Chapter 3
The Under City
The doors opened and two young humans dressed in rags blocked the way out. "You there, up-world! This is our village - our elevator. Anyone using it has to pay the toll!"
"I can't believe this planet." Carth threw up his hands in frustration. "Even the beggars here are trying to shake us down."
The beggar suddenly seemed contrite. "We're Outcasts, banished here by those who dwell above. Here in this terrible place we have to struggle constantly, scavenging and begging to just survive."
Kairi looked around. The Undercity was indeed a horrible place - no sunlight, and the darkness was oppressive. Still, there were signs of care that the Lower City lacked. Trash had been removed, and scrap had been used to fashion lampposts. Tents were fashioned of the same crazy-quilt manner, incorporating anything from starship scrap to worn blankets and disintegrating hides.
Kairi pulled a credit chip out of her pocket. "Here are ten credits. It's what I can afford."
His eyes lit up. "Credits, brother. We can get food and medicine!"
The other looked at him skeptically. "They're up-world people. You're going to settle for ten credits? They have more than that, I'm sure..."
Just as Kairi and Carth were reaching for their weapons, hoping that the beggar wouldn't try anything dumb, a woman ran up. "You two again. Get out of here! Out!"
The pair scurried off, vanishing into the village. The woman watched them leave, shaking her head. "I'm sorry about that. Those two...they give us all a bad name. We aren't all like that, you know. Most of us are good people."
"I'm sure you are, miss. Too bad your little 'welcoming committee' is there to give off a bad first impression," Carth said. "The name's Carth, and her name is Kairi."
She extended her hand. "I'm Shaleena...you...you're from the up-world?"
"Off-planet, actually," Kairi said. "Have there been many up-worlders that come here?"
Shaleena nodded. "Many more these days. This is where the up-world lawmakers exile people if they have committed a crime. It's either that or people who were born here - like me. I have never seen the surface. Is it truly so beautiful?"
"Well, it's nothing special," Carth said. "Most of the people up there have ugly spirits."
"It may not be special to you, but I can only dream about it...the sun and the sky. It sounds so wonderful, but why should I talk of it? The Undercity is all I will ever know." She hung her head. "Gendar tells me I should work to help the village and spend less time listening to Rukil's stories - maybe he's right."
"Gendar?" asked Kairi. "Who is he? And who's Rukil?"
Shaleena smiled. "Gendar is leader of our village, and Rukil...well, he is just an old man. He's over a hundred years old. Rukil-Wrinkle-Skin, the children call him. Rukil likes to tell stories about the surface, and the Promised Land. Most pay him no heed, but he is a kind man, and listening to him makes things less...sad for me."
"What's this 'Promised Land?'" asked Kairi.
"Just an old story, it makes the little children smile. Rukil believes it, though. Sometimes, I think I can believe in it myself until I look around and see the ugly truth." Shaleena looked up as if hoping to see any kind of glimpse of the surface. "Rukil would be glad to tell you the stories if you ask."
Carth brought the conversation back. "Do you know anything about some escape pods that crashed down here?"
"No. Maybe Gendar does, but I don't. I will take you to him, if you like."
Kairi and Carth nodded, and Saleena motioned for them to follow.
The Village may have been a dumping ground for Taris, but it was also a strong testimony to the strength of will its citizens possessed. What had at first seemed like random huts and scrap was soon recognized as having organization, grouped around communal resources like wells and power generators that provided heat and light in the cold and sunless place. There was little waste, as anything that could be used or repaired was pressed to service. There were even Outcasts set to work cleaning the walkways. Life was harsh here, but the hard work of the citizens made it better than it could have been.
Gendar's hut was just like any other hovel in the village. It said quite a lot about the man who lived there. He was sitting on the floor with three others, finishing a discussion regarding supplies when Shaleena escorted them in. The other three left before Shaleena spoke.
"Gendar, these are up-worlders. I told them that you might be able to help."
Gendar rubbed his bearded chin. "I find it strange that so many up-worlders have come through here recently, though none have stopped to ask us for anything before. Why have you come to this dark and sunless place?"
Kairi stepped forward. "My name is Kairi. We've heard about some escape pods that crashed down here. We have reason to believe that our friend might have been on one of those pods."
"Ah, yes, those." Gendar said with a nod. "You aren't the only ones interested - swoop gangs, mercenaries, armored soldiers...they've all passed through here looking for those. If your friend was on those pods, she has already been found by one of those factions."
"Well, that confirms it," Carth said. "Tell me, Gendar, we were told to look out for a Twi'lek girl - Mission Vao."
"Ah, yes, Mission. She and Zaalbar often pass through here - trading or sending us news from above. Quite a brave child - and one of the few who dare to leave the village gates."
"The rakghouls are real, then?" Kairi asked. "We spoke with a doctor in Upper Taris who was working on a cure."
"So Zelka still lives? Good enough news, I suppose. Yes, they are real. Unfortunately, we know of no cure - the beasts prey on this village, and anyone infected must be banished because they will soon become monsters themselves."
"Is this why you live in this village, protection?" Kairi asked.
"That, and to share what little we have. Outcasts are those who were shunned by the surface for our crimes - real or imagined. Even our descendants are doomed to this fate. My grandfather was the first leader of this village, banished here by the Great War. When he passed on, my father took leadership, and after he died, I became leader."
"Great War?"
Gendar shook his head. "No one will speak of it, save Rukil. It isn't a subject we discuss, sorry. Just know that many of us have been here for generations. Much of the time, no one comes here but others the Upper City rulers have banished."
"No offense," Carth said. "But I can see why."
Kairi was about to scold him for being so gauche, but Gendar held up his hand. "If you are searching for Mission, she was here only a few hours ago, but I would advise you to travel armed. Once you leave this sanctuary, you'll be alone against the rakghouls...and worse."
"Thank you," said Kairi. "We will return soon."
They passed through the village on the way to the main gate, enduring the halted conversations and stares of the natives. Kairi stopped to talk with some Outcast women about what they had seen and heard over the last few days. Carth stayed back, thinking more about what was outside the gate. None of this sounded promising. Then, there was the mysterious Kairi herself. He reluctantly conceded that she was probably telling the truth. If that were the case, there were no answers to be had even if she wanted to give them, and too much that wasn't adding up.
An old man's voice reached his ears, barely more than a whisper, but perfectly clear. "Greetings, up-worlder. Come inside, I have many answers to your questions and you may hold the answers to a few of mine."
Carth would never know what prompted him to turn away from Kairi and follow the voice. Pushing aside a tattered covering, he walked into a hovel partially dug out from the surface. A low fire and two lanterns provided enough light to see by, and the only occupant of the hovel was an ancient-looking man whose eyes and gait suggested someone much younger than his wizened face.
"You," she said with a whisper. "Yes, the male up-worlder that I have heard so much of. Is it the time of destiny, then? Can it really be time for our salvation...or is this yet another false hope."
Careful, this guy's just nuts enough to be dangerous. Carth thought. Still, something about the old man's eyes seemed to pull him closer. "Who are you?"
"I'm called Rukil...Rukil the Mad, Rukil the Elder, or Rukil Wrinkle-Skin. Please speak - what fate are you to bring to us?"
"Fate?" He suddenly felt very unsteady, afraid to move.
"You are uncertain, perplexed...and so much has been hidden from you." Rukil afforded him a gentle smile. "Ah, but I become confused myself sometimes, even after a hundred years of life. I wonder if you would be the one to aid me, though. Yes...yes...I think I see it now. You and the woman - the ones I've long waited for..."
"Carth?" Kairi was calling for him.
"Down here."
The covering was pushed aside and Kairi walked down the set of crude stairs. Rukil's eyes lit up. "Yes! I do see you...will you doom us or save us, I wonder?"
Kairi looked at Carth, but he had no answers to give her.
"Rukil?" Kairi asked.
"Yes," he said. "I hear you are venturing outside the gates. My apprentice vanished when she left this sanctuary three days ago, searching for the fabled map, but I fear she is gone, along with the people's last hope."
"Fabled map? Is it the map to the Promised Land?" Kairi asked.
Rukil seemed to weigh the possibilities before answering. "I...I cannot tell you. Not until you can prove yourself worthy of knowing."
"Let's get out of here," Carth said warily. Again, Kairi ignored him.
"Find Malya, my apprentice, and tell me of her fate. Then, I will be able to tell you."
"You believe that crazy old man?" Carth whispered.
Kairi shrugged. Nodding to Rukil, she said. "I'll look while I'm out there."
She left the tent, walking ahead. As Carth went to follow, he heard Rukil speak.
"Stay behind, young man."
It wasn't so much the words as the way he said it. Carth froze, slowly turning to see into eyes that seemed to strip him bare and look directly into his heart.
"What I will say is for your ears - not the woman's."
"Okay." No other sound seemed to make it in the tent - just them and the fire. Carth swore he could hear his heart pounding in his chest.
"I can see the armor you have pulled around yourself, the pain that will drive you to your madness and death."
"You don't know...you...you can't know..."
Rukil's voice was steady. "I know what I see - those wounds on your soul. Rather than allowing yourself to heal, those wounds fester. A soul can die, too."
"Why do you care?" First Kairi's questions, now this lunatic's rants; why couldn't he just be left alone?
"I will not be here to see your fates. I can only see that it threatens to destroy you both. This destiny...you will face it together, or not at all. You must let her save you, because it will save her."
"You're talking nonsense!"
Rukil was unshaken. "You already know if it's the truth or not, Carth. Now, go."
"What did he say?" Kairi asked once Carth emerged from the tent.
"Nothing much," Carth said. "Come on."
The more Carth thought about Rukil's words, one thing stood out the most. He never told the old man his name.
A great commotion could be heard at the gates. Kairi and Carth rushed over, sword and blasters drawn. At the center of it were the gate guard and a pleading young woman. "You've got to let him in! They'll kill him!"
The guard blocked her way to the gate controls. "And if I let him in, Hester, the rakghouls will kill us all!"
"He'll make it, I know he will!" She gripped the iron gate in her hands. "Run, Hendar, run!"
On the other side of the gates, they saw a young man dashing as fast as he could, pounding on the bars. "Trewin, open the gates. They're right behind me!"
That was their first sight of a rakghoul. Creatures the size of one and a half men, moving about with a lurching gait, they boasted glistening fangs the size of Kairi's palm and claws that could tear apart a swoop bike.
"Open the gates!" Hester shouted, pulling on them fruitlessly. "He'll die otherwise!"
"Open them!" Kairi shouted. "We'll take care of the rakghouls!"
Trewin seemed torn. Hendar's seconds were ticking away. "All right. GO!" He yanked the controls and the gate
She and Carth raced out, and into battle. There were two of them. Pushing Hendar back through the gates, they charged forward, blasters and sword drawn. Kairi rushed forward, her agility giving her an advantage as she ran ahead and struck from behind.
Carth fired, but the first couple shots only seemed to make the rakghoul angry. It howled and charged, and Carth narrowly dodged the sharp claws on the beast's mutated hand. He ducked the swipe coming at his head, and the claws raked his shoulder, ripping open the light armor and leaving deep scratches.
Carth got a good look on the face - confirming what the Outcasts had said. Warped and twisted as they were, these had once been men. The disease had twisted their bodies as it robbed the sentience from them. Raising his gun, he shot for the forehead. The rakghoul shrieked and went down in a heap.
Kairi ran up to him. "Carth?"
"Just a scratch," he told her.
The Outcast crowd was silent in amazement. Dozens of eyes watched them fight and were now looking on them with amazement and gratitude.
"You'd risk your life for a stranger's?" Trewin was amazed. "I had not known that there were those from up-world could be brave."
"I can't thank you enough for saving my life. If I had anything but the rags on my back, I would give them to you," Hedgar said.
Hester smiled. "You'll always have me, dear husband."
Kairi smiled. "The reunion's reward enough."
The pair walked off into the village.
Trewin nodded to them. "Well, you can certainly handle yourselves out there, and you're not going to find what you're looking for standing still. Best of luck for both of you. Thank you again for your courage."
****
Past the village gates, the true desolation of the Under City hit. Rubble had long been stripped for anything useful. Mute testimony to rakghoul presence - half-eaten corpses, the shredded remnants of clothing, shattered bone - could be found scattered almost everywhere.
One of the half-eaten bodies was that of an Outcast woman, large scratches across her neck indicating a swift but horrible end. The body looked relatively recent, compared to the skeletal remains they'd passed earlier. Carth saw something in her hand. Kneeling by her, he opened the stiff joints and found a small sphere. Holding it up, he inspected it.
"What is it?" Kairi asked.
"Looks like a data sphere," he said. "They're archaic technology now, but these were used to store three-dimensional holograms. I wonder what one is doing in the hand of a dead Outcast."
Kairi pulled a leather-bound book from under the dead woman's torso. She leafed through it and shook her head. "This is her journal, I'll bet. The dead woman is Malya, Rukil's apprentice. If she had any clues about his Promised Land, they're gone with her."
Carth spun the small silver orb in his hand. "Maybe, Kairi...Maybe."
There were also the remains of other, less fortunate, escape pods. They passed about a half-dozen on their way. Some had small, freshly-dug mounds next to them. Outcast scouts gave a last respect to those who did not make it. Others had footprints that stopped abruptly, leaving only a shredded and bloodstained red or yellow bit of cloth.
The wound on Carth's shoulder was burning, and his muscles were aching. He had to rest. Flopping down next to the rubble next to the pods, he rubbed his pounding head.
"Carth?"
"I don't feel so good, Kairi. I think...I think that scratch from the rakghoul..."
Her eyes went wide.
"If...it's true..." He tried to swallow, but his throat burned. "Then I'm not going to make it."
"No!" she said vehemently. There was panic in her eyes, and she clutched his arm. "The Sith patrols down here have the cure. I...I'll find it."
"Kairi, it's too dangerous..."
She helped him into the escape pod wreckage, adjusting the seat. "Carth, you've got to hold on. Rest here. I'll come back for you."
"Don't...don't lie to me..." he said. "I...I know..."
She didn't say anything more, just looked over her shoulder one last time before she vanished from sight.
She was leaving him alone to die. Carth could accept that. He just hoped she would be able to find Bastila for the Republic's sake.
Kairi hadn't gone far when she saw a figure running for her. Her hand went for her sword, but once she got a better look, she saw it was Mission, the Twi'lek girl she and Carth met earlier in Javyar's Cantina. Her eyes were large and her breathing was ragged. Desperately, she took Kairi's shoulders.
"Please, you gotta help me! No one else is going to help me. Not even the Beks can help me, but I can't just leave him!"
Kairi put her hands on the girl's shoulders. "Calm down, Mission."
"But...but those Gammorrean slavers just nabbed Big Z! I can't just let them take him. You have to help me!" She looked at Kairi imploringly.
"What happened?"
"We...we were exploring and they ambushed us. Big Z...he just threw himself at them and roared at me to get away. I thought he was right behind me, but...but there were too many. They're gonna sell him to a slaver, I know it"
Kairi nodded. "I'll help, but right now the man I travel with, Carth, is badly hurt. I have to find some way to help him quickly or he might die. He was hurt by a rakghoul...he's feverish, has muscle pain."
Mission seemed to understand. "Rakghoul disease? Yipes, he's in trouble. Okay, I think I know where you could get some serum. A Sith patrol went into the sewers not long ago."
"All right," Kairi said. "Please, lead the way."
****
Mission half pulled Kairi through the Under City to a large hatchway. Slicing the lock, she dashed inside. The smell made it obvious where they were - the sewers of Taris. This section had long ago fallen to disuse, however. They were walking through what had been maintenance grids; the dim orange lights illuminating where sewer workers once made rounds, and continuing their duty long after the workers were gone.
A savage cry echoed through the large pipes. Rakghoul! Mission pulled her vibroblade, and Kairi her sword. Slowly, they crept through the darkness.
Up and down the winding passageways, they went until they came to one of the round conduits that served as a hub. That's where they saw them.
Two Sith were already dead. The rakghouls had them outnumbered and their claws had swiped the head from one. A uniformed officer had been impaled on a rusty spike. Two more armored Sith were losing their battle against the four rakghouls that still stood.
Kairi thought a moment. Maybe it would be better to wait until the rakghouls had finished off the Sith. That way, there would be fewer enemies and weaker rakghouls.
"They may be Sith, but no one deserves to die like that," Mission said.
There was almost an acidic tang of fear in her throat from the Sith, the same discomfort she felt when she heard Leto's cry for help in the Maze. Mission also seemed likely to enter the fray, whether or not Kairi chose to come with her. Between the two, Kairi's decision was made. She nodded her agreement.
Mission leaped on the smallest rakghoul like a burr and refused to let go. Kairi swiped and stabbed, getting one of the creatures right above the hip. It screamed and turned for her, but the Sith trooper used the opportunity to use his blaster rifle. The rakghoul, roaring with pain, grabbed the unlucky man by the throat and Kairi could hear the bones crunching. As it threw the husk aside, Kairi struck again, plunging her sword into its side. The rakghoul perished. Mission rode out the other one's attempts to throw her off long enough for her to reach around and slice the throat. She jumped off as it collapsed.
The single survivor stood there, mesmerized.
"Get out - there's more where it came from!" Kairi said.
The Sith was smart, fleeing back into the darkness. Searching the less-lucky members of the patrol, she found a hypo and three kits of green, bubbling liquid. Mission's eyes lit up.
"That's gotta be the serum!" She looked over. "Where did you leave your friend?"
Kairi told her, and Mission agreed to lead her on the fastest route.
"Gotta warn you, though. It's through the Gammorrean holdout."
Kairi looked up. "Then, we can rescue your companion on the way."
The Twi'lek girl's eyes lit up. "Let's go!"
Mission led her through more twisting passageways, deeper into the sewers. Unfortunately, she was right about the Gammoreans. They took position guarding the ladder out. Behind a huge door, they heard a sharp, guttural howl. Mission grimaced.
"Oh, no...Big Z..." Her face twisted, and second roar sprung her to action. "Hold on, Zaalbar, I'm coming!"
She rushed ahead, and Kairi followed. Gammorreans were known for their ferocity in combat, but they certainly weren't known for intelligence or courage. Seeing two armed women rush from the shadows, they picked up their axes and swords and squealed to the others.
They attempted to rush Mission, but the girl was too smart for them, clambering up the stacks of cargo containers and trash they had lined the walls with, her superior agility leaving her attackers unable to keep up with her. When she reached the top of the stack, the Gammoreans squealed, apparently thinking her trapped. Mission got the upper hand, though. Wedging her blade into a gap in the pile, she shifted an iron bar just a few centimeters left, sending the whole pile crashing down. She jumped off and landed gracefully, but the Gammoreans were not so lucky. They fell to the bottom and were trapped under the debris pile.
Kairi was busy beating back another pair, but their crude strength was no match for her swift slicing. Anger and the desire to kill ate at her, but the need to defend herself pushed the emotions into the back of her mind, giving her a clear focus on what was in front of her. She'd jumped out of the way of one's axe, and thrust her sword through his chest as he tried to make another swing. The second managed to wound the arm she'd injured a day earlier, but when Mission brought the debris pile clattering to the floor, the noise distracted him and gave Kairi her shot - right through his neck.
Blood was everywhere, dripping from their swords. Kairi kicked open a footlocker near the door, and marveled when she picked up the bowcaster. The Wookiee weapons were massive, but beautifully crafted.
Mission set to work on the locked door. It squeaked loudly on its corroded joints as it opened. Behind it was Zaalbar. Kairi had a lot of trouble carrying the bowcaster, and handed it back back to him. Now armed, Zaalbar had little trouble blasting through his chains. A step behind her, Mission ran up to him.
"You're a sight for sore eyes, Mission!"
"Big Z!" Mission threw her arms around his hairy bulk, and he returned the hug - very gently considering his large hands. "Oh, buddy, I was so scared! You didn't think I'd forget about you though? Mission and Big Z - together forever!"
Zaalbar looked quizzically at Kairi. "I recognize her from the cantina!"
"Kairi is a friend, Big Z. Without her, I'd never have been able to free you!"
He knew the human would not be able to understand him, but it would be impolite and dishonorable not to thank her. "Thank you! Thank you so much!"
Kairi walked up to him. "You're very welcome, Zaalbar. I was happy to help."
That startled him, and he clasped Mission's shoulder. Usually, the only humans who bothered to understand Shirriwook were more interested in putting a Wookiee in chains rather than freeing them. "You...human...you understand me?"
"Yes," she said. "I'm a translator. Does that surprise you?"
"Yes! Humans rarely bother to learn the language of my people."
Kairi just smiled. "Oh, I understand it...just don't ask me to speak it."
Zaalbar looked at Mission. It had to have been dangerous coming to rescue him, and he knew young Twi'lek females were also valued as slaves. Kairi must have been helping protect Mission during the rescue. If that were so, then both of them owed her their lives, but Mission did not have the obligation to acknowledge it.
He did.
"If you understand my words, then you understand that there is only one thing I can do to repay your kindness. You have saved me from a life of a beast and a slave. For my life, the only payment can be a life - I swear mine to yours."
"Whoa," Mission looked up at Zaalbar. "A life-debt. You sure, Big Z? Think it over carefully."
He looked down at his little friend, unused to talking to anyone but her for so long, and even then only in short sentences. "I'm sure, Mission. This is an issue of deep importance to me. Because of our great strength, Wookiees are being used as slaves on our own home world, or sent off-world as curiosities and beasts. Over the years, slavers have taken many of my people. Our villages are under constant siege."
Mission looked warily between Zaalbar and Kairi. "If you're sure, Big Z..."
"You understand slavery, Mission. Twi'lek girls like yourself are also slaves. My act saved you, and Kairi's has saved both of us. I swear this just as much for you as myself."
"Thing is..." She spoke hesitantly. "Kairi, do you understand what Big Z's saying? Not just the words, but..."
"Is it some kind of loyalty oath?" Kairi asked. "I know the language, but there's so much I can't remember."
"Not just that," Mission said. "It's the most solemn vow a Wookiee can make. It means that he'll stick by you for the rest of your life - wherever you go, whatever you do, Zaalbar will be with you."
"In the presence of all of you, I swear my life-debt. Forever after, I will be at your side, Kairi Niko. May this vow be as strong as the great wroshyr trees of Kashyyyk."
"I am touched and honored to accept your vow, Zaalbar...and your friendship, I hope."
"If you are kind to Mission, you are already a friend," he said.
"I guess that means you're stuck with me, too," Mission said with a shrug. "Where he goes, I go. I almost lost him once. I'm not going to lose him again."
"Wonderful," Kairi said. "Glad to have you aboard - both of you. Now, we've got to get this serum to Carth!"
Carth regained consciousness, feeling the burning in his blood cool quickly. Hearing and touch were the next senses to return, feeling a hand brush a sweat-drenched lock of hair from his forehead, and an angel's voice talking to him.
"Carth...Carth, can you hear me?"
He wasn't able to do much other than groan. Oh, he still felt like something a rancor beast threw up. After a few seconds, he felt a weight on his chest, and warm rain on his neck. He forced his eyes open.
Kairi was kneeling next to him, her head on his chest like she was listening for a heartbeat. Her eyes were closed and her body was shaking, tears leaking from her eyes. Carth could hardly believe it!
"Kairi?" His voice was weak, but she must have heard it, starting up from her position, and a syringe falling from her hand. She was still trembling, and her dark eyes were glazed from tears.
"I...I thought I was too late, or that the serum..."
She ...I thought she'd save herself, not..."Kairi?"
"We have to get this to Zelka. I hope it's enough..."
Carth blacked out again.
****
"Easy, friend."
Zelka? The Upper City doctor? He was still confused. What in the hell happened? At least he felt a bit stronger now. Ignoring the splitting pain in his skull, he sat up and looked around. He was in Zelka's "secret passage." The most surprising sight was Mission and Zaalbar standing nearby.
"You're lucky," Zelka said. "It's good that you've a pair of friends here - especially one big enough to carry you!"
"Where's....?"
"She's okay. Just resting," Mission said. "Zelka said something about running tests on her."
Zelka pocketed his datapad. "I'm not sure I want to ask what you were doing with Sith tracking papers, either."
Mission shrugged. "Probably got them from the Beks, is my guess. Gadon's forged a few sets of those."
"I see." Zelka smiled. "Well, while that's a rakghoul scratch, I'd call you lucky. There is absolutely no trace of the disease in your system."
"Isn't there? I..." He then remembered the green syringe in Kairi's hand. "Check Kairi's pack."
Zelka opened Kairi's pack, and he gasped. "This...this is the serum! How?" Zelka stopped himself. "No, I don't think I want to know. Safer that way. Can you do me a favor, however?"
"Name it," Carth said.
"I'm going to use these samples to make a hundred doses - that should take care of Gendar's village in the Under City. With this, they'll never have to fear another attack. Can you do that for me?"
"You got it," Carth said. "Did you find anything out about Kairi?"
"I did do some tests...neural scans, bio-electric analysis...the full spectrum." His eyes grew distant. "What is your relationship to Kairi, exactly? I'm not certain."
"She's...well...we served together on that ship that the Sith attacked. I guess you could call her my partner. Why? Is it bad news? Is she all right?"
Zelka held up his hand. "She is fine, physically. It's her mind that given me concern. There is extensive neural damage present. Now, she isn't getting any worse, but I have my doubts about whether she'll ever recover what she's lost."
"Her...her memory you mean?"
"I would wager on total retrograde amnesia," Zelka said. "Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do for her. The brain is very delicate and very little understood. If she recovers any of her memory prior to her accident, I would call it a miracle. Actually, with what the two of you are able to tell me, it's a miracle so little was affected. When it comes to plasma shock, what survives usually isn't more than an empty husk."
Mission whistled. "You mean, that Kairi..."
Zelka picked up the serum. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll take the serum and start duplicating it. Mission and Zaalbar, can you come with me?"
Zelka vanished into the lift, Mission and Zaalbar in tow.
Carth got up and paced the room, experimentally fingering the bandage on his shoulder. The kolto enhancements to it would ensure that it would heal in a matter of hours. Zelka's statement confirmed that Kairi wasn't lying about her lost memory, but that still didn't leave him with any more answers. Overall, though, she was certainly functioning well, better than he would, probably. He stopped at the tanks, looking into them to see the dying men that Zelka had hidden. Already, he noticed that he was down to two occupied chambers from four.
The first that was still holding on was suspended, held up by harnesses. An arm was gone, and his chest looked sunken. Lieutenant Thay Los. He'd been on the Endar Spire as a second tour of duty. The second was Master Sergeant Callidan - a tough old bastard from the Republic Space Marines. Hard to think of a stubborn, grizzled kath hound like him languishing through his last days in a kolto tank.
"Carth? Are you all right?"
He spun around to see that Kairi had entered the room and was watching him with concern.
"All right?" He thought about it. "I suppose, yes - thanks to you. Guess I have a lot on my mind," he said. "A lot to say and I'm not sure where to start. I suppose 'thank you' would be the best place to begin. I...I was sure you left me to die, but..."
"I didn't. I couldn't," she said. "Why should that surprise you?"
"I guess it shouldn't," Carth admitted. "Still does, though. Zelka's given me a clean bill of health. He's got some...some bad news for you, though." Carth walked to her side, sighing. "Zelka's checked into your memory problem. Ran every test he could think of. That plasma shock was bad, though. He's saying there's a good chance you'll never recover your memories."
She squeezed her eyes shut and nodded. "I...suspected as much. Having it confirmed, though..."
"Kairi, even with what's happened to you, you've got to be the most skilled woman I've ever met. And the rakghoul serum was only one time of many that you've saved my life. I'm lucky you're helping me, no question about it."
"I sense a 'but' in there. You're willing to trust my skills, but are those all you're going to trust?"
"Kairi, why is the issue of whether I trust someone or not so personal to you? I've...I've just been betrayed before, and..." His hands fell to his sides and balled up into fists. "Well, I can't let it happen again, I won't."
"I'm not going to betray you, Carth. Have I given you reason to think I will?"
He reached out as if to touch her shoulder, but cupped her face instead. "I know you believe what you're saying...but there's no such thing as a guarantee, Kairi. We both know that."
"So, it hasn't a thing to do with me - you're just suspicious of everyone?"
"That's it - exactly."
She looked up at him, and Carth almost felt his resolve crack. He just wasn't ready, though...not after Telos...not after...
"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?" she asked.
"I'm sure. What I want to do is save the galaxy, if that's even possible. Are you with me there?"
Kairi nodded. "I'm on your side. Please, just know that."
****
Since Mission and Zaalbar made it clear that they were joining Kairi and Carth's quest, they followed back to the apartment. There, they were filled in on the battle aboard the Spire, Kairi's accident, and Bastila's capture. Mission took most of it in stride, and Zaalbar appeared to stay silent, deep in thought about the situation. Carth headed for the fresher, leaving Kairi to do most of the talking.
"So, Kairi, you don't remember anything before the attack, even if you know how to do all this stuff?"
"That's right."
"And those Vulkar slimes took a Jedi?"
"Yes."
"Good thing you have Big Z and me to help you then! Sounds like you need all the help you can get!"
"Mission," Kairi asked. "Do you have any family?"
"You want to know about me? Wow. I really never get asked that question." Mission replied. She tried to make light of it with a shrug. "Big Z's my family. My parents...well; I'd guess they're dead. I never knew them. Then, after my brother took off...."
"You've a brother?"
Mission folded her arms. "Touchy subject, Kairi. Anyway, he bails and I'm on my own until I see Zaalbar. I could tell right away he was in trouble. Even before the gang wars started, the Vulkars were bad news. I see them picking on Big Z, and I had to go help!"
Zaalbar let out an affirmative howl.
"No one said those Vulkars were bright, did they?" Mission asked rhetorically. "Six of them, one of him. Even if you're dealing with a Wookiee, that's bad. Anyway, I see them picking on him - all alone on a strange planet...Well, I just lost it."
"You decided to pick the fight with them," Zaalbar said.
"Am I telling the story, or you?"
Zaalbar smiled indulgently at her.
"I shout at them and go charging in with my blaster. One of those Vulkars turned around and decked me so hard I almost blacked out!"
Kairi said, "That was brave of you...but not very wise. Never mind, go on."
"What was I supposed to do, let him get beat up? Those Vulkars are nothing but cowards. I guess Zaalbar didn't like seeing me get smacked around. He lets out his howl and yanks their leader a meter off the ground by his throat! Thought for a minute he was going to beat the punk to death with his own spine, but the others...you had to be there to understand, but they get this look on their faces and I've never seen those guys run so fast!" Mission cleared her throat and continued. "Their leader faints. Maybe he was just scared, or maybe Big Z's breath just knocked him out."
"Mission!"
She smiled teasingly and ruffled his fur. "You know I love you. Just not your breath. Anyway, Zaalbar throws him aside. I just grab his hand, and we haul out of there. Been together since."
"And just what are you doing on Taris, Zaalbar?"
The large Wookiee just fell silent, looking down on the floor.
"Sorry, Kairi. He doesn't talk about it - not even to me. In case you didn't notice, he's the strong, silent type. It doesn't matter to me, though. We just...well, we tend to live in the present."
"I am not able to speak of the reasons why I left Kashyyyk. They are too painful to share, and an outsider would find it hard to understand. Please know that this does not mitigate my life-debt, Kairi Niko."
"I wouldn't think so," Kairi said. "But know that Mission or I will listen if you ever feel need to."
"Thank you for your respect."
Carth smiled as he came out of the fresher, toweling off his hair. "Watch yourself, kid. She's got a way of prying your secrets from you."
Mission stuck out her tongue at Carth playfully before turning back to Kairi. "So, you want me to help you into the Vulkar base so you can get the Bek accelerator back so you can race a swoop and win your Jedi friend's freedom, and maybe save the Republic itself. Hey, sounds like fun!"
"What we're doing is highly dangerous, Mission," Carth told her. "It's no place for a kid."
Mission folded her arms. "I'm fourteen. I'm not some little kid!"
"Fourteen, huh?" Carth said. "You're just a little younger than..." His voice trailed off again, like an iron wall came down. "How did Kairi talk you into coming along? I mean, you don't have to stay."
Zaalbar replied. Carth looked up. "Sorry, Zaalbar. Kairi's the translator, not me."
Mission sat down. "Big Z's sworn a life-debt to Kairi. Means that she pretty much is stuck with him - and me. As for dangerous, well...life is dangerous. Doesn't mean you sit at home all the time."
****
Deciding that Zaalbar would be conspicuous, they left him at the hideout as they went back to Zelka's to pick up the medicine. Sure enough, Zelka had been able to replicate the formula, and set them off with packs full of it. He also gave them five doses in case they should find themselves in need of it. It was also a long and twisted journey through the Lower City as they made their way to through abandoned transit tunnels where they'd be utterly lost without Mission's navigation.
"Hey, Carth," Mission said. "You're a pilot, right?"
"That's right."
"So, I'll bet you've been all over the galaxy. I wanna know - how does Taris rate?"
"Well, there are worse places," Carth admitted. "But overall - pretty low. The rich spoiling themselves, the poor crushed beneath - not a pretty picture."
"Hmmm..." Mission seemed to think this over. "You mean people live differently elsewhere? This isn't the way it is for most places?"
"That's right." He shook his head. "And it's no place for a girl on her own - not even one that's paired up with a Wookiee."
"He's my friend, not my babysitter!" Mission said. "I ask you a question, and I get a lecture..."
"Hey, don't snap at me, missie! Is it a lecture you're after? Well, here's one - only bratty children go flying off the handle due to a simple comment."
"I don't have to be listening to you. You're not my father - though you're sure old enough to be! You keep that lecture inside your withered old head, ' cause I don't need 'em."
"And I sure as hell don't need this from some snot-nosed punk!"
Kairi stepped between them. "You both are acting like children. Settle down right now!"
Both of them took a few deep breaths. Kairi could have sworn Carth was counting to ten. After a few moments, they cooled off.
"Guess you're right, Kairi." Mission sighed. "We stand around here arguing, it'll just attract Vulkars looking for a real fight."
"You ready to have a civil chat, or is this going to be another tantrum?"
"Tantrum? I'm trying to apologize, you nerf-herder!" She stopped herself. "Uh...sorry...I mean...Well, I didn't mean to get so mad at you. It's just that...well, everyone treats me like I'm some helpless little kid, and I'm sick of it."
"Yeah, I know. And I've been a real ass - just ask Kairi. Guess I've been on-edge, considering what's happened. I shouldn't take it out on you." He gestured around. "I don't think you're helpless, and neither does Kairi. Look where we are. Look at what we're doing. You aren't along for the ride, Mission - we need you."
She seemed taken aback by this. "You...you mean it, don't you? Not even Big Z's said that to me. Sure, he probably thinks it, but he's not great with words." She smiled. "Thanks, Carth."
Carth found himself smiling back. "Ah, no big deal, I know how it is. Sometimes we all need a word or two of encouragement, kids especially."
"Kids?" Mission stopped herself, finally realizing Carth's joke. She started laughing. "Okay, you got me there, geezer. You're pretty funny, Carth...for an old guy. C'mon, I know a short cut."
Mission guided them to a secret entrance to the Undercity, winding them back through the Village. They knocked at Gendar's door.
"Gendar?"
The door opened and the Outcast leader looked them over. "Did you find your friend, up-worlders?"
"No," said Kairi. "But you were still a lot of help. We're bringing a gift from Zelka." Taking off their packs, they handed Gendar the vials. His eyes lit up.
"This...this is not what I believe it is."
"Believe it!" Mission said. "Kairi got it off the patrols, got it to Zelka. Zelka did the rest."
He seemed overcome with joy. "I will get this to Essala at once. Excuse me."
He took the containers and made for another tent. Kairi, Carth, and Mission continued. They still had another, sadder, duty to Rukil.
The hair on Carth's neck stood on edge as he walked into Rukil's tent. Kairi seemed confident enough as she sat cross-legged on the floor across from the ancient man.
"I found this. It was on a body outside the gates. Do you recognize it?" she handed Rukil the leather-bound book. The old man took it, shaking his head sadly.
"Yes, I do. It seems that you found Malya's remains...as I feared. I know that you've also brought the serum to our people, making certain no others will die as she did. For this, you prove to be the ones I have waited for."
"Maybe you have us confused with someone else," Kairi said.
"I do not mistake the mantle of destiny that hangs over you, nor your deeds of heroism," Rukil said. "Perhaps I know you better than you know yourselves?"
Kairi shot a look to Carth, who shrugged and said nothing. "Maybe you do, indeed."
"The Promised Land is no legend, I can assure you. I was very young at the time of the Great War, but still knew of it. Now that you both have proven yourselves, I will be able to tell you."
"Very well," Kairi said in agreement.
"The great city of Taris covers all land on this planet. There is no land to grow food. Harvests from the sea were our only source of food, but the ocean became poisoned - famine and civil war swept the planet as the rich hoarded their food and left millions to starve."
"Looks like not much has changed," Carth said bitterly. "The Upper City rich live like princes while the rest of Taris rots."
"In the Great War, the poor rose up to defend themselves. Entire sections of the city were destroyed or abandoned. In the end, the Rebellion was crushed. The jails could not hold all the dissenters. The old city was paved over and a new city build atop it, the former rebels and their entire families banished to its depths. The Undercity was born."
"What do you expect from Tarisian nobility?" Mission grumbled. "They'd stuff their own mothers down here if it would make more room for their egos."
"Ah," said Rukil. "But there is a hope - the last legacy of our rebel ancestors...the Promised Land. And you three will be the ones who show us the way. Mission, the explorer...Carth, the soldier...and you, Lady Kairi - you are to be the guide."
"How can I guide you?" Kairi asked. "I don't even know what it is...or where?"
"The rebels had a base ---beneath even the Undercity - a self-sufficient colony where we can grow and harvest food, and where droid servants tend to our needs. That...that is the Promised Land."
Carth retained his skepticism. "Sounds to me like a con - some false hope so you don't take up arms against the Upper City again or go mad with despair down here."
"Still unwilling to trust, I see," Rukil said, and then took out an old sphere reader. "Unfortunately, no one will be after her. I am too old to take another apprentice, and even if the sphere exists..."
Carth felt his pocket, remembering the small sphere he took from Malya's hand. "Wait!" Fumbling in his pocket, he pulled it out and showed it to Rukil "Is...is this what you're talking about?"
Rukil took it, his hands shaking. "It is true, then?" He put the missing sphere in the slot, and an arc of energy passed through it. The holographic map flickered, and came to life!
"Hey!" Mission exclaimed. "I know where that is! It's only a week on foot! There's a big door that I never was able to figure out how to open." She pointed to a pass outlined on the map. "Head that way. It's the best route - it's through coolant vents. You'll need a good coat, but the rakghouls don't like the cold."
Carth ran up the stairs to catch up with Gendar as he was turning over the serum to Essala, the Outcast's healer. "Gendar! Hey, you have to see this!"
"What is it?"
"I...I think Rukil's got something you'll want to see."
Gendar signed. "Not more tales of a so-called paradise, is it?"
"Uh, they aren't tales, Gendar. Have a look for yourself."
Gendar walked in the hovel to see it - the map with the clearest route marked. "This...this is amazing! Are these real, Rukil - is this information accurate?"
"Accurate?" said Mission. "Oh, they're accurate. That's the reason your Promised Land was so hard to find. It's hidden in plain sight! And the geographical data...there is something under there - tunnels and chambers. It's the size of a small city - big enough for everyone!"
Gendar's face lit up. "And we lived in fear of the rakghouls, but thanks to you, we have the means to end the scourge. Our supplies are high right now...we can start the trip in less than a day! I'll tell the others to prepare."
Gendar quickly left the tent. Rukil stood up and shook Kairi and Mission's hands. "Thank you once more, Kairi. Where we go, you will not be able to follow. Your destiny is elsewhere...and yet to be chosen."
"Farewell, Rukil, and thank you for your wisdom."
"I must prepare for the trip. I'm afraid my age means I'll have to take longer than others. Just remember what I have told you."
Mission and Kairi went with Gendar, leaving Carth to watch the display and think about the last day.
"Maybe I shouldn't doubt so much," Carth said absently. He looked up. "You...you were right last time. Kairi...I was infected by the rakghouls. She risked her neck to get the serum...saved my life." He put his hands on the table and leaned in. "I want to know how you knew about that."
"I am glad to know that you have saved each other's lives....But she has yet to save you," Rukil warned. "And you to save her."
About to express another round of doubt or argue that the old man was speaking in riddles, Carth stopped himself cold. He still remembered how the disease has made his blood burn, and how he had been willing to bet the Republic itself on her not coming back, leaving him to die. Other things he recalled, too...coming out of the fever to feel her head on his chest and her tears on his skin.
"How can I save her, Rukil? I'm not sure I can save myself."
"The seed of it is already planted, but you must allow it to grow."
He had a sneaking suspicion of what the old man was talking about, but he wasn't about to admit it - even to himself. He just wasn't ready.
"I'll trust you on it, Rukil."
****
That night, the Outcasts had packed their things and prepared their caravan. Kairi, Carth, Mission, and Zaalbar did what they could to help.
Kairi waved good-bye, her eyes tearing up with joy. Carth put his hands on Kairi's shoulders, turning her around and hugging her tightly. Kairi let out a cry of surprise, but hugged him back.
When he opened his eyes, he saw the last group leaving. Among them was Rukil, wrapped in his warmest cloak and carrying a walking stick, but otherwise showing no hint of his age.
Upon seeing them, Rukil smiled in reply and shuffled out the gate.