Jolee

I saw the woman in what looked like Jedi robes, and the man in armor come out. Hunters. Hate the damn people. Most think killing something is a thrill. The only people I loathed more were people who dressed in costume. So I had two people I didn't like already. Still I couldn't just let them get eaten because they were stupid. "Watch yourself." I warned. "The ones behind me aren't all of them by any stretch."

"You are a Jedi?" She asked. It wasn't the 'oh my gosh' voice you would anticipate of the kind. Just a question expecting a serious answer. The woman came close enough for me to recognize. I had seen her as a kid. Never expected her to be here. Obviously the recognition wasn't mutual.

"Don't go all impressed on me. A simple obeisance is sufficient." I said. What are you two doing down here?"

"We're looking for a Wookiee." The man said.

"Came to the right place for that. Planet's full of them last time I looked. Can you be more specific?"

"The chieftain of Rwookrrorro has kidnapped one of our companions, a Wookiee named Zaalbar. He wants us to kill a Mad-claw down here." She said. I could tell she was angry about the situation and her friend.

"There aren't any Mad-claws down here right now. Except for Freyyr-"

"Freyyr?" Her head came up. "The Mad-claw we were sent after is Chuundar's father?" She looked to her companion. "Of course. He can't get his own people to do it, Czerka obviously can't find him or can't kill him. That's why Komad was told he couldn't hunt unless he killed the 'Mad-claw'." She shook her head. "This changes things."

"So what are you going to do?" I asked. "Kill him anyway?"

"I can't just kill him!" She looked appalled. "Even if he were a Mad-claw like Chuundar claimed, I would shudder to think that was my only option! Give Chuundar who is helping enslave his own people what he wants?" She shook her head. "I could never sleep again."

I nodded. She had the right outlook. "Then I can help you." I stuck out my hand. "Jolee Bindo."

She shook. Obviously she was in charge. "Danika Wordweaver, and Carth Onasi." Luckily she turned partway toward her companion during the introduction. She didn't see my puzzled look. "Where can we find Freyyr?"

"He's not in this section of the Shadowlands. Czerka put up a force-field portal to the section where he is, but ol' Jolee was watching when they did. I can get us through. But first I have to pick up a few things from my digs."

I led them at a rapid walk. I had been a pretty good judge of character when I was younger, before the order and I had a falling out. They didn't like me telling stories of the Sith wars to the kids, and pushing the young Padawan too hard. I complained that life is hard, and all history was is stories from the point of view of someone that wasn't there to actually see it. Read most history books if you don't believe me. Every Jedi and Republic trooper was a saint, and all the Sith were devils. If you believe that, I could sell you the home I lived in on Kashyyyk as a 'fixer-upper'. This kid had grown into her powers, and could go far.

But why did she give me a different name?

My digs are just that. I found a trunk of a fallen Wroshyr tree, and hollowed it out. Made a stove and pipes for it from the local clay, made it nice and comfortable. I went into the back room and changed clothes. I hadn't worn my Jedi robes in years. One thing I did bring was a hermetically sealed storage container, so they hadn't rotted. It was hard to get used to them again. I didn't want to use them but I didn't feel right just going as Ol' Jolee if they were serious about doing well.

Danika merely nodded when I stepped back out. As we headed toward the portal, I tried to impart knowledge to them. "The company has a gold mine here, if they looked at it right. Take that Syren plant you're about to step on, Carth. It stings small animals and their bodies supply fertilizer. Or they're pulled into its flower and are digested directly." He hastily backed away from it. "Now the larger ones, like the one you're moving back toward," He flinched, and moved closer to me, "they do the same with bigger animals, or careless people." I moved around the plant. The flower turned to follow, but it's a plant, they don't move fast. I caught the back of the flower, and pointed. "Right here is the poison reservoir. That stuff could be used in medical research, because in small doses, it paralyzes only for a short time.

"The Wookiee have legends that say they came from somewhere else a long time ago. Even the trees aren't native. There are things down here no Czerka employee or outsider has seen except for me. I won't tell the corporation because this forest would be a stubble field when they were done."

He spent the next few minutes watching out for Syrens.

We heard weapons firing, and Danika stopped. "A battle?"

"Nah. Those damn Tach hunters." I pointed at a small primate that sat there staring owlishly at us. "That is a tach. Fearsome creature isn't it? They hunt them for the glands." I held my fingers about 25 millimeters apart. "They kill the animal for something that big. So people on Taris can get blitzed on ale with the strength of wine."

"Not any more." Carth said. "Taris was destroyed by the Sith."

"They're back again?" I shook my head. "What were the Jedi doing when that happened? Having tea and biscuits?"

"No." Danika said. "Two renegade Jedi joined with the Sith. They killed Revan, but Malak is now in command."

"They killed Revan?" I looked at her. "I knew the girl when she was a sprout. I don't think she was that easy to kill."

"Easy!' Carth said. Then he started into a retelling of the battle of Zanebra. I listened, watching her. She was watching the terrain around us, assuring that nothing large enough to be dangerous got close.

"Well it sounds like they got her." I finally said to shut him up. Man I haven't heard those many words since the last time I tried to talk with the Czerkas up top! "Me I'd want to see the body." I signaled for silence, and led them up a hill. Tach are the most inoffensive and stupid creatures you can imagine. They survive as a species because they breed as if they were born pregnant. Sort of like the Gizka, but someone had actually found a use for the Tach.

The tach group just sat there as the gunners shot them. Below us, half a dozen Czerka employees were dragging the bodies of their kills toward a lifter. There two of them were using vibroblades to gut the tach, pulling out the glands, and throwing the bodies aside. They had a pile a meter high, and several more piles scattered behind them. As the pile reached the level of the lifter, one would get in the driver's seat and pull a few meters away.

"Horrible." Danika whispered. "Is there no way to stop them?"

"Ol' Ma nature would if it wasn't for that." I pointed at the half a dozen sonic fence generators set out from the sides of the lifter on tractor beams. "They're piling up a lot of meat. That attracts the local predators and scavengers. But those generators stop them from coming too close. Every couple of hours they move a klick or so away, and it starts all over again. A pity really; you can't use a full power blaster to kill tach, it fries the glands. And those pop guns they're using wouldn't scratch a katarn." I pointed across the small valley. What looked like a gathering of the katarn clans was going on. All they were waiting for was the vehicle moving on to the next location. If we stayed much longer, they would be spreading to our side as well.

She considered this. "What if the generators go down?"

"I thought of that, but at least two have to go down to weaken the field enough." I shrugged. "I'd thought of doing it simpler, you know, throwing my lightsaber and cutting two of them down, but since I berated them the first time, they keep a careful watch for me and especially for my lightsaber. I can get to one by sneaking up on them, but to get two I might have to move where they can see me."

"But there are three of us."

"No, only two." I waved at Carth. "Not saying you can't sabotage a generator, boy. It's just you have to move across that open space, and they watch carefully in case an old coot named Jolee was to stroll up. They have a shoot on sight with no warning order out for me. The Company would send a really nice apology letter to your family if you got shot, but they don't care beyond the postage if you ask me." I tapped Danika on the nose. "It's just you and me, kid."

She nodded, and we moved apart. Moving across an open space unnoticed is one thing even a Jedi kid knows, and she wasn't a kid. I reached my generator, and reached up, opening the access panel. The idea was to fry one of the circuits, but make it look like simple fatigue, or wear. Kashyyyk is an invasive planet, and there are bugs that can get into anything if you give them enough time. I picked up a beetle, and slipped it into the compartment. They like the taste of gold, and the circuitry used a lot of it. I wasn't even back up the hill when suddenly two of the generators shorted out almost simultaneously.

The men didn't notice, but the system sure did. An alarm wailed, and the men stared toward the generators. A man ran toward the control system, and started to access it. If he had dived for the flight controls he might have made it.

That's when the wrath of the katarn decided to descend. A dozen or so charged, headed for all that piled up meat. Behind them were more. A lot more. One of the men fired, and his shot hit a katarn bull that stood a meter and a half at the shoulder. It spun, and after taking a look, decided he liked his meat fresh.

The others were a lot smarter. They took off as fast as their legs could carry them while that bull was busy with their friend. Not that it really helped a lot. A lot of katarn found out there wasn't enough piled meat ready for all of them, and charged along after them.

"You know, you learn more respect for nature by trying to prove who is better one on one with what nature gave you or you had to make with your own hands." I said. "He learned that the hard way."

We circled around the feeding frenzy. We wouldn't have to deal with any more katarn for a while.

"You didn't come to Kashyyyk just to go Wookiee hunting, did you youngster?"

"No." Danika replied. "We're looking for a Star Map."

"That old thing. Never worked for me, why should it work for you?"

She stared at me. "I don't believe it! Months of training, fighting Krayt Dragons stopping feuds rescuing Jawa negotiating with Sand people for what?" She looked at Carth. "We get here and all he has to say is 'Oh, that old thing'." She threw her hands in the air. "I give up."

"Well it could have been worse." I said."

"Enlighten me."

"I could have been on one of my vision quests, and never met you."

She shook her head.

We came to the force field, and I pointed at it. "You can tell it's new. The Wookiee haven't disabled it and stripped it down. The first ships that landed way back when had problems with that you know. The Wookiee would take any machines the survey teams set up apart trying to see how they worked. That's how Czerka found out about their mechanical bent." I waved toward the trees around the portal. "Anywhere but Kashyyyk, this might even have worked.

It stops anything that walks, but what about climbers? Wookiee, tach, hell, even katarn can just go up and over. You and me though have to find another way." I walked over toward the portal, and ran my hands along the column to the right. Now let me see..." The panel opened, and I reached inside. Couldn't use a bug here. The tolerances were a lot tighter. I found the control stud and pressed it. With a buzz the field died.

I stood back. "This is a part of the Shadowlands even the Wookiee avoid. Freyyr is there, and so is what you seek."

Danika

He was a surly old man who talked little or ran off at the mouth when interested. Was bothered by others talking and used to being alone.

I found liked him.

Jolee led us into the heart of the Shadowlands, and every word he did speak told us more about the world. The Web-crawlers used a silk for their webs that was strong enough to support a Wookiee. He had pointed out that if properly synthesized, it would make ropes that could hold any weight. The kshyy vines had already found a market for restraining Ronto and Bantha.

The shadows deepened until it was twilight. Small animals scurried away from us, and larger animals we avoided as well. Finally we came to a clearing. There were ritual stones set in the ground, and Jolee read them for us.

Feed the beast and it will heed your call.

Take vipers from their lairs.

Hang them upon the vines, as did our ancestors.

Let their blood scent the air and mark the ground.

The beast comes when summoned if you are generous.

It comes to do battle if you are worthy and wise.

It grants you glory if you are fearsome and brave.

"A ritual hunting ground." I whispered. "It looks ancient."

"And unused for quite a while. I know it hasn't been used since I came down here." Jolee said. He brushed some moss from the stone. Then he stiffened. "Freyyr is here."

I reached out with the Force. Yes. A single Wookiee watched from nearby. He carried a massive Wookiee double-sword, one that made my engaged lightsaber look like a twig.

"More Czerka." He hissed, coming into view. "Must you defame and destroy everything? Enslave my people kill the tach make deals with my own son? No more!" He spun his weapon into guard, facing us. "Come! You want my head as well, take it if you can!" With a roar, he charged.

I blocked frantically. "Freyyr, we are not with Czerka!" I shouted. His attack continued. Carth was trying to get a shot at him, but Freyyr was a savvy warrior, and kept me between them. Jolee reached out, and Freyyr was pinned by the

Force.

"Listen to her old friend!" He shouted.

The Wookiee struggled against the bands of Force energy. "Kill me! I have learned that only lies issue from your kind!"

"He's almost feral after so long. This might be difficult."

I shut down my lightsaber, and held out my hands. When I spoke it wasn't Basic, instead it was the booming roar of Shyriiwook. "A chieftain must think before he does anything!" I roared. "Even Bacca considered what he did before he formed the ritual blade!"

He stopped, then suddenly started struggling again. "The words of out worlders are only lies! You will not convince me by speaking my own language instead!"

"Do you call Zaalbar a liar as well?"

He stopped struggling again. "My son that is dishonored. What do you know of him, out worlder?"

"He came with me on our ship."

"You claim to be his owner?"

"Never! Zaalbar swore a life debt to me. He follows me because of that oath."

"A life debt." He sagged. "Then he sees more in you than I do. I will listen. But I will have to think on what you say. Being willing to listen to Czerka and my own son Chuundar has made me wary."

"Let him go Jolee." The old man released the bonds. Freyyr roared, and swung at my head. I stood, not defending myself.

The blade stopped close enough that I could feel its kiss against my neck. The Wookiee grinned. "Only one that Zaalbar would follow would have allowed the honor strike." He lifted the blade from my neck. I lit my lightsaber, swinging, and stopped it a bare centimeter from his face. He nodded. "And only one he would follow willingly would return it so deftly." He drove the blade of his weapon into the ground. "Speak."

"We came for the Star Map."

"That alien abomination. The Wookiee came here before the dawn of our

memory as slaves, the trees were created by a malfunction of that machine." He waved toward the massive trunks around us. "Now it is our home, and we have known no other. Why are you here to face me?"

"Chuundar took Zaalbar prisoner. Sent us to kill a Mad-claw. Only meeting Jolee first told us who you were."

"Chuundar." The name was a growl. "My son's lies sent Zaalbar into exile. If only I had listened to him before that. Chuundar and those who are like him had been leading Czerka slaver parties to our hunters, and worse the hunters of other tribes nearby. He blamed the disappearances on the Shadowlands themselves. Zaalbar had discovered this, but when he confronted Chuundar, he was goaded into attacking. When I saw the blood of Zaalbar using his claws, I had to stop it. But the law is clear. He must be exiled, and until he had expiated his sin, he could not return. Slavers took him. Now I know they had been warned to expect him.

"When I discovered the truth Chuundar had already prepared. He had been my adviser, suggesting alliances with the neighboring clans. Signing papers the Czerka put before me.

"But five years ago, I saw people of those other tribes being hauled away as slaves by Czerka. Heard their own words that it was the papers I signed that consigned them to this fate. I confronted my son. But foolishly, I did it when only those he trusted were present." He sighed. "He admitted that he had clawed himself, that Zaalbar had been innocent. His trusted followers tried to kill me, throwing me off the walkway into the Shadowlands as if I was one of those damned by our laws. Only by luck did I live."

"That was when I saw him. Climbing down the trees instead of using the lift car. I distracted the team of Czerkas and Wookiee that followed to verify his death." Jolee said.

"Yes. I remember you now. I am sorry I attacked those that were my friends. Being hunted like an animal will do that to anyone."

He looked at the blade in his hands. "I took this off one that was sent to kill me, and I have waged a war to fight them and their Czerka allies ever since. They even put a force field up to stop me!" He bellowed his laughter. "I needed a little rest so it stands. I want to regain Bacca's blade, that is why I came. But I do not feel I am worthy."

"We saw the hilt of Bacca's blade above."

"Yes. But there is still a way. My son has created a net of lies to ensnare my people, but there are some among them that will bow to tradition rather than Chuundar. I must find the blade of Bacca's sword. Bring it to stand before Chuundar and the Council. That will give me a chance.

"Bacca was a great warrior of legend. Known for his ferocity and his cunning, and when he became leader, his wisdom as well. Bacca found a wreck of something, what he described as a great wing of metal. Within it, he found the blade that bears his name. Now we know that it was a crashed vessel that had been there for thousands of years. From before we existed as a people. The ship fell apart at his touch, but the blade stayed undimmed by time.

"When he was dying, he passed it on to another. Among our people it is not your blood that determines if you will be king, but your heart and the blade. Such is tradition. If I return with the blade, even if he has the hilt, it will shadow the succession. The people will be split on who should rule. Then I have a chance, no matter how small, of deposing him."

He motioned toward the ritual clearing. "That is why I come here, trying to gain the courage for the greatest fight of any Wookiee lifetime. To face the Great ritual Beast, and regain the blade."

"Regain?"

"Yes. A generation ago, a great leader named Rothrrrawr was challenged in his leadership. He brought Bacca's blade down to confront the Ritual beast. He failed in killing it, and broke the blade off in its hide. I was given the hilt when he was shamed by this loss. There are those that say our entire race was shamed, and that is why it was taken from us."

"Then you wish to fight this beast, but are afraid?" Carth asked.

Freyyr growled, then subsided. "If I face it and fail, I am not worthy of being our chieftain any longer. I am old, and not as strong as I was even five years ago."

I pondered. Something of Wookiee history. Where I had read it, I didn't even remember. "The companions." I said.

"What?"

"When Bacca went to gather the blade the first time, there were sworn companions that were with him. 'We pledge our life to you, oh great Bacca. To gain in honor by your very presence, and to die if need so that honor be served'." I quoted. I dropped to my knee. "As they did then, I swear my service to you, Freyyr. To save your race from slavery, to guide my life with honor. Direct me."

"Are you mad?" Carth asked.

"No, I see where she is going." Jolee dropped to his knee. "Direct our swords to your cause."

Carth looked at us, then shrugged. "Let's do it."

Freyyr looked at us, then dropped to his own knee. "Be my heart, be my conscience, tell me when I fail in my honor. Protect my people even over my own life." He repeated the ancient words. Then he stood. "We need a Viper as bait." We found a herd of the beasts nearby. We killed one, and carried the carcass to the ritual circle. Freyyr hung it by a vine, and we moved away. I felt a presence so evil that I wanted to attack it the instant it appeared.

Then it came. "A terentatek!" Jolee gasped. "I thought they were extinct!"

The terentatek sniffed the air. Picture something that is all mouth razor sharp spines along it's back and sheering teeth. With a pair each of arms and legs attached almost as an afterthought. There might have been eyes ears, and a nose, but I didn't see them. It came forward, and the viper disappeared into its cavernous maw.

"Now!" Freyyr dropped like a bomb from the vine above the terentatek, his sword ripping into that massive head at the rear. Jolee and I leaped at it's front, and kept the claws occupied as it tried to get at it's tormenter. Carth blasted it, but the tough skin turned his bolts.

It wasn't sure what to do. It knew that it was in unbearable pain, but it could not ignore us. It spun, and we moved with it, dodging its claws, and striking at it to keep its attention. Freyyr was stabbing and cutting at its skull.

The beast spun, then collapsed, throwing Freyyr. I shouted, keeping its attention. It was sorely wounded, and seemed confused. It spun to face me, and Freyyr charged, ramming his sword deep into its underside.

It tried to rise up on its toes then fell again, this time for good. I gasped, staring at it. The description didn't do it justice. There was a raw suppurating wound on its back, and I motioned to Freyyr as he climbed out from underneath it. He took his sword, and slit open the flesh. The slim wand of a vibroblade fell out, and he caught it. Without the power of the vibration cell, it was merely a whip thin piece of metal.

"Bacca's blade. Returned to us." He looked at me, then at the others. "You, my companions, humble me. That out worlders would put their lives in danger for my people. Danika Wordweaver, my son has a life debt to you. If we succeed, I would be honored if you would accept us as your Honor Family."

"Honor Family!" Jolee was shocked. "I don't know if you realize how big a step that is!"

"No, I don't." I answered.

"He's saying his entire tribe owes you such a debt that you have to become family for them to pay it back. You're a Wookiee in every way except genetics if he does that."

I looked up into that furry face. "I can not express the humility that offer causes in me, Freyyr. Thank you."

"No, thank you, Danika Wordweaver. I call you Shrromarrik, 'Daughter of Honor' in front of witnesses. That alone will tell my people how much I owe you."

"We must hurry to the upper levels. This ends today."

"I must find the Star Map first."

"Then I must come with you. Honor demands it."

Computer

The computer gave me an idea of what the creators might have been capable of when they still lived. The entire structure was buried in the ground except for a small dais and the Star map pintel. When we approached, it began to hum. I pictured this freshly built, with trees merely a few meters tall if Freyyr was correct. Now it was a tiny alcove in a mass of wooden walls. Yet the trees shrouded it and came no closer.

"There it is. Weird thing isn't it."

As we approached a holographic interface came on line. The figure that stood there looked like the statues we had seen on Tatooine. A humanoid figure, with eyes set off the bullet shaped skull on either side.

"Neural access commenced. Proper subject present."

"It never said anything like that before. Only 'unsuitable life form detected'." Jolee grumped.

"Beginning socialized interface. Awaiting instruction. This terminal has not been accessed in quite some time."

"Who has attempted to access you?"

"Three attempts by Wookiee identified as Freyyr. All denied. 152 attempts by unknown species named Jolee Bindo. All denied."

I looked at him. "Maybe I should have mentioned that I'm stubborn."

"Error. All other attempts deleted by previous user."

"Why have you acknowledged me?" I asked.

"Systems access error. Subject displays unfamiliarity with the interface. Behavioral configuration must be verified before continuing. I am sorry. I do not mean to confuse you. I will answer all questions to the best of my programming ability. However until configuration is verified, some segments of my system will be blocked."

"What do you mean by behavioral configuration?" I asked.

"I was designed to be accessed only by my creators. However at that time, it was considered that servant species might eventually have the right to access my databanks. A series of parameters was designed so that only those that matched the designer's beliefs would be allowed such access."

"So to get this thing to open up, you have to think like whatever created it?" Jolee asked. "A race you tell me was the epitome of the Dark Side?"

"I think that is exactly what it means." I said. "But Revan wasn't evil when she came here. The answers must be something we can give it. Computer, what happens if I do not fit the parameters you have set?"

"This system will lock you out permanently. You will not be able to access any part of my system. However the fact that I have allowed you to access me to this extent means that you have within your mind the necessary thoughts that will fit the parameters."

"Why have I been allowed to access you if I do not fit the parameters?"

"I cannot say. The parameters suggest that you are close enough to norm that you can be coached, and your answers measured against what my designers wanted. This is not the first time such has occurred. The last time was five years ago."

"Revan." I said.

"I cannot say. The parameters of Revan are not within my system. Data has been corrupted, and that information appears to have been in that section of my memory."

"Can you tell me why you are restricted from saying what the parameters are?"

"I cannot speculate on what has been restricted from my memory. The odds that such restrictions were placed by previous users approaches totality."

"So Revan reprogrammed it so only someone who thinks like her can access it." Jolee said.

"Or did she try to make it easier for those that followed? But the machine believes I can think like her." I completed the argument. "Computer, I came to find the Star Map."

"Accessing. There is data on the Star Map in my original memory. Access is restricted."

"What must I do to get access?"

"Your request requires additional security measures. You must match the parameters that have been set to a greater degree."

"How can I match them when I don't even know what they are?"

"There are measures available to this system. Personality profiling can be used to verify the suitability of your conscious mind. This will inform me as to whether you are worthy of accessing the Star Map, and if not, whether you can be made suitable."

"What does that mean?"

"That information is not available. If you have any further questions ask them now. Most of the information you seek will probably not be accessible until behavioral configuration parameters are met."

I sighed. "Begin your evaluation."

"Evaluation commencing. Neural interface established. Results will be compared to the pattern in memory. Relax. Just answer the questions as you feel you should."

It hummed. "You travel with a Wookiee companion. You are captured and separated, charged with a crime. If you both remain silent at your trial, you will both spend a year in jail. However if you accuse Zaalbar of treachery and testify against him, he will serve five years, and you will be set free. He has been offered the same deal. However if you both accuse the other, you will both serve two years. What do you trust him to do?"

How did you know I had a Wookiee friend named Zaalbar? I almost asked. I knew Zaalbar would be honorable. If I stayed mute we both would serve time-

No, think as the Builders might. You know the other is honorable, and will never accuse you falsely. Your accusation will trap him for the five years, and you will be free.

"I would accuse Zaalbar." I said. Jolee and Carth gasped.

"Excellent. The temperament of a companion is judged haphazardly at best. You know he is honorable, but you also know that his family has a history of betrayal. Freyyr casting him out on perjured testimony. Chuundar betraying and attempting to murder his father, or have you do it for him. Blood will tell. I judge this to be the correct answer."

"I see what you mean." Jolee said. "This thing obviously has very specific ideas of what a right answer is."

I shook my head. "Continue."

"Hypothetical. You are at war. Your intelligence network deciphers an enemy communication. In five days, they will attack and destroy a city of yours. In ten days, they will be shifting forces to attack in another area, leaving you a clear path of attack that can destroy their center, and end the war. What do you do with this information? What is the optimum course of action?"

Again I considered. If you evacuate without an obvious reason, the enemy would realize that their code is broken. If so, they know that you are aware of the redeployment. You cannot save one without risking the failure of the other. This was actually easier. Canderous had spoken of Revan and some of her battles were in the memory banks aboard ship. "I would ignore the attack on the city. I would prepare for my own attack in ten days."

"Very good. Saving the people of the city would risk the entire war. It would also notify the enemy of the broken codes. The deaths of those people were necessary for victory to be assured."

"The victory is irrelevant!" I said harshly. "Ending the war was more important. That saves even more lives!"

The system hummed. "You have achieved the correct answer, but did so in a manner that does not match the pattern in my memory. However I will adjust both the parameters and the evaluation to compensate.

"Using the same hypothetical situation with one difference. There is no war going on, your have an empire at peace with few weak enemies, but your people have grown complacent. They have stagnated, and in so doing, they question the need for a war leader such as you.

"Except for that change, the scenario remains the same. An imminent attack, but a weakness that will follow it. How do you react?"

Like the Republic before the Mandalorian attack. I thought. Unwilling to stand up for itself. Had someone in the Republic military seen what was happening, and allowed the Mandalorian to attack? "I do nothing. Afterward I use the information to obliterate them."

"No, you cannot hide behind the wartime morality of allowing a blow so you can strike back. The enemy does not have the capability to maintain a sustained conflict. Your empire would crush it easily in the attack you plan to launch. There is no great war to maintain, nor will you garner victory after victory. Your decision must be based only on the short-term benefits. The reactions of your people to the attack and your retaliation."

Would it be honorable to allow the murder of millions so you could remain in power? Again I wondered who might have made such a cold-blooded decision. The Senate's foreign affairs committee had judged the Mandalorian threat as mild. I could almost picture the discussion. Allowing such an attack into our territory would have cost little and someone would have believed they would benefit.

"I would allow the attack to occur." I heard a startled intake of breath from someone.

"Excellent. It makes the most long-term sense. Your people would forget about the problems your empire might have to turn their eyes on an unfriendly galaxy. As the savior of them in this, you are returned to the pinnacle of honor and respect in their eyes.

"Parameters matched. Accessing all programming."

"Open the Star Map."

"Order received, will comply." The pintel split, and the map gleamed in the air. I copied it into my datapad.

"A Star Map. Any idea who created it?" Jolee asked.

"A race that seems to be extinct for over 30,000 years." I replied.

"Maybe they aren't extinct. Maybe you might need some help out there."

"Oh really. Bored with katarn stew?"

"Shows what you know. You have to bake katarn. You stew Vipers or web-crawlers." She looked at me out of the corner of her eye. "Hey, don't look at me like that! It's not like there's a store nearby for Zabu meat!"

"We have some aboard the ship." Carth said.

"You do! Then just try to get off this planet without me!"

"I think you'll have to take a bath first."

"Bath? Woman do you see a 'fresher down here anywhere?"

"We'll arrange something."

Jolee

I was shocked with the answers Danika gave. But I understood why they had to be correct. The people that had created that long dead empire had not cared about anything but their power. Revan had seen that, and become... what she had become.

We moved through the forest. Four people on a mission to save the Galaxy. But first, we had to save the Wookiee race.

We reached the lift, and half a dozen Wookiee stood from the low-lying mist. Gorwooken growled when he saw Freyyr. "You brought the Mad-claw instead of killing him! We were supposed to kill you, blame the deaths on Czerka, but you have earned death for your betrayal!"

"Betrayal?" Freyyr roared back. "To murder those sent to commit a crime you cannot? To lay the blame on others?"

"Of course." Danika said. "Because Chuundar wants Zaalbar to join him, to make his hold on your people even stronger."

Freyyr waved the blade of Bacca's blade. "I have defeated the Great Beast! I return with Bacca's blade, Gorwooken of no village! Will you defame it?"

"When I return it to Chuundar he will give me honor!" The Wookiee charged.

I stunned a couple as Danika attacked. I watched her as I stunned any that got behind her. She had never used a double blade that I knew of, but she used the double saber like a master. Carth was shooting the Wookiee that tried to close on her and Freyyr, and he was damn good with those pistols.

Freyyr and Gorwooken slammed together like runaway lifters, and I swear the ground shook when they did. Freyyr used one hand to pin Gorwooken's sword, and used the silent blade of Bacca's sword to smash in his head. He spun, grabbing another Wookiee that came at him, catching him in a bear hug. He might have been old, but he was still strong. The Wookiee struggled, pounding his head with his hands, then spasmed as his back snapped. Freyyr tossed him aside.

The others were all down. Danika stood, ready. Eyes sweeping to find more, but no one else attacked us.

"Come. The lift is made so someone with a Wookiee's strength must lift it. I will bear us back to the Great Walkway." Freyyr ordered.

We got onto the lift, and it went upward through the gloom. Our party rested as we went up. Danika stood silent off to the side. I could see that coming up with the right answers bothered her even more than they had bothered me. Carth was watching her as if he thought she would suddenly become a katarn.

The upper walkway was silent when we arrived. "We must hurry-" A form came from the gloom, another Wookiee.

"Freyyr! You live and without a collar?" The Wookiee asked.

"Chorrawl!" Freyyr hugged the other Wookiee. "What are you doing here?"

"I was told to kill whoever came up if they were not Gorwooken and those that went with him. Chuundar said that the Czerka were planning an ambush."

"The Czerka ambush was Gorwooken and his followers." Freyyr answered. This one, the one I have named Shrromarrik brought me back from the brink of madness. Returned to us Bacca's blade." He waved it. "This I took from the flesh of the Great Beast myself after killing it, as Honor demands."

"Freyyr." Chorrawl knelt. "Lead us, My chieftain."

"I cannot lead until the Lawgiver judges this case." Freyyr answered almost gently. Does Worrroznor still hold the mantle?"

"Yes. But Chuundar merely waits until he gets too old. He has chosen Gorwooken to take it when Worrroznor dies."

"Then he will have to choose another. Come. Chorrawl, precede me. Assure that all of those that still honor my name are ready."

"Wait." Danika said. "It sounds like you are getting ready to attack!"

"It may come to that." Freyyr replied sadly. "Our history has had many times when the leader was not accepted automatically. If Chuundar can call his allies, they will fight to keep him on the throne. Add to that the fact that he will call the Czerkas as well-"

"Freyyr!" Chorrawl shouted. He ran down the walkway, and came back dragging a human in a Czerka uniform. The man was unconscious, but not dead. "This one was using his com. The Czerka will know that you return."

"Then you must run, Chorrawl. Gather them as I have commanded. Have Worrroznor present. We must deal with this quickly."

We moved fast. On their com links, Danika and Carth could hear frantic orders being given. There was a roar like the hammer of the gods from the area where the Czerka maintained order.

"Canderous, report!" Danika shouted.

"The Czerkas thought they could try the same trick again. They sent a dozen of their men to board the ship to arrest us for complicity in a native revolt. They also brought their lifters back out. That was me blowing them to dust. We have prisoners aboard right now. Bastila wants to talk with you."

"Put her on."

"Danika, report please."

"We have the Star Map data, but we've walked right into a civil war. Zaalbar's father is alive and was chief before Chuundar. Chuundar has called for reinforcements from Czerka to maintain his power."

"Not good. I felt pain in you earlier."

"Either the builders or Revan set the damn alien computer with parameters only she or a Sith could pass. Lucky for me, I was a soldier. I got through it. How are things at that end?"

"Canderous was able to destroy the guns, and take the ones who tried to board us without undue casualties. The Czerka officials are staying away from us. They seem to think we'll start blasting if they try anything. Hold please for Canderous."

"Go ahead."

"A lot of chatter on the company net. They're trying to convince the cargo ship Czerka Dream to make an attack run on us. Carth's pal Jordo has reported that he was able to spike their guns."

"Maintain alert. If Jordo reports that they have gotten the systems operational I want the Ebon Hawk airborne where she will be safe."

"We can take off now. I've checked the specs of Czerka Dream. I could beat them with Zaalbar's breath."

"You're our tactical officer, you're in command. Do what you think needs to be done. But don't destroy that ship! They have Wookiee aboard, and when this is over, I think they will want to come home."

"Understood." There was a scream of engines a few moments later.

There were bodies scattered around the entry into the village. But Chorrawl was among those who stood there. One of the Wookiee was an ancient, his fur a deep brown laced with white as if he had been dipped in silver paint. He looked at Freyyr, then at me.

"It is good to see that you still live, Freyyr. Yet you come bearing weapons, followed by out worlders. How say you in this?"

"Speaker of the law, I ask your attention and your wisdom." Freyyr asked, kneeling.

"Speak."

"My son has taken the throne by lies and deceit. He sells our people into slavery and uses Czerka and our own warriors to oppress our neighbors. He sits there without this." He set down the blade he had gained. "He claims to be our leader with false pretenses, and uses out worlders as his supporters."

"As do you, Freyyr." Worrroznor replied, looking at us.

"No. These are my companions, as Bacca had when he first found the blade that bears his name. They have sworn to me of their own will in the words of that time, and fight not for me, but for the honor of our race. This one," He motioned toward Danika, "I have named Shrromarrik because it was her words that brought me back from the brink of madness."

Worrroznor looked at Danika. "Do you understand the honor Freyyr has bestowed upon you out worlder?"

Danika knelt beside Freyyr. "As Bacca's companions did, so I have done. I swore my service to Freyyr, the true and honorable chieftain of your people. To save your race from slavery, I will die. To guide my life with honor I have begged of him. He has accepted this oath. Can you gainsay it?" Carth knelt, as did I.

Worrroznor bowed his head. "You have humbled me, the speaker of the law with your wisdom. I am astonished to know that an out-worlder knows so much of our lives and traditions." He turned to the others. "Go before us; push all those that would refuse ahead of you. The law will be spoken this day, even if our village dies."