Endings and Beginnings
Ash leaned against the counter in the galley while Bastila called everyone to the common area for a meeting. The council gave her the mission. Yet, Bastila asked for her to do the talking during the crew meeting. Due to Bastila having more experience leading a strike team, Ash relented and agreed. Juhani stood silently beside her. The Cathar woman had received a few odd glances from the others as she followed Ash into the Ebon Hawk.
Ash raised her eyes and cast a furtive glance in Carth's direction. She didn't quite know what to make of his odd behavior the past couple of days. When he looked in her direction, she quickly averted her eyes.
Bastila cleared her throat in an attempt to get everyone's attention. "We have been given a mission by the Jedi Council of the utmost importance."
"Who's this 'we' you're referring to?" Canderous asked gruffly.
"Well, that is… Ash and I have been given a mission," Bastila added.
"Okay, what's it got to do with us?" Canderous asked gruffly.
Bastila let out a frustrated breath. "Well…" She looked uneasily at Ash.
Ash stepped forward. "Bastila and I have been given a mission and would be honored if you would help us in this endeavor. This has the potential to be a very dangerous mission and could come to the attention of Darth Malak himself if we are not careful. It is up to you to decide if you would like to come with us or not."
Canderous leaned back against the wall. "Hm… you can count me in. Any mission that has the chance to go up against Malak, I'm as good as there."
Zaalbar moaned his agreement. "I will follow you, Ashla. I have sworn a life debt to you and will go wherever you go."
"Well, if Big Z is going, then you know I will too." Mission grinned.
Teethree warbled an agreement. T3 = will go with Ash / wants to help the Jedi.
Ash looked at Carth, who leaned against the wall beside Canderous, his mouth set in a hard thin line. "Well, Carth? What do you think? I could use a good pilot." She smiled hopefully at him. Whether he knew it or not, he helped ground her and she had hoped he would want to come along.
Carth's face softened as he nodded. "I'll fly you where you need to go."
Ash nodded. "Thank you all." She pointed to Juhani, who stood quietly beside her. "I would like to introduce you to Juhani. She will be accompanying us. She is strong in the Force and will be a great asset to our mission."
Ash glanced at Teethree. "Teethree, could you project the image of the star map, please?"
Teethree whistled in affirmation as he projected the requested image.
Bastila stepped closer to the holographic image of the star map. "This is the star map we discovered in the ruins that lies to the east of the enclave. We believe it will lead to the Star Forge, however it is incomplete. Our mission is to recover the missing star maps to create a complete star map so that we can travel to the Star Forge, and destroy it."
As Ash went over crew assignments, she couldn't help but notice the odd look Carth kept giving her. After they dismissed everyone, she looked for him but he had already left with Teethree to examine the ship for any necessary repairs and go over the preflight checklist.
Ash turned and smiled to Juhani, who waited patiently beside her. "Let me show you where your bunk is, Juhani."
She led the way to the starboard dormitory where she, Bastila and Mission had picked out their bunks. Ash pointed out the bunk she had been using to Juhani. "Here. This will be your bunk." Ash reached down to the footlocker and began pulling out her belongings.
"But, is this not your bunk? Where will you sleep, Ash?" Juhani asked in confusion.
"I'll sleep in the cargo hold. I don't mind." Ash said. "You can use this footlocker as well." She nodded toward the crate she had just emptied. "I'll leave you to get settled."
#
Ash finished setting up her sleeping area in a small corner of the cargo hold, and putting away her few belongings in an empty crate when she heard Carth and Teethree heading back up to the cockpit.
She paused by the navigation chart. She studied the map while Teethree rolled past her out of the cockpit. "You've been quiet lately, Carth. Is something wrong?"
"I have? Hm. I guess I just don't like being left out of the loop." He said softly as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his chair.
"Left out of the loop? What do you mean?" Ash frowned in confusion.
"You know… left out of the loop. Not being told what's going on. Being left in the dark. I don't know how else to say it, Ash. It's starting to really irritate me."
"I'm not the one leaving you out of the loop, Carth." Ash said calmly.
"No? Well, you're not exactly helping either!"
Ash shook her head and took a deep breath. "You know, you're not exactly helping here, either. I've been nothing but open and honest with you since we met, Carth."
His mouth was set in a thin line as he shook his head. "I just want to know what the hell is going on."
"Okay." Ash said as she sat down in the navigation chair behind him. "Ask me."
He planted his feet on the floor heavily as he turned in his chair to look at her. "Okay. For one thing, I want to know just what the hell the Jedi council said to you. I tried asking Bastila, but she's as closed mouthed as the Jedi Masters!"
"As I told everyone in the meeting earlier, Carth, they want us to find the star maps so we can locate the Star Forge and destroy it."
"But why are they putting this on you?" Carth asked. "It seems strange to me that they would put a mission of this caliber on your shoulders. Why?"
"Why should it seem strange to you? I didn't realize you were so familiar with the ways of the Jedi." Her voice was strained as she tried to calm her emotions.
"While it's true that I don't know much about the Jedi, but I do know they aren't known for taking on old Padawans and sending them on dangerous missions." Carth grumbled.
"Oh, so I'm old now, flyboy?" Ash said bitterly as she stood with her back to him. She wrapped her arms around her waist, hugging herself.
"C'mon, you know what I meant." He said with a deep sigh. "The Jedi usually take apprentices when they are children, not full grown adults."
Ash frowned as she turned to face him. "They think it is important that I find the star maps, so that we can locate the Star Forge and defeat Malak."
"Malak? They're sending you three up against Darth Malak?" Carth rose from his seat. "Why is that, Ash? Why you three, and not any of the Jedi Masters? I'm not saying you're not skilled, because you are a very exceptionally gifted woman, Ash, but doesn't that strike you as odd?"
"Well, yes, maybe a little, but they said…" Her voice trailed off.
"What? What did they say, Ash?"
"They said that if they sent any of the masters it would alert Malak to our mission. By sending us, we'll have greater success in keeping our mission secret. They said that I have a… bond… with Bastila. They said that our bond would help us find the star maps. That it would help to strengthen us."
"A bond? Like you're tied to her in some way?" Carth laughed in disbelief. 'More mystic Jedi mumbo-jumbo.' "I have a hard time believing that, Ash."
Ash shrugged. She had felt the Force connection between herself and Bastila. She didn't like it but it was there nonetheless. "Well, it's true. You can believe it or not."
Carth ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "Fine. Still, the fact remains that you are a neophyte Jedi and they gave you this dangerous mission! Why? Something isn't adding up here, Ash!"
She paced in the small area in front of the navigational computer.
"Carth, I don't know! Alright! I can't answer for the Jedi Council!" Ash said angrily.
"Listen, I'm not trying to say that you have to answer for them, but you have to see that this isn't normal!"
"All I know is that we have to do this together… That I have to do this!" Ash closed her eyes tightly as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"More of this destiny crap? Well, that can't be it!" Carth muttered to himself. "I'll tell you this much… I'm not going to wait around to be betrayed again!" He said angrily.
"This again?! Carth! I'm not going to betray you!" Ash stormed up to him and poked her finger into his chest. "I'm not Saul!"
His eyes narrowed. "Yeah? Well, we'll see about that, won't we?"
Ash gasped as she took a step back, hurt flashing across her eyes.
"Listen, I…" Carth raked his hand through his hair in frustration. "I didn't mean it like that. I just want to get to Saul…"
"Is that the only reason you're here? To get to Saul?" She whispered.
"Yes." He said without thinking.
Tears threatened to well up in her eyes.
'Damn it.' Carth closed his eyes. "No, Ash... I didn't mean that... Damn. Just forget it. All I can seem to do is insult you, isn't it? Just forget I said anything." He turned his back to her. He crossed his arms over his chest as he viewed out of the windows of the cockpit over the Dantooine countryside.
She nodded mutely, then stomped down the corridor. She climbed the ladder up to the hull and sat down heavily on top of the ship. 'What did you expect?' She thought as the wind swept her hair in her face. 'Certainly not that…' Ash shook her head bitterly as she pushed the thoughts aside. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on her breath as she focused on her connection to the Force as she sought to calm herself before returning back inside.
#
The rest of the day was a whirlwind of activity as they prepared the ship for launching. Once Mission and Zaalbar returned with the supplies, Ash checked in with Teethree regarding the preflight checklist. After getting an all clear from the little droid, Ash and Bastila conferred over the navigational chart to see where they should go first. Ash leaned toward going to Kashyyyk, whereas Bastila wanted to go to Tatooine first. In the end, they settled upon Kashyyyk simply because it was closer than the others.
Bastila sat down in the copilot's seat next to Carth as Teethree loaded the hyperspace coordinates into the navicomputer. Ash walked down the corridor back towards the common area, stopping in the cargo hold to double check the supplies. After reassuring herself that they had everything they needed and everyone was on board, she pressed the button to raise the ramp.
No one spoke as she entered the cockpit and strapped herself in the navigation chair behind Carth. He glanced back at her but she refused to meet his gaze. Teethree whistled happily as the Ebon Hawk gently lifted up off of the ground and soared into the upper atmosphere.
Bastila noticed the tension in the air between Ash and Carth. "Is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine." Ash said curtly as she leaned back into her chair as she watched the blue streaks fly past them as they entered hyperspace.
Carth groaned inwardly. 'When Morgana said 'everything was fine,' that usually meant it was not fine,' he thought, but remained silent.
Bastila gave her an odd look before facing forward. Ash unbuckled and rose stiffly, heading toward the cargo hold where she sat in quiet meditation.
#
The Leviathan
Saul Karath cautiously approached the dark lord who stood silently on the bridge. Sweat formed under his collar as he knelt in supplication. "My lord Malak, according to our latest report the Star Forge is operating at two hundred percent capacity. That has far exceeded our expectations."
Malak turned to the kneeling Admiral. His cape flourished behind him. "I am far more interested in finding the young Jedi, Bastila. Have you learned how she managed to escape the destruction of Taris?"
Saul slowly rose to stand. "She was aided by a war hero and legendary soldier of the Republic. During the Mandalorian Wars, he was honored many times for his heroic actions."
Malak's eyes narrowed. "You know this man?"
"Yes, my Lord. Carth Onasi. He served under me while I was still with the Republic. One could say I was his mentor."
"Interesting." Malak turned back to stare out over the black reaches of space. Carth Onasi. Yes, I remember him from when Revan and I were on Cathar during the Wars. I recall that he played a valiant role during the Battle of Serroco. It seems the Force is with him. "How did you acquire this… tidbit of information, Admiral Karath?"
"From an eye witness, my Lord. This bounty hunter watched as Bastila and Carth made their escape on a stolen freighter. Apparently, they left him for dead at Davik Kang's estate." Saul motioned for the large man who stood quietly behind him to move forward.
Malak glanced at Calo Nord, who stood patiently waiting. "Hmm… A Jedi and a decorated war hero. It's surprising you made it out alive."
Calo Nord shrugged. "I'm hard to kill."
"So it would seem." Malak stated. He nodded, having come to a decision. "I want the Jedi taken alive, if at all possible. Her companions mean nothing to me. Kill them all."
Saul motioned for Calo to wait. "My Lord, might we have a word with you in private?"
Darth Malak crossed his arms over his chest. A frown marred the smoothness of his forehead. "I trust you are not wasting my time, Admiral."
Saul bowed his head respectfully to the Dark Lord. "No, my Lord. I assure you. You will find what Calo has to say about one of Bastila's companions very… intriguing."
#
Ash lay uncomfortably on the metal grates that lined the cargo hold floor. She had put down an extra blanket under her, but it didn't give much padding. She placed the palm of her hand over her eyes as she tried to go to sleep. She could hear Teethree rolling down the corridor outside the door. After tossing for several minutes, she rose and pulled the blanket around her shoulders as she tiptoed down the corridor toward the cockpit, hoping it was empty. She smiled when she saw that the only one in the small area was Teethree, who beeped happily at her when she walked in and curled up in the navigator's seat.
"Teethree, have you had any luck with narrowing down those search results?" She whispered to the droid.
"Doo wwoooo…" Teethree said sadly. T3 = entered in additional information / over one hundred search results to examine.
"Did any of them have a holopic attached to the file?" Ash asked hopefully.
Teethree beeped a reply. T3 = will narrow search filters.
Ash nodded. "Good work, my friend."
She leaned back and watched the blue lines of stars that streaked past as they raced along the hyperspace route. Her eyelids drooped as she relaxed and drifted off to sleep.
The fog swirled around Revan's feet as she carefully tread the mossy ground under her booted feet. Malak walked silently beside her. The large canopy overhead cast them in shadows. It was cooler here, in the Shadowlands of Kashyyyk, making her grateful for the heavy robes which gave her added warmth. Before them lay the star map which opened as they neared. Malak inserted his datapad into the receptacle in the computer terminal which stood off to the side. Revan folded her arms over her chest as she watched in silence.
Ash woke suddenly. She felt so cold. Her teeth clattered as she pulled the blanket tighter around her. Teethree beeped in concern at her side. She heard the sound of quick footsteps coming up the corridor behind her. Closing her eyes, she sensed it was Bastila who was seeking her out.
"I had another vision, Ashla." Bastila said as she entered the cockpit. She took in Ash's blanket and nighttime attire. "Why are you sleeping in here?"
"I gave Juhani my bunk. I couldn't get comfortable in the cargo hold, so I came in here. I must have dozed off." She rubbed her eyes sleepily. "I had another vision as well. Of the star map on Kashyyyk." Ash replied as she gathered the blanket closer around her to ward off the chill remaining from the dream.
Bastila rubbed her arms, as if to warm them. "Yes, Revan and Malak found the star map. It appeared to be way down in the depths of Kashyyyk, away from where most of the Wookiees live."
"When we get to Kashyyyk, that's where we'll look. Perhaps someone will have seen something similar to the ruins on Dantooine. Although, in the vision it seemed to be outside. There was moss under Revan's boots." Ash said as she rose to stand.
"While we have some time alone, we need to discuss a few things, Ash." Bastila said as she sat in the copilot's seat.
"Alright," Ash looked warily at the young Jedi seated across from her. "I suppose you're right."
Bastila looked down at her hands, trying to formulate her thoughts. "You need to prepare yourself for when we face Malak. The confrontation will be… difficult for you. I remember how hard it was when I first faced Revan."
Ash was silent. She gripped the blanket tighter around her. "Is it true you killed Revan?"
Bastila looked away. She found it difficult to meet Ash's eyes. "It's true that I was part of the strike team who was sent to capture Revan, due to my battle meditation ability. But, no… I did not kill Revan."
"So, what happened then? Who killed Revan?" Ash asked softly. Her temple began to throb. Absentmindedly, she rubbed her temple trying to smooth the headache away. Her fingers traced the scar that stretched from her hairline to her brow.
Bastila sat in silence. She wrapped her arms around herself as she contemplated her answer. "Our mission was to capture Revan, if at all possible. However, Revan's apprentice, Malak, turned on his master, firing upon Revan's ship while we were still on board. Malak wanted to kill us all. Luckily, we were able to escape before the vessel exploded."
"So, if Revan hadn't been killed from the attack by Malak, would you have killed Revan?"
Bastila rose. She inhaled a shaky breath as she headed for the corridor leading away from the cockpit. She paused in the doorway. "Like I said, we were there to capture Revan alive. The Jedi do not believe in killing their prisoners. No one deserves that fate, no matter their crimes. I'm sorry. I… do not wish to discuss this any longer. The memory of my confrontation with Revan is… painful."
Ash watched the younger woman leave the room. 'There is much she isn't telling me about what happened with Revan.' She contemplated following Bastila and asking more questions regarding Revan's fate, but decided against it. As she massaged her aching temples, she closed her eyes and tried to push the lingering headache away.
#
Zaalbar stood by the exit ramp looking down on his homeworld. It felt like ages since he had been home. Rwookrrorro… 'I swore I'd never return here, yet I must go with Ashla. I made a vow to protect the woman. I will honor my vow, even if it means I must return.'
Ash pulled her pack over her shoulder as she headed toward the garage of the Ebon Hawk. She and Bastila had divided the crew into two teams. One team, consisting of Juhani, Canderous and Teethree was to stay with the ship, while the rest of them headed toward the Wookiee village of Rwookrrorro.
"Ready to go, Zaalbar?" Ash asked while she waited for the others to join them.
Zaalbar gave her a long sad look before moaning an agreement.
Carth walked up the ramp, having gone ahead with Teethree to pay the docking fees. Ash noted he was wearing his old beat up orange flight jacket again. She bit her bottom lip and looked away. She didn't meet his gaze as he walked past her back into the ship. Teethree rolled up behind him, stopping to stand beside her.
As they filed out of the ship, Ash called out to Canderous, who stood at the top of the ramp. "Alert me on my comlink if there is any trouble. Hopefully, I'll still be able to get a signal if we have to go into the Shadowlands."
"The Cat-lady and I have this under control." Canderous said, resulting in Juhani snarling at him.
"Teethree, keep those two in line." Ash said as she winked at the droid. Teethree warbled an affirmative beep as they left the ship behind and headed toward the Great Walkway.
As they made their way through the docks, Ash could not help but see the devastation wrought by the Czerka Corporation. Her eyes lingered on the large cages as they passed by, some empty while some held captive enslaved wookiee's waiting to be transported offworld.
'Slavery should be abolished in the Republic. It is a disgrace that the practice has been allowed to continue,' she thought as they passed by yet another cage.
Zaalbar unease grew as he took in all the Czerka officers as they paraded around his home village like they owned the place. 'They probably do own it now. It has been a while since I've been home.' He looked uneasily at Ashla, who walked quietly beside him. 'I should have told her of my past before we arrived. We will not be made welcome in my home because of my actions.'
Ash could feel Zaalbar's gaze upon her. "Is something wrong, my friend?" She asked in Shyriiwook.
Zaalbar paused. He looked down upon the small human female in amazement. "I did not know you could speak our language, Ashla."
Ash nodded. "I had forgotten. I am remembering."
The Wookiee glanced uneasily at the others, who were also surprised by Ash's ability. "I should have told you before we landed. Mission might have told you some of why I fled my home. I could have prepared you for what we will face, but I don't know if I could have prepared myself."
"What do you mean?" Ash asked. His confession left her confused.
"Mission might have told you I was running away from slavers. There is more to the story than that. I am an Exile. The slavers only took me because I was not allowed in my own village. I have been gone for twenty years." Zaalbar said, sadly.
"Why were you forced to leave your home?" Ash asked. She caught Carth's questioning look. She glanced to Mission to have her translate so the others would understand what was being said.
"My brother dealt with slavers and allowed them to gain a foothold. I found out and confronted him, and I attacked him. My father stopped the fight, but he did not believe me. I was Exiled for my actions. I should not be here. I will not be allowed back into the village."
Ash nodded. "We will deal with that when the time comes, Zaalbar. Why didn't your father believe you?"
"I attacked my brother out of anger, and because I used my claws. You do not understand what that means to a Wookiee. Our claws are tools, not weapons. To use your claws when attacking someone means you have become an animal. It is without honor. I will forever be seen as a 'Madclaw' to my people."
"Time has passed. Things may have changed, Zaalbar." Ash looked around as the Czerka Corp officers milled around the dock.
"No, things have not changed for the better. This dock now belongs to the slavers." Zaalbar shook his head sadly.
"I will help you with this, Zaalbar. We will overcome this obstacle together." Ash smiled warmly at him. "Let us go now. Trust in the Force."
#
Ash was finding Kashyyyk to be a trial of patience and controlling her temper. The Czerka Corp office left her feeling unsettled, seeing the poor enslaved Wookiees and those who were being experimented on by the scientists. Plus, it felt as if it had been a waste of time. They had no information to give regarding any ruins or any ancient temples in the Shadowlands. It pained her to see how Zaalbar was taking the changes that had been made in his absence.
As they left the safety of the docks behind, they walked along the Great Walkway, a wild and dangerous place. As they progressed deeper down the walkway towards Zaalbar's village, they were met with kinraths, and mykals. They were also met with a trio of dark Jedi sent by Malak, who had offered a reward for their capture. Luckily, they outnumbered the dark Jedi and easily overtook them. Ash carried their lightsabers in her pack, so that once they were back on board the ship she could take them apart and construct a second lightsaber out of the parts.
Now standing in front of the angry Wookiee guard, Ash motioned for everyone to lower their weapons. It would make matters worse for everyone involved, particularly Zaalbar, if they resorted to violence to gain entry to the village. The guard informed them that they were to be brought before Chuundar immediately.
"Zaalbar, who is Chuundar?" Ash asked in Basic.
Zaalbar looked sadly at her. "He is my brother. When I left my father was Chieftain. If we are being taken to speak with Chuundar, that can only mean one thing. My father is dead, and now he is Chieftain."
Ash nodded solemnly. "I'm sorry to hear that, my friend." She replied in Shyriiwook.
The Wookiee village was built around the large Wroshyr trees. Woven baskets lined the walkway, some empty while some were laden with fruits and vegetables. The Wookiees stared curiously as they were escorted to the Chieftain's Hall.
#
The Chieftain's Hall was a large rectangular room. Ash followed Zaalbar's gaze to the Wookie who was flanked by Czerka Corporation officers. 'This must be Chuundar,' she thought as they were led to the center of the room.
Chuundar growled a greeting. "Step forward and address the Mighty Chuundar, Outsider. It is not often that we allow outsiders such as yourselves."
"Are you not flanked by Czerka slavers? Are they not outsiders, or have you sold all of Kashyyyk to them?" Zaalbar roared.
"Ah, brother. You have returned. You shouldn't speak in such tones. Things have changed since you were exiled. You are a madclaw without honor. You have no voice here."
Ash debated how she should respond. She glanced at Bastila, but the younger Jedi shook her head as if unsure how to respond. "If you have made any deals with these slavers, the truth will come out." She replied in Shyriiwook.
"You can speak our language? That is most unusual among your people, Outsider." Chuundar barked. "Still, you may talk but no one will listen. They will not believe you. I have guided my people. Even with my brother gone mad, and Father enslaved, I rose to protect our people despite it all."
"Father was enslaved?" Zaalbar groaned.
"A lot has changed since you were exiled, brother. We will discuss this soon enough. For now, there is something that I want from your friends here." Chuundar pointed at Ash.
"What is this about?" Ash spoke quickly in Basic, so that the others could understand her half of the conversation, while Mission translated the rest.
"Another wookiee has suffered the same fate as Zaalbar. He has been exiled and fled to the Shadowlands. Now, he is pestering the Czerka officials there. They are my allies. I must not allow this to continue. It's not good for business." Chuundar moaned.
"Did he stand against you? Perhaps he is the first of many to come forward." Ash stated. Her throat was beginning to burn from making the rough guttural sounds in the back of her throat while speaking Shyriiwook.
"He is a madclaw. No one will listen to him. Now, he is merely a nuisance. We only enter the Shadowlands for ritual hunting. I cannot risk any of my hunters to deal with this nuisance, however you are expendable. You will remove him." Chuundar roared.
Ash folded her arms over her chest. "No. I will not do this. Dirty your own hands with such dishonorable actions."
"You have no choice. You will do the task as requested or you will leave Kashyyyk. Without Zaalbar. He will remain with me." Chuundar barked out harshly.
Standing beside Carth, Mission gasped. "No! He can't do that! He can't keep Zaalbar a prisoner. He can't do that, can he, Ash?"
Ash looked sadly at Mission. "I'm afraid he can." Switching back to Shyriiwook, "it would appear you have given me no choice. It is late to descend into the Shadowlands this evening. My team requires rest. May we have lodging here in the village?"
"It is unusual for outsiders to remain in the village, however I will grant this for one night. In the morning, you and your team will leave for the Shadowlands. Do not return until the exile has been dealt with." Chuundar waved his hand in dismissal.
They were led out of the Chieftain's Hall, and shown to a large hut where they could stay for the evening. Everyone except Zaalbar. He was told to remain with Chuundar in the Hall.
As they set their belongings down, the wookiee shut the door behind him. The large hut boasted a large common room, a refresher with running water, and two smaller rooms for sleeping.
Ash checked to make sure that the wookiee did not lock the door behind him. The door was unlocked. Luckily, Chuundar was showing them a small measure of hospitality. They were free to explore the village, although it didn't seem any of the wookiees wished to talk to them.
Bastila set her pack down next to hers. "Ash, I don't think we have much choice but to do as he asks. We cannot leave Zaalbar here."
"I agree, Bastila." Ash said. Her voice sounded rough and her throat ached from speaking in Shyriiwook. She rubbed her throat gently. She had surprised herself when she remembered the language as they stepped onto the dock.
Carth set his pack down as well. "I don't like the idea of leaving anyone behind either. Don't worry, Mission. We'll figure this out." He patted the young Twi'lek on the shoulder before pulling her in for a quick hug.
Ash stood silently, watching the pair. The thought of having to leave Zaalbar behind was unsettling. She left the others in the hut as she walked outside to get some air.
#
Carth watched as Ash spoke gently to the wookiee pup in Shyriiwook. The pup's mother came over and pulled the child away. Ash merely smiled and bowed to the female wookiee, although the smile faltered quickly. 'She's right. She has been nothing but honest with me since day one. It's not her fault the council isn't telling me everything. I shouldn't have taken it out on her,' he thought as he watched her walk over to the railing to look out of the canopy of Wroshyr trees. 'No time like the present,' he thought as he steeled himself to apologize.
"Ash, can we talk?" Carth said quietly.
Ash turned to face him. Her hair was done up in the twin buns, like she had worn on Taris the night of the party. "Is there anything to talk about, Carth?" She asked. She spoke barely above a whisper. She touched her throat apologetically.
"Listen, I'm not very good at this… I know that I owe you an apology. Well, probably more than one, if we're being honest." Carth sighed heavily. "I was just… so ready to finally face Saul during the battle over Taris, and then we were stuck on the planet for weeks, with no end in sight. Now, the Jedi have us out searching the galaxy for these… Star Maps. I know that this mission is important. I get that. But," he shrugged. "I feel a little out of my depth here. I mean, I can fight, sure… but I'm no Jedi."
"You can always return to the fleet. I'm sure Admiral Dodonna would gladly make the appropriate accommodations for you." Ash said as she gazed out over the canopy, reluctant to meet his eyes.
"No. I could do more good here, helping you on your mission. I just… hate not knowing what's going on. I shouldn't have taken that out on you. I've been a royal pain in the ass, haven't I?" Carth said, wishing she'd turn to look at him.
Ash breathed a small sigh of relief. She had been afraid he was going to tell her he was leaving. She took a deep calming breath. "Don't worry about it, Carth."
He shook his head. "No, I do worry about it. I've traveled this road once before… I should know better than this."
She turned to look up at him. "And, what road would that be, Carth?"
He gently touched her cheek. "The one that we're finding ourselves on. Ashla, I'm sorry, will you accept my apology?" He said tenderly.
Ash's eyes softened at the use of her full name, which he hadn't used since they first met on Taris. Even the others had followed his lead and referred to her simply as Ash.
"Well? Do you accept my apology or are you going to make me work for it?" He asked with a smirk.
"Oh, I think you should definitely work for it." She whispered. She smiled suggestively at him.
"Hm. I don't know if I like the sound of that," he said huskily.
"Don't you want me to accept your apology?"
He came up behind her and pulled her close, slipping his hands around her waist. "Oh, I don't know. What am I going to have to do for it?" He whispered.
Ash leaned back against him briefly before turning around and sliding her hands up his chest. "Hm… I did notice there was some carbon scoring on the underside of the Hawk when we landed."
Carth threw his head back and laughed.
He took her hand, and guided her over to a more secluded part of the village, away from prying eyes. "So, you do accept my apology, then?" He asked softly. He held her hand, his thumb drawing lazy circles on the inside of her palm.
"Hm, maybe I should keep you guessing for a day or two," she whispered. With her free hand, she tried to smooth the two strands of hair from his forehead, only to have them fall back stubbornly.
"Beautiful, you'll make me go crazy if you do that," his voice was raspy as he dipped his face closer to hers.
He knew they probably shouldn't be doing this. She was a Jedi and he had a vow of his own to keep, to find Saul and avenge his wife's death. But, when she leaned into him and ran her fingers through his hair, that was his undoing. All thoughts left him as their breath mingled together and his lips hovered over hers.
He was hesitant at first… almost questioning, as he lightly touched his lips against hers. She closed her eyes, whispering yes as their breaths became one. His heart skipped a beat as he leaned her back ever so slightly and deepened the kiss. She pulled him closer, and he knew he was lost.
Carth let his forehead rest against hers as they pulled apart. She gazed up at him, her cinnamon colored eyes darkened with desire.
"Yes, I forgive you," she whispered against his lips.
"I'm glad," he whispered, his breath coming in fast, as his thumb softly traced her jawline.