Carth:
Ahh, Kashyyyk. I only wished that my biggest concern was accidentally finding myself knee-deep in animal dung.
T3-M4 finally fixed the door to the starboard dormitories and released Bastila and Rian. I knew it was inevitable, but I think a part of me hoped that I'd never have to face either of them again. Both women were fine individually, but when their personalities collided, chewing on a thermal detonator would sometimes seem preferable.
But I couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen. Maybe their forced time together had made one or both snap. Maybe Zaalbar knew what he was doing, but it still made me nervous. I just didn't want to be the one to explain it to Mission if Rian started wearing a Wookiee-colored cloak.
So far, nothing irrevocably horrible had happened. Bastila spent quite a long time in the shower and Rian changed the color crystal of her lightsaber repeatedly. When she finally settled on a violet crystal, Bastila was in the process of braiding her damp hair. If I knew they were going to take that long, I would have had another cup of caffa.
"You look troubled."
I started at the lilting voice. The beads in Juhani's topknot rattled as she cocked her head to one side.
"You know, people have been telling me that more and more," I said.
"Then perhaps there is some truth to it," she replied.
"Point taken." I sighed. "But I really don't feel like talking about it. I'd rather bottle it all up. It builds character."
"If by build you mean a festering infection that poisons the carrier, then yes, you are correct," Juhani murmured. "I understand. You and I are alike in that sense, I think."
"Then you understand why I can't talk about it just yet," I said.
"Of course," the Cathar replied.
"Thank you," I mumbled.
Rian bounded into the main cabin and gave her lightsaber a test swing. I shuddered. It missed the door frame by a mere centimeter.
"You have quite the handle on your lightsaber for a fledgling Padawan," Juhani noted.
"I wish I had another one," Rian grumbled. "I always used to handle dual vibroblades."
"I may have enough components on me to construct a second lightsaber for you," Juhani offered quietly.
"Really?" Rian beamed. "That'd be great."
If I didn't know better, I'd say that the Cathar's ears had turned pink.
I cleared my throat.
"So we're on Kashyyyk," I said. "Now what?"
The expression died on Rian's face.
"We should probably figure out who in the crew is fluent in Shyriiwook," she murmured. "In case we have to split up, a translator should be in each group."
"So that leaves Mission and you," I offered.
"I am fluent as well," Juhani said.
"Bastila can understand enough," Rian added. "And I'm sure that little tin can has the capability."
"Guess who owns Kashyyyk?" Mission announced as she stormed in. "Or should I say Edean? Or even better: G5-623!"
"I should have known you'd be the first one off the ship." Rian smirked.
"What are you talking about, Mission?" I asked.
"Czerka," Mission exclaimed. "This is their filthy dock. I was already none too politely told that we owe them 100 credits to use it."
"Do you want me to deal with them?" Rian offered.
"Don't bother." Mission groaned. "I took care of it. For as wise as they supposedly are, Ithorians are wimps. All it took was a couple of creative threats."
"Are you sure that won't cause trouble down the road?" I asked.
"Not if the Ithorian knows what's good for him," Mission replied.
I shook my head. Rian laughed.
"We'll worry about that when we have to," she promised. "But now I have a pretty good idea as to what's going on."
"As do I," Juhani spat.
"Resources," Rian replied. "There's no official government on Kashyyyk to protest or bar Czerka from entering. It makes perfect sense."
"Resources?" Juhani snarled. "Padawan, you are either very naïve or very callous to think that other sentient beings can simply be considered to be resources."
Rian didn't answer.
Instead, Mission walked up the Cathar woman and wrapped her arms around Juhani. Juhani jerked back, but the Twi'lek wasn't dissuaded. The young girl pulled Juhani closer and snuggled her head-tails into the Cathar's arms.
"Rian just doesn't get it," Mission said. "You can't blame her for that."
"Game plan," Rian announced. "I want one group to schmooze and distract Czerka. I want to know how deeply they're invested in Kashyyyk and about any help they may be receiving. Group number two will be heading directly to the forest floor."
"What's on the forest floor?" I asked. "Even the Wookiees stay away from the forest floor. They call it the Shadowlands for a reason."
"Because we had a vision, Rian, did we not?" Bastila waltzed into the main room. She had a dangerous glint in her eye; I suspected she was hell bent on wresting control from Rian.
"The Star Map is not among the trees," Bastila said. "And if it's in the Shadowlands, we must go to the Shadowlands."
"Which leads us to group number three," Rian concluded. "I want someone to stay with the Ebon Hawk. In case the Jedi Council sends any messages and in case Czerka tries any retaliation for Mission's stunt."
"Something tells me that we have no choice in which group we're part of," I muttered.
"Where's the fun in that?" Rian grinned.
"I am not staying on this ship," Mission declared.
"Of course not," Rian agreed. "Bastila, I want you and Carth to deal with Czerka. You're both more diplomatic than I am and a Jedi and Republic soldier makes it seem well-rounded and respectable."
"I'm going to need another cup of caffa if I'm going to be respectable," I grumbled.
"Mission and Juhani can come with me," Rian continued. "Zaalbar's going to give us a tour of the Shadowlands."
"You've forgotten the Mandalorian," Bastila pointed out.
"Nope, Canderous and his pet droid get to hang out on the Ebon Hawk," Rian replied. "I wouldn't have trusted Czerka if we had paid their docking fee."
"Where is Canderous, anyway?" I asked. "And for that matter, Zaalbar?"
"Zaalbar's probably flipping through his datapad to see if any of the numbers of his lady friends are still valid," Rian said. "I lent him some of your cologne; I just hope he doesn't decide to drink it."
"My cologne?" I spluttered.
Which one? I could live if it was the Corellian Spice, but damn it that Alderaan Blue was expensive.
"Uh, I'll go check on Big Z," Mission offered quickly.
As the Twi'lek vanished through the door, I sighed and headed towards the caffa pot.
"The last I saw of the Mandalorian, he was by the workbench, having a conversation with the droid," Juhani said. "I do not think he will be pleased with the idea of being left on the ship."
"We can't afford to leave more than a couple people on the ship," Rian replied. "And Canderous is a one man army. He'll appreciate the peace and quiet at least."
A fresh mug of caffa in my hands, I pretended to concentrate on sipping. I nearly gagged when I heard Mission's high pitched shrieks from the other side of the ship.
"You worthless fur ball! Open this damn door now!"
"What?" Rian muttered. "Did the carpet lock himself in the male cabin? Why the hell would he do that?"
Bastila circled an arm around mine and began to tug me towards the exit.
"As distressing as this turn of events is, I think it's in the best interest of the mission if Carth and I head out to Czerka Corporation's base as soon as possible," she said. "So if you'll excuse us, best of luck with Zaalbar."
Before Rian could reply, Bastila was hurrying me down the hallway, right into Canderous Ordo. The Mandalorian said nothing, only raised an eyebrow. Bastila cleared her throat.
"Please direct any questions you have to Rian Vega," Bastila told him, before continuing to drag me on.
I sighed. It was going to be a very long day.
