Kashyyyk

Sai'nu · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:06 pm Post subject: Kashyyyk

(Original Post by Hashum)

***Incoming Holo Transmition from Crix Madine***

Hashum, I know it's been awhile but the alliance is again in need of your assistance. About a week ago we sent one of our operatives to Kashyyk and he's failed to check in.

Unfortunately our resources are currently tapped in the war with the Empire and don't have time to follow up on this, so I'd like you to take a look into it for me. It's also possible that he was not traveling alone.

Please find our agent.

***Transmition Ended***

After receiving the transmition from Crix Madine, I made the necessary preperations for my departure from Dantooine. It was those in the Rebellion that had saved my life from the Empire not long ago. I owed them, and would on occasion assist them with such menial tasks.

As my Y-Wing lifted off from the Mining Outpost and began the calculations for the Jump to Kashyyyk I only hoped I would be able to find them in time.

==============================

The stars slowly faded back to piercing holes in blackness of space as my ship left hyperspace.

As I approached the space station in Kashyyyk space my intercom crackled to life.

"Please identify yourself and purpose" the opperator chirped.

"This is Hashum, I'd like to request a landing in Kachirho."

"Roger that, we actually have several ships in queue at the moment, will let you know when you're clear to land."

::25 to 30 minutes later::

"Pilot you're now clear to land in Kachirho, please use landing platform CZ-9."

"Thank you."

With that I made my decent onto the wooded planet and touched down a few minutes later.

The cockpit emitted a low whine as it opened, I grabbed what little I needed and exited the ship.

I took a quick look across the beautiful landscape and let out a small sigh. I didn't even know where to begin. I suppose the cantina is as good as any. And stop one of the attendants in the landing area.

"Do you have a cantina near here?"

"Yes there's a small bar just inside Kachirho, it's on the second floor, first tree on your left as you enter the city if I'm not mistaken."

"Thanks."

With that I headed out of the terminal and had little trouble finding the tree which the attendant had spoke of...

===================

After spending a few hours in the Cantina I came up empty handed unfortunately. Apparently there are so many people passing through for hunting on the Ryatt Trail no one really takes notice.

But if everyone this trail is as active as they said I decided that was as good a place to continue looking as any. The entrance to the trail wasn't too far from the cantina fortunately, however considering that it was getting dark the bartender offered me a small room for the night and I took him up on the offer.

I tried meditating hoping the Force would give me some guidence into the situation, some vision of those I was seaking. But I felt nothing. I couldn't understand how a world so rich and full of life, so full of the Force would offer no insights. Disappointed with the events of the day I crashed on the small bed and was quickly asleep.

In the morning I thanked the bartender and made my way to the entrance to the Ryatt Trail. Not being familiar with the wookiee language there wasn't much I could do but start down the trail...

==========================

After a restless night of strange dream's I had set out early from the Rodian camp. For the first time however I actually felt a glimmer of hope as I started my search again. Madine's choice in words suggesting that there agent was not traveling alone had thrown me originally, it was quite vague, I saw no reason why he wouldn't have simply specified there was another agent. But if the Rodian was telling the truth their operative was probably traveling with a significant other. Madine must have known this was frequently the case.

Despite my high spirits and anxiousness to get this over with my progress had slowed considerably. While it had taken little time to decent the first several levels of the trail as I was nearing the end of the third level I had encounter much more hostility. I'd also run into some of my the friends the Rodian's had warned me of. I was forced to dispatch of several of them unfortunately. The wild life was also much more aggressive at this level, and despite my attempts to mask my approach I was still attacked on several occasions. And the daylight was growing scarce. So I pitched a small camp near the end of the third level, I didn't bother with a fire as I didn't want to draw any more attention to myself.

The night was filled again with nightmares, blurred visions of the darkness and a terrible sense of fear filled the dreams. After several hours of I gave up trying to sleep and decided to press on in the dark. It didn't take me long to reach the next guide to lower me to the next level of the trail.

As we reached the fourth level of the trail I quickly became aware of another presence nearby. I closed my eyes for a moment reaching out with the Force, trying to locate the origin but was quickly flooded by visions from my nightmares, and I was unable to maintain my concentration and my connection was lost. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself, I could almost hear my Master scolding me. The thought brought a quick smile to my face, and with that I started off again.

The hostility and hate on this level were overwhelming and oppressive. The wildlife was blood thirsty and none of my efforts to hide my presence seemed to work, and was constantly defending myself from the wild life. I hadn't gone far when the presence I'd felt earlier started growing stronger. In my eagerness to find the source of this I began carelessly rushing forward, running around a corner I felt as though I were right on top of it. As I cleared the corner I found myself rushing into a village of Wookies. Something seemed to have their attention towards the back of the village but before I had time to slow down they were already turning their attention to me.

I quickly stopped dead and even started to back peddle as they came rushing towards me. Instantly my saber was in my hand followed by the familiar snap hiss of the green blade igniting illuminating, the bright green blade seemed to startle the Wookies for a moment but they quickly descended on me. I called up the Force around me to protect myself, their was little strategy to their attack, their shear numbers had probably been enough to overwhelm most foes. My blade sliced through them leaving a smell of burnt fur, after a few minutes the smell became nauseating, The fight didn't last long as the corpses began to fall around me the rest of the bloody thirsty brood began scatter.

I lowered my lightsaber to my side for a moment, standing straight again and using the light from the blade to survey the village quickly. Again my Masters voice filled my head, my recklessness could very well have just cost me my life. It was then I saw something moving towards the back of the village and remembered something had the Wookies attention when I arrived I started walking towards the flicker I'd seen. Again my saber snap hissed as the blade disappeared and I saw someone approaching.
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I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:10 pm Post subject:

(Original Post by Safia)

She could hear them all around her. She had managed to escape to an area behind their village where the trees helped to hide her. Her skills with the saber were novice at best. She was exhausted and bedraggled, hair uncombed and dirt smudged on her face. She was alone and her fear was about to engulf her when she heard the voice say "trust in the force.....it will protect you".

She had gone to the Ryatt trail with her husband, Danwe Jewar, not knowing the true nature of the trip. She didn't know what went wrong. She only knew when she awoke that morning in their camp he was gone, nowhere to be seen. She looked for clues for a struggle.....footprints.....anything.....nothing. She stayed in the camp for two days waiting for his return.

"He's not coming back." "I can feel it" she thought with a heavy heart. It was then she decided to try and make her way out of the trails and found herself facing the blood thirsty feral wookiees.

They were looking for her. She knew it would only be a matter of time before they found her. Would she be their next meal? Suddenly their attention turned to something else. She carefully looked around the tree trying to see what had captured their attention. She could barely make out a lone figure with an illuminating, bright green blade in his hand. "Jedi?" she thought. She watched as the figure's blade sliced through them and became nauseated at the smell of burnt fur.

She realized the fight was over as the figure stood straight. The relief that filled her was overwhelming and she tried to fight back the tears as she ran to the figure, throwing her arms around him and thanking him over and over.
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:12 pm Post subject:

(Original Post by Hashum)

I held the young woman for a moment trying to comfort her. I could sense the fear in her, and it immediately became clear that she too was connected to the Force. I then understood that our mutual connection to the Force was what had been causing my nightmares, they must have been visions of her struggling to survive down here. As she began to compose herself she took a step back into the darkness.

Giving her a second I decided to break the silence "You will be safe now, but we should really get going, it's not safe here."

"But my Master is down here, we have to help him."

I shook my head, "If he is still on the trail here's not near here. I sensed your presence immediately, were your Master still near here I would have surely felt his as well."

"But..." as she started to refute I cut her short "It's not safe for you here. Let me take you back up, it's possible your Master passed me while I was sleeping and I missed him heading back. Besides I don't think I could go much further without help."

"No, he wouldn't have left me here."

I let out a sigh "Look, your Master has not made contact with the Alliance in over a week now, I don't know how long you've been alone down here but I'm telling you he's not here. Come back up with me and I'll contact the Alliance when we get to safety and if they have any information I'll come back for him."

She nodded somewhat begrudgingly

"Good, you can tell me what happened on the way back and maybe that will offer me something to help find your Master."

The short trip back to the trail guide was fairly uneventful. Neither of us spoke again until we both needed to stop and rest. We'd made it about halfway back through the third level when we made camp.

"Who are you?" she asked.

"My name is Hashum." I didn't press her for her name, knowing she'd probably been through enough the last few days, I'd let you open up as she felt ready.

"Why did they send you, and not troops?"

I shrugged to her "I don't know, I owe them a few favors. With their struggle against the Empire they don't have a lot of resources out this way. Plus with the Imperial presence in Kashirho it was probably easier for them to send me."

She nodded and curled up on the ground hugging her knee's to her chest, and it wasn't long till she dosed off. Despite all she'd been through she'd held together quite well, her fiery red hair was probably a reflection of her true personality. She'd have to have been strong to make it through even a day or two down there alone. Despite her bedraggled appearance she had a natural beauty to her.

While I let her sleep I sent a message to Madine requesting a holo transmission as soon as possible. Knowing his schedule I figured that would give us enough time to make it back to my Rodian friends on the second level where I should be able to get a good transmission. I'd decide what to do from there...

==========================

I must have dosed off shortly after sending my transmission to Madine. The lack of sleep the last few nights had caught up to me I suppose. I looked around and saw her still sleeping.

My heart went out to her, I couldn't even begin to think what she must have gone through. I decided to get everything packed and let her rest a little longer, it was still quite a trek back to the camp and she would need her strength.

After cleaning up what little there was, I tried to judge the time but the canopy was still rather think making it hard to tell. I watched her sleep for a little while, curious about her story, and almost more so of her Master.

It had been several months now since my own Master had failed to return. She was the first Padawan I'd run into since setting out on my own. She was obviously still very new to the ways of the Force and I wondered how long she'd been training for.

I forced myself to return to reality and cleared my mind of questions. Now was not the time. As much as I hated to I had to wake her before too much of the day escaped us.

Putting my hand on her arm I shook her gently, "We should get going."

Obviously the touch of my hand startled her as she jumped up and a lightsaber appeared in her hand.

"It's ok, it's just me. I just thought we should get started."

She let out a short sigh of relief and replaced her saber.

"I'm sorry, just a little jumpy I guess."

"It's no surprise, but we'll be out of here soon."

I could see her eyes begin to fill with tears, and her mood seemed to shift back to the sullen woman from the day before.

"Don't worry if you're Master is still down here I'm sure he's quite able to take care of himself."

"No...it's not just that.."

It was easy to see she was fighting not to cry. "Come on, lets get moving, it will take your mind off whatever it is."

She nodded, and with that we were moving again.

After about 20 minutes of walking she spoke again "How did you learn to use the Force?"

"My Master Jeann taught me in the ways of the Force."

"Why is she not with you now?"

"She left some months ago now. She has yet to return."

"Do you miss her?"

"I miss her guidance at times yes, she was very kind to me, and very wise."

"Do you think you will find my Master?"

I shrugged helplessly at her "I don't know, I've not felt his presence here. And I don't know that I'm strong enough to have made it much deeper alone. I've contacted the Alliance and hopefully they will send more to help search for him."

"Don't you want to know who I am?" she asked.

"I knew you would tell me when you were ready, I didn't want to add to your ordeal, you've been through enough as it is."

She nodded her agreement "I'm Safia, and my Master is Danwe"

===================

We arrived at the Rodian camp at dusk, I arranged for them to take care of Safia getting her something to eat and a place to rest. Unfortunately they didn't have much in the way of amenities for comfort so that was the best they could do.

While they got Safia situated I tried to get a clear signal for the small holo pad I had with me. Madine should have received my message by now and would probably be making contact shortly. I grabbed a bowl of what appeared to be some kind of stew while I waited.

After finishing her meal Safia accepted one of the cots offered and was sleeping in no time. It had been over an hour since we arrived and I'd still heard nothing. Just then my holo pad beeped with an incoming transmission. I accepted and the blue figure of Crix Madine came to live.

"What have you been able to find Hashum?"

"Well I was able to find his companion Safia, she was alone however. According to her Danwe had been missing for several days. I found her in some sort of village of Wookies and was able to get her out, but I'm afraid I am unable to go much further then that alone."

"hmm.. there was no sign of Danwe?"

"No Sir. I'm very certain that if he's still on the trail he would have to be on one of the lower levels. I would need support of some kind in order to attempt to follow him that far."

"I'm afraid that's not possible at this point. It's a huge loss to the Alliance, Danwe was very loyal. Very well then, make arrangements to get his companion back to the Core and I'll contact you again if we need further assistance."

"Yes Sir. Hashum out."

With that the signal was cut and the image of Madine disappeared. I knew Safia would not be very respective to this news. I thought it best to let her get a good nights sleep before breaking the news to her. I looked over to see her sleeping peacefully and decided to get some rest myself.

I awoke early the next morning the camp we were staying at was just beginning to come alive. I walked over to the cot Safia was sleeping on and went to wake her, just as I was about to shake her I remembered the last time and quickly removed my hand. I knelt near the end of her caught and softly called for her to wake up.

"Safia..."

She seemed to mumble something and rolled over onto her side.

"Safia." I said a little louder.

I heard an audible sigh then and she slowly propped herself up into a sitting position.

"I think we need to talk about what we're going to do. I think it would be best if we spoke somewhere a little more quiet."

She just nodded and pulled herself off the caught. We set out a short distance from the camp, just far enough around a small bend that I was sure they wouldn't hear the discussion.

"I spoke with the Alliance last night."

With that she immediately perked up, "Are they sending more help to look for my Master?"

"I'm sorry..."

She was instantly crushed. "But they have to...we have to find him."

"I'm sorry, they just can't expend more resources for one man."

"He's not just ANY man!"

I threw up my hands defensively "Look I'm sorry, but even if they sent someone it would take several days for them to get here, and then even longer to get further down the trail. By then the trail would already be cold. That's if there was a trail to follow."

"Then I'm going after him." She retorted starting to walk off.

I stepped in front of her trying to block her exit. "Safia, you know you can't help him. If he's down there not even I could help him."

Safia pushed me out of her way and continued walking away. "Someone has to help him, and if nobody else will then I AM going to. I need him."

"Safia, I know it's difficult losing a Master. I've been there, but it's not worth getting yourself killed over. He wouldn't want you to sacrifice your own life in vain."

"It's not just that...I...I just have to find him.."

"Don't do this to yourself, please. I can help you. I may not be as wise or powerful as your Master was but I can try to help you complete your training. I'm sure he would have wanted you to finish what you started, as I know my Master did."

She started getting rather emotional again, the tears welling in her eyes she collapsed to her knees on the ground. "It's not just that...don't you see? Dawne was not just my Master he...he's..my husband."

I was completely taken aback by her statement. I'd had no idea, Madine hadn't mentioned anything of the sort to me. I couldn't believe it, yet I knew it had to be true. I sensed no deception coming from her. I just stood there, watching her cry, I didn't know what to do...what to say. My heart broke for the this poor woman.

"That is why I have to find him."

I walked next to her kneeling beside her. "There is nothing you can do...look...I will go back down. I have a better chance of finding him then you do."

She tilted her head up to look at me, and I could see the gratitude in her eyes.

I couldn't help but think what I was getting myself into. "Look, you go back to the camp. Wait there for me...I'll go back down, maybe he's moving up again... or maybe he'll find me."

I stood up, offering my hand to help her up she accepted and I lifted her to her feet.

"I can't promise you anything..."

The smile she gave me though sealed my fate. There was no turning back now. We headed back to the camp and I made arrangements for her to stay with them until I returned (hopefully). I picked up a few more supplies food and water mostly. The entire time I was preparing though Safia stayed with me, and the smile never left her face.

When the last of my preparations were done I had to say goodbye.

"I don't know how long this may take. But if I'm not back in a week get out of here." I gave her what little money I had on me to make sure she could get a ticket out of here and turned to leave.

As I turned to leave she grabbed my arm "Thank you Hashum..." I flashed her a quick smile and nodded to her. And then started back down the trail...

==============================

It had taken me nearly three days but I was finally making progress further into the Ryatt Trail. I has made it to the fifth level now and still had no sign of Danwe. Not even a small sense of his presence. Of course the last two levels had become increasingly more oppressive with the Dark Side of the Force, there was an overwhelming feeling of aggression and it could be smothering Danwe's presence.

The wildlife of course was steadily becoming more hostile and much stronger. If Danwe had gone much further we would have to have been either more powerful in the Force then I, or at least better trained. I was being forced to use a great deal of time to avoid being detected, if I drew the attention of more then one or two of the beasts I'd quickly be overwhelmed. It's possible Danwe faced the same problems and that's why there's no trace of him.

I didn't feel comfortable making a camp this deep on the trail, I would likely end up being dinner for something in the forest. Instead I had to resign myself to stopping every few hours to rest before moving on again. This made my progress very slow but I felt it was the only option.

As I neared the end of the trail and came in view of the trail guide I was exhausted. As he began the decent to the next level I collapsed on the floor of the lift for a short nap. The trail guide woke me as we landed on the next level. I was already regretting my decision as I stepped of and continued.

I hadn't been walking for much more then an hour when I could feel something stalking me. Not wanting to tip off my would be assailant I continued walking but slowed my pace some. I reached out with the Force trying to discern my attackers motivation, all I could sense was hunger. Obviously just one of the creatures at this level, at this point on the trail the creatures had no fear of anything really.

I came around the next corner and there was a small clearing. I decided now would be the best time to face my attacker, knowing I at least would have chosen the battlefield. I proceeded to what I thought would be the middle of the clearing but there was little to no light at this depth on the trail so it was hard to be sure. I could sense my attacker stop a short distance behind me, I think it took the creature a minute to realize I was going to move before it started to charge me.

I could hear it barreling towards me and I leaped in the air spinning myself around and landing behind the creature I called my lightsaber and immediate the snap hiss of the blade igniting was heard. The pale green light revealed some kind of giant spider. Realizing that it failed to hit me it spun around to face me again.

I weaved my saber in front of me as a defensive shield as the creature approached it reached in to strike with one of it's legs and the end of the leg was quickly severed. The creature emitted a shrill screaming noise and then tried to swipe at my feet, I turned to cleave the leg and then realized another was already heading to my back. Slicing through the first leg the second one hit me square in the back sending me toppling to the ground.

The creature quickly tried to over overwhelm me the battle was going so quickly I couldn't think I severed another leg trying to regain my footing but quickly found myself on the ground again. The creature rose over me trying to impale me on another of it's feelers, I swept my saber through the leg closest to me causing it to lose it's balance and tried rolling from under it's body but couldn't move quite fast enough landing on my right arm. The spider like creature pull itself up and sent me flying back with one of it's legs, my flight however was cut short by the trunk of a tree and I slid down sitting on the ground.

Before I had time to get up the spider was charging for me again rolling around the side of the trunk to avoid being crushed the spider caught a piece of my arm with it's feelers tearing into my flesh. The pain shot through my right arm and without thinking I let my saber fall to the ground stumbling back.

The spider moved around the trunk coming towards me again. It wasn't until then when I went to bring my saber up defensively that I realized I had dropped it. My eyes darted around for any sort of cover, anything to buy me a few more minutes. Finally I noticed a few logs or broken branches lying in the brush not far from the spider. Calling on the Force I lifted one of the branches sending it flying into the spiders legs tripping it.

Using the other branch I tried to bat the spider to the side but barely managed to roll it over on it's back. Releasing my grip on the branch I let it crash into the spider's stomach. Not enough to squash the bug it gave me time to make my way back to the tree and recover my saber.

As I did the spider had ample time to regain it's footing as well. My right arm was losing a lot of blood and beginning to go numb. I could feel my sleeve soaked with it and clinging to my flesh. The spider began to circle me and again my saber hissed to life the green light filling the small grove. All I wanted now was to make a run for it. If Danwe was down here there was nothing I could do...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:12 pm Post subject:

(Original Post by Safia)

Everything was black, no light anywhere. Safia tried to feel her way through the maze. She slowly managed to make her way to an opening and could see shapes taking place. As she moved further into the open space, she could feel eyes looking at her, following her every move. Her heart started beating faster as she realized it was following her, stalking her.

She also felt another presence, one that gave her a calming feeling. She started moving in that direction. As she moved closer she could see it was Hashum. She smiled at him and started to walk to him when something from behind her suddenly pounced like a trapeze artist on Hashum. Safia gasped! It was the biggest spider she had ever seen.

Hashum's lightsaber appeared in his hand and she could hear the snap hiss of his blade igniting. She watched in horror as the two battled for their lives. She saw the creature again pounce on him and lift it's fangs to stab him. She started screaming.......

The scream woke her. She was still screaming when she realized she was back at the rodian camp in a sitting position in her cot. Her heart was racing and she felt half dizzy. "Oh, Hash!" she thought "What have I got you into!"
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:14 pm Post subject:

(Original Post by Hashum)

If I was going to make it out of here alive I had to do something, and now. My mind was racing, my eyes were darting around, looking for any means of escape at this point.

The spider was now having trouble walking it appeared the four remaining legs were starting to have trouble supporting it's massive weight. Unfortunately my strikes had only severed two legs from each side still allowing the spider to balance itself on the remaining legs.

Knowing that if I was going to make it out alive I needed to act now as the spider's circled blocking the trail back to the guide I threw my saber toward the spider, which easily darted to the side avoiding it however the quick shift of it's weight also caused it to lose it's balance stumbling and falling on it's side.

I reached out calling my saber back to me as I charged the spider, as the spider began to pull itself up I darted to my left quickly slicing through the last two legs of the spider causing it to tip on it's side again.

I called my saber back while charging for the trail, as the spider regained it's footing I darted to my left around the right side of the spider and slicing it's remaining two legs causing it to topple over again. Without looking back I just kept running back toward the guide.

After only a few minutes of running I had to stop from exhaustion. The loss of blood and heavy breathing were making me very light headed. I had to kneel down closing my eyes and trying to catch my breath. I tore the blood soaked sleeve of my robe off looking at the deep gash just below my elbow. I used my good arm to tear another portion of my robe from and used the some of the little water I had left to wash the gash our a little, I had nothing to treat it with and just had to tie the cloth around the wound trying to slow the bleeding.

Trying to regain enough strength to make it back to the lift I tried eating a small portion of bread and drank what was left of my water. I was so exhausted from the fight that I was unable to use the Force to help heal the wound, or even slow the bleeding. I half walked half stumbled back to the trail guide.

By the time I was within sight I was ready to collapse and did. Luckily the Wookiee had seen me and came to help me up. Grabbing my arm to help lift me he squeezed the gash on my arm causing me to scream and pull my arm away.

I could hear him roar something but I was too exhausted to comprehend whatever it might have been, and I was unable to form any sort of response anyway. After a moment the Wookiee simply lifted me off the ground and carried me to the lift.

He set me in the corner of the lift and removed my make shift bandage, he poured a clear liquid over the wound sending a wave of pain up my arm, it felt as though my arm were ablaze and I instinctively tried to pull away from the Wookiee without thinking, and luckily I didn't have the strength to pull away.

He continued to treat the wound and cleaned it reapplying a clean bandage and wrapping it. As he finished I heard him roar something but again I couldn't comprehend or even thank him but instead slowly drifted on into darkness...

=======================

When at last I woke I found myself lying on a large cot in a small camp. The trail guide was sitting not far from where I lay near a small fire. His actions on the trail had no doubt saved my life, and the thought of the experience quickly caused me to check my arm. It was wrapped with a soft fabric and looked quite lean, no doubt the Wookiee must have been changing it regularly while I was unconscious.

I tried sitting up but as soon as my head lifted from the cot my vision quickly grew fussy and my head began to spin. With a sigh I lowered my head back to the cot covering my eyes with my good hand and softly rubbing my temples.

The Wookiee must have either heard my try to rise or heard my sigh as he got up to check on me. He was holding some kind of cup or bowl the Wookiee growled something to me, and helped me lift my head up enough to drink from the container. The pale green liquid seemed to have no taste but was quite hot. After a few drinks the wookiee lay my head back down and retuned to the fire.

Having been a bit of a hermit my whole life I'd never really been in the company of a Wookiee. I wished now that I'd at least tried to get a basic understanding of their language before leaving but before I had much time to regret the decision I was out again.

When I woke again my head was much clearer and I was able to sit up in the cot with no trouble. I checked my arm again and there was a new bandage on it. Again my Wookiee friend tried saying something, and again I had no idea. I tried to communicate my body shrugging helplessly at him.

After several minutes frustrated roaring and gesturing I think we were able to work out a basic system of communication. At least enough for him to understand if I were in pain or hungry, and I enough to know how to answer him.

I tried reassuring him that I was feeling fine now lifting my arm and flexing it trying to indicate the pain was gone. Of course this wasn't entirely true, but I didn't want to wait any longer and was ready to start making our way out. Either way he seemed to believe me or at least he wanted to get going too and so we quickly packed the cot and tent and started back up the trail.

Luckily for me we encounter little resistance on the way back. I was also able to handle the walk quite well, I was worried I would tire easily but we made good time. It was easily the quietest trip I'd ever taken while not alone but I had grown quite fond of my new Wookiee friend, and learned a new respect for them.

By the end of the second day of walking we'd reached the second level and I could finally feel the warmth of the sun again. It was a magnificent feeling. And my spirits quickly rose.

I spent the last few hours trying to learn a bit of the Wookiee language trying to comprehend the distinct growls and roars. I made very little progress but it helped pass the time at least. And when we finally came in view of the Rodian camp my heart began jumping, the realization that it was definitely over finally sank in.

After that however my thoughts turned to Safia. I don't even know how long I'd been gone by now and I was anxious to know if she was still there....

=====================================

As we approached and the figures in the camp became visible shapes one stood out. The blazing red hair was a dead give away, I found myself relived that she had waited instead of leaving as I'd suggested. As we drew closer she must have noticed our approach and met us half way across the small field. I could tell from you expression that she was troubled.

"I'm sorry..." I began lowering my head, after everything I'd been through it wasn't until I'd seen her face at the site of the two of us alone that I really felt as though I'd failed.

"I did everything I could...but..." I started to try to defend myself, to excuse my failure, but how could I explain...I felt selfish now. Choosing to save my own life, and now I felt as though I'd ended hers.

Safia sighed "I know..." she said her eyes beginning to fill with tears again.

"..I saw you down there...I saw that terrible creature...I thought I'd sent you to your death too."

I raised my head to look at her. I could see her trying to hold back the tears. But I could think of nothing to say, or maybe there was just nothing left to say.

As we continued walking to the camp I put my arm around her back as if to offer her some comfort. No sooner had I done so then I began to hear her quiet sob's. We stopped walking for a moment and I hugged her, letting her cry for a few minutes.

When she began to stop crying I brushed a few tears from her cheek and lead her back to the camp in silence...

==================

We sat in the camp for the rest of the day, mostly in silence. By the time dusk was settling in though it was time to make some hard decisions. Unfortunately the truth of the matter was Danwe was obviously not coming back, or couldn't come back. Either way that left Safia alone, not a very good position to be in for someone of her talents, especially when she still had so much to learn.

When I had finally worked up the nerve I approached her. I tried to explain the dangers she would no face without her training complete. But she wouldn't hear it, she didn't want to leave Kashyyyk without Danwe, let alone finish her training. And who could blame her?

I knew it insensitive of my but these days one can not afford sensitivity in these matters. The fact of it was she would be hunted, the Empire or bounty hunter's would come, and right now I didn't think she would stand a chance, and I couldn't let her die like that.

We talked it over for some time, well into the evening and possibly the early morning. At times the discussion would go heated and it was apparent I was losing. Her fiery red hair fit perfectly with her personality.

Eventually had I had to resign myself to just getting her to leave the trail and head back to Kachirho with me. With that we both turned in for the what was left of the night.

I awoke the next morning to find that Safia was already up and ready to leave. I quickly packed myself and we set out before the rest of the camp began to wake. The walk back was made much longer by the silence. We'd both pretty much said everything there was left to say last night.

We finally reached Kachiro shortly before night fall. She accompanied me to the Star Port, I was desperately trying to think of something else to say, something to convince her to get out of there, for her own good. As we walked through the corridors leading to my ship.

I went to say something and noticed she'd stopped at one of the docking bays and was now appeared to be arguing with one of the attendants there. I rushed back to see what was going on but only caught a bit of the conversation.

"I can see it's not there, what I want to know is where it IS!" she yelled at the attendant.

The attendant shrugged helplessly at her "Gone"

Safia was clearly fuming at that point and wasted no time making her way to the nearest com-link.

"Hello?!"

"Yes this is..."

"I want to know where the shipped that was docked in bay YB5-Z32B is."

"I'm not showing a ship docked in that bay."

"I know there's no ship in there now, what happened to the ship that WAS there?!"

"I'm sorry the last ship docked left over a week ago."

"Who authorized it's departure?"

"I did"

"And who did you give clearance to, who was the pilot?"

"I'm sorry my programming will not allow me to release that information without proper clearance."

"That was MY ship!"

"I'm sorry but without the proper clearance I can't release that information."

While she continued to argue with the droid I went to one of the counters to speak with the attendant there.

"Excuse me, I'm sorry but do you have records of departure records here?"

"Yes week keep all clearance information for this wing on file."

"Would you still have those files for the last couple of weeks?"

"Yes Sir, we keep four weeks on hand."

"Great, do you think you could tell give me the information for bay YB5-Z32B from last week?"

"I'm sorry sir but we can only release this information with the proper clearance."

Half expecting that answer already as she began speaking I reached out with the Force reaching into her mind. "You don't need to see my clearance"

"Could I please have the information for bay YB5-Z32B from last week? You don't need to see my clearance."

"I don't need to see your clearance." Came her response as I'd hoped. I smiled as she began typing into the terminal.

"Yes, I'm showing a ship departed the bay about 10 days ago. The pilot identified himself as Danwe who was on record as the pilot on it's arrival and clearance was granted."

"Could you please make me a copy of the clearance papers?"

"Yes Sir."

The attendant turned around behind the counter shuffled through some papers and produced the original papers which she then copied for me. I thanked her and returned to Safia who was still arguing with the droid over the com-link.

I motioned to the papers I had while she was talking and she took them perusing them as she listened to the same automated reply I'd heard before leaving. As she read the papers she stepped back against the wall slowly sliding to the floor. I was sure she would start crying again but she didn't, I think she was too shocked to cry at this point.

"Why don't you come with me now? Let me get you out of here. I can help finish your training. There's nothing here for you now."

She didn't respond she just sat there, stunned.

"Come on, at least let me take you back to Tattooine. Maybe he couldn't find you and though you might head back home and is looking for you there?"

That seemed to restore her hope a little, and she looked at me and nodded. I got up offering my hand to help her up. She took it and I pulled her to her feet.

I lead her to my ship without another word and then we were gone...

As I docked on Tattooine I accompanied Safia to the shuttle that would return her to Mos Espa.

"I really don't know what to say...but if you change your mind, or if you don't find what you're looking for here, I'll be here" I handed her small data chip on it with only a single waypoint.

"Thank you Hash, for everything. You've done enough already. And I just know he's down there. I can feel it." She smiled up at me and then turned and boarded the shuttle.

I stood there and watched the shuttle depart, taking her back home. When the shuttle was finally to far for me to see I turned and left myself...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:16 pm Post subject:

(Original Post by Safia)

Safia looked at the gold band on her finger. She remembers the day he put it there. "We make a good team, Toots" he had said. He was right they did make a good team. He the teacher, she the student. He taught her how to hold a gun and use it, the ways of the Teras Kasi, how to be a good soldier and was just beginning to teach her the ways of the Force.

Safia moves to her precious keep-sakes box and removes the Imperial Memo. She begins reading it:

Name: Danwe Jewar
Age: 32
Height: 2.1 meters
Home planet: Tatooine
Marital Status: Married
Alias: None

My fellow Imperial citizens, ex Col. Danwe Jewar has today been charged with treason and spying upon our great Empire. Before Official sentencing, Jewar killed four men and escaped. These crimes can not go unpunished. Wife, Safia, has been investigated and found innocent of all conspiratorarial charges. Jewar is acting alone against our Emperor, yet is expected to at some point to make contact with the rebellion. If seen, please report his last known locations to your nearest Imperial Officer. The reports will then be cross referenced, and a strike team will be deployed to neutralize the criminal. Thank you, and long live the Empire.

Admiral Veckon

He had come to her shortly after escaping.

"It is not safe here for me anymore" he had said. "I'm leaving. You're the only one who'll know my whereabouts. He held her and said, I trust you."

"How will I know where you are?" she said holding back the tears.

"I'll update the coordinates in your datapad." he said, "I'm sorry I'd never told you. I've been studying this for sometime."

"I had suspected something. You had.....changed" she said.

"Yes, I have" Danwe said, "and if you're ever ready, I've got evidence that the Empire's not what it seems." He told her, "We've all got our destinies. I hope ours lie together."

Safia burst into tears. "So do I," she said, "I don't know what I would do without you."

"Carry on" he told her, "Become what you were destined to do."

Safia replaces the memo in the box and removes the small datachip she had found under her pillow a few days later. She inserted it into her droid; a small hologram of Danwe appeared. It spoke only one phrase:

"Two-nine-six-four Negative zero-eight-six-one. Come alone and without any Imperial accoutrements. Even in your backpack."

Safia removes the datachip and places it back in her precious keep-sakes box. Seeing his image again was too painful. She thinks about when she went to those coordinates and found him there. The Empire had given her orders to find and kill him. She knew she could never follow those orders and it was then that she knew she was meant to go the path of the Jedi. Danwe had opened her eyes.

He pulled a lock of her hair out and began to braid it.

This life is hard" he had said. "And there will be much to learn." "Your teachings will be most unorthodox."

"I can do it" Safia said, "with your guidance."

Danwe told her, "You will have to resign from the Empire sooner or later because they will hunt you down and they will kill you and anyone you know." "Even in passing."

"My friends?" she said.

"Everyone" he said. "The second you chose The Force was the second you became an outlaw, Safia.

Now he was gone. He had disappeared before......many times. Each time leaving her to wonder where he had gone or if he would return. Each time a little more painful than the last.

"I can't take the pain any longer, Danwe" she thought sorrowfully. I don't know if you are alive or dead or if you left me on the trails. I can't feel your force with me, just a void. Forgive me, for I have no other choice."

Safia looks again at the gold band on her finger. Tears start to roll down her cheeks. Slowly she begins to remove the ring from her finger. She places it in the precious keep-sakes box, touches it then closes the box.

"Carry on" he had said. "Become what you were destined to do."

She packed a few belongings and headed for the shuttleport. Her thoughts turned to Hashum and his offer to help continue her training. She knew there lie her destiny.
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:17 pm Post subject:

(Original Post by Hashum)

After leaving Tattooine I had set my course back to the Academy. Now standing in front of me the large building seemed dark and empty. It had felt that way since my Master had left, I’d been putting off completing it, hoping for her return. It was time for me to realize that she wasn’t coming back though, and that I had to continue forward without her.

With nothing else to occupy my time I put myself to the task of completing the Academy. I spent a great deal of time traveling the galaxy acquiring the rare resources and materials we would need. And as the days turned to weeks and weeks to months the once dark and empty building began to come to life.

As room after room was finished and Jedi relics I’d managed to uncover across the galaxy cluttered each room I finally began to have a sense of completion. The only things missing now were the students.

Finding them would be the most difficult task. Not many would be willing to admit their connection to the Force for fear of reprisal from the Empire. All Force users were typically executed in short fashion, and if not the Emperor would twist them to do his own bidding.

With things pretty well in order I was meditating trying to clear my mind and prepare for the next journey. This next trip out into the galaxy could last for some time, I had no idea how long it might take me to find those willing to risk their lives to learn of the Force.

I spent several days meditating at the Academy, hoping for a vision or guidance from the Force. But there was nothing but peace, a peace that said I was doing the right thing but offered nothing to help me understand how to accomplish what needed to be done. It was however apparent that nothing would be accomplished if I did nothing.

I decided I would start on Dantooine, the old Jedi temples would be a good place to start. Despite the Imperial presence there it maybe remote enough that someone would go unnoticed. I grabbed a few changes of clothing and my cloak before leaving.

As I left the building I stood looking up at the brick walls. It’s funny but after a few months of work the feel of the entire building had changed. No longer was it a reminder of the past and the loss of my Master, but not it was a symbol of the future. My future…

With that I went to head down the stairs leading to the shuttle port when I sensed someone approaching. I stood there about half way down the stair case as the figure came into view. The cloak they wore was lose and hid all their features. Still there was something very familiar there.

As the figure approached the academy finally stopping at the foot of the stairs before looking up at me, her red hair became visible in the early sunlight and her blue eyes carried a great weight behind them. She flashed a quick smile but you did not need the Force to see that it was forced. Obviously things had not gone as she had planned back on Tattooine.

I offered her my hand and led her back inside the Academy. We said nothing, and there was no need for words. This is how it would all begin, it was our destiny and I finally understood the peace. Just as she had come so too would the others, today was indeed the start of a new day and a new hope…
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.