Chapter 27

I would like to thank my reviewers, those who added my story to their alerts and favorites, and to all anonymous readers.

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars or Prototype.

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The shackles started to break.

There had always been a thick fog surrounding his mind, and every time he tried to push through, it would send him right back with the force of a raging river. Now, however, the cracks expanded with every step he took. Coming to the realization that you are one of the most hated beings in the galaxy was hardly pleasant. Nevertheless, like the trees reaching for the sky, he too should try to reach as far as he could, even if it meant uncovering more memories that are unpleasant. He would need to tell the group about his realization, even if it meant them abandoning him.

A choice I will have to accept, Voren thought.

"I greet you again, Voren and companions." Freyyr made a welcoming sign with his right hand. "I am humble, hoping you have found the blade of Bacca's sword. Imagine… Chieftain Freyyr… humble."

"I have found the blade of Bacca's sword." Voren proclaimed.

Alex scowled. "Actually, I found it. You just happened to be there."

"You have?" Freyyr gasped. "Please let me see it. I must be sure!"

Voren shot Alex a look. "Here, take it. I'm sure it is this one."

"It… it is! It may now look like much… but it is a very important relic of my people. Tradition dictates that it be respected." Freyyr informed. "I didn't think I was worthy to search for it, but I realize that was selfish despair. I should have challenged Chuundar long ago."

Alex clasped his hands behind his back and moved to stand beside Freyyr. "Yes, you should have. Do you realize how much suffering you have caused your people because of your weakness?"

Freyyr blew out a forceful exhale. "I will make amends now. I have new hope. You have led me to this. Perhaps that is what the Great Beast wanted."

"We should proceed carefully." Voren suggested.

"I will climb to the surface as quickly as possible and try to gather support." Said Freyyr, with a nod. "You will have to follow on the paths as soon as you can."

Freyyr's arms folded across his chest and his shoulders pushed forward. "When you arrive, we will confront Chuundar in the throne room. My people will no longer be slaves."

Alex smirked, we will see about that.

Not waiting for a response, Freyyr raced off and disappeared from view.

"Quickly now, we need to catch up and end this mess." Voren stated.

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Chuundar stood in the middle of the throne room, surrounded by Czerka guards on his right and Wookies on his left. The heads of many different animals hung on the walls, mighty trophies to show just how strong the Wookies can be. It was here in the Wookies seat of power their fate would be settled. The group strode in.

"Oh, that's just great! Everyone is here now!" Chuundar proclaimed, waving his arms as if to embrace them all. "It's a reunion!"

"Yes, son." Freyyr rasied the sword of Bacca high in the air. "By the blade of Baxxaäs sword. I've come to end your treachery! No more will you sell your own people!"

"You have Bacca's blade?" Chunndar growled. "So what! I have the hilt, held by each true Chieftain in recent memory!" Pointing towards Freyyr, he continued. "Even you claimed it was all-important!"

Seeing Freeyr jerking back slightly, Chunndar pressed on. "We both have our ancient trinkets, so who will the people follow now? You? You are old and weak!"

"Shut up! Both of you!" Zaalbar leaned forward. "This ends today! I… I will not see Rwookrrorro suffer anymore!"

Does none of these hairy apes ever shut up, Alex thought.

"You tell them, Zaalbar." Voren said.

"I… I don't know what to do, Voren." Zaalbar continued, with a shaky voice. "Chuundar has been telling me things… he makes sense… I think. I don't know!"

Voren pointed towards Freyyr. "We must side with Freyyr. Chuundar has no honor!"

"Yes, " Zaalbar said, stroking his chin. "It must be the best course."

"Without a doubt! Chuundar is a slaver!"

"Then there is no other way." Zaalbar inhaled deeply and turned towards Chuundar. "You have betrayed our people! You must pay!"

"That's my boy!" Freyyr praised.

"You're too weak to fight, old wook!" Chuundar snarled, brandishing his vibroblade. "I still have the support of Czerka. We'll see who dies today!"

Alex immediately sprang into action, launching himself towards one of the Czerka guards, and swung his fist. The man on the right saw it coming and raised his guard, a perfect defense given the attack. However, against the force of a freight truck it did him little good. The other guard managed to get off two blaster bolts before Alex's tendrils consumed him.

On the other side of the room, Canderous, Jolee and Voren had engaged the Wookies. The Wookie guards quickly turned on each other, those loyal to Chuundar engaging those loyal to Freyyr. Noticing his declining support, Chuundar's fighting style became more desperate, something the more experienced Freeyr took advantage off. With a quick series of flurries, Chuundar's vibroblade fell to the floor. Chuundar let out a roar that echoed throughout the room and fell to his knees. Freyyr stared down at him, and swung.

Breathing heavily he said. "We have done it… I am saddened that it had to come to this, but I couldn't let it continue." Freyyr turned to his son. "Zaalbar, my son. I am truly sorry. You have suffered a great shame. I was blind. I have no excuse."

Zaalbar took a step forward, standing tall and with a soothing tone said. "I can forgive, Father. I have learned a lot over the years."

The two of them nodded to each other in mutual understanding.

"Freyyr." Alex said. "What will you do about the slavers?"

"We will fight them," he announced. "It will be difficult, but I swear they won't take another of my people without bloodshed."

Alex nodded.

"I'll send quick-climbers to other villages and try to rally a defense," Freyyr said, while drumming his feet against the floor. "We must guard against this ever happening again. You three will be the last outsiders welcome here for a very long time." Finally, he added. "That is a change for the better, I think."

The commlink on his belt vibrated, Alex glanced down and saw he had an incoming message at the holostation back on the Aerith. Being careful not to be noticed, Alex sneaked out of the room and made his way back to the ship. In his personal quarters, he punched in the decryption code and the holotransmission came to life.

Jon was down on one knee with his head lowered towards the ground.

"Rise, Jon." Zeus said.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, my lord, "Jon began while adopting a professional posture, "but there's been a complication."

Zeus remained silent, studying Jon's facial expression.

"I… I met with the Prime Minister on the Zygerrian homeworld." Jon hesitated for a moment. "But by actions I had no control over he died."

"Explain!" Zeus hissed.

Jon flinched. "The Prime Ministers advisor, Torm, poisoned him and put the blame on me. He is now in control of the Zygerrian Empire."

"We will deal with this betrayal swiftly." Zeus said with a carefully controlled tone.

"Allow me to go back there with backup." Jon pleaded. "Allow me to take care of this."

"No, "his Master grumbled. "I have another task for you."

Jon raised a brow but held his tongue.

Zeus clasped his hands behind his back. "Dispatch the Mandalorian to deal with Torm and then you will meet me at Ahto City on Manaan."

"It's time to accelerate our plans."

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AU

And that's the end of Kashyyk, hope you like it even if it was short. When I first started the Kashyyk arc, I didn't plan on it taking so many chapters to finish. I actually wanted to end it fast as it is my least favorite planet in the game.

I'm happy that so many like the story. A lot of people have been messaging me about updates and they have showed great enthusiasm about the story.

As I grow older, I have less and less time to write, so my updates will be sporadic. Nevertheless, I am not giving up on it.