, and remain still we don't want to attract anything deadly.)
"So what's going on?" Bastila asked as she stepped into the basket. She looked fabulous, her hair was perfect, despite the near run she had made to get to them. Her clothes were identical to Juhani's and her own but Bastila wore them in a better way. Pol was trying to pin point what it was about her style that made the ordinary look so good when Bastila spoke. "You had better tell me everything."
"Cant." Pol pointed to Gorwooken with her eyes. "So lovely day for hunting don't you think?" she switched subjects with a false smile.
"What happened to your cheek Canderous?" Juhani asked with a frown.
"Pol hits me." He joked expressionlessly.
Juhani examined Pol trying to find the truth of the matter in her eyes. She gave nothing away. It was a quiet and awkward journey down to the shadow lands.