Chapter 22: Kashyyyk Part 1

Bastila stood at the edge of the training area in the Ebon Hawk's main hold, her keen eyes focused on the lightsaber duels unfolding before her. Willow and Sarryn clashed with a fiery intensity, while Dawn and Mirin engaged in their own spirited duel. She nodded in approval as she observed their skill and dedication.

"Good, good," Bastila commented, her voice carrying the weight of experience. "Sarryn, maintain your guard more effectively. And Dawn, always be vigilant for any openings in Mirin's defenses."

Dawn rolled her eyes playfully in response to Bastila's guidance as she expertly dodged a thrust from Mirin. In a swift motion, she countered with a well-placed kick, prompting Mirin to evade with impressive agility. The duel continued, their lightsabers clashing and sparking as they sparred.

With a swift and calculated move, Dawn maneuvered herself into a favorable position. She deftly avoided a swing from Mirin, then swiftly countered, bringing her lightsaber to hover dangerously close to Mirin's neck.

Mirin grinned as she acknowledged her wife's victory. "You got me," she admitted, lowering her lightsaber and surrendering with a playful wink.

Dawn's smile radiated warmth and love as she leaned in to kiss Mirin, their lips meeting in a tender and affectionate embrace, "I always will have you, my love," Dawn whispered softly, her words carrying the depth of her emotions. Mirin's eyes sparkled with affection and devotion, and she returned the kiss with equal tenderness.

Bastila's cough interrupted the intimate moment between Dawn and Mirin, a reminder of the harsh reality they faced as Jedi. Her voice was stern, and her words carried a note of caution.

"Need I remind you two," Bastila began, her gaze unwavering, "that you must be mindful of your emotions. If a Sith or a Dark Jedi were to find out about your feelings for each other, they could use that against you both."

Dawn and Mirin exchanged a knowing look, acknowledging the seriousness of Bastila's warning. "When out in the field, we'll exercise caution," Dawn assured, her commitment clear. "But remember, we're..." Her words trailed off as a sudden, strange image invaded hers, Sarryn and Bastila's minds.

In unison, they saw the tripod device, a match for the one in the temple on Dantooine and in the Krayt Dragon's cave on Tatooine, opening up and the Star Map flashing on, the light illuminating the shadows.

As quickly as it had come, the vision vanished, leaving the trio of Dawn, Sarryn, and Bastila blinking in bewilderment as they tried to process what they had just witnessed.

Willow, having observed their reaction, approached them with concern in her eyes. "Another vision?" she inquired, looking at Dawn, Sarryn, and Bastila, her curiosity piqued.

Bastila nodded slowly, her expression contemplative. "Yes," she confirmed.

"I guess we know where to look," Sarryn commented, his expression determined.

Dawn rubbed her temples, trying to process the newfound information. "Yeah, it appears to be on the ground of the forests of Kashyyyk."

Mirin chimed in, her practicality shining through. "Sadly, that does not exactly narrow it down. The entire planet is covered in forest."

Dawn contemplated their options and then turned to Bastila with a thoughtful expression. "Could the Wookiees know something?" she asked, considering that Zaalbar might have insight into their quest.

Bastila frowned, her brows furrowing in thought. "I doubt it. While they are technology-minded, they prefer the more natural setting of the forest. I suppose we shall have to wait until we get there."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Navigating the dense forests of Kashyyyk proved to be a challenging task for the crew of the Ebon Hawk. The towering trees stretched for hundreds of feet, enveloping the planet in a sea of green and brown. Carth's skillful piloting eventually led them to a small outpost with a designated landing pad, where they settled the Ebon Hawk.

As they prepared to embark on their mission, Bastila laid out their assignments. She, Sarryn, Dawn, and Willow would investigate the local offices, while Carth and Canderous were tasked with gathering information from the locals. Bastila turned her attention to Zaalbar, seeking insight into the Star Map's location.

"Do you know anything about this Star Map on the forest floor?" Bastila asked the Wookiee.

Zaalbar shook his head solemnly. "My people make their homes in the upper branches. Only our bravest warriors venture into the depths of the forest on their sacred hunts. If they have encountered such a thing, they would not readily share the story with outsiders like yourselves."

Bastila absorbed his response, realizing the challenge that lay ahead. "So, we are to search for it unaided then?" she inquired.

Zaalbar nodded, his furry fingers running nervously through his thick fur. "The Shadowlands are a sacred place, filled with danger. Much of it remains uncharted and unexplored. Kinrath spiders and katarn beasts roam in packs, and carnivorous blossoms can consume even one of my species." His gaze turned contemplative. "But there is beauty in the danger, harmony in the unknown. Your words cannot do it justice."

Despite the challenges ahead, Zaalbar's words resonated with a sense of reverence for the planet's untamed wilderness. However, Mission interjected with her usual enthusiasm, lightening the mood.

"Hey, why so gloomy, Big Z?" she exclaimed, playfully elbowing her Wookiee friend. "You're home, buddy!"

Zaalbar's unease was palpable as he responded to Mission's attempt to lift his spirits. "I... fear this homecoming may not be a joyous one, Mission," he admitted, his deep voice filled with apprehension.

Canderous, ever the cautious warrior, leaned in close to Carth and whispered, "I can already tell we're getting into a situation here. Best to keep all guns ready."

Carth nodded in agreement, his hand instinctively resting on the twin holsters that held his blasters. He had learned the hard way that in the unpredictable galaxy they navigated, it was wise to be prepared for anything.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

The group disembarked from the Ebon Hawk, and a noticeable chill in the air sent shivers down their spines, adding an unwelcome layer of discomfort to the situation. The thick haze that enveloped the towering trees cast an eerie, mysterious atmosphere over the dock, obscuring the ground below and heightening their sense of disorientation. The silence hung heavy, broken only by the distant hum of machinery and the occasional hushed conversation between the mechanics.

However, what truly drew their attention was the presence of several men, their orange and black uniforms serving as a stark contrast to the gloomy surroundings. As the tension mounted, a man wearing the unmistakable Czerka Corporation uniform approached them, his expression as cold as the planet's frigid air.

"Welcome to Edean. Before you conduct your business, there is a 100-credit landing fee, payable to the Czerka Corporation," he declared with an air of authority, his words cutting through the eerie silence.

Mission shot a frustrated glance at Dawn, her eyes reflecting a mix of annoyance and exasperation. "Great, these murglaks again," she muttered, her voice tinged with irritation.

Carth couldn't conceal his displeasure either, his face contorted in a scowl as he reluctantly handed over the credits. "Oh, great," he grumbled under his breath, his tone dripping with disdain. "Czerka."

Out of the misty gloom emerged an Ithorian, flanked by two armed guards. The Ithorian's flat, slug-like head nodded in a welcoming gesture as he addressed them. "Domjabgee... I am Janos Wertka. Welcome to Edean. Czerka Corp invites you to our lush and fertile planet. For the minimal fee of one hundred credits, you may dock here and partake in the pleasantries that our company has to offer."

Carth raised an eyebrow and questioned, "Edean? I thought this planet was called Kashyyyk?"

"Kashyyyk is the name used by the indigenous inhabitants. Edean is the proper name for this world, voted on by the corporate stockholders," Janos explained. "Please, follow me to the Czerka Corporate Office to take care of your fee so you can begin your Edean adventure."

As they followed Janos Wertka through the raised walkways of the Czerka-controlled area, the group couldn't help but exchange uneasy glances. The presence of Czerka officers and the unfamiliar surroundings created an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty.

Zaalbar's senses were on high alert, and he couldn't help but recognize some familiar sounds and scents. He spoke up, his voice filled with mixed emotions. "I... I know this place, the sounds, the smells. The walkway and the dock are recent. We have no need for these things when traveling the branches, but this place is close to Rwookrrorro - my home village!"

Mission tried to offer some reassurance, looking around cautiously. "That's good news, right?"

Zaalbar's response carried a hint of regret. "I had thought I would never return. Perhaps, I never should have..."

The group eventually arrived at a small building that housed the Czerka offices. Janos Wertka took his place behind a desk and examined Zaalbar, his gaze lingering on the Wookiee. His words, however, were far from respectful. "I can see you are a collector of rare species. I am surprised you do not have your pet on a restraining collar. He must be well trained."

Dawn couldn't hide her frustration at the Ithorian's disrespectful tone. She raised a hand to stop Zaalbar from reacting angrily, then addressed Janos firmly, "He is not a slave. He follows me because of a life-debt."

Janos nodded, seemingly unperturbed by Zaalbar's outburst. "A life-debt? That is something hard to arrange."

Zaalbar's anger flared, and he was ready to unleash his fury on Janos, but Mission quickly intervened, reminding him of the perilous situation they were in. "Hey, take it easy, Big Z! We're on hostile turf here."

Bastila, on the other hand, continued to question Janos about Czerka's presence on the planet. "So, the slaving operations are the reason Czerka set up shop here?"

The alien executive spread his arms, attempting to justify their actions. "Look around. This planet has many resources, but they are underdeveloped. We are currently testing indigenous plant life for medicinal purposes, but research takes time and money. The bio-harvesting of the Wookiees provides an economic base for later diversification."

Willow's voice cut through the tension; her words edged with disdain. "And just how do you do that? The Wookiees aren't exactly a passive folk. Surely, you have resistance."

Janos seemed impatient with the line of questioning, but he continued to offer explanations about Czerka's operations on Kashyyyk. "Arrangements have been made with the local leadership. Harvesting is handled quite delicately," he asserted. "As I'm certain you must know, a compliant local government was important to establish even before we built the spaceport and started operations."

Mirin's response carried a frigid tone, one that Bastila couldn't help but appreciate given the circumstances. "Interesting," Mirin replied, her words laced with disdain.

Janos, seemingly eager to provide more information, went on. "If it will satisfy you, I will give you the details. We supply arms and technology in exchange for a supply of healthy Wookiees. Both sides profit. I'm glad I don't deal directly with the local Chieftain, thank goodness. Far too brutish."

Bastila saw an opportunity to gather vital information for their mission and posed a question. "Is there any way I may meet this Chieftain? I'm looking for something he may know about."

Janos Wertka's response was dismissive. "If Chuundar knew anything, he would be happy to report it."

Zaalbar's face contorted with anger at the mention of the Chieftain's name. "Chuundar... Foul traitor! I was hoping never to hear his name again."

Mission's curiosity was piqued by the mention of this mysterious figure, and she couldn't help but ask, "Whoa! Who is this guy?"

Dawn directed her question to Zaalbar, sensing the urgency of the situation. "Zaalbar, what is it?"

The Wookiee hesitated briefly before responding, his voice filled with a sense of foreboding. "I will have to explain later - away from Czerka ears."

Bastila acknowledged his request with a simple nod. "Very well, Zaalbar. Thank you."

As they left the Czerka offices behind, Dawn turned her attention back to Zaalbar. She spoke with a sense of determination, "Okay, Zaalbar. I've been trying to give you space and privacy, but I think there's something you need to tell us."

Zaalbar's hesitation was evident as he admitted, "I... I am sorry. I should have prepared you, but I don't know if I've prepared myself."

Willow's concern was palpable as she pressed Zaalbar for more details. "Prepared yourself? What do you mean, Zaalbar?"

Mission's voice trembled with uncertainty as she raised another question. "Buddy, you told me - you were fleeing from slavers. Did… did you..."

Zaalbar let out a heavy huffing sound, equivalent to a sigh among Wookiees. "Czerka slavers found me, and I broke free of them before they could sell me to a Tarisian noble. I ran and lived deep in the sewers. That was true… but not the whole story."

Juhani reassured him, reminding Zaalbar that they were among friends. "You are among friends, Zaalbar."

Mirin echoed Juhani's sentiment, her voice filled with empathy. "Juhani is correct, Zaalbar. Friends who will do our best to aid you."

The Wookiee's response was heavy with regret. "I… I am an exile among my people. I will not be welcomed back, and my presence can only hinder you."

Dawn's concern was evident as she sought clarification. "What do you mean?"

Zaalbar took a deep breath and began to share the painful truth. "Chuundar… is my brother. Our father is… was… Chieftain of our tribe. I discovered Chuundar's deal with Czerka, the plans to enslave our people. We… we fought. I became enraged… I still do not remember our battle, but when my father confronted us both, Chuundar told him that I attacked with my claws."

Juhani and Mirin exchanged a knowing look, their expressions sympathetic. "I would have done worse than claws," Juhani admitted.

"So, would I have," Mirin concurred.

Zaalbar emphasized the gravity of the situation, his voice heavy with sorrow. "No, you do not understand! It is different for Wookiees than Cathar. Our claws are tools, not weapons. To attack with them makes one a mad-claw, a beast. Because I could not remember the fight, I could not defend myself. I was exiled, and Chuundar sent the slavers after me, knowing none in my village would come to my aid."

Mission approached Zaalbar, her support unwavering. "How awful! Buddy, you've got to realize that none of us would find fault in what you did. You were defending your life!" She placed a hand on his arm. "Even if you went a little nuts, it's ancient history. Surely, they can forgive and forget, right?"

Dawn chimed in with agreement. "Mission is right."

Zaalbar's response was filled with resignation. "Wookiees have long lives - and longer memories. I haven't much hope..."

Bastila couldn't help but acknowledge the complexity of their situation. "This may make things more complicated."

As they made their way down the walkway, a purple-skinned Twi'lek man in light armor crossed their path. His initial glance at the group was dismissive, but he stopped dead in his tracks when his eyes fell upon Mirin and Juhani. His expression contorted with contempt, and his voice dripped with venom.

"What the hell is your kind doing here? Bad enough I have to deal with all these apes, but now there's a stinkin' Cathar on this world too?" he sneered, his words laced with bigotry.

Juhani and Mirin fixed him with cold, defiant stares. "We have as much right to be here as you do, sir!" Mirin retorted, her voice tinged with defiance.

Dawn sensed the escalating tension and quickly wrapped an arm around Mirin, offering support and a calming presence. "Just ignore him, Mirin," she advised, her voice soothing and protective.

The Twi'lek, however, continued his tirade, scrutinizing Mirin and Juhani with disdain. "Lightsabers! They let you beasts dirty up the Jedi Order? We should have exterminated all you Cathar during the Mandalorian Wars when we had the chance. If only I'd been assigned to your filthy planet instead of Taris…"

Mirin's fury flared, and she examined the man's face closely, recognition dawning on her. "Wait… Xor, the Mandalorian?" Her features twisted with rage. "It is you, scum! MURDERER!"

Dawn spun around, startled by Mirin's sudden outburst. "What is it, Mirin?" she asked, her concern evident in her voice.

Mirin's fangs bared, her snarl echoing with the pain and anger of her past. "That Mandalorian swine killed my father and tried to buy me as a slave!" Her voice dripped with righteous fury.

Xor, undeterred by her anger, chuckled cruelly. "Oh, ho! It's the little kitten from the Lower City, all grown up. You'd have made a fine addition to my collection; in fact, you still might. I've never had a Jedi as a pet."

Mirin's grip tightened on her lightsaber, her resolve unwavering. "I will see you DEAD for what you have done to my people!"

But before she could strike, Xor hit a button on his comlink, and a mixed group of Czerka troops and mercenaries emerged from ships and nearby buildings. Tensions escalated as Mission and Zaalbar leveled their blasters, and Mirin braced herself for a fight.

Dawn, sensing the impending conflict, stepped forward and held out an arm, blocking her wife's path. Her voice was steady, and her gaze was unwavering. "Don't! You mustn't give in to your hate," she implored, her words carrying a deep emotional weight. She relaxed slightly and addressed Xor, her tone stern. "Slaver, you would be wise to walk away now. I'm interested in saving her soul, not your life."

Xor, with a mocking grin, gestured to his underlings, causing them to lower their weapons. "You should know better, Jedi," he sneered. "A mewling cat isn't worth your time."

Dawn's patience finally wore thin. She swiftly drew her own lightsaber, its blade igniting with a vibrant hum. Her eyes narrowed with determination. "That's my wife you are insulting," she declared, her voice filled with fierce protectiveness and love.

Xor's snort of derision filled the air as he turned away from Dawn, his taunting words lingering in the tense atmosphere. "I'll have you yet, kitten." With that, he walked toward the Czerka office, mercenaries trailing behind him like obedient hounds.

Mirin's frustration and anger burned within her, evident in the fire that still smoldered in her eyes. She turned to Dawn, her emotions roiling. "My blood boils at the thought of that man still running free. I cannot stand still while I think about it, but…" She took a deep breath, closing her eyes momentarily as she sought control over her emotions. "But I will not give in to the dark side either." She opened her eyes, her gaze filled with determination, and looked at her wife. "He will likely be following us… me."

"And if he does," Willow affirmed, "he will have to deal with all of us."

Bastila chimed in, her voice resonating with conviction. "Willow is correct."

With a plan in mind, Dawn took the lead. "Let's go back to the Ebon Hawk," she suggested, her voice soothing and practical. "Get a good night's rest and then start fresh in the morning."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

As the group returned to the Ebon Hawk, the familiar confines of the ship provided a welcome sanctuary from the tension that had gripped them on Edean. Dawn, still concerned for Mirin, knew that she needed a private moment with her wife to offer comfort and guidance.

Dawn turned to Bastila, who was now standing beside her. "Bastila," she began, her voice gentle yet determined, "I need to speak with Mirin in private tonight. Can I have the captain's bunk for the evening?"

Bastila nodded understandingly. "Of course, Dawn." Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and support.

Dawn offered a grateful smile, appreciating Bastila's understanding. "Thank you," she said sincerely. She gently guided Mirin into the captain's bunk of the Ebon Hawk, her hand lingering on her wife's shoulder as they entered the small, private space. The door slid shut behind them, enclosing them in a cocoon of relative solitude.

With a tender and understanding expression, Dawn turned to Mirin and spoke softly, her voice filled with care and concern. "Mirin," she began, "if you're willing, I'd like to know more about what happened with Xor. I want to understand what you went through, and I want to be here for you."

Mirin gazed into Dawn's eyes, her own filled with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. She took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she prepared to share the painful memories that had haunted her for so long.

"I... I was just a teenager when it happened," Mirin began, her voice trembling with the weight of her past. "My family and I lived on the Lower City of Taris. Xor and his Mandalorian gang had been causing havoc, and they set their sights on us. My father... he tried to protect us, but he was no match for them."

Tears welled up in Mirin's eyes, and she blinked them away, determined to continue. "Xor killed my father right in front of me, and then he... he wanted to take me as a slave. He said I'd make a valuable prize."

Dawn's heart ached for Mirin as she listened to the painful recollection. She moved closer to her wife, gently taking her hand in a comforting gesture.

Mirin continued, her voice steadier now but still carrying the weight of her trauma. "I fought back as best as I could, and eventually, Jedi and Republic troops arrived and freed me and the other slaves on Taris at the end of the Mandalorian Wars. They saved me, but I've carried the scars of that day ever since."

Dawn tightened her grip on Mirin's hand, offering silent support and understanding as her wife bravely shared the haunting memories that had haunted her for so long.

Mirin finally met Dawn's gaze again, her eyes filled with a mixture of relief and vulnerability. "Thank you for wanting to know, Dawn. It means the world to me that you're here for me. But I must warn you, Xor is very likely going to come for me."

Mirin's words stirred a fierce determination within Dawn. With unwavering resolve, she responded, "And like Willow said earlier, if he does come for you, he will have to go through us. I personally will not allow him to take my beautiful Cathar wife from me. Nor will the rest of our family."

Dawn's eyes sparkled with determination and love as she listed the members of their makeshift family. "Mission, our beautiful adopted daughter, Willow, my beloved surrogate sister, and Zaalbar, who owes me a life-debt, will stand beside you. So will the rest of the crew, I am sure."

Mirin couldn't help but smile through the tears that still glistened in her eyes. She felt a profound sense of belonging and support in this moment, knowing that she was not alone in facing her past and the potential threat of Xor's return.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

As the group made their way down the walkway on Kashyyyk, they encountered a small merchandising stand run by a man named Eli Gand. His slick clothing, dark hair, and goatee gave him an air of untrustworthiness, and his smile lacked charm.

"So, new spacers have come to wild Kashyyyk? Please, look well upon the wares of Eli Gand. I live to serve your needs," he greeted them, his tone oily and insincere.

Sitting beside Eli was a young black man dressed as a freight worker, diligently working on a small device. He interrupted with a snort of disdain. "Just be sure to pay cash," he warned, a note of caution in his voice. "The interest on Eli's loans will drain you like a Deluvian fatworm on a Hutt's backside."

Eli shot a smarmy look at the mechanic, dismissing his comment. "First off, Hutts are ALL backside," he retorted. "Secondly, I don't much like the comparison. No need to get personal. It's just business."

The owner turned back to his customers; his dishonesty apparent even without the need to sense it through the Force. "Poor fellow," he continued, "he's been waiting for his friends to return with my money for a standard month now. Ah, but you don't need to hear of this. What can I get you?"

Willow didn't mince words. "Do you always enslave your debtors?" she asked, her voice cutting through the deception.

Eli attempted to defend himself, poorly. "It's not slavery," he claimed. "I just consider it sound business. I gave you engine parts, I wish for payment in return. Having you stay and work the debt sounds fair to me, Matton."

Matton, the mechanic, responded firmly, "Just don't get used to it. My crew will be back with the money soon, and then I'm off this planet."

Eli's condescending tone persisted as he looked skeptically at the group. "Of course, they will," he said, clearly doubting their ability to settle the debt. "In the meantime, you can work off the debt. But for now, anything I can get you?"

The group decided to purchase a few medpaks and supplies from Eli, but as they walked away, Juhani's yellow eyes remained narrowed, sensing something amiss. "I sense something wrong about that," she remarked.

Dawn, her intuition sharpened by her Jedi training, nodded in agreement. "Me too," she admitted, a sense of unease settling over her.

As the group pressed onward down the walkway, they soon encountered a set of imposing doors, guarded by Czerka security personnel and menacing blaster turrets. Once again, Zaalbar was subjected to degrading treatment, and Dawn found herself in the unenviable position of having to calm her Wookiee friend, a task that weighed heavily on her heart.

Bastila stepped forward, her Jedi presence commanding attention as she addressed the guards. "We've paid our docking fee, and we're headed for the Wookiee village," she declared firmly. "Stand aside, or you'll regret it."

The guards sneered in response but ultimately allowed the group to pass through the doors without further incident.

On the other side of the doors, a disheartening scene unfolded before them. A Czerka captain and his guards stood around the lifeless body of a Wookiee. One of the guards callously discussed the Wookiee's worth, repeatedly claiming that he had no choice but to put the Wookiee down. Dawn's anger simmered beneath the surface as she watched the callous display.

She couldn't hold back her outrage and confronted the captain. "Do your superiors approve of you killing Wookies?" she asked, her voice laced with disdain.

The captain responded insolently, further fueling Dawn's anger. She fought the urge to ignite her lightsabers and put an end to his cruelty. Instead, she took a deep breath and collected herself. With a strained smile and as much friendliness as she could muster, she advised the captain and his men to request a transfer, implying that their current post was nothing but trouble.

The captain, bewildered by her audacity, reluctantly agreed, and his men quickly followed suit. They departed, leaving behind the grim scene of the fallen Wookiee.

Dawn turned to Zaalbar, her heart heavy with sympathy. "I'm sorry, Zaalbar. I can't imagine how hard this must all be for you," she said, her voice filled with empathy.

Zaalbar's growl was low and filled with frustration. "What is happening here is an abomination," he declared, his anger and sadness palpable.

Willow, her agreement echoing his sentiments, added solemnly, "Yes, it is."

The tense atmosphere escalated as the group was confronted by another Wookiee, who held a large blade in his hand. His eyes bore into Zaalbar, his anger evident in his contorted expression.

"You enter the domain of Chuundar, Chieftain and leader! Mad-Claw, you should never have returned! What brings you back to plague our village?" the Wookiee demanded, his voice filled with accusation.

Zaalbar couldn't hide his frustration. "Plague?" he retorted. "Why do you allow Czerka to plague us?"

The Wookiee's eyes shifted to the rest of the group, and his anger intensified. "You bring outsiders, too. More taint!"

"Stand aside!" Zaalbar shouted, his patience wearing thin. "They are with me, and I want access to the home of my people!"

The Wookiee remained resolute. "You've no rights here, mad-claw. This human should not have brought this taint upon our land! You will answer to Chuundar!"

Dawn, puzzled by the term "taint," couldn't help but seek clarification. "Taint?" she inquired; her voice tinged with curiosity. "What does he mean?"

"He means me. I am the taint that you have brought back," Zaalbar admitted shamefully, his voice heavy with guilt.

The Wookiee didn't hold back his disdain. "Shut up!" he snapped. "You are nameless with dishonor, mad-claw. Yours is a foulness that disgusts me."

Mission, fiercely protective of her friend, interjected with indignation. "And you trust that slime-bag Chuundar? Czerka admitted he's on their payroll."

The Wookiee's loyalty to Chuundar remained unwavering. "You slander our chief, outsider!" he retorted vehemently. "Chuundar rose as leader despite the tragedies of his clan. He teaches us to resist the invaders! He is a great chief, full of guile and skilled in the hunt."

Dawn couldn't help but express her skepticism with a snort. "Oh, I can already tell this guy's full of it."

The guard's glare intensified, but he eventually relented, motioning with his sword. "The Great Chuundar has been expecting you," he conceded begrudgingly. "He demands you to be brought to him at once."