Chapter 40: The Wookie Village
They went through the gate and immediately ran into a small pack of kinrath like the ones on Dantooine. Had there been only three of them, the spiderlike creatures might have attacked. But with their entire squad of three Jedi, two soldiers, an assassin droid, utility droid, Wookie, and Twi'lek, three kinrath stood no chance. The kinrath were blind, but could sense heat signatures of living beings. They screeched in fright and immediately ran the other way at the groups approach.
Zalbaar sniffed the air and spoke in his growls. "Arr!Rarr! Arr!"
"Well, I'm not an expert on smells, but I guess Czerka does have a stink," Mission said. "If you say the air here is fresh I believe you Big Z."
Calak could feel the calmness of the trees, and the hidden wildness. The many countless beasts around them for a mile, hiding among the high trees. Some were alert and ready, hunting, curious. Perhaps some were even aware of them here. The kinrath had fled but could be back in greater numbers. There were other creatures as well. But Calak could not say what they were at the moment, for he had never felt many of them in the force before. Yet, he could sense the three kinrath making their way away, and-
Blaster shots sounded, and a roar came as well, a Wookie roar. They'd been around Zalbaar often enough to recognize that sound. It was followed by another, and a scream followed after that, and finally came another round of blasters. The final sound the crew of the Ebon Hawk heard was a pained cry.
"What was that?" Bastila asked.
"Blaster fire," Carth said. "We're not alone."
They moved forward, everyone keeping their weapons drawn. They passed a disabled sentry droid that lay on the ground, likely taken down by the kinrath. Moving past that along the walkway, they soon spotted the source of the noise. A group of Czerka men in their company uniforms, standing over a Wookie corpse. In front of them was also the group of kinrath that had fled.
"This isn't good! I can't afford this!" one of the men said as he looked at the Wookie's body.
"You think I can?" another of them asked. "Do you know what they get for a healthy one of those things?"
The last man, an officer by the look of his hat and more elaborate uniform, brought them to their senses. "We'll work it out later! We need to get back to base."
The leader looked in their direction.
"What do you want, Spacer? This walkway is dangerous. If you plan to go further in, you'd better be prepared."
"Uh, they look better prepared then us Commander," one of his men said. "There's like… nine of them."
"Shut up you idiot!" the Commander snapped. "I can count."
"What happened here?" Calak asked.
"Well first the kinrath come charging at us and then this Wookie slave sees an opportunity to rebel. We had to put it down when it tried to strangle me!" the Czerka man said.
Zalbaar growled angrily. "You put it down? We are not animals!"
Calak understood the Wookie tongue. The Czerka men didn't, but they didn't mistake the tone.
"Hey, keep your pet under control!" the officer said.
"Zalbaar, does this make you angry?" Calak asked.
Zalbaar frowned with a nod. "Let me kill them! I cannot allow these slavers to live for treating us like lesser beings! They are without honor!"
Calak was tempted. He stalled though as he recalled his murder of the Sith Soldiers in the Undercity of Taris. He'd also killed Bendak Starkiller, a known murderer. This case was perhaps excusable as well since these men had just killed an innocent Wookie. But it wouldn't be a fair fight, the crew had three times the numbers of them.
HK-47 suddenly spoke as well. "Agreement: I must concur with the Wookie Master! I long to spill some blood and hunt whatever creatures or meatbags may cross us!"
The three Czerka men's eyes widened in fear. Unfortunately, before Calak could do anything to defuse the situation, their opponents took action.
"What? Blasters out! Attack!" The commander said as he raised his rifle.
"No!" Calak exclaimed as he lashed out with the force.
His invisible push sent the three Czerka men flying back.
"Stop!" he ordered the droid.
HK obeyed his master, reluctantly lowering his weapon.
Calak turned to the Czerka who slowly got to their feet.
"You a Wookie lover I take it?" the Commander asked.
"Yeah, I am!" Calak stated.
"What you are doing is unforgiveable!" Carth agreed. "Slavery has been illegal in the Republic for thousands of years."
The lead officer scoffed. "Your Republic is too kind! Too weak! Maybe that's why the Sith are winning! They understand that non humans are scum!"
That did not help to defuse the hostilities. Calak's anger rose, as did many of the others like Carth, Bastila, Mission, and Zalbaar. Canderous was not angry, but eager. T3 let out a worried beep.
"If you value your lives, I'd advise you to keep a civil tone!" Calak told him, the anger clear in his voice. "We outnumber you three to one, and three of us are Jedi."
The commander narrowed his eyes. He seemed to be a prideful man, but he saw that this was a battle that he could not win.
Calak then reached out with the force, touching the minds of the three. They were not strong willed, but greedy and afraid.
"You regret what you did!" Calak said as he influenced them with a Jedi Mind Trick.
"We-we regret what we did," the Czerka Commander agreed.
"We regret it so much," one of his men said.
The other sniffled and buried his head in his hands. "What have we done?"
"You will leave this system at the earliest chance," Calak pressed.
"We will leave this system at the earliest chance," the Czerka Commander agreed.
"You will seek peaceful occupations elsewhere," Calak went on.
"We will seek peaceful occupations elsewhere."
"And you will never harm another sentient being again."
"And we will never harm another sentient being again."
They were allowed to walk past the crew of the Ebon Hawk.
"That's better then those scumbags deserve," Mission said.
"At least you made them understand," Juhani praised. "But forcing one to change through use of the force is not something I can full heartedly agree with."
"It was not for self-serving purposes, Juhani," Bastila said. "It saved those men's lives, and perhaps many others they might have killed in their current careers."
"Maybe you should go and ask Czerka to clear off here," Carth suggested.
"Maybe," Calak said. "But my mind tricks only work on the weak minded. That Ithorian might be more resilient than them. If he's focused so much on money that he's turned his back on the compassionate ways of his people, I don't think he's weak minded."
Bastila nodded. "You're probably right. Well, we best continue forward."
They did so, walking along the path. They saw several creatures such as more kinrath, and batlike mykals. But those creatures fled upon seeing or sensing the sheer size of their group. But as Calak focused with his mind, he felt many of the creatures gathering. And a cold feeling fill him. It was familiar.
"Bastila!"
"I sense it too!" the young woman agreed. "The dark side, we're not the only force sensitives on this world!"
"Malak must have guards here for the Star Map just like on Tatooine!" Carth said. "How many?"
"I can't be sure, but they are strong," Bastila said.
"We are three Jedi though!" Juhani declared fiercely. "We have capable allies as well!"
"I've been hoping to put the practice Canderous and Carth have been giving me to the test!" Mission said drawing her blaster.
"Easy Mission," Carth said. "Dark Jedi are not easy beasts to conquer. I'd recommend we set our blasters to stun so that we don't risk getting kill shots sent back."
"Or have our shields up!" Canderous said.
"Oh yeah, that too," Carth agreed.
"I think they sense us," Calak said.
"You're right, they've hidden their presence in the force," Bastila said as she focused outward. "But they're not far."
The group continued and soon came across a fair-sized group of enemies. Eight kinrath, ten Mykals, and three Dark Jedi. Two blue lightsabers lit up and their wielders activated their energy shields.
"Ah! What luck!" one of the hooded dark siders said "Bastila Shan, and here I thought that we would be stuck guarding this world forever!"
Bastila didn't reply, instead taking a cross seated position to meditate.
"Lord Malak will reward us greatly once we bring you to him! And slay that man there!" a second Dark Jedi pointed to Calak.
"Why does Malak want me dead?" Calak asked. "I've only been a Jedi for about a month!"
It sure seemed longer then that.
"I don't know," the first Dark Jedi answered. "But it doesn't matter! The Dark Lord has spoken! And he will make good on his promise once we bring him your head and Bastila alive!"
The third Dark Jedi who hadn't spoken yet finally did. "Attack!"
The pack of animals rushed forward. Calak and Juhani did the same, their blue blades carving through the creatures with ease. The others likewise shot with their blasters or in Zalbaars case bowcaster. The only one of their group of nine not attacking was Bastila who performed her Battle Meditation. The Dark Jedi controlled the beasts through the dark side, but they could still feel and think to a degree. Bastila's ability bolstered her allies morale, enhancing their reflexes while weakening and planting seeds of doubt in the enemy. Though the Dark Jedi were able to resist the effects of it on themselves. But they could do nothing to stop the increase of power to their enemies.
Calak and Juhani were upon the darksiders after killing two Kinrath or Mykal each. The Sith defended themselves fiercely. Their red or violet blades swung to meet the two blues. The Dark Jedi who commanded the beasts was able to move as well, unlike Bastila who had to be stationary to use her battle meditation.
Calak fought two of the Dark Jedi at once. He was forced onto the defensive at that for a moment. His opponents both carried two blades, one had a short lightsaber in each hand while the other a massive double-bladed lightsaber. Juhani meanwhile took on the third Dark Jedi who used a single blade like herself and Calak.
Even with Bastila's enhancement, Calak felt himself hard pressed to defend against four blades at once. The two Dark Jedi he was facing had the appearance of two seasoned fighters that had fought side by side on many occasions. The double-bladed lightsaber user was the primary assailant while the dual shortsaber wielder tried to flank him. This forced Calak to maneuver and keep the double-blade user in front of him. Normally it was sounder to keep the bigger threat away but Calak did what he could. The twin violet blades struck with strong and fast, the weight of the larger handle causing Calak to stumble. Then the short twin user managed to leap over Calak and catch him on the shoulder, fortunately his energy shield saved him. Calak also heard the blaster fire and creature's cries from behind. That meant his friends were still alive and facing the beasts.
Calak back flipped away from his two opponents toward the edge of the walk way overlooking the long way down to the forest. It was risky, but he might not have a choice against these two. Seeing his strategy though, the double saber wielder threw his weapon at Calak, the two blades spinning.
Calak managed to block one blade but the second hit him. Fortunately, his shield protected him again but broke under the energy. It still had some charges but, Calak didn't have time to activate it right now as the short saber user raised his hand. Calak was trapped as his focus was diverted from his force shield. He felt as though an invisible hand grasped at his throat. His senses also lessened as well, as the force choke also attacked the mind and body, making one lose focus to prevent counterattack. But with a surge of will and perhaps the aid of Bastila's battle meditation, Calak lashed out and sent another force push. It knocked the Dark Jedi choking him off his feet. Just in time as the other one with the big set of blades came in to deliver the final blow with the weapon which had returned to his hand. Calak redirected the thrust aimed for his chest and in one swift motion decapitated the greater of his two opponents who had been caught off guard.
That left him with just the short saber user. But then another lightsaber came flying by with a hum. Two yellow blades cut through the second Dark Jedi and he fell in pieces. Another cry sounded nearby and Calak looked to see Juhani cut her own opponent down. A moment later Bastila called her lightsaber back to her hand. The three Jedi shut their blades down and checked on their other companions.
"Everyone alright?" Calak asked.
"Fine!" Carth said.
"Me too!" Canderous agreed.
"Mission? Zalbaar?" Bastila looked at the two aliens from Taris.
"I'm okay," Mission said. "My armor prevented a kinrath from getting to bad a hit. But one got Big Z!"
The Wookie made a pained growl as he clutched his shoulder which was bleeding from a kinrath bite. He moaned in pain.
"It probably got some poison in you," Calak said. "Hang on I think I got an antidote kit."
He was exhausted from fighting the Dark Jedi and felt that another method besides force healing would be better right now. He opened the pocket on his belt where he kept his med pack and drew out a syringe filled with a kolto injection, as well as an antidote one. He put both into Zalbaar's shoulder. The Wookie made a relieved groan as the pain subsided and the poison was purged. The bleeding stopped seconds later, the rest of the wound would heal soon as well.
"T3 looks like he took a little damage as well," Carth noted.
Zalbaar came forward and took out a repair kit, a few moments of using a hydrospanner and T3 was patched up.
"Statement: This is why utility droids are inferior!" HK said. "You should really pack some grenades domehead."
"Well, lets see if we can find anything up ahead," Calak said.
They soon came to a gate that looked like it guarded a village from the buildings that were seen above the wall. In front of it were a few Wookie guards. Zalbaar saw them and hesitated for a moment, knowing that if things had not changed then he was breaking law by coming here. But he had to find out. He continued as he saw Calak approach the gate.
The lead guard growled, not in a hostile tone at first but a warning one. "I'm sorry outsider but we do not allow your kind here. You have caused nothing but trouble for us."
Zalbaar came forward. "I am Zalbaar of this village! I demand entrance!"
The four Wookies all looked at him with widened eyes. Then the leader growled in a truly hostile manner. "You have no right here, Mad Claw! You are a taint on this world and were exiled from this village, never to return! Now you must face the consequences! Sound the alarm."
The Wookies howled.
"If you mean to take us prisoner I welcome a fight!" Canderous said.
"Come quietly and none of the rest of you will be harmed!" the lead guard said in his growls. "Resist and our numbers beyond this wall will slaughter you all!"
Soon the gate opened and about a hundred Wookies were seen with bowcasters and swords. They were all strong, Calak could tell by appearances. Tall, muscular, and well armed, these were a race of warriors and hunters.
"We do not want bloodshed," Bastila said. "Cooperate, I sense we will come to no harm."
"I cannot promise the same of the mad-claw," the lead guard said. "His fate rests in the hands of our brave and wise Chieftain now, Mighty Chuundar!"
Zalbaar's eyes widened at those words. Chuundar, his brother who had made deals with the slavers… was Chieftain now?"
They were led inside the village and to the center where the Chieftain's home was. Chuundar had loyal Wookies and even Czerka guards near him.
"Step forward and address the Mighty Chuundar!" the Chieftain growled softly before looking at Zalbaar. "Brother! You have returned!"
"Yes, 'Mighty Chuundar'," Zalbaar growled back. "Where is father?"
Chuundar looked down, but his eyes showed no sadness. "Oh dear brother, he went madder then you. He eventually found that I was sacrificing some of our people to save the rest."
"Sacrifice? You give them away!" Calak said.
One of the other Wookies growled in a warning manner, and Calak grew silent. That Wookie looked ready to rip him apart with his bare hands.
"Czerka and I have a deal," Chuundar said. "I give them a few now and then, and they don't act attack us. This avoids war and allows our people to grow stronger. In exchange they give us wealth and weapons."
You likely keep those for yourself. Calak thought but didn't say aloud.
"This is an outrage! We should be fighting them!" Zalbaar said.
"Their numbers far exceed our own little brother," Chuundar replied. "I knew the price of battle was not worth it. Better to work with them."
"You were always the runt!" Zalbaar said. "You were born smaller despite being the elder!"
Chuundar growled now. "I am no runt! I am smarter than you or Father ever were! Untrapped by the old ways of honor and unity among our people! I understand sacrifices must be made in order to gain… or protect!"
He turned to Calak. "I offer you an accord, outsider. Aid me and be rewarded. I will compensate you and release Zalbaar. In time he may have a place at my side. Refuse, he dies."
Mission's eyes widened. "You can't do that! He's your brother!"
"Yes, he is my brother. Any other mad-claw and their companions would be put to death on the spot," Chuundar said as he brandished the hilt of a broken ancient looking sword. "I am the Chieftain! And I am willing to give this Mad-Claw a chance! Hail the Mighty and Merciful Chuundar!"
The other Wookies around roared with approval in response, though the attending Czerka men looked uneasy at the commotion.
Calak could only sigh. Maybe there was nothing he could do. The entire village was probably aware that their Chieftain was giving away Wookies and went along with it.
"What do you have in mind?" he asked reluctantly.
"In the Shadowlands before our great tree homes, there is a Wookie who has gone rogue," Chuundar said. "Kill him."
Calak frowned. "Why? Is he standing against you? The first of many perhaps?"
Chuundar shook his head. "Few know of him, he is in the very deepest bowels of the Shadowlands. No one would stand with him. He has attacked my Czerka allies now and then, he is merely a nuisance."
"Fine," Calak reluctantly agreed.
"Zalbaar will remain here," Chuundar said.
Calak was surprised at that. "I need Zalbaar to guide me!"
"No," Chuundar told him. "I've trained my people to understand Galactic Basic over the years. I say it will help them fight them. It really just helps them obey. Zalbaar will remain here while I speak with him. Serve me well, be rewarded, and live. Leave the planet, my brother will have to die. If you have any real care for him, you will do as I say."
One of the Wookies aimed a bowcaster at Zalbaar.
"I… won't fail you," Calak said through gritted teeth.
He looked at Zalbaar. "Play along Zalbaar. We don't have a choice."
"Yeah, don't worry buddy! We'll get you out of this!" Mission promised.
"Enough, escort them out!" Chuundar ordered.
Calak and the others were allowed to leave. Their weapons were returned to them once they exited the hall but they could not use them to free Zalbaar. Even if they somehow got to him before he could be executed if they attacked, they'd never win against a hundred or so Wookies. At least not all at once.
So, they had to find the mad Wookie (if Chuundar's word was to be believed), free Zalbaar, and find the Star Map as well.
"Things just keep coming our way huh?" Calak asked. "Sometimes I feel like I'm a magnet for trouble."
"Well, things have certainly been the most interesting I can ever recall them being since I met you Calak," Bastila said. "And you are a very interesting man."
Calak felt his face light up. "Uh, thanks Bastila. I guess."
Author's Notes: Hope you guys enjoyed this latest chapter. Though one thing I feel I'm somewhat lacking in lately is the progression of Calak and Bastila's relationship as they are supposed to fall in love. I've made little things here and there but feel I need more. Any suggestions you guys have leave in the reviews, for that or anything else you'd like to say.