Star Wars – The Force Unleashed – Daughter of Fate
Chapter 8
2 BBY – On the forest floors of Kashyyyk
Starkiller walked away from the sliced up bodies of the large arachnid creatures he had just slaughtered, huge spider-like creatures who had attempted to turn him into lunch. He began wiping bits of the green ichor off of his Corellian flight jacket and continued his descent further and further into the forest. This place was nothing like Felucia, every part of the planet covered in humidity and moisture, everything here was drier and more seasonal, Starkiller remembered the forest well now from his childhood when we would wander the forest floor as a small boy in the company of either his father or the Wookies who liked to have the small boy around. Starkiller then remembered back to the skyhook that he had seen above the atmosphere of the planet before the Eclipse had descended to the forest floor. He began to realise that he had seen the skyhook in one of his visions during his long period of unconsciousness. He remembered that he had viewed the giant construction from ground level and then he remembered a young woman he had foreseen. She had to be only just shy of his and Juno's own age and she had dark hair and eyes. Breaking out of his daydream Starkiller heard the sound of shuttles nearby and ran quietly after the distant sound until he came upon what looked like Imperial headquarters. The base itself was very large complete with multiple squadrons of stormtroopers patrolling the borders and ATST walkers, large two legged machines that Starkiller knew would blast him into oblivion with there powerful laser cannons if he wasn't careful. Starkiller then spotted his advantage as he made his way towards a single stormtrooper who was guarding one of the smaller entrances into the complex. Starkiller decided to use one of his favourite Force methods to get himself inside without drawing too much unwanted attention to himself. The stormtrooper suddenly aimed his blaster rifle at Starkiller as he emerged from the fauna but Starkiller suddenly put his handout towards him.
"You're not alarmed. I'm authorised to be here, in fact, you've been expecting me" said Starkiller.
"Everything's in order, sir. Can't explain what came over me" replied the stormtrooper.
"That's none of your concern soldier. You want only to help me" said Starkiller.
"Yes sir, I am at your disposal. How can I assist you?" replied the stormtrooper.
"Tell me who's in charge here?" said Starkiller
"Captain Sturn, sir" replied the stormtrooper.
"And where would I find him?" asked Starkiller
"In the lodge with the guest sir, if he's not out hunting" replied the stormtrooper.
"Who's the guest?" said Starkiller
"I don't know sir, but we are under strict orders to keep them out of harm's way. These Wookies are mindless brutes" replied the stormtrooper.
Ignoring his prejudice slant Starkiller continued to question him "Is this person a guest, or a hostage?"
"I don't know sir" replied the stormtrooper.
"Can you show me to the guest quarter?" said Starkiller
"I'm not authorised for that area sir. Why don't you ask Captain Sturn these questions?" replied the stormtrooper
Realising he could not hold the stormtroopers mind for much longer he went back to another question on his mind.
"What are you doing with these Wookies?" said Starkiller
"What are we doing with them, sir? Why giving them what they deserve. Filthy, mindless animals. Hey, you're not one of those sympathetic types, are you? One of them tore my platoon leader limb from limb, right in front of me. Kill them all, I would like Captain Sturn – "
"Enough" replied Starkiller as he sent the stormtrooper head first into the broad tree next to him knocking the trooper unconscious and going forward into the base knowing that it might take him some time and a few stormtrooper corpses to find the person he was looking for.
............
Back on the Eclipse, Kota made his way from the cargo back to the cockpit where Juno and Setra were still sitting together in the pilot seat. Seeing Kota behind her Juno placed Setra on the co-pilot seat and waited for Kota's response.
"I think the time has come to check on your friend. He's been quiet a little too long" said Kota.
"You're right. And I'm sure he's like to know what I found out" replied Juno as she had outlined to Kota the presence of Wookie slaves on the planet from the information she had found from the cockpit console "Do you think your friend in the Senate knows anything about this?"
"I'm sure of it" replied Kota.
"Do you think that's why we're really here?" said Setra looking at the old Jedi Master
"I think it's possible to fix two problems with one solution kid. Or make the attempt anyway" replied Kota.
"I guess we'll see what we'll see" realising what she had just said in front of Kota she looked back apologetically "Oh, I'm sorry"
Kota chuckled at Setra "No need to apologize kid. It's just a figure of speech" replied Kota.
Juno concentrated on bringing reception to the intercom so that she could contact Starkiller about the information that she had found out but once she did she heard the sound of blaster fire and heavy machinery.
............
Starkiller heard Juno on the other side of his comlink but thought that she would have to wait due to his current position. The foot of an AT-ST walker came down just next to his head and quickly Starkiller jumped up and out of the way as he avoided another flurry of concussion grenades that game from the AT-ST. Starkiller timed his steps perfectly and charged towards the walker jumping into an aerial somersault and landed on top of the walker's bulky head. The pilot of the AT-ST attempted to swivel around to get Starkiller off the top but his footing was steady and he suddenly jumped high in the air and brought his lightsaber down through the giant walker before landing steadily on his feet. The walker trembled and suddenly the hull of the walker exploded and the walker separated into vertical halves and fell heavily to the ground flinging out what was left of the pilots into the surrounding forest. Suddenly two more of the AT-ST walkers made their way towards him and Starkiller instantly intercepted. Starkiller propelled his lightsaber through the leg joints of one of the walkers cutting the head off from the legs and causing a small explosion once it hit the ground and then focused his Force energy on the other walker crushing it with the Force like it was an aluminium can and then yanking it apart sending bits and pieces of metal and ship parts scattered all over the bear clearing. He pursued his previous course and talked into the comlink back to Juno.
"Now, what were you saying Juno?" said Starkiller
"The skyhook. It's for taking Wookie slaves off the planet by force" replied Juno.
Kota felt it was his turn to speak and talked to Starkiller through the intercom of the Eclipse "That's not important now. Where are you boy?"
"I'm as the main Imperial base. There seems to be no one about, not anymore" replied Starkiller.
"You're very close to your objective. Don't allow yourself to be distracted" replied said Kota.
"Want to tell me what I'm looking for?" replied Starkiller
"Patience, boy. You'll know" said Kota.
Starkiller finally made his way into the lodge and sensed who he was looking for.
"Hold on. I think I'm getting warm. I'll call you back soon" replied Starkiller as he shut off his comlink and made his way to the upper chambers of the lodge.
He opened the door to the chamber on the fourth floor of the complex but instead of finding Captain Sturn he faced the back of what appeared to be the young woman from his vision.
"I should have expected the Emperor to send an assassin. It's a cowards tactic" replied Princess Leia of Alderaan.
"I do not serve the Emperor" Starkiller assured her.
Leia turned around to face him "I told Captain Sturn to spare me the charade, and now I'm telling you –"
"No, really" Starkiller interrupted "I'm here with Master Kota"
"Master Kota is dead, killed above Nar Shadda, my father –"
"Your father?" replied Starkiller questioningly "How long has Kota been feeding your father information about Imperial targets"
"How did you know –"
"Master Kota told me himself. Je survived Nar Shadda. We were sent to find you. I think you're supposed to come with me now" replied Starkiller.
"I can't leave, not while the planet is enslaved" said Leia.
"Is that why you're here for?" replied Starkiller
"No! I'm a Senatorial observer appointed by the Emperor himself. My job is to oversee the construction of that monstrosity" said Leia pointing to the Sky Hook on the far horizon "He can't kill me, but he can keep me busy and send a message to my father at the same time. A coward, as I said, but a clever one, well versed in the arts of coercion and manipulation"
Starkiller nodded back to Leia, understanding all too well what the Sith Lords were capable of.
"I'm not so harmless myself" she indicated pointing to Starkiller's lightsaber "I know what that is. If you're truly a Jedi then you'll understand why I can't leave"
"But your father –"
"My father isn't here. Once the Sky Hook is complete, the Empire will be able to transport Wookie slaves in earnest. Entire villages will be taken offworld in a matter of days. Artoo Deetoo?" said Leia to a small astromech droid who rolled to her side and from his small ocular lens projected out a holographic image of the Sky Hook "Artoo and I have been studying the Sky Hook from here. I think I know how to take it down. These are moorings. Disable them and the Sky Hook will detach from the planet, causing a chain reaction that should destroy the orbital platform before it can be put to use"
Starkiller analysed her plan carefully "Destroying it won't stop the Empire for long. They'll just build another one"
"Eventually, maybe. But you'll give the remaining Wookies a chance to disappear. Back the way you came, there's a tube transport that leads down to the forest floor. It'll be crawling with Imperials, clearing out the undergrowth, but it'll take you to the base of the Sky Hook" replied Leia.
"All right. But what about you?" said Starkiller
"My shuttle is still on the landing platform, I presume" replied Leia.
"Yes, but I won't make any promises about the pilot" said Starkiller.
Leia shot back a mischievous smirk at him "What makes you think that I need one? Please tell my father I'm safe" replied Leia as she headed towards the exit with her astromech droid in tow.
"I will" said Starkiller and with that he himself left the room and headed toward the transport tube.
Starkiller commed Juno and told her everything that he had just been told by Leia.
"Did you get all that?" said Starkiller
"We did" replied Juno "Are you going to do as she says, the stygium crystals in the cloak can not hold for much longer"
"I'm already doing it" said Starkiller
"You and your one solution" Juno muttered to Kota.
"Is everything alright up there?" said Starkiller
"We're just killing time. Where do you think the Wookies are being taken and why?" replied Juno
"Your guess is as good as mine. They're strong and smart. If it weren't for their tendency when they get aggressive to rip people's heads off" said Starkiller.
"There are ways around that" replied Kota.
"What do you mean?" said Juno
"Attachment. Wookies have a keen sense of family. The bonds among them are exceedingly tight" replied Kota.
Starkiller recalled his memories of the Wookies from when he was a child. When he and his family had first arrived on Kashyyyk when he was just a boy the Wookies adored him. Many of the Wookies had a natural and great affection for their little ones and it was no different for Starkiller. Starkiller smiled slightly when he remembered one particular Wookie who had helped to take care of him after his mother had been killed by the Trandoshan slavers. Because of Starkiller's mother the Wookie's own mother had survived and at the adolescent Wookie age of about 50 years old he had made a life debt with Kento Marek because of his wife's sacrifice and this life debt also entailed taking care of Starkiller when he was just a boy. He only just recalled that his name had been Graddick which meant 'peaceful guardian' and he had been like an older brother to him. He prayed that Graddick was safe and hoped that he had not become a slave like so many of his other brethren.
"Kota. I want you to pass her message onto her father, whoever she is" said Starkiller.
"All right. I'll try" replied Kota.
Finally after what had seemed like so long Starkiller came across a place that was familiar to him. The surrounding area looked as if it had been scarred by a battle years before with hints of damage that had been caused by blaster fire and more obviously lightsaber combat. Starkiller had reached the place where it had all happened, when he had been taken away by Vader from the lifeless body of his father. He looked up toward what looked like a ruined hut that was still standing and Starkiller remembered that it had used to be his home.
"General Kota?" said Starkiller
"He's not here right now" replied Juno
"Get him please Juno. I think I found something" said Starkiller.
"Wait. You haven't found that place have you. Where you were taken away" replied Juno.
"I'll let you know later Juno I promise, please just get Kota for me" said Starkiller.
"Alright. Hang on" replied Juno
"What have you found boy?" said Kota
"Just an old hut. I've been sensing this place ever since I arrived on Kashyyyk. There's a great darkness, something happened here" replied Starkiller carefully choosing his words so Kota didn't know that he recognised his old home.
"Turn away boy. Get on with your mission. There are some things you aren't ready to face" said Kota.
"Why? What could possibly be inside?" replied Starkiller
"That's exactly my point. Avoid dark places like this. They only bring back painful memories through the Force" said Kota "If you go inside you'll have to face whatever is in there on your own"
Juno knew now that Starkiller had found the place where it had all happened, the home that he had been taken from so long ago. A part of her wanted him not to go inside but another part didn't want to stop from finding the answers that she knew he so desperately wanted.
"Listen to me. Go inside and find what you are looking for. Do not be afraid. I know you'll find what it is you're looking for and like you said you can tell me when you get back. I'm here for you" said Juno softly to Starkiller.
"I know Juno and I'm grateful. I'll check back in soon" replied Starkiller as he shut off his comlink and went inside.
When he entered his old home he noticed a faint blue glow at the back of the hut. It was coming from what looked like a blue lightsaber crystal and at once he knew which lightsaber this had belonged to. Without warning Starkiller was flooded again by the vision of what had happened her 15 years before.
Kashyyyk was burning. The fires were visible from space, and so were the vast swathes of smoke poisoning the air. The Imperial blockade surrounding the planet was impervious and relentless. Observers weren't allowed in; refugees weren't allowed out. The only people moving to and from the surface were stormtroopers. And him.
A tall human figure in brown robes appeared on one of the hut's balconies, looking down at Vader. He stood with hands on hips, flanked by menacing Wookie warriors. Small touches marked him as someone who had lived among the indigenes for a long time. His face looked faintly, impossibly familiar.
"Turn back Dark Lord" he called in a commanding voice "Whatever you want, you won't find it here"
"You can't disguise yourself from me" Vader replied "Jedi"
The man stiffened and gestured. Wookie warriors swung in on ropes and vines from surrounding trees, converging with wild whoops and roars on the lone figure in black below. His lightsaber was a crimson blur – and slowly, inevitably, everything he saw was painted horribly red. . Vader then clenched his fist hard and the support struts of the hut cracked. He extended both hands and the hut shook from side to side. Wookies flew bodily in all directions. Splinters and dust filled the air. He didn't move, until out of the thick, dusty haze he glimpsed a bright blue lightsaber and its wielder – coming for him like a ghost.
They fought back and forth across the wooden platform; the tall man's reach a match for Vader's but his strength not as profound. Whoever he was, combat was not his strong point. He had an understanding of the ancient Shii- Cho style but barely a smattering of more advanced Makashi. His attacks were simple to deflect; his defences relatively easy to penetrate. Vader toyed with him awhile, then pressed him hard against the side of the remaining hut, giving him no more ground to retreat to. One telekinetic push saw the man flung through the rent of the hut. His lightsaber flew in a different direction. The pommel shattered into a dozen pieces, its blue focusing crystals scattering like jewels. Vader strode into the hut, where he used the Force to grip the man around his throat and wrench him into the air. His bright red lightsaber pointed directly at the man's chest. Victory. And yet on the cutting edge of perception, reason to reconsider. Vader cocked his armoured head.
"I sense someone far more powerful then you nearby. Your Master – where is he?"
The choking Jedi struggled to speak "The Dark Side has clouded your mind. You killed my Master years ago"
"Then you will now share his fate"
Vader raised his blade to cut down the Jedi Knight, but before he could swing it the lightsaber suddenly flew from his hand. Vader turned and stared at the sight of a human child standing in the corner of the hut, dirty and bruised from the damage done to the last hut, dressed in clothes bearing Wookie touches similar to those of the man still hanging in the air behind the Dark Lord. The boy held Darth Vader's lightsaber in both hands. The tip danced, but only slightly.
"Run!" choked the Jedi "Run now! Don't look back!"
"Ah!" said Vader with dawning understanding "A son"
Turning back to the father, he clenched his left fist. The awful sound of bone cracking was clearly audible – as was the boy's sudden gasp of horror. Vader turned back to the child and froze. The man in black loomed over him and grabbed him by the arm.
"Come with me" The deep hollow words were worse then blows. "More will be here soon"
As he was wrenched from the hut, the boy twisted his head to snatch one last glimpse of his home. All the boy saw now was the body of the dead Jedi Knight on the floor. One hand lay outstretched with fingers curled, as though clutching for something that was no longer there….
As the vision ended Starkiller snapped back to reality and suddenly felt a shadow descend upon the hut. Suddenly from the shadows appeared a Jedi, dressed in simple Jedi robes that had likely been hand made. Starkiller suddenly realised who it was. The ghost was of Kento, the father he had lost so long ago, the father that Vader had taken him from.
"F-Father" said Starkiller
"I'm so sorry Galen" replied the ghost "I never wanted what happened to you"
It hit him hard in the face but it was the most welcomed thing he had ever heard. He remembered now, his name was not Starkiller, it was Galen. Galen Marek.
"I know father, but it wasn't your fault. I have left Vader now. I want to learn the ways of the Force just like you did" said Galen.
Kento smiled sadly at his son "I know Galen. I am very proud of you. I know that you never felt me but I was always there watching over you"
"I wish you could be here father, there are people I would have wanted you to meet" said Galen.
"I already know of the woman Juno and your youngling. She has so much potential Galen, her strength in the Force is great" replied Kento.
"I know that. She still astounds me at what she can do" said Galen.
"I know. I was the presence that led you to her the night you found her on Naboo three years ago" replied Kento.
"That was your presence that led me to her" said Galen.
"Yes. She was the daughter of another strong padawan who escaped Order 66 and fled to Naboo. I thought that maybe the light within her could help you to break from the poison that Vader had fed you since you were a boy" replied Kento "I also knew that once that happened you would be the only one that could understand the level of power she wielded and I knew that deep in her heart you would love her as much as I love you my son"
Galen realised that his father was right. Setra would have never turned to the Dark Side if he had remained with Vader and trained her. Her innocence and power in the Light Side of the Force was to great to break her will. It had been Setra who had always been a bright light, a flame that had always stayed alight within Galen's heart and it was one he had never wanted to put out. No matter how dark his mind had been at the time.
"Thankyou father. I would not have been able to breakaway if you hadn't done this and you never failed me, fate just led me to this path and I would never have found Setra, Juno or PROXY if I hadn't travelled down it" said Galen.
"I am happy that you feel the light now son. There is now impossibility to what you can do with your own potential but I ask you this Galen, as a favour" replied Kento.
"Anything father" said Galen.
"Please continue to love Setra as your own. Teach her the ways of the Jedi that I would have taught you if circumstances were different, be the father that I should have been to you" replied Kento "her destiny is important and she will be one of the first of the reborn Jedi Order"
Galen looked to his father with tears falling down his cheeks "Of course father. Setra has been my own since the day I found her on Naboo. I love her with all my heart and I will never leave her for as long as I live and I will make her the best Jedi that she can be" said Galen.
Kento now smiled at his son "I'm glad I saw you again my son. Please live for the both of us" he said as he disappeared back into the shadows.
:"I will father. I promise" said Starkiller as he picked up the lightsaber crystal from the ground.
After a little bit of tinkering to his own lightsaber Galen ignited the now modified lightsaber. The humming blade now shone a deep cerulean blue and lit up the dark and desolate shadows that surrounded him. Galen also noticed that his flight suit was now extremely dirty from his previous encounters with the AT-ST's and found folded up in the corner of the hut spare garments that were surprisingly clean. Galen recognised them as a second pair of his father's Jedi Robes and without a moment's hesitation changed into them. They fit him perfectly with the brown undershirt and the light armour covering his torso, the pants, field boots and overskirt that was part on the armoured tunic on his legs and the light hood that went over his head and was also attached to the armoured tunic. Galen left the hut and jumped down from the balcony going back to his task of cutting the moorings from the Sky Hook. As he ran again through the underbrush he came to another clearing where he noticed stormtroopers gathering what looked like an entire village of Wookies and placing them within large portable containment cells. Galen looked on even more shocked as he recognised one of the larger male Wookies. It was Graddick, only now after 20 years he had matured into a tall and healthy looking adult Wookie, now at his full height with ebony fur. Knowing he could not allow his dear friend to be captured Galen sprang into action immediately and slew the group of stormtroopers in seconds. All of the Wookies cheered out in their native language of Shyriiwook which was the familiar cries and roars that emanated from their mouths. Immediately they quickly grunted in thanks to Galen and took their young ones and ran off into the forest all except for Graddick who stared at Galen curiously. Galen looked happily up at his old Wookie friend and revealed himself from under the hood.
"Graddick, do you recognize me? It's Galen Marek" said Galen.
Suddenly the Wookie barked out with the utmost joy and grabbed Galen off the ground into a big bear hug which squeezed the air out of his lungs. He was twirled around a couple of times and then Graddick placed him down on the ground and placed his large furry hands on both of his shoulders and began to grunt to Galen in Shyriiwook
"(Galen. It has been so long. I thought that you were dead)" said Graddick.
Understanding the language Galen replied "No my friend. I have been though much these past years"
Galen briefly told Graddick about his time with Vader and the recent events that had taken place.
"(That damned Sith Lord! If he were here I would rip him limb from limb for what he has done to my people!) "said Graddick.
"I know Graddick, but if you are willing to help me I know how to destroy the Sky Hook that the Empire is building on the surface" replied Galen.
"(How Galen? The Sky Hook is to large to destroy from here)" said Graddick.
"I know but I received information from a friend as to where the moorings are. I have destroyed most of the so far but there is one more that is deep within Imperial territory" replied Galen.
"(Then I shall help you Galen. It is time I showed these Imperial scums what happens when they threaten a Wookie)" said Graddick and with that both the companions set off towards the last mooring that held the Sky Hook to the surface of Kashyyyk.
On the way through the forest to the last mooring Graddick was able to find a Bowcaster from one of his dead companions and Galen and the large Wookie made their way to their final objective. Suddenly as both Galen and Graddick spotted the final mooring they heard the heavy stamping of an AT-ST coming towards them and surely enough one appeared within moments. The AT-ST had been heavily modified to carry more weapons and it belonged to none other then Captain Sturn, the man inc charge of the entire operation. Graddick growled towards the menacing hulk of machinery that loomed over both him and Galen. At once Galen ignited his lightsaber and sprang into action as he deflected a number of heavy blaster bolts that had been aimed at Graddick and pushed the Wookie out of the way as both the companions only just dodged a flurry of concussion grenades. Graddick began to shoot his Bowcaster at the front of the large machine while Galen shot Sith Lightning at it from behind but to no avail the attacks were useless as a shield surrounded the modified walker. Galen was forced to deflect another volley of heavy blaster fire and deflected each one that was sent into the last mooring. Galen suddenly had an idea.
"Graddick! It looks like blaster bolts can do some damage to that mooring. Use as many charged shots as you can from your Bowcaster on that thing. I'll take care of him" said Galen.
"(Alright Galen)" replied Graddick as he began to make his way towards the mooring and began to carefully shoot aimed shots at the mooring which weakened a little more with every shot he gave it.
Galen timed his attacks and finally was able to crush a lot of the primary weaponry on the AT-ST destroying the shield generator and finally sent numerous bolts of Sith Lightning into the head of the AT-ST killing the captain inside. Graddick then ran up to Galen.
"(Galen, I have been able to do deal some significant damage to the mooring but my Bowcaster is low. What should we do now?)" said Graddick.
Galen noticed that his lightsaber wouldn't be strong enough to cut through the thick base of the mooring but he looked back at the wreck of the AT-ST and had an idea.
"Graddick step back" said Galen as he picked up the remaining wreckage of the walker with the Force and threw it into the base of the mooring.
The base easily snapped away and the mooring was destroyed and the two companions watched on as the chain reaction from the destroyed moorings reached the Sky Hook and from the surface watched the great construction explode above the atmosphere. Around them eruptions of cheering and roaring could be heard from the Wookies surrounding them who also dispatched any remaining stormtroopers in the area. Graddick placed his large furry hand on Galan's shoulder.
"(A great display of power Galen. You would have made your father proud)" said Graddick.
"Thank you my friend" replied Galen who suddenly realized that Juno was calling him via the comlink "just give me a minute Graddick, I have to take this"
"Hey are you alright. We saw the Sky Hook blow up from our position. Where are you?" said Juno.
"Down near the base of the last mooring. Here are the co-ordinates. Oh and Juno, my name is Galen" replied Galen.
"Alright then Galen" said Juno happily "I'll see you soon"
Galen waited patiently and smiled as he saw the Eclipse make its way down next to the wreck of the last mooring. As soon as the ramp lowered Galen saw Setra running towards him. Galen ran to her and swept his girl up in his arms and embraced her tightly.
"I felt him papa. I felt grandpa. I knew you could find the answers papa I knew it" said Setra.
"Thank you Setra. I promise you that I'll always be here and I'll train you as a Jedi and we will fight the Empire together. I love you Setra" replied Galen.
"I love you to papa" said Setra as she hugged her father tightly.
Graddick ran up to Galen's side and saw Setra in his arms.
"(Well I'll be Galen. You have a pup of your own now)" said Graddick
"Yes I do Graddick. I adopted her when she was little" replied Graddick.
Setra wriggled out of her father's arms and looked up wondrously at the black Wookie. Setra had understood what Graddick had said as she had studied the Wookie language for the past two years and could understand it fluently. Graddick knelt down to be eye level with Setra.
"Setra. This is Graddick. He is a very old friend of mine. I've known him since I was your age" said Galen happily.
"Really papa" replied Setra.
"(Yes little one. I took care of him when he was young)" said Graddick.
"Wow" replied Setra astonished
Graddick chuckled and lightly ruffled Setra's hair.
"Thank you Graddick for taking care of my papa" said Setra as she hugged into Graddick's warm fur.
Graddick happily returned the embrace and Galen laughed on happily seeing that Setra nearly disappeared under Graddick's great big arms.
"Galen!"
Galen turned his head and saw Juno running towards him. Without a moment's hesitation he ran forward and hugged Juno back. Graddick looked on and took Setra's hand and walked towards the both of them.
"Juno. This is an old friend. This is Graddick. He took care of me when I was a child" said Galen.
"Hello Graddick. It's lovely to meet you" replied Juno as she shook the large Wookie's hand.
"Papa. Graddick just told me that he has a life debt with you. Does that mean he can come with us?" said Setra.
"Hang on a second Setra, what if he has things here that he has to do" replied Galen.
"(I don't Galen and my life debt to your family still remains and my family has been killed by the Empire. I have nothing left here. If you wouldn't mind I would like to travel with you and your companions. I wish to avenge my family and join in your fight against the Empire)" said Graddick.
"We would be honored to have you with us Graddick" replied Juno "We have extra quarters upon our freighter so please make yourself at home"
"(Thank you very much Juno. I appreciate it)" said Graddick.
Suddenly Setra tagged Graddick "You're it Graddick"
Graddick roared out playfully as he chased Setra around the clearing both of them laughing happily. Galen saw this as his chance and took Juno with him to a private spot not far from the clearing.
"Juno. I have wanted to tell you how I feel about you for so long now but I never had the right opportunity to do so. If you don't feel the same way then-"
Galen was silenced by Juno as she pressed her lips against his softly, kissing him for the first time. Juno looked at him and noticed his eyes had softened from their usual dark appearance to becoming soft and gentle. They kissed again only more deeply and passionately this time and when they broke it they leaned their foreheads together.
"I know Galen. I've felt this ever since the first day I saw you on the Executor" replied Juno.
Galen looked deeply and lovingly into her eyes and kissed her again passionately until they both needed breath. Suddenly Galen's comlink went off and Kota was on the other end. Annoyed by the intrusion Galen answered.
"Is that you Kota" said Galen.
"Yes it is boy. Listen I Have received a message back from the girl you helped escape. Get back here and I will give you the details you need. Oh and what is a Wookie doing on the ship now. He terrified PROXY so much that the droid nearly malfunctioned. The Wookie is fixing him as we speak" replied Kota.
"That is our new companion Graddick. He's and old friend. I'll be there shortly Kota" said Galen as he shut off his comlink.
Galen looked back at Juno who was still hugging herself to him.
"Listen Juno. We should probably continue this at a more appropriate time" said Galen.
"I agree" replied Juno.
"I love you Juno" said Galen.
Juno looked at him tearfully "I love you too Galen"
Both Galen and Juno walked hand in hand back into the Eclipse, everyone seemingly noted what had gone on between them and understood. Setra couldn't keep the grin from spreading across her face. Galen went to Graddick.
"Graddick, after we take off would you mind taking care of things for a little while" whispered Galen.
Graddick chuckled softly "(Of course Galen. Good luck with your mate)"
"Thanks. I think" replied Galen
Juno quickly sat in the pilot's chair and within the hour the Eclipse was back flying through space again and Galen would have time to speak with Kota later. Galen grabbed Juno's hand and quickly led her back to his quarters where the both of them demonstrated their deep love to each other for the first time. While Galen and Juno were 'busy' Setra in the meantime for the first time in her life felt a sense of hope in their cause. Now that their crew seemed more united then ever and now that they would have Graddick's help from now on Setra had a feeling that everything was going to be alright.