Disclaimer: You know what? I think you guys get the picture. I sadly do not own Star Wars. Just this Darth Vader coffee cup. Be Jealous.
Hello everyone! Long time no read, I know and I sincerely apologize for the delay. I know you've all been eagerly waiting on a new chapter and here it is. I tried to work hard on this one, add a little flavor and so on. Hopefully it doesn't drag on or anything. I'm crossing my fingers. Since I took so long to update, this is another 21 page long story (really, really long one again.. takes forever to proof read! lol) so hopefully it will satisfy you all until I can update again! (Hopefully wont take 4 months again... if it does, just bombard me with e-mails, messages, whatever you can think of! Tell me that my Jedi powers will be revoked and you'll have me typing faster then an Ewok on coffee... and hopefully more legible too lol.
Enjoy!
The Crazy Old Man
"Insanity is relative. It depends on who has who locked in what cage."
Samirah stepped inside the small humble abode that the man named Jolee Bindo resided in. Just from the few moments that she had spent with him, she could tell he was… odd, for lack of a better word. He kept taking odd little glances at her, his face showing a variety of expressions that both perplexed her and worried her.
Glancing around the small hut she examined it with a sense of curiosity and bewilderment. It was a cozy, self built home that was full of handcrafted items that must have taken much time to acquire and create. A small fireplace was built in a corner where a small fire was lit and left burning, a small metal pot dangling from above it as a liquid inside simmered. The smell, wafting from the pot reminding her of tea—perhaps Sapir tea? The smell made her stomach ache, revealing how hungry she was… when had she last had a proper meal? Definitely not since landing on Kashyyyk.
The little hut itself was mostly built inside of a tree and insulated with what perhaps could have been mud or something along the same lines but Samirah couldn't be sure. Maybe she didn't want to know, actually. The light was so very dim as Jolee walked around, lighting the little candles he had scattered about. They had wax dripping down the side, lumping together from being lit and then extinguished several times over; some only had a few hours of light left in them.
Jolee lit each one slowly, seeing no need to rush things along—it wasn't like she had anywhere to be, he thought with a smirk. He turned around to see her standing awkwardly at the front door. Her eyes slowly wondered around the room, gazing with interest and awe.
"Well, sit down lass. Pull yourself up a stump and be comfortable." He said with an odd smile as she quickly complied with his wishes and grabbed one to sit on. She pulled her pack off her shoulders, placing it on the floor beside her. "Welcome to my home, such as it is. It's nothing fancy but who has time for those things these days any way?" He spoke as a chuckle echoed his words and her response was a simple but warm smile that was slightly awkward as well. He pulled two cups from a shelf as he started to fill them with tea from his pot.
"I believe you and I have a few things to discuss." He spoke, glancing at her from where he stood.
He brought her the cup of tea, a small smile forming as she cupped it between two hands, taking in the scent. It was Sapir tea. She had guessed right. The green liquid was mellow and clear, the fragrant smell filling her senses. Jolee sat across from her with his own cup in his hand, relaxing in the chair—or stomp that resembled a chair, being a more accurate description—with a sigh and mumbling something about being too old for this kind of thing. When she looked at him, he was shaking his head.
"Pardon me…?" She questioned quietly, earning a curious gaze from the old Jedi. "… but I'm not sure I have much to offer you Master Jedi. I'm new to this…On the other hand, however, I think I could learn much more from you…" This caused Jolee to narrow his eyes at her.
"Don't coddle me, child." He said with a lilt in his voice. "I'm neither a Jedi nor your master. I'm just an old man that's been lost in the woods for far too long. My days of glory are behind me and I don't really feeling like twisting my neck just to revisit them." He said with a hint of sarcasm before rethinking his response.
"But… perhaps there is something I can do for you… hm? Questions, I'm sure?" He sipped his tea carefully, letting loose a soft sigh as he set it back down.
"Questions?" She asked, puzzled. "I-I don't know… I guess we could start… uh... well, with you?" She stumbled over her words and Jolee just chuckled, nodding his head.
"Ah, well what is there to tell? Jolee Bindo is the crazy old man in the dangerous woods. I'm content with the impression I give." He offered her with a shrug.
"But you use a lightsaber. By definition, doesn't that make you a… well, you know… a Jedi?" He just shook his head with a rumbling sound coming from his chest.
"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 countered. "Why should being what I am compel me to entertain others with tales of the 'good old days' huh? 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 here and there…" He sipped his tea again, his calculating eyes watching her carefully.
"And no, that's not my old age making me sound all wise and mystical to make you think I can predict the future or whatever it is you kids believe these days… "He griped, setting his cup down and opting for crossing his arms over his chest as he watched Samirah timidly hold her cup. "Perhaps you will be of some assistance to me after all. Let us discuss what you came here for first, and then we can ask the old man about what he knows later."
Samirah gave him a lopsided frown, trying to mask the smile that was tugging at her lips. He was confusing and definitely odd. Crazy? Well, that was still up for debate.
"You know, you are just a little bit difficult… it kind of worries me for someone who's a Jedi or at least resembles it. Jedi are supposed to have some sort of… stability, right? I'm not sure how to quite handle you and your…well…" She trailed off.
"Ah, and it makes you think I may have the taint of the dark side in me, doesn't it? Ooh. Is that what you are wondering, huh? Ooh. We should watch him, he might join the dark side and destroy us all! Ooh!" He wiggled his hands in the air for extra effect before shaking his head at her. "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." He grabbed his cup and finished his tea before standing up to refill his cup with more.
Samirah waited quietly as he refilled it, wondering how to proceed. He was definitely different than most Jedi she had met. There were the calm and collected type—sure they spoke in riddles a lot but usually it was meant to give you a greater insight when you thought about problems or even the mysteries of the world. When Jolee spoke—it was like he was just saying stuff in riddles to purposefully make fun of it. Like the world was a joke to him and he had earned the right to jerk your chain around in circles. She was kind of weary about the idea of asking him anything…
"Jolee…" She called quietly and cautiously, as he turned from the pot with his new cup of tea. He moved slowly back to his chair, sitting down as he gave her a questioning look. "Do you know anything about a Star Map? Here on Kashyyyk?" He just leaned forward with a knowing smirk.
"Now why would you be asking about that, hmm? Don't answer." He reconsidered with a scowl, sipping his tea. "I knew that had to be why you were here." He looked at his tea, still shaking his head slowly. "The problems of a few Wookiees don't amount to anything before the concerns of the Jedi. No, you are here for the map."
It was the way that he spoke that made her feel guilty.
"It's not that I don't want to help, it's a very difficult thing to do—a very delicate matter!" She protested, trying to defend herself to the old man who just grinned and sipped, happy with himself all of a sudden. "Look, it's a very difficult issue, there are just so many troubles here…" She trailed off as he set his tea down.
"Yes, among the Wookiees. Intriguing creatures. I like that they have little patience for bureaucrats." Samirah gave him an odd look. What relevance did that have? "But of course, even here there are hidden things that manipulate." He mused and Samirah frowned. She had an inkling of an idea as to what he was going after.
"Let me guess, Chuundar?" Jolee just nodded.
"Czerka Corporation was smart to put him in power. He's as good at destroying Wookiee culture as dropping corpses full of Ardroxian Flu. Will you work for him or against him, I wonder? I will be interested to see." He sipped his tea as he watched her over the top of the cup, his smirk covered by it.
"What does that mean? Aren't you going to recommend which path I choose or something? That's what Jedi do… isn't it? Give me some bit of insight; advise me?" She asked skeptically. He really was an odd Jedi. Usually a Jedi was quick to spew their teachings at you at the very inkling that you might even remotely need it. Even if you didn't, they spewed it anyway. Especially the older ones who thought that their daily duties were something you needed to know. Jolee just shrugged again.
"Uh, sure, how's this: think for yourself. I don't care for politics, and I'm big on letting people figure things out for themselves. The Wookiees have prophesies of deliverance if you ask them, but for now they follow without hesitation. That is their wish." Samirah put her cup down and rubbed her face instead with her hand.
"You are not making any sense at all." Jolee just snorted.
"I'm an old man. What's there to make sense of? I could be screaming at you and waving my lightsaber in the air if it would make you feel any better?" He said with a snarky remark, taking another sip of his tea. "I'd sure enjoy it…"
"N-no, thank you… no lightsaber waving needed…You're just definitely different when compared to other Jedi I've met…" She said quietly, looking back up at him as she rested her arms on his table. He just snorted again. "Let me ask you a question then… I'm supposed to be down here looking for a crazy Wookiee?" Jolee just nodded as he set his cup down again so he could stroke his beard.
"Maddened with grief, perhaps, but not crazed. I helped him pass to the lower forests where only a Wookiee could follow. There is a barrier that… well, we'll talk of that more in a moment." He quickly amended making Samirah knit her brows together.
"Barrier? What kind of barrier?" Jolee just gave her a pointed look.
"I said later, lass. Don't go badgering me quite yet about things I haven't deemed you ready for." He shot back. "Jolee Bindo is many things, but he's not a pushover, I tell you!" He finished with a pounding of his fist on the table, making Samirah jump. It wasn't an angry pound but it was one that demanded your full attention.
"S-sorry…" She stammered, looking down at her lap to avoid eye contact. "Then… do you know of anything else down here? Anything that will help?"
"I have witnessed a number of happening, but I have left them for others to sort out."
Samirah dropped her head to the table. He was impossible. She'd have more luck finding answers to things from a Jawa then she would from this old man. At least Jawa's simplified things into simple context and names. Did Jolee? No. He had to speak in riddles.
"You aren't being very helpful at all… not in the slightest." He chuckled a low, throaty sound as he leaned back in his chair.
"I wasn't aware I had to be." He spoke. "Look, events like these reveal much about the people involved. I'm well past that introspective tripe. I'm not saying that outside help isn't needed. I just… well… "He stopped momentarily, trying to figure the best way to get his point across.
"I didn't want to make anyone mad while I didn't have a way off the planet. We'll talk more about that momentarily though…" He trailed off. They were quiet for a second as Samirah thought about banging her head on the table—repeatedly. She had an inkling of what he was getting at but surely she wasn't the one he was looking for…
"Kashyyyk is an intriguing place." He mused out loud, bringing her attention back to him. "More so than anyone suspects. If Czerka Corporation only knew, heh, well the planet would be a strip mine." Samirah raised an eyebrow at him, suspiciously. It wasn't that she didn't find any interest in the planet but she didn't see where this was going….
"Um, sir, I'm not sure… well, is there a point to this?" She opted for being blunt and he just narrowed his eyes at her.
"Listen lass, do you want my help or don't you? I may be old but I've earned the right to tell my boring tales when I feel like it and if I find this to be important enough to tell then it is your duty as the young whippersnapper to sit down and listen to me!" He chided and before she could respond he gave her a stern look that made her shut her mouth. "Now where I was…oh yes, the Wookiees. That's right… They have their legends that they weren't always here but it is more than that. The trees themselves are strangers."
Samirah knitted her brows. She was confused. "What are you—"
"What I'm saying," He interrupted with impatience, "Is that there are literally walls in your way and you won't find what you need without my help… and it comes with a price…." He finished.
"A price?" She echoed and he just nodded. "What do I need to do?" He grinned.
"Since they began expanding in the Shadowlands, the Czerka have left me alone for the most part… until recently, anyway." He grumbled with a scowl, his face looking out the window. "A group of them set up camp not far from here. Poachers is all they are. I'd like them removed from this place. Disrespecting the wildlife and endangering species… it's really getting under my skin."
Samirah stared at him.
"Poachers…" She clarified and he nodded. "You want me to take care of a bunch of Poachers? Jolee, I mean, you're a Jedi… how hard can it be to rid yourself of them?"
"Don't talk back to your elders, child!" He snapped and she flinched. "Look, they know me quite well and are always on alert when I approach. It's not like I can just walk up to them, wave my hands in the air and spout Jedi nonsense about the Force and scare them into submission. Heh, would like to see you try it though…" He mumbled out loud.
"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, lass. They've already caused enough trouble as it is. Once that's done and over with, I'll help you get your Galaxy Map—"
"—Star Map." She corrected and he waved it off.
"Yeah, Astro Chart thing—" She frowned. He wasn't even trying anymore. "I help you get that and then we can leave this dreadful planet and be on our merry way."
She simply stared at him again. Twice in a matter of seconds, this old man had managed to make her speechless.
"I-I'm sorry but… we?" She asked.
"Yes, you presumably have a ship. I've seen all I wish here," He said with a wave of his hand, gesturing to the outside world as he got up from the stump. He moved the small, carved out window of the little hut and leaned on the window ceil. "Isn't that enough? I mean, I'm really sick of the trees. You can only see the same tree once before they all start to look the same… or something like that…" He mumbled, trailing off.
"And, perhaps, your destiny might show me something new." He glanced back at her, that silly smirk of his on his face again. "You never know, lass."
She rubbed her face, looking down at her empty cup of tea. There were slight smudges of leaves against the cup and drops of tea that linked together, forming the remnants. Destiny, huh? Something the Jedi always talked about—how everyone had a destiny before them. How it was all predetermined and that the smallest thing could change the outcome. The Jedi loved their talk about destiny… about how everyone had this big destiny before them. Destiny this. Destiny that.
If she had just stayed as a scout, her destiny would revolve around just surviving and meeting the wrong people at the wrong places. She didn't know which she liked better.
"Alright, I don't think I can argue the point." She said, smiling at him and he snorted. "I'll get started on this task—I'm sure I'll come out of this more enlightened, master." She let the word master slip and immediately flinched when he gave her a stern look.
"Oh save it. I'm no master and there's no higher enlightenment to be gained from it. I know this sounds absurd, but I'm old and entitled to work you around a bit. This is arbitrary errand work," He explained, "but so are the requests of the aged. You still have to do it!" He said pointedly.
"But I haven't agreed to the terms."
"I don't remember giving you a choice, child." He said with a smile and she sighed. Of course he didn't and she wasn't usually ever in the market for saying no to people. "The poacher's camp is in the northeast. Now remember, if I wanted them dead, I'd have done it myself. Find a better way. The last thing I need is my peace to be interrupted by the screaming of the unfortunates."
She stood up from her chair, brushing off her robes to remove the dirt from her earlier exploits. She still had a few twigs and leaves entangled in her hair that she had yet to pull free. Jolee was just smiling at the idea that she had accepted his task. In all honesty, how could she say no? He could sense her good natured attitude and intent. He knew she wouldn't say no. She needed him about as much as he needed her… he was just too old to make it easy.
"All right, I'll submit." She said, looking him in the eyes, her chocolate pools swirling with resolve.
"Good!" He said with a grin. "Now shoo! I'm due for a nap… just, come back when they're gone or… something…" He grumbled, scratching his head.
Samirah was dumbfounded as he walked away, grumbling some more about the youth of this day and age. He vanished behind a layer of cloth that dangled off in the corner, concealing what must have been his room. She frowned, standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. That was it? He gave her a task and then takes a nap? He wasn't worried that she might just take off with his valuables or something? Taking a second look around the room, she smiled to herself seeing that he didn't really have anything she would consider valuable.
The only thing of value to her was the knowledge he had.
Smart old man.
She pulled her little back pack over her shoulders and straightened up before she set out. She pushed open the door, stepping out in to the woods of Kashyyyk. She was to find these poachers and to make them leave the Shadowlands. A task that she knew was tougher than it sounded. She'd have to play her cards right in order to get them out of there. She reached for her lightsaber, wishing to grip the hilt only to realize that it was nowhere to be found. She cursed to herself at the misfortune of losing her lightsaber… that was surely against the Jedi code.
Well, she couldn't make fun of Bastila for losing her lightsaber on Taris anymore. It seems it's easier to do than she had originally assumed. She smiled at the memory, of Carth harassing her and laughing while she huffed and puffed. Where were they now? Where was Canderous? She didn't know where in the forest she was so she couldn't exactly retrace steps to find the lift… did they even make it down? She had to remain optimistic. They were tough and they were smart—they would be safe.
She may not have the use of her lightsaber but she could still use the force and she had to hope that it would not come to violence—because she would be at a disadvantage. It was an unnerving feeling as she stepped through the brush, knowing that she was without a weapon. Her hands were held out for balance as she gingerly and carefully walked through the fog that clung to the surface. It obscured her view of what was in the way and what she could be stepping on. The last thing she wanted to do was step on a tail that belonged to some very grumpy Katarn or something.
Damn. She wished she had her lightsaber. Any weapon was better… then no weapon…
Then, she was struck with a thought and it was clear as day. Didn't she take some from the Sith she had encountered before? She moved over to the side, staying concealed behind a tree as she inspected her pack. She had a total of four foreign lightsabers that she had collected, the hilts as different as day was from night. She had thought to use them for parts or as spares if she or Bastila ever broke or misplaced them… and at the rate they were going, it was a good idea. More than enough ammunition in her opinion in the event things went south. She grabbed one that was closest to her, sensing the small taint that was fused with the weapon… the dark side. It was present in these weapons but like a faint vapor. She switched in on as a blood red blade ignited. The color lighting that little corner of the forest with an intensity that froze Samirah, the blade mesmerizing her with its intensity...
The hum sounding so foreign and yet… it was comforting… familiar.
"The darkness will take us. But it is necessary and it will prove to be the power we need… take it… take the symbol… It is the hope that was never considered a choice…"
"Are you sure? This power… there is no going back. My destiny is final, my choices strong—None will defy what is by right, mine…"
The voice rattled around in her head and she immediately dropped the lightsaber, the blade disengaging. She scrambled away from it, her hand acting as if it had been burned by the hilt. That voice… it follows her. Wherever the darkness was, it was there—a voice that echoed inside her head, saying things that she would never say. It was her voice and sometimes it was a voice of someone that could never have been her. Then it was a voice of someone completely different… someone powerful and yet... known to her somehow. Malak? It was a riddle, surrounded with cryptic hints that required some key to decipher and it was a key she didn't know or even have. Was this the persona of the dark side? An alter ego? A foreign guest? An entity? The force speaking to her, thru her! Did it breathe as she did, crawl in the minds as the force was meant to?
"I have the power to end this! Do not defy me or my judgment… the council was wrong, the republic was wrong… we were wrong…but not anymore and not ever…."
"How dare you… you know not what you interfere with… these are the plans that will save us and condemn us…"
She snatched the lightsaber up and stuffed it back in her pack, trying to hurry away from the spot now tainted. The darkness was latching on to anything it could touch and she wanted away from it so badly, it made her shiver. So much for the idea of using a weapon… it might as well have burned her hand when she touched it...
She followed the old man's directions, climbing over fallen branches that would have been trees on any other planet and jumping over mud puddles only discovered too late. She tried to push away the voice in her head, she had no time for it. She had a task to complete and the thought of the dark side taking over was… terrifying.
"Revan, why would we visit such a place as this?" Malak's breath could almost be felt on Samirah's neck. "What could we find that no Wookiee would have ever discovered? The Maps?"
Samirah clamped her hands over her ears.
"I… I feel it… it's… it's so close to us…" Without even realizing it, Samirah had spoken it aloud. She stumbled over a log, falling to the ground before scrambling back to her feet. She had… spoken it aloud. She was going mad. She was losing it. The darkness was enshrouding her and she couldn't fight it.
Bastila… I wish…
Bastila wasn't here. Samirah had to do this on her own this time. She had to be strong. She had to believe in the force and believe that it would guide her. There is no emotion, there is only peace,she thought. As the code teaches: she had to remember this, chant this, abide by this and believe in this. And that was exactly what she was planning on doing. She just needed to keep the darkness away… just a little bit longer. She had to do it and she had to succeed.
And then she tripped again.
She had caught her foot on something she hadn't seen and it felt different from just a branch. Her arms flew out before her, catching herself against the soft undergrowth of the forest. The fog was covering the floor, but when she looked back, she could see the form of something forgotten… or more accurately, someone. A Wookiee? Her eyes widened in horror, her body wracked with chills and shivers as she felt the death. It was like being blanketed in sheets of ice, her skin prickled against fingertips meant to be only felt by the dead themselves. She could feel it. She felt it.
This is my way… my path… my destiny… death is but the only path I shall ever walk…
She couldn't make herself move.
Her body shivered violently—why was she affected by it so much? She had seen death before, she had caused it! She always felt sorrow and pain each time but never like this… never through the force. Never in all her years like this. Her body involuntarily moved, her hand slowly reaching out into the fog and retrieving a fallen satchel. It was tattered and torn, barely holding together… but she was made to grab it. She scooted away from the corpse as quickly as she could, stashing the bag into her own and turning away, her face scrunching up into that of pain and revulsion.
It was painful to feel.
She felt… sick.
She wobbled to her feet, determined to get away, to let the darkness hover over the corpse like a plague, waiting for its next prey. She didn't want to stay there… it was suffocating. It was exhausting. It was sucking away at her like a leech left too long, unattended too—a blister that worsened with each passing moment. The force was a gift and a curse at times like these… she felt all things with too much emotion. The Force was a living thing and by being connected to it, whenever it felt pain… so did she. When it felt death, she felt the ripple. When it felt joy, she felt the rush. When it felt suffering… she felt the rip and the tear—the agony.
She scurried across the surface, the fog a constant reminder that things lurked beneath the surface… things unseen. Not just in a literal way… but a metaphorical one as well.
After climbing over several more branches and fighting through more brush, she found the clearing that Jolee had talked about. There were a couple of emitters scattered at the corners of the camp—about five from what she could see. A couple of men were stationed at each one, playing a game of Pazaak while others were checking out containers full of cargo and maintaining their weapons. She paused for a moment, taking the time to recollect herself. This was it. She needed to calm down and focus on her breathing. The force was her weapon, the force was her shield and it was her healer. She relied on it to help calm the inner turmoil she had been feeling. There was no more time to be petty, she needed to hurry.
Minutes passed by before she had finally steadied herself enough to feel confident. She had just started surveying them and wondering how to approach them when the commander of the outfit took notice of her presence.
"Hold up. Who are you?" He inquired, his blaster held up in her direction. "If you're another civil merchant like that coro-slime up on the docking ring then you can just turn around slowly and walk back the way you came. This is my territory." Samirah held her hands up slowly, hoping to keep him calm. The task was to do this without violence.
"Take it easy… I mean you no harm… I just want to talk…" She started quietly but to no avail. He didn't even waver.
"I don't make deals and I don't persuade easily, so go back topside. Mess with my profits and I'll see you dead." His eyes were focused intently on her as was the barrel of his blaster. His finger curled around the trigger and she remained still.
"I'm not with anyone from the dock, I'm just… well, here…" She frowned, trying to be careful with what she said. She didn't want to fight them and at the same time, didn't want them to know she was a Jedi so all she had to go on for now were words. She wasn't going to use those tainted lightsabers in her pack either… she couldn't… "It shouldn't be any of your concern if I'm down here or not, should it?" She questioned.
He slowly lowered his gun but only enough to show that he wasn't going to shoot her… yet. He kept it slightly inclined in her direction, keeping her very aware that it would only take a second for him to move his arm and pull the trigger. She would be quick enough to use the force and rip the weapon from his hands but she would then be faced with fighting them all off and again… violence wasn't the answer she needed. She wasn't even how sure she would fair without the use of her lightsaber…
"Oh, so you're playing tourist?" He spoke slowly and sarcastically. "How quaint. That isn't smart, girl. The Shadowlands are all business and not for the faint of heart or a frail thing such as you. Mess around and you'll end up dead. So if you have business here make it quick or leave." He finished with a harsh undertone.
"What if my business requires that you and your men pack up and leave?"
It was an innocent question really. Might as well be blunt with the idiots—they obviously held themselves up high on the ladder around here; especially the commander who was now laughing in her face. Samirah frowned as he lowered his weapon completely just so he could laugh at her when she was being completely serious. Apparently the threat was gone.
"Pack up and leave?" He gasped, "You're serious? Is that old hermit Jolee trying to talk you into doing his dirty work?" He took several deep breaths, trying to stop his laughter. When he was finally calm again, he looked pointedly at Samirah, an arrogant smile in place like he was humoring her now.
"We've spent too much on setting up just to walk away, my dear. As long as the sonic emitters keep the preds away and I've got bodies to guard the perimeter, we're staying right here." He started chuckling again, amused at the spectacle she had brought to him. "I mean, if I can put up with my own worthless guards complaining about this place, Jolee whining through you is nothing."
Not the answer she was looking for. She frowned at him, her hands on her hips just for the added attitude.
"Fine." She spat and he only smirked, his irritation a small little twitch in his face. He didn't like her attitude.
"Listen missy, I'm not down here to direct traffic, you got it? I'm not here to give you directions to the latest tourist sights, all right? So if you don't—"They were interrupted by the sound of a man yelling for the commander. He rolled his eyes as a cage full of Tachs was spilled over and the little creatures scurried around. The inept officer was struggling to catch up to them, screaming for help as he did so. The men guarding the emitters started to move but the Commander pointed at them as he moved to quickly help and shouted at them quickly.
"You men! Stay at your post! Don't you dare move, these blasted creatures are likely to go playing with the wires! Listen girl, I don't have time for you so do me the honor of removing yourself before I remove you with my blaster!" He screamed, jogging over to help with the breach.
The moment he was away from her, she quietly sauntered up to one of the men who was seated next to an emitter. She watched the commander carefully as she slowly sat beside the guard who was seated on several sturdy boxes. The guard watched her with guarded curiosity as she slowly sat down, his hand on his blaster and his finger curled around the trigger.
"I saw you talking to the commander. You shouldn't be here. You should just get up right now and walk away. I can't offer you anything other then what the Commander told you and he probably said more than I would know." The guard spoke with a sarcastic tone, his trigger finger relaxing but not by much.
"So… asking you questions is out of the question?" She teased, but her mind was trying to calculate each word carefully. If she could persuade them to leave… persuade the guards to abandon the post then they'd all be forced to leave… right?
The guard smirked. "I'm not here because I know stuff, ok? I handle a blaster well enough to guard this emitter, and that's it." She clasped her hands over her knees, squeezing them as she kept her eyes on the commander who was screaming at his men. She needed to keep it light and show him she posed no threat… make him relaxed. Time wasn't on her side.
"So that's all you do all day? You sit by this emitter and… well, just sit by it?" She posed and he grunted, spinning his gun between his fingers.
"Yeah, that's pretty much it. I mean I get why, but we aren't allowed to do much but sit here and make sure they keep running which is sort of important I guess." He said in a sullen tone, looking up at the metal tower beside him. The emitter was running at full capacity and as efficiently as the day they arrived. "They generate a sonic barrier that allows us to stay in this wonderful location. It keeps the big predators away. I'm not sure how they work but I know they work enough to keep us safe."
So if the emitters went down…
"So that's the only thing that's keeping you here?" She pressed and he immediately went on his guard, narrowing his eyes. She needed to be careful here.
"What of it?" His tone had become accusatory and standoffish as he eyed her down, his hand coiling around his blaster again. She fidgeted, trying to play the part of the intimidated traveler.
"N-no reason… I was just thinking that if someone happened to shut them down… you could leave… you wouldn't have to worry about being stuck on such a demeaning job as guarding an emitter. Anyone could do that… it's a waste really…" she spoke in a sweet tone, her eyes following the commander as he continued to screamed and trip over Tachs that ran rampant. They weren't making much progress yet.
The guard followed her eyes before jerking back at her with suspicion. It took him a few moments before what she said clicked in. The realization passed over his face with a shock before he reeled himself back in to a more composed look. He looked down and let go of his tight grip on his blaster.
"You're right. It's a waste of my skill… just wasting away down here and for what?" He thrusted his hand out to jester at the small Tachs. After another few moments of observing, he reached into his pocket and retrieved his datapad. He typed away at it before taking a slow and deep breath to look at Samirah. "I suppose you could… take this code from me and find a use for it. The Tachs are pretty distracting for me and the other guards. If a few emitters went out… I guess that would make it dangerous for us to continue staying it here, wouldn't it?"
"My code will work for my emitter only…" He added quietly.
Samirah slowly took the datapad from him and he immediately stood up and took a few steps away from the emitter. Samirah just stared at him before looking at the datapad. He wanted her to disable them? It was a good thing she had an excellent understanding of technology because he could get into a lot of trouble quick if she did something wrong in her attempt to disable it.
She got up and moved quietly to the emitter, watching her surroundings for any onlookers. She raised her hands and delicately removed the panel to reveal the circuitry. She messed around with the circuits until she found the override pass code entry and input the code she was given. The emitter stopped spinning abruptly and she quickly looked around to see if anyone saw. The guards still watched as the commander recollected the last few Tachs who continued to elude him. She reattached the panel before sliding up behind the guard.
"If something happens, be prepared to run…" She whispered, moving away quickly to the next guard with a smile. She was running out of distractions and time so she needed to work quickly which meant unconventional means. This hadn't been a well thought out plan.
The guard was immediately aware of her but the moment she was a few steps away from him, she waved her hand delicately over his face, letting the force flow from her fingertips. She smiled sweetly as his stance fell and became relaxed, staring dumbly at her as she spoke in a sickly sweet tone even to her own ears.
"You are such a dear that you are going to willingly give me the code to your emitter and then, run when danger becomes apparent. Right?" He nodded with a smile, reaching into his pocket. "You don't even want to be here."
"I don't want to be here." He agreed, searching through is datapad before handing it over to her. "Here's the code to my emitter ma'am." She quickly snatched the datapad from him with a smile before looking over her shoulder to see the commander place the last Tach in the cage with a sigh. She was out of time and needed more.
She focused, staring at a cage that was sitting atop a few other boxes. She held her hand up and flicked her wrist at it, knocking it over with a crash. It drew everyone's attention as she visualized the cage in her mind—the cold metal, the slender bars, the hinges that kept the cage locked and secure—and guiding the force, released the locked creatures. The moment the door was loose, it fell open and the Tachs jumped out in a frantic horde. The Commander was cursing left and right again as he blamed his men before ordering them to catch them.
"Damnable creatures! I'll shoot them myself and then you clumsy buffoons if you do not recollect them before my patience with you runs out and my temper elevates to the high heavens!" He shouted, shooting his blaster in the air, worsening the problem to his own displeasure.
Samirah quickly went to work on the emitter, removing the panel and working with the system set up to find the over ride. The emitter shut down with a vague flourish of low notes before ceasing to move. Once she finished, she skirted around the men who were attempting to corner the frightened Tachs. She approached the third transmitter, the guard abandoning his post to chase after a fleeing Tach that escaped the Commander's notice. She snuck over to the emitter, kneeling down beside it and pulling the panel off. She searched the wires and began messing with them in an attempt to hack it. They were sturdy and well armed machines so she couldn't exactly just knock them over and hope for the best. It would only draw more attention to her, unfortunately, so she would have to do it manually.
She tried to work quickly in order to disable the emitter before anyone noticed. The override consisted of 6 double digit numbers and guessing what each number was would take too much time so she opted for using the circuitry to switch where the signal was being casted. The emitter was a beacon that relied on all the others—it transmitted a signal which created a barrier that warded off predators. A repellent that only affected the predatory creatures of the Shadowlands. If she could rewire the signal to no longer transmit the barrier then maybe she'd have enough…
She felt the blaster being gently pushed against the side of her head and she froze.
"You wretched, double-crossing, conniving and manipulative creature…" The Commander's voice slithered up the back of her spine. She hadn't been paying attention. She had been so focused on the emitter that she let him sneak up on her. If the order ever found out about her carelessness she'd be reprimanded on so many different levels—it was practically against Jedi policy to be unaware of your surroundings. It was almost as bad as losing your lightsaber. "You really think you're that clever, don't you my girl?"
She closed her eyes and grimaced as he nudged her with the tip of his blaster, her arms slowly moving up in the air. If she could time it just right, she could maneuver herself to throw him off balance. A flick of her wrist and perfect control of the force would hopefully be enough to throw him off balance and give her an edge. But it had to be perfect. Without the use of her lightsaber… things could get difficult quick. The thought of using a red bladed saber sent shivers down her spine. That intoxicating feeling, the tendrils of power that rolled off it like insidious mist…
She could feel it invading her mind all over again…
"What! No, blast it!" The Commander shouted before smacking Samirah in the head with his blaster in one swift movement. She winced, falling forward into the emitter she had been trying to hack as the men started shuffling around. When she looked up, her head aching from the small blow, she was greeted by an ear splitting roar. She immediately flinched and covered her ears as she heard the others scream— "Run! Run!"
She immediately reacted, getting up with determination and only acting on instinct: Run. But not for the same reason the guards were running…
She was feeling the dark tendrils wafting off the creature like a tidal wave and all she knew was that she needed to get away from it.
She bumped into several guards in the confusion of trying to escape. One knocked into her hard enough that she stumbled a bit before falling in front of the enormous creature herself, the Czerka men not even giving her a second glance as they ran to the basket. The creature was roaring with a ferocity that rivaled anything she'd ever seen, its hulking body armored so heavily, she doubted even a lightsaber could scratch its flesh. In fact, its armor seemed like it had been scratched over by such blades but never enough to wound it. Its teeth a jagged collection of sharp and menacing traps, covered in saliva that smelled more rancid than a Gamorrean in the sewers of Taris.
The power that flowed from it was overwhelming… the dark side. This creature was bathed in its command and by being in its presence… it was feeding off her. It was a feeling of weariness that besieged her as its giant eyes fixated on her. The red irises becoming the embodiment of darkness that followed her every movement, almost hearing each breath she had breathed. She was scared, frozen with the full impact of its power… the name echoed in her mind from her studies at the temple… from the warning she had been given time and time again…Terentatek.
The beast had her paralyzed in fear… the dark side had her in its grasp...
This… is only a taste. It is only the beginning. What we search for shall be ours and never his… never theirs… this power will be ours…
The voices…
It hollered and cried as it started to charge at her, her eyes widening, her mind racing with terror. What was she supposed to do… could she move? Would it let her? She couldn't remember how to move her legs! She clamped her eyes shut, gripped with an enormous amount of fear before something hit her with a great amount of force and rolled with her across the ground. They rolled into the brief safety of the underbrush, the creature chomping on an emitter before searching for its missed prey. She cowered, hiding her head hoping that it didn't see her. Something, luckily and more than likely, a few guards caught its attention before it howled and roared, chasing after the new prey, hoping for the same meal.
She remained quiet for so long, her body was wracked with shivers and goose bumps at the encounter. The immensity of raw darkness from the creature… she'd felt nothing like it. Why did the darkness have such an effect on her? Was it because she wasn't as well trained as most Jedi? Did they all struggle against the lure of the dark side or was she but the only one who felt the velvet embrace like ice sickles crystallizing in a blanket of sweet, sweet promises? Maybe…If only she could just feelit… taste it…
No!
The voice echoed in her head and she wanted to cry. She was overwhelmed with these emotions… this insecurity of darkness that wrapped around her like a tornado. She couldn't even touch the lightsabers in her pack… couldn't even look at them without hearing things. Whispers of a time that didn't belong to her and she prayed that it never would. Was she that weak? That susceptible?
"Shh… it's ok… calm down…" She hadn't even realized it until they spoke... No…
"C-Carth?" Her voice broke on his name as she came to the realization that she was holding him in this embrace. She was clinging to him for comfort as she was… crying?
"I'm here, it's alright now…" His husky voice only making her cry harder as she held on to him tightly, Carth returning the embrace. "God, you had me scared, Samirah…" He breathed, holding her close to him, inhaling her fragrant floral scent.
"I-I'm….I'm…" She was trying to use words but she couldn't seem to get her words out between breaths. Carth just shushed her, allowing her the few moments she wanted to just let it all out.
The dark side had crawled around inside her like a worm, seeking something to feed off of—to drain her. This place was just filled with the miasmic darkness and it was overwhelming her senses… prolonged exposure was sure to be bad for her if they stayed much longer. She was sensitive to the darkness… that's what it was. She was so new to the force, so new to the world of the Jedi that perhaps just the tiniest fragmented piece of darkness was enough to overcome her senses. Maybe… just maybe… that was the explanation. She could really only pray it were true.
"Samirah! Carth!" The voice broke Samirah from her thoughts and made her pull her face from Carth's shoulder where they were nestled in the underbrush.
"Bastila?" She sat up, Carth moving with her, his arms still wrapped securely around her like she was getting ready to vanish again.
The moment he saw her fall from that basket… he wasn't letting go of her again if he could help it.
Bastila hurried across the camp, her frantic eyes searching for both Carth and Samirah before laying eyes on them as they emerged from their hiding place. Bastila didn't even think twice before she took off into a sprint, throwing her arms around Samirah as they both tumbled to the floor. Carth had had his arm still around Samirah's waist and was forced to let go as Bastila took hold of her. Both Carth and Samirah were shocked by the unexpected show of affection and it nearly brought tears back into Samirah's eyes as she held her friend close.
"Don't you ever do that to me again! Do I make myself clear Samirah Alda?" Bastila's voice was stern and yet, even with all her efforts, Samirah could still detect the worry and relief that billowed from her. "If it wasn't for your uncanny ability to cause trouble wherever you go, we might never have found you…"
She pulled away, allowing Samirah some space to breathe. She scanned Samirah over, frowning at the debris that was stringed in her hair and the few scrapes that were scattered across her skin. For the most part, the fall from the basket didn't seem to have done too much damage… but something lingered. The touch of someone else… another… presence that remained: the presence of a foreign force power.
"I-I'm sorry…" Samirah murmured, looking away. "I was trying not to be too difficult but one thing just led to another and I found myself running errands." She gave them a sheepish smile, pushing strands of her un-kept hair behind her ear before a thought occurred to her.
"Wait… where's Canderous?" Bastila rolled her eyes.
"On our way to find you, we were ambushed by our old friend Calo Nord. With a bit of difficulty—not by much I assure you—we made sure that he would trouble us no more. Canderous was not satisfied, as per usual with killing his long time nemesis." The words left a vial taste in her mouth as she spoke. Jedi were above petty rivalries... "During our search for you, immediately following the fight, we ran into a group of Mandalorians and despite our protest, he insisted we continue to look for you while he took care of the shameful excuses for Mandalorians, as he declared them." Bastila's mock impression of the crazed Mandalorian that they called their own made the corners of Samirah's mouth twitch into an almost smirk. Almost.
She shook her head, looking down again. Canderous was a vengeful spirit. Calo Nord was his biggest competitor but it never came to deadly blows… not until they had sides. Canderous had picked Samirah's side while Calo had picked Davik's. Unknowingly, Samirah was with the Republic while Davik the Sith; inevitably deciding where they stood and who they fought for in this far. Pitting them against each other in a battle that was bigger than their previous encounters. Samirah had, in her own way, done this to them and now that Canderous was left without his rival, his competitor, his adversary—it was going to drive him mad.
She needed to find him before he went on a spree. She wondered if Bastila had thought about it, or even Carth… why did they just let him do what he wanted? Did the thought never occur to them?
"What happened to you…?" Carth asked, the relief of seeing her wearing off, being replaced by curiosity and weariness. His question stirred Samirah from her spiraling thoughts with a start. "That-That fall should have…. It should have…" He couldn't finish the words and Bastila shot him a quick glare. Carth didn't look at her; he couldn't even look at Samirah. The thought of how close they were to losing her…
"I was saved."
"Saved?" Carth and Bastila spoke in unison, their heads jerking up to look at her with surprise. She just nodded slowly, looking around at the campsite. She couldn't forget the task at hand. If she stretched out with the force… she would be able to find Canderous but first, she needed to find Jolee and get his help.
Maybe he can help with Canderous. Maybe even help with Zaalbar. Whatever happened next, she was going to need the old coots help, crazy or not. He was the priority.
"And I just completed my end of the bargain…" She crossed her arms and looked at Bastila with a smirk of her own. "Now it's time for him to complete his."
"Ah, look, you've gone and found some friends, have you?" Jolee spoke over the cup of tea in his hands. He observed the house guests he had in front of him with intrigued curiosity. "I hope you don't expect me to cook dinner or perform tricks, I'm not the entertaining type." He clarified and Samirah shook her head.
She was seated across from him with Bastila beside her and Carth against the wall, his arms crossed. Carth inspected the humble abode with curiosity and intrigue. How this old man had survived so long down here, Carth would never know, nor could he fathom it. Bastila's eyes were narrowed on the old man, an action that did not escape the old man's notice as he frowned back.
"Didn't they ever teach you at that rusty old enclave that it wasn't nice to stare, missy?" Bastila batted her eyes before looking away, embarrassed. Jolee just went back to sipping his tea, his inquisitive eyes simply watching.
Bastila could feel it, but only faintly. He hid it very, very well and only a small echo of it was there but the fact of the matter was that it was there. The force. He had an affinity for it and the makings of a Jedi…
"I've done as you asked and made sure that the poachers won't bother you." Samirah interjected, changing the direction of everyone's thoughts to the new task at hand. "And I did it peacefully." Jolee stayed quiet before slowly nodding.
"If you call setting a Terentatek lose on the encampment then sure, you did it all nice and friendly like. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside just thinking about it." He said with mock enthusiasm that only made Samirah feel bad.
"That's hardly fair of you." Bastila spoke up in Samirah's defense. Jolee set his coffee cup down on the table, raising an eyebrow at her.
"Fair, you say? And what's to say that anything is ever fair? Life isn't fair, lass. Am I supposed to be fair and sugarcoat everything for you like you're a wee child? Hm? Or perhaps I should hold your hand and shield you from the harsh reality of things?" He chuckled to himself and Bastila seethed. She was beginning to like this man less and less.
"If you had the perfect solution, then why didn't—"
"—Bastila!" Samirah interrupted. Bastila stopped momentarily before looking at Samirah, her lips in a fine line. They didn't say anything but words seemed to be conveyed in a different way.
"Because I'm too old, lass." They both turned to look at Jolee. "Though, you did complete the task and despite involving a Terentatek by mistake, you spared the men. I don't smell death on you either… interesting…" He murmured the last word to himself.
"Interesting? You expected me to kill them?" She stammered, slightly shocked. "Why in the world would you expect that? What would have been gained from it?" She reasoned and he smirked.
"Plenty, I'm sure. If the planet could talk, I'm sure it would voice much but nevertheless, it cannot so it may be best not to dwell on such things. Nothing can be done about it now." He shrugged it off like they were talking about the weather, which bothered Samirah. It was like everything he said had a secret meaning behind each word. A code that needed to be decoded… but how?
"The problem is solved though, right? That's the important part. Does that mean you'll help me? Help us?" She asked carefully, trying to not set the old man on another tangent.
Instead he just smirked before leaning forward, across the table.
"Yes, of course! Let's get moving." He stated simply, getting up from his chair and scurrying around his kitchen with a grin in place.
"Wait, really? You'll help us?" Samirah leaned forward in her chair in anticipation. Jolee just snorted as he began pulling personal items down from custom made shelves and cabinets, placing them all gently in a satchel he procured from a basket.
"Well, I'm not staying down here forever! An old man can only stand the sound of Tachs making a ruckus outside for so long. Do you know how hard it is to sleep at night when they're screaming like Kowakian monkey-lizards! Absolutely dreadful! And eating the same things over and over again? Bleh!" His face scrunched up into one of disgust. "Do you know how long it's been since I've had a decent meal? Or even new tea? Too long I tell you!" He shook his fist at the air for extra emphasis.
Carth carefully moved next to Samirah as Jolee went on his tirade about the conditions he had been living in. It really was a wonder how he had managed to survive down here for so long… explained why he seemed to be so cranky. When was the last time he had a decent meal? Or a decent conversation?
"Are you absolutely sure we need this old coot?" Carth whispered. "He's half mad and I don't—"Carth was silenced by Jolee's overwhelmingly stern voice.
"Don't you know it's rude to talk about your elders like that, sunny? What are they teaching you youngsters these days?" He shouted, tossing a handcrafted spoon at Carth, forcing him and Samirah to duck. The spoon narrowly missed Carth's head, hitting the wall with a clunk! "I was running around the galaxy and fighting the Sith before you were out of diapers! I may be old, but I still know a thing or two. If you want to get those Star Maps of yours, you're going to need my help." He clarified, looking pointedly at Carth.
"I noticed the old paths some time ago. You probably wouldn't have found them on your own." Carth frowned but kept his mouth shut, not wanting to give the old man anymore incentive to throw things. "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." He closed his satchel and smiled at the group before him. How he did love having the upper hand.
"A repulsor field? Why on earth would they build one of those?" Samirah inquired, completely enthralled now. At first, it was just the thought of getting to that Star Map but… why would Czerka want to hide it? Did they even know what it was they stumbled upon? Did they even know it was there?
"To hide ancient secrets, of course." He spoke about it nonchalantly, shrugging it off like it was no big deal. "And maybe even a certain Wookiee you were searching for… that is, if he's in the mood for visitors. I surely hope so." He said, thinking out loud but not for long before he shrugged it off again.
Samirah just blinked at him, looking to Bastila who had yet to speak since he silenced her. She was studying the old man, making mental notes but trying not to stare and incur the old man's wrath as well. The lightsaber strapped to his waist did not escape her notice. He was a Jedi. A very adept one at that and very good at playing coy, to her astonishment. He defied the rules of being a Jedi, but how? It was unheard of and most certainly not acceptable…
"Now come on. I'd like to get a move on before I died on this planet." Jolee mused out loud. "Don't get me wrong, its pleasant and all but the trees… ugh…" He groaned, opening the door and ushering everyone outside.
Samirah followed Carth and Bastila out the door, allowing Jolee to take the lead through the forest. Bastila fell in step behind Jolee while Carth walked beside Samirah. Jolee started on this talk about Tachs and their need for mischief to the unfortunate Bastila while Carth fished for something out of his pack. Samirah watched him with morbid curiosity until he produced her lightsaber. He held it for a moment before offering it to her. He had almost forgotten about it.
"M-my lightsaber?" She asked in astonishment. "You found it?" She gingerly took it from him, the familiar feel of its hilt in her palm creating a calming effect immediately. She missed it. It was so much better than the feeling she got from the lightsabers she had confiscated from the Sith they had fought earlier.
Her lightsaber felt as if it was almost cleansing her.
The idea that she was still carrying the dark lightsabers around didn't make her feel too comfortable but at least she didn't have to use them. She had hers back. She would tinker with the ones in her pack until she could dispel the darkness from them… if she could. That wasn't exactly a task she was too keen on doing or even in a hurry to do. It would not hold a high place on her list of priorities. She looked at Carth, a soft smile on her face.
"Thank you…" He rubbed the back of his neck, looking ahead to keep from making eye contact.
"Yeah… sure. We came across it when we were looking for you…" He said awkwardly. That feeling of possibly having lost her still stuck to him. He didn't save her and that feeling he got as he watched her slip away… it wouldn't leave him. It would stick to him forever.
"Thank you…" He looked at her as she held her lightsaber close to her chest. "Thank you for bringing it back and… thank you for coming for me."
When she looked up at him, she smiled at him with a look of both relief and happiness. He was speechless. Words failed him. Whenever he looked at her, she always seemed so strong and resolute but this look she was giving him was different. It was… fragile. She looked fragile.
"Samirah…" She raised her eyebrows, giving him her attention but he couldn't find the question he wanted to ask. "N-never mind." She gave him an odd look but didn't push it.
"All right… if you change your mind…" She said quietly, looking away sheepishly.
She had been crying.
When he found her, she had broken down into tears. What happened? What had he missed? In the time they were apart, what had happened to cause her so much grief and… pain? She didn't seem to badly wounded physically… watching her now, her face was falling and her grip on her lightsaber had grown tighter and closer to her chest. What was she thinking?
Unfortunately, it wasn't what she was thinking… it was the echoes she was hearing.
A step closer. A step more. Unthinkable power only a few steps away… this, this is my legacy… my power.
Revan and Malak still plagued her thoughts. As they walked, she gripped her lightsaber tighter, nearly fusing the weapon to her body. Carth had returned this small piece of comfort to her and already, she could feel the darkness being pushed back to the recesses of her mind. Her only question being: for how long? When the chance arrived… she needed to speak with Bastila or even… or even Jolee. Perhaps he could offer her insight that she was missing.
Perhaps he could offer a cure.
What did you think? Be sure to leave me a message or review to let me know :) I love hearing what you have to say about it!
Any pointers? Suggestions? Ideas? Or do you just want to see more of Jolee? Whatever your thoughts, send them my way :D
Like I said, hopefully I wont take 4 months (I'm shooting at having the next one up soon? Two weeks max and if its not out, send me angry messages to kick me into gear! I don't like keeping you guys waiting if I can help it!)
Thanks for reading and for being patient with me guys. And for sticking with me even when it seems I've gone rogue on you (I promise I haven't... it's just a slow process it would seem. I'm sticking to my promise of getting this story finished, no matter how long it takes!)
Thank you for the support and devotion! I absolutely love you all! :D No writer can ask for a better group of readers and supporters. May the force be with you all and may it strengthen our resolve.
~~SS~~
